How can you know what to believe about world events? How can you evaluate the trustworthiness of news media? Apply these points:
1. Look at everything from God's overview. Bible prophecy reveals the trends to keep an eye on - the directions this world is heading. You need to compare what is said of world conditions with what Bible prophecy says. For more information on what issues and trends are important, you may write for our free brochure Introduction to Prophecy.
Focus on the big picture - the grand sweep of world events - rather than on isolated events or temporary conditions. The Bible reveals what to look for in these fast-changing days! And The Plain Truth discusses them monthly.
2. Choose media wisely. As we've seen, not all news sources are equal-and none, except the Bible, which gives you news in advance through its prophecies, is infallible.
So read widely. Look at all points of view and evaluate information based on the Bible's laws and principles. Look for publications and broadcasts that offer depth, not sensationalism or quick, easy solutions.
Realize that journalists often have their own agendas, and that they sometimes inject those points of view into supposedly objective reports, even in major, well-respected media. Be a skeptical reader-viewer. Look for constructive, positive analysis rather than personal gossip, cynical writing, wild theories and superstitions.
3. Ask God to show you the truth that is greater than journalistic truth. Jesus told his followers, "If you abide in My word...you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31-32).
Yes, if you begin to live the truth that the Bible teaches, you will begin to know where world events are heading, and you will be free-free from fear of the future, free from uncertainty about how you should conduct your life, free from the danger of being dragged down with this morally and spiritually deteriorating world.
Can you believe the media? Not always. Can you believe God? With absolute certainty.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
You Can See the Big Picture
The media are not perfect. Even if they were, you could not take in every detail of every important event. So you need a way to grasp the big sweep of events and to see how world news directly affects you.
And there is a totally trustworthy source of information about world conditions! That source is the eternal God and his revealed World we call the Bible.
"My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says God. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts" (Isa. 55:8-9, New King James throughout).
The Creator God whatches, from a perfect perspective above, all the events that occur on earth. "The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good," Proverbs 15:3 tells us.
Jesus revealed God is aware of every sparrow that falls to the ground - that the very hairs of every one of our heads are numbered (Matt. 10:29-30)! God knows what is going on in the world. He sees all. God even has the ability to see the future - because he can bring to pass whatever he wills.
Isaiah 46:9-10 says: "I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand....' "
God reveals his perspective in the Bible. There we can find information on what to watch for because the Bible records God's revealed prophecies.
And there is a totally trustworthy source of information about world conditions! That source is the eternal God and his revealed World we call the Bible.
"My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says God. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts" (Isa. 55:8-9, New King James throughout).
The Creator God whatches, from a perfect perspective above, all the events that occur on earth. "The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good," Proverbs 15:3 tells us.
Jesus revealed God is aware of every sparrow that falls to the ground - that the very hairs of every one of our heads are numbered (Matt. 10:29-30)! God knows what is going on in the world. He sees all. God even has the ability to see the future - because he can bring to pass whatever he wills.
Isaiah 46:9-10 says: "I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand....' "
God reveals his perspective in the Bible. There we can find information on what to watch for because the Bible records God's revealed prophecies.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Knocks on the Press
Many media critics condemn what they see as excessive negativism in the news. An additional knock is a perceived tendency on the part of many in the media to overvalue their importance in events and society. Indeed, some feel the media may have too much power.
Time writes of "a tendency among young reporters to believe the worst, to see a potential Watergate, hence their fame and fortune, in almost every story. Says editor Rosann Doran of the Broomfield (Colo). Enterprise (circ. 18,200): 'Every kid I get out of journalism school wants to have some major expose under his byline. Sometimes they cannot accept the fact that something is not crooked.' "
Editor Robert Maynard of the Oakland Tribune comments, "We are too hungry for blood-it sometimes seems to readers that we will not do the story unless we can do someone in."
Indeed, the overall effect of the constant barrage of negativity is "Disheartening. Sapping of energy. Destructive of hopes" (Abigail McCarthy, Commonweal). "Journalism often misses the truth by unconsciously eroding one's sympathy with life," according to Roger Rosenblatt, writing in Time.
Time concluded: "Reporters have sometimes lost sight of the fundamental truth that their job is to provide a service to the community rather than to seek the glamour and glory that now often seem to draw people into the craft."
Editor Michael J. O'Neill summed it up by saying: "In the final analysis, what we need most of all in our profession is a generous spirit, infused with human warmth, as ready to see good as to suspect wrong, to find hope as well as cynicism, to have a clear but uncrabbed view of the world. We need to seek conciliation, not just conflict- consensus, not just disagreement - so that society has a chance to solve its problems, so that we... can find again... common trust and unity."
Time writes of "a tendency among young reporters to believe the worst, to see a potential Watergate, hence their fame and fortune, in almost every story. Says editor Rosann Doran of the Broomfield (Colo). Enterprise (circ. 18,200): 'Every kid I get out of journalism school wants to have some major expose under his byline. Sometimes they cannot accept the fact that something is not crooked.' "
Editor Robert Maynard of the Oakland Tribune comments, "We are too hungry for blood-it sometimes seems to readers that we will not do the story unless we can do someone in."
Indeed, the overall effect of the constant barrage of negativity is "Disheartening. Sapping of energy. Destructive of hopes" (Abigail McCarthy, Commonweal). "Journalism often misses the truth by unconsciously eroding one's sympathy with life," according to Roger Rosenblatt, writing in Time.
Time concluded: "Reporters have sometimes lost sight of the fundamental truth that their job is to provide a service to the community rather than to seek the glamour and glory that now often seem to draw people into the craft."
Editor Michael J. O'Neill summed it up by saying: "In the final analysis, what we need most of all in our profession is a generous spirit, infused with human warmth, as ready to see good as to suspect wrong, to find hope as well as cynicism, to have a clear but uncrabbed view of the world. We need to seek conciliation, not just conflict- consensus, not just disagreement - so that society has a chance to solve its problems, so that we... can find again... common trust and unity."
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
The Strongest Impression Advocacy Journalism
"The sheer complexity of stories-in politics, science, economics-forced reporters more deeply into analytical writing." That's comments educator Conrad C. Fink on the rise of "advocacy journalism".
Bill Kovach, former editor of the Atlanta Journal and Constitution, offers this candid comment about reporters who interview him: "The strongest impression I have is the extent to which reporters arrive in my office with a preconceived notion of the story they're going to write. The interview is based primarily on the effort to elicit information and response that fits into that story line."
Media professionals do not represent the members of society at large. Ellis Cose points out that those in the journalism trade do not represent all the public: "A recent survey by researchers at Indiana University found that two-thirds of working journalists were male and 95 percent were white. The average age was 32... at a time when the nation's population is growing older.
