2004 Archives - UCG Commentary
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2004: The Year of Natural Disasters
The year 2004 has witnessed a stunning succession of killer disasters,
taking multiple thousands of lives and leaving in their wake massive
devastation, homelessness and heartache. What the world needs now
is the spiritual insight to grasp the signs of our time...
A commentary by John Ross Schroeder
Good News magazine Senior Writer, United Kingdom
Posted December 31, 2004
Holiday? Holyday? Does It Matter?
Billed as "the season of giving," Christmas is widely viewed
as the main time of year for family festivities, including sumptuous
meals, decorating homes and exchanging gifts. In the marketplace are
the ubiquitous Santa Clauses and the incessant ringing of bells by volunteers
collecting donations for the Salvation Army. Christmas songs dominate
the airwaves and heartwarming Christmas movies abound on television.
Could anyone find fault with such enjoyable traditions?
A commentary by Larry Walker
United Church of God Pastor, Bend and Medford, Oregon
Posted December 24, 2004
On this week's EU menu: Turkey
For those living beyond the borders of Europe, the question of Turkish
membership in the EU may seem a distant and trivial issue. But Bible
prophecy suggests that it could be the first step in changing radically
Europe's present relationship with the rest of the world...
A commentary by Paul Kieffer
Pastor of United Church of God congregations in Germany
Posted December 17, 2004
Red, Blue or God
"Red States" and "Blue States" now seem locked into America's
everyday jargon. The so-called "Culture Wars" pit old time Americana
values against the more progressive-liberal stream of the national psyche.
Yet the terms Red States (politically conservative) and Blue States (politically
liberal) are somewhat misleading...
A commentary by Robin Webber
United Church of God pastor, Redland and San Diego, California
Posted December 10, 2004
Is Economic Power Shifting to Europe?
At the birth of the euro a few years ago, the British news magazine The
Economist reminded readers that one of the great lessons of history
is that all paper money eventually fails. At the time, nobody expected
the US dollar to be an early victim. But the dollar is already falling
rather rapidly on international currency markets...
A commentary by Melvin Rhodes
Good News writer and regional pastor, Ghana
Posted December 3, 2004
Why America Should Be Thankful
Celebrating a day of thanksgiving for its blessings is an American tradition.
But have more than half of all Americans today forgotten the original
purpose for Thanksgiving Day? Is it now only "turkey day"—a
day on which feasting and football reign supreme?
A commentary by Howard Davis
Host of the Tomorrow TV program, Portland, Oregon
Posted November 24, 2004
Jesus for President?
Another American election is now history. As results from the national
polls are analyzed, let's pose a challenging question. If His earthly
ministry had occurred in our lifetime on the streets of the United
States, how would Jesus have fit into the political scene? Based on
the New Testament record, we can piece together this possible scenario...
A commentary by Larry Walker
United Church of God Pastor, Bend and Medford, Oregon
Posted November 19, 2004
Is Iraq the Key to Peace in the Middle
East?
The hope that a democratic Iraq will exert a powerfully stabilizing
influence throughout the Middle East seems to be one of the driving
motivations behind current U. S. policy. But the most persistent tinderbox
in the Middle East is not Iraq, but Jerusalem. This city has become
the site of the world's tug-of-war over the issue of fairness in
international policy...
A commentary by Roger Foster
Good News magazine Senior Writer, San Antonio, Texas
Posted November 12, 2004
Undecided Voters—Undecided
People—Undecided Christians
The 2004 U. S. election is over. But in the days leading up to it a
small but significant number of voters were still undecided about their
preference for their national leader. These "undecided" voters
grabbed the nation's political spotlight...
A commentary by Don Hooser
United Church of God pastor, Sedro-Woolley, Washington
Posted November 5, 2004
America—a Two-hearted Nation
America has heart problems—she has two hearts! The 2004 national
election will largely determine which heart will dominate. The nations
of the world wait—political stethoscopes in hand and ear—to
hear the beat...
