I have written a blog entry for my more politically inclined blog (BiblioPolit) called Serving the State. For those interested in what is happening in South Africa, you might want to read this.
Here is a short quote from that post:
"[W]hen a government, through protracted periods of time, does nothing about crime, they in effect institute a new customary law that legalises the previously illegal crime!"
Just thinking...
Monday, July 31, 2006
Friday, July 14, 2006
Blasphemous Warren rapper
I just watched this video of a rapper promoting Rick Warren's 2006 Purpose Driven Worship Conference. I cannot describe it with any other word but "blasphemous!"
Read Ingrid Schlueter's article on this. At the bottom of her article there is a link that will take you to this video.
You have been warned!
Just thinking...
Read Ingrid Schlueter's article on this. At the bottom of her article there is a link that will take you to this video.
You have been warned!
Just thinking...
Thursday, July 13, 2006
The Message a winner?
I just discovered that The Message Bible had won the 2006 Christian Book Award for the best Bible.
Apparently, loyal readers (LR) spoke up as to what would make The Message a better Bible. It seems that verse numbers and the size of the Bible mattered a lot to the LR.
It seems that it never actually occurred to any of the LR that verse numbers and Bible size aren't that important. They should rather have chosen a Bible with a translation that accurately portrays what the Bible is saying and that doesn't water down the content of the Bible with all kinds of weak representations of what the Bible is deadly serious about!
Just two simple examples would suffice.
1 Corinthians 6:9
"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality," ESV
"Don't you realize that this is not the way to live? Unjust people who don't care about God will not be joining in his kingdom. Those who use and abuse each other, use and abuse sex," The Message
Complete concepts are missing in The Message Bible (if it can be called a Bible?!). Concepts such as the kingdom of God as an inheritance, deception, sexual immorality, idolatry, adultery and homosexuality! Abuse of each other and the abuse of sex can in NO way cover what the Bible really speaks of here.
Here is another example in which comments are not needed, since it should be glaringly obvious to anyone interested in the truth.
1 Timothy 1:9-10
"understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, (10) the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine," ESV
"It's obvious, isn't it, that the law code isn't primarily for people who live responsibly, but for the irresponsible, who defy all authority, riding roughshod over God, life, (10) sex, truth, whatever!" The Message
"Whatever!"? How could ANYONE think that this kind of misinterpretation is of any value to the Christian community? The Message is only half of the Real Message !
What do you get if the Bible you use is only half of the message? There is NO way you could believe "the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth!"
This "bible" should rather be called The Half-Message!
Just thinking...
Apparently, loyal readers (LR) spoke up as to what would make The Message a better Bible. It seems that verse numbers and the size of the Bible mattered a lot to the LR.
It seems that it never actually occurred to any of the LR that verse numbers and Bible size aren't that important. They should rather have chosen a Bible with a translation that accurately portrays what the Bible is saying and that doesn't water down the content of the Bible with all kinds of weak representations of what the Bible is deadly serious about!
Just two simple examples would suffice.
1 Corinthians 6:9
"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality," ESV
"Don't you realize that this is not the way to live? Unjust people who don't care about God will not be joining in his kingdom. Those who use and abuse each other, use and abuse sex," The Message
Complete concepts are missing in The Message Bible (if it can be called a Bible?!). Concepts such as the kingdom of God as an inheritance, deception, sexual immorality, idolatry, adultery and homosexuality! Abuse of each other and the abuse of sex can in NO way cover what the Bible really speaks of here.
Here is another example in which comments are not needed, since it should be glaringly obvious to anyone interested in the truth.
1 Timothy 1:9-10
"understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, (10) the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine," ESV
"It's obvious, isn't it, that the law code isn't primarily for people who live responsibly, but for the irresponsible, who defy all authority, riding roughshod over God, life, (10) sex, truth, whatever!" The Message
"Whatever!"? How could ANYONE think that this kind of misinterpretation is of any value to the Christian community? The Message is only half of the Real Message !
What do you get if the Bible you use is only half of the message? There is NO way you could believe "the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth!"
This "bible" should rather be called The Half-Message!
Just thinking...
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
When Christianity seeks credibility
I was reading Ingrid Schlueter's blog, Slice of Laodicea, when I came across her post called We Wanted Total Mainstream Credibility .
This post by Ingrid is about this rock band of Christians who do not want to be known as a Christian band! They want credibility in the world, bot recognition as a Christian band. That is so odd! In fact, they are going so far as suing WORD Records for marketing them as a Christian band. They did not want "to be the Christian version of a real band." And Christian bands are not real bands. Apparently because of the label: "Christian."
How many of these bands with "Christian" members haven't gone mainstream because they wanted to make an impact in the secular market? Of course, we can name thousands of mainstream artists who claim that these mainstreamed Christian artists have brought about a change in their lives! I can't even count them on the fingers of one of my hands. Where is the impact these cross-over artists have crossed over for? It is all about marketing. They are not interested in preaching the gospel. That is not what it is about! Mute Math's lawyer made that clear when he said that "[t]hey [Mute Math] don't preach from [the] stage. They don't preach in their interviews. Those things are required of you when you work in the Christian market." So, when are they going to preach? Aren't we supposed to preach the gospel to the world?
We have seen this type of behaviour from Christian artists for quite a while now, starting with someone as eminent in Christian music circles as Amy Grant way back in the 80s. I am sure it started before her, but she is the first I can remember wanting to crossover. Today, this type of rejection of all things Christian (and believe me, I do not suggest that all CCM artists should be accepted because of the Christian label), has become one of the expected trends among some Christian artists.
However, this is not something that we expect from the church itself. Yet, that is exactly what has been happening in the church!
Instead of preaching the truth to a lost and dying world, it has become the fashionable thing to water down the full gospel message so that it would not be so offensive. In effect, parts of the gospel have been scuttled in order to make it more palatable to a world that would rather want to see our demise than hear the true gospel!
In effect, the church wants credibility with the world instead, by having all night " laugh-fests," Bibles that look like common magazines, Christian dance evenings and more.
The fact that the church and Christian bands crave credibility from the world is the very thing that denies them credibility. The very thing that the world needs right now, someone willing to stand strong on principles of truth, is also the very thing that these credibility-seekers are denying the world.
Credibility does not come by flattery and obsequious behaviour toward the world. This will only show the world that we have no principles, nothing that we are willing to stand up for. Why should they join us if all we can do is fawn over them? They don't want servility! They want someone that can show them the way!
The fact is, if we kowtow to the world, we are definitely not being obedient to God! We cannot love the world and its ways and still claim to love the Lord! We don't draw the world by becoming like it! That is exactly the wrong thing to do!
Walk in the forest where everything is the same and you will not be instantly drawn to anything. However, walk in this forest where there is something that does not look like everything else and your attention will be grabbed immediately! That is how it is with the world.
