Here's an excerpt from an article from the San Francisco Chronicle on the use of teflon pans. This is absolutely hilarious. I gleaned the important information that I could from the piece, but I also highly criticize it. Imagine that.
The Sticking Point
Nonstick pans are a boon to cooks, but are there dangers lurking beneath the surface?
David Rubien, Chronicle Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Cooks who appreciate the almost-magical properties of nonstick frying pans will be happy to know that the products have gotten a lot more durable. Unfortunately, so has the controversy surrounding the chemical behind the nonstick magic. (Do I smell an anti-corporate bias coming?)
Pots and pans coated with Teflon -- or any of the surfaces analogous to Teflon -- are immensely popular. U.S. consumers spent roughly $1.2 billion on 159 million pots and pans last year, 60 percent of which were nonstick, according to figures from the Cookware Manufacturers Association.
"Nonstick has revolutionized America's cooking habits over the past generation by letting consumers cook with much less oil and grease and by easing the cleanup chores associated with cooking," says Hugh Rushing, vice president of the association. "Nonstick cookware is now mainstream for the majority of U.S. consumers. It's found on high-end cookware as well as medium- and low-priced product."
Decent nonstick frying pans made by companies like T-Fal, Faberware and Revere are widely available in models ranging from $10 to $30. Yet scientific studies, not to mention lawsuits (see story, F4), suggest that there's another kind of price associated with nonstick: The pans may be bad for you. They can give off potentially harmful fumes at medium to high temperatures, and a chemical crucial to the manufacture of nonstick surfaces -- but not found in the finished surfaces -- is prevalent in the environment, including most Americans' blood. (BINGO!)
"We recommend that people phase out the use of Teflon cookware in their home," says Lauren Sucher of the Environmental Working Group, a Washington, D. C., organization that compiles data on toxicology. (Okay, so we use the teflon to avoid the grease and oil on traditional pans which is unhealthy, so if we go back to them, we go back to the harmful oils. Then your organization will say we're using too many oils again. Do you see this trickery?)
Teflon is a registered trademark of the DuPont Co., which has been making Teflon cookware and other products for more than 40 years. The company says nonstick pans are completely safe if used according to manufacturers' instructions, and that emissions from DuPont factories have virtually ceased. (I've never gotten sick from using teflon, and I have my blood tested regularly at a holistic health center.)
"Believe me, you get more toxic fumes from the food you're cooking than from the pans themselves," says Dave Boothe, strategic planning manager for fluoropolymer solutions at DuPont. (Yeah, especially when you think about all those pesticides in our food. Agreed!)
The dominance of nonstick is not surprising, particularly now that the pans don't flake and divot like earlier generations of pans, many of which can still be found cluttering the cabinets of America's kitchens. If the average nonstick frying pan from 20 years ago is like a whitewashed shack, today's pans are akin to modern condos with deluxe paint jobs. Paint is often the simile used to discuss the making of nonstick pans, because the nonstick material is essentially painted onto the surface of the pan.
Although the technology has improved dramatically, the essential nonstick ingredient is the same as it was when a DuPont Co. chemist discovered it in 1938. The waxy substance he scraped out of a freon cylinder turned out to be the most slippery substance in the world. Called polytetrafluorethylene, or PTFE, it consists of a chain of carbon atoms that are surrounded by fluorine atoms. Dupont began manufacturing PTFE, trademarking it Teflon.
In 1954, a French inventor figured out a way to bond Teflon to frying pans, and formed a company called Tefal, which evolved into T-Fal, a giant manufacturer of pans and other household appliances. The early nonstick pans didn't hold up very well, however; they began flaking within months. So Dupont and the few other companies that also make PTFE coatings began experimenting with additives to make PTFE stronger.
About 15 years ago, PTFE compounds improved dramatically. Nonstick coatings now are enhanced with powders made out of ceramic, stainless steel or titanium, and the coatings are applied much more thickly, as well. The pans to which the surfaces are attached also are much better, basically a function of bonding different materials to aluminum, which is the best surface for nonstick, though soft in its natural state.
"Reinforced nonsticks are resistant to scratching, many invite the use of metal tools, and their useful life has increased to years of daily use," Rushing says. "Nonstick's ability to remain slippery over time has increased enormously in recent years."
One of the reasons those old Teflon pans would flake and chip is that utensils would dent the aluminum, thus undermining what the Teflon was trying to hold onto. (Yes, I have had older pans that did this.)
Nowadays, aluminum gets anodized, an electro-chemical beefing-up process that makes the metal nonporous, nonreactive and harder than stainless steel. The anodized metal retains the natural superior heat conductivity of aluminum. Today's pans can also be varying combinations of materials like aluminum, stainless steel and copper to try to get the best of heat conductivity, weight, look and cooking effectiveness. (Forgive me if I'm wrong, but didn't space exploration help contribute to this advancement?)
As for how food turns out when cooked in nonstick pans versus conventional pans, that's a subjective matter. The Chronicle's own test of some nonstick pans provides some illumination, as do the opinions of some professional chefs (see accompanying stories).
Experienced chefs who use nonstick pans know that they are good for certain things, like making crepes, but not for other things, like searing meat. But the same could be said for other pans -- for example, cast iron isn't good for cooking anything acidic, nor would you want to grill a kielbasa in a wok. For some cooks, using nonstick -- or not -- boils down to picking the right tool for the job.
Still other cooks may avoid Teflon altogether because of safety concerns. A letter to Dear Abby that ran in The Chronicle on May 7 from a distraught "Bob in Atlanta," was a cautionary tale about a beloved 26-year-old Amazon parrot who died from exposure to fumes emitted by a burned Teflon pan. (Notice the word "burned.")
Bob's parrot perished from a syndrome known as Teflon toxicosis, which results from overheated PTFE-coated pans and has been recognized for decades. That's why instructions packaged with nonstick cookware say that pans should never be left empty over a flame. Birds have extremely sensitive respiratory systems. (Okay, so why was the pan overheated? Did the bird whip it out and do it? No, it must have been Bob, or someone Bob knows. So where is the personal responsibility being placed on Bob? Hmm..I don't see any. Looks like the SF Chronicle is implying that it's all Teflon's fault. That's right. Take out any personal responsibility for anything. Now, let's say that Bob had purchased tainted pet food from his vet that came from China and the pet died, just like the recent events in the news. He'd have every right to sue the manufacturer of that pet food for not regulating what goes into their food processes, but this appears to be a case of pure negligence and not the fault of Teflon. Ridiculous, I say.)
DuPont says that off-gassing from nonstick pans does not occur until the pans are heated to over 400 degrees, in which case, at worst, fumes can lead to brief flulike symptoms in humans, called polymer fume fever. DuPont scientists point out that birds can die from many different types of fumes, including those produced by burning onions or butter. (Good point. Another reason that people should carefully consider the choice of a parrot as a pet/companion. But that's not the point of this article.)
"Anything that's degraded thermally, whether it's food, wood or plastic, will give off toxic gases," says DuPont's Boothe.
(So....don't let your parrot close to the teflon and don't heat your pan over 400 degrees! Sheesh!)
The Environmental Working Group has collected data from several industry, government and academic studies that have been done on off-gassing of PTFE- coated pans heated to various temperatures. The tests revealed that more than a dozen types of potentially toxic particulates -- including hexafluoropropene, hydrogen fluoride and difluoroacetic acid -- are released. But whether the fumes occur in enough quantity to harm humans has not been determined.
NICE.
(Okay, so what was the message at the beginning of this article again? Hmm..let's see....
"We recommend that people phase out the use of Teflon cookware in their home," says Lauren Sucher of the Environmental Working Group, a Washington, D. C., organization that compiles data on toxicology.)
The same group that says it has not been determined how much of the fumes are harmful to humans? It seems a little premature to go out and recommend that people stop using teflon pans then, doesn't it?
"DuPont says that gasses aren't released in normal use, but academic and peer-reviewed studies show that pans get hot enough to release toxic gases at normal cooking temperatures," Sucher says. But pan fumes are nothing compared to the heat DuPont has gotten over environmental contamination (see story, above). (Uh, see no responsibility placed on Bob, above.) It's not clear whether health and safety considerations have any effect on sales of nonstick cookware.
Well all you have to do is go into the major stores, look at what's on the shelves and see what's selling. That should give one, I would think, a somewhat clear view of the effect of safety considerations on sales of nonstick cookware. Also, there are product reviews everywhere on amazon.com and other sites. This sounds like another drummed up wishful thinking statement from the left to steer consumers away from something that doesn't agree with their set of idealogues.
"(PFOA) has been used to manufacture millions -- probably billions -- of pans, and we don't see evidence that anyone is injured by their use," says Boothe. "That's a pretty good safety record."
I'll let that last paragraph speak for itself.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
The power of suggestion
Ahhh...Christmas 2007. It's here!!! This means more lines, crowded stores, parking lots, not to mention savvy one finger waves and four letter words. Yay! Every year, it never ceases to amaze me just how much more petty and moronic we can make this gift giving season, with its endless array of snowmen this, santa that, hurry-and-break-out-your wallet for that "last minute" item that will only set your family back on average $500-$1000 or more in debt this year. When, at the end of the week, you won't give 2 you know what's about what you just bought today.
Just "Gotta have" because everyone else has, or some store told me in their slick ads I had to have:
1. Iphone
2. Nintendo Wii
3. Slingbox
4. Halo 3
5. Guitar Hero 3
6. Hannah Montana
Before you indulge that "inner spoiled child" whether it be your own kids or yourself, just think about that January credit card bill, and that should sober your spending habits back a bit, especially when we think about the interest rate hikes and oil prices. Hey, I'm writing this as much for myself as anyone else. I'd like an iphone, a PS3 and a new Xbox 360, but I don't have the discretionary funds for any of those things, so I refuse to stretch myself for something that can wait a few years. So what if it's Christmas? I will find something else to ask Santa for. And I will be happier and in less debt because of it. Sorry, retailers.
But wait? What about the power of suggestion? I bet my last few sentences depressed the hell out of you.
"Why, you grinch! You have absolutely no Christmas spirit!"
They (the media) are speculating/wondering if Oprah Winfrey's endorsement of Barack Obama is going to have any effect on voters. Well, let's think about that for a moment. She's just come out with a list of her "favorite things" for 2007. Among them are a Breville panini press, KitchenAid mixer and mixing bowls from a well known kitchen supply chain. Last I checked, those tems were sold out everywhere, or at least very hard to get, not just the chain store from whom she recommended you buy.
So does this mean what she says will mean something to voters? I don't know if my flimsy theory will hold up, but it's an interesting observation nonetheless.
Also, let's not forget the weathermen. Nope, I'm not leaving you guys out either.
"Major ice/snow event headed for ____. Officials brace for possible massive power outages. Headaches expected at airports"
I love that. "Braces for" is a nice term for "you better haul your butts to the mall and grocery store TODAY and buy buy buy!!!!" And where do I get my tickets to this "event?" Oh wait, they're free. I never get anything for free.
Well, I guess I'll stay home and drink hot chocolate out of the santa mug I paid too much for yesterday, play my PS3 until the power goes out, and when that happens I'll try to cash in that free night at the Residence Inn, if I can make it there on the 2 inch thick iced over roads.
Wait...they're full. I just called them on my iphone. Damn.
(What was that? Did someone just flip me off in the parking lot?)
Just "Gotta have" because everyone else has, or some store told me in their slick ads I had to have:
1. Iphone
2. Nintendo Wii
3. Slingbox
4. Halo 3
5. Guitar Hero 3
6. Hannah Montana
Before you indulge that "inner spoiled child" whether it be your own kids or yourself, just think about that January credit card bill, and that should sober your spending habits back a bit, especially when we think about the interest rate hikes and oil prices. Hey, I'm writing this as much for myself as anyone else. I'd like an iphone, a PS3 and a new Xbox 360, but I don't have the discretionary funds for any of those things, so I refuse to stretch myself for something that can wait a few years. So what if it's Christmas? I will find something else to ask Santa for. And I will be happier and in less debt because of it. Sorry, retailers.
But wait? What about the power of suggestion? I bet my last few sentences depressed the hell out of you.
"Why, you grinch! You have absolutely no Christmas spirit!"
They (the media) are speculating/wondering if Oprah Winfrey's endorsement of Barack Obama is going to have any effect on voters. Well, let's think about that for a moment. She's just come out with a list of her "favorite things" for 2007. Among them are a Breville panini press, KitchenAid mixer and mixing bowls from a well known kitchen supply chain. Last I checked, those tems were sold out everywhere, or at least very hard to get, not just the chain store from whom she recommended you buy.
So does this mean what she says will mean something to voters? I don't know if my flimsy theory will hold up, but it's an interesting observation nonetheless.
Also, let's not forget the weathermen. Nope, I'm not leaving you guys out either.
"Major ice/snow event headed for ____. Officials brace for possible massive power outages. Headaches expected at airports"
I love that. "Braces for" is a nice term for "you better haul your butts to the mall and grocery store TODAY and buy buy buy!!!!" And where do I get my tickets to this "event?" Oh wait, they're free. I never get anything for free.
Well, I guess I'll stay home and drink hot chocolate out of the santa mug I paid too much for yesterday, play my PS3 until the power goes out, and when that happens I'll try to cash in that free night at the Residence Inn, if I can make it there on the 2 inch thick iced over roads.
Wait...they're full. I just called them on my iphone. Damn.
(What was that? Did someone just flip me off in the parking lot?)
Thursday, December 20, 2007
"We're only trying to help you..."
I came across some interesting information today about evolutionists trying to silence the creationists. This is very serious. Many people that may read this blog that don't agree with my views or think I'm crazy will just think more of the same, so that's okay, WHATEVER. But for those of you that would actually like a little more insight into my philosophy of, "If you're a Christian we're going to come after you in every sense of the word..."
Then read this article. Then go see the movie "Expelled" next spring with Ben Stein. You might just see a few similarities.
http://www.ankerberg.org/Articles/_PDFArchives/science/SC2W1299.pdf
Then read this article. Then go see the movie "Expelled" next spring with Ben Stein. You might just see a few similarities.
http://www.ankerberg.org/Articles/_PDFArchives/science/SC2W1299.pdf
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Michael Nider's suspension and Dr. Corbett
A Bismarck, ND public school teacher was suspended without pay after showing a video entitled "Letter From Hell" to his health class. This video shows a car wreck and a teen writing a letter to another teen blaming him for his punishment in hell after not sharing Jesus with him.
The video is plain propaganda and is not the way to promote Christianity to students. It's similar to what I experienced as a young kid and it's not healthy.
However, I do find it very interesting that the superintendant and school board jumped on this guy quicker than a rat on a cheeto to suspend him and make him write apology letters to all the parents. Along with the unpaid leave, Mr. Nider also has to take sensitivity training classes. This guy has been with the district for only four years.
Uh...where's the same punishment for Dr. Corbett for all of his law-breaking activities in the more than 15 years he's taught in the Capistrano CA area? A lawsuit has now had to be filed against this man for his atrocities. I think Michael Nider will get swift and severe punishment and may lose his job over this. I think Dr. Corbett will be able to stave off anything like that for awhile and use the court system to delay and postpone his hearings and trial (if there ever is one) PLUS keep his job. Where's the justice in that???
Here's a quote from the LA Times article about Corbett:
Capistrano Valley High School Principal Tom Ressler described Corbett as a "solid" teacher who has been with the Capistrano Unified School District for more than 15 years. Ressler said Corbett's class was popular among Advanced Placement students and has a high pass rate.
"It's really premature to say anything about this," he said of the allegations. "People can make allegations all they want; we have to see the reality and context of what was said."
(Oh so now we have to put the CONTEXT spin on this and not really hold the guy accountable????)
Here's a quote from the Bismarck Tribune:
In addition to the unpaid leave, Nider also must take a sensitivity training class by May 30. A letter of reprimand is part of his personnel file, and if he violates the school policy again, he will be fired. A new teacher will be assigned to the fourth period eighth-grade health class.
"The results of his actions have caused unnecessary divisions among students and staff."
The district started responding to the Balabans' concerns about the video Thursday after board member Dan Kuntz contacted Johnson, who in turn contacted Simle Principal Russ Riehl. Nider was put on administrative leave that afternoon.
The Balabans have received apologies from the superintendent and the principal, and Nider will be writing letters of apology to parents, their daughter and the class.
(Wow, quick and effective action must be taken against this man! He is BAD!)
Where's the apology letter for Chad Farnan? I guess he doesn't get one.
The video is plain propaganda and is not the way to promote Christianity to students. It's similar to what I experienced as a young kid and it's not healthy.
However, I do find it very interesting that the superintendant and school board jumped on this guy quicker than a rat on a cheeto to suspend him and make him write apology letters to all the parents. Along with the unpaid leave, Mr. Nider also has to take sensitivity training classes. This guy has been with the district for only four years.
Uh...where's the same punishment for Dr. Corbett for all of his law-breaking activities in the more than 15 years he's taught in the Capistrano CA area? A lawsuit has now had to be filed against this man for his atrocities. I think Michael Nider will get swift and severe punishment and may lose his job over this. I think Dr. Corbett will be able to stave off anything like that for awhile and use the court system to delay and postpone his hearings and trial (if there ever is one) PLUS keep his job. Where's the justice in that???
Here's a quote from the LA Times article about Corbett:
Capistrano Valley High School Principal Tom Ressler described Corbett as a "solid" teacher who has been with the Capistrano Unified School District for more than 15 years. Ressler said Corbett's class was popular among Advanced Placement students and has a high pass rate.
