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A spiritual model to guide government
With increasing concern around the globe about what the world’s future will look like, many are beginning to wonder what the government’s appropriate role is in solving the challenges that face us. Polling in the United States suggests that a large majority have lost confidence in the ability of government to come up with creative solutions to pressing economic and social issues. Riots and protests worldwide tend to confirm a universal concern.
What’s behind this lack of confidence? Some would suggest it’s an inability to get beyond partisan approaches. More and more, partisanship finds its roots in differing ideologies, and these deep convictions may be what are behind apparent political intransigence and reluctance to compromise or work together. They are certainly a big contributor to the rancor that is often part of today’s political discourse.
One approach to resolution might be appealing for more civil discourse—a worthy endeavor indeed. But there may be something deeper here that needs addressing. When we lose confidence in something, it’s often because we’ve lost our vision of where we’re going. Today we are in an era of changing political and economic models—our paradigms are shifting almost in every quarter. Not knowing what will work, yet realizing that what has been done before might not work now, puts us adrift. This unsettling situation is what social forecaster John Naisbitt describes as “a time of parenthesis, the time between eras” (Megatrends: Ten New Directions Transforming Our Lives, p. 249).
Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.
November 14, 2011 issue
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Letters
Heidi K. Van Patten, Sonia Cousin, Frederick R. Andresen
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An answer of peace
Kim Shippey, Senior Writer
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Strong religious foundation— a protection against radicalism
Russell Razzaque
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Prayer—a game-changer in times of conflict
By Josh Niles
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My prayer in Pakistan
By Khorshed Langrana
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Safe in combat
By Herb Waeckerle
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Sky-high prayer
By William R. Battle III
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Expectancy and comfort
Lois Carlson
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A spiritual model to guide government
By Ron Ballard
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Spiritual alertness on a trip abroad
By Lauren Wienecke
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Three great challenges in the next decade
By Kim Shippey, Senior Editor
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To master the challenge
By Elaine Lang
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Healing services
By Patti Thorson Paul
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It began with one idea
Danielle Ekizian
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To defeat evil intentions
Shelly Richardson
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Identity grounded in Soul
By Madelon Maupin
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An angel message heals
Dorothy “Peg” Hichens
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Protected during wartime
Edward Miller
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Healing of painful, swollen foot
Maria da Graça Curado Ribeiro
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Keep expecting good
The Editors