Influential People

“Unsex Me Here”–Lady Macbeth

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This soliloquy of Lady Macbeth petitioning the demons to enter her breasts and take possession represents the unsexing of women as well as men, which I have seen in my lifetime.

It started with the unisex movement of the ’60s. Followed by the feminist movement of the ’70s which was a direct attack on the natural affections of a mother to care for the children of her womb. We watched “the fairer sex” degenerate into the blood-guiltiness of Lady Macbeth, who yearned for the spirits to strengthen her to spurn her husband to murder Macbeth’s kinsman, King Duncan

Alas, in fifty years we have debased ourselves from unisex to multiple genders, which is demonic beyond the imagination your normal person when I was coming of age in the ’50s.

This trend among women of the last half-century, if continued, will end in turning them into hags as represented by the trio of witches (weird sisters), who tempted Macbeth to murder in order to vainly satisfy his selfish ambition.

Shakespeare’s Macbeth the spiritual battle between good and evil and the natural against the unnatural. The battle has been raging since the fall of Lucifer; we Christians must arm ourselves for this spiritual warfare. Macduff, in the end, slays Macbeth with the sword and Lady Macbeth dies at her own hand.

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The Great Tradition

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As I have been meditating on Shakespeare’s Macbeth the last two days, I have been thinking of my father who was Chairman of the English Department at my Alma Mater. As chairman he annually chose to teach the Shakespeare course. I was too immature (rebellious) ito take the course from my father. I regret in my old age that I did not take advantage of so many opportunities my parents offered. How interesting would it be to sit down and discuss Macbeth with my father now! Alas, that will have to wait for Heaven.

My father spoke of Shakespeare and John Milton as being the greatest writers of English literature. I fear professors do not emphasize the classics as they once did. The English professor who gave my father’s eulogy said, “Doctor Smock represented the Great Tradition.”

Students do not have the Biblical background to understand or appreciate a Milton or Shakespeare. In high school I remember studying Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. However, if I remember correctly, we only read Mark Antony’s, “Friends, Romans, Countrymen,” speech. I remember as a boy that I enjoyed dramatically quoting these lines in front of a mirror over and over, which may have been a seed which later geminated into my life as a preacher.

Twenty or so years ago I revisited John Milton, especially Paradise Lost. I was able to discuss it with Dr. Eugene Etheridge, who was also an English professor and one of my early mentors. I have always been fascinated with the classical or ransom theory of the atonement, largely spurred by Milton. I am going to make it a goal to revisit Shakespeare, who possessed a genius understanding of human nature.

Reading Shakespearean English is like reading the KJV Bible for the first time. But it is well worth the effort.

My father, George Smock

 

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Hank Williams, Lost or Saved?

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Hank Williams died at only 29. He had a voice that sounded twice his age. Although he wrote one of the greatest gospel songs of all time, “I saw the Light,” I fear he spent most of his life in darkness. Although he faced the barren waste looking for cool clear water, he drank himself to death with whiskey. It is too bad he did not limit his drinking to the Water of Life about whom he wrote many songs. Maybe on a broken piece of the ship, he escaped to dry land of Beulah (Acts 17:44). Or perhaps he flew away to Heaven from the back seat of his Cadillac. For those like Hank, who contributed much to the gospel he did not live really live, we hope for the best.

Lost Highway

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TWO GAME CHANGING ELECTIONS

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At CPAC Trump compared the Election of 2016 to the Election of 1828. Andrew Jackson’s victory broke the line of presidents from Virginia and Massachusetts, and to many it represented the triumph of the common man. In this election, a new two-party system emerged, which historians speak of as the birth of modern politics. Some call the election of The Revolution of 1828. You have probably noticed that Trump has a portrait of Jackson hanging in the Oval Office.

 

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Victory or Death

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“Victory or Death,” concluded William Travis. Travis, Bowie and Crockett and the other defenders of the Alamo achieved victory through death. The battle cry “Remember the Alamo” secured Texas independence. I have visited the Alamo a number of times over the years. I am always deeply moved by the experience. Daily while in Texas, I asked the students, “Where is the spirit of Travis, Bowie and Crockett? What has happened to the American spirit?” I was answered with silence.

The socialists are more concerned with personal security and dependence than they are with patriotism and freedom. We used to say the socialists want security from the womb to the tomb. Sadly, the womb is one of the most insecure plays for a child to be today. I fear even in Texas, they have largely lost the spirit of the Alamo.

The President is coming to El Paso for a rally Monday night. Pray that this honorable man will revive the spirit of the Alamo. An unarmed invasion is threatening our country.

Travis wrote, “I will never surrender of retreat.”

President Trump repeated what he vowed in his Inaugural Address at the National Prayer Breakfast the other day, “I will never let you down; never!”

“Build that wall,” Mr. President.”

We have your back, fellow compatriot.

 

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Heroes Past and Present

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President Trump praised Travis, Bowie and Crockett, the defenders of the Alamo, at his rally in El Paso. Trump has a sense of the heroic, which is an important aspect of MAGA.