"Given that, it is all but inevitable that the press will often have a rather narrow view of events." Numerous studies in the past three decades have pointed out that media professionals tend as a group to lean to the left ideologically of what the general public believes.
William A. Rusher, in his book The Coming Battle for the Media, writes: "In recent decades, the principal media in the United States, responding to liberal intellectual trends once dominant but now much less so, have allied themselves with those political forces promoting liberal policies and have placed news reportage at the service of those policies."
At the beginning of the 1980s, a survey of 240 major media editors and reporters found that 48 percent believed the government should guarantee jobs, 68 percent thought the government should redistribute income from the rich to the poor and 88 percent felt the U.S. legal system favors the wealthy.
Ninety percent believed women have a right to an abortion, and 75 percent considered homosexuality morally acceptable. So how can you find the balance in what the media tell you?
Bill Kovach, former editor of the Atlanta Journal and Constitution, offers this candid comment about reporters who interview him: "The strongest impression I have is the extent to which reporters arrive in my office with a preconceived notion of the story they're going to write. The interview is based primarily on the effort to elicit information and response that fits into that story line."
Media professionals do not represent the members of society at large. Ellis Cose points out that those in the journalism trade do not represent all the public: "A recent survey by researchers at Indiana University found that two-thirds of working journalists were male and 95 percent were white. The average age was 32... at a time when the nation's population is growing older.
"Given that, it is all but inevitable that the press will often have a rather narrow view of events." Numerous studies in the past three decades have pointed out that media professionals tend as a group to lean to the left ideologically of what the general public believes.
William A. Rusher, in his book The Coming Battle for the Media, writes: "In recent decades, the principal media in the United States, responding to liberal intellectual trends once dominant but now much less so, have allied themselves with those political forces promoting liberal policies and have placed news reportage at the service of those policies."
At the beginning of the 1980s, a survey of 240 major media editors and reporters found that 48 percent believed the government should guarantee jobs, 68 percent thought the government should redistribute income from the rich to the poor and 88 percent felt the U.S. legal system favors the wealthy.
Ninety percent believed women have a right to an abortion, and 75 percent considered homosexuality morally acceptable. So how can you find the balance in what the media tell you?
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Sarah Azhari Women Sexy Hot Model Artist Full Sensual Body
Biodata Sarah Azhari, profil and biography :
Full name : Sarah Azhari
Nick name : Sarah
Sex : Female
Religion : Islam
Place of birth : Jakarta, Indonesia
Date of birth : June 16, 1977.
Sarah Azhari was born in Jakarta, June 16, 1977. More dominant in her career as a world model catwalk stars, although she is also a film star. One of the films in which out of director Garin Nugroho, "Daun Di Atas Bantal" playing with senior actress Christine Hakim.
Sarah be regarded controversial and sensational, the case against such a beating Navis Qurtubi, a journalist infotainment on July 12, 2005 at the Penta SCTV Studio, have long conflict.
Finally, Sarah gets vonis four months in prison, even though the mother of Albany Ray this, can not accept the court vonis and intend to appeal the level Makamah.
Back into sensational news at the end of November 2008, with the emergence of the bugil photos Sarah and sister, Rahma Azhari knowledgeable circulating on the internet. Even in this case, finally dragged the telematika expert, Roy Suryo.
Sarah finally examined by the obligation of the parties, is associated with circulating bugil photos and nudes sisters this. In the development of this case, Sarah also reported Roy Suryo with the alleged libel either.
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Mulan Jameela Sexy Body Hot Artist Singer in Wonder Women
Biodata Mulan Jameela or Mulan Kwok, profil and biography :Real name : Raden Terry Tantri Wulansari
Nick name/celeb name : Mulan Jameela
Call name : Mulan
Sex : Female
Religion : Islam
Place of birth : Garut, West Java, Indonesia
Date of birth : August 23, 1982
Mother's name : Titi Aisyah
Father's name : R. HE Komar
Children : Tyarani Savitri, Muhammad Rafly Aziz.
Wulansari appear together at the beginning of the Ratu, known as Mulan Kwok or Mulan Ratu. After out of Ratu, Mulan joined the Republik Cinta Management Artist (RCMA), which cheer leader Ahmad Dhani, Maia Estianty husband. Mulan Kwok any changes to Mulan Jameela.
The first album released early in 2008 with a pledge song "Makhluk Tuhan Paling Sexy". Mulan name is shining when joined with the Ratu in April 2005, before Mulan often singing in a cafe (Bandung and Jakarta). Mulan replace the position of Pinkan Mambo that out of the Ratu at the end of 2004.
Mulan unique voice and seemed sexy to make her quickly accepted by Ratu fans. Unfortunately after 2 albums in collaboration with the Ratu group, Maia Estianty, Mulan states out in the early 2007. Maia - Mulan conflict triggered by Mulan honor that is not proportional and management changes that are less open.
Mulan is not even 20 years old, married to Harry Nugraha, in 1999. They met at a cafe on the Swarakustik band. Harry as bass players and Mulan as a vocalist. Unfortunately the wedding was bear two children, Tyarani Savitri and Muhammad Rafly Aziz aground in 2005.
The vocalist a song "Wonder Women" and "Jatuh Cinta Lagi" is due not only pull the career of the world vote. She also played sinetron and the film big screen. "Maaf Saya Menghamili Istri Anda" in 2007 is one of the film which playing by her.
In February 2009, the name of Mulan got back into hot topics. Together with Ahmad Dhani, she became the most keywords in the internet.
Hot Photos Mulan Jameela and Mulan Jameela Sexy Foto Pictures
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Saturday, May 16, 2009
Not the Whole Story - News Focuses
4) News focuses on the unusual, and thus may distort and sensationalize. By its very nature, "news" ignores the familiar or orthodox. The shocking and outlandish seem much more interesting. But by ignoring the everyday, mundane occurrences of which life is made up most of the time for most people, news automatically skews your picture of the world.
5) Reporters may not analyze issues deeply enough, and thus may not draw sound conclusions. The chairman of a major international corporation blamed shallow thinking, in part, for the media's frequent failure to truly illuminate :
"The single most damaging trait in today's journalism, in my opinion, is that... the important elements of context, perspective and judgment often suffer. I will even be so blunt as to say that with some reporters and editors, it may be the result of just plain taking the easy road intellectually. Understanding and reporting the importance of events in their proper context surely is a heavy responsibility to place on anyone, but in fact, I believe the journalist has that obligation."
6) Reporters may be biased. The media once prided themselves on simply reporting all the facts about an event or issue, without interpreting those facts. But recent years have seen the rise of the "new journalism" and the revival of an old approach, "advocacy".