If we become like them, how can we tell them that we are different. The apostle Paul said that "if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle?" (1 Cor 14:8) If we just sound the same and look the same and do the same stuff as the world, we simply become indistinct from it. And, if we become indistinct from it, then we lose our impact on the world. If we, the salt, have lost our saltiness (becoming part of that which we are to be a flavour unto), how can we call ourselves the salt of the earth?
There is a saying that says "if it quacks like a duck, walks like a duck and looks like a duck, then it probably is a duck!" If we seek credibility from the world (which should not be our aim at all) by becoming like them, we, in effect, deny the Lord that saved us by aligning ourselves with the world.
If we become like the world to "reach" the world, what are we "reaching" them with and what are they getting "saved" unto? The true gospel, or a diluted gospel void of the truth? The fact is that if we become like them for whatever reason (credibility included) we are caught in the devils trap. We no longer retain our saltiness and our bugles make an indistinct sound. Instead of "reaching" the world, the world has "reached" us! We get caught in the very same trap that we have set for the world.
It is time the church stops looking for credibility from the world and rather seeks the praise of our heavenly Father! Obedience to Him is all that matters!
There is only one way to reach the world, and that is the unadulterated preaching of the gospel of Christ, including the mercy and the justice of God.
It is not the ways of the world that will "reach" the world! This simply shows how little we trust God to accomplish what He has promised to accomplish through the preaching of the gospel. Only the gospel, with the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, can "reach" the world!
Just thinking...
This post by Ingrid is about this rock band of Christians who do not want to be known as a Christian band! They want credibility in the world, bot recognition as a Christian band. That is so odd! In fact, they are going so far as suing WORD Records for marketing them as a Christian band. They did not want "to be the Christian version of a real band." And Christian bands are not real bands. Apparently because of the label: "Christian."
How many of these bands with "Christian" members haven't gone mainstream because they wanted to make an impact in the secular market? Of course, we can name thousands of mainstream artists who claim that these mainstreamed Christian artists have brought about a change in their lives! I can't even count them on the fingers of one of my hands. Where is the impact these cross-over artists have crossed over for? It is all about marketing. They are not interested in preaching the gospel. That is not what it is about! Mute Math's lawyer made that clear when he said that "[t]hey [Mute Math] don't preach from [the] stage. They don't preach in their interviews. Those things are required of you when you work in the Christian market." So, when are they going to preach? Aren't we supposed to preach the gospel to the world?
We have seen this type of behaviour from Christian artists for quite a while now, starting with someone as eminent in Christian music circles as Amy Grant way back in the 80s. I am sure it started before her, but she is the first I can remember wanting to crossover. Today, this type of rejection of all things Christian (and believe me, I do not suggest that all CCM artists should be accepted because of the Christian label), has become one of the expected trends among some Christian artists.
However, this is not something that we expect from the church itself. Yet, that is exactly what has been happening in the church!
Instead of preaching the truth to a lost and dying world, it has become the fashionable thing to water down the full gospel message so that it would not be so offensive. In effect, parts of the gospel have been scuttled in order to make it more palatable to a world that would rather want to see our demise than hear the true gospel!
In effect, the church wants credibility with the world instead, by having all night " laugh-fests," Bibles that look like common magazines, Christian dance evenings and more.
The fact that the church and Christian bands crave credibility from the world is the very thing that denies them credibility. The very thing that the world needs right now, someone willing to stand strong on principles of truth, is also the very thing that these credibility-seekers are denying the world.
Credibility does not come by flattery and obsequious behaviour toward the world. This will only show the world that we have no principles, nothing that we are willing to stand up for. Why should they join us if all we can do is fawn over them? They don't want servility! They want someone that can show them the way!
The fact is, if we kowtow to the world, we are definitely not being obedient to God! We cannot love the world and its ways and still claim to love the Lord! We don't draw the world by becoming like it! That is exactly the wrong thing to do!
Walk in the forest where everything is the same and you will not be instantly drawn to anything. However, walk in this forest where there is something that does not look like everything else and your attention will be grabbed immediately! That is how it is with the world.
If we become like them, how can we tell them that we are different. The apostle Paul said that "if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle?" (1 Cor 14:8) If we just sound the same and look the same and do the same stuff as the world, we simply become indistinct from it. And, if we become indistinct from it, then we lose our impact on the world. If we, the salt, have lost our saltiness (becoming part of that which we are to be a flavour unto), how can we call ourselves the salt of the earth?
There is a saying that says "if it quacks like a duck, walks like a duck and looks like a duck, then it probably is a duck!" If we seek credibility from the world (which should not be our aim at all) by becoming like them, we, in effect, deny the Lord that saved us by aligning ourselves with the world.
If we become like the world to "reach" the world, what are we "reaching" them with and what are they getting "saved" unto? The true gospel, or a diluted gospel void of the truth? The fact is that if we become like them for whatever reason (credibility included) we are caught in the devils trap. We no longer retain our saltiness and our bugles make an indistinct sound. Instead of "reaching" the world, the world has "reached" us! We get caught in the very same trap that we have set for the world.
It is time the church stops looking for credibility from the world and rather seeks the praise of our heavenly Father! Obedience to Him is all that matters!
There is only one way to reach the world, and that is the unadulterated preaching of the gospel of Christ, including the mercy and the justice of God.
It is not the ways of the world that will "reach" the world! This simply shows how little we trust God to accomplish what He has promised to accomplish through the preaching of the gospel. Only the gospel, with the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, can "reach" the world!
Just thinking...
Monday, July 10, 2006
The Apostles Creed Worship CD
Christian Information - 10 July 2006
[This will be the last time I post this newsletter on my blog. I thought that I'd introduce it to my readers.]
Members of Congress Call for End to World-Cup Prostitution
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are calling on Germany to end the government-endorsed prostitution that has accompanied the World Cup. More than 400,000 prostitutes have registered with the government since the practice was legalized in 2002.
Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., sponsored House Resolution 860 that calls on the German government to take immediate action to combat sex trafficking taking place in connection with the soccer tournament.
Read more...
NY High Court Rules Against Same-Sex Marriage
by Randy Hall
The New York Court of Appeals, the highest court in the state, ruled Thursday that the state "constitution does not compel the recognition of marriages between members of the same sex."
In its 4-2 decision, the court said that "whether such marriages should be recognized is a question to be addressed by the legislature."
Read more...
'Yes' to Traditional Marriage -- First in New York, Then in Georgia
Separate Court Rulings Come Within Hours of Each Other
by Jody Brown and Allie Martin
In a decisive one-two punch, courts in two different states have dealt considerable blows to the homosexual agenda's nationwide push for legalized same-sex "marriage." While the decision out of the Bible Belt state of Georgia surprised few, the ruling out of New York -- typically a hotbed of liberalism -- certainly caught conservatives by surprise and earned their approval.
