Random thoughts for the week (a peek into my mind)

One of the things that interests me is to look back in history, see where our country has been, and look where it's going. Sometimes I wonder if it's really fair to compare where we are now to the beginning of our country. The overall situation of the people was different (education, industry, etc.) and our understanding of the world at large was different as well. There are so many things that looking at our country, it's just not the same. However, at the same time, we are the same country. The basic guidelines governing our conduct are there, and everything that branches out from those basic guidelines are the same.

We, as a people, try to claim our tie to that past. But if we don't understand the whys of our constitution and government, then looking back makes no sense. Oftentimes, when someone uses a quote, whether it's someone from today or well into our history, those who disagree will argue the quote is taken 'out of context'. It is important for us to understand the context of quotes if we are to use them, and it is more important when we are looking to history for understanding.

One example of this is the disagreement about 'the separation of church and state'. People argue this is built into the constitution, using the first amendment as their reference. Looking into the context of the time, the amendment was more a prohibition of a 'state religion', rather than a prohibition of religion in general. When this argument is brought forward, some will point to a writing of Thomas Jefferson where the phrase is used. The context of that phrase is within a personal letter, not a public address describing policy.

This idea of understanding the context of laws and rules comes to the forefront when we are discussing the supreme court and how they are to 'interpret' the constitution. How a prospective justice views the constitution and it's interpretation become the focus of pitched arguments between different groups of people.

What I find interesting is that people still look to 'wise' men to interpret laws and guidelines for us. As a Christian, we are to look to God for our guidance and leadership. Proverbs 3:5 states 'Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding'. People who deny God try to look for their guidance and leadership in man, but end up disappointed because of the inconsistency of man. God is the one true and constant truth in our life, and without it people are frustrated, disappointed, and alone.