The reader or viewer cannot be trusted to judge soundly based on the facts alone, the theory goes (and, in a world without solid standards, this may be true!). So the journalist must offer analysis and even personal opinion as fact to support or refute a given point of view - to help you know what to think.
Many in the media have openly abandoned the imperative to be properly objective. Some go so far as to present opinion and personal bias as fact. Trying to tell the difference can be one of the most risky exercises you face in understanding world events.
5) Reporters may not analyze issues deeply enough, and thus may not draw sound conclusions. The chairman of a major international corporation blamed shallow thinking, in part, for the media's frequent failure to truly illuminate :
"The single most damaging trait in today's journalism, in my opinion, is that... the important elements of context, perspective and judgment often suffer. I will even be so blunt as to say that with some reporters and editors, it may be the result of just plain taking the easy road intellectually. Understanding and reporting the importance of events in their proper context surely is a heavy responsibility to place on anyone, but in fact, I believe the journalist has that obligation."
6) Reporters may be biased. The media once prided themselves on simply reporting all the facts about an event or issue, without interpreting those facts. But recent years have seen the rise of the "new journalism" and the revival of an old approach, "advocacy".
The reader or viewer cannot be trusted to judge soundly based on the facts alone, the theory goes (and, in a world without solid standards, this may be true!). So the journalist must offer analysis and even personal opinion as fact to support or refute a given point of view - to help you know what to think.
Many in the media have openly abandoned the imperative to be properly objective. Some go so far as to present opinion and personal bias as fact. Trying to tell the difference can be one of the most risky exercises you face in understanding world events.
Julia Perez Sexy Women Artist Hot Big Breast
Biodata Julia Perez, profil and biography :
Real name : Yuli Rachmawati
Nick name/celeb name : Julia Perez
Call name : Jupe
Sex : Female
Religion : Islam
Place of birth : Jakarta, Indonesia
Date of birth : July 15, 1980.
Julia Perez was born with the name Yuli Rachmawati in Jakarta, July 15, 1980. Stars are familiar Jupe called this the career training through work as a secretary in a private company and the opportunity to continue education in the Netherlands. Meeting with male model Damien Perez (Yusuf Perez), which later became her husband, early opportunity to open itself to appear as a model of FHM and Maxim magazine in France.
It peak in 2002-2003 which stars appear and start the sexy known in the land of water through sinetron "Cinta Lokasi, Komedi Nakal, Penjaga Pantai and Lepas Malam" that gets nomination as sexiest 100 women version of FHM and Maxim magazine.
Jupe, now setled in Indonesia and many of them star sinetron, what, "Maafkan Aku, Kejar Maya, Rahasia Illahi, Hidayah, Doa, Mimpi Manis, Perempuan Teraniaya", and become stars a number of ad products.
Besides in the world sinetron, Jupe start pulling away the vote. In April 2008, she launched the first album, 'Kamasutra' with the single hit "Belah Duren". This album is prime fishing public controversy, because Jupe provide condoms free of charge for buyers album. Even this first album invited protests and ban her appearance in some areas.
At this time the artist has just completed a section of movie "Hantu Jamu Gendong" Indika Entertainment Production. As for the image sexy is attached to her, its role in the film demands Jupe action sexy.
Mid-February 2009, Jupe artist become the most searched on many sites because of outstanding personal sexy photos on the internet. In the photographs circulating on the internet, Jupe looks sexy in the pose alone and so with her friends.
Accociated the life of household with Damien, in the beginning of the shaky start in 2009. This is triggered by proximity Jupe with footballer Persiba origin Brazil Gaston Castano. Even, started in March 2009, Jupe appears intimate look through the holiday with Gaston in a beach.
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Dewi Persik Sexy Women Model Artist Hot Sensational
Biodata Dewi Persik, profil and biography beautiful actress of Indonesia:
Real name : Dewi Murya Agung
Nick name/celeb name : Dewi Persik
Sex : Female
Religion : Islam
Place of birth : Jember, East Java, Indonesia
Date of birth : December 18, 1985
Mother's name : Hj. Sri Muna
Father's name : H. Mochammad Aidil.
Dewi Persik has a real name Dewi Murya Agung, was born in Jember, East Java, Indonesia on December 18, 1985. She was a cantor dangdut through "goyang gergaji" or rocking saw, which is similar oscillation movement saw the forward-backward.
Persik own name given by her manager, who hope her career is shining like peach fruit, the fruit of Chinese origin are considered of luck. Besides the daughter pair H. Mochammad Aidil and Hj. Sri Muna also have a blood descendant of China's grandmother.
In addition to work as dangdut singer, Dewi also star sinetron "Mimpi Manis", the soundtrack is quite famous people. Dewi married dangdut singer Saiful Jamil on June 26, 2005, but their marriage age, only run less than two years. On January 14, 2008 North Jakarta Religious Court declares them officially divorced.
Road run-up in this pair is "vagaries" in which the claim is submitted Saiful divorce in August 2006, a decision some time to bear fruit cf. However, the decision was not held long, thus the conflict them "the width", although problems still remain the same, ie, the Goddes clothing that is too open.
Post her divorce with Saiful the Goddess of life as a vocalist with full attention. She was "the brave" to invite a number of the protests, and even some areas to ban star performers of the big screen movie "Tali Pocong Perawan".
However, comments about Dewi-ban are likely to "brave" is considered to disturb atmosphere. Dewi feels her freedom claim to be tamed-the-ban-ban is regarded as murder and the character and slander against her. Even at that time the Goddess challenges to prosecute those who claimed her to the legal table.
Up to then Minister of Youth and Sports, Adiyaksa Daud, hands down to calling over the phone directly. Not only that, this man with mustache gives advice related to appearance. Get the advice that, Dewi pleaded guilty and wrong, even though her stay will not change the erotic oscillation.
Dewi has been "dilamar" by bule-breed German and Malay, Ferry Farid Yusuf Mansyur, who lived in the Netherlands. According to the plan in December 2008 Dewi will ended period her status with a man are converted.
However, eventually the relationship Dewi and Ferry also fail. In fact, the famous Goddess this sensational news to tell her relationship with the players sinetron, presenter at a time cantor, Aldi Taher. Before with Ferry, Dewi had mad together with Aldi, but both Aldi and Dewi at the time disputed this the news. But now, Aldi and the Goddess Dewi are ready to move to stage weddings.
End of February 2009, Dewi made into a hospital due to miscarriage. Finally, the relationship between the Goddess and Aldi are opened. In fact, they have mad a series of marrigae on July 4, 2008.
But the wedding was a series of problems. Even while the had separated. During the split, Dewi has of news relationship with Ferry. However, eventually the second pair don't agree and said that they have been officially married to avoid adultery.
