1985 Miracle Yearbook

Current Events: Trusting In God Through Turbulent Times C urrenr events are sometimes encouraging, oft-times frightening, always interesting They demonstrate that we live in a world that has experienced great advances in medicine,science, technology,and for many, standard of living Yet we are troubled by great moral laxity and the seemingly intractable and chronic problems of famine, hunger, poverty, pestilence, and war. In the face of this evidence, some have said there is no God, others ore simply unsure Still others place their faith in great nations and military might while some search for peace or simply withdraw in apathy and isolation For the Christian though,few things should be more sel- evident in such times than that God is the source and only guarantor of our security. Proverbs 21:31 illustrates this truth in observing that "the horse is prepared against the day of bottle: but safety is of the Lord" "In God We Trust" is a succinct reminder of Solomon's proverb and of where our ultimate loyalties must lie In 1956, "In God We Trust" become the national motto Though periodically belittled as too unsophisticated, it is notwithstanding, a fitting statement of Christian and, we hope, American ideals In one sense, the phrase is merely one component of American patriotism along side the flog, apple pie, Uncle Sam,the eagle,Mr Rushmore,the Goldengote and more For those who would treat it lightly, it is simply a religious version of Americana But for the Christian, the phrase is much more, for it symbolizes his commitment to o tran- scendent God as well as honors the prinaples of liberty for which the American notion has historically stood It is in this respect that "In God We Trust" best expresses o responsible Christian Patriotism It pays homage to o God who stands above and beyond a nation peopled by imperfect citizens and who, because lie exists, makes possible the ideal of freedom they espouse The American nation has been bountifully blessed, is the land of the free and the home of the brave, and deserves the Christian's support,even pride. Ultimately, it is to God,not the notion, that the Christian extends his worship It is God that we trust to deliver us from the vicissitudes of turbulent times,for it is God that works in this world both to will and to do his goad pleasure Dr. Rex Rogers Assistant Professor Of Political Science All photos in following section from Wide World Photos. •fi I'• * .• Inc 50 Rockefeller Plaza New York, N.Y.10020 123