"It's really premature to say anything about this," he said of the allegations. "People can make allegations all they want; we have to see the reality and context of what was said."
(Oh so now we have to put the CONTEXT spin on this and not really hold the guy accountable????)
Here's a quote from the Bismarck Tribune:
In addition to the unpaid leave, Nider also must take a sensitivity training class by May 30. A letter of reprimand is part of his personnel file, and if he violates the school policy again, he will be fired. A new teacher will be assigned to the fourth period eighth-grade health class.
"The results of his actions have caused unnecessary divisions among students and staff."
The district started responding to the Balabans' concerns about the video Thursday after board member Dan Kuntz contacted Johnson, who in turn contacted Simle Principal Russ Riehl. Nider was put on administrative leave that afternoon.
The Balabans have received apologies from the superintendent and the principal, and Nider will be writing letters of apology to parents, their daughter and the class.
(Wow, quick and effective action must be taken against this man! He is BAD!)
Where's the apology letter for Chad Farnan? I guess he doesn't get one.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Another example of anti-Christian hatred
Dr. James Corbett in California has just had a lawsuit filed against him for insulting Christianity by "Advocates for Faith and Freedom." He uses the first few minutes of his History class to attack faith. Chad Farnan, a 16 year old, taped him in class saying outrageous things against Christianity, things that clearly do not belong in class, and things that are clearly against the law and violate his rights. No government official is supposed to be allowed to attack faith in any form, and this guy has apparently been doing so for several years. It's about time someone stood up to these atrocities and did the right thing and fought back. Funny how he doesn't seem to attack Islam. That's usually the case isn't it? Get back at the Christians. But they're too afraid to attack Muslims in the public arena. Par for the course a la Richard Dawkins.
Here's a link to the pages of the suit.
http://www.ocregister.com/newsimages/news/2007/12/capistranovalleysuitcomplaint.pdf
And I found a very good in-depth blog about this issue. Read more here:
http://bookwormroom.wordpress.com/2007/12/16/more-on-the-teacher-accused-of-insulting-religion-in-his-class/
This is just more proof that if you continue to be a Christian, "We're gonna pursue you personally, professionally, and academically and use the media or whatever vehicles we have to to make this happen. If that doesn't work, we'll start going after your kids."
Either way, they are hell bent (pardon the pun) on forcing God out of our heads completely no matter what the cost and no matter who it hurts. Make no mistake about it. They hate God and they hate Christians.
But they are way too afraid to attack Islamic terrorists in the public arena. Nope, those folks get a complete pass.
It will be an interesting day when these people are finally forced to see the world through glasses that are not narcissistic, hateful and spiteful.
Here's a link to the pages of the suit.
http://www.ocregister.com/newsimages/news/2007/12/capistranovalleysuitcomplaint.pdf
And I found a very good in-depth blog about this issue. Read more here:
http://bookwormroom.wordpress.com/2007/12/16/more-on-the-teacher-accused-of-insulting-religion-in-his-class/
This is just more proof that if you continue to be a Christian, "We're gonna pursue you personally, professionally, and academically and use the media or whatever vehicles we have to to make this happen. If that doesn't work, we'll start going after your kids."
Either way, they are hell bent (pardon the pun) on forcing God out of our heads completely no matter what the cost and no matter who it hurts. Make no mistake about it. They hate God and they hate Christians.
But they are way too afraid to attack Islamic terrorists in the public arena. Nope, those folks get a complete pass.
It will be an interesting day when these people are finally forced to see the world through glasses that are not narcissistic, hateful and spiteful.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Hotel of the week - Le Taha'a
This can't really be classified as a hotel. More like an "island fantasy made into reality." This is the place your psychiatrist tells you to conjure up in your head as your "special safe spot" LOL
It is one of the dream vacations on my wish list. Sigh...to scuba dive here would be seventh heaven. (Further proof, for me anyway, that we were created and not here by random chance.)
http://www.letahaa.com/main.php
From their website:
"Opened since July 2002, this resort is designed to be the most exclusive resort in French Polynesia .
Superbly located on Motu Tautau on the coral reef, the resort faces the island of Taha'a on the lagoon side and offers an unsurpassed view on Bora Bora island on the ocean side.
This traditional Polynesian style hotel is 5 minutes by boat from main island of Taha'a and 35 min by boat from Raiatea Island . The resort offers 48 Over Water Suites & 12 Beach Suites more than a hundred square meters in size.
The public areas are built in the trees, providing an exquisite view on the lagoon and Taha'a Island."
I looked at the regular tourist photos of this place on tripadvisor.com and they are magnificent. Don't ever buy what a hotel or resort sells you on their website window dressing. They hire people to make them look good. Read what real travelers say and look at their pictures. This is the advice I always gave to clients when I was a travel agent. Sure you're gonna get biased reviews here and there, but generally it's a good testament to the overall consistent quality of a destination.
It is one of the dream vacations on my wish list. Sigh...to scuba dive here would be seventh heaven. (Further proof, for me anyway, that we were created and not here by random chance.)
http://www.letahaa.com/main.php
From their website:
"Opened since July 2002, this resort is designed to be the most exclusive resort in French Polynesia .
Superbly located on Motu Tautau on the coral reef, the resort faces the island of Taha'a on the lagoon side and offers an unsurpassed view on Bora Bora island on the ocean side.
This traditional Polynesian style hotel is 5 minutes by boat from main island of Taha'a and 35 min by boat from Raiatea Island . The resort offers 48 Over Water Suites & 12 Beach Suites more than a hundred square meters in size.
The public areas are built in the trees, providing an exquisite view on the lagoon and Taha'a Island."
I looked at the regular tourist photos of this place on tripadvisor.com and they are magnificent. Don't ever buy what a hotel or resort sells you on their website window dressing. They hire people to make them look good. Read what real travelers say and look at their pictures. This is the advice I always gave to clients when I was a travel agent. Sure you're gonna get biased reviews here and there, but generally it's a good testament to the overall consistent quality of a destination.
An examination of Philosophy as taught in American Colleges and Universities
I conducted an experiment. I looked at a course description list for Philosophy at a major secular University. No surprise. There's hardly any attention given to the Christian philosophers in their list, like Hippo, Athanasius, Basil, Chrysostom, Cyril, but there are PLENTY on Buddhist, Japanese, Hindu thought, Marxist, Nietzche, ethics of war (anti-war you can bet) the world food shortage, sexual morality, philosophies of India, Brazilian and Latin American thought, etc. etc. The time given to Christian philosophies is minimal. Just examining their writings, nothing more. No in depth study as to their lives and what they learned from their practices from what I can see and to show how they might have a positive influence on the students. Not like these others. Nope, because that goes against their anti-God pro-socialism agenda they want to teach the kids.
So then I examined a philosophy syllabus from a well known Christian school and guess what? Whole semesters devoted to Nietzsche, Marx, all the Socratic writing, plus philosophy of art,law and of other religions. I didn't see the huge pro Bible and "ignorant" teachings that I have been led to believe are occuring on Christian college campuses. I didn't see this "proof" that Christian Univ grads must be intellectually deprived of something. There are biblical teachings given there, though, not trying to deny that. But how do you think that the majority of them would only push the pro right wing movement, that only Christian philosophers are the ones worth studying and matter? That's what the anti-God crowd wants you to think is happening. But it's not, America.
My point is that society wants people to think that Christians are stupid, with no common sense and logic. If they would just abandon their faith and use their logic, they would come to the "right conclusion," that there is no God. These Christians are taught logic and reason every day, yet they still believe. That must REALLY anger you anti God crowd.
Well let me reply to that. Do those Zen philosophy meditations you do on a retreat for college credit prove there isn't a God? Or do they just make you feel better for a couple of hours?
So then I examined a philosophy syllabus from a well known Christian school and guess what? Whole semesters devoted to Nietzsche, Marx, all the Socratic writing, plus philosophy of art,law and of other religions. I didn't see the huge pro Bible and "ignorant" teachings that I have been led to believe are occuring on Christian college campuses. I didn't see this "proof" that Christian Univ grads must be intellectually deprived of something. There are biblical teachings given there, though, not trying to deny that. But how do you think that the majority of them would only push the pro right wing movement, that only Christian philosophers are the ones worth studying and matter? That's what the anti-God crowd wants you to think is happening. But it's not, America.
My point is that society wants people to think that Christians are stupid, with no common sense and logic. If they would just abandon their faith and use their logic, they would come to the "right conclusion," that there is no God. These Christians are taught logic and reason every day, yet they still believe. That must REALLY anger you anti God crowd.
Well let me reply to that. Do those Zen philosophy meditations you do on a retreat for college credit prove there isn't a God? Or do they just make you feel better for a couple of hours?
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Our Fearless Earth
Okay, I just got done watching an episode of "Fearless Earth" on the Discovery Channel which showed the elaborate Great Barrier Reef system in Australia and how it has strengthened and repaired itself over the last several millions of years, despite ice ages, volcanic eruptions, and the like. It was a brilliantly done show and very interesting, especially the part where they showed how coral reefs that can only survive in shallow water survive in 150 foot waters off the walls of the reef.
When Earth's axis was knocked off course long ago, this caused a shifting in the plates and the continent of Australia moved northward from the Southern pole area. It is estimated that Australia moves 5 inches north per year, making it the fastest moving continent, according to the scientists on this show. Man had nothing to do with this.
They interviewed a geologist who demonstrated that there are freshwater lakes just off the northern coast floating above the sea water, and he explained that this was due to the ice age and the stream flowing back and forth over the continent. Man had nothing to do with this.
There's even a place off the reef where the current is so strong and fast that it can kill a diver if he isn't prepared to go with it. This current is responsible for the maintenance of the reef system. That's pretty amazing stuff, and humans have absolutely nothing to do with this. This is natural phenomenon.
They spent nearly the whole hour discussing how well the reef has repaired and maintained itself over millions of years despite all of these changes...and then...BINGO...here comes the global warming mantra in the last 5 minutes and how humans are going to just destroy it if we don't take caution to keep the water from raising 2 lousy degrees. This will destroy the reef system and kill off absolutely everything. Uh...okay...so what are they saying then after all this? That the reef is not really self-repairing? Are we to believe that humans can do more damage than an ice age or volcano THAT WE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH MILLIONS OF YEARS AGO? This is based on complete speculation and is really quite irresponsible of the Discovery Channel to promote this.
I guess the reef didn't really survive those things then. (In fact, they say it is getting bigger all the time.) So what gives? What's their real message? If it's to promote global warming, they've just wasted millions of dollars on production costs for this film. This message goes against the very title of the show, "Fearless Earth." Methinks the producers must have demanded that be edited in there post-production to make it more PC.
But I digress.
When Earth's axis was knocked off course long ago, this caused a shifting in the plates and the continent of Australia moved northward from the Southern pole area. It is estimated that Australia moves 5 inches north per year, making it the fastest moving continent, according to the scientists on this show. Man had nothing to do with this.
They interviewed a geologist who demonstrated that there are freshwater lakes just off the northern coast floating above the sea water, and he explained that this was due to the ice age and the stream flowing back and forth over the continent. Man had nothing to do with this.
There's even a place off the reef where the current is so strong and fast that it can kill a diver if he isn't prepared to go with it. This current is responsible for the maintenance of the reef system. That's pretty amazing stuff, and humans have absolutely nothing to do with this. This is natural phenomenon.
They spent nearly the whole hour discussing how well the reef has repaired and maintained itself over millions of years despite all of these changes...and then...BINGO...here comes the global warming mantra in the last 5 minutes and how humans are going to just destroy it if we don't take caution to keep the water from raising 2 lousy degrees. This will destroy the reef system and kill off absolutely everything. Uh...okay...so what are they saying then after all this? That the reef is not really self-repairing? Are we to believe that humans can do more damage than an ice age or volcano THAT WE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH MILLIONS OF YEARS AGO? This is based on complete speculation and is really quite irresponsible of the Discovery Channel to promote this.
I guess the reef didn't really survive those things then. (In fact, they say it is getting bigger all the time.) So what gives? What's their real message? If it's to promote global warming, they've just wasted millions of dollars on production costs for this film. This message goes against the very title of the show, "Fearless Earth." Methinks the producers must have demanded that be edited in there post-production to make it more PC.
But I digress.
Orthodox Christianity
I am going to post some websites and information here that may be of help to anyone who wants to learn more about the Orthodox faith and the true teachings of the Church. The first is http://www.oca.org which is the website for the Orthodox Church of America. This is the best place to go for anyone that is not familiar with Orthodoxy.
You can also visit http://www.goarch.org which is the website for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
There's also http://www.orthodoxinfo.com and Ancient Faith Radio. http://www.ancientfaithradio.com
Some writers that have been particularly helpful to me, other than the Bible, have been Bishop Kallistos Ware, Clark Carlton, the writings of St Chrysostom, Owen Chadwick, Fr. Joseph Huneycutt, Fr. George Grube, and the Orthodox Study Bible. Conciliar Press http://www.conciliarpress.com has a treasure trove of books and information about Orthodoxy as well as a new Study Bible with Old Testament due in Spring 2008.
I have downloaded dozens of Orthodox chants in several languages on itunes, as well as purchased several liturgy CD's in English and one or two in Russian. My next venture is to obtain copies of the Divine Liturgy in Spanish and Romanian.
I make use of my prayer corner and meditation area as often as possible, although I could be more disciplined about it.
Coming from a Protestant background, it has been a very new journey for me with a new step to take each day. Sometimes they are small and sometimes they are huge. Many days I feel like I'm in a totally different country. I am learning about fasting and saints, and that is a huge part of Orthodoxy. That is why it is all the more important to take care with who is out there teaching about this ancient faith and who is merely using it as a vehicle to introduce things that our Lord does not want in our lives.
You can also visit http://www.goarch.org which is the website for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
There's also http://www.orthodoxinfo.com and Ancient Faith Radio. http://www.ancientfaithradio.com
Some writers that have been particularly helpful to me, other than the Bible, have been Bishop Kallistos Ware, Clark Carlton, the writings of St Chrysostom, Owen Chadwick, Fr. Joseph Huneycutt, Fr. George Grube, and the Orthodox Study Bible. Conciliar Press http://www.conciliarpress.com has a treasure trove of books and information about Orthodoxy as well as a new Study Bible with Old Testament due in Spring 2008.
I have downloaded dozens of Orthodox chants in several languages on itunes, as well as purchased several liturgy CD's in English and one or two in Russian. My next venture is to obtain copies of the Divine Liturgy in Spanish and Romanian.
I make use of my prayer corner and meditation area as often as possible, although I could be more disciplined about it.
Coming from a Protestant background, it has been a very new journey for me with a new step to take each day. Sometimes they are small and sometimes they are huge. Many days I feel like I'm in a totally different country. I am learning about fasting and saints, and that is a huge part of Orthodoxy. That is why it is all the more important to take care with who is out there teaching about this ancient faith and who is merely using it as a vehicle to introduce things that our Lord does not want in our lives.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Contemplative Christianity
I've been reading about a New Age movement within Christianity to introduce some Eastern practices into it, such as Sufism, Gnosticism, contemplative prayer, etc. Anything to do with reaching that "higher state of consciousness" and harnessing that power which God intended all of us to have, such as the teachings of Karlfried Graf Durckheim, Gurdjeff, the Fourth Way, etc. and I've watched youtube videos of this.
Well, I think this is all very dangerous. These are attempts at taking away the biblical aspect of Christianity and replacing it with many forms of Eastern Mysticism. They hone in on this belief that we all would like to be possessors of some "secret power" or have intimate knowledge that nobody else does. I've tried to leave my thoughts in the comments section of the youtube videos I've watched, but guess what??? I'm being censored.
From what I can see, it appears that these individuals have studied some aspects of Orthodoxy, not all, have interviewed priests, and so called "mystics," without really referring to any of the teachings of Chrysostom, St Basil or modern teachings of Bishop Ware, and molded it to fit into their own Eastern philosophical value system and then repackaged it as a "new" approach to God.
That sends a HUGE red flag that something is very wrong with this picture, and for me, is a slap in the face of Orthodoxy. Why do these people not want to be questioned about their practices? Is it wrong to ask them to point to biblical references for their teachings? Apparently so. These individuals have very trancelike voices, ones that pull you in and are very adept at getting you to lay down all of your objections to anything. This is where the danger comes in. If you have ever listened to any of Warren Jeffs videos or transcripts from his "Light of Life" series for the FLDS, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. Now FLDS is not the same as what I'm discussing today, but the intent of Warren Jeffs is the same as these new esoteric teachers: to break you down and reprogram your thinking.
Let me give an example. One of the anonymous comments I found online was this:
"On watching the video, I became aware that I was seeing nothing, I went into an altered state of consciousness as only your voice I could hear. entranced. The spirit of love and wisdon certainly use you as channel of love and hope.
You are blessed."
Many of these Eastern teachings also use the origins of Christianity, with the Eastern/Western split as the cause for why we should embrace this "new view" of God, and as an Orthodox catechumen, I have to be very careful and dissect what these messages have truly hidden under them.
The following is an article I found on The Conservative Voice about these issues.
Gnosticism, Contemplative Prayer and Other "Christian Traditions"
March 31, 2007 03:23 PM EST
by Marsha West
Christians are being exhorted to put their minds on hold through meditation and take a step into the supernatural realm. Is it biblical to connect with the supernatural realm? In an interview with Emergent leader Rob Bell, founding pastor of Mars Hill in Grand Rapids, MI, he made the following comment: “Central to the Christian tradition, for thousands of years, have been disciplines of meditation, reflection, silence, and breathing. It was understood that to be a healthy person, to be fully connected with God, and fully centered you would spend significant parts of your day in silence–breathing, meditating–praying allowing the Spirit of God to transform you and touch you.” So ordinary people spent significant parts of their day in silence, meditating?