Problems with former assistants, Asep unfinished, Dewi again be having problems with the other former assistants. Andi, a former assistant of Dewi resent due to unilateral dismissal by the Goddess. Even Aldi Taher's wife say to terror threat with the murder of Andi.
In akting the world, Aldi's wife seems wanted to stabilizing itself as the horror special player. Because recently, she is playing in the film "Tusuk Kuntilanak".
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Friday, May 15, 2009
Cinta Laura Kiehl Girl of Model Artist Cewek Indonesia
Biodata Cinta Laura, profil and biography :
Full name : Cinta Laura Kiehl
Nick name/Celeb name : Cinta Laura
Place of birth : Quakenbruck, Germany
Date of birth : August 17, 1993
Weight : 44 kg
Height : 170 cm
Hobby : Swimming
School : Bogor International School (BIS)
Mother's name : Herdiana, SH
Father's name : Michael Kiehl
Biography Cinta Laura and profil :
Cinta Laura is a girl of model and sinetron star's Indonesia. The birth of Quakenbruck, Germany, August 17, 1993. Celebrity who has a complete name Cinta Laura Kiehl this, started her career in entertainment world as a finalist Indonesian Top Model 2006.
One of the jury selection event is Sanjay Maulani, a casting director of MD Entertainment. Cinta is directly gets a job bid become a star's sinetron. Daughter pair from Michael Kiehl and Herdiana, SH ultimately accept this bid to be player star in the sinetron Cinderella (Apakah Cinta Hanyalah Mimpi?) by MD Entertainment Production.
Uniquely, the first four months, Cinta rather shooting but get the Indonesian language course, plus akting exercise. What's known, she is large in many countries where the task her father as General Manager of Grand Hyatt Hotel. Sinetron Cinderella that introduce her to people of Indonesia. Until finally, she gets the award "SCTV Awards Ngetop Actress category" in 2007. In that event she beat the competitors, among other Marshanda, Shireen Sungkar, and Nia Ramadhani. Cinta has a height 170 cm and weight 44 kg is also busy with activities to teach English to children less well.
Juli 2008, Cinta has problems in the court with MD Entertainment. This house production contest Cinta that is considered accusatory contract. After hearing a few times, the mid-December 2008 the court decided the guilty and she must bear the compensation material and non material Rp.1.716.406.000 of the agreement or conduct has not been implemented.
Although still at enmity with MD Entertainment, but she was to be a professional job. She still appears on the slick in her first film "Oh Baby" in a production by MD Pictures in 2008. In the first film Cinta required action and dancing at once. Cinta also sings two songs in this film soundtrack, "Oh Baby" and "We Can Do It".
Cinta began to pull away the vote. After ability to learn vocal and it was showing with Ahmad Dhani. Finally, she entered the kitchen recordings. Duo Maia together, Cinta carries the song "Pengkhianat Cinta".
Hot Photos Cinta Laura and Cinta Laura Sexy Picture
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Thursday, May 14, 2009
Not the Whole Story - Events From News Media
What factors prevent you from getting a complete, unbiased picture of world events from news media?
1) Reporters can't be everywhere. Journalist Walter Lippmann wrote: "All the reporters in the world working all the hours of the day could not witness all the happenings in the world. There are not a great many reporters. And none of them has the power to be in more than one place at a time."
Simple economics prohibit many stories from being covered: It costs too much to maintain bureaus in or send reporters to all the places where news that might affect you could take place (anywhere on earth). In addition, some governments ban or otherwise hinder news coverage in some areas you might like to know more about.
2) Even if reporters could be everywhere and report on everything, you can't read or view all they report. Your world view is inescapably shaped by whatever perspectives you choose of the news sources you follow.
3) In viewing events, there are as many perspectives as people. Remember the story of the blind men and the elephant? Each described the elephant differently because each was touching a different part - the trunk, the tail, the ears, the legs.
It's the same with news events. No matter how fair and complete a reporter might try to be in his coverage, he cannot look at events from any other perspective than his own, colored by his own past experiences and personal beliefs.
And if a reporter tends to be a bit careless, or is under deadline or space pressure, his story, as one editor says, may "show very little originality or effort to come at the same subject from a different aspect and look at another dimension."
If you are not at an event halfway around the world, and if you don't fully understand that event's background, what the media report, for all purposes, is that event, at least to you. The picture is not complete, but what other perspective can you take?
1) Reporters can't be everywhere. Journalist Walter Lippmann wrote: "All the reporters in the world working all the hours of the day could not witness all the happenings in the world. There are not a great many reporters. And none of them has the power to be in more than one place at a time."
Simple economics prohibit many stories from being covered: It costs too much to maintain bureaus in or send reporters to all the places where news that might affect you could take place (anywhere on earth). In addition, some governments ban or otherwise hinder news coverage in some areas you might like to know more about.
2) Even if reporters could be everywhere and report on everything, you can't read or view all they report. Your world view is inescapably shaped by whatever perspectives you choose of the news sources you follow.
3) In viewing events, there are as many perspectives as people. Remember the story of the blind men and the elephant? Each described the elephant differently because each was touching a different part - the trunk, the tail, the ears, the legs.
It's the same with news events. No matter how fair and complete a reporter might try to be in his coverage, he cannot look at events from any other perspective than his own, colored by his own past experiences and personal beliefs.
And if a reporter tends to be a bit careless, or is under deadline or space pressure, his story, as one editor says, may "show very little originality or effort to come at the same subject from a different aspect and look at another dimension."
If you are not at an event halfway around the world, and if you don't fully understand that event's background, what the media report, for all purposes, is that event, at least to you. The picture is not complete, but what other perspective can you take?
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
When Trust Is Broken
Consider these examples:
1. Media attention in the Middle East has focused on violent upprisings in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The UN Relief and Works Agency reports 432 deaths occurred in these areas from December 1987 to March 1989.
But have media adequately placed the violence in context with situations in other parts of the world? For instance, during the same period, 512 homicides occurred in Washington, D.C., the U.S. capital!
2. Much air time and ink are devoted to the increasing Japanese investment in the United States. Not stressed is other nations with large direct investment in the United States: Britain, Canada and the Netherlands. Or large investments of the U.S. in other countries.
3. "Almost nothing was said about the approximately two million Cambodians who died between April 1975 and the end of 1977 as a result of actions taken by their Communist rulers," says self-styled media watchdog Reed Irvine, founder of Accuracy in Media.
"The information was available to the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the networks. But in 1976, while this slaughter was taking place, the Post ran only nine news stories that even alluded to the human-rights problems in Cambodia. At the same time, it chose to run 58 stories about human rights in Chile. Even worse was the Times. It published four Cambodian and 66 Chilean human-rights stories."