In a 4-2 decision, the New York Court of Appeals has ruled that the state constitution guarantees no right to homosexual marriage. Using an argument more often heard from pro-family activists dealing with judicial activism, the court said the New York constitution "does not compel recognition of marriages between members of the same sex. Whether such marriages should be recognized is a question to be addressed by the Legislature.
Read more...
IT'S THEIR WAY, OR NO WAY: INSTITUTIONAL LEFTISM
Gay Pride, A Presidential (Clintonian) Proclamation
by Debra Rae
Yes, roses are blooming, summer vacation is upon us, and gasoline prices have soared, but there was much more to think about in June. Just ask the Lesbian/ Gay/ Bisexual/ Transgender community. You see, this is their month. June of 2000 marked the first annual Gay and Lesbian Pride Month—this, by Presidential proclamation. William J. Clinton encouraged all Americans to observe the month of June with programs, ceremonies, and activities that recognize gay and lesbian Americans.
I'm at a loss as to why any pride day is necessary for all to observe; however, if there is a boys' pride day, then it stands to reason that a girls' pride day is in order. If there is Norwegian pride, why not Swedish pride? Given African-American pride, why not Norwegian-American pride? How about Yankee-Dixie pride? Red coats-blue coats pride?
Read more...
Major US denomination 'affirms evolution'—and more
by Carl Wieland
The Episcopal Church is what Anglicanism is called in America. This church has many solid Bible-believers, but sadly its hierarchy has recently elected the first openly homosexual bishop, Gene Robinson.
In another even more recent 'first', Katharine Jefferts Schori was elected Presiding Bishop, the first woman primate (national head) in the Anglican communion worldwide. Schori, a trained oceanographer, is an enthusiastic evolutionist. Not long after her election, she presided over her church's 75th annual convention. At this meeting, the church passed a formal resolution to affirm evolution. This delighted the openly humanistic National Center for Science Education (NCSE), an organization founded and operated by atheists, specifically set up to oppose creationism in schools (as opposed to educating students in real science such as physics, chemistry, etc.).
Read more...
Confusing "Truth" and "Reality"
Can you articulate the difference between "reality" and "truth"? Think about it for a minute. "Reality" reflects the varying conditions and circumstances that characterize our world—right or wrong, they're all a part of "real life." "Truth," on the other hand, is objective, eternal and absolute. For the Christian, it is grounded in the Word of God. Why the pop quiz? Our ability to make that distinction—and teach it to our teens—is vital if we expect youngsters to develop critical thinking skills and make God-honoring entertainment choices.
Of the hundreds of letters Plugged In receives from churched teens about media issues, the most disturbing ones reveal spiritual confusion about God's view of evil and a stubborn lack of discernment. Specifically, if we object to an album that romanticizes sin, we're told to lighten up because the artist is singing about "real life." Or when we say a movie is over the top because it glamorizes violence, we get "What doesn't these days?" It's sad, but many adolescents judge entertainment's appropriateness based on the changing reality of the world around them—not on the unchanging Truth of God's Word.
Read more...
What are our methods?
by Rick Barnes
While watching a movie yesterday about a man named Robert Sheffy (made by BJU), Something that struck me about the methods used to reach the lost. He (Robert Sheffy) was a great man of prayer and traveled many places to reach the lost and I am sure by his testimony he loved the Lord. But the one item that struck me were some of the methods he used in reaching the lost. He was born in 1820 and died in 1902. Many evangelistic campaigns of that time used a lot of practices that I would label as unbiblical, this is not to say they were apostate as I know nothing of the people and their view on the doctrines of grace, some from that time period we do know were apostate such as Charles Finney.
Read more...
Coma Recovery After 19 Years Poses Questions About Terri Schiavo
A Tale of Two Terries
On Monday (July 3, 2006) The Journal of Clinical Investigation published new research on the recovery of a brain damaged man from his 19 years in a minimally conscious state, adding to the growing evidence that those with "hopelessly" severe brain injuries may be able to recuperate with therapy or other kinds of assistance.
The Journal's research focuses on the sudden recovery of Terry Wallis, who experienced a car wreck in 1984 when he was 19 years old. The accident sheared the nerve connections in his brain, putting him in a minimally conscious state (MCS) and rendering him a quadriplegic. Terry, a young husband with a newborn child, was considered a hopeless case, especially considering that his family could not pay the $120,000 needed to consult a neurologist about any possibility of recovery. However in 2003, during one of the regular visits of his mother, who had regularly visited him at the Rehabilitation Centre in Mountain View, Arkansas, he made what seemed a sudden recovery, and spoke "mom", his first word in 19 years.
Read more...
Abortion of "Excess" Babies Common with IVF
by Gudrun Schultz
"Excess" babies are routinely aborted as part of in vitro fertilization techniques, a report by the Virginian-Pilot acknowledged yesterday.
The report examined the problems associated with multiple births, a common occurrence when attempting to conceive and successfully carry a child using artificial technology. The success of IVF techniques typically rely on the insertion of multiple embryos to enhance a couple's chances that at least one embryo will successfully implant and result in a pregnancy.
Read more...
Also read:
Criminal Charges for Showing Abortion Pictures Violate Freedom of Speech Rights: Editor of NRO
Behold The King!
by Tim Challies
I was thrilled several years ago to hear that the book The Lord of the Rings was going to be made into a series of epic films. With production budgets in the hundreds of millions of dollars and the bulk of the work being done outside of Hollywood, I knew this series was going to be good! But more than being able to watch a great series of films, I was thrilled to know that a book I had read several times and for which I had great respect would be brought into the mainstream. Not too long ago people who read The Lord of the Rings were considered just a bit weird. When we brought the book up in conversation it would often earn us a look that said "you're not one of those Dungeons and Dragons people, are you?" I am not. I simply enjoy a good story and J.R.R. Tolkien was a master storyteller.
Now that The Lord of the Rings has entered the mainstream, we who have known and loved the story for many years can finally use its rich depths for purposes of illustration. It is that which I intend to do today.
Read more...
The Culture of Freedom and the Future of Marriage
by Al Mohler
"It is not controversial to contend that in the United States, constitutional law serves as a decisive battleground in the struggle over freedom's moral and political meaning," asserts Peter Berkowitz. "It is another matter to assess the impact of the battleground on the battle, to clarify the current balance of power, and to anticipate the battles to come."
Berkowitz, a professor of law at George Mason University School of Law and a fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution, addresses the future of the U.S. Supreme Court and the concept of freedom in a fascinating essay published in the current issue of Policy Review. In "The Court, the Constitution, and the Culture of Freedom," Berkowitz argues that an expansive concept of human liberty lies behind the Supreme Court's tradition of jurisprudence. He goes on to argue that this progressive understanding of human freedom is likely to mean that the nation's high court will one day decide that access to same-sex marriage is nothing less than a right guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution.
