UNDERSTANDING UNDERSTANDING

                          Understanding Understanding

    No, I didn't stutter with that title, although it may seem like a drunk stumbling
over his own feet. We study to understand, but we sometimes fail to really
understand what we have studied. I urge you to study scripture, but I also
urge you to study the background material relating to your study. We need
to know factors dealing with culture, language terms and other people
connected with the subject.
    I'm going to describe how two seemingly similar sets of scripture may appear to
tell us the same story, but are quite different. You don't know about the difference
until you study the explanation derived by Christian bible scholars. Before I begin,
I want to tell you about God's sense of humor and how virtually nothing about
the minds of men have changed in hundreds of years.

     If you doubt God's sense of humor, read the book of Esther. It would make a
great movie. In elementary school I learned about Alexander the Great. Hundreds
of years ago he went about conquering countries until he began to worry there
wouldn't be any left to conquer. He had a similar mindset as did a predecessor,
Xerxes, who also wanted to cross the Bosporus. He put together a large army of mostly slaves, and
marched them to the east bank of the Bosporus. This is a narrow strip of water only
about 800 yards wide that separates Asia from Europe and joins the Black Sea to
the Mediterranean Sea. It has a dual current, differing on the top and underneath.
This means it can be very roilly and difficult to cross.

     When Xerxes wanted to send his troops across, the water was too rough, and
they couldn't go. Xerxes, like many political and/or religious leaders, was used to
having his way, and became infuriated. He gathered up chains and ordered the troops
to whip the water for not behaving. If you think times and education have changed
things, consider this event in 2012.
    Global warming may be controversial, but many scientists have concluded that the
ice caps are melting. We are also experiencing a wide-spread drought that may be worse
than the dust bowl years. Scientists have warned that the ocean level may rise
significantly, creating problems for shore lines and cities. One state's legislature has
passed a law setting a limit on the ocean's rise. The political and "Christian" leaders
have determined they will dictate the earth's conditions. This is similar to a "Christian"
friend that says man will invent a more perfect food than God's choice of milk.

    This is all to say our understanding isn't really understanding, and many of our political
and religious leaders are as clueless as Alexander was hundreds of years ago. How could
residents of a state not question their legislators? It's no wonder people don't understand
the bible. Now to our study of parables. We're going to be looking at background
information unlocking differences that aren't readily apparent. Remember, Christ told us
in Mark 4 and Luke 8 the purpose of parables. Matt. 13:11-13 (and Isaiah also explains
this) tells us, "Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of
heaven, but to them it has not been given. For, whoever has, to him more will be given,
and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken
away from him. Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see,
and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand."

    There are some clues in Christ's statement we need to seriously consider as we
study the two parables in question. "For, whoever has, to him more will be given, and
he will have abundance." Christ is not speaking about money, and abundance here is
not material things. Christ is speaking about knowledge of the Word of God and
understanding the spiritual realm. Why do so many "Christians" hear these words
and immediately think of money and worldly goods? Perhaps they are putting their
honest thoughts of commitment to money rather than accepting Christ, salvation and
the spiritual gifts?
    Let's complete Christ's explanation of the "mystery". "But whoever does not have, even
what he has will be taken away from him." You could jump to the conclusion that Christ is
speaking about money, but He is again referring to spiritual things--the gifts of the Holy
Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit. Christ is warning that if a believer doesn't use the gifts, they
will be taken away. We are warned not to hide our gifts under a basket (Matt. 5:13-16).
Matt. 6:24 tells us we cannot serve God and mammon. Our treasure is in heaven, not in
an earthly bank (Matt. 6:19-21).

    Now you may see that many who read scripture instead of studying it will not have
understanding. We can now turn to the study of two similar parables.  Matt. 25 tells the
Parable of the Talents, and Luke 19 gives us the Parable of the Minas. They are cross
referenced in many bibles, which can confuse us into thinking they cover the same
subject. This is another reason the parables remain a mystery to most. I have written
in a previous message that talents in the Math. 25 passage refer to fruits of the Spirit,
not money. I have been accused of putting a spin on scripture. To understand this
passage, we need to begin at verse 26. Keep in mind, Christ never taught anything
about cheating or stealing except it was WRONG.