Even if it were true, nowhere in the Bible are God’s people encouraged to stop using their minds and to connect with the supernatural world. Believers are to worship God with their heart, strength, mind and soul. In an altered state of consciousness the mind is not engaged, it’s blank!
For over two thousand years (not “thousands of years”) Christians have followed a whole host of unbiblical practices that God regards evil. But that hasn’t stopped untold numbers from participating. Example: Even though God forbids fortune telling (divination) countless people, including Christians, have visited mediums to “look into the future.”
For more than five thousand years meditation has been practiced by Eastern religions and has become mainstream in Western culture. It is true, as Bell says, that Christian’s have been practicing meditation for centuries. Christian meditation came about when monks began reading the Bible slowly. As they read, they would ponder the deeper meaning of each verse. This is called "divine reading" or lectio divina. As a result of their Scripture meditation the monks found themselves spontaneously praying. Their prayer would move them to a wordless focus on God. They called this “wordless love for God” contemplation. More on contemplative prayer in a moment.
Lacking a biblical worldview and an understanding of Scripture is the main reason Christians are dipping into the forbidden waters of Eastern meditation to “know the unknowable.”
Contemporary Christianity is following “every wind of doctrine.” Believers are listening to what their “itching ears want to hear.” Regrettably, their itching ears are tuned to neo-gnostic heresy. One of the obstacles the Apostles faced were false teachers, the Gnostics being the most prevalent of the bunch. Gnosticism was condemned as a heresy in the first century church. Here’s the crux of Gnosticism:
“Christian Gnosticism is the belief that one must have a "gnosis" (from Greek "Gnosko," to know) or inner knowledge which is mystical knowledge obtained only after one has been properly initiated. Only a few can possess this mystical knowledge, limiting the number of those "in the know". … Gnosticism today seems to provide a lot of the form and color for the New Age portrait of Jesus where Jesus is seen as the illumined Illuminator: one who serves as a cosmic catalyst for others' awakening. As such it is as false and heretical as the Gnosticism of the first century and needs to be roundly condemned for the heresy that it is.” [1]
Most of us think it’s cool to have inside information. Makes one feel important. Even special. Who wouldn’t want to cultivate a special experience with God that no one else has? Sadly, Christians involve themselves in New Age practices like yoga meditation so they’ll “be in the know.” You say, “My church isn’t into any of that New Age stuff.” No, but you’ll read about the New Age stuff in books purchased in your local or online Christian bookstore. You’ll also see an abundance of false teaching on Christian blogs all over the Internet. Or you’ll hear name it and claim it prosperity preachers on TV acting as if the Almighty is actually whispering into their ear as they impart their false teaching to millions of viewers.
You can’t even escape Gnostic heresy in modern Christian music. You could be singing it in church! Listen to the lyrics of so-called worship songs and be amazed! And be sickened.
Last, but not least, the Oprah Winfrey Show is rife with Gnosticism. Those who tune into Oprah’s program (a number of gullible Christians do) will hear her guest’s share their esoteric mystical experiences.
It’s all about experience. “The Gnostics thought that one must directly experience the spirit to learn the truth, this being apart from the word. Stepping over into the supernatural, experience becomes the teacher and gives them real knowledge. What was and is now being taught is spirit to spirit communication that is completely outside the Biblical revelation given by the apostles.” [2]
This fits liberal “Christianity” to a tee. The Word of God is out of date so experience becomes the teacher. In his essay “What are we talking about?” DA Carson points out that some leaders in the Emergent Church movement claim “changing times demand that fresh questions be asked of Scripture, and then fresh answers will be heard. What was an appropriate use of Scripture under modernism is no longer an appropriate use of Scripture under postmodernism.” This is a classic case of throwing the baby out with the bathwater! But I digress.
The “knower” believes that the masses are not in possession of spiritual knowledge, and only the truly “enlightened” can experience God. Thus the reintroduction of contemplative, aka centering, prayer into the Church. How is centering prayer different from biblical prayer? Centering prayer is a meditative practice where the focus is on having a mystical experience with God. Individuals choose a sacred word or symbol (such as God, Jesus, Father) and repeat it over and over during the twenty-minute exercise. Sitting comfortably in a meditative posture, with back straight and eyes closed, the sacred word is introduced as the symbol of consent to God's presence within. Should outside thoughts emerge in your mind, you must return “ever-so-gently” to your sacred word. At the end of your prayer time you’re to remain in silence with eyes closed for a few minutes. Sounds like a good way to relax, doesn’t it? Trouble is, contemplative prayer has no Scriptural support whatsoever. Moreover, it’s the exact opposite of how the Bible instructs believers to pray. Read the prayer of Jesus in Luke 11:1-4 below. [3]
“In that day you will no longer ask me anything,” said Jesus to the apostles. “I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete” (John 16:23-24).
Paul says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6, NLT).; “Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured” (Col. 4:12).
Biblical prayer advocates engaging your mind, even wrestling in your mind, as did Epaphras, not emptying your mind! Yet Pastor Rob Bell encourages Zachary Lind to do just that. Following is a snippet of an interview Lind did with Bell. (For clarity I edited out phrases like “like,” “you know” and “I mean.”):
Interviewer Lind: … the book you recommended to me a few weeks ago [by] Richard Rohr…talked about contemplative prayer … [I read] half of the book and still don’t really know what his definition of that is. But he starts getting into it. And he says … you have to at least sit … past 20 minutes.
Bell: Yeah, yes.
Lind: It takes a certain amount of time before you’re sort of selfish things get aired out. Like you might be all about you for 20 minutes, but then after that it’s like, you’re kind of a blank slate. You know…
Bell: Uh-huh.
Lind: You’re kind of ready to intake anything. He talks a lot in that book about a beginners mind and … being kind of like a child and coming up to Jesus, and really just ready to be written on. And … maybe I’m wrong but I kind of feel like from what I hear … there’s a lot of that going on …
Bell: Yeah, well you have to essentially discipline your life around forming the depths, and that takes just phenomenal discipline that I don’t even pretend to have. [4]
At this point the conversation drifts away from contemplative prayer. Note that Bell gave no warning with regard to the dangers of meditation even though Lind admits that he’s ready to take anything, “Ready to be written on.” Written on by whom? The Bible warns of deceiving spirits! “The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved” (2 Thess. 2:9-10).
After listening to the interview what you will come away with is that Rob Bell is leading Christians into dangerous Eastern religious beliefs and rituals. Convinced they’re having an esoteric experience with “God,” many Christians are actually embracing Hinduism.
(Let me just put that quote in again from before from the anonymous poster so you can see again what this is all about:
"On watching the video, I became aware that I was seeing nothing, I went into an altered state of consciousness as only your voice I could hear. entranced. The spirit of love and wisdon certainly use you as channel of love and hope.
You are blessed.")
Puts it all into perspective, yes?
Biblical prayer is comprehendible communication with God. Prayer is not an esoteric, yoga meditation. Granted, many contemplatives are ignorant of the true nature of meditation—but such ignorance is inexcusable and indefensible! The truth about the dangers of meditation is readily available in books and on the Internet.
Contemplative spirituality, like Gnosticism, promotes pursuing a magical mystical experience with “God.” Overlooked are passages such as Joshua 1:8: "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." This command is from God! He wants His people to meditate on Scripture; He doesn’t want them emptying their minds.
Leaders in the Emergent movement have succeeded in persuading those who practice centering prayer to put aside God’s Word and focus on a blank wall! Will practicing Eastern mysticism really help to open you up to a greater spiritual experience with God, or just the opposite? Since God opposes mysticism in any form, perhaps contemplatives are really experiencing visits from demonic spirits. Meditate on that! In 1 Cor. 2:15-18 Paul informs us that we have “the mind of Christ.” In Romans 12:2 he reminds us that God’s people are not to kowtow to this world, “but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
In the words of William Hendrickson, "Even if we or a holy angel must be the object of God's righteous curse, were any of us to preach a gospel contrary to the one we humans previously preached to you, then all the more divine wrath must be poured out on those self-appointed nobodies who are now making themselves guilty of this crime."
Here are some things I found in this particular research:
- Rejection or alteration of the doctrine of Biblical Inspiration 2 Tim. 3:16
- Special in-depth Knowledge - False cultist often claim they have the truth which has been
suppressed by apostate Christianity. (It is important for cultists to “set themselves apart” from
other religions.) 2 Peter 1:20
- False understanding of Redemption - The Blood atonement is either rejected or nullified.
Heb. 9:14
- False understanding of Retribution - False cultists often reject hell, eternal punishment,
and the conscious state of the dead. Luke. 16:23,24
- An Allegorical System of Interpretation, Sometimes cultists do this while claiming they are
literal interpreters of the Bible. Mat. 5:18, John 10:35, Luke. 21:32
- Messianic Leadership - Many false cultists have their own messiahs or divinely chosen
leaders. Luke. 21:8
- A Re-definition of generally accepted Christian Terms. Cultists do this in order to hide the
true nature of their teaching. 1 Tim 6:3, Rom 16:18, 2 Tim. 2:14
This last one was the big one for me, especially when I tried to post comments.
So beware, all you Orthodox and other Christians. This New Age movement is probably spreading into your parish and ministry areas and you may not even realize what is happening because they are so adept at hypnotizing you and making it all sound good.
Remember these questions:
1) What does this teacher say about Jesus?
2) Does this teacher preach the gospel?
3) Does this teacher exhibit character qualities that glorify the Lord?
A believer who has read the activities of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in Matthew 3:16-17 will immediately question any doctrine that denies the Trinity. Therefore, “step one” is to study the Bible and judge all teaching by what the scripture says.
Well, I think this is all very dangerous. These are attempts at taking away the biblical aspect of Christianity and replacing it with many forms of Eastern Mysticism. They hone in on this belief that we all would like to be possessors of some "secret power" or have intimate knowledge that nobody else does. I've tried to leave my thoughts in the comments section of the youtube videos I've watched, but guess what??? I'm being censored.
From what I can see, it appears that these individuals have studied some aspects of Orthodoxy, not all, have interviewed priests, and so called "mystics," without really referring to any of the teachings of Chrysostom, St Basil or modern teachings of Bishop Ware, and molded it to fit into their own Eastern philosophical value system and then repackaged it as a "new" approach to God.
That sends a HUGE red flag that something is very wrong with this picture, and for me, is a slap in the face of Orthodoxy. Why do these people not want to be questioned about their practices? Is it wrong to ask them to point to biblical references for their teachings? Apparently so. These individuals have very trancelike voices, ones that pull you in and are very adept at getting you to lay down all of your objections to anything. This is where the danger comes in. If you have ever listened to any of Warren Jeffs videos or transcripts from his "Light of Life" series for the FLDS, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. Now FLDS is not the same as what I'm discussing today, but the intent of Warren Jeffs is the same as these new esoteric teachers: to break you down and reprogram your thinking.
Let me give an example. One of the anonymous comments I found online was this:
"On watching the video, I became aware that I was seeing nothing, I went into an altered state of consciousness as only your voice I could hear. entranced. The spirit of love and wisdon certainly use you as channel of love and hope.
You are blessed."
Many of these Eastern teachings also use the origins of Christianity, with the Eastern/Western split as the cause for why we should embrace this "new view" of God, and as an Orthodox catechumen, I have to be very careful and dissect what these messages have truly hidden under them.
The following is an article I found on The Conservative Voice about these issues.
Gnosticism, Contemplative Prayer and Other "Christian Traditions"
March 31, 2007 03:23 PM EST
by Marsha West
Christians are being exhorted to put their minds on hold through meditation and take a step into the supernatural realm. Is it biblical to connect with the supernatural realm? In an interview with Emergent leader Rob Bell, founding pastor of Mars Hill in Grand Rapids, MI, he made the following comment: “Central to the Christian tradition, for thousands of years, have been disciplines of meditation, reflection, silence, and breathing. It was understood that to be a healthy person, to be fully connected with God, and fully centered you would spend significant parts of your day in silence–breathing, meditating–praying allowing the Spirit of God to transform you and touch you.” So ordinary people spent significant parts of their day in silence, meditating?
Even if it were true, nowhere in the Bible are God’s people encouraged to stop using their minds and to connect with the supernatural world. Believers are to worship God with their heart, strength, mind and soul. In an altered state of consciousness the mind is not engaged, it’s blank!
For over two thousand years (not “thousands of years”) Christians have followed a whole host of unbiblical practices that God regards evil. But that hasn’t stopped untold numbers from participating. Example: Even though God forbids fortune telling (divination) countless people, including Christians, have visited mediums to “look into the future.”
For more than five thousand years meditation has been practiced by Eastern religions and has become mainstream in Western culture. It is true, as Bell says, that Christian’s have been practicing meditation for centuries. Christian meditation came about when monks began reading the Bible slowly. As they read, they would ponder the deeper meaning of each verse. This is called "divine reading" or lectio divina. As a result of their Scripture meditation the monks found themselves spontaneously praying. Their prayer would move them to a wordless focus on God. They called this “wordless love for God” contemplation. More on contemplative prayer in a moment.
Lacking a biblical worldview and an understanding of Scripture is the main reason Christians are dipping into the forbidden waters of Eastern meditation to “know the unknowable.”
Contemporary Christianity is following “every wind of doctrine.” Believers are listening to what their “itching ears want to hear.” Regrettably, their itching ears are tuned to neo-gnostic heresy. One of the obstacles the Apostles faced were false teachers, the Gnostics being the most prevalent of the bunch. Gnosticism was condemned as a heresy in the first century church. Here’s the crux of Gnosticism:
“Christian Gnosticism is the belief that one must have a "gnosis" (from Greek "Gnosko," to know) or inner knowledge which is mystical knowledge obtained only after one has been properly initiated. Only a few can possess this mystical knowledge, limiting the number of those "in the know". … Gnosticism today seems to provide a lot of the form and color for the New Age portrait of Jesus where Jesus is seen as the illumined Illuminator: one who serves as a cosmic catalyst for others' awakening. As such it is as false and heretical as the Gnosticism of the first century and needs to be roundly condemned for the heresy that it is.” [1]
Most of us think it’s cool to have inside information. Makes one feel important. Even special. Who wouldn’t want to cultivate a special experience with God that no one else has? Sadly, Christians involve themselves in New Age practices like yoga meditation so they’ll “be in the know.” You say, “My church isn’t into any of that New Age stuff.” No, but you’ll read about the New Age stuff in books purchased in your local or online Christian bookstore. You’ll also see an abundance of false teaching on Christian blogs all over the Internet. Or you’ll hear name it and claim it prosperity preachers on TV acting as if the Almighty is actually whispering into their ear as they impart their false teaching to millions of viewers.
You can’t even escape Gnostic heresy in modern Christian music. You could be singing it in church! Listen to the lyrics of so-called worship songs and be amazed! And be sickened.
Last, but not least, the Oprah Winfrey Show is rife with Gnosticism. Those who tune into Oprah’s program (a number of gullible Christians do) will hear her guest’s share their esoteric mystical experiences.
It’s all about experience. “The Gnostics thought that one must directly experience the spirit to learn the truth, this being apart from the word. Stepping over into the supernatural, experience becomes the teacher and gives them real knowledge. What was and is now being taught is spirit to spirit communication that is completely outside the Biblical revelation given by the apostles.” [2]
This fits liberal “Christianity” to a tee. The Word of God is out of date so experience becomes the teacher. In his essay “What are we talking about?” DA Carson points out that some leaders in the Emergent Church movement claim “changing times demand that fresh questions be asked of Scripture, and then fresh answers will be heard. What was an appropriate use of Scripture under modernism is no longer an appropriate use of Scripture under postmodernism.” This is a classic case of throwing the baby out with the bathwater! But I digress.
The “knower” believes that the masses are not in possession of spiritual knowledge, and only the truly “enlightened” can experience God. Thus the reintroduction of contemplative, aka centering, prayer into the Church. How is centering prayer different from biblical prayer? Centering prayer is a meditative practice where the focus is on having a mystical experience with God. Individuals choose a sacred word or symbol (such as God, Jesus, Father) and repeat it over and over during the twenty-minute exercise. Sitting comfortably in a meditative posture, with back straight and eyes closed, the sacred word is introduced as the symbol of consent to God's presence within. Should outside thoughts emerge in your mind, you must return “ever-so-gently” to your sacred word. At the end of your prayer time you’re to remain in silence with eyes closed for a few minutes. Sounds like a good way to relax, doesn’t it? Trouble is, contemplative prayer has no Scriptural support whatsoever. Moreover, it’s the exact opposite of how the Bible instructs believers to pray. Read the prayer of Jesus in Luke 11:1-4 below. [3]
“In that day you will no longer ask me anything,” said Jesus to the apostles. “I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete” (John 16:23-24).
Paul says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6, NLT).; “Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured” (Col. 4:12).
Biblical prayer advocates engaging your mind, even wrestling in your mind, as did Epaphras, not emptying your mind! Yet Pastor Rob Bell encourages Zachary Lind to do just that. Following is a snippet of an interview Lind did with Bell. (For clarity I edited out phrases like “like,” “you know” and “I mean.”):
Interviewer Lind: … the book you recommended to me a few weeks ago [by] Richard Rohr…talked about contemplative prayer … [I read] half of the book and still don’t really know what his definition of that is. But he starts getting into it. And he says … you have to at least sit … past 20 minutes.