Read more...
In Defense of Christian Activism (Must read!)
by John M. Frame
Christian activism, by which I mean simply any Christian attempt to improve society, has had its ups and downs over the centuries. If you read a book like D. James Kennedy and Jerry Newcombe, What If Jesus Had Never Been Born,[2] you should be impressed at the great influence of the Christian gospel, and specifically Calvinism, upon western culture. I don't want to minimize the wickedness of fallen culture. But for now I'm making the point that there is good as well. Kennedy and Newcombe emphasize that Christians, for distinctively Christian motives, have vastly influenced western culture in such areas as help for the poor, the abolition of slavery, teaching of literacy, education for all, political freedom, economic freedom, science, medicine, the family, the arts, the sanctity of life. Without Jesus, without his Gospel, without the influence of his people, all these areas of culture would be vastly different and very much worse.
But from time to time there has been a failure of nerve. None of these efforts by Christians has led to perfection. There is still much evil in the world, and there are many who would silence the Christian voice. So Christians have often been discouraged by the net results of their efforts. We recall the period from around 1925-1945 when fundamentalist Christians in America largely retreated from any kind of social action. And in the 1990s, the Moral Majority movement was disbanded, and Christian leaders like Jerry Falwell and columnist Cal Thomas disparaged Christian social activism, saying that it detracted from the Christian's fundamental responsibility, to proclaim the gospel.
Read more...
Defining and Defending Conservatism--Senator Rick Santorum's "It Takes a Family"
by Al Mohler
Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) admits that political conservatives have often failed to present a comprehensive vision of the underlying commitments and convictions that frame the conservative vision. Beyond this, he laments the fact that some conservatives fail to link those basic convictions with political decisions and matters of public policy. He's out to reverse that failure, and his new book It Takes a Family: Conservatism and the Common Good is one of the most important books written by a political figure in recent American history.
Santorum was raised in Butler, Pennsylvania, a small town he describes as "a place where family togetherness, being a good neighbor, and civic participation were on display every day, without complaint or apology." He later attended college at Penn State University and earned a law degree from the Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. At the age of 32, Santorum was elected to the United States House of Representatives. After two terms, he was elected in 1994 to the United States Senate. He quickly emerged as a national figure and became the youngest person elected to the Republican Senate leadership. He continues to serve as Republican Conference Chairman, the party's third-ranking leadership position in the Senate.
Read more...
Intimidation Tactics
Why We Need Privacy in Politics
by Charles Colson
Leo "Skip" Childs is the kind of person you'd want as your next-door neighbor. Skip puts in many hours every month volunteering as a firefighter in North Truro, Massachusetts. His wife, Marjorie, supports the rescue squad with hot coffee and homemade cakes.
But then, as columnist Maggie Gallagher relates, Skip signed a petition supporting traditional marriage. He was labeled a bigot, and thrown off the Board of Fire Engineers.
Read more...
America Should Be Ashamed of SHAM (Must read!)
by Al Mohler
Steve Salerno is a reporter with wide experience. As a freelance feature writer, Salerno has written for magazines including Harper's, Esquire, Sports Illustrated, and many others. He has contributed articles to the Los Angeles Times and The Wall Street Journal. Many of his articles have focused upon "money stories," that deal with financial scandals and controversies in the business world. Now, he is ready to report on the biggest scandal he has ever encountered--America's self-help movement.
Salerno writes: "In twenty-four years as a business writer and an investigative journalist, I have covered all kinds of 'money stories.' I have written about boondoggles on bankers' row and sleight of hand at Seventh Avenue fashion houses. I've written about the gyrations of the stock market as well as the myriad forces that surround, yet never quite explain, investing itself. I've written about money as it relates to sales, money as it relates to sports, money as it relates to music, money as it relates to love. It's safe to say that if it involves money, combined with some form of human aspiration, I've probably written about it."
Read more...
North Korea Deepens Crisis With July Fourth Missile Tests
by Patrick Goodenough
After weeks of keeping the world guessing about its intentions, North Korea chose America's Independence Day to test fire a volley of missiles, ignoring international calls for restraint and stoking up tensions across the region.
Foreign governments tracked up to six missiles, fired from two locations over a period of several hours into the Sea of Japan between the Korean peninsula and Japan's northern Hokkaido Island, according to South Korean officials.
Read more...
Study: Vaccines Not Linked to Autism
by Salynn Boyles
New research from Canada may not end the debate about childhood vaccines and autism, but it offers more evidence that vaccines are not to blame for the dramatic rise in reported cases of the developmental disorder.
The study examined outcomes among 28,000 children in Quebec, exposed to different dosages of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine and vaccines containing the mercury-based preservative thimerosal. Researchers found no relationship between MMR vaccine exposure, thimerosal exposure and autism rates.
Read more...
Conservative Government Investigates Allegations of Chinese Organ Harvesting From Political Prisoners
by Peter J. Smith
Canada's Conservative government announced yesterday it will investigate claims that China has been harvesting organs from live prisoners for organ transplants, as revealed in a report by former Liberal and Independent MP David Kilgour and international human rights lawyer David Matas.
"We take these allegations quite seriously, and we'll look into that," said Conservative MP Deepak Obhrai on Thursday. Obhrai, who is the parliamentary secretary to Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay affirmed that the government will look to confirm the allegations raised by Kilgour and Matas' report released yesterday.
Read more...
Absurdity of the Week
Robot Oppression: Unethicality of the Three Laws
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Christian Information
10 July 2006
Contents
Sexual Depravity
Members of Congress Call for End to World-Cup Prostitution
NY High Court Rules Against Same-Sex Marriage
'Yes' to Traditional Marriage -- First in New York, Then in Georgia
IT'S THEIR WAY, OR NO WAY: INSTITUTIONAL LEFTISM
NY High Court Rules Against Same-Sex Marriage
'Yes' to Traditional Marriage -- First in New York, Then in Georgia
IT'S THEIR WAY, OR NO WAY: INSTITUTIONAL LEFTISM
Creation
Major US denomination 'affirms evolution'—and more
Theology/Philosophy
Confusing "Truth" and "Reality"
What are our methods?
What are our methods?
Heresy
Voodoo Philanthropics (Must read!)
C. Peter Wagner Concocts Another New Doctrine
C. Peter Wagner Concocts Another New Doctrine
Pro-Life Issues
Coma Recovery After 19 Years Poses Questions About Terri Schiavo
Abortion of "Excess" Babies Common with IVF
Abortion of "Excess" Babies Common with IVF
Sermons/Inspirational
Behold The King!