Unfortunately, our contemporary heroes have become creatures of make believe like the “superheroes” Superman, Batman and Spider-man, or rappers and rockers or movie starts portraying the heroic like John Wayne. Still other are sports heroes.

The last heroic president was Theodore Roosevelt, who led his Rough Riders up San Juan Hill in 1898.

The Captains of Industry such as Vanderbilt, Rockefeller, and Carnegie were heroic figures, who took risks in the business world and succeeded beyond men’s imagination. Unfortunately, their reputation has been distorted by those of the socialist mentality, which label them as robber barons, which in a sense adds to their mystic. Inventors were greatly admired in the 19th Century, Fulton, Whitney, and Bell come to mind.

I am a historian by training. One of my heroes in this field is the 19th Century historian of the Oregon Trail, Francis Parkman. I have in my library the complete works of Parkman, who is known for his multi-volume, “France and England in North America.” Parkman, who was virtually blind, lived on the frontier when doing his research.

One of the most heroic preachers in American history was Francis Asbury, the Prophet of the Long Road, who is the father of American Methodism. Our own Ruben Israel is one the most heroic preachers of our time, who constantly faces down danger. His exploits have become legendary. He is also a patriot.

My two main heroes of our time are Rush Limbaugh and Donald J. Trump. I especially admire these men for their communication skills. Rush is on the level of Benjamin Franklin as a great patriot. I have written enough about Donald Trump’s heroics. The one thing lacking in his status as a hero is a military record.

A man’s heroes tell me much about the man. One of Trump’s heroes is Andrew Jackson, Indian fighter and hero of the Battle of New Orleans.

For America to be great again it only requires a relatively few great men, who are dedicated to the cause. Forget the superheroes, sports figures, rappers, rockers and movie stars, although the movie stars can do much to revive truly heroic figures like John Wayne and Fess Parker did for Davy Crockett.

Who are your heroes of the past and the present? We know there are many heroes, who do not get the recognition they deserve and some who get more than they deserve. As for me, I love the stuff of legend whether it is always true about the men or not. Sometimes the legends tell us more about the man than the actual facts.

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Why do they hate Joel?

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In keeping with the teachings of Jesus and his apostles, Joel Osteen demands excellence and diligence and opposes mediocrity and slothfulness. Many believers wallow in the mire of mediocrity; instead of showing initiative, they oppose Joel’s teachings on the old fashion virtues of profit and industry.

Uninformed Christians accuse Joel of not preaching against sin. The fact is that Joel preaches against sins of the heart, which other ministers tend to ignore. Traditionally, sloth has been regarded as one of the seven deadly or cardinal sins. Few of Joel’s detractors have the energy and smarts that he has to build the Kingdom of God on earth.

Joel’s messages from Lakewood Church in Houston are broadcast world-wide 24/7 via TV and series radio. He has been a best-selling author of books written to encourage men to do great things for God and their fellows. Instead of appreciating his challenging teachings, they demean him by referring to him nor as preacher or pastor, but merely as a “motivational speaker.”

A number of my businessmen friends have told me over the years that they prefer not to hire Christians, because the Christian employee tends to have an entitlement mentality; he thinks that his employer ought to overlook his tardiness and laziness. They expect to be rewarded for their Jesus’ talk more than their productive work. Other Christians are content to be on the dole year after year.

What is behind all the unjust criticism of Joel Osteen? I suspect that Joel’s teachings, personal diligence and success convicts the slackers of their own shortcomings and sins with which they have learned to be content and which they are not interested in changing. The problem is not Joel but their envy of Joel and their lack of faith to do great exploits for God.

American Gospel

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Critics of the so-called prosperity gospel refer to it as the uniquely “American gospel,” both of which are pejorative labels.

 

The gospel proclaimed in America might well be different from the way it is taught in other parts of the world. This country was established by our Puritan fathers, who considered America to be the New Jerusalem, or the New Israel, the City on a Hill, that was to be the light of the world. In those days America was known as the New World. She was “Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean.”

Through the 19th Century the prevailing view of the American church was Manifest Destiny, that Christian Americans were destined by God to conquer the wilderness from sea to shining sea. The idea was that savage America would be replaced with a Christian Civilization.

We had left aristocratic Europe behind where there was not the opportunity of upward mobility. Americans believed that if one is industrious, takes initiative and is able to live a life of independence from governmental economic controls, anyone can prosper by “pulling himself up with his own bootstraps.” It was axiomatic that “the Lord helps those who help themselves.” This vision was known as the American Dream. Americans believed that it was a God given right to pursue happiness (property and success).

The Protestant work ethic teaches that it is God’s will that men should work hard, make a profit, save, and be productive and successful. The doctrine of American exceptionalism was widely believed and promoted by all political parties, except for the socialists and communists. It should be noted that America was and remains an exception compared to the nations of the world, so we should have an Exceptional Gospel.

“The New Israel, Manifest Destiny, Christian Civilization, the American Dream, American Exceptionalism and the Protestant Ethic are all tied in with the true gospel of Jesus Christ, which he called the Kingdom of God or Heaven, when and where the Church, God’s people, rule and reign with Christ.

