General
The Last History Book – and Other Summer Reading
This week the U.S. House Judiciary Committee re-visited the issue of reparations for slavery. Most of the discussion–minus one brilliant presentation by the youngest African-American to testify–showed an abysmal ignorance of history and what we should learn from it.
As the lazy, hazy days of summer come upon us, I recommend to you my ten favorite history books.
You especially must not miss The Last History Book–and other summer reading.
Blameless in His Time
A friend of mine pulled me aside at church recently to share some good and bad news. The good news was that after some prodding he was reading through the entire Bible
“I’m doing it, Ron. Thanks for encouraging me,” he shared through a smile.
Then came the bad news: “But, right now, I’m in the book of Numbers and I just don’t get all the killing.”
He’s not alone. There’s an epidemic today of not understanding history or wanting to purge the past of what we perceive as wrong.
We must renew the idea of “blameless in his time.”
Is Capitalism One of the World’s Greatest Restraints on Evil?
For most of my adult life the word “socialism” was treated like a four letter word. Rightfully so.
More people were killed in the 20th century at the hand of socialist governments (including Nazism and communism) that any other time in history–over 100 million innocent people.
Even those who were spared by the socialist regimes became enslaved and impoverished by heavy-handed governments.
Yet, socialism seems to be in vogue in the 21st century with a recent poll indicating that 40% of Americans now view it somewhat favorably–especially young people.
Why do many embrace socialism and want to do away with capitalism–the largest driver of prosperity and freedom?
Because capitalism just might be one of the greatest restraints on sin in the world today.