Bell: Yeah, yes.
Lind: It takes a certain amount of time before you’re sort of selfish things get aired out. Like you might be all about you for 20 minutes, but then after that it’s like, you’re kind of a blank slate. You know…
Bell: Uh-huh.
Lind: You’re kind of ready to intake anything. He talks a lot in that book about a beginners mind and … being kind of like a child and coming up to Jesus, and really just ready to be written on. And … maybe I’m wrong but I kind of feel like from what I hear … there’s a lot of that going on …
Bell: Yeah, well you have to essentially discipline your life around forming the depths, and that takes just phenomenal discipline that I don’t even pretend to have. [4]
At this point the conversation drifts away from contemplative prayer. Note that Bell gave no warning with regard to the dangers of meditation even though Lind admits that he’s ready to take anything, “Ready to be written on.” Written on by whom? The Bible warns of deceiving spirits! “The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved” (2 Thess. 2:9-10).
After listening to the interview what you will come away with is that Rob Bell is leading Christians into dangerous Eastern religious beliefs and rituals. Convinced they’re having an esoteric experience with “God,” many Christians are actually embracing Hinduism.
(Let me just put that quote in again from before from the anonymous poster so you can see again what this is all about:
"On watching the video, I became aware that I was seeing nothing, I went into an altered state of consciousness as only your voice I could hear. entranced. The spirit of love and wisdon certainly use you as channel of love and hope.
You are blessed.")
Puts it all into perspective, yes?
Biblical prayer is comprehendible communication with God. Prayer is not an esoteric, yoga meditation. Granted, many contemplatives are ignorant of the true nature of meditation—but such ignorance is inexcusable and indefensible! The truth about the dangers of meditation is readily available in books and on the Internet.
Contemplative spirituality, like Gnosticism, promotes pursuing a magical mystical experience with “God.” Overlooked are passages such as Joshua 1:8: "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." This command is from God! He wants His people to meditate on Scripture; He doesn’t want them emptying their minds.
Leaders in the Emergent movement have succeeded in persuading those who practice centering prayer to put aside God’s Word and focus on a blank wall! Will practicing Eastern mysticism really help to open you up to a greater spiritual experience with God, or just the opposite? Since God opposes mysticism in any form, perhaps contemplatives are really experiencing visits from demonic spirits. Meditate on that! In 1 Cor. 2:15-18 Paul informs us that we have “the mind of Christ.” In Romans 12:2 he reminds us that God’s people are not to kowtow to this world, “but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
In the words of William Hendrickson, "Even if we or a holy angel must be the object of God's righteous curse, were any of us to preach a gospel contrary to the one we humans previously preached to you, then all the more divine wrath must be poured out on those self-appointed nobodies who are now making themselves guilty of this crime."
Here are some things I found in this particular research:
- Rejection or alteration of the doctrine of Biblical Inspiration 2 Tim. 3:16
- Special in-depth Knowledge - False cultist often claim they have the truth which has been
suppressed by apostate Christianity. (It is important for cultists to “set themselves apart” from
other religions.) 2 Peter 1:20
- False understanding of Redemption - The Blood atonement is either rejected or nullified.
Heb. 9:14
- False understanding of Retribution - False cultists often reject hell, eternal punishment,
and the conscious state of the dead. Luke. 16:23,24
- An Allegorical System of Interpretation, Sometimes cultists do this while claiming they are
literal interpreters of the Bible. Mat. 5:18, John 10:35, Luke. 21:32
- Messianic Leadership - Many false cultists have their own messiahs or divinely chosen
leaders. Luke. 21:8
- A Re-definition of generally accepted Christian Terms. Cultists do this in order to hide the
true nature of their teaching. 1 Tim 6:3, Rom 16:18, 2 Tim. 2:14
This last one was the big one for me, especially when I tried to post comments.
So beware, all you Orthodox and other Christians. This New Age movement is probably spreading into your parish and ministry areas and you may not even realize what is happening because they are so adept at hypnotizing you and making it all sound good.
Remember these questions:
1) What does this teacher say about Jesus?
2) Does this teacher preach the gospel?
3) Does this teacher exhibit character qualities that glorify the Lord?
A believer who has read the activities of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in Matthew 3:16-17 will immediately question any doctrine that denies the Trinity. Therefore, “step one” is to study the Bible and judge all teaching by what the scripture says.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Poor Hugo Chavez
From Yahoo News:
CARACAS (AFP) - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said on Thursday he will govern until 2013 when his mandate ends, now that voters rejected constitutional reforms that would have allowed him to seek endless reelection.
"The shouting is one thing, the reality another ... The reform was not approved, so I have to leave the government in the year 2013. I will work tirelessly until the last day I have left here," Chavez said at an event in the capital.
He also told his supporters: "You have a debt with me, you will tell me if you will repay it or if you won't repay it. You have a debt with me, the nation and the future."
"It doesn't matter if at the end I am left with four or five revolutionaries, welcome, but not two-bit revolutionaries," he told followers at a ceremony where Bolivian and African militants graduated from the state-funded "Che Guevara" education program. He said the "no" triumphed in Sunday's referendum on the constitutional reforms (with 50.7 percent of the votes) because of "blackmail" suggesting there would be violence if the "yes" option won.
"It is blackmail, blackmail of the imperialism and its lackeys ... there was fear that violence would be unleashed and that even if we won by 80 percent against 20 percent they would not recognize the victory," he said.
The crowd chanted "Nooo" when Chavez evoked the possibility that "those who won the 'No' would return to govern the country, which is what they want."
"We are not confronting the 'petit-Yankees from here, but the empire of the United States, the most powerful empire on Earth," he said. "Didn't you see the president of the United States celebrating the victory of the 'No'?" he asked in reference to a statement by Bush who said Venezuelans voted for democracy.
"However much you shout, it is the truth," he told the crowd.
"We lost in Caracas, we lost in the neighborhoods, millions did not go to vote. They can say what they want, there is no excuse."
In the words of el Rey Juan Carlos de Espana, "Por que no te callas?"
Poor Hugo Chavez. It seems he just can't get a break! Just read what his ex wife says about him. This is very telling.
BARQUISIMETO, Venezuela - Hugo Chavez's ex-wife said Thursday she is proposing a constitutional amendment to shorten presidential terms, saying the president has been in office long enough.
Marisabel Rodriguez said she believes terms should be reduced from six to four years, and allow presidents only one opportunity for re-election.
"Four years and re-election ... it gives you enough time," said Rodriguez. "This can be done through an amendment."
Her comments came four days after voters narrowly rejected the president's 69 proposed changes to Venezuela's Constitution, including reforms that would have let him run for re-election indefinitely.
Chavez and Rodriguez divorced in 2004 and have one daughter, 10-year-old Rosines. Chavez, a former paratroop commander who first took office in 1999, also has three children from a previous marriage. Chavez — a close ally of Cuban leader Fidel Castro — dismissed his opponents' win as insignificant on Wednesday, using a derogatory term for feces.
"He's been using that language for some time. I think it's a lack of respect for Venezuelans," Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez drew attention ahead of Sunday's referendum by breaking years of silence and strongly criticizing her ex-husband, accusing him of becoming obsessed with power, putting politics above the population's well-being and failing to fight corruption.
What this man fails to understand is that this is NOT the U.S.'s fault. This vote was put to his own countrymen and they voted, it is that simple. I can't wait to see the spin that the leftist media will put on this story.
CARACAS (AFP) - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said on Thursday he will govern until 2013 when his mandate ends, now that voters rejected constitutional reforms that would have allowed him to seek endless reelection.
"The shouting is one thing, the reality another ... The reform was not approved, so I have to leave the government in the year 2013. I will work tirelessly until the last day I have left here," Chavez said at an event in the capital.
He also told his supporters: "You have a debt with me, you will tell me if you will repay it or if you won't repay it. You have a debt with me, the nation and the future."
"It doesn't matter if at the end I am left with four or five revolutionaries, welcome, but not two-bit revolutionaries," he told followers at a ceremony where Bolivian and African militants graduated from the state-funded "Che Guevara" education program. He said the "no" triumphed in Sunday's referendum on the constitutional reforms (with 50.7 percent of the votes) because of "blackmail" suggesting there would be violence if the "yes" option won.
"It is blackmail, blackmail of the imperialism and its lackeys ... there was fear that violence would be unleashed and that even if we won by 80 percent against 20 percent they would not recognize the victory," he said.
The crowd chanted "Nooo" when Chavez evoked the possibility that "those who won the 'No' would return to govern the country, which is what they want."
"We are not confronting the 'petit-Yankees from here, but the empire of the United States, the most powerful empire on Earth," he said. "Didn't you see the president of the United States celebrating the victory of the 'No'?" he asked in reference to a statement by Bush who said Venezuelans voted for democracy.
"However much you shout, it is the truth," he told the crowd.
"We lost in Caracas, we lost in the neighborhoods, millions did not go to vote. They can say what they want, there is no excuse."
In the words of el Rey Juan Carlos de Espana, "Por que no te callas?"
Poor Hugo Chavez. It seems he just can't get a break! Just read what his ex wife says about him. This is very telling.
BARQUISIMETO, Venezuela - Hugo Chavez's ex-wife said Thursday she is proposing a constitutional amendment to shorten presidential terms, saying the president has been in office long enough.
Marisabel Rodriguez said she believes terms should be reduced from six to four years, and allow presidents only one opportunity for re-election.
"Four years and re-election ... it gives you enough time," said Rodriguez. "This can be done through an amendment."
Her comments came four days after voters narrowly rejected the president's 69 proposed changes to Venezuela's Constitution, including reforms that would have let him run for re-election indefinitely.
Chavez and Rodriguez divorced in 2004 and have one daughter, 10-year-old Rosines. Chavez, a former paratroop commander who first took office in 1999, also has three children from a previous marriage. Chavez — a close ally of Cuban leader Fidel Castro — dismissed his opponents' win as insignificant on Wednesday, using a derogatory term for feces.
"He's been using that language for some time. I think it's a lack of respect for Venezuelans," Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez drew attention ahead of Sunday's referendum by breaking years of silence and strongly criticizing her ex-husband, accusing him of becoming obsessed with power, putting politics above the population's well-being and failing to fight corruption.
What this man fails to understand is that this is NOT the U.S.'s fault. This vote was put to his own countrymen and they voted, it is that simple. I can't wait to see the spin that the leftist media will put on this story.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Hotel of the week
This is my pick for the week....Hotel El Convento de San Juan.
http://www.elconvento.com/
I stumbled upon this place purely by accident two years ago after touring El Morro. I was on a cruise ship stop. I took a taxi on my own from the pier to the fort and then met up with some other cruisers and we hit the bar at this place. It was in a word...FANTASTIC.
Truly reminiscent of Old World Spain, it is a member of the Historic Hotels of America, and Small Luxury Hotels of the World. It is a former Carmelite convent built 3 and a half centuries ago. In the lobby, ornate chairs with the crest of Old Spain adorn either side of a beautiful hand carved armoire complete with soft lighting, perfect for catching up on your reading.
As we entered the Patio del Nispero, a lone guitarist sat in a corner strumming away soft tunes, echoing the romantic sounds of Andalucia. On the other side of the Patio sits one of the best bars in the world, El Picoteo. I tasted crisp and refreshing sangrias there and marveled at the fabulous kitchen set up for those most Spanish of foods, the culinary tapas.
I tried the Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp) and Aceitunas Calamatta (Calamata Olives) and just kept drinking Sangrias, enjoying the guitarist in the corner. I didn't want to leave, but alas, the cruise ship was about to leave port for St Maarten, and another adventure awaited me there, the chance to sail aboard a World's Cup racing yacht.
http://www.elconvento.com/
I stumbled upon this place purely by accident two years ago after touring El Morro. I was on a cruise ship stop. I took a taxi on my own from the pier to the fort and then met up with some other cruisers and we hit the bar at this place. It was in a word...FANTASTIC.
Truly reminiscent of Old World Spain, it is a member of the Historic Hotels of America, and Small Luxury Hotels of the World. It is a former Carmelite convent built 3 and a half centuries ago. In the lobby, ornate chairs with the crest of Old Spain adorn either side of a beautiful hand carved armoire complete with soft lighting, perfect for catching up on your reading.
As we entered the Patio del Nispero, a lone guitarist sat in a corner strumming away soft tunes, echoing the romantic sounds of Andalucia. On the other side of the Patio sits one of the best bars in the world, El Picoteo. I tasted crisp and refreshing sangrias there and marveled at the fabulous kitchen set up for those most Spanish of foods, the culinary tapas.
I tried the Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp) and Aceitunas Calamatta (Calamata Olives) and just kept drinking Sangrias, enjoying the guitarist in the corner. I didn't want to leave, but alas, the cruise ship was about to leave port for St Maarten, and another adventure awaited me there, the chance to sail aboard a World's Cup racing yacht.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Why do...
other people who practice pagan religions and worship Earthly things in this modern day and age receive more respect than Christians do? I see evidence of this every day. Those that want to elevate themselves to a "higher consciousness" and believe that you can be your own God, and believe that human accomplishments trump our Lord and Savior receive more admiration and respect than someone who simply goes to a church, reads their bible and prays daily. That costs less money and is far simpler than trying to figure out numerology, runes, witchcraft, or trying to prove that Darwinism and humanism are superior to God. That's just messed up and gets you nowhere. Worshipping nature and ourselves is contrary to what God intended. God created us, nature and all the animals around us, so to worship those creatures and ourselves in place of God defeats His entire purpose.
Those that do not believe we were created to serve, IMHO, are the ones in the box and they always will be.
Those that do not believe we were created to serve, IMHO, are the ones in the box and they always will be.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Portland Maine is breeding wackos
If your daughter is eleven and she has a secret eighteen year old boyfriend, and she tells you she's spending the weekend with her best friend, you better beware. Get out your posse because she might already have the stash of condoms and pills at the ready.
In Portland, the ACLU is making this crazy thing happen. They're backing it up, folks, with their political clout, money and power. They're going the sly, sneaky back road and making your parenting decisions FOR you. This is all about the clinic issue and access to birth control pills for MINORS. What parent is going to deny their child access to the school's health care center if they get a sprained ankle? Aha! This is where they get you. Once your child is inside that clinic, and they want the pill, they can go to any nurse and give them some sob story about how their communication is broken down in the home. About how if you found out they were having sexual relations, you might beat them. Or you might get mad. Then the nurse can say, "It's ok, your conversation with me is protected. They never have to know. If you want the pill, let's get you some counseling." Then the next thing you know, your kid is sexually active, without your knowledge, consent, or without any feedback/interaction. THIS IS INSANE.
The ACLU is not your friend. They want to put up a barrier between you and your child and make it even harder for you to have any say in their moral value system. To these parents that actually support this, I say: ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND????
Or is it more worthwhile to spend your time and energy forcing the Al Gore version of global warming down everyone's throats?
In Portland, the ACLU is making this crazy thing happen. They're backing it up, folks, with their political clout, money and power. They're going the sly, sneaky back road and making your parenting decisions FOR you. This is all about the clinic issue and access to birth control pills for MINORS. What parent is going to deny their child access to the school's health care center if they get a sprained ankle? Aha! This is where they get you. Once your child is inside that clinic, and they want the pill, they can go to any nurse and give them some sob story about how their communication is broken down in the home. About how if you found out they were having sexual relations, you might beat them. Or you might get mad. Then the nurse can say, "It's ok, your conversation with me is protected. They never have to know. If you want the pill, let's get you some counseling." Then the next thing you know, your kid is sexually active, without your knowledge, consent, or without any feedback/interaction. THIS IS INSANE.
The ACLU is not your friend. They want to put up a barrier between you and your child and make it even harder for you to have any say in their moral value system. To these parents that actually support this, I say: ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND????
Or is it more worthwhile to spend your time and energy forcing the Al Gore version of global warming down everyone's throats?
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Some more famous Oklahomans
This is a list of 168 Oklahomans that deserve our respect and honor every day. Maybe those of you that have piggybacked off of us might want to think twice before you go "dissing" us in the future.
Lucio Aleman Jr.
Teresa Alexander
Richard Arthur Allen
Ted Leon Allen
Baylee Almon
Diane Althouse
Rebecca Anderson
Pamela Argo
Saundra Avery
Peter Robert Avillanoza
Calvin Coolidge Battle
Peola Battle
Danielle Nicole Bell
Oleta Christine Biddy
Shelley DeAnn Bland
Andrea Yvette Blanton
Olen Burl Bloomer
Lola Rene Boldon
James Everett Boles
Mark Allen Bolte
Cassandra Kay Booker
Carol Louise Bowers
Peach Lyn Bradley
Woodrow Brady
Paul Gregory Broxterman
Gabreon Bruce
Kimberly R. Burgess
David Neil Burkett
Donald Earl Burns
Cynthia Campbell
Michael J. Carrillo
Karen Gist Carr
Rona Chafey
Zachary Chavez
Sharon Louise Wood Chestnut
Robert Chipman
Terry Smith Rees
Kimberly Kay Clark
Margaret Louise Clark
Anthony Cristopher Cooper
Antonio Ansara Cooper, Jr.