A commentary by Randy Stiver
United Church of God pastor, Coos Bay, Eugene and Roseburg, Oregon
Posted October 29, 2004
Politics & Character
As the jarring accusations, arguments and harangues between political
parties and their chosen candidates continue at full-throated volume
in the U.S. election races, I have been reflecting on why the positive
traits of character are so absent from politics...
A commentary by Cecil Maranville
United Church of God elder in Glendale, Arizona
Posted October 22, 2004
The Unelectable Candidate with an Unpopular
Platform
In approximately two weeks Americans will go to the polls and elect
the next president of the United States. Yet few Americans seem to realize
that there are more than two candidates for this office...
A commentary by David Treybig
United Church of God pastor, St. Petersburg and Tampa, Florida
Posted October 15, 2004
Feast of Tabernacles: A Harvest
Festival for God's People
Fall is the season for harvest festivals. An online search for "harvest
festival" produced over 50,000 listings. Celebrating the end of
a successful harvest after a season of hard work seems like a natural
thing to do. This custom dates back many centuries...
A commentary by Larry Walker
United Church of God pastor, Bend, Oregon
Posted September 24, 2004
Heading Off the Four Major Steps to Divorce
Marriage is in a sad state in the Western world. Divorce rates skyrocketed
from barely 2 percent of marriages in 1900 to nearly 50 percent by
the year 1990. In more recent years these rates have leveled off,
not because larger numbers of people are successful in marriage, but
because so many couples today simply "co-habit"—bypassing
the commitment of marriage.
A commentary by Rex Sexton
United Church of God pastor, Olympia and Tacoma, Washington
Posted September 17, 2004
Who Deserves the Political Leadership
Gold Medal?
In all human political systems there is plenty that is corrupt, sad
and disappointing. For all the sincerity that politicians bring to debates,
none can guarantee what we need the most: lasting peace, enduring prosperity
and perfect standards with total justice and fairness
for all. No humanly devised system has ever completely eradicated corruption
or scandal. None has ever truly earned a political gold medal.
A commentary by Paul Suckling
United Church of God pastor, Worcester, Mass., and Portsmouth, N.H.
Posted September 10, 2004
Threats Even Bigger than Terrorism
Less than two weeks before the third anniversary of the horrific Sept.
11 terrorist attacks on the United States, the U.S. Republican Convention
convened in New York City just four miles from the site of Ground
Zero. From it came stirring reminders that the fight against terrorism
remains a vital election year issue—as it well should be. But
how many people are aware that greater disasters than even nuclear
or biological terrorism are real possibilities from the realm of nature.
A commentary by Tom Robinson
Good News magazine staff writer
Posted September 3, 2004
Why is America so Politically divided?
The United States of America is most powerful, the richest and most
influential nation in the world. One might expect its greatness to
stem from the majority of its 270 million people being united in support
of its government, its policies and its endeavors. But this is not
the reality of American politics. As another presidential election
draws near, Americans are divided right down the middle.
A commentary by Graemme Marshall
United Church of God pastor, Ottawa, Canada
Posted August 27, 2004
Our Race Continues—"Going
for Gold"
A Christian's life moves in continuous cycles of training and testing.
We run a race that requires goal-setting, improving our performance
and struggling against our own weaknesses and the competition.
A commentary by Peter Hawkins
Pastor of United Church of God congregations in Bricket Wood and Tonbridge,
England
Posted August 20, 2004
Could Anti-Semitism Lead Europe
to Another Tragic Defeat?
We Europeans all sincerely want peace. But at times we have unwisely
supported policies that have prolonged and aggravated political conflicts.
So we need to ask, is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Middle
East linked in any way to the revival of anti-Semitism in Europe? It's
a question that needs to be faced honestly.