4. A Washington Post reporter contacted the Washington embassy of a certain African nation about the country's troop strength; an official there did not know. The reporter guessed and, in an article, reported the number of troops as 18,000. The next day the reporter back and told him the figure had been found: 18,000.
5. Some time ago a well-known newsweekly ran a piece on the health risks of overexposure to sunlight. But a scientist interviewed by the newsweekly told The Plain Truth the article extrapolated the data too far in a section on commercial tanning parlors, thus potentially misleading readers.
Of the delicate relationship between the press and the public, one newspaper publisher says, "Once you break that bond of trust... you can never put it back together."
1. Media attention in the Middle East has focused on violent upprisings in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The UN Relief and Works Agency reports 432 deaths occurred in these areas from December 1987 to March 1989.
But have media adequately placed the violence in context with situations in other parts of the world? For instance, during the same period, 512 homicides occurred in Washington, D.C., the U.S. capital!
2. Much air time and ink are devoted to the increasing Japanese investment in the United States. Not stressed is other nations with large direct investment in the United States: Britain, Canada and the Netherlands. Or large investments of the U.S. in other countries.
3. "Almost nothing was said about the approximately two million Cambodians who died between April 1975 and the end of 1977 as a result of actions taken by their Communist rulers," says self-styled media watchdog Reed Irvine, founder of Accuracy in Media.
"The information was available to the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the networks. But in 1976, while this slaughter was taking place, the Post ran only nine news stories that even alluded to the human-rights problems in Cambodia. At the same time, it chose to run 58 stories about human rights in Chile. Even worse was the Times. It published four Cambodian and 66 Chilean human-rights stories."
4. A Washington Post reporter contacted the Washington embassy of a certain African nation about the country's troop strength; an official there did not know. The reporter guessed and, in an article, reported the number of troops as 18,000. The next day the reporter back and told him the figure had been found: 18,000.
5. Some time ago a well-known newsweekly ran a piece on the health risks of overexposure to sunlight. But a scientist interviewed by the newsweekly told The Plain Truth the article extrapolated the data too far in a section on commercial tanning parlors, thus potentially misleading readers.
Of the delicate relationship between the press and the public, one newspaper publisher says, "Once you break that bond of trust... you can never put it back together."
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Media Under Fire
Charges of carelessness and shallow thinking have long dogged the press. Seventy-five years ago, H.L. Mencken wrote: "One of the principal marks of an educated man, indeed, is the fact that he does not take his opinions from newspapers...
I know of no subject, in truth, save perhaps baseball, on which the average American newspaper, even in the larger cities, discourses with unfailing sense and understanding."
More recently, Alexander Solzhenitsyn said, "Hastiness and superficiality - these are the psychic diseases of the 20th century and more than anywhere else this is manifested in the press." But more and more observers accuse the press of darker crimes than merely misreporting facts. They cite ideological bias, excessive negativity and too much assumed power and self-importance.
"Relating to Readers in the '80s," a survey done for the American Society of Newspaper Editors, found 50 percent of those asked disagreed with the statement: "Newspapers are usually fair, the bend over backwards to tell both sides of the story."
Only 13.7 percent of respondents to a National Opinion Research Center poll said they had "a great deal of confidence in the press." A Chicago attorney put it even more bluntly when he told Time: "There is no longer a prevailing feeling that the press is fighting to right a wrong. The sense is that the press is venal, out to make a buck."
Can one trust even widely available, well-established publications and broadcasters to give a complete, accurate picture? Can one even trust their critics?
I know of no subject, in truth, save perhaps baseball, on which the average American newspaper, even in the larger cities, discourses with unfailing sense and understanding."
More recently, Alexander Solzhenitsyn said, "Hastiness and superficiality - these are the psychic diseases of the 20th century and more than anywhere else this is manifested in the press." But more and more observers accuse the press of darker crimes than merely misreporting facts. They cite ideological bias, excessive negativity and too much assumed power and self-importance.
"Relating to Readers in the '80s," a survey done for the American Society of Newspaper Editors, found 50 percent of those asked disagreed with the statement: "Newspapers are usually fair, the bend over backwards to tell both sides of the story."
Only 13.7 percent of respondents to a National Opinion Research Center poll said they had "a great deal of confidence in the press." A Chicago attorney put it even more bluntly when he told Time: "There is no longer a prevailing feeling that the press is fighting to right a wrong. The sense is that the press is venal, out to make a buck."
Can one trust even widely available, well-established publications and broadcasters to give a complete, accurate picture? Can one even trust their critics?
All I Know Is What I See In The News
On November 2, 1987, Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev told a group of his countrymen, "We are moving toward a new world, the world of communism." He added, "We shall never turn off that road."
In the United States, NBC News reported Mr. Gorbachev "concluded that the Soviet Union was moving toward a new world." The vast majority of Americans did not hear the whole quote, nor were they given any hint of Mr. Gorbachev's support for the longtime Soviet goal of a new world of communism.
Was the reporting simply inaccurate? Was there not time to air the whole statement? Did NBC's Moscow correspondent misunderstand and thus misrepresent what Mr. Gorbachev said? Or, as some critics charge, did NBC edit Mr. Gorbachev's remarks to improve his image in the eyes of Americans?
How can you, reading and listening to the news media, know what to believe about the issues of the day? You need to know, after all, what's going on in the world and how to respond. How can you judge what news sources tell you?
In the United States, NBC News reported Mr. Gorbachev "concluded that the Soviet Union was moving toward a new world." The vast majority of Americans did not hear the whole quote, nor were they given any hint of Mr. Gorbachev's support for the longtime Soviet goal of a new world of communism.
Was the reporting simply inaccurate? Was there not time to air the whole statement? Did NBC's Moscow correspondent misunderstand and thus misrepresent what Mr. Gorbachev said? Or, as some critics charge, did NBC edit Mr. Gorbachev's remarks to improve his image in the eyes of Americans?
How can you, reading and listening to the news media, know what to believe about the issues of the day? You need to know, after all, what's going on in the world and how to respond. How can you judge what news sources tell you?
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Ongoing Family Planning
If you haven't been making plans for the older generation in your family, it's time to start. If you are, or soon will be, responsible for elderly parents, get together as soon as you can to plan a strategy for the next decade.
As someone reaches the age of retirement (usually between 55 and 75 years of age), one should develop a plan, talk about where to live, how to spend the free time, what kind of additional contribution can be made. Don't consider these years the end of it all. Most people who retire have many productive years ahead. That has led some to consider working longer than they might have planned.
