Foundational Issues
The beauty of the snowcapped peaks along the
continental divide in the Rocky Mountains is awe-inspiring. The
snowdrifts formed by the wind throughout the winter create beautiful
formations and smooth fields of deep snow whose untouched serenity
inspires and refreshes the heart. Despite the beauty, each year the
temperature eventually rises and the snow begins to melt. The snow that
was once so uniform at the mountain’s crest melts and runs off one side
of the slope or the other. The combination of the forces of gravity and
the contours of the land divide the resulting water that was initially
very close together. On one side, the water accumulates in various
tributaries and rivers eventually traveling to the Gulf of Mexico, while
on the other the water funnels into the Pacific Ocean.
Francis Schaeffer used a similar
picture of a watershed in the Alps to illustrate the importance of
foundational issues. Foundational issues are those that define the
“watersheds” for our lives and our cultures. It is often the case that
differences in opinion about foundations seem mundane and trivial to
most observers. However, the decision to be on one side or the other of
such issues is anything but insignificant. This is true, because
these choices logically force us to move in one direction or the other.
Moreover, it is not until the forces of time and logic drive us to see
where our opinions ultimately lead us that we understand the impact of
those decisions.
The situations we face in today’s
culture are sometimes very alarming. Many of us are deeply concerned as
we see our culture becoming more and more accepting of policies that
deny the sanctity of life, that limit the free exercise of religion,
that erode our right to privacy, and that continue to infringe on the
right to private property. However, becoming active in many of these
“causes” can feel like trying to stem the flow of the Mississippi river
and divert it to the Pacific Ocean. We may be able to transport some of
the water there bucket by bucket, but the general course of the river to
the Gulf of Mexico is relentless as it presses on in spite our efforts.
Until we begin to see clearly what
the essential issues are that determine where our culture is heading, we
will never really be able to stem the tide. The issues involved are much
deeper and more significant than we usually acknowledge.
Boundary Stone was formed to equip people with an understanding of
foundational principles that not only will allow them to make wise
choices for themselves, but will also allow them to protect and defend
the rights that all people should enjoy.
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An Inconvenient Truth or A Convenient Deception?
Al Gore’s recently released movie, An Inconvenient Truth,
warns us of an impending environmental disaster resulting from global
warming. According to the movie, the science proving the case is beyond
question. Supposedly, it is the truth. Unfortunately for Gore, the most
"Inconvenient Truth" is that his movie is conveniently filled with all
manner of misinformation, if not outright lies and deception, aimed at
painting a picture of doom and gloom. It is most likely that this
picture has been painted for the real purpose of consolidating political
power over our lives. The truth is that scientists are not in as much
agreement as Gore pretends.
Consider the following top five links to get a better picture of the
real story.
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Coming Soon:
Big additions to this website are coming later this
summer. If you are a high school or college student or if you know such a
student, you will want to return to see the tools we are adding
for the 2006-07 school year. We have known far too many students who
had difficulty finding high quality research for school projects. They
often have not
known where to turn or whom to trust. We want to give you the tools you will need to
help you evaluate the quality of research sources.
To find out more, click on the "True Scholarship" button in the left
column, and stay tuned!!! |
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Excellent Resource!
Understanding the
Modern Culture Wars:
The Essentials of
Western Civilization
by
Dr. Paul
A. Cleveland
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"Paul Cleveland has done a
wonderful job of charting the course of Western culture over the
millennia... This book on history is the way I have longed to see one
written... Understanding the Modern Culture Wars is an outstanding
book, and well worth reading."
Patch Blakey, Executive Director of the Association of
Classical & Christian Schools,
CLASSIS,
November, 2003, p. 4.
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"In Understanding the Modern Culture Wars Paul
Cleveland has offered a penetrating analysis of the key epochs of Western
Civilization. His deft handling of
difficult historical issues and his ability to make sense of the historical
landscape, make this book a pleasure to read.
He has synthesized where others have dichotomized.
I highly recommend it."
Larry A. Taunton,
Fixed Point Ministries and former
European History Teacher, Birmingham, AL |
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Send mail to
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Boundary Stone, LLC
P.O. Box 19515, Birmingham, AL 35219
205.305.5862
Last modified:
August 19, 2006
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