Liberals
The Culture of Freedom and the Future of Marriage
Politics
In Defense of Christian Activism (Must read! )
Defining and Defending Conservatism--Senator Rick Santorum's "It Takes a Family"
Intimidation Tactics
Defining and Defending Conservatism--Senator Rick Santorum's "It Takes a Family"
Intimidation Tactics
Entertainment
I hated it. Sheesh. (Superman Returns review)
Superman and the culture war
Superman and the culture war
Miscellaneous
America Should Be Ashamed of SHAM (Must read! )
North Korea Deepens Crisis With July Fourth Missile Tests
Study: Vaccines Not Linked to Autism
Conservative Government Investigates Allegations of Chinese Organ Harvesting From Political Prisoners
Website of the week...
North Korea Deepens Crisis With July Fourth Missile Tests
Study: Vaccines Not Linked to Autism
Conservative Government Investigates Allegations of Chinese Organ Harvesting From Political Prisoners
Website of the week...
Quote of the week...
Absurdity of the Week
Absurdity of the Week
Sexual Depravity
Members of Congress Call for End to World-Cup Prostitution
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are calling on Germany to end the government-endorsed prostitution that has accompanied the World Cup. More than 400,000 prostitutes have registered with the government since the practice was legalized in 2002.
Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., sponsored House Resolution 860 that calls on the German government to take immediate action to combat sex trafficking taking place in connection with the soccer tournament.
Read more...
NY High Court Rules Against Same-Sex Marriage
by Randy Hall
The New York Court of Appeals, the highest court in the state, ruled Thursday that the state "constitution does not compel the recognition of marriages between members of the same sex."
In its 4-2 decision, the court said that "whether such marriages should be recognized is a question to be addressed by the legislature."
Read more...
'Yes' to Traditional Marriage -- First in New York, Then in Georgia
Separate Court Rulings Come Within Hours of Each Other
by Jody Brown and Allie Martin
In a decisive one-two punch, courts in two different states have dealt considerable blows to the homosexual agenda's nationwide push for legalized same-sex "marriage." While the decision out of the Bible Belt state of Georgia surprised few, the ruling out of New York -- typically a hotbed of liberalism -- certainly caught conservatives by surprise and earned their approval.
In a 4-2 decision, the New York Court of Appeals has ruled that the state constitution guarantees no right to homosexual marriage. Using an argument more often heard from pro-family activists dealing with judicial activism, the court said the New York constitution "does not compel recognition of marriages between members of the same sex. Whether such marriages should be recognized is a question to be addressed by the Legislature.
Read more...
IT'S THEIR WAY, OR NO WAY: INSTITUTIONAL LEFTISM
Gay Pride, A Presidential (Clintonian) Proclamation
by Debra Rae
Yes, roses are blooming, summer vacation is upon us, and gasoline prices have soared, but there was much more to think about in June. Just ask the Lesbian/ Gay/ Bisexual/ Transgender community. You see, this is their month. June of 2000 marked the first annual Gay and Lesbian Pride Month—this, by Presidential proclamation. William J. Clinton encouraged all Americans to observe the month of June with programs, ceremonies, and activities that recognize gay and lesbian Americans.
I'm at a loss as to why any pride day is necessary for all to observe; however, if there is a boys' pride day, then it stands to reason that a girls' pride day is in order. If there is Norwegian pride, why not Swedish pride? Given African-American pride, why not Norwegian-American pride? How about Yankee-Dixie pride? Red coats-blue coats pride?
Read more...
Creation
Major US denomination 'affirms evolution'—and more
by Carl Wieland
The Episcopal Church is what Anglicanism is called in America. This church has many solid Bible-believers, but sadly its hierarchy has recently elected the first openly homosexual bishop, Gene Robinson.
In another even more recent 'first', Katharine Jefferts Schori was elected Presiding Bishop, the first woman primate (national head) in the Anglican communion worldwide. Schori, a trained oceanographer, is an enthusiastic evolutionist. Not long after her election, she presided over her church's 75th annual convention. At this meeting, the church passed a formal resolution to affirm evolution. This delighted the openly humanistic National Center for Science Education (NCSE), an organization founded and operated by atheists, specifically set up to oppose creationism in schools (as opposed to educating students in real science such as physics, chemistry, etc.).
Read more...
Theology/Philosophy
Confusing "Truth" and "Reality"
Can you articulate the difference between "reality" and "truth"? Think about it for a minute. "Reality" reflects the varying conditions and circumstances that characterize our world—right or wrong, they're all a part of "real life." "Truth," on the other hand, is objective, eternal and absolute. For the Christian, it is grounded in the Word of God. Why the pop quiz? Our ability to make that distinction—and teach it to our teens—is vital if we expect youngsters to develop critical thinking skills and make God-honoring entertainment choices.
Of the hundreds of letters Plugged In receives from churched teens about media issues, the most disturbing ones reveal spiritual confusion about God's view of evil and a stubborn lack of discernment. Specifically, if we object to an album that romanticizes sin, we're told to lighten up because the artist is singing about "real life." Or when we say a movie is over the top because it glamorizes violence, we get "What doesn't these days?" It's sad, but many adolescents judge entertainment's appropriateness based on the changing reality of the world around them—not on the unchanging Truth of God's Word.
Read more...
What are our methods?
by Rick Barnes
While watching a movie yesterday about a man named Robert Sheffy (made by BJU), Something that struck me about the methods used to reach the lost. He (Robert Sheffy) was a great man of prayer and traveled many places to reach the lost and I am sure by his testimony he loved the Lord. But the one item that struck me were some of the methods he used in reaching the lost. He was born in 1820 and died in 1902. Many evangelistic campaigns of that time used a lot of practices that I would label as unbiblical, this is not to say they were apostate as I know nothing of the people and their view on the doctrines of grace, some from that time period we do know were apostate such as Charles Finney.
Read more...
Heresy
Voodoo Philanthropics (Must read! )
Despite the claims that there will be a great outpouring of finances to further the New Apostolic Reformation's dominionist expansion in the near future, there is an immediate crisis now according to head "apostle" C. Peter Wagner in a June 21 Global Harvest letter. He wrote:
I'm writing you today with a tremendous burden. A very serious financial situation has arisen here at Global Harvest. It seems as though a stranglehold over our finances has been loosed against us, and the usual gifts to the ministry have slowed down alarmingly. We are wondering where the money for our next payroll and for paying our bills will come from.
Read more...
C. Peter Wagner Concocts Another New Doctrine
In a letter from Global Harvest Ministries (Global Link, 11/1/05), C. Peter Wagner, chief architect of the "Second Apostolic Age" and inventor of many new doctrines spreading like leaven throughout evangelicaldom, wrote about his latest book Freedom from the Religious Spirit. In this book he invents yet another doctrine about demon possession by a "religious spirit."
