Peace on Earth If I Say So

You can get almost anything at Amazon.

But peace on Earth is out of stock everywhere online.

Even if it was available for download I don’t think peace would sell.

We don’t see much demand for it throughout history.

It shows up a lot as the reason for violence.

Remember “the war to end all wars”…

…that was a nice thought, wasn’t it?

World Peace is jokingly included on Christmas wish lists.

  • New Bike
  • XBox
  • World Peace (ha ha)

Notice it’s never at the TOP of the list.

Peace on Earth isn’t something we can obtain anyway.

It’s something we have to create.

It isn’t roaming the hills waiting to be captured.

It doesn’t exist until we decide to build it.

Actually, ‘we’ can’t produce peace as a group.

Because ‘peace on Earth’ is a solo project.

It can only happen when I allow it.

Peace is impossible when my selfishness is a higher priority.

When I’m mainly concerned with myself, peace on Earth will remain a wish.

All I need to do to disrupt peace is…

…dictate to the rest of you how to achieve it.

“If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. – Romans 12:18″

This post is included in my devotional series, “Daily Deuce”

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87 Responses

  2. For other examples of times Ark has asked me how I would answer my children, readers can peruse this conversation:

    https://branyancomedy.wordpress.com/2016/09/29/christians-please-quit-your-faith/comment-page-1/#comment-5624

    As a Christmas present to myself, I’m not going to interact with him any further this weekend. However, my dad and I have decided to put my daughter, Cami, on the podcasts more often in the future, so we can ask her questions.

    Reply

      1. We should include a picture of her when she’s thinking too. Her tongue sticks out and she looks very contemplative and earnest.

        Reply

  3. Jesus’ name was still “Logic” when he helped create the world.

    ,

    This is a little obscure even for me.
    Are you talking about the character in the New Testament?

    Reply

  4. This is what happens when Ark shows up. A long, off-topic inquisition about education…. as if he is qualified to approve/reject the curriculum being used anywhere.

    At no point, here or on my own post, did I suggest I was qualified to speak on evolution or education.
    Neither did I pepper any comments with pejoratives.

    I merely postulated the question: what would a school curriculum look like if based on the principles of Creation.
    You do not beleive in evolution and have had enough to say against it, so I popped over to see it you would be prepared to offer your take on a curriculum based on Creation.

    Reply

    1. Theism isn’t a curriculum. It’s an entire philosophical perspective. Most “Creationists” don’t care if you include evolution in the narrative. They simply deny that the whole process is mindless. (Because it sure LOOKS like nature has a goal and a purpose! Weird.)

      That’s why I have no problem with kids being taught about evolution. I’m simply against telling them, “It happened by pure chance, for no reason.”

      Reply

          1. Please, Amanda,I have no inclination to trawl that thread, as it primarily involved morality.

            So, discounting the origin of life, (Pre-Big Bang if you prefer) which, as far as your position goes, is currently not on the table, would it be correct to say you accept evolution as fact?

          2. Because of the way humans have evolved morality–I cannot accept MINDLESS evolution as fact. But–yes–God built evolution into nature. Things change and adapt.

          3. As we are not discussing the origins of life ( the universe, pre- big bang etc) I have, therefore, no idea what mindless evolution is.

            So, leaving the philosophical aside for the time being, we can therefore conclude that you accept evolution as fact, yes?

          4. No scientist would have any idea what that question means. “Accept evolution as fact?” Uh…yes, I accept that some things evolve. But “Evolution” isn’t the answer for EVERYTHING. So…this is the last time I’m answering that question:

            Yes–things change. Things evolve. That’s a fact.

            And I have no problem saying to students, “Some people believe that cells and creatures change with no goals/purpose.”

          5. So it would be fair to say that you beleive as the Catholics do.
            That Yahweh is responsible for evolution.
            Would you mind if I copied and pasted our dialogue?

          7. Is that a yes?
            Notice I am not ranting or firing off pejoratives.
            I really did want to see what a Christian curriculum or any Creation believer’s take would look like and it is dissapointing that neither you or your old man were willing to offer an outline at least on my post.
            Yeah, I know you would come under a helluva load of stick but so what?