Many companies, in fact, are reevaluating mandatory retirement ages. They realize a mid-60s employee has a lot left to give the company. However, for the retiree it's important for the whole family to form a part of the support group. Encourage studies in a local college, involvement in a community help group, taking up a new hobby - painting, walking with friends, reading up on a new topic, playing an instrument.
Get careful medical advice, then plan a sound dietary and exercise program tailored for you. That alone could add happy and productive years to your life. Most important of all, let those wise years of life influence those around you - children and grandchildren, nephews and nieces, neighbors and friends from your local community.
Consider writing a brief autobiography to pass valuable lessons or knowledge of your heritage on to your grandchildren. It's surprising how little we've told our own families. To those who are yet younger, reevaluate your thoughts and theories about growing old. Do as the Bible admonishes - give respect and honor to those who have lived a long life and gained valuable experience.
Express your love and appreciation for your parents and grandparents. Call them often. Visit them as much as you can. Extend your family from the oldest to the youngest. It's one of the best investments you'll ever make.
As someone reaches the age of retirement (usually between 55 and 75 years of age), one should develop a plan, talk about where to live, how to spend the free time, what kind of additional contribution can be made. Don't consider these years the end of it all. Most people who retire have many productive years ahead. That has led some to consider working longer than they might have planned.
Many companies, in fact, are reevaluating mandatory retirement ages. They realize a mid-60s employee has a lot left to give the company. However, for the retiree it's important for the whole family to form a part of the support group. Encourage studies in a local college, involvement in a community help group, taking up a new hobby - painting, walking with friends, reading up on a new topic, playing an instrument.
Get careful medical advice, then plan a sound dietary and exercise program tailored for you. That alone could add happy and productive years to your life. Most important of all, let those wise years of life influence those around you - children and grandchildren, nephews and nieces, neighbors and friends from your local community.
Consider writing a brief autobiography to pass valuable lessons or knowledge of your heritage on to your grandchildren. It's surprising how little we've told our own families. To those who are yet younger, reevaluate your thoughts and theories about growing old. Do as the Bible admonishes - give respect and honor to those who have lived a long life and gained valuable experience.
Express your love and appreciation for your parents and grandparents. Call them often. Visit them as much as you can. Extend your family from the oldest to the youngest. It's one of the best investments you'll ever make.
Myth and Responsibility
It's a myth that all old people are sick, incapable of learning and needing someone to watch constantly over them. It's also a myth that most need public care. In fact, many, if not most, older people are quite capable of caring for most of their own needs. They can live in their own homes or apartments, leading active, productive lives.
They can learn new things, perhaps attend college classes. Some have learned to play a musical instrument or trained to run a seniors' marathon. Many find pleasure and reward by serving others who have physical and emotional needs. Perhaps the most important matter of all - they can provide a wealth of wisdom and experience to pass along to the younger generation.
All these valuable experiences will not be conveyed if at age 65 or 70 we put everyone away in a "warehouse" for old people. But the young and the old lose out. Sadly, many young people today lack patience and temperance. Listening to the wisdom only years of life and experience can bring is indeed wise.
Paul, for instance, advised the older women "that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children" (Titus 2:4). The older generation must pass on life's lessons. To learn from parents and grandparents about marriage and rearing children is to learn from those who have been there and know what it takes. Honor, love, respect and care for the aging are important responsibilities.
They can learn new things, perhaps attend college classes. Some have learned to play a musical instrument or trained to run a seniors' marathon. Many find pleasure and reward by serving others who have physical and emotional needs. Perhaps the most important matter of all - they can provide a wealth of wisdom and experience to pass along to the younger generation.
All these valuable experiences will not be conveyed if at age 65 or 70 we put everyone away in a "warehouse" for old people. But the young and the old lose out. Sadly, many young people today lack patience and temperance. Listening to the wisdom only years of life and experience can bring is indeed wise.
Paul, for instance, advised the older women "that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children" (Titus 2:4). The older generation must pass on life's lessons. To learn from parents and grandparents about marriage and rearing children is to learn from those who have been there and know what it takes. Honor, love, respect and care for the aging are important responsibilities.
Respect Age, Mobility and the Family
Aging, one a matter of respect and dignity in the Western World, has now become, for many, a burden. Often individuals have not personally prepared for the latter years of life; thus a financial burden looms heavily. The first step in looking at aging is to see it in the positive light God intended - and not regard it as a necessary evil.
From ancient times God instructed people to honor the older generation. That instruction is recorded in the Scriptures. Through Moses, God said, "You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God" (Lev.19:32). Later Solomon wrote, "The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness" (Prov. 16:31). Somewhere along the way, especially in this century, we in Western society seem to have lost our perspective on aging.
The Word of God says to respect and honor the older generation. Today, we seem to have an aversion to growing old. Even worse, we often look on the elderly as a burden rather than an asset. What a shame! The apostle Paul showed the value of respecting older men and women in the letter he wrote to the young evangelist Titus. Older men, he said, should be examples: "sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience" (Titus 2:2).
The passing years develop these admirable qualities in an older man. If young men only realized what they could learn from the older generation, how much better life would be. Our mobile society has led to many young adults being hundreds or thousands of miles away from parents. Contact is by letter and phone. There may be annual visits home for only a few days. Families drift apart. Facing the care of elderly parents leaves us in a quandary.
But there is a way. It's time to reverse the trend of broken families and careless attitudes and plan for the years ahead. How do we solve the problem? The answers to the problems are largely the responsibility of the family. National governments and local communities can, of course, have programs for those in need. But if families assume the first responsibility, the government's burden by way of taxes will be much lighter.
From ancient times God instructed people to honor the older generation. That instruction is recorded in the Scriptures. Through Moses, God said, "You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God" (Lev.19:32). Later Solomon wrote, "The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness" (Prov. 16:31). Somewhere along the way, especially in this century, we in Western society seem to have lost our perspective on aging.
The Word of God says to respect and honor the older generation. Today, we seem to have an aversion to growing old. Even worse, we often look on the elderly as a burden rather than an asset. What a shame! The apostle Paul showed the value of respecting older men and women in the letter he wrote to the young evangelist Titus. Older men, he said, should be examples: "sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience" (Titus 2:2).
The passing years develop these admirable qualities in an older man. If young men only realized what they could learn from the older generation, how much better life would be. Our mobile society has led to many young adults being hundreds or thousands of miles away from parents. Contact is by letter and phone. There may be annual visits home for only a few days. Families drift apart. Facing the care of elderly parents leaves us in a quandary.