Dana Leanne Cooper
Harley R. Cottingham
Aaron Coverdale
Elijah Coverdale
Jaci Rae Coyne
Kathy Cregan
Richard Leroy Cummins
Steven Douglas Curry
Brenda Daniels
Sgt. Benjamin Davis
Diana Lynne Day
Peter L. DeMaster
Castine Brooks Deveroux
Kim Robin Cousins
Sheila Driver
Taylor Eaves
Ashley Eckles
Susan Jane Ferrell
Carol June "Chip" Fields
Katherine Ann Finley
Judy JoAnn Froh Fisher
Linda Louise Florence
Donald Lee Fritzler
Mary Anne Harper Fritzler
Tevin Garrett
Laura W. Garrison
Jamie Lee Lialkowski Genzer
Margaret Goodson
Kevin Lee Gottshall II
Ethel Louise Griffin
Colleen Juretta Guiles
Randolph Guzman
Kayla Marie Haddock
Cheryl Hammon
Ronald Vernon Harding
Thomas L. Hawthorne, Sr.
Doris Adele Higginbottom
Anita Hightower
Thompson Eugene Hodges
Peggy Louise Jenkins Holland
Linda Coleen Housley
George Michael Howard
Wanda Howell
Robin Huff
Anna Jean Hurlburt
Charles Hurlburt
Paul Douglas Ice
Christi Jenkins
Norma Jean Johnson
Raymond Lee Johnson
Larry James Jones
Alvin Justes
Blake Ryan Kennedy
Carole Sue Khalil
Valerie Koelsch
Carolyn Ann Kreymborg
Teresa Lea Lauderdale
Catherine Mary Leinen
Carrie Ann Lenz
Donald Ray Leonard
Lakesha Levy
Dominique London
Rheta Ione Bender Long
Michael Lee Loudenslager
Aurelia Donna Luster
Robert Luster Jr.
Mickey Bryant Maroney
James Kenneth Martin
Gilberto X. Martinez
James Anthony McCarthy
Kenneth Glenn McCullough
Betsy Janice McGonnell
Linda Gail Griffin McKinney
Cartney Jean McCraven
Claude Arthur Medearis
Claudette Duke Meek
Frankie Ann Merrell
Derwin Wade Miller
Eula Leigh Mitchell
John Clayton Moss III
Patricia Trish Nix
Jerry Lee Parker
Jill Diane Randolph
Michelle Ann Reeder
Mary L. Rentie
Antonio Castillo Reyes
Kathryn Elizabeth Ridley
Trudy Rigney
Claudine Ritter
Christine Nicole Rosas
Sonja Lynn Stroud Sanders
Lanny L. Scroggins
Kathy Lynn Seidl
Leora Lee Sells
Karan Denise Shepherd
Chase Smith
Colton Smith
Sgt. Victoria Lee Sohn
John Thomas Stewart
Delores M. Stratton
Emilio Rangel Tapia
Victoria Jeanette Texter
Charlotte A. Thomas
Michael George Thompson
Virginia Thompson
Kayla Marie Titsworth
Rick L. Tomlin
Larue Ann Treanor
Luther Heartman Treanor
Larry Turner
Jules Valdez
John Karl VanEss III
Johnnie Allen Wade
David Jack Walker
Robert Nolan Walker
Wanda Lee Watkins
Michael Don Weaver
Julie Marie Welch
Robert G. Westberry
Alan G. Whicher
Jo Ann Whittenberg
Frances Williams
Scott Dwain Williams
William Stephen Williams
Clarence Wilson
Ronota Woodbridge
Tresia Worten
John Youngblood
Lucio Aleman Jr.
Teresa Alexander
Richard Arthur Allen
Ted Leon Allen
Baylee Almon
Diane Althouse
Rebecca Anderson
Pamela Argo
Saundra Avery
Peter Robert Avillanoza
Calvin Coolidge Battle
Peola Battle
Danielle Nicole Bell
Oleta Christine Biddy
Shelley DeAnn Bland
Andrea Yvette Blanton
Olen Burl Bloomer
Lola Rene Boldon
James Everett Boles
Mark Allen Bolte
Cassandra Kay Booker
Carol Louise Bowers
Peach Lyn Bradley
Woodrow Brady
Paul Gregory Broxterman
Gabreon Bruce
Kimberly R. Burgess
David Neil Burkett
Donald Earl Burns
Cynthia Campbell
Michael J. Carrillo
Karen Gist Carr
Rona Chafey
Zachary Chavez
Sharon Louise Wood Chestnut
Robert Chipman
Terry Smith Rees
Kimberly Kay Clark
Margaret Louise Clark
Anthony Cristopher Cooper
Antonio Ansara Cooper, Jr.
Dana Leanne Cooper
Harley R. Cottingham
Aaron Coverdale
Elijah Coverdale
Jaci Rae Coyne
Kathy Cregan
Richard Leroy Cummins
Steven Douglas Curry
Brenda Daniels
Sgt. Benjamin Davis
Diana Lynne Day
Peter L. DeMaster
Castine Brooks Deveroux
Kim Robin Cousins
Sheila Driver
Taylor Eaves
Ashley Eckles
Susan Jane Ferrell
Carol June "Chip" Fields
Katherine Ann Finley
Judy JoAnn Froh Fisher
Linda Louise Florence
Donald Lee Fritzler
Mary Anne Harper Fritzler
Tevin Garrett
Laura W. Garrison
Jamie Lee Lialkowski Genzer
Margaret Goodson
Kevin Lee Gottshall II
Ethel Louise Griffin
Colleen Juretta Guiles
Randolph Guzman
Kayla Marie Haddock
Cheryl Hammon
Ronald Vernon Harding
Thomas L. Hawthorne, Sr.
Doris Adele Higginbottom
Anita Hightower
Thompson Eugene Hodges
Peggy Louise Jenkins Holland
Linda Coleen Housley
George Michael Howard
Wanda Howell
Robin Huff
Anna Jean Hurlburt
Charles Hurlburt
Paul Douglas Ice
Christi Jenkins
Norma Jean Johnson
Raymond Lee Johnson
Larry James Jones
Alvin Justes
Blake Ryan Kennedy
Carole Sue Khalil
Valerie Koelsch
Carolyn Ann Kreymborg
Teresa Lea Lauderdale
Catherine Mary Leinen
Carrie Ann Lenz
Donald Ray Leonard
Lakesha Levy
Dominique London
Rheta Ione Bender Long
Michael Lee Loudenslager
Aurelia Donna Luster
Robert Luster Jr.
Mickey Bryant Maroney
James Kenneth Martin
Gilberto X. Martinez
James Anthony McCarthy
Kenneth Glenn McCullough
Betsy Janice McGonnell
Linda Gail Griffin McKinney
Cartney Jean McCraven
Claude Arthur Medearis
Claudette Duke Meek
Frankie Ann Merrell
Derwin Wade Miller
Eula Leigh Mitchell
John Clayton Moss III
Patricia Trish Nix
Jerry Lee Parker
Jill Diane Randolph
Michelle Ann Reeder
Mary L. Rentie
Antonio Castillo Reyes
Kathryn Elizabeth Ridley
Trudy Rigney
Claudine Ritter
Christine Nicole Rosas
Sonja Lynn Stroud Sanders
Lanny L. Scroggins
Kathy Lynn Seidl
Leora Lee Sells
Karan Denise Shepherd
Chase Smith
Colton Smith
Sgt. Victoria Lee Sohn
John Thomas Stewart
Delores M. Stratton
Emilio Rangel Tapia
Victoria Jeanette Texter
Charlotte A. Thomas
Michael George Thompson
Virginia Thompson
Kayla Marie Titsworth
Rick L. Tomlin
Larue Ann Treanor
Luther Heartman Treanor
Larry Turner
Jules Valdez
John Karl VanEss III
Johnnie Allen Wade
David Jack Walker
Robert Nolan Walker
Wanda Lee Watkins
Michael Don Weaver
Julie Marie Welch
Robert G. Westberry
Alan G. Whicher
Jo Ann Whittenberg
Frances Williams
Scott Dwain Williams
William Stephen Williams
Clarence Wilson
Ronota Woodbridge
Tresia Worten
John Youngblood
I'm getting really tired...
of people that seem to be ashamed to admit where they are from. Two professionals, who I know very well that got their undergraduate degrees in Oklahoma, have gone on to pursue advanced academic degrees in other places. One on the West coast, and one on the East. Neither one of them now will admit in public that they got their undergraduate degrees in Oklahoma. Why? I'll tell you why. Because it's considered bad form for your careers to do that, if you venture outside the Red River boundary.
It's bad to admit you went to school in OKLAHOMA. It's bad to say that you were ever physically inside that rat infested, tornado bait white trash hellhole of a place, where only bible thumpers and stupid people breed and live. It's just such a horrible, horrible place. There's no life there. No class. It's not Harvard. Not Ivy League. Not Berkeley. Not like San Francisco or Boston. They're not like us.
"Your career will fail if you tell them you went to school in Oklahoma. Just better to leave that off your resume altogether." It has actually been suggested to me, now that I'm in KC, and not by just one person, to leave my Master's degree off my resume completely (which I got from OU I will add) and pretend I don't even have one. To that, I say go back to whatever it was you were smoking and shut the hell up. Seriously. I won't lie and that's what that would be, wouldn't it? I could say I went to Harvard. But that would be lying and I won't stoop to such atrocities. I'm very proud of my Sooner Heritage and anyone who wants to challenge that can pucker up and kiss my very proud Sooner ass.
Here is a list of some famous Oklahomans:
Johnny Bench, baseball player, Oklahoma City
John Berryman, poet, MacAlester
Garth Brooks, singer, Tulsa
Jeremy Castle, singer, Blanchard
Iron Eyes Cody, Cherokee actor
Gordon Cooper, astronaut, Shawnee
Ralph Ellison, writer, Oklahoma City
James Garner, actor, Norman
Owen K. Garriott, astronaut, Enid
Vince Gill, singer, Norman
Chester Gould, cartoonist, Pawnee
Woodrow Wilson Woody Guthrie, singer, composer, Okemah
Ike,Taylor, Zac Hanson music, Tulsa
Roy Harris, composer, Lincoln Cty
Paul Harvey, broadcaster, Tulsa
Van Heflin, actor, Walters
Tony Hillerman, author, Sacred Heart
Ron Howard actor, director, Duncan
Karl Guthe Jansky, engineer, Norman
Ben Johnson, actor, Pawhuska
Jennifer Jones, actress, Tulsa
Jeane Kirkpatrick, diplomat, Duncan
Shannon Lucid, astronaut, Bethany
Mickey Charles Mantle, baseball player, Spavinaw
Reba McEntire, singer, McAlester
Shannon Miller, Olympic gymnast, Edmond
Bill Moyers, journalist, Hugo
Daniel Patrick Moynihan, N.Y. senator, Tulsa
Patti Page, singer, Clarence
Brad Pitt, actor Shawnee
Tony Randall, actor, Tulsa
Oral Roberts, evangelist, Ada
Dale Robertson, actor, Oklahoma City
Will Rogers, humorist, Oologah
Dan Rowan, comedian, Beggs
Robert Stemmons, whistler, Tulsa
Maria Tallchief, ballerina, Fairfax
James Francis Jim Thorpe, athlete, Prague
Jeanne Tripplehorn, actress, Tulsa
Ted Shackleford, actor, Tulsa
Wilma Mankiller, Cherokee chief, Tahlequah
To those of you that are dissing your Okie background, one day you will wish you didn't. Karma has a funny way of coming full circle.
I guess Will Rogers never met you.
It's bad to admit you went to school in OKLAHOMA. It's bad to say that you were ever physically inside that rat infested, tornado bait white trash hellhole of a place, where only bible thumpers and stupid people breed and live. It's just such a horrible, horrible place. There's no life there. No class. It's not Harvard. Not Ivy League. Not Berkeley. Not like San Francisco or Boston. They're not like us.
"Your career will fail if you tell them you went to school in Oklahoma. Just better to leave that off your resume altogether." It has actually been suggested to me, now that I'm in KC, and not by just one person, to leave my Master's degree off my resume completely (which I got from OU I will add) and pretend I don't even have one. To that, I say go back to whatever it was you were smoking and shut the hell up. Seriously. I won't lie and that's what that would be, wouldn't it? I could say I went to Harvard. But that would be lying and I won't stoop to such atrocities. I'm very proud of my Sooner Heritage and anyone who wants to challenge that can pucker up and kiss my very proud Sooner ass.
Here is a list of some famous Oklahomans:
Johnny Bench, baseball player, Oklahoma City
John Berryman, poet, MacAlester
Garth Brooks, singer, Tulsa
Jeremy Castle, singer, Blanchard
Iron Eyes Cody, Cherokee actor
Gordon Cooper, astronaut, Shawnee
Ralph Ellison, writer, Oklahoma City
James Garner, actor, Norman
Owen K. Garriott, astronaut, Enid
Vince Gill, singer, Norman
Chester Gould, cartoonist, Pawnee
Woodrow Wilson Woody Guthrie, singer, composer, Okemah
Ike,Taylor, Zac Hanson music, Tulsa
Roy Harris, composer, Lincoln Cty
Paul Harvey, broadcaster, Tulsa
Van Heflin, actor, Walters
Tony Hillerman, author, Sacred Heart
Ron Howard actor, director, Duncan
Karl Guthe Jansky, engineer, Norman
Ben Johnson, actor, Pawhuska
Jennifer Jones, actress, Tulsa
Jeane Kirkpatrick, diplomat, Duncan
Shannon Lucid, astronaut, Bethany
Mickey Charles Mantle, baseball player, Spavinaw
Reba McEntire, singer, McAlester
Shannon Miller, Olympic gymnast, Edmond
Bill Moyers, journalist, Hugo
Daniel Patrick Moynihan, N.Y. senator, Tulsa
Patti Page, singer, Clarence
Brad Pitt, actor Shawnee
Tony Randall, actor, Tulsa
Oral Roberts, evangelist, Ada
Dale Robertson, actor, Oklahoma City
Will Rogers, humorist, Oologah
Dan Rowan, comedian, Beggs
Robert Stemmons, whistler, Tulsa
Maria Tallchief, ballerina, Fairfax
James Francis Jim Thorpe, athlete, Prague
Jeanne Tripplehorn, actress, Tulsa
Ted Shackleford, actor, Tulsa
Wilma Mankiller, Cherokee chief, Tahlequah
To those of you that are dissing your Okie background, one day you will wish you didn't. Karma has a funny way of coming full circle.
I guess Will Rogers never met you.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Un post en espanol
Aqui es un post en espanol. En 1991 recibi mi certificado Bachelor's en espanol de OU (Universidad de Oklahoma). Despues, trabaje en muchas carreras, como agente de viajes, traductora para el gobierno, un guia tour en Mexico, traductora general, pero no he hecho mucho importante con mi espanol. No realmente. No como profesora, o traductora FBI, escritura importante, yo no soy un pensante grande, y mi espanol ha sufrido mucho sobre todo los anos.
Algun dia, si Dios quiere, seria una ministeria en una manera con la iglesia ortodoxia o algo, yo no se. Quiza escrito revistas del libros para la iglesia en espanol, o de la liturgia divina, o visito lugares spirituales muy importantes de la iglesia, como un peregrinaje.
A veces yo siento como ese pato estupido que siempre se siente, siempre esperando para la oportunidad que nunca venga. Cuando voy a oir ese ruido en mi puerto?
Algun dia, si Dios quiere, seria una ministeria en una manera con la iglesia ortodoxia o algo, yo no se. Quiza escrito revistas del libros para la iglesia en espanol, o de la liturgia divina, o visito lugares spirituales muy importantes de la iglesia, como un peregrinaje.
A veces yo siento como ese pato estupido que siempre se siente, siempre esperando para la oportunidad que nunca venga. Cuando voy a oir ese ruido en mi puerto?
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Who's your daddy, Fred Phelps
Fred Phelps is a dichotomy of sorts. His "church," Westboro Baptist out of Topeka, KS, was just ordered to pay 11 million dollars to a family who lost a son in Iraq. At his funeral, Phelps and company were there doing their usual hateful picketing.
The father filed a lawsuit and was able to get a jury to award money based on "intent to inflict emotional distress." IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!!
We've got some great things in Kansas, but some things are going very bad for us right now. This Phelps guy, Tiller the Baby Killer, the lawsuits against Planned Parenthood, and the Tiller coverup by Sebelius.
But I'll just concentrate on Phelps for today. He's the lowest of the low. I just watched an interview with CNN's Rick Sanchez where Phelps claims his protests are respectful preaching of the word of God about the real reason soldiers die (homosexuality) and he is the real victim here. He cut Sanchez off and accused him of being brainwashed and believing a bunch of "hooey."
The man sounded like he'd been drinking, IMHO. He's also got an unhealthy obsession with homosexuality. First of all, there are no biblical references on his protest material that I've seen, as he claims to be preaching at these protests. They're just posters portraying hateful messages with the INTENT TO DO HARM AND INFLICT EMOTIONAL DISTRESS. There is no loving message of God.
If one looks at Phelp's history, you can deduce that he's a freakshow. He lives in a compound, he's a control freak, he beat his own kids, at one time he had a pool in his backyard but had to have the hole covered up because of the mysterious drowning of a child in that pool several years ago.
I also have to wonder if this guy really is who he claims to be. It's just a fishy deal. Is he really the right winger preacher that he wants everybody to think he is? Well, he's a registered Democrat. Democrats are supposed to be supporters of homosexuality by and large aren't they? At least that's what the media wants us to believe. Phelps preaches hatred against homosexuals, it appears, to incite the gay community. I haven't seen any Republican out there incite as much hatred against gays like this guy. Then he's out there protesting at military funerals because of homosexuality to piss off the military crowd. So he's playing both sides. What's he gaining? Publicity? Money? Both? A cult following? Probably everything a narcissistic personality craves. Narcissistic supply and then some. (Wow, Fred, you're really getting some big payoffs here, aren't you?)