          8. You’re a fundamentalist, asking two non-fundamentalists to “outline” a “curriculum” for you. As usual, it’s a loaded and almost-incoherent challenge. I don’t draw up curriculum. Most of my teaching is done by asking questions–not making absolute, positive claims.

            So, sorry to disappoint. But I just don’t think in black-and-white terms enough to play your game.

          9. In this context – religion – I am not a fundamentalist, and have no belief in deities.
            If you are afraid that this is loaded and incoherent then I suggest you do not have a good enough grasp or understanding of your own position.

            And if you do, then this is why I asked for you to outline what you beleive a science curriculum based on a creation belief would look like.
            If you are saying no different to what it looks like now except the belief that
            you would state as fact that your god was responsible then surely this is a philosophical position?

          10. I don’t do “curriculum.”
            I ask questions.

            Too many years of strict “curriculum” has turned the human race into a bunch of black-and-white thinkers. Philosophy is the backbone of EVERYTHING. So I have a problem with the way you keep trying to strip it out of conversations.

            Meanwhile, I guess you could say I’ve been putting you through my so-called “curriculum” since you first started commenting here, Ark! Interesting, huh? But there is no outline. Education is an organic process. It’s about conversation–back and forth. And, if the student wants to take God out of the equation, I encourage them to do so.

            You remember when we tried that, right, Ark? I actually told you to CHOOSE GODLESSNESS: https://branyancomedy.wordpress.com/2016/10/29/nothing-new-here/comment-page-1/#comment-8038

          11. So when the subject of geology comes up, for example, what will you pass on to your own children: the belief that the earth is approximately 6000 years old based on scriptural interpretation, or the current belief that it is several billion years old as postulated by the relevant scientists?

          13. As far as I am aware there are only two schools of thought regarding the age; The one that states it is around 6000-10,000 years old and the one that states it is a few billion.
            I have never heard of any others beside these.
            Interesting.
            What are the others?

          14. I didn’t say there were others. I said I’m not going to pick one and force them to believe it. I said I won’t tell my kids which scientists they’re allowed to consult on the matter.

          15. It is my understanding that only Christian fundamentalists(YEC) currently believe the world is between 6000 and 10,000 years old.
            That would imply that the entire scientific body that is NOT YEC accepts the earth is several billion years old.

            If your children decided to embrace Young Earth Creationism would you agree with their understanding of the age of the earth?

          16. (*rolls eyes*)
            I’d ask them questions. “Why do you believe the earth is young?” “Who do you trust as a source?” “Is it possible for the earth to be BOTH old and young, depending on the perspective?”

            etc. etc.

            And then I’d conclude exactly as I did when Wally told me he leans “young earth” and I told him I lean “old”: Ultimately, I don’t care.

          18. Because I want them to learn how to think for themselves. I don’t care what they ultimately decide about how old they think the earth is–as long as they can support those opinions.

          19. And do you beleive they could support with verifiable evidence the belief that the earth is between 6000 and 10, 000 years old?

          20. The oldest is five. So, not yet. But someday? Maybe. We’ll have to see how those conversations play out organically. Right now I’m busy asking her to support a belief in Santa that she picked up somewhere.
            I ask questions.

            And I’m done answering yours today. 🙂

          23. If you don’t care and seem to be of the position that the truth will reveal itself come what may, would you be okay with strict Islamic beliefs based on the Koran being taught as truth at your kids schools as part of the curriculum?

          24. Oops! Another question!

            But it’s one I don’t remember answering for you before, so I’ll bite:

            I don’t like Islamic Fundamentalists any more than I like Humanistic ones. If you’re telling my kids “THIS IS HOW IT IS! JUST BELIEVE IT!” then I’m going to have a problem with you. But, I plan to teach my kids what the Koran teaches, and then ask questions about which parts may be true and which may be false (and WHY).

            And, as I’ve told you before, any Theist would be a better conversationalist than you. ANY Theist–even a Muslim or a Wiccan or some naked tribal guy who worships the sun disc. I have no problem discussing back-and-forth with those people. That’s what education is. Not telling someone “This is the only truth” but teaching them to find truth for themselves.

          25. I generally have no gripe with deism as it has no doctrine, merely states there is a creator of some description at the back of it all … somewhere.
            It cannot be proved and I cannot disprove it. End of story.