"In my recent book, Freedom from the Religious Spirit, I pointed out that the chief tactic of this clever demon is to use religious devices to preserve the status quo. If it is successful, the spirit of religion can prevent us from moving into God's new times and seasons...."
Read more...
Despite the claims that there will be a great outpouring of finances to further the New Apostolic Reformation's dominionist expansion in the near future, there is an immediate crisis now according to head "apostle" C. Peter Wagner in a June 21 Global Harvest letter. He wrote:
I'm writing you today with a tremendous burden. A very serious financial situation has arisen here at Global Harvest. It seems as though a stranglehold over our finances has been loosed against us, and the usual gifts to the ministry have slowed down alarmingly. We are wondering where the money for our next payroll and for paying our bills will come from.
Read more...
C. Peter Wagner Concocts Another New Doctrine
In a letter from Global Harvest Ministries (Global Link, 11/1/05), C. Peter Wagner, chief architect of the "Second Apostolic Age" and inventor of many new doctrines spreading like leaven throughout evangelicaldom, wrote about his latest book Freedom from the Religious Spirit. In this book he invents yet another doctrine about demon possession by a "religious spirit."
"In my recent book, Freedom from the Religious Spirit, I pointed out that the chief tactic of this clever demon is to use religious devices to preserve the status quo. If it is successful, the spirit of religion can prevent us from moving into God's new times and seasons...."
Read more...
Pro-Life Issues
Coma Recovery After 19 Years Poses Questions About Terri Schiavo
A Tale of Two Terries
On Monday (July 3, 2006) The Journal of Clinical Investigation published new research on the recovery of a brain damaged man from his 19 years in a minimally conscious state, adding to the growing evidence that those with "hopelessly" severe brain injuries may be able to recuperate with therapy or other kinds of assistance.
The Journal's research focuses on the sudden recovery of Terry Wallis, who experienced a car wreck in 1984 when he was 19 years old. The accident sheared the nerve connections in his brain, putting him in a minimally conscious state (MCS) and rendering him a quadriplegic. Terry, a young husband with a newborn child, was considered a hopeless case, especially considering that his family could not pay the $120,000 needed to consult a neurologist about any possibility of recovery. However in 2003, during one of the regular visits of his mother, who had regularly visited him at the Rehabilitation Centre in Mountain View, Arkansas, he made what seemed a sudden recovery, and spoke "mom", his first word in 19 years.
Read more...
Abortion of "Excess" Babies Common with IVF
by Gudrun Schultz
"Excess" babies are routinely aborted as part of in vitro fertilization techniques, a report by the Virginian-Pilot acknowledged yesterday.
The report examined the problems associated with multiple births, a common occurrence when attempting to conceive and successfully carry a child using artificial technology. The success of IVF techniques typically rely on the insertion of multiple embryos to enhance a couple's chances that at least one embryo will successfully implant and result in a pregnancy.
Read more...
Also read:
Criminal Charges for Showing Abortion Pictures Violate Freedom of Speech Rights: Editor of NRO
Sermons/Inspirational
Behold The King!
by Tim Challies
I was thrilled several years ago to hear that the book The Lord of the Rings was going to be made into a series of epic films. With production budgets in the hundreds of millions of dollars and the bulk of the work being done outside of Hollywood, I knew this series was going to be good! But more than being able to watch a great series of films, I was thrilled to know that a book I had read several times and for which I had great respect would be brought into the mainstream. Not too long ago people who read The Lord of the Rings were considered just a bit weird. When we brought the book up in conversation it would often earn us a look that said "you're not one of those Dungeons and Dragons people, are you?" I am not. I simply enjoy a good story and J.R.R. Tolkien was a master storyteller.
Now that The Lord of the Rings has entered the mainstream, we who have known and loved the story for many years can finally use its rich depths for purposes of illustration. It is that which I intend to do today.
Read more...
Liberals
The Culture of Freedom and the Future of Marriage
by Al Mohler
"It is not controversial to contend that in the United States, constitutional law serves as a decisive battleground in the struggle over freedom's moral and political meaning," asserts Peter Berkowitz. "It is another matter to assess the impact of the battleground on the battle, to clarify the current balance of power, and to anticipate the battles to come."
Berkowitz, a professor of law at George Mason University School of Law and a fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution, addresses the future of the U.S. Supreme Court and the concept of freedom in a fascinating essay published in the current issue of Policy Review. In "The Court, the Constitution, and the Culture of Freedom," Berkowitz argues that an expansive concept of human liberty lies behind the Supreme Court's tradition of jurisprudence. He goes on to argue that this progressive understanding of human freedom is likely to mean that the nation's high court will one day decide that access to same-sex marriage is nothing less than a right guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution.
Read more...
Politics
In Defense of Christian Activism (Must read!)
by John M. Frame
Christian activism, by which I mean simply any Christian attempt to improve society, has had its ups and downs over the centuries. If you read a book like D. James Kennedy and Jerry Newcombe, What If Jesus Had Never Been Born,[2] you should be impressed at the great influence of the Christian gospel, and specifically Calvinism, upon western culture. I don't want to minimize the wickedness of fallen culture. But for now I'm making the point that there is good as well. Kennedy and Newcombe emphasize that Christians, for distinctively Christian motives, have vastly influenced western culture in such areas as help for the poor, the abolition of slavery, teaching of literacy, education for all, political freedom, economic freedom, science, medicine, the family, the arts, the sanctity of life. Without Jesus, without his Gospel, without the influence of his people, all these areas of culture would be vastly different and very much worse.
But from time to time there has been a failure of nerve. None of these efforts by Christians has led to perfection. There is still much evil in the world, and there are many who would silence the Christian voice. So Christians have often been discouraged by the net results of their efforts. We recall the period from around 1925-1945 when fundamentalist Christians in America largely retreated from any kind of social action. And in the 1990s, the Moral Majority movement was disbanded, and Christian leaders like Jerry Falwell and columnist Cal Thomas disparaged Christian social activism, saying that it detracted from the Christian's fundamental responsibility, to proclaim the gospel.
Read more...
Defining and Defending Conservatism--Senator Rick Santorum's "It Takes a Family"
by Al Mohler
Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) admits that political conservatives have often failed to present a comprehensive vision of the underlying commitments and convictions that frame the conservative vision. Beyond this, he laments the fact that some conservatives fail to link those basic convictions with political decisions and matters of public policy. He's out to reverse that failure, and his new book It Takes a Family: Conservatism and the Common Good is one of the most important books written by a political figure in recent American history.
Santorum was raised in Butler, Pennsylvania, a small town he describes as "a place where family togetherness, being a good neighbor, and civic participation were on display every day, without complaint or apology." He later attended college at Penn State University and earned a law degree from the Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. At the age of 32, Santorum was elected to the United States House of Representatives. After two terms, he was elected in 1994 to the United States Senate. He quickly emerged as a national figure and became the youngest person elected to the Republican Senate leadership. He continues to serve as Republican Conference Chairman, the party's third-ranking leadership position in the Senate.
