I love that the Introduction section of this book by Richard Capriola begins with a Scripture
verse: Psalm 33:12 that says Blessed is
the nation whose God is the Lord. This appropriately sums up the premise of
this book, which is described as “a thought-provoking journey empowering
readers to decide if we are moving away from God’s perspective.”
Although our Founding
Fathers of this country strongly believed in being “one nation under God,” we
have become a nation that those Founders would scarcely recognize relative to
this principle.
As Christians, we typically
believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. 2 Timothy 4:1 tells us: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful
for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the
man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NIV). Studying
God’s Holy Word gives us a road map--guideposts on how He wants us to live. We
can’t choose some of God’s directives and eliminate others.
We know that this world is not
our home, but is a temporary residence where we are designed to open our hearts
and lives to Christ and serve the Lord to give glory to Him and to further His
kingdom. We are commissioned to spread His Word and help those who are in need.
A Nation Under Judgment points out how far our
country has strayed from the knowledge of or even any interest in carrying out
these goals. To many, they are a totally foreign concept--something of no
significance to the modern world. Reading this book reminded me how easy it is
for Christians to become complacent, apathetic and completely tolerant of
behavior that clearly opposes what God has ordained.
Capriola
suggests that God has judged straying nations in the past and certainly has the
power, authority and ability to repeat this practice. Does anyone care? Does
anyone fear a national punishment from God?
This captivating book walks
us through various topics such as hunger, homelessness, marriage, child abuse and
several other categories. It provides God’s point of view as stated in the
Bible and presents facts, statistics and narrative on where our country
currently stands on these issues.
For me, it was an eye opener
that shines a revealing spotlight on how greatly we have compromised many
Christian beliefs and values. It is as though these standards never actually
weighed in as important or significant. The general attitude today is, “It’s
all about me and whatever makes me happy. There are no rules. God’s guidelines
were for the olden days--the Biblical times and aren’t relevant today.” This is
how people justify ignoring God’s guidelines for behavior.
Does God love everyone?
Yes. Has He had a change of heart about how we are to behave? No. One either
believes that God is the same yesterday, today and forever or they choose not
to believe or allow the principles of the Bible to have an impact on their
lives.
Richard Capriola raises the
very important question of wondering how long God will stand by as our moral
standards crumble to unprecedented levels. He quotes Thomas Jefferson as
stating, “I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, and His justice
will not sleep forever.” Can you imagine what Thomas Jefferson might say today?
Learn more about A Nation
Under Judgment at http://www.anationunderjudgment.com.
About the
Author
Richard Capriola, currently a Texas
resident, has been a hospital chaplain, led a church based outreach ministry
and served as a mental health counselor at both a regional crisis center and a
psychiatric hospital. He completed his undergraduate training at Western
Illinois University and holds two masters degrees from the University of
Illinois.
Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas season! Hoping you will take time to remember the true meaning...
See
you soon!
Mary
Anne Benedetto
Author of Eyelash, 7 Easy Steps to Memoir
Writing: Build a Priceless Legacy One Story at a Time!, Never Say
Perfect, From Italy with Love & Limoncello and Write Your
Pet's Life Story in 7 Easy Steps!
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