Look at the "see, gotcha" knee jerk reaction of the atheists and nonbelievers out there. "See, look at how Christians behave. Isn't this deplorable?" Then Phelps' message is used to help prop up their stance against God and religion in mainstream America.
STOP IT, PHELPS. You're giving Christians a bad rap here.
Looks like now he's got a lawsuit on his hands. I'm sure it's not the first, and it surely won't be the last. What sickens me is that he proudly wears his KU jacket everywhere he goes. If I was a KU fan I'd be wanting to send the JayHawk mascot out there in public to kick his butt and put it on national TV. Have some picketers in the background standing by too and get it all on camera. I would pay to see that.
"The media loves Fred Phelps"
"Repent, Fred Phelps"
"Say Uncle, Fred Phelps"
"Who's your daddy, Fred Phelps"
The father filed a lawsuit and was able to get a jury to award money based on "intent to inflict emotional distress." IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!!
We've got some great things in Kansas, but some things are going very bad for us right now. This Phelps guy, Tiller the Baby Killer, the lawsuits against Planned Parenthood, and the Tiller coverup by Sebelius.
But I'll just concentrate on Phelps for today. He's the lowest of the low. I just watched an interview with CNN's Rick Sanchez where Phelps claims his protests are respectful preaching of the word of God about the real reason soldiers die (homosexuality) and he is the real victim here. He cut Sanchez off and accused him of being brainwashed and believing a bunch of "hooey."
The man sounded like he'd been drinking, IMHO. He's also got an unhealthy obsession with homosexuality. First of all, there are no biblical references on his protest material that I've seen, as he claims to be preaching at these protests. They're just posters portraying hateful messages with the INTENT TO DO HARM AND INFLICT EMOTIONAL DISTRESS. There is no loving message of God.
If one looks at Phelp's history, you can deduce that he's a freakshow. He lives in a compound, he's a control freak, he beat his own kids, at one time he had a pool in his backyard but had to have the hole covered up because of the mysterious drowning of a child in that pool several years ago.
I also have to wonder if this guy really is who he claims to be. It's just a fishy deal. Is he really the right winger preacher that he wants everybody to think he is? Well, he's a registered Democrat. Democrats are supposed to be supporters of homosexuality by and large aren't they? At least that's what the media wants us to believe. Phelps preaches hatred against homosexuals, it appears, to incite the gay community. I haven't seen any Republican out there incite as much hatred against gays like this guy. Then he's out there protesting at military funerals because of homosexuality to piss off the military crowd. So he's playing both sides. What's he gaining? Publicity? Money? Both? A cult following? Probably everything a narcissistic personality craves. Narcissistic supply and then some. (Wow, Fred, you're really getting some big payoffs here, aren't you?)
Look at the "see, gotcha" knee jerk reaction of the atheists and nonbelievers out there. "See, look at how Christians behave. Isn't this deplorable?" Then Phelps' message is used to help prop up their stance against God and religion in mainstream America.
STOP IT, PHELPS. You're giving Christians a bad rap here.
Looks like now he's got a lawsuit on his hands. I'm sure it's not the first, and it surely won't be the last. What sickens me is that he proudly wears his KU jacket everywhere he goes. If I was a KU fan I'd be wanting to send the JayHawk mascot out there in public to kick his butt and put it on national TV. Have some picketers in the background standing by too and get it all on camera. I would pay to see that.
"The media loves Fred Phelps"
"Repent, Fred Phelps"
"Say Uncle, Fred Phelps"
"Who's your daddy, Fred Phelps"
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Happy Halloween!
Well I've only got about 20 minutes left before Halloween officially ends here.
Here's my final post for the month:
On the new birth control pills being distributed in the Portland, Maine public school system, it should come as no surprise that I would disagree with this approach. The arguments for it say that it's for those kids that don't have a "close" enough relationship with their parents and don't feel comfortable going to them out of fear of being abused, etc. etc. Or is it really that these kids just don't want to admit they are being sexually active. On paper, to school officials, this makes complete sense. "Absoluuutelly..." they say. "We are providing a good service." This is complete garbage.
Um, ok, so in my mind, what this really is, is the message that "ok, if you're not comfortable going to your parents about it," then "psst, here we are over here, come get your pills and a hug. It's okay. We won't tell your parents you got them here." Then bingo, Jack and Diane go do it, behind their parents back. With the blessing of the school system. And how is this not a dismantling of the family values system?
What about the monthly prescription fees for these pills? They ain't cheap. I guess that comes out of taxpayer money. (This is what's called forcing NEW values on society with YOUR tax dollars.) Do we see a pattern here? What about yeast infections that can occur from using pills? Or weight gain? Am I expected to be so stupid as to think that I won't notice if my teenage daughter isn't sexually active and using pills?
Ok...so let me paint a scenario. It's Monday afternoon football practice and 15 year old Joe has just bragged to his buddies in the locker room how he and 14 year old Sheila "hooked up" Friday night after the football game, and that she'd gotten her pills from the school counselor. Joe's buddies are gonna text their buddies, then their buddies....
Sheila doesn't want her mom to know how she got the pills, and she hopes she never finds out. Well it's all over the school now!!!
But let's suppose that Joe used a condom as a backup and it slipped off or maybe had a hole in it. Yes these things DO happen!!!
And Joe might have had some fun with some other girls beforehand. Think about the long term consequences of this.
So think about this you lefties before you just casually hand out pills to SOMEONE ELSE's kid as a theoretical answer to an epidemic problem in this country. If you found out YOUR kid was getting pills behind YOUR back, I really doubt you would like that very much because it takes the control away from YOU and puts it in SOMEONE ELSE's hands.
But that's okay as long as it's not your kid right?
"Absoluutelly."
This is just another product of the Boulder baby-boomer crowd that wants to appear "hip" and "cool" for today's youth, and to relive their own days of glory and to get back at their parents for having forced their "repressed" values on them.
(Let's call me Dad, not dude, okay?)
Here's my final post for the month:
On the new birth control pills being distributed in the Portland, Maine public school system, it should come as no surprise that I would disagree with this approach. The arguments for it say that it's for those kids that don't have a "close" enough relationship with their parents and don't feel comfortable going to them out of fear of being abused, etc. etc. Or is it really that these kids just don't want to admit they are being sexually active. On paper, to school officials, this makes complete sense. "Absoluuutelly..." they say. "We are providing a good service." This is complete garbage.
Um, ok, so in my mind, what this really is, is the message that "ok, if you're not comfortable going to your parents about it," then "psst, here we are over here, come get your pills and a hug. It's okay. We won't tell your parents you got them here." Then bingo, Jack and Diane go do it, behind their parents back. With the blessing of the school system. And how is this not a dismantling of the family values system?
What about the monthly prescription fees for these pills? They ain't cheap. I guess that comes out of taxpayer money. (This is what's called forcing NEW values on society with YOUR tax dollars.) Do we see a pattern here? What about yeast infections that can occur from using pills? Or weight gain? Am I expected to be so stupid as to think that I won't notice if my teenage daughter isn't sexually active and using pills?
Ok...so let me paint a scenario. It's Monday afternoon football practice and 15 year old Joe has just bragged to his buddies in the locker room how he and 14 year old Sheila "hooked up" Friday night after the football game, and that she'd gotten her pills from the school counselor. Joe's buddies are gonna text their buddies, then their buddies....
Sheila doesn't want her mom to know how she got the pills, and she hopes she never finds out. Well it's all over the school now!!!
But let's suppose that Joe used a condom as a backup and it slipped off or maybe had a hole in it. Yes these things DO happen!!!
And Joe might have had some fun with some other girls beforehand. Think about the long term consequences of this.
So think about this you lefties before you just casually hand out pills to SOMEONE ELSE's kid as a theoretical answer to an epidemic problem in this country. If you found out YOUR kid was getting pills behind YOUR back, I really doubt you would like that very much because it takes the control away from YOU and puts it in SOMEONE ELSE's hands.
But that's okay as long as it's not your kid right?
"Absoluutelly."
This is just another product of the Boulder baby-boomer crowd that wants to appear "hip" and "cool" for today's youth, and to relive their own days of glory and to get back at their parents for having forced their "repressed" values on them.
(Let's call me Dad, not dude, okay?)
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
The Black Berets
Yeah, you've heard of the Green Berets right? No, I'm not talking about the movie starring John Wayne. I'm talking about the U.S. Army Special Forces.
From wikipedia:
The United States Army Special Forces, known in the United States simply as Special Forces or SF, is an elite special operations force of the U.S. Army trained for guerrilla warfare, unconventional warfare, and special operations. SF was founded in 1952 by Colonel Aaron Bank, and its members are informally known as "the Green Berets", because of the unit's distinctive green beret headgear. Their official motto is De Oppresso Liber (Latin: "To free the oppressed"), a reference to one of their primary missions to train and assist foreign indigenous forces.
That's an interesting term isn't it? "To free the oppressed..."
Isn't that what our soldiers are trying to do in Iraq? "To free the oppressed?"
Yet the far left wingers are hell bent on seeing that we don't achieve that goal, at least in the papers and in mainstream media.
From Bill's Talking Points Memo:
"Last night our lead story on 'The Factor' was the Medal of Honor awarded to Navy S.E.A.L. Lieutenant Michael Murphy who was killed in Afghanistan trying to save his unit. Lieutenant Murphy's bravery is chronicled in a best selling book, "Lone Survivor," and it is truly an incredible saga.
Why then did CNN and MSNBC fail to report the Medal of Honor story in primetime last night? Easy question, disturbing answer. Katie Couric on CBS News gave Lieutenant Murphy more than three minutes, Charles Gibson on ABC News more than two minutes, Brian Williams didn't report the ceremony although he did cover the story last week.
But apparently Lieutenant Murphy was not ready for primetime on our cable competition even though they had hours to get mention of it on the air. The hard truth is that MSNBC and CNN are not going to report stories that reflect well on the American military because those people over there despise the Bush administration and believe anything positive like American heroes in war zones, detract from their negative assessment of the administration.
Thus, the military becomes a casualty of a committed left-ideology that is in play on our competition. There is no question about it. And it is ideology that is driving those people, not which stories are worthy or an effective business plan.
Here is the proof. Over the first three weeks of October, this month, the FOX News Channel has doubled CNN and tripled MSNBC in the ratings at 8:00 p.m. "The Factor" beats those two combined with about a million viewers to spare. Nobody wins that big in television.
So ignoring great stories like Lieutenant Murphy can't be based on news value or business. It is just stupid ideology.
Now, I don't want to hear CNN or NBC News say they support the troops. I don't ever want to hear that.
Lieutenant Murphy is the only person to receive the Medal of Honor for action in Afghanistan, a war zone that is directly dealing with Al Qaeda and they're Taliban enablers.
Don't insult the American people by saying you are behind the troops when you ignore their heroism. CNN and NBC News can't get enough of negative war zone stories. They run them all day long. And really, how many heroes are there these days? And you ignore, ignore a Medal of Honor winner? Awful.
"Talking Points" has said this before. There is no accountability for the media in America. No election, no oversights. Only you, the folks, can hold them responsible.
On their primetime broadcast last night, CNN and MSNBC just said no to Lieutenant Michael Murphy and his proud family. There is no excuse."
Therefore, I coin these guys "The Black Berets" (not anything to do with skin color)for trying to put a black mark on our heroes by misleading the American public into believing that we are not achieving our goal in Iraq to "free the oppressed." They should absolutely be ashamed of themselves. So Saddam was better????
From wikipedia:
The United States Army Special Forces, known in the United States simply as Special Forces or SF, is an elite special operations force of the U.S. Army trained for guerrilla warfare, unconventional warfare, and special operations. SF was founded in 1952 by Colonel Aaron Bank, and its members are informally known as "the Green Berets", because of the unit's distinctive green beret headgear. Their official motto is De Oppresso Liber (Latin: "To free the oppressed"), a reference to one of their primary missions to train and assist foreign indigenous forces.
That's an interesting term isn't it? "To free the oppressed..."
Isn't that what our soldiers are trying to do in Iraq? "To free the oppressed?"
Yet the far left wingers are hell bent on seeing that we don't achieve that goal, at least in the papers and in mainstream media.
From Bill's Talking Points Memo:
"Last night our lead story on 'The Factor' was the Medal of Honor awarded to Navy S.E.A.L. Lieutenant Michael Murphy who was killed in Afghanistan trying to save his unit. Lieutenant Murphy's bravery is chronicled in a best selling book, "Lone Survivor," and it is truly an incredible saga.
Why then did CNN and MSNBC fail to report the Medal of Honor story in primetime last night? Easy question, disturbing answer. Katie Couric on CBS News gave Lieutenant Murphy more than three minutes, Charles Gibson on ABC News more than two minutes, Brian Williams didn't report the ceremony although he did cover the story last week.
But apparently Lieutenant Murphy was not ready for primetime on our cable competition even though they had hours to get mention of it on the air. The hard truth is that MSNBC and CNN are not going to report stories that reflect well on the American military because those people over there despise the Bush administration and believe anything positive like American heroes in war zones, detract from their negative assessment of the administration.
Thus, the military becomes a casualty of a committed left-ideology that is in play on our competition. There is no question about it. And it is ideology that is driving those people, not which stories are worthy or an effective business plan.
Here is the proof. Over the first three weeks of October, this month, the FOX News Channel has doubled CNN and tripled MSNBC in the ratings at 8:00 p.m. "The Factor" beats those two combined with about a million viewers to spare. Nobody wins that big in television.
So ignoring great stories like Lieutenant Murphy can't be based on news value or business. It is just stupid ideology.
Now, I don't want to hear CNN or NBC News say they support the troops. I don't ever want to hear that.
Lieutenant Murphy is the only person to receive the Medal of Honor for action in Afghanistan, a war zone that is directly dealing with Al Qaeda and they're Taliban enablers.
Don't insult the American people by saying you are behind the troops when you ignore their heroism. CNN and NBC News can't get enough of negative war zone stories. They run them all day long. And really, how many heroes are there these days? And you ignore, ignore a Medal of Honor winner? Awful.
"Talking Points" has said this before. There is no accountability for the media in America. No election, no oversights. Only you, the folks, can hold them responsible.
On their primetime broadcast last night, CNN and MSNBC just said no to Lieutenant Michael Murphy and his proud family. There is no excuse."
Therefore, I coin these guys "The Black Berets" (not anything to do with skin color)for trying to put a black mark on our heroes by misleading the American public into believing that we are not achieving our goal in Iraq to "free the oppressed." They should absolutely be ashamed of themselves. So Saddam was better????
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Expelled!!!!
I can't wait to see Ben Stein's new movie out next February. I saw him speak on OReilly last night and I really think his message is going to turn some heads about what is REALLY going on in this country in regards to secular academia and this "idea" of God. I think it will show that indeed those who believe in a Creator are being persecuted and pressured to "shut up" about their beliefs and leave God completely off the table for our kids to learn about, thus perpetuating the indoctrination that God does not exist well into their adulthood, forming a new society of God free intellectuals. This is dangerous.
Scientists, teachers, etc have lost their jobs over this. Uh...what about their First Amendment rights? They've clearly been violated. These pinheads say they really don't want to persecute. But they are. It is that simple.
Scientists, teachers, etc have lost their jobs over this. Uh...what about their First Amendment rights? They've clearly been violated. These pinheads say they really don't want to persecute. But they are. It is that simple.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
The latest from Boulder High School and Catholic upheaval in San Francisco
I just watched a clip from the OReilly Factor on the recent walkout by 50 highschool students regarding the "under God" in the pledge. Here's the clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWaKUkMn32A&mode=related&search=
Same principal, Bud Jenkins, that had that mandated sex and drug talk assembly last spring with CHILDREN. And this is supposed to give us the impression that the next generation is going to be okay? Um okay...Bud Jenkins is "cool," "hip", "with it," etc. etc. encouraging the kids and sending the message that, "if you don't like something, just walk out." "I'm ok, you're ok." Well he ended up apologizing for THAT stupid stunt from last spring.
Yeah, I'm not too impressed and I'm not too impressed with these kids for what they did. I'd be more impressed with the kids that actually stayed put and did the right thing and stayed in the classroom.
Publicity stunt, plain and simple, that's all this is.
Moving on to the big scandal in San Francisco at the Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church:
The "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence," an anti-Catholic group, apparently had two of its members present at Mass on 10/7/07 dressed in nun drag garb. These "gals" remind me of Mardi Gras drag queens on steroids. They're seriously "out there."
This lovely couple went forth and received Communion. This angered some parishioners and those in the hierarchy of the Catholic Church. San Francisco city officials have not officially commented on this as far as I am aware.
I saw the video and I didn't really see anything out of the ordinary other than two weirdly dressed people in line for Communion. I don't know anything about the situation so I can't really comment, however, I did read that this parish has allowed the SPI use of their facility for fund raising events and the prizes were items such as porn DVDs and sex toys. If this is true I do have a problem with that. That is most definitely crossing the line and the Catholic Church needs to step up to the plate and draw a serious line there. A Church is a family oriented atmosphere. You don't just go and rent out your facility for lewd things like this. Surely, with all the elaborate costumes the SPI has, I conclude that they would have SOME means and could afford a different venue to hold their weird parties.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWaKUkMn32A&mode=related&search=
Same principal, Bud Jenkins, that had that mandated sex and drug talk assembly last spring with CHILDREN. And this is supposed to give us the impression that the next generation is going to be okay? Um okay...Bud Jenkins is "cool," "hip", "with it," etc. etc. encouraging the kids and sending the message that, "if you don't like something, just walk out." "I'm ok, you're ok." Well he ended up apologizing for THAT stupid stunt from last spring.