Read more...
Intimidation Tactics
Why We Need Privacy in Politics
by Charles Colson
Leo "Skip" Childs is the kind of person you'd want as your next-door neighbor. Skip puts in many hours every month volunteering as a firefighter in North Truro, Massachusetts. His wife, Marjorie, supports the rescue squad with hot coffee and homemade cakes.
But then, as columnist Maggie Gallagher relates, Skip signed a petition supporting traditional marriage. He was labeled a bigot, and thrown off the Board of Fire Engineers.
Read more...
Entertainment
I hated it. Sheesh. (Superman Returns review)
by Centuri0n
Batman movies? Yeah, they all had their high points, and on-net I liked all of 'em, including the daffy Poison Ivy/Mr. Freeze one with too many characters and not enough story. I'm a sucker for Uma Thurman, I am sorry to admit.
X-Men movies? See: I was a fan of the original school for gifted youngsters, and I lost interest when the Sentinels grabbed Scott and Jean and took them into space and Jean "died" saving the others. But for most people that's actually when the Golden Age of Mutant Comics started, and even with the weird adaptations made for the big screen, the movies have been faithful enough to the themes of the comics.
Read more...
Superman and the culture war
by Bill O'Reilly
The culture war has tugged on Superman's cape, and it is not pretty. In the new film "Superman Returns," Daily Planet editor Perry White responds this way after being told the Man of Steel has come back after a five-year absence: "Does he still stand for truth, justice and all that stuff?"
And all that stuff?
The original line in the television series and movie, of course, was "truth, justice and the American way." But no way the "American way" gets in the film.
Read more...
by Centuri0n
Batman movies? Yeah, they all had their high points, and on-net I liked all of 'em, including the daffy Poison Ivy/Mr. Freeze one with too many characters and not enough story. I'm a sucker for Uma Thurman, I am sorry to admit.
X-Men movies? See: I was a fan of the original school for gifted youngsters, and I lost interest when the Sentinels grabbed Scott and Jean and took them into space and Jean "died" saving the others. But for most people that's actually when the Golden Age of Mutant Comics started, and even with the weird adaptations made for the big screen, the movies have been faithful enough to the themes of the comics.
Read more...
Superman and the culture war
by Bill O'Reilly
The culture war has tugged on Superman's cape, and it is not pretty. In the new film "Superman Returns," Daily Planet editor Perry White responds this way after being told the Man of Steel has come back after a five-year absence: "Does he still stand for truth, justice and all that stuff?"
And all that stuff?
The original line in the television series and movie, of course, was "truth, justice and the American way." But no way the "American way" gets in the film.
Read more...
Miscellaneous
America Should Be Ashamed of SHAM (Must read!)
by Al Mohler
Steve Salerno is a reporter with wide experience. As a freelance feature writer, Salerno has written for magazines including Harper's, Esquire, Sports Illustrated, and many others. He has contributed articles to the Los Angeles Times and The Wall Street Journal. Many of his articles have focused upon "money stories," that deal with financial scandals and controversies in the business world. Now, he is ready to report on the biggest scandal he has ever encountered--America's self-help movement.
Salerno writes: "In twenty-four years as a business writer and an investigative journalist, I have covered all kinds of 'money stories.' I have written about boondoggles on bankers' row and sleight of hand at Seventh Avenue fashion houses. I've written about the gyrations of the stock market as well as the myriad forces that surround, yet never quite explain, investing itself. I've written about money as it relates to sales, money as it relates to sports, money as it relates to music, money as it relates to love. It's safe to say that if it involves money, combined with some form of human aspiration, I've probably written about it."
Read more...
North Korea Deepens Crisis With July Fourth Missile Tests
by Patrick Goodenough
After weeks of keeping the world guessing about its intentions, North Korea chose America's Independence Day to test fire a volley of missiles, ignoring international calls for restraint and stoking up tensions across the region.
Foreign governments tracked up to six missiles, fired from two locations over a period of several hours into the Sea of Japan between the Korean peninsula and Japan's northern Hokkaido Island, according to South Korean officials.
Read more...
Study: Vaccines Not Linked to Autism
by Salynn Boyles
New research from Canada may not end the debate about childhood vaccines and autism, but it offers more evidence that vaccines are not to blame for the dramatic rise in reported cases of the developmental disorder.
The study examined outcomes among 28,000 children in Quebec, exposed to different dosages of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine and vaccines containing the mercury-based preservative thimerosal. Researchers found no relationship between MMR vaccine exposure, thimerosal exposure and autism rates.
Read more...
Conservative Government Investigates Allegations of Chinese Organ Harvesting From Political Prisoners
by Peter J. Smith
Canada's Conservative government announced yesterday it will investigate claims that China has been harvesting organs from live prisoners for organ transplants, as revealed in a report by former Liberal and Independent MP David Kilgour and international human rights lawyer David Matas.
"We take these allegations quite seriously, and we'll look into that," said Conservative MP Deepak Obhrai on Thursday. Obhrai, who is the parliamentary secretary to Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay affirmed that the government will look to confirm the allegations raised by Kilgour and Matas' report released yesterday.
Read more...
Website of the week...
Quote of the week...
"By liberty I mean the assurance that every man shall be protected in doing what he believes to be his duty against the influences of authority and majorities, custom and opinion."
-- Lord Acton,
History of Freedom (London, 1907, p. 3);
quoted in Maurice Cranston, Freedom (1953, r. 1967)
Absurdity of the Week
Robot Oppression: Unethicality of the Three Laws
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Thursday, July 06, 2006
Many aspects of religion is IMMORAL
Here is someone with a chip on his shoulder about religion, especially Christianity. His latest diatribe is called Christian Love - Pretentious, Hypocritical and Condescending or TRUE. This is how he feels about Christian love:
"In many of my writings I have made it known that I do not need the sanctimonious, condescending love of Christians nor of Jesus in order for me to be happy and live a fulfilled life. I often felt offended when Christians disregarded what I have written to state in their comments Jesus Loves or we will "pray for you". Surely there is a level of simple manners that we can all agree to (even Christians). "
It seems to me that he judges love by the worldly concept of love: fuzzy feelings and lust.
Just thinking ...
"In many of my writings I have made it known that I do not need the sanctimonious, condescending love of Christians nor of Jesus in order for me to be happy and live a fulfilled life. I often felt offended when Christians disregarded what I have written to state in their comments Jesus Loves or we will "pray for you". Surely there is a level of simple manners that we can all agree to (even Christians). "
It seems to me that he judges love by the worldly concept of love: fuzzy feelings and lust.
Just thinking ...
