First of all, I am compelled to praise your diligence to study, your analysis of ancient events, your clear writing and, most of all your always-applicable Closing Prayer.
Secondly, despite Christ's message of love and turning the other cheek, was contrary to the dictates of Pope Urban and the Catholic church. I cannot convince myself that the Crusades (while ultimately a failure) were a bad decision. If the EU and the USA had the courage, they would immediately set up and prepare safeguards against the Muslim plan to take over the world. Interestingly, the USA seems poised for war in order to create a one world government - while Russia defends Orthodox Christianity against the aggression of NATO.
Were the Crusaders wrong to circle the city? Possibly, through a show of force, they hoped to avoid an armed conflict. If they were, in fact, attempting to duplicate Joshua's feat, it was a giant leap of faith to assume that YHWH was protecting them. As far as I know, the only group (now destroyed by the Papacy) that believed that a different God was in charge during the Old Testament days and the times of Jesus. were the Cathars.
Interestingly, I have yet to find a church that preaches one word from the OT. In fact, very few preach the words of Jesus as they are too busy arranging and conducting their "Christian rock shows".
Keep up the good work, Jason. I soon will be recommending you and seven other Substack writers as my favorites. Stay tuned.
You are blessed, Trudy. I moved to the Great Smoky Mountains expecting to find great guitar player and quartets singing the songs I grew up with and preachers warning us of the future and how to live. Instead, I get rock concerts and travelogues (honestly, the Pathways Church, which always gets giant turnouts for their shows, presents professionally produced documentaries that they manage to use to squeeze in a word of scripture on occasion. It is more like a television game show than a church in that it often draws names and gives gifts of $100.00 to individuals in the audience).
Good question--what would He say? We must pray even harder for all the faithful servants who do not shrink back or compromise when it comes to proclaiming and defending the gospel. What a world . . .
Jason, you are spot on with... "This historical moment powerfully illustrates selective obedience, a pitfall that continues to challenge believers today. The Crusaders' actions reflected a cherry-picking of Scripture, embracing the parts that aligned with their military objectives while disregarding Jesus' radical calls for love, even towards enemies."
I agree. Though, as my lesson today points out, the Crusaders were clearly picking and choosing which parts of scripture they wanted to follow. Of course, God has a long history of making use of, shall we say..."imperfect" people...to accomplish His will. The question as to whether His will was accomplished seems affirmative but certainly remains debatable. We cannot know for sure.
I don't disagree agree with you that evil requires resistance. It's the type of resistance and the method that could be in question. If you read about some of the atrocities committed by the Crusaders you will certainly question their motives.
First of all, I am compelled to praise your diligence to study, your analysis of ancient events, your clear writing and, most of all your always-applicable Closing Prayer.
Secondly, despite Christ's message of love and turning the other cheek, was contrary to the dictates of Pope Urban and the Catholic church. I cannot convince myself that the Crusades (while ultimately a failure) were a bad decision. If the EU and the USA had the courage, they would immediately set up and prepare safeguards against the Muslim plan to take over the world. Interestingly, the USA seems poised for war in order to create a one world government - while Russia defends Orthodox Christianity against the aggression of NATO.
Were the Crusaders wrong to circle the city? Possibly, through a show of force, they hoped to avoid an armed conflict. If they were, in fact, attempting to duplicate Joshua's feat, it was a giant leap of faith to assume that YHWH was protecting them. As far as I know, the only group (now destroyed by the Papacy) that believed that a different God was in charge during the Old Testament days and the times of Jesus. were the Cathars.
Interestingly, I have yet to find a church that preaches one word from the OT. In fact, very few preach the words of Jesus as they are too busy arranging and conducting their "Christian rock shows".
Keep up the good work, Jason. I soon will be recommending you and seven other Substack writers as my favorites. Stay tuned.
Our pastor encourages us all to get in the Bible and read it daily, both Old and New Testaments. What a blessing it is to have the written Word!
You are blessed, Trudy. I moved to the Great Smoky Mountains expecting to find great guitar player and quartets singing the songs I grew up with and preachers warning us of the future and how to live. Instead, I get rock concerts and travelogues (honestly, the Pathways Church, which always gets giant turnouts for their shows, presents professionally produced documentaries that they manage to use to squeeze in a word of scripture on occasion. It is more like a television game show than a church in that it often draws names and gives gifts of $100.00 to individuals in the audience).
WWJS?
Good question--what would He say? We must pray even harder for all the faithful servants who do not shrink back or compromise when it comes to proclaiming and defending the gospel. What a world . . .
Thank you, Charles. I always appreciate your remarks and your patronage. I love it when a lesson, historical OR Biblical becomes a conversation.
Jason, you are spot on with... "This historical moment powerfully illustrates selective obedience, a pitfall that continues to challenge believers today. The Crusaders' actions reflected a cherry-picking of Scripture, embracing the parts that aligned with their military objectives while disregarding Jesus' radical calls for love, even towards enemies."
It brought to mind Isaiah 64:4...
For since the beginning of the world
Men have not heard nor perceived by the ear,
Nor has the eye seen any God besides You,
Who acts for the one who waits for Him.
I agree. Though, as my lesson today points out, the Crusaders were clearly picking and choosing which parts of scripture they wanted to follow. Of course, God has a long history of making use of, shall we say..."imperfect" people...to accomplish His will. The question as to whether His will was accomplished seems affirmative but certainly remains debatable. We cannot know for sure.
I don't disagree agree with you that evil requires resistance. It's the type of resistance and the method that could be in question. If you read about some of the atrocities committed by the Crusaders you will certainly question their motives.
Thank you, David.