JEWISH AND CHRISTIAN RESOURCES
The central question of this website has to do with recognizing the distinction between the embrace of redemptive suffering and the indulgence of complicity with evil. The Mountain Observer does not presume to always have the answer, and, in all cases, begs the guidance of Higher Authority. JES
The ability to exercise personal freedom is the capacity God gave us to choose the difference between right and wrong. Freedom in any context cannot be realized in a moral vacuum. JES
FROM THE CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF GLOBAL CHRISTIANITY www.gordonconwell.edu/ockenga/globalchristianity/resources.php MID 2007:
2,195,529,000 Christians worldwide (1,142,968,000 Catholic)
1,359,745,000 Muslims
888,300,000 Hindus
368,023,000 Buddhists
15,193,000 Jews
For a growing list of literature of interest, go to Reco Reading , and scroll down to THEOLOGICAL
The primary distinguishing characteristic of true Conservatism from Libertarianism is the recognition by Conservatives of our Transcendent origins and our belief in a Creative God. Libertarians distinguish themselves as being purely secular, and, indeed, are generally atheists, a perspective shared with modern western Liberals. In the American context, the Conservative perspective is generally a function of Judeo-Christian belief and faith, historical in origin. This website is focused on our earthly experiences, but as Conservatives, we cannot proceed in a theological vacuum. This particular section is presented here strictly as an academic reference resource. It is not our purpose to politicize these matters, and it could be viewed as something of an apostasy to attempt to do so. However, our faith in God cannot be disconnected from our daily lives. Within our ability to do so, we believe in a single organic transcendent reality.
Full disclosure requires that I identify myself as a recent convert (April 2004) to Roman Catholicism with a particular inclination toward the traditional teachings and observances. JES
08/13/06 It has become impossible to not be straightforward about the fundamentally religious nature of World War IV. It has not been helpful to have bobbed, ducked and weaved about this issue. What we have on our hands is a three way struggle between Judeo-Christianity, Western Secularism and Islam. Islam claims to find its roots with Abraham, however any commonality with Judeo-Christianity ends right there. We do not believe in, or worship, the same God.
Western Secularism, as we know it, aka Liberalism, is one of the many products of the Age of Enlightenment, aka the Corrosion of the Church of Rome, itself evolved from the Church of Peter. As Sunni and Shia tussle with one another within the world of Islam, so it is that the Church of Western Secularism and Judeo-Christian Believers tussle with one another throughout the world. For those interested in my more focused thoughts on these matters, go to PERSONAL NOTES and scroll down to 08/13/06.
FMOWEB 270.001 JEWISH CHRISTIAN RESOURCES