            Theism on the other hand, and in your case Christianity, specifies exactly what this and who this deity is and then tries to justify this assertion based on the bible.
            (And if one rejects the bible then there is no real basis for Christianity)

            If you are pursuing honesty and truth and encourage these traits in your kids – and I am sure you do – then what is/will be your response when they ask you:
            ”Who was Jesus, Mummy, and why do some kids/people (Christians) at church/school say I am a sinner and need Jesus to save me?”

          27. So, in fact, you are really really not interested in honesty and truth but rather deducing from your theology that Jesus is ”the man”.
            I mean,if we are being honest, right?

          30. Yeah, I don’t understand your comment. Sounded like you were about to tell me what I REALLY believe. Maybe on the verge of switching to ad hominem? (I hope!)

          31. Not at all. I was initially impressed by your intent to allow your kids to be exposed to all sorts of theories, and encourage them to apply Critical Thinking when you ask questions.
            As you seem to not want to fully engage regarding a curriculum to replace evolution I am curious as to how you will/do deal with a perfectly innocuous question regarding Jesus.
            Surely they are going to raise such an issue at some stage?
            I am genuinely curious how you are going to deal with this?

          33. “Yes, I believe Jesus was the Creator, but I would be open to having my mind changed by another Theist or Pantheist…”

            So how would you explain to your kids, assuming you consider Jesus responsible for Creation and there was a Creation based school curriculum program?

          34. Would you like to move in with us?

            Or, you can listen to the latest episode of the podcast, to hear my dad and I discussing Santa with my oldest child.

            Conversations.

            Asking questions.

          35. No thanks. Down here the weather is hitting the thirties and Santa will soon arrive in shorts and T-shirt.
            We leave out sunscreen and a cold beer. He loves!

            So, as I know you are not comparing Santa with Jesus how do you/will you deal with the question regarding Jesus and Creation.

          36. I totally AM comparing Jesus with Santa…

            I handle her questions about those things exactly the same way–by asking more questions and requiring her to think.

          37. I take it your comparison is not about the likelihood of them being make beleive characters?

            How do you handle the question regarding Jesus hearing/answering prayers?
            Assuming your kids are encouraged to pray of course?

            Have you told them Jesus made the world and all the people and all the animals?

          38. Yes– I encourage them to treat Jesus and Santa with the SAME skepticism. Ask questions. Go where the truth leads.
            Don’t let Atheists tell you which sources you’re allowed to use and which ones you’re not. Question everything.

          39. Excellent! And how is it going so far?
            Have you told them Jesus made all the animals and people on the earth yet?

            Do you do the prayer thing with them yet?

          40. Jesus’ name was still “Logic” when he helped create the world. My kids aren’t quite ready for that yet…

            I look forward to the day when they can ask good questions, though!

          41. But you don’t need to ask my permission to re-print our conversations. I don’t care what you talk about over at your house. All of this is public, so you can copy and paste all you want. You can even do as KIA does and not link back.

  5. This is what happens when Ark shows up. A long, off-topic inquisition about education…. as if he is qualified to approve/reject the curriculums being used anywhere.

    All education starts with the teacher’s philosophy, which is something Ark says he “doesn’t do.”

    He can’t answer the question “What is truth?” so how can he recognize when someone is or is not teaching it?

    Reply

      1. I feel like I should offer a warning to Arkenwald that you could be more snippy than usual. I’m guessing you didn’t get much sleep while flying last night.

        Reply

  6. . Oh, and I know it isn’t the subject of this post. But you do not have an ”open post” or a notice board where one can comment so this being the most recent post …

    You probably do know more about evolution than me, so come and state your case. Seriously, I am very interested in how your view would challenge the current curriculum.

    Reply

    1. Evolution is a geopolitical fiction.
      There is not one shred of evidence that it happened. A scruffy, faux scientist named Charles Darwin dreamed the whole thing up.
      It should be taught as lore, not science.

      Reply

          8. I indoctrinated her with superstition.
            Take God out of the picture and kids will find truth all by themselves.

    1. Evolution is not the subject of this post.

      I don’t need to “pop over” because I understand evolution better than you do. It doesn’t explain the origin of life. It doesn’t explain low entropy after the big bang. It doesn’t explain the diversity of life.

      If that’s “ragging” on you about evolution, then I’m guilty.

