Back to (Biblical) basics

"Well, you know what's wrong with the world today
People done gone and put their Bibles away
They're living by the law of the jungle not the law of the land..."

-- Charlie Daniels, "Simple Man"

I believe the loss of respect for Biblical authority and the loss of respect for the Constitution are related developments.  In both cases, those who seek to pursue their own agendas are likely to pose the Serpent's ancient question: "does it REALLY say that...?" 

Americans should know their Constitution.  Christians should know their Bible.  That neither group pursues the requisite literacy is both a cause and a symptom of the decay around us.

It's my intention to read through the Bible this year.  I've chosen a program that places Scripture in a chronological order (rather than canonical).  This post is both a means of holding myself accountable, and an invitation for any who wish to join me.  Each week when I update the "Saturday Sounds," I'll post the next week's readings in the sidebar.  Don't be surprised if some of them generate posts now and then.

As for the Constitution?  It's linked in the quote above, "law of the land."  Not only is the U.S. Constitution the oldest functioning government charter still in force, it's also the shortest (a testament to the desire to delegate few, specific, enumerated powers to the government).  I don't have a comparable "reading plan" to offer, other than to say the seven Articles have among them a total of 24 sections.  Read one a day, plus one day each for the Amendments, and you've finished the document in a couple months.  Sure, it can be read faster -- so can the Bible -- but give yourself time to ponder it.  And if a section makes you stop and think, feel free to use the link "What WERE they thinking" on the right sidebar to access the Federalist Papers and the thoughts behind the Founder's actions.

School's always open, for those wanting to study...