The King's Speech


King Charles III speech to Congress was eloquent and balanced with humor.  It was delivered in gracious manner using the distinct linguistic tools attached to diplomacy.  And yet - a need to examine a few of his thoughts.  History counts.  And history stands as witness.  Let me balance the scale of the remarks a bit.

https://www.nbcnewyork.com/new-york-city/king-charles-speech-congress-transcript/6496010/

The script writer flunked anatomy and physiology.   Bipedal man has two shoulders.

"Standing here today, it is hard not to feel the weight of history on my shoulder...."

The Creator made us with two shoulders for more equal distribution of weight across our back.  smile

"They carried with them, and carried forward, the great inheritance of the British Enlightenment - as well as the ideals which had an even deeper history in English Common law and Magna Carta.  These roots run deep, and they are still vital.  Our Declaration of Rights of 1689 was not only the foundation of our constitutional monarchy, but also provided the source of so many principles reiterated, often verbatim, in the American Bills of Rights of 1791."  

Yes, we are thankful for our English heritage.  But the men who gave birth to our Republican child with their best thoughts, had also been broadly educated and balanced by the writings coming from some of the best French philosophers.  Both Thomas Jefferson and James Madison were well-acquainted with the philosophical treatise of Voltaire (of course!) and the writings Diderot and the oration and writings of Mirabeau.  The English cannot take full credit for what God hath wrought.  wink

Regarding the Declaration of Rights of 1689,  we expanded and invested with greater liberty our own Bill of Rights.  The one thing that stands out is the English did not give unrestricted individual right to bear arms.  Far from it.  And the document was written to adjudicate grievances within a specific era and little wiggle room was left for a later revelation by God - or what I call imagination which receives the breath of God.  

English Common Law is also vastly more restrictive of freedom of expression and we are seeing a tremendous abuse of power in the United Kingdom regarding this issue - especially with regard to concerns regarding the encroachment of Islamic primitivism in the public square. We came out of the womb squalling, and healthy societies allow the squall to continue. It produces societal homeostasis.

But what I really wish to address, are these thoughts:

"And, Mr. Speaker, for many here - and for myself - the Christian faith is a firm anchor and daily inspiration that guides us not only personally, but together as members of our community.  Having devoted a large part of my life to interfaith relationships and greater understanding, it is that faith in the triumph of light over darkness which I have found confirmed countless times.  Through it I am inspired by the profound respect that develops as people of different faiths grow in their understanding of each other.  It is why it is my hope - my prayer - that, in these turbulent times, working together and with our international partners, we can stem the beating of plowshares into swords.  I am mindful that we are still in the season of Easter, the season that most strengthens my hope.  It is why I believe, with all of my heart, that the essence of our two nations is a generosity of spirit and a duty to foster compassion, to promote peace, to deepen mutual understanding and to value all people, of all faiths, and of none." 

Whilst certain members of our Congressional Body behaved as if they were about to burst into song with Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" - I took a much dimmer view of King Charles' tailor-made remarks. 

King Charles III has never been the "Defender of the Faith" rather the "Equalizer of all Faiths".   And in a subtle manner declaring non-Christian religio-political constructs like Islam (which is really a form of government which uses religion for coercive control) as equal to the tenets of Jesus Christ, he shows a lack of judgment addressing a social pathology which harms England.   I have also been involved in "interfaith" activities with the Muslim community, whether it be interfaith dinners, or mosque activities seeking to attract converts, or attending Muslim events.  And while I show respect to the Muslims in our community there is never deference to their beliefs which allows for a subjugation of my own belief.  There is respect for my Muslim friends. But there is no profound respect for a form of governance which I have found deficient regarding human liberty and free moral agency.  Allah only created slaves. The God of Christians - declared us to be free.

And as far as "plowshares into swords" the quote from the book of Joel, is a nation's call to war.  Isaiah 2:4 and Micah 4:3 are more appropriate verses, because they speak of how God alone will decide these disputes.  And then and only then, will there be peace.

I encourage interfaith dialogue and an understanding of other faiths. But not at the expense of Christianity.  And certainly - there is no comparison to be made between Christianity and Islam.  The God of the Christian is not the God of the Muslim.  There is no such thing as "Chrislam". It is blasphemous.  And while none should suffer persecution for their faith, once Islam strengthens within a hosting Western nation, active oppression and persecution is engaged against the Christian community.

Small vignette:  My church experienced this first hand when a local mosque joined a long-standing community effort by a dozen churches to provide yard care for the elderly and widows in our city.  Church members would gather and join in prayer before starting their work.  The imam approached the leadership and demanded we not pray "in Jesus name".  He caused a lot of problems.  Really - he did.

So while some of our Congressman were sufficiently gleeful - I just didn't have a buy-in to the philosophical shim-sham regarding faith.  As we say in Texas, "God bless 'em"; which means, "They ain't got no common sense."  

https://myislam.org/surah-zumar/ayat-4/

https://religionunplugged.com/news/king-charles-easter-silence-raises-questions-on-faith-and-leadership

Overall a fairly decent speech.  These are just my evening thoughts. Which means I have just presented you with opinion.  smile

Tammy





 

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