      Reply

      1. No one ever said it did explain the origin of life… ( in the way i feel sure you understand it) and, certainly not me.

        I am only interested in how someone like you, who believes in Creation, would set out a curriculum for learners from kindergarten through to university.
        I presume you have some ideas, yes?

        Reply

  8. John,

    What is really cool about Romans 12:18 (well… cool if you are a Bible nerd like me), is that where it says “live peaceably”, that is one word in the Greek. It is a verb, present participle active (meaning an ongoing -ing verb), nominative masculine plural.

    So in non-geek (or Greek) speak, the word means “keep on being at peace” or “keep on peace-being”, which is more readably translated as “live peaceably”.

    And the root word for that, eiréneuó, means to bring peace or be at peace.

    So you, John Branyan, have perfectly hit the mark when you speak of peace on Earth being a solo project.

    As believers, we are to be continuously bringing peace wherever we go, as we serve the Prince of Peace.

    Great blog, as always.

    Merry Christmas, all you peace-bringers out there in Sojourn land.

    Dave

    Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)

    For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
    and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

    P.S. – Ever showed up to work on a day off? I did this morning… got up at 4am, got to work and clocked in at 5:30 am… was about to start getting the restaurant ready to open, when my boss informed me I was not scheduled today. I gladly headed back home for a surprise day of rest. Praise God!

    Reply

  9. Anything with Sandra Bullock automatically becomes a classic.
    And thank you! I didn’t know that the timeline jumped from “easily within 200” to just 25. Have scientists investigated the creation of Sea Centaurs that much since September? That’s exciting news!
    But, I do have one concern: Which of the following would the purchase of Sea Centaurs be classified under?
    A: Pet ownership
    B: Adoption
    C: Human trafficking
    If it is C, count me out.

    Reply

    2. Adoption most definitely because they won’t be wearing pants. But if they evolve to wear pants – then it becomes trafficking. It’s a fine line. Technically – this means John Zande (the superstitious naked ape) can also be adopted.

      Yes – 25 years is now deemed correct by most normal scientists.

      In the last thread – Doug said “Yes, evolution is unequivocal about this: it happens throughout the animal kingdom.”

      Doug was either confirming that gays are unfit for survival because they can’t produce the next generation without the opposite sex OR that gay animals are already producing the next generation without the opposite sex “throughout the animal kingdom.”

      I took it to mean the latter – which is obviously good news for the sea centaur.

      I’m naming mine Doug the Sea Centaur. However – the name is purely coincidental and has nothing to do with Doug.

      ~

      Reply

      1. So I did some research- well on Wikipedia. I must admit that although the name “Sea Centaur” was my idea- it was because of my ignorance of Greek mythology. Apparently, according to the mythology there were Ichthyocentaurs. The most popular were the twins Aphros and Bythos. Of course- they weren’t a combination of a sea-horse and a human, but maybe out of respect towards the Greeks- those could be the first two names given. Just a thought.

        However, I would love to hear what Tim Hawkins’ name for a Sea Centaur would be on Poddy Break if the topic ever arises. “Insert name” the Sea Centaur would be a great caller on their non-existent phone line.

        Anyway, after this knowledge of the Greeks, will you still purchase a sea centaur in my name?

        Reply

      2. We know these are different from one another because the Ichthyocentaurs were – and the Sea Centaurs (version 2.0) will be. Plus version 2.0 is man from the waste up – and sea horse from the waste down. Additionally – version 2.0 is the offspring of male seahorses and human males.

        All of that being said – input from Tim Hawkins would certainly be appreciated.

        JB – perhaps a storybook about how evolution (in the form of Sea Centaurs version 2.0) will usher in world peace? Because science.

        ~

        Reply

        1. I’ll need some help from our secularist friends. I’m clueless about the scientific aspects of peace.

          Reply

      3. I would also like to know the scientific aspects of peace. Is peace even an advanced evolutionary trait? Or is war the ultimate test of survival?

        Reply

        1. I think CQW was trying to get confirmation that genocide is a good thing from an evolutionary standpoint. I don’t think our scientists made a hard statement though. They get sidetracked pretty easily.

          Reply

    1. Classic.

      Btw Matthew – when I purchase a Sea Centaur in 25 years – I’m getting an extra one for you (since you coined the name of the new breed).

      ~CQW

      Reply

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