Yeah, I'm not too impressed and I'm not too impressed with these kids for what they did. I'd be more impressed with the kids that actually stayed put and did the right thing and stayed in the classroom.
Publicity stunt, plain and simple, that's all this is.
Moving on to the big scandal in San Francisco at the Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church:
The "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence," an anti-Catholic group, apparently had two of its members present at Mass on 10/7/07 dressed in nun drag garb. These "gals" remind me of Mardi Gras drag queens on steroids. They're seriously "out there."
This lovely couple went forth and received Communion. This angered some parishioners and those in the hierarchy of the Catholic Church. San Francisco city officials have not officially commented on this as far as I am aware.
I saw the video and I didn't really see anything out of the ordinary other than two weirdly dressed people in line for Communion. I don't know anything about the situation so I can't really comment, however, I did read that this parish has allowed the SPI use of their facility for fund raising events and the prizes were items such as porn DVDs and sex toys. If this is true I do have a problem with that. That is most definitely crossing the line and the Catholic Church needs to step up to the plate and draw a serious line there. A Church is a family oriented atmosphere. You don't just go and rent out your facility for lewd things like this. Surely, with all the elaborate costumes the SPI has, I conclude that they would have SOME means and could afford a different venue to hold their weird parties.
Friday, October 12, 2007
The Ebay Rush
This is the best thing EVER.
The original letter from Harry Reid to Mark Mays, in a failed attempt to smear Rush Limbaugh, is now up for auction on ebay, along with a Haliburton titanium case. HAHA!!! Yes folks, the bid now stands at U.S. $5,600.00 and I am sure it will go MUCH higher before the auction closes a week from today. The winning proceeds will go to the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation. This organization has provided monies to help children of those killed, for example, say, in the Oklahoma City bombing? May they rest in peace.
You stick it to them, Rush. You are my hero. And they say you are anti-military.
From the ebay auction site:
As winning bidder, you get:
- The original and infamous "Harry Reid Smear" letter, signed by 41 Democrat senators
- The Haliburton briefcase in which this letter is secured 24 hours a day
- A personal letter of thanks from the "Man Who Runs America," Rush Limbaugh
- A photograph of Rush displaying the letter on stage in Philadelphia on October 11th
The original letter from Harry Reid to Mark Mays, in a failed attempt to smear Rush Limbaugh, is now up for auction on ebay, along with a Haliburton titanium case. HAHA!!! Yes folks, the bid now stands at U.S. $5,600.00 and I am sure it will go MUCH higher before the auction closes a week from today. The winning proceeds will go to the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation. This organization has provided monies to help children of those killed, for example, say, in the Oklahoma City bombing? May they rest in peace.
You stick it to them, Rush. You are my hero. And they say you are anti-military.
From the ebay auction site:
As winning bidder, you get:
- The original and infamous "Harry Reid Smear" letter, signed by 41 Democrat senators
- The Haliburton briefcase in which this letter is secured 24 hours a day
- A personal letter of thanks from the "Man Who Runs America," Rush Limbaugh
- A photograph of Rush displaying the letter on stage in Philadelphia on October 11th
Thursday, October 11, 2007
An Orthodox Balm for Europe
They say that Christianity is dying out in all developed countries. Well here's an article from a Rhode Island Professor that says otherwise. It's quite interesting. Quite.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/1011/p09s01-coop.html?page=2
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/1011/p09s01-coop.html?page=2
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
The Inflatable Church
I found this website several years back and I thought it was hilarious.
http://www.inflatablechurch.com
They are also coming out with the "Inflatable Pub" and asundry items.
This is great. Now I'm thinking that Bishop Spong has a place he can preach his "Reformed Christianity" teachings wherever he wishes to go.
http://www.inflatablechurch.com
They are also coming out with the "Inflatable Pub" and asundry items.
This is great. Now I'm thinking that Bishop Spong has a place he can preach his "Reformed Christianity" teachings wherever he wishes to go.
A New Holy Temple
My church is now officially a holy temple. Wow, I can't believe it. And our priest was elevated to Archpriest. It was truly a momentous occasion. We celebrated all weekend with parties, receptions, food, fellowship, dancing, tears and laughter. We survived a four hour service, huge family picnic, speeches, banjo picking priests...
In other news, I also went to the Kansas City Renaissance Festival and World of Fun Halloween Haunt this weekend. I highly recommend Asylum Island, however they wouldn't take me.
In other news, I watched the movie "1408." Great film, but I have some questions.
What caused the room to become "evil?" They never established that. We know why Reagan was possessed in "The Exorcist" and what was really growing in Rosemary's belly. But we don't know how 1408 got to be an evil hotel room.
All throughout the story, we (the audience) are shown horrific tales of the tragic endings of past occupants, and how the room affects each of these people differently. But, is this room really evil for Mike Enslin? Our hero is put through the wringer and in the end, he is forced to confront some harsh realities that he really didn't before. So, was this a good or bad thing?
Also, I have a HUGE problem with the hotel check-in clerk's line when she asks him..."Enslin...how are we spelling that today?"
DUH!!!! I spell it like I do every other day, lady!!!! Pull your head out.
In other news, I also went to the Kansas City Renaissance Festival and World of Fun Halloween Haunt this weekend. I highly recommend Asylum Island, however they wouldn't take me.
In other news, I watched the movie "1408." Great film, but I have some questions.
What caused the room to become "evil?" They never established that. We know why Reagan was possessed in "The Exorcist" and what was really growing in Rosemary's belly. But we don't know how 1408 got to be an evil hotel room.
All throughout the story, we (the audience) are shown horrific tales of the tragic endings of past occupants, and how the room affects each of these people differently. But, is this room really evil for Mike Enslin? Our hero is put through the wringer and in the end, he is forced to confront some harsh realities that he really didn't before. So, was this a good or bad thing?
Also, I have a HUGE problem with the hotel check-in clerk's line when she asks him..."Enslin...how are we spelling that today?"
DUH!!!! I spell it like I do every other day, lady!!!! Pull your head out.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Response to Rush
Harry Reid lost. BIG time. Here's the letter dated 10/2/07 from said Senator to Mark P. Mays, CEO of Clear Channel:
October 2, 2007
Mr. Mark P. Mays
CEO, Clear Channel Communications Inc.
200 East Basse Road
San Antonio, TX 78209
Dear Mr. Mays,
At the time we sign this letter, 3,808 American soldiers have been killed in Iraq, and another 28,009 have been wounded. 160,000 others awoke this morning on foreign sand, far from home, to face the danger and uncertainty of another day at war.
Although Americans of goodwill debate the merits of this war, we can all agree that those who serve with such great courage deserve our deepest respect and gratitude. That is why Rush Limbaugh’s recent characterization of troops who oppose the war as “phony soldiers” is such an outrage.
Our troops are fighting and dying to bring to others the freedoms that many take for granted. It is unconscionable that Mr. Limbaugh would criticize them for exercising the fundamentally American right to free speech. Mr. Limbaugh has made outrageous remarks before, but this affront to our soldiers is beyond the pale.
The military, like any community within the United States, includes members both for and against the war. Senior generals, such as General John Batiste and Paul Eaton, have come out against the war while others have publicly supported it. A December 2006 poll conducted by the Military Times found just 35 percent of service members approved of President Bush’s handling of the war in Iraq, compared to 42 percent who disapproved. From this figure alone, it is clear that Mr. Limbaugh’s insult is directed at thousands of American service members.
Active and retired members of our armed forces have a unique perspective on the war and offer a valuable contribution to our national debate. In August, seven soldiers wrote an op-ed expressing their concern with the current strategy in Iraq. Tragically, since then, two of those seven soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq.
Thousands of active troops and veterans were subjected to Mr. Limbaugh’s unpatriotic and indefensible comments on your broadcast. We trust you will agree that not a single one of our sons, daughters, neighbors and friends serving overseas is a “phony soldier.” We call on you to publicly repudiate these comments that call into question their service and sacrifice and to ask Mr. Limbaugh to apologize for his comments.
Sincerely,
Senator Harry Reid, Majority Leader
Senator Richard Durbin, Assistant Majority Leader
Senator Charles Schumer, Vice Chairman, Democratic Conference
Senator Patty Murray, Secretary, Democratic Conference
Senator Daniel Akaka
Senator Max Baucus
Senator Joseph Biden
Senator Barbara Boxer
Senator Sherrod Brown
Senator Robert Byrd
Senator Benjamin Cardin
Senator Tom Carper
Senator Bob Casey
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton
Senator Kent Conrad
Senator Christopher Dodd
Senator Byron Dorgan
Senator Dianne Feinstein
Senator Tom Harkin
Senator Daniel Inouye
Senator Edward M. Kennedy
Senator John Kerry
Senator Amy Klobuchar
Senator Mary Landrieu
Senator Frank Lautenberg
Senator Patrick Leahy
Senator Carl Levin
Senator Blanche Lincoln
Senator Bob Menendez
Senator Barbara Mikulski
Senator Bill Nelson
Senator Barack Obama
Senator Jack Reed
Senator Jay Rockefeller
Senator Ken Salazar
Senator Bernie Sanders
Senator Debbie Stabenow
Senator Jon Tester
Senator Jim Webb
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
Senator Ron Wyden
And here is the response, It can be read here:
http://www.politico.com/static/PPM43_071002_reidletter.html
I don't think the response needs any further explanation, does it???
October 2, 2007
Mr. Mark P. Mays
CEO, Clear Channel Communications Inc.
200 East Basse Road
San Antonio, TX 78209
Dear Mr. Mays,
At the time we sign this letter, 3,808 American soldiers have been killed in Iraq, and another 28,009 have been wounded. 160,000 others awoke this morning on foreign sand, far from home, to face the danger and uncertainty of another day at war.
Although Americans of goodwill debate the merits of this war, we can all agree that those who serve with such great courage deserve our deepest respect and gratitude. That is why Rush Limbaugh’s recent characterization of troops who oppose the war as “phony soldiers” is such an outrage.
Our troops are fighting and dying to bring to others the freedoms that many take for granted. It is unconscionable that Mr. Limbaugh would criticize them for exercising the fundamentally American right to free speech. Mr. Limbaugh has made outrageous remarks before, but this affront to our soldiers is beyond the pale.
The military, like any community within the United States, includes members both for and against the war. Senior generals, such as General John Batiste and Paul Eaton, have come out against the war while others have publicly supported it. A December 2006 poll conducted by the Military Times found just 35 percent of service members approved of President Bush’s handling of the war in Iraq, compared to 42 percent who disapproved. From this figure alone, it is clear that Mr. Limbaugh’s insult is directed at thousands of American service members.
Active and retired members of our armed forces have a unique perspective on the war and offer a valuable contribution to our national debate. In August, seven soldiers wrote an op-ed expressing their concern with the current strategy in Iraq. Tragically, since then, two of those seven soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq.
Thousands of active troops and veterans were subjected to Mr. Limbaugh’s unpatriotic and indefensible comments on your broadcast. We trust you will agree that not a single one of our sons, daughters, neighbors and friends serving overseas is a “phony soldier.” We call on you to publicly repudiate these comments that call into question their service and sacrifice and to ask Mr. Limbaugh to apologize for his comments.
Sincerely,
Senator Harry Reid, Majority Leader
Senator Richard Durbin, Assistant Majority Leader
Senator Charles Schumer, Vice Chairman, Democratic Conference
Senator Patty Murray, Secretary, Democratic Conference
Senator Daniel Akaka
Senator Max Baucus
Senator Joseph Biden
Senator Barbara Boxer
Senator Sherrod Brown
Senator Robert Byrd
Senator Benjamin Cardin
Senator Tom Carper
Senator Bob Casey
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton
Senator Kent Conrad
Senator Christopher Dodd
Senator Byron Dorgan
Senator Dianne Feinstein
Senator Tom Harkin
Senator Daniel Inouye
Senator Edward M. Kennedy
Senator John Kerry
Senator Amy Klobuchar
Senator Mary Landrieu
Senator Frank Lautenberg
Senator Patrick Leahy
Senator Carl Levin
Senator Blanche Lincoln
Senator Bob Menendez
Senator Barbara Mikulski
Senator Bill Nelson
Senator Barack Obama
Senator Jack Reed
Senator Jay Rockefeller
Senator Ken Salazar
Senator Bernie Sanders
Senator Debbie Stabenow
Senator Jon Tester
Senator Jim Webb
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
Senator Ron Wyden
And here is the response, It can be read here:
http://www.politico.com/static/PPM43_071002_reidletter.html
I don't think the response needs any further explanation, does it???
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Rush Limbaugh and the "Phony Soldiers"
This is just hilarious. Rush Limbaugh showed up the left with his "phony soldiers" remark and now they are pissed, so they have to attack him personally. Modus Operandi. He has extended an offer to Harry Reid to come on his program to discuss the matter, and I think the Senator should take him up on it.
Like John Kerry, Micah Wright, Jimmy Massey, and now Jesse Macbeth, Rush's "phony soldiers" remark wasn't out of line. It was right on target.
Like John Kerry, Micah Wright, Jimmy Massey, and now Jesse Macbeth, Rush's "phony soldiers" remark wasn't out of line. It was right on target.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
The Dangers of Atheism
i appreciate the support I've received on becoming a Catechumen. I know I have made the right decision.
I'm afraid I can't let my thoughts wander off the issues at hand however, regarding Christianity in this country. Examining Orthodoxy has opened my eyes to some very serious things going on, things I can't just let escape into some foggy recesses. So I'm going to continue to post my thoughts and feelings on these matters.
First, anybody who wants to post a response here about this can do so, but I'm not going to get into any more arguments about religion. Period, end of story. The Bible and Church traditions stand on their own and do not need to be the source of petty arguments, or relegated into any other category (i.e. mythology) other than for what they are, plain and simple, The Bible and Church Tradition.
Second, I reject atheism and deny the teachings of Richard Dawkins and any others that want to place themselves above God. If people can publicly say that they deny the Holy Spirit and the resurrection of Jesus, then I can publicly say that I deny atheism, humanism, optihumanism, secularism, etc. etc. I can also put on my blog that I denounce any attempts to dissolve Christian standards and beliefs in this country, and the attempts to relegate us to the "idiot" corners of society. We're not going to go away, and we're not going to be silenced by litigation. I stand for God, freedom and the United States of America. That used to be the rule rather than the exception 50 years ago. Yes, I am a Bill OReilly and Rush Limbaugh fan and yes, I agree with just about everything they say about the secular progressives and "drive by" media trying to take over this country. I'm not happy about it, and I will not pretend to be.
Third, I'm not targeting any specific group or individual for personal attack. I'm not opposed to anyone in this country being an atheist, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, etc, if that's what you choose to be. So if someone feels compelled to personally attack me here on this website for expressing my free speech, then by all means, go for it. But I'm done arguing religion. I stand by what I said.
Fourth, I spent this afternoon reading a European website dedicated to restoring faith in the Bible and science. It is called The Creation Science Movement. It is located at http://www.csm.org.uk
Yes, it is founded by European Christians in the UK. I encourage everyone to read this. I also encourage people to remain "open minded" about religion as Christians are asked to be, over and over in today's day and age.
You believe in your god, I'll believe in mine.
But let me say this:
Christianity is a beautiful thing. Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to the human race. His teachings have withstood the test of time. I firmly believe that, and always will. So if that makes me stupid, an idiot, intellectually dishonest, scientifically illiterate, whatever, you fill in the blank, then I guess I am all those things according to secularist dogmatic teachings. But honestly? I don't care.
I'm going to go ahead and just uh...throw that Pascal's Wager out there and go with the safe bet that there is a God that has made a place for me when it is my time to go. I think I might just get the lucky dice.
I'm afraid I can't let my thoughts wander off the issues at hand however, regarding Christianity in this country. Examining Orthodoxy has opened my eyes to some very serious things going on, things I can't just let escape into some foggy recesses. So I'm going to continue to post my thoughts and feelings on these matters.
First, anybody who wants to post a response here about this can do so, but I'm not going to get into any more arguments about religion. Period, end of story. The Bible and Church traditions stand on their own and do not need to be the source of petty arguments, or relegated into any other category (i.e. mythology) other than for what they are, plain and simple, The Bible and Church Tradition.
Second, I reject atheism and deny the teachings of Richard Dawkins and any others that want to place themselves above God. If people can publicly say that they deny the Holy Spirit and the resurrection of Jesus, then I can publicly say that I deny atheism, humanism, optihumanism, secularism, etc. etc. I can also put on my blog that I denounce any attempts to dissolve Christian standards and beliefs in this country, and the attempts to relegate us to the "idiot" corners of society. We're not going to go away, and we're not going to be silenced by litigation. I stand for God, freedom and the United States of America. That used to be the rule rather than the exception 50 years ago. Yes, I am a Bill OReilly and Rush Limbaugh fan and yes, I agree with just about everything they say about the secular progressives and "drive by" media trying to take over this country. I'm not happy about it, and I will not pretend to be.
Third, I'm not targeting any specific group or individual for personal attack. I'm not opposed to anyone in this country being an atheist, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, etc, if that's what you choose to be. So if someone feels compelled to personally attack me here on this website for expressing my free speech, then by all means, go for it. But I'm done arguing religion. I stand by what I said.