    Here, folks, in Matt. 25:26, is the first clue to solve the mystery of this parable. I'm
spending extra ink on this clue, because nearly all Christians fail to notice this clue
and its importance. The usual "Christian" interpretation of this parable is that it shows
God wants you to make a profit (money). Dozens of "Christians" have argued this point
with me, deliberately refusing to recognize this clue and the others. Money making rules
the day. How can any Christian accept the statement that the Father or Son would
encourage anyone to steal to make a profit? Can you accept this? There it is, right in
holy scripture. Do you value money over the Ten Commandments?

    That's only the first and most glaring clue, so this isn't just an anti-money rant. We
go next to verse 30. If you are a Christian, you must believe that the Father and Son
are the only ones who can judge and banish anyone to outer darkness--Hell. How can
this wealthy man do something scripture tells us he can't do? Still, like the premise of
profit? Note also, throughout this parable the servants call this man by the title of Lord.

    There's a cute entrapping twist to this parable concerning TALENT. That is a measure
of money. It represented about 6,000 denarii. A denarius represented about one day's
wage for the average working man. The wealthy man declares in verse 27 that the servant
should have deposited his talents with the bankers to receive a profit from the money
investment. At this point, you may have "bought in" on the money subject.

    However, there's more. We know a talent can represent money, but we also should know
that a talent can be a spiritual gift bestowed upon us by God. If you study the New
Testament, you will know about these gifts, beginning with Acts 2:38, where the gift of
the Holy Spirit is given. But give yourself a treat and read Romans 12:4-8 and the other
references in several New Testament books.
    What about the twist? The gifts of the spirit are also called talents. This wealthy man
has no power to bestow spiritual gifts. By using the word to talk about money rather than
spiritual values, we miss this clue, and accept the idea the entire parable is about wise
use of money, ignoring the other clues, especially the one in verse 26 where the wealthy
man admits his wealth is at least partly from stealing. I have heard Christian after Christian,
and politician after politician use this parable to push greed. Do you now understand what
Christ meant about mysteries?

    We can move on to the second parable, the Parable of the Minas, Luke 19:11-27. This
parable seems to be a slightly different repeat of Matt., the Parable of Talents. This is an
entirely different setting, with a different major figure called a "nobleman" who distributes
money. A mina was worth about four months' wages. This nobleman was about to take a
journey to receive an appointment of governance over an area where the residents disliked
him.
    As anyone who has held an elective or appointed office should know, your ability to
govern depends on those people you select to carry out your decisions and achieve
success. The distribution of minas is made as a sort of test of support and trust. Unless
you are a Christian, the thing best used to judge trustworthiness is money. This parable
is indeed about money, but also about loyalty. If you didn't have loyal supporters, you
would probably not live long as a leader.

    From history of that period, we know that Christ's parable was based upon people we
can identify, and, like the previous parable, we can connect His historic comparison to
the misunderstood beliefs of the early Christians concerning the timing of His kingdom
and events that would eventually take place. This is an interesting story, but we will
continue this parable explanation and save that story for later.
     The nobleman travels to Rome to receive his commission from Caesar, counting on
his civil servants to keep control of his territory. How they handle his money will tell him
how loyal they are. We need to understand the word AUSTERE to know the character
of this nobleman, and what he expected from his servants.

    The word means strict, stern, cold, dispassionate, rigorous self denial, and generally
somebody not likely to be your best friend. Austere also represents conservatism in the
extreme. This is not a political comment, but you can perhaps understand the strong
feelings it generates and the likelihood of leadership upheaval. You will hear more of this
word, especially as European nations continue with financial decisions.
    This nobleman was so disliked, his detractors sent a delegation after him to Rome in
an effort to prevent his appointment. They didn't succeed, and he returned as the new
leader of the area. He then called his servants to him to report their success. It is
interesting to note the nobleman asks how each has gained by trading (Luke 19:15).

