Moral and spiritual formation is at the heart of any heathy society. From a biblical perspective, moral and spiritual formation involves at least three dimensions of the human condition that need development and shaping. God’s Word, the Holy Spirit and the encouragement and edification that comes from being with likeminded believers shape the heart (being kind, considerate, generous), the mind (being curious, open-minded, having good judgment) and the will (self-control, determination courage).

God’s Word warns against “the wisdom of this world” (1 Corinthians 1:20-25) and “things that are seen” (2 Corinthians 4:18): In other words, the dominant ideas and commitments of a world in rebellion against God. As Christians we often struggle with the best way to organize human society according to human nature. What is our vision of human nature and what is the best government to adapt to that nature? In trying to answer those questions, Western Civilization has been shaped by three primary characteristics that have characterized the last 400 years

Job presents his final appeal and rests his case with his three friends and with God.

When President Trump was running for a second term in 2024, he promised to end the Ukraine war “in 24 hours.” Of course, that did not happen, but now we are seeing how he seeks to end this atrocious war, now over 3 years old. As the Wall Street Journal editorially observed, Trump’s plan is a “tilt toward a Ukraine sellout.” As a student of history, I believe it also ignores one of the profound lessons of history from the 1930s in Europe.

In our democratic-republic in America, there are three branches of the federal government. In the brilliance of the design articulated by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, all three of whom wrote The Federalist, these three branches are to form a checks and balance system without the national government. The judicial branch interprets the Constitution as cases are brought before it. There are federal District Courts, Courts of Appeals and then of course the Supreme Court. The founders argued forcefully for an independent judiciary.

Job’s questions remain unanswered but he revels in the majesty, power and wisdom of God.

The age of amateur sports at many American colleges and universities is apparently over. Year 2024 is the last year where the College Football Playoffs will be played by amateur athletes. Next year they will all be pros. It is pretty clear that the NCAA has embraced some form of “pay for play” that enables schools to pay players for their athletic skills.

Job’s three friends contend that they have God all figured out and can therefore judge Job, which he emphatically rejects.

When Hamas militants led a deadly cross-border raid into Israel on 7 October 2023, Hamas leaders were convinced that this event would trigger a wider Middle East war that would result in the end of Israel. The exact opposite has occurred. The Hamas terrorist attack triggered a war with Israel that has devastated Gaza, and it set off additional shock waves that have reshaped the Middle East: Powerful alliances were upended. Long-established “red lines” were crossed. A decades-old dictatorship at the heart of the region was swept away. The Middle East has been radically transformed.

Job goes from the downward spiral of despair to the heights of an affirmation of the resurrection.