Fourth, I spent this afternoon reading a European website dedicated to restoring faith in the Bible and science. It is called The Creation Science Movement. It is located at http://www.csm.org.uk
Yes, it is founded by European Christians in the UK. I encourage everyone to read this. I also encourage people to remain "open minded" about religion as Christians are asked to be, over and over in today's day and age.
You believe in your god, I'll believe in mine.
But let me say this:
Christianity is a beautiful thing. Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to the human race. His teachings have withstood the test of time. I firmly believe that, and always will. So if that makes me stupid, an idiot, intellectually dishonest, scientifically illiterate, whatever, you fill in the blank, then I guess I am all those things according to secularist dogmatic teachings. But honestly? I don't care.
I'm going to go ahead and just uh...throw that Pascal's Wager out there and go with the safe bet that there is a God that has made a place for me when it is my time to go. I think I might just get the lucky dice.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
An Official Catechumen
I was received as an official Catechumen of the Orthodox Church tonight. It was a very emotional ceremony, and afterwards, everyone came up to congratulate me, hug me and give me the customary kisses on the cheek that Orthodox do. I feel like I am joining part of a big wonderful family.
I did cry a little because it was very emotional. It's not something you do every day, just decide you're going to go through something like this.
With God's grace and guidance, soon I will be baptized and complete this initial beginning. But the journey is never complete.
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help?
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and Earth.
He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.
He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.
The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in form this time on and forevermore.
-Psalm 121
I did cry a little because it was very emotional. It's not something you do every day, just decide you're going to go through something like this.
With God's grace and guidance, soon I will be baptized and complete this initial beginning. But the journey is never complete.
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help?
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and Earth.
He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.
He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.
The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in form this time on and forevermore.
-Psalm 121
Friday, September 28, 2007
The Ugaritic Text of the Myth of Baal
Psalm 104 - Discovered at the site of Ras Shamra (ancient Ugarit) the Myth of Baal is one of the longest literary works of the western Semitic peoples in the second millenium B.C. It begins with a conflict over kingship between Baal, the storm god and Yam, the sea god. Although Baal is victorius in this battle, he is later defeated and killed by Mot, the god of grain and death. After Baal's sister, Anat, mourns and buries him, she kills Mot in revenge for her brother's death. She then grinds up his body and sows it as seed. Subsequently, Baal and Mot come back to life and vie for power once again, with the result that Mot eventually capitulates to Baal. The incident with Yam is interpreted as Baal's victory over the sea, while the struggle between Baal and Mot is equated to the fertility cycle, with Baal seasonally "disappearing" from the earth. Psalm 104, a creation psalm, uses some of the imagery known from the Myth of Baal. The Lord's power over the sea in creation is described. While Baal is the "cloud rider," the Lord "makes the clouds his chariot." Unlike Baal, however, the Lord is neither killed nor needs help in making the earth produce food. The attribution of aspects of Baal to the Lord, along with a demonstration of his superiority to Baal, served to exalt and praise the Lord as the true King and God of creation in an environment in which the temptation to worship Baal was rampant.
-From the Archaeological Study Bible
-From the Archaeological Study Bible
Thursday, September 27, 2007
The Cave of Machpelah
Machpelah
Meaning: portion; double cave
the cave which Abraham bought, together with the field in which it stood, from Ephron the Hittite, for a family burying-place (Gen. 23)
It is one of those Bible localities about the identification of which there can be no doubt. It was on the slope of a hill on the east of Hebron, "before Mamre." Here were laid the bodies of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Leah (Gen. 23:19; 25:9; 49:31; 50:13). Over the cave an ancient Christian church was erected, probably in the time of Justinian, the Roman emperor. This church has been converted into an Islamic mosque. The whole is surrounded by the el-Haram i.e., "the sacred enclosure," about 200 feet long, 115 broad, and of an average height of about 50. This building, from the immense size of some of its stones, and the manner in which they are fitted together, is supposed by some to have been erected in the days of David or of Solomon, while others ascribe it to the time of Herod. It is looked upon as the most ancient and finest relic of Jewish architecture.
On the floor of the mosque are erected six large cenotaphs as monuments to the dead who are buried in the cave beneath. Between the cenotaphs of Isaac and Rebekah there is a circular opening in the floor into the cavern below, the cave of Machpelah. Here it may be that the body of Jacob, which was embalmed in Egypt, is still preserved (much older embalmed bodies have recently been found in the cave of Deir el-Bahari in Egypt, see PHARAOH), though those of the others there buried may have long ago mouldered into dust. The interior of the mosque was visited by the Prince of Wales in 1862 by a special favor of the Islamic authorities. An interesting account of this visit is given in Dean Stanley's Lectures on the Jewish Church. It was also visited in 1866 by the Marquis of Bute, and in 1869 by the late Emperor (Frederick) of Germany, then the Crown Prince of Prussia. In 1881 it was visited by the two sons of the Prince of Wales, accompanied by Sir C. Wilson and others. (See Palestine Quarterly Statement, October 1882).
Meaning: portion; double cave
the cave which Abraham bought, together with the field in which it stood, from Ephron the Hittite, for a family burying-place (Gen. 23)
It is one of those Bible localities about the identification of which there can be no doubt. It was on the slope of a hill on the east of Hebron, "before Mamre." Here were laid the bodies of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Leah (Gen. 23:19; 25:9; 49:31; 50:13). Over the cave an ancient Christian church was erected, probably in the time of Justinian, the Roman emperor. This church has been converted into an Islamic mosque. The whole is surrounded by the el-Haram i.e., "the sacred enclosure," about 200 feet long, 115 broad, and of an average height of about 50. This building, from the immense size of some of its stones, and the manner in which they are fitted together, is supposed by some to have been erected in the days of David or of Solomon, while others ascribe it to the time of Herod. It is looked upon as the most ancient and finest relic of Jewish architecture.
On the floor of the mosque are erected six large cenotaphs as monuments to the dead who are buried in the cave beneath. Between the cenotaphs of Isaac and Rebekah there is a circular opening in the floor into the cavern below, the cave of Machpelah. Here it may be that the body of Jacob, which was embalmed in Egypt, is still preserved (much older embalmed bodies have recently been found in the cave of Deir el-Bahari in Egypt, see PHARAOH), though those of the others there buried may have long ago mouldered into dust. The interior of the mosque was visited by the Prince of Wales in 1862 by a special favor of the Islamic authorities. An interesting account of this visit is given in Dean Stanley's Lectures on the Jewish Church. It was also visited in 1866 by the Marquis of Bute, and in 1869 by the late Emperor (Frederick) of Germany, then the Crown Prince of Prussia. In 1881 it was visited by the two sons of the Prince of Wales, accompanied by Sir C. Wilson and others. (See Palestine Quarterly Statement, October 1882).
Laus Deo
I thought this might just be an urban legend, so I checked it out on Snopes.com and here is what I found:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/monument.asp
It's really very interesting and is yet another piece of evidence that shows we are, in fact, a Christian nation.
http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/monument.asp
It's really very interesting and is yet another piece of evidence that shows we are, in fact, a Christian nation.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Mr. Ahmadinejad goes to Columbia
My quick thoughts on the Iran's presidential visit to Columbia U:
1) What an insult to this country and the students of Columbia U. There are plenty of other worthwhile speakers they could have had, why did they have to invite this guy? Clearly the man is an idiot and has no business even being on American soil, being that he is a sponsor of terrorism.
2) He conveniently dodged just about everything they threw at him. "Our women are the freest in the world." WHATEVER. I think I'd like a little of what he is smoking.
3) I didn't see anyone storming the stage in protest like they did when the minutemen showed up several months ago. Was this because of some civil ordinance, or out of some misguided "respect" for this idiot?
4) I'm sure that Iran will respond in kind by inviting President Bush to speak at one of their Universities very soon. Stay tuned.
1) What an insult to this country and the students of Columbia U. There are plenty of other worthwhile speakers they could have had, why did they have to invite this guy? Clearly the man is an idiot and has no business even being on American soil, being that he is a sponsor of terrorism.
2) He conveniently dodged just about everything they threw at him. "Our women are the freest in the world." WHATEVER. I think I'd like a little of what he is smoking.
3) I didn't see anyone storming the stage in protest like they did when the minutemen showed up several months ago. Was this because of some civil ordinance, or out of some misguided "respect" for this idiot?
4) I'm sure that Iran will respond in kind by inviting President Bush to speak at one of their Universities very soon. Stay tuned.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
An article about Orthodoxy
I came across this today and it's very interesting. It's an article by Frederica Mathewes-Green. She's been on NPR, Wall Street Journal, LA Times, etc. It has some references to Orthodox not being exactly an "organized religion," the details on how it approaches Evangelism, salvation, and even makes reference to the OT book of Habakkuk. (Gabriel's word to Mary that the Holy Spirit would "overshadow" her is seen to be foretold in Habakkuk 3:3, the Holy One coming forth from a "dark and shadowed mountain".)
http://www.precipicemagazine.com/frederica_mathewes-green_interview.html
http://www.precipicemagazine.com/frederica_mathewes-green_interview.html
Saturday, September 22, 2007
God must be weeping
Thought I would post this. It conveys so much of what is wrong with our world today.
http://www.serfes.org
http://www.serfes.org
Friday, September 21, 2007
Redefining Christianity
Christianity must be redefined if we are to live in a politically correct society. There is no God. There is no Jesus. He's just a myth and we're all just deluded, so let's give secular humanism a try and be our own God for once. Wow, why didn't I just get this sooner???
Christianity has to be relegated to the back burner once and for all and redefined to make everyone feel comfortable with its teachings. No accountability, no rules, no faith. It just has to be stamped out people! Why aren't any of us getting this????
Wow, what am I supposed to do when I want to read my Bible or recite the Jesus prayer? Or give Glory to my Creator?
"You have no Creator. God didn't do any of this."
Wait, you're a faulty human being. How can you be so arrogant and tell me that?
"Because science tells me it's true. Now put away your Bible now and stop believing in all of that supernaturalist nonsense and start learning to think for yourself."
"But I am thinking for myself. I see all this around me and I can't just believe it came from some matter."
"Well, it did, and every scientist thinks so, and the media and the schools teach it that way, so put away your Bible and stop reciting those prayers or else I might have to commit you to a mental institution for being crazy. By the way, that bible is just mythology anyway. Did you know that? I bet you didn't know that."
"Poor human reason, when it trusts in itself, substitutes the strangest absurdities for the highest divine concepts”
-St John Chrystostom
Christianity has to be relegated to the back burner once and for all and redefined to make everyone feel comfortable with its teachings. No accountability, no rules, no faith. It just has to be stamped out people! Why aren't any of us getting this????
Wow, what am I supposed to do when I want to read my Bible or recite the Jesus prayer? Or give Glory to my Creator?
"You have no Creator. God didn't do any of this."
Wait, you're a faulty human being. How can you be so arrogant and tell me that?
"Because science tells me it's true. Now put away your Bible now and stop believing in all of that supernaturalist nonsense and start learning to think for yourself."
"But I am thinking for myself. I see all this around me and I can't just believe it came from some matter."
"Well, it did, and every scientist thinks so, and the media and the schools teach it that way, so put away your Bible and stop reciting those prayers or else I might have to commit you to a mental institution for being crazy. By the way, that bible is just mythology anyway. Did you know that? I bet you didn't know that."
"Poor human reason, when it trusts in itself, substitutes the strangest absurdities for the highest divine concepts”
-St John Chrystostom
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Long live the Hydra!!!!
This is actually an inside joke from my younger days that nobody is going to get but that's okay. The Hydra was a cartoon character (yes THE Hydra) drawn by a friend of mine who is now a famous trombone player on the New York Scene. His name is David Gibson and his website can be found here.
http://www.jazzbone.org/
I'm not surprised to see Greek themes prevalent in his "Path to Delphi" CD just released. It's totally awesome. And to think I actually played bass trombone sitting next to this fellow at one time in my life. Very humbling. Maybe one day he'll be in KC touring or I'll have the chance to go back to the Big Apple and see him perform.
Here's a review on allaboutjazz.com for "Path to Delphi"
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=19153
Dude, if I picked up my horn now I would sound like SHIT. No dancing around that statement. There it is.
http://www.jazzbone.org/
I'm not surprised to see Greek themes prevalent in his "Path to Delphi" CD just released. It's totally awesome. And to think I actually played bass trombone sitting next to this fellow at one time in my life. Very humbling. Maybe one day he'll be in KC touring or I'll have the chance to go back to the Big Apple and see him perform.
Here's a review on allaboutjazz.com for "Path to Delphi"
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=19153
Dude, if I picked up my horn now I would sound like SHIT. No dancing around that statement. There it is.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Rebuilding after 9/11
I found this very touching story about a tiny Greek Orthodox Church that was shattered after 9/11 and wanted to post it on my blog:
http://wcbstv.com/911/local_story_254181435.html
http://wcbstv.com/911/local_story_254181435.html
Resort of the Day- Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge
This is a dream destination for me right here, Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge in South Africa. It's one of those places you put on a travel canvas, a picture you want painted on your "portrait of your life."
I got this from their website:
Earth Lodge is a sanctuary symbolising a new era in luxury South African safari lodges. Sculpted into a slope of the earth, almost invisible in the landscape, the lodge uses texture, light and space to present a lodge like no other. Taking its cue from the surrounding environment, it has been described as the most environmentally sensitive lodge in Africa.
Earth Lodge reveals itself in a series of sensory revelations. On arrival a hidden corridor leads you down on a journey to a unique and unforgettable experience. The unexpected entrance opens to a panorama of uninterrupted bushveld. As in nature everything at Earth Lodge exists in harmony and you are immediately aware of a sense of calm and a restoring spirit. Home to 13 ultra-luxurious suites including the Amber Presidential Suite, the lodge breaks with traditional bush lodge style to create a masterpiece of artistry and innovation. Each of the suites at this luxury lodge features individually designed furniture, private plunge pool, en-suite glass fronted bathroom, indoor and outdoor shower and butler services. The natural wooden sculptures by renowned South African artist Geoffrey Armstrong add a powerful magic.
The Amber Suite is a glorious celebration of generous size and space. Beyond belief in its beauty, from the magnificent carved wooden headboard to the deep egg-shaped bath, the suite boasts its own exercise room, steam room, study and kitchen. It captures the spirit of nature and luxury in one unique experience.
The outdoor boma, its walls sculpted from tree roots and piled up piece by piece, captures the drama of the African night and evokes the power of the wilderness.
An indoor/outdoor dining area overlooking a waterhole and unending bushveld, a secluded library, art gallery, meditation garden; and an underground wine cellar with a collection of over 6000 bottles of rare wines, the venue for an unforgettable dining experience - everything at this luxury lodge has been created for your indulgence.
While on safari renew your spirit at the Earth Nature Spa and Exercise Centre where massages, natural therapies or classic spa treatments are on offer.
Each morning and evening you will depart from this luxury safari lodge into the wilderness, either by open Land Rover or on foot for a walking safari, accompanied by your armed and knowledgeable Game Ranger and Shangaan Tracker. Close enough to share in a thrilling encounter with Africa's beautiful wild creatures.
http://www.sabisabi.com/lodges/earthlodge;jsessionid=3772F4E2353F30BE6D0EDE27BFD2C226
And as always, please go to tripadvisor.com to read the latest reviews.
I got this from their website:
Earth Lodge is a sanctuary symbolising a new era in luxury South African safari lodges. Sculpted into a slope of the earth, almost invisible in the landscape, the lodge uses texture, light and space to present a lodge like no other. Taking its cue from the surrounding environment, it has been described as the most environmentally sensitive lodge in Africa.
Earth Lodge reveals itself in a series of sensory revelations. On arrival a hidden corridor leads you down on a journey to a unique and unforgettable experience. The unexpected entrance opens to a panorama of uninterrupted bushveld. As in nature everything at Earth Lodge exists in harmony and you are immediately aware of a sense of calm and a restoring spirit. Home to 13 ultra-luxurious suites including the Amber Presidential Suite, the lodge breaks with traditional bush lodge style to create a masterpiece of artistry and innovation. Each of the suites at this luxury lodge features individually designed furniture, private plunge pool, en-suite glass fronted bathroom, indoor and outdoor shower and butler services. The natural wooden sculptures by renowned South African artist Geoffrey Armstrong add a powerful magic.
The Amber Suite is a glorious celebration of generous size and space. Beyond belief in its beauty, from the magnificent carved wooden headboard to the deep egg-shaped bath, the suite boasts its own exercise room, steam room, study and kitchen. It captures the spirit of nature and luxury in one unique experience.
The outdoor boma, its walls sculpted from tree roots and piled up piece by piece, captures the drama of the African night and evokes the power of the wilderness.
An indoor/outdoor dining area overlooking a waterhole and unending bushveld, a secluded library, art gallery, meditation garden; and an underground wine cellar with a collection of over 6000 bottles of rare wines, the venue for an unforgettable dining experience - everything at this luxury lodge has been created for your indulgence.
While on safari renew your spirit at the Earth Nature Spa and Exercise Centre where massages, natural therapies or classic spa treatments are on offer.
Each morning and evening you will depart from this luxury safari lodge into the wilderness, either by open Land Rover or on foot for a walking safari, accompanied by your armed and knowledgeable Game Ranger and Shangaan Tracker. Close enough to share in a thrilling encounter with Africa's beautiful wild creatures.
http://www.sabisabi.com/lodges/earthlodge;jsessionid=3772F4E2353F30BE6D0EDE27BFD2C226
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