    The first servant reported his mina had gained 10 minas. He was not rewarded with
money, but with control of 10 cities. The second servant gained five minas, and he was
given control of five cities. The control of cities (political subdivisions) brought with it
money, but more importantly, the support of the people needed to prevent revolt.
    The glaring clue in the Parable of the Minas is in verse 26, the same verse number
as in Matt. 25. The nobleman admits (Luke 19:22) "Out of your own mouth I will judge
you, you wicked servant. You knew that I was an austere man, collecting what I did not
deposit and reaping what I did not sow."

    Did you again overlook this man broke the commandment about stealing, which he
did for financial gain? Are you accepting that Christ taught stealing was okay? Do you
realize this nobleman's character is such that he would oppress people and do anything
to be the leader? How can a person read over this verse (twice) and not understand?
    Now, in verse 27 we see how far this corrupt leader will go to maintain his type of
lifestyle. He takes the one mina from the servant, and orders those who opposed his
reign brought before him and has them slain in front of his eyes.

    Back up to verse 26, and consider this message carefully. It is misunderstood by
most Christians and means exactly the opposite of the traditional interpretation. The
traditional interpretation we usually quote is "it takes money to make money". The real
interpretation  is a warning for those who understand.
    "For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not
have, even what he has will be taken away from him." The lust for power and greed will
not stop until the nobleman and his supporters have everything. This process goes on
and on in history. In the Dark Ages, the barons were the noblemen, the politicians under
him bore titles and functions such as tax collectors and sheriffs, and everyone else was
a serf, or common man. The commoners actually existed and had virtually no quality of
life.

    As I mentioned previously, the underlying message Christ was delivering foretold how
and when His kingdom would be brought to earth. It wasn't about to happen as soon as
early Christians thought. Christians and non Christians alike would need to understand
things such as the need to be watching (Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins, Matt.
25:1-13). There are certain conditions that will dictate how we live leading up to the end
times, and these parables tell us what the conditions are,
    Unless you understand the mysteries, you won't have a clue as to the future. You may
dismiss the explanation of the parables, but if you do, you join those who Christ described
in Matt. 13:10-16. To understand, you must apply yourself to diligent study of scripture
and other information. Just reading the bible brings you under the prophecy of Isaiah--
be sure to understand these verses in Matt, 13:14 and 15.

    You may still doubt what I have written, but these two parables are important tests of
a Christian's true commitment. The Savior's Prayer is the only answer the Father, Son
and Holy Spirit can honor. You have a choice. Followers of Satan have no choice.

Rev. Walbear


PS--Find us on Faceook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Faith-Walk-Ministry/230373216976774
   

TRUTH & UNDERSTANDING

                                 TRUTH & UNDERSTANDING                 

    During the month of June, 2012, I experienced the second miracle in my life.
Because of it, I'm here to write more sermons and do some other things that
have been sent my way. I'm not going to tell you about the miracle in this
message because some of you are already snickering in disbelief. Rather,
I'll save that for later, and instead give you an opportunity to test yourself to
see what kind of Christian you are.

    I have been ordained by two denominations and, as customary, ordination
may include specific bible verses as both a guideline to our Lord's service, and
inspiration and incentive for our personal work. My directive is found in II Tim.
12:15, "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not
need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." I make no claim about
being perfect (Rom. 3:23) "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"
because Paul said it absolutely.

Now to the meat of truth and understanding. If you don't understand something,
you don't know the truth. It's that simple, but most people take the easy road and
are too mentally lazy to do any research. That's why it's so easy for an apostate
preacher to lead hordes of church goers down the path to Hell. Perhaps it's that
people are too trusting, and think God's messengers (preachers) are honest and
have only God's agenda. Mega churches that have Christians and Muslims
worshiping together are a good example. Muslims don't believe in salvation through
Christ's shed blood, so how can they worship together?

