For changes in behavior, whether corporately or individually, are always preceded by changes in thinking. Up to this point there is little to no reason for us to disagree with the assessment I have placed before you. However, from this point and forward we may be plowing ground that may cause you to question my assertions. While it is not necessary for you to agree with my assertions, it is important that you at least understand the basis from which my assertions originate to fully appreciate the proposals laid forth here. There probably needs to be little said about today's radical individualism.
Autonomous freedom is a freedom that is without restraint.
On the other hand, much needs to be said today about Christian covenant. But this is not the place for an extensive review first of all because there are already many excellent works on Christian covenant available to the informed inquirer and, secondly, because we are dealing with the practical applications of the shift in thinking rather than the thinking itself. But there are a few highlights of Christian covenant that I wish to point out for the benefit of better understanding the solutions offered herein. In a general sense, covenant agreements are similar to contractual agreements in that both have stipulations of performance by the participating parties with agreed to sanctions against parties of non-performers. However, Christian covenant differs from other types of covenants or contracts in that the Christian covenant, as revealed in the Bible, asserts that God alone is the initiator and regulator of the relationship between God and man.