A commentary by Carmelo Anastasi
Pastor of United Church of God congregations in Milan and Napes, Italy
Posted August 13, 2004
"Pink" Politicians are "in"
The major political parties in Germany are traditionally identified
by color. Conservatives are black, socialists red, liberals yellow
and environmentalists green. Now a new color has arrived on the political
scene: pink.
A commentary by Paul Kieffer
Pastor of United Church of God congregations in Germany
Posted August 6, 2004
Have Christians Forgotten
Christ?
Are modern Christians following Christ or traditions that are merely
the commandments of men? If Jesus were walking the dusty roads of Galilee
today and teaching from the same Scriptures He used 2,000 years ago,
would modern Christians follow Him or would He have to walk alone? The
question remains: Have modern Christians forgotten Christ?
A commentary by Jerold W. Aust
Good News magazine Senior Writer, Mobile, Alabama
Posted July 30, 2004
The Disturbing Decline in Respect
for Biblical Values
Have you recently experienced a driver carelessly cutting in front of
you? Or walked past a group of youths who hurled abuse at you without
provocation? What about people pushing in line? Today we see a serious
and growing erosion of traditional biblical values, such as respect
for the rights and dignity of others...
A commentary by John Ross Schroeder
Good News magazine Senior Writer, United Kingdom
Posted July 23, 2004
Beyond Politics
Every four years America's political temperature reaches a boiling point
as partisan politics fan the flames of "party-spirit." This
national spectacle has a global audience because whoever becomes President
of the United States also becomes the single most powerful human being
in the world for the next four years.
A commentary by Robin Webber
United Church of God pastor, Loma Linda and San Diego, California
Posted July 16, 2004
Supreme Court Allows Internet Porn to
Continue
Tuesday, June 29th the Supreme Court struck down a ban on Internet porn
designed to protect children from exposure to lewd and obscene sexual
matter on the Internet. This decision of the high court allows the continued
exposure of children to obscene subject matter...
A commentary by Bruce Gore
United Church of God pastor, Birmingham and Gadsden, Alabama, and Rome
Georgia
Posted July 9, 2004
The Power of Spirit
Great sports teams are driven by the power of attitude as much as they
are talent, sometimes providing upsets that stun the world. The power
of spirit contains the essence of success...
A commentary by Howard Davis
Host of the Tomorrow TV program in Portland, Oregon
Posted July 2, 2004
Same-Sex Marriage Threatens
Civilization
Even though the subject of same-sex marriage has not been a front-page
news item lately, the battle continues and battle lines are still being
drawn. A showdown is likely to occur before the upcoming U.S. national
elections...
A commentary by Larry Walker
United Church of God pastor, Bend, Oregon
Posted June 25, 2004
The Day After Tomorrow movie:
How Does It Compare With What the Bible Says?
Currently being shown in theatres across the United States and in many
other parts of the world is a movie titled The Day After Tomorrow. This
film depicts in graphic detail and drama the quest for survival amidst
the adverse effects of a cataclysmic climatic change...
A commentary by Edmond Macaraeg
United Church of God pastor, Philippines
Posted June 18, 2004
Ronald Reagan Remembered
It's hard to believe looking back now, but there was a time not so long
ago when the "domino theory" seemed inevitable. One country
after another was falling to international communism. Until Ronald
Reagan.
A commentary by Melvin Rhodes
Good News writer and regional pastor, Ghana
Posted June 11, 2004
What Have We Learned?
This weekend marks the 60th anniversary of the Normandy landings by
Allied troops. Leaders from the United States, France and Britain,
and, for the first time, Germany, will gather to commemorate one of
the most important events of the 20th century.
A commentary by Darris McNeely
United Church of God pastor, Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, Indiana
Posted June 4, 2004
Why No Major Terrorist Attacks Since
9/11?
Government officials are warning of increased threats of a major terrorist
attack to soon take place on U.S. soil. But this reminds us of a question
we are thinking but almost fear to ask.
