One of the ruling bodies in France was called the Estates General...
Illustration
One of the ruling bodies in France was called the Estates General. The assembly was organized into three divisions. The First Estate was the clergy, the Second Estate was the nobles, and the Third Estate was the commoners. Though the Third Estate represented almost the entire population, each Estate had only one vote. Thus, the First and Second Estate could always prevail over the Third. Once the Third Estate realized its power, which with the support of the populace, the First and Second Estate dare not act in defiance of them. The Estates General was last called to order in 1787.
In the same year, political philosopher Edmund Burke, addressing the House of Commons of Great Britain, recognized the power of the media to sway public opinion. Recognizing the power of the Third Estate that maintained the support of the people, he compared the media to having the same influence and control. Thus, he came to call the media the Fourth Estate, a term still used to this day.
The power of the message is seen when Paul speaks of "a messenger of Satan to torment me." Let us be sure that we are not messengers of Satan, but report faithfully on the gospel.
In the same year, political philosopher Edmund Burke, addressing the House of Commons of Great Britain, recognized the power of the media to sway public opinion. Recognizing the power of the Third Estate that maintained the support of the people, he compared the media to having the same influence and control. Thus, he came to call the media the Fourth Estate, a term still used to this day.
The power of the message is seen when Paul speaks of "a messenger of Satan to torment me." Let us be sure that we are not messengers of Satan, but report faithfully on the gospel.
