July 4 is the day the United States celebrates its independence. Many nations throughout history have fought for their independence and have set aside days to mark their attainment of it. Is independence and self-rule the real answer to mankind’s search for peace and happiness? Sometimes, when injustice or oppression—either real or perceived—becomes too great, people will follow movements to “rise up” against, “throw off,” or reform a system.

When I was a youngster, we lived close to a blacksmith’s shop. The smith was a man trained to take a piece of metal, heat it, beat it, and cool it—thereby producing needed and useful articles. His tools were simple, his strength was great, and his eye was keen. The blacksmith’s implements were few: a hammer, anvil, and forge. His forge was used to produce heat; his anvil was a large piece of solid metal to pound on with the hammer. He performed a vital service for the local community, and what he taught us remains relevant today.

In the recent Egyptian election, Muslim Brotherhood candidate Mohammed Mursi emerged the victor (Agence France-Presse, June 25, 2012).

Outraging Jewish and Muslim groups, a German court recently ruled that infant male circumcision causes “bodily harm” and that “a child’s right to physical integrity trumps religious and parental rights.” Some are wondering whether this decision will be overturned by a higher court. Others are raising questions about religious liberty in Germany. This also raises the questions, “What do the Bible and modern science teach us about infant male circumcision?” And, “What importance does circumcision have for true Christians today?”

“10 countries for a United States of Europe”— so read a headline last week in Presseurope. “Ten EU foreign ministers participating in a ‘study group for the future of Europe’ aim to exert pressure to transform the EU into a federation along the lines of the US.