Thankfully, we are not living under the tyranny of the Roman Empire or an Islamic State governed by Sharia Law or the despotism and atheism of the former Soviet Union. Americans are a free people.

Unfortunately, some Christians think that if we are really spiritual that we should be a persecuted minority and not wealthy and healthy. Consequently, churches are often weak and sickly. Many ministers have the audacity to even call the church a hospital for the wounded. No, the church is the Army of God! We are not just conquerors; we are more than conquerors over the world, the flesh and the devil, who would have us to be poor and sickly.

So, call me a promoter of the prosperity gospel or a teacher of the American Gospel if you like. I am not ashamed of this gospel and neither is Joel Osteen, nor was Jeremiah of old, who wanted the people to prosper even in Babylonian captivity 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

 

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Trump Cathedral

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I have a sure-fire plan for building a great church. We will name it Trump Church, no, better yet, call it Trump Cathedral. The motto will be “Make the Church Great Again (MCGA).”

I will be senior pastor of the Trump Cathedral. President Trump will always be welcome to deliver the Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving Day message. He has demonstrated that he can speak on these religious issues as well as if not better than most pastors.

This will not be without precedent. There is the Washington National Cathedral. In Lexington, VA. There is R.E. Lee Memorial Chapel (There was recent talk about changing the name; I don’t know whether it was done or not).

There are many Trump people, who would like to attend Trump Cathedral, who likely don’t go to church regularly, because the churches tend to have a negative view on the future. Too many churches have a loser instead of a winner mentality.

Trump Cathedral will represent the Second Triumph of Christianity accomplished by Constantine the Great at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in the issuance of the Edict of Milan in 313 A.D.

“The gates of Hell will not prevail against the Trump Cathedral. We build a beautiful stone church with no expense spared for the glory of God and his Son Jesus Christ. Trump cathedral will win, win, win souls.”

FOLLOW UP:

My satirical post a few days ago concerning establishing a Trump Church or Trump Cathedral received a lot of attention, mostly likes, but some friends accused me of blaspheme. Satire is humor, not simply for a laugh, but for the purpose of illustrating truth or making a point in an entertaining way.

Now some of you pastors, who work so hard to encourage folks to visit your church might try putting up a sign, maybe temporary, which reads the Church of Trump or maybe something less daring like advertising a sermon on, “The Faith of Trump.” I would even be glad to come and deliver the message. I am convinced that such a sign or advertising such a message would draw visitors. Give it a try pastor. As Trump told African Americans, “Vote for me, what do you have to lose?”

Friends have been accusing me of making an idol out of Trump. Not so, Trump is my hero. We all need heroes. Hebrews Chapter 11 is often called the “Hall of Faith” or the “Faith Hall of Fame.” In this renowned chapter, Paul celebrates an inspiring list of heroic figures from the Old Testament –remarkable men and women, whose stories stand out to encourage and challenge our faith. Some of these heroes are famous personalities, while others remain anonymous. Some of these champions were saintly, others were flawed.

In the early days of my ministry, I was invited to preach at a black church in Indianapolis. Jimmy Carter had recently been elected president. The pastor counseled me for an hour concerning the black community, especially the black church. I remember him saying, “The fact that Jimmy Carter is noted as Sunday School teacher and claims to be born-again helps me.” I learned a lot from the pastor in that hour.

Pastor, promoting Trump can help your church. I know some see Trump not as a man of faith but simply a man with extreme self-confidence. The skeptic and or envious perceive him as prideful and a braggart. I respect him as an example of heroic faith, which should motivate all of us to think big and build a great church which will impact the community and the world.

Volunteers?

 

Trump the Great

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Constantine the Great (272-337 A.D.) was responsible for two momentous transformations of history and civilization: moving the capital of the Empire from Rome to Constantinople (the City of Constantine) and making possible the conversion of the Roman Empire to Christianity.

Constantine is regarded as a saint by the Eastern Church, but is not so highly regarded in the West. All of us, East and West, should be thankful that Constantine, God’s Champion, delivered our Christian forefathers from three centuries of terrible persecutions by “executive order,” the Edict of Milan in 313.

The great church historian and Constantine biographer, Eusebius, once heard the Emperor say, when he was entertaining a company of bishops, “You are bishops whose jurisdiction is within the Church: I also am a bishop, ordained by God to overlook whatever is external to the Church.”

Eusebius added, “And truly his measures corresponded with his words; for he watched over his subjects with an episcopal care and exhorted them as far as in him lay to follow a godly life.”

To Eusebius Constantine was the “the blessed Emperor.”

Will “BishopTrump” one day be known as “Trump the Great?” Last year, Trump signed the “Presidential Executive Order Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty.” Since then he has moved the American Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Hopefully, he has made peace with North Korea, which will likely open up the country to evangelism.

So far these and other accomplishments are not as momentous as Constantine’s, but Trump is only 500 days into his likely eight years of governing. Bishop Constantine ruled the Empire for almost a quarter of a century.

Our blessed President!

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