A commentary by Don Hooser
United Church of God pastor, Austin, Waco, and Coleman, Texas
Posted May 28, 2004
Is God a Liberal or a Conservative?
2004 is a presidential election year in America. Who would Jesus vote
for? God has definite opinions about the issues facing governments
today. God's opinions are defined by God's law—in fact, His
opinion is the law of the universe. Whether He supports a particular
party agenda depends on which agenda—or more precisely, which
issue of which agenda is aligned with His law.
A commentary by Randy Stiver
United Church of God pastor, Coos Bay, Eugene, and Roseburg, Oregon
Posted May 21, 2004
A Week of Horror
It's been a terrible week with the horrifying public murder—by
beheading—of 26-year-old Nicholas Berg in Iraq. Probably hoping
to launch anti-war sentiment over the top, the evil Abu Musab al-Zarqawi
recorded the killing of the young American civilian and posted this
vile horror on the Internet for the entire world to see...
A commentary by Cecil Maranville
United Church of God elder in Glendale, Arizona
Posted May 14, 2004
The Cost of Immorality in the War
on Terror
As I write this, President Bush is giving two interviews to Arab-language
television stations in an attempt at damage control. The Arab world
is incensed at pictures of Iraqi prisoners being sexually abused and
humiliated while naked, involuntarily posing for photographs taken with
gloating U.S. servicemen...
A commentary by Melvin Rhodes
Good News writer and regional pastor, Ghana
Posted May 7, 2004
Dying to Meet Allah
It's been rightly asked of traditional Christianity, if heaven is such
a wonderful place, why is it that so many put off going there for
as long as possible? A considerable number of Muslims, however, seem
to have no such problem. If recent news reports are any indication,
quite a few of them are more than willing to speed up the process
of claiming a one-way ticket to paradise...
A commentary by Scott Ashley
Good News managing editor
Posted April 30, 2004
Don't Teach Teens "Safe Sin"
From a biblical perspective, the concept of "safe sex" for
unmarried partners promotes the mistaken idea that there is such a thing
as "safe sin."
A commentary by Larry Walker
United Church of God pastor, Bend, Oregon
Posted April 23, 2004
Who Are the Real Animals?
Is it man's destiny to ride roughshod over animals? In today's world,
greed and superstition are two powerful forces more important than
the welfare of animals...
A commentary by Graemme Marshall
United Church of God pastor, Ottawa, Canada
Posted April 16, 2004
Christians Can Learn From the Origins
of Easter
Easter, the highlight of the religious calendar for most Christian churches,
is now upon us again. For the Jewish community, this is also the Passover
season. Most of us have probably noticed that Easter and Passover fall
during the same time of the year, often within a few days of each other.
It may come as a surprise to know that Easter is an outgrowth of the
Passover-especially since these days are celebrated so differently...
A commentary by Larry Walker
United Church of God pastor, Bend, Oregon
Posted April 9, 2004
The "L" Word and Same-Sex
Marriages: Why Religion Is Losing the Debate
Have you noticed anything missing in the arguments Christian-minded
people are using to oppose same-sex marriages? We hear: "For thousands
of years, marriage has meant a union between a man and a woman." But
who says so? Who defined it that way?
A commentary by Cecil Maranville
United Church of God elder in Glendale, Arizona
Posted April 2, 2004
The Worst Disease of our Time
Like any disease, loneliness can strike quickly and at any stage in
life. It afflicts the rich and the poor, the young and the old. When
it begins it seems endless...
A commentary by Rex Sexton
United Church of God pastor, Olympia & Tacoma, Washington
Posted March 26, 2004
The Madrid Bombings: A Wake-Up
Call for Europe
The 10 bombs that shattered commuter-packed rail cars in Madrid last
week, killing more than 200 and injuring another 1,600, should have
shattered Europeans' illusions about the War on Terror...
