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In the mid-1800s, the expansion of the British Empire spread the knowledge of many Bible-based laws to peoples in British colonies around the globe. One such law made homosexual relations illegal, labeling them as “unnatural acts.” The former British colony of India recently overturned this law that had been in place for nearly 200 years.

The shofar trumpet mentioned in the Bible was made from a ram’s horn. It was blown by the priests of God for various purposes. Like today’s siren, which makes a loud, attention-getting sound, the blast of the shofar also demanded people’s attention. Those who heeded could say, (pardon the pun), “shofar, so good!” and be saved from serious injury or death. However, if people heard the warning but failed to take heed, they would suffer the consequences.

Of all the values society holds dear today, freedom must top the list. As we look around our nations and communities, what freedoms do we value? We value freedom of speech, freedom of travel, and freedom to act as individuals. We cherish freedom of choice—in marriage, family, religion, and myriad other aspects of our lives. Many even seem to value freedom from marriage, freedom from children, or freedom from religion, and the list of other “obstacles” to freedom goes on seemingly endlessly.

Two Politico journalists recently wrote the following compelling statement: “Get ready for an even more German Europe” (August 25, 2018). The article refers to the possibility that Germany may drop its bid for the presidency of the European Central Bank and instead pursue the presidency of the European Commission—a post Germany has not held since 1967.

Over five days, beginning on September 11, Russia, China and Mongolia will hold their largest “war games” exercise since the Cold War (BBC, August 28, 2018). “The scale of Vostok-2018 is equivalent to the forces deployed in one of the big World War Two battles” and will involve over 300,000 troops, 36,000 tanks, 1,000 aircraft, all of Russia’s airborne units and two of its fleets.