    I have always preached you must study the bible, not just read it. Sometimes you
need to conduct further research by consulting other references, including such
mundane items as a dictionary or encyclopaedia. By all means, consult histories
that reveal in detail the past. Virtually nobody I talk to ever opens any history book.
The history book actually predicts your future, folks. Why do you suppose our rules
and laws are based on history? You will never understand the truth--even about
scripture--unless you do research,

    First, let's look at salvation. I pray incessantly that people who believe they are
saved actually understand and know they are saved. The sinner's prayer is the
starting point. The problem is, does the person really make a commitment to Christ?
I'm not the judge of that, and neither are you for anybody else. We can form an
opinion by examining the actions of the saved person and seeing the Holy Spirit
at work in their life. Only Christ can and will judge each of us. I fear there are more
Christians not fully committed to Christ than real servants.

    I hear many Christians say they fully believe in God. That means virtually nothing
concerning Christianity. Do you understand that? Satan believes in God, too, and he
certainly isn't a Christian. Satan knows scripture--probably a lot better than you. Check
out Matt. Chapter four, and note how Satan quotes scripture to Christ. Satan has had
thousands of years to learn scripture, and he is still studying. No wonder so many
wannabe Christians are floundering and know little truth about anything. No wonder
so many politicians are making fools out of pretending Christians.

    Back to truth and understanding. I repeat--if you don't know details of any subject, you
don't know truth. When you speak out without knowing the truth, you are committing a
sin. If you haven't done the research, you don't know the truth. Satan will tempt you to
accept and promulgate an opinion by appealing to your carnal desire. He knows you
can easily be influenced by emotion and personal desires. He knows you will easily
be persuaded to follow a persuasive person so you can be "one of the insiders". Before
you blindly accept rules of any denomination or organization, you must, as a Christian,
research the rules and seek scriptural and historical definitions.

    Lets' look at a couple of simple examples. If you get angry at these examples and choose
to delete the remainder of this message, I will pray for you. You will need all the prayers you
can get, because your denial of understanding these examples places you in jeopardy.

    Number one: As a Christian, do you support slavery? Slavery was not abolished in the
United states until Dec. 6, 1865. This was the 13th amendment of the Constitution. Our
Constitution went into effect March 4, 1789. Yes, 1789, not 1776.  July 4,1776, was the
date of the Declaration of Independence. The Constitution was written in a convention of
delegates from 12 colonies from May through September, 1787. Washington was selected
as our first president on Feb. 4, 1789. The "Christians" who founded our nation in 1776
permitted slavery for over 100 years. How do you explain that? Quote me some scripture.

    Number two: Now we go to Aug. 18, 1919. The 19th amendment to the constitution
was passed. It provided that American women had the right to vote. It took nearly 150
years for this Christian founded nation to recognize that God created men and women
as partners. Women were no longer second class citizens. To be sure, many women were
indeed second class citizens in the Old Testament. But we're talking about the committed
followers of Christ, not any priest or other representative of God. Eph. 5:33, "Nevertheless
let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself,". Sticking to Christ's
teaching and the New Testament, quote me scripture on the "Christian" reasons to deny
women the right to vote.

