As near as I can tell, AoM is written from a secular perspective with vaguely Christian principles behind it. So, we should take the advice there with a (sometimes large) grain of salt.
In particular, this post seems to be fixated on a man building a kingdom of this world, as it were. As Christians we are called to store up treasures in heaven, not on earth.
"A man is defined by his actions" - not quite, a man is defined by his faith in God and relationship to Christ. Our actions are the result of the relationship, the result of our definition, as it were. Our actions are a measurement of the quality of our "definition" (i.e. relationship to Christ). Do not mistake them for the definition itself. And don't forget that "action" does not necessarily mean physical action. It also encompasses "spiritual action," and by that I mean prayer.
"Honor is the greatest reward" - weren't the Pharisees harshly criticized for seeking honor? Honor is not the greatest reward. Receiving a portion of the Heavenly Kingdom is the greatest reward. Honor puffs up pride, and "pride goes before a fall; a haughty spirit before destruction." Christ commands us to be humble, not honored. (note: honor may come about incidentally from our work for Christ. This is unavoidable of course, but it should not be taken to be the goal.) Meekness is mentioned no where in this. We must remember the words of Christ that "the meek shall inherit the earth." We are not called to do something "worthy of remembrance." We are called to love God and our neighbor.
"A man’s resolve means more than the outcome" - this is foolish. If a man chooses poorly, is it better for him to stick to it than retreat in "dishonor"? It is better to accept correction in error than to persist in error. What does it matter if you are "dishonored"? We are told by Christ, "Blessed are you when men shall revile you, and persecute you for my sake."
"The greatest of all virtues is courage" - No. The greatest of all virtues is love. Love breeds courage in adversity. Love for God strengthens one to persist in righteousness, to develop "courage" as they define it. Love begets courage, not the other way around.
Well, that's the last time I post something without a disclaimer.
I agree with every criticism that Jimmy leveled at the article. The main reason I posted it was this quote:
"Although it has been given hundreds of different meanings, from ‘physical strength’ to simple ‘bravery,’ the virtue of courage is taken to mean something very specific in the poem – the will to do the right thing even in the face of total defeat."
"God gave me the serenity to accept the things that I can't change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference between the two."
"I am too positive to be doubtful. Too optimistic to be fearful. And too determined to be defeated."
"You never know how strong you are...until being strong is the only choice you have."
"Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny."
As near as I can tell, AoM is written from a secular perspective with vaguely Christian principles behind it. So, we should take the advice there with a (sometimes large) grain of salt.
ReplyDeleteIn particular, this post seems to be fixated on a man building a kingdom of this world, as it were. As Christians we are called to store up treasures in heaven, not on earth.
"A man is defined by his actions" - not quite, a man is defined by his faith in God and relationship to Christ. Our actions are the result of the relationship, the result of our definition, as it were. Our actions are a measurement of the quality of our "definition" (i.e. relationship to Christ). Do not mistake them for the definition itself. And don't forget that "action" does not necessarily mean physical action. It also encompasses "spiritual action," and by that I mean prayer.
"Honor is the greatest reward" - weren't the Pharisees harshly criticized for seeking honor? Honor is not the greatest reward. Receiving a portion of the Heavenly Kingdom is the greatest reward. Honor puffs up pride, and "pride goes before a fall; a haughty spirit before destruction." Christ commands us to be humble, not honored. (note: honor may come about incidentally from our work for Christ. This is unavoidable of course, but it should not be taken to be the goal.) Meekness is mentioned no where in this. We must remember the words of Christ that "the meek shall inherit the earth." We are not called to do something "worthy of remembrance." We are called to love God and our neighbor.
"A man’s resolve means more than the outcome" - this is foolish. If a man chooses poorly, is it better for him to stick to it than retreat in "dishonor"? It is better to accept correction in error than to persist in error. What does it matter if you are "dishonored"? We are told by Christ, "Blessed are you when men shall revile you, and persecute you for my sake."
"The greatest of all virtues is courage" - No. The greatest of all virtues is love. Love breeds courage in adversity. Love for God strengthens one to persist in righteousness, to develop "courage" as they define it. Love begets courage, not the other way around.
Well, that's the last time I post something without a disclaimer.
ReplyDeleteI agree with every criticism that Jimmy leveled at the article. The main reason I posted it was this quote:
"Although it has been given hundreds of different meanings, from ‘physical strength’ to simple ‘bravery,’ the virtue of courage is taken to mean something very specific in the poem – the will to do the right thing even in the face of total defeat."
Ok, now go tear that apart.
As an aside: in Russian, "courage" and "manliness" are actually the same word.
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