A commentary by Scott Ashley
Good News managing editor
Posted March 18, 2004
Same-Sex Marriage is Unbiblical
The argument has been made that all citizens deserve equal benefits,
regardless of sexual orientation. But is same-sex marriage the solution
to this dilemma?
A commentary by Larry Walker
United Church of God pastor, Bend, Oregon
Posted March 9, 2004
Unusual Movie; Predictable Results
With great publicity, particularly in religious circles, Mel Gibson's
latest movie, The Passion of the Christ, opened in movie
theaters this past Wednesday evoking a wide range of response. With
the graphic portrayal of Jesus' suffering, viewers' emotions are guaranteed
to be assaulted. This movie seems destined to make an impact. But
what will that impact be?
A commentary by David Treybig
United Church of God pastor, St. Petersburg and Tampa, Florida
Posted February 27, 2004
The Battle Lines Have Been Drawn
The war with Iraq isn't the only fight going on involving Americans.
In Massachusetts a different kind of war looms on the horizon, one
that began last Nov. 18 when the Supreme Judicial Court of the state
determined that the Massachusetts Constitution did allow for homosexuals
to marry and have all of the rights of a marriage. To disallow it,
they determined, would be discrimination...
A commentary by Paul Suckling
United Church of God pastor, Worchester, Mass., and Portsmouth, N.H.
Posted February 25, 2004
The Super Bowl Sexual Assault: An Assault
on Our Culture
When will America make the connection? When will the defenders of "anything
goes" morality and entertainment realize there is a connection
between violent, sexually explicit entertainment and a culture of violence?
A commentary by Darris McNeely
United Church of God pastor, Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, Indiana
Posted February 17, 2004
Waiting for the Other Shoe to Drop
Two items dominated the U.S. news media last week. One was the Super
Bowl halftime show; the other was the kidnapping of an 11-year-old
girl...
A commentary by Scott Ashley
Good News managing editor
Posted February 10, 2004
Without Blood on my Hands
Last month's New York Times carries a story from Erez, in the
Gaza Strip. It tells the tragic story of a Palestinian mother who blew
herself up at an Israeli inspection site killing four security personnel
and wounding seven others...
A commentary by Darris McNeely
United Church of God pastor, Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, Indiana
Posted February 3, 2004
Avoiding Generosity Burnout!
Many charitable organizations are facing financial strain. Not one would
say it has enough funding. Charities try to stem the tide of an increasing
staffing cost while maintaining focus on their primary cause. They
reach out to the public for assistance—but the public seems
to be tired of doing good, or skeptical of how the money is used.
A generosity burnout perhaps?
A commentary by Peter Hawkins
Pastor of United Church of God congregations in Bricket Wood and Tonbridge,
England
Posted January 27, 2004
The New Ecumenism: Is the Imperial
Church Coming Back?
The Catholic Church has set January 17 as the "Day of Dialog" with
all non-Christians. Also, it has set January 18 as the Day of Prayers
for the unity of all Christians and religions. To this end various religious
leaders meet at the small town of Assisi, Italy, every year...
A commentary by Carmelo Anastasi
Pastor of United Church of God congregations in Milan and Naples, Italy
Posted January 20, 2004
"Where Have All the Germans
Gone?"
With an adjustment of one word, the 1960s-era protest song "Where Have
All the Flowers Gone?" provides an apt description of a growing crisis
in central Europe. The Germans are slowly but surely dying out, prompting
the German weekly new magazine Der Spiegel to highlight the
issue as its first cover story for 2004...
A commentary by Paul Kieffer
Pastor of United Church of God congregations in Germany
Posted January 13, 2004
2003: A Banner Year for God!
Where do you find God and the Bible mentioned in the year in review?
Where are the people of God mentioned, the same ones who have dedicated
their lives so others could enjoy spiritual peace, prosperity and
freedom? The media never made a peep about the greatest work on earth,
the same work that Jesus began while He was on earth...
A commentary by Jerold Aust
Good News writer from Mobile, Alabama
Posted January 6, 2004
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