    Number three: The First Congress--you know the people who contributed to the writing
of the Constitution--passed legislation creating a health law (tax, if you like the term), requiring
ship owners to provide health insurance for crews. Washington, our first president, signed the
legislation into law. A few years later, Congress passed another health insurance law, requiring
seamen health insurance. Another president signed it into law. You need to check some history
books to find this information. The Constitutional "experts" that are misinforming the people
know full well virtually nobody will check the accuracy of their claims about forced insurance
and the Constitution. This is another example of an industry pushing its own agenda. Without
the new law, more than 30 million Americans will have no health insurance. The politicians,
however, have their Cadillac health plan. Are all Americans created equal? These opponents
of the new health law should read the Declaration of Independence signed July 4, 1776, which
was the foundation of the Constitution. Among other things, it states, "that all men are created
equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these
are Life, Liberty,and the pursuit of happiness." Christ did not separate the poor, the sick, the
elderly, the widows, the cripples and orphans from the remainder of society. There is scripture
upon scripture where Christ included all the people, including the unsaved. Christ did not favor
the wealthy and political leaders. In fact, He preached against their greed and selfishness.

    Number four: In his closing statement in the Declaration of Independence, John Hancock
wrote, "we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our Sacred Honor." In
no place in the Declaration of Independence or our Constitution is there any type of separation
of people for any reason. Remember "united we stand, divided we fall"? Division by any
political party, spells disaster for our nation. Christ preached against the political parties of
His day because they were following the Jewish law as they desired to interpret it. The political
parties were also the religious parties. Quote me scripture where Christ preached favoritism
for a political-religious party. 

    Number five: We have always been a Christian nation? While the founding fathers were
mostly members of Christian denominations, it is idiotic to claim a majority of the early Americans
were Christian in name or salvation. They fought a Civil War partly because of slavery. They
cheated the real Americans--the Indians--and placed them on reservations. They took advantage
of poor immigrants (especially the Chinese). Many faiths other than Christian made up the
population of America. People of all colors and backgrounds fought to keep our nation free.
We have never been just a Christian nation. It has been the positive influence of many differing
peoples who settled here, bringing their skills in a search for true freedom that has established
and built America.

    I'm a Christian minister, and scripture does tell us God desires the whole world to be saved--
that's why He sent Christ to us. But God also gave mankind choices to make, including salvation
and the conduct of our lives. Many times man has attempted to force one particular religion upon
all people. If you know anything about history, you know every attempt has failed. Religion cannot 
be legislated. Tolerance can also be devastating. There has to be a happy medium. We need to
study Christ's teaching and world history. Unless we understand the truth, we will fail. If we all
march to the same drummer, we are clones. That is not God's desire. I pray you will diligently
study scripture AND our Constitution. Most of the talk I hear has little truth or understanding.

Rev. Walbear

Old Man of the Sea (Part VII)

Old Man of the Sea (Part VII)

    So far we have traveled with our guest through World War I and have now
reached the beginning of the Big One, World War II.


    Pastor: It's difficult to imagine what things were like when America finally
entered the war. What was it like for civilians, and did you get called back
to serve?

Old Man of the Sea: I was pretty old to be called back, although if the war hadn't
ended when it did, I probably would have been called back. I had injured my ankle
pretty badly before the war began, and doctors told me I would probably have to
walk with a limp. That was when I found out about the full power of prayer. We
prayed about the healing, and the ankle was fully restored. I could have served
if I had been called.

    Pastor: This was your first brush with healing prayer?

    Old Man of the Sea: Yes. I knew prayer could do marvelous things, and I had
experienced a sort of miracle before that, but it wasn't anything as serious as
physical healing.

    Pastor: Want to tell us about it?

    Old Man of the Sea: Well, it takes us away from the war, but God's workings
should always go first. As I said earlier, I had a really nice country store and a
very loyal clientele. One morning when I went to open up the store, I found
someone had beat me to it.

    Pastor: Somebody had broken in during the night?

    Old Man of the Sea: That's right. They didn't do much damage, but they knew
what they wanted--cigarettes, candy, bakery products and pop. I didn't keep cash
in the store overnight. I called the police, then got busy in prayer. Sometime later,
I got a call from the police. They thought they had caught the robbers. They brought
the two men and their car to the store, and sure enough, they had all the stolen
booty in the car. But catching them so quickly wasn't the miracle.

    Pastor: What was the miracle, then?