But there is a way. It's time to reverse the trend of broken families and careless attitudes and plan for the years ahead. How do we solve the problem? The answers to the problems are largely the responsibility of the family. National governments and local communities can, of course, have programs for those in need. But if families assume the first responsibility, the government's burden by way of taxes will be much lighter.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
When Society Changes
Many in America and several other Western nations practically worship being young. They have not stopped to consider either their aging parents or their own passing years. An inflationary economy often causes young couples to invest in the here and now without proper regard for the future. By the time their children are grown and gone from home, a couple who thought they had a few years of properity to enjoy before their own autumn years of life find they have an unplanned - for concern - their own aging parent or parents. To solve this dilemma, many, as Parade magazine called it, "ware-house" the elderly in nursing homes. In far too many cases the results have been tragic. Loss of dignity, self-esteem and identity are but a few of the negative results of some group care for the elderly. Inadequate facilities, poor treatment, improper medical attention and neglect have become major issues in the debate over nursing homes. Of course there may be a proper time and place for full-time care facilities. In cases of sickness, or even for companionship, some ederly prefer a group care facility. The important thing is that the family works together. So, where do we start?
Facing The Autumn of Life
Do you know which segment of the population is growing fastest in industrial societies? Is it newborn babies? Teenagers? Young marrieds? No, it's the elderly. Population researchers predict that by the year 2020, men and women 65 and older will make up, for example, more that 44 percent of the U.S. population. Similar statistics affect Japan and Europe. Can the industrial nations maintain their standards of living with the graying of their populations? According to new projections from the U.S. National Institute of Aging, by the year 2040, the average life expectancy for American men could rise to as high as 87 years. That's 17 years longer than today's avarage. The same study projects American women could reach an average life expectancy of 92, up from 78. That reminds one of the anecdote, "If I would have known I'd live this long, I would have taken better care of myself." So, if people are going to live that long, we'd better be planning for it.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Manohara Odelia Pinot Girl of Model Indonesia
Biodata Manohara :
Full name : Manohara Odelia Pinot
Nick name : Manohara
Place of birth : Jakarta
Date of birth : February 28, 1992
Mother's name : Daisy Fajarina
Father's name : Reiner Pinot Noack
Sister : Dewi Sari Asih
Offspring : Indonesia - Perancis
Profession : Model
Manohara Odelia Pinot is a young model the birth of Jakarta, February 28, 1992. Born of a patrician Bugis mother, Daisy Fajarina and father from France, Reiner Pinot Noack. No wonder if Manohara (nickname this model)inherited form of the face and shapely body. Her name began to rebound when the entry in the list of "100 Pesona Indonesia" by Harper's Bazaar magazine.
At the young age that she still has a noble goal,ie, have a social foundation, to help each other the less able. Unfortunately, life is like a model to study the language and art is not to be nice before. Manohara was married a young with prince of Malaysia, Tengku Muhammad Fakhry is still in the age of 16.. This begins from the meeting with Manohara Tengku Fakhry in December 2006.They meet in the reception dinner.From there, the prince fall in love.Although their age difference, but the second man is engaged with support her mom, Daisy.Not long after that Tengku Fakhry stated desires to marry a former paramour Ardie Bakri this.
On August 17, 2008 Manohara and their families to leave for Malaysia on the invitation Tengku Fakhry's family. Although the impression was too fast and does not approve, but this pair finally married on August 26 2008.In fact marriage is not the shadow by Daisy. Manohara was not happy and vague to Jakarta via Singapore on the end of 2008.Knowing the vague his wife, Tengku Fakhry trying to coax the woman back home. Thorough, Manohara compliment the prince with a car in Manohara birthday on February 25, 2009.
Not only coax his wife, Tengku Fakhry try taking a careful family Manohara and her families to Umroh at the end of February 2009. Is the start of events occur that make the prop mom fog. At home, the family left the board Manohara, are Manohara and the husband has been raised to the aircraft. Upon return to the ground water, in mid-March 2009, Daisy reported this incident to the King of Kelantan, Malaysia but there is no response until now. Daisy-ban even get in Malaysia.
Who Was Jesus?
Jesus was God in the flesh. He was resurrected and is yet alive, with total power to end in due time all fighting and war. He was also a messenger with good news from above, not a revolutionary reformer of a political party. He told his disciples after his resurrection, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth" (Matt. 28:18). In the near future, he will use that power. Jesus will return to this earth and rule over all nations (Rev. 11:15). In the process, he will prevent humanity from destroying itself. Throughout his earthly ministry, Jesus constantly stressed concern for neighbor must equal concern for ourselves. "Love your neighbour as yourself," Jesus commanded (Matt. 22:39). That certainly includes our political neighbors - other nations. Jesus was not optimistic that mankind was capable of such outgoing concern, apart from his help. He looked into a distant future and saw the international order entering a period of chaos. "Then there will be great tribulation," said Jesus, "such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be" (Matt. 24:21). That time of international stress and tension would lead to a crisis at the close of this civilization. Said Jesus, "Unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved" (verse 22). While pessimistic about man's ability to find lasting harmony, Jesus did say that peace would ultimately come to this earth. "Those days" of world turbulence "will be shortened," said Jesus. How could Jesus be so positive about such a distant future? Because he was more than a human being. In our day, the greatest message of hope for peace is Jesus' promise in the last chapter of the last book of the Bible. "Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me....Surely I am coming quickly" (Rev. 22:12, 20).
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Which Way Europe?
Mr. Gorbachev has certainly inspired a hope for a better world, particularly among Europeans. But one fundamental question remains. "The idea of a 'common European home' finds understanding among prominent...public figures of...Europe." What happens to a Europe no longer under the shadow and influence of a United States and Soviet Union? After all, Mikhail Gorbachev's vision, turned into reality, must lead to an essentially new Europe. Can the Europeans remain at peace left to themselves? The record of history is not reassuring. Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) called them "nations of eternal war." Will this epithet apply to the future? Today's world is only a global village. No nation would escape if another European-centered war erupted. Enter Jesus of Nazareth. What would he say about Mr. Gorbachev's view of a better world? He would certainly agree that nations must beat their swords into plowshares, if humanity is to survive. He told an enthusiastic disciple who was ready to fight, "Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword" (Matt. 26:52, New King James Version). That applies to nations as well as individuals. In our age, if one advanced nation takes up the sword against another, all will be involved. The world is too small for any would-be isolationist strategy. Jesus would also heartily endorse the world's need for "a new way of thinking," as Mr. Gorbachev put it, if mankind is to enjoy lasting peace and prosperity.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
View From Europe
It is on Europe itself that Mr. Gorbachev has had his greatest impact. For example, some West German opinion polls show him to be a very popular political figure in German eyes. Said one political commentator: "Mikhail Gorbachev has com to symbolize the hope of Europeans, particularly Germans, for the end of the Cold War and the start of an era of true peace." Why this optimism on the part of some? Precisely because Mr. Gorbachev has had to move dramatically. He has in quick succession proposed, partly as a consequence of major economic problems, a number of cuts in manpower, missiles and military hardware in Europe. If he can continue to change Soviet foreign policy, something of a new world, and especially a mew Europe, is sure to emerge. Certainly, what he is saying can strike only a responsive chord among Europeans. Mikhail Gorbachev is bullish on Europe,but knows the Continent must get about the business of ensuring peace. "Europe is indeed a common home where geography and history have closely interwoven the destinies of dozens of countries and nations," he wrote in Perestroika. He stresses the need for European nations to work harmoniously "together, collectively" and follow "the sensible norms of coexistence." That's how, he says, "The Europeans can save their home." Mr. Gorbachev knows Europe has had problems maintaining peace on the Continent throughout history. He says, "If the world needs new relations, Europe needs them above all."