    Old Man of the Sea: It was how they were caught. The police in the area were on
the lookout for unusual vehicles or activities. One patrol car observed this car going
around and around on rural roads. There seemed to be no reason for this, so the
police pulled them over. They immediately saw the booty in the back seat and realized
they probably had the crooks. When they asked the two men why they kept riding
around and around, they said they were lost. These men lived in the area. God had
so confused their minds, they were kept "lost" in their home territory until they were
caught.

    Pastor: It was interesting how God caused them to be caught. Did you experience
other miracles later?

    Old Man of the Sea: Yes, I was blessed to watch some of God's handiwork. When
some of these stories became known, especially to relatives, I found myself elected
as a combination counselor and prayer leader when they had problems.

    Pastor: Let's get back to the war. Did you have any part in the home front activity, 
and what was the home front like?

    Old Man of the Sea: This was the greatest period of time to be an American, because
there was total national unity, no complaining, and total dedication by all citizens for the
good of the country and all mankind. I never saw such wonderful attitudes, the turning
to God, and complete cooperation. We have never experienced such a phenomenon
before or since.

    Pastor: So after the people realized God was in control after the Roaring Twenties,
they now came to the realization God was always in control?

    Old Man of the Sea: That would be an accurate conclusion. The Selective Service Act
meant every able-bodied American man up to middle age was subject to the draft to serve
in the military. Many men volunteered immediately. You don't see much patriotism today,
although many people who complain about our leadership toss out the word that they
represent patriots. What baloney They don't even understand the issues. The good news
was that our country was now in a position to crank up our industries and produce war
machines instead of cars and other civilian items. It took almost to the middle of the war
for us to get up to speed, but when we did, the tide against the Axis turned.

    Pastor: Would you address the differing aspects of the home front? Most people
today know nothing about activities of the home front.

    Old Man of the Sea: My store was at a four corners, where three of the roads were
well traveled. I was appointed the local Civil Defense Warden, and was basically in charge
of civilian war activities. It was my duty to warn local residents when air raid practices
would be held so every person would know what was expected and what they should
do. When we had an air raid practice, my duty was to see that there were no lights
anywhere and that all cars and trucks were stopped. For those people we couldn't
contact otherwise, my wife would walk to their homes in the afternoon and inform them.
These air raid practices were very serious. We knew early on that the Germans had
subs just offshore in the Atlantic and observed our city lights. We also knew they were
experimenting with a new kind of aircraft--the early jets. Almost everyone worried that
the next blast of air raid sirens would bring the real thing.

    Pastor: So the danger was not all at the scene of battles, but also right here on
American soil?

    Old Man of the Sea: It was. We were all concerned about spies, and it was no
trick of imaginations. The Germans had quite a number of spies here. The Japanese
didn't because their difference ethnically, was too stark. There was a steady stream of
spy stories and the capture of spies. Along with that, we continuously feared an
air strike. On the West Coast, the Japanese did managed to land a couple of rockets,
but they were pretty much duds.

    Pastor: What was daily life like on the home front?


    Old Man of the Sea: It was much different than most people living today could
understand. Much of the "me" that make up most Americans' outlook on life was not
there. It was an "us" attitude. There were some slackers like our former vice
president who used money and influence to escape the draft, and some conscientious 
objectors who were assigned civilian duty. It was an honor to be a military man and
the mother of a soldier. Mothers were given big stars to place in their window to show
it was the home of a soldier. People were proud to serve. Those that didn't serve in
some capacity were looked down upon. Kids took part in the war effort by gathering
scrap metal and paper. They had victory gardens and were given a big V to place in
the window to show their contribution. They bought war stamps each week at school,
and were proud when they had enough stamps to buy a war bond. They collected
model planes representing our fighters and bombers. The older kids joined the
Civil Air Patrol. There was a string of 15 minute radio programs every day, and you
could find kids glued to the radio, listening to the adventures of young spy hunters.

    Pastor: It would seem the young people really played a very supportive role
during this time.

    Old Man of the Sea: They were very important. It was great to see a pair of seven
and eight year olds hauling a wagon loaded with old papers or scrap metal down the 
road. 

    Pastor: What about the domestic situation with things like rationing and price
control?

    Old Man of the Sea: I don't believe we'll ever see Americans embrace controls such
as those. Virtually every commodity was rationed. You were issued a coupon book
that had stamps for every imaginable item, from shoes to tires. You were entitled to
a set amount of everything from two pair of shoes a year to meat. Some things such
as tires were mostly unavailable. Gasoline was strictly limited, and you didn't see cars
used for pleasure. Sugar, coffee and many items were more valuable than gold. Butter was
in such short supply, margarine was developed. Anything needed by our troops was
strictly rationed. Only vital needs such as moving freight--mostly by train--emergency
vehicles and farm needs were not strictly regulated, although tough questions about
need had to satisfy the reviewers. New farm machinery was unavailable, and farmers
had to be able to patch equipment because parts were scarce. There had to be a
strong reason for farmers to get more than the usual allotment of gasoline. In the
rural areas like mine, school children were released at one o-clock so they could
help on the farm. There was an urgency I have never seen since.

     Pastor: What about the lives of women?

    Old Man of the Sea: They  all suffered a great deal. Mothers and wives saw their
menfolk pack up and leave for camp. Some never saw their men until the war ended,
and they were better off than the ones whose men didn't survive. This also affected
the children when they all of a sudden didn't have daddy at home. Because of the
need for military manpower, essential industries brought women into the industrial
workforce. I don't suppose most people today know about "Rosie the Riveter". She
was the poster girl for women working in industry. Eventually the various women's
military units were formed. Make no mistake, women played a major role in our
war effort at home and as troops.

    Pastor: How did the war affect other parts of society such as the news media?

    Old Man of the Sea: There was strict censorship of newspapers, magazines and
the radio. You never knew when an apparent innocent comment might give the enemy
a hint of something that could prove critical. Letters from GIs were censored, too.
The musical and motion picture industries were morale boosters. Songs such as
Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition and Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree were
very popular. The latter was an admonition for lovers not to stray during long periods
of absence. Movie stars appeared to urge people to buy war bonds, and many movies
were made about war time activities. Volunteers and big stars from the entertainment
industry staffed USO venues where military people could spend some time in
relaxation. One very sad note was the origin of the "dear John" letters. You can
imagine the depression that would put a GI far from home in. For many, the girl back
home was his inspiration. More people went to church, and prayer became a frequent
comfort to many.

    Pastor: The early years of the war were quite depressing as Hitler controlled the
ocean and the Japanese captured island after island in the Pacific heading straight
towards both the U,S. and Australia. When did we realize the war had turned in our
favor?

    Old Man of the Sea: The first couple of years we were helping the Allies by the
Lend Lease Program, where we leased our ships to them. We sent convoy after
convoy of mostly converted commercial ships loaded with food and about everything
else the Allies needed. The German submarines were lethal, sinking ships in the
convoys almost at will. Then we came up with some new scientific stuff like sonar.
This enabled our ships to locate the German subs even submerged. They could no
longer hide underwater and pick off our ships like sitting ducks. At the same time,
we now had production lines full force and were cranking out war machines at a
fantastic rate. Our workers, both men and women, did an amazing job, and our
farmers were producing food like never before. The national effort was almost
beyond belief. We now had well trained men for battle, and women were added
as military support troops. Thousands of young women went to Washington and
elsewhere to handle the huge clerical and administrative load. Everything was
working like a well oiled machine, but I believe the use of sonar to end Germany's
control of the ocean was the key.

    Pastor: We'll move to the conclusion of the war, rebuilding our enemies' countries,
and the new social problems in America in our next chat.

Rev. Walbear


Note: Pictured above are some Victory Gardeners. My dad had one of those.