Two U.S. Presidents Influenced
Mr. Gorbachev's changes caused former U.S. President Ronald Reagan to change his thinking, particularly regarding the "Reagan Doctrine," which called for challenging Soviet revolutionary aims around the world. At first, Mr. Reagan called the Soviet Union an "evil empire" bent on conquest. After meeting with the Soviet leader at three summit talks, Mr. Reagan's administration generally became convinced that Mr. Gorbachev no longer believed in achieving communist world domination through force. Now, U.S. President George Bush has offered to alter long-standing American Cold War policies toward the U.S.S.R. Mr. Bush, too, has been influenced by "Gorbymania." He said, "Our doctrine need no longer be [the] containing of a military aggressive Soviet Union." That's a change foreign policy!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Cooperation a Must
Mr. Gorbachev speaks of a "future world community" that "will be different from the one we have today." To achieve this new tomorrow, says Mr. Gorbachev, "We will have to work together again to find ways of distributing wealth among all the countries of the world." He pinpoints exactly where change must begin - in the human psyche. Writes Mr. Gorbachev: "Revolutions always begin in the mind." He says we must be about the business of "liberating the mind from prejudices - political and social, national and racial - from arrogance, self-conceit and the cult of force and violence." He tells us we cannot politically put old wine into new wine-skins. "The world is no longer the same as it was, and its new problems cannot be tackled on the basis of thinking carried over from previous centuries," he wrote in Perestroika. Mixing space age and biblical metaphors, Mr. Gorbachev warns his readers, "We are all passengers aboard one ship, the Earth, and we must not allow it to be wrecked. There will be no second Noah's Ark."
A Call for Radical Change
As time went on, however, an uneasiness set in among Western policymakers. Mikhail Gorbachev was making some real changes. His control of Soviet state machinery continued and expanded. Mr. Gorbachev's pronouncements were electrifying the world, especially the Europeans. Analysts and policymakers in United States and Europe now didn't know what to make of him. Meanwhile, he continued making his mark in world politics with daring initiatives. Some were beginning to call our time "The Gorbachev Era." A July 27, 1987, Time magazine began: "We knew he was going to be different. We did not know he was going to be that different." Four and half years after coming on the scene, Mikhail Gorbachev, at least for the present, is a reality to be dealt with. He is calling for nothing less than the total restructuring of his own nation and for a change in the way all nations relate to each other. Mr. Gorbachev wrote in Toward a Better World: "The world must definitely change if civilization is to continue to exist." His call for change is revolutionary. "A most important task is to work out a new mode of political thought and probably a new international law," says Mr. Gorbachev. He has been calling for "a new way of thinking...characterized by respect for people and nations."
Gorbachev Goes to Moscow
On March 11, 1985, Mikhail Gorbachev become Genderal Secretary of the Central Committe of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. Mr. Gorbachev inherited a floundering Soviet Union. Observers called it a Third World country with a superpower military establishment. Communism under Mr. Gorbachev's predecessors had not achieved promised lofty economic and social goals. The Soviet Union's economy had stagnated while the nation was booged down in an expensive 40-year struggle with the United States. The Soviets also became involved in a civil war in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the Soviet Union was ruled by a crothety and unresponsive bureaucracy. In 1987, Mr. Gorbachev wrote two books, Toward a Better World and Perestroika: New Thinking for Our Country and the World. Both titles revealed he is after something truly revolutionary for his nation and the world at large. Mr. Gorbachev has been boldly explaining how he wants to restructure the Soviet Union's relations with the world, in particular with the United States and Europe. When he started making these pronouncements, they were sometimes discounted as only Soviet propaganda. Concessions, it was thought, would not be forth-coming. Later, some experts viewed them as the dreams of an idealist reformer. They were sure Mr. Gorbachev would be ousted by the conservative elements of the Soviet hierarchy.
Two Hopes For a Better World
Jesus and Gorbachev. Gorbachev says the world must be restructured. Jesus described the collapse of civilization, followed by a spiritually changed world. It may seem strange to mention Mikhail Gorbachev in the same breath as Jesus Christ. The Soviet president is a very this-worldly leader of an officially atheistic nation while Jesus said his kingdom or nation was not of this world (John 18:36). Yet, the two individuals - even though for different ends - could be said to have something important in common. In their time, both have addressed the dangers to a world threatened with destruction. Both have proposed far-reaching changes in the way humans run their affairs. They both, too, look to a future world - one from the communist point of view, the other from God's point of view. Both have declared society must be quite different from what it is today - if it is to survive.
Bible Issues in Perspective
They begin to see controversial biblical issues in perspective. They begin to see what seemed like rather quaint laws concerning land tenure, debt release, diet and social hygiene aren't so impractical. These laws could, given a chance, show us the way out of the terrible mess we have made of our civilization with its homeless, urban poor, dispossessed farmers, hideous diseases and ravaged environment. It would not mean going back to the Middle Ages either. God's laws, when properly understood, are compatible with genuine progress. That doesn't mean there are no questions. There are always very real problems God-fearing people must face. The Bible shows that adjustments can be made in applying the revealed laws of God to new circumstances. Jesus himself showed a certain flexibility. But he always acted within the spirit and intent of the law. See, for example, Mark 2:23-28. There is a vast difference between that and deciding for ourselves what is convenient. There will inevitably be times when God-fearing persons face situations where compromise is not possible. They must choose to obey God rathe than man, and take the consequences. These are the experiences that build faith. Faith established this way is not simplistic. Neither is it naive, anti-intellectual, or any of the other put-downs. A faith built on living "by every word that comes out of the mouth of God" is a profoundly maturing and seasoning experience. There are no shortcuts, no lowering of standards, no concessions to what "seems reasonable." But the person who has chosen that road will find understanding. It is not the Bible that needs reformatting. It is us.
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