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
An Arminian Prayer
Charles Spurgeon preached a sermon called Free Will - A Slave . In it he gave an example of an Arminian prayer. If an Arminian were to be consistent with what he believes this is what he would pray:
"Lord, I thank thee I am not like those poor presumptuous Calvinists. Lord, I was born with a glorious free-will; I was born with power by which I can turn to thee of myself; I have improved my grace. If everybody had done the same with their grace that I have, they might all have been saved. Lord, I know thou dost not make us willing if we are not willing ourselves. Thou givest grace to everybody; some do not improve it, but I do. There are many that will go to hell as much bought with the blood of Christ as I was; they had as much of the Holy Ghost given to them; they had as good a chance, and were as much blessed as I am. It was not thy grace that made us to differ; I know it did a great deal, still I turned the point; I made use of what was given me, and others did not—that is the difference between me and them."
However, Spurgeon explains that even an Arminian prays like a Calvinist.
Just thinking...
"Lord, I thank thee I am not like those poor presumptuous Calvinists. Lord, I was born with a glorious free-will; I was born with power by which I can turn to thee of myself; I have improved my grace. If everybody had done the same with their grace that I have, they might all have been saved. Lord, I know thou dost not make us willing if we are not willing ourselves. Thou givest grace to everybody; some do not improve it, but I do. There are many that will go to hell as much bought with the blood of Christ as I was; they had as much of the Holy Ghost given to them; they had as good a chance, and were as much blessed as I am. It was not thy grace that made us to differ; I know it did a great deal, still I turned the point; I made use of what was given me, and others did not—that is the difference between me and them."
However, Spurgeon explains that even an Arminian prays like a Calvinist.
Just thinking...
Monday, July 03, 2006
Christian Information - 03 July 2006
Christian Information
03 July 2006
Contents
Sexual Depravity
New Study Seen to Support 'Born Gay' Theory
Commentary: Media provides cover for assault on traditional marriage (Must read! )
From Homophobia to Homofascism
If Gay Brother Research is Correct It Shows Homosexuality is Abnormal (Must read! )
Commentary: Media provides cover for assault on traditional marriage (Must read! )
From Homophobia to Homofascism
If Gay Brother Research is Correct It Shows Homosexuality is Abnormal (Must read! )
Science
Hidebound Nonsense
The blood-stained 'century of evolution'
Fossil evidence for alleged apemen—Part 1: the genus Homo
The blood-stained 'century of evolution'
Fossil evidence for alleged apemen—Part 1: the genus Homo
Education
Valedictorian Complains of 'Hollow' Public School Education (Must read!) Is Romans 7 the normal Christian life?
Adam's Fall and Mine
Adam's Fall and Mine
Heresy
The Trinity, the Definition of Chalcedon, and Oneness Theology ( Must read!)
Pro-Life Issues
Hey Kids, I Didn't Think We Were Getting Enough Time Together, So I Killed Your Baby Brother
Gates-Buffett Linkup Troubles Pro-Life Activists
Anne Lamott Publicly Confesses to Murder (Excellent!)
Gates-Buffett Linkup Troubles Pro-Life Activists
Anne Lamott Publicly Confesses to Murder (Excellent!)
Sermons/Inspirational
Weber the Friendly Geist
I'M ON A MAN HUNT (Must read!)
Fools
The whole "pearl of great price" or just some of it?
I'M ON A MAN HUNT (Must read!)
Fools
The whole "pearl of great price" or just some of it?
Liberals
Planet of the Apes (Must read!)
Congress, Attorneys Scramble to Defend Historic Symbols of Faith
Congress, Attorneys Scramble to Defend Historic Symbols of Faith
Politics
Explore Importance of Voting Your Values
So what if I gained from affirmative action — it's still wrong (Must read!)
The second wrong
So what if I gained from affirmative action — it's still wrong (Must read!)
The second wrong
Miscellaneous
Keeping pastors accountable (Must read!)
Website of the week...
Website of the week...
Quote of the week...
Sexual Depravity
New Study Seen to Support 'Born Gay' Theory
by Patrick Goodenough
A new study on homosexuality is being used to back up the contention that sexual orientation is determined in the womb and not by sociological factors.
North American researchers say a study of almost 1,000 Canadian men found a link between homosexuality and the number of older brothers a man has. Such an association has been reported before, but in the past left open the possibility that both biological or sociological factors may play a role.
Read more...
Commentary: Media provides cover for assault on traditional marriage (Must read!)
A Commentary for CNN
by Dr. James Dobson
On June 7, the U.S . Senate voted for a second time on an amendment to define marriage in the U.S. Constitution as being exclusively between one man and one woman.
Again this year, the amendment failed to pass by a wide margin, falling 18 votes shy of a required two-thirds majority. The final tally was 49 in favor, 48 opposed.
Read more...
From Homophobia to Homofascism
by S. Michael Craven
For those of you familiar with my thoughts and writings on this subject you know that I am very cautious in regard to the manner in which Christians express their opposition the homosexual agenda. I have always been very careful to distinguish between the "homosexual agenda," or the political movement, and the person, made in the image of God, who is trapped in the sin of homosexuality. I never want to be perceived as a "grace-less" Christian who opposes hurting people that desperately need the love of Christ. However, we are increasingly witnessing a subtle but dangerous transition from what was once supposedly an appeal for "equal and fair" treatment to what can now only be described as the tyrannical demand of submission to the homosexual agenda.
Read more...
If Gay Brother Research is Correct It Shows Homosexuality is Abnormal (Must read! )
by John-Henry Westen
The mainstream media resurrected the specter of the 'gay gene' theory this week in covering a Canadian study on the origin of homosexuality. "Homosexuality influenced by biological factors, Canadian researcher says," proclaimed the CBC, the first to break the story on Monday. CNN was quick to jump on the bandwagon with "Study: Sexual orientation of men determined before birth."
In reality, however, the study was most intriguing for what the mainstream media failed to cover. Namely that, if true, the study suggests that homosexuality is a congenital abnormality, and shares its origins with other disorders developed in the womb.
Read more...
Science
Hidebound Nonsense
Christianity and the Origins of Science
by Charles Colson
Earlier this year, Britain's Channel Four aired a two-part special entitled "The Root of All Evil." No, it wasn't about money, greed or materialism. Nor was it about racism and other forms of hatred. The "root" was religion, specifically Christianity.
The special featured Oxford professor Richard Dawkins, arguably the most famous apologist for the Darwinian worldview. While Dawkins may be an expert on Darwin, it's clear that he knows little about history, especially the history of Christianity.
Read more...
The blood-stained 'century of evolution'
by Carl Wieland
Those attacking Christianity sometimes point to the many religious wars and atrocities perpetrated in the name of Christ and the Church. They forget that not everyone self-labeled 'Christian' truly follows Christ. Also, that many times more people have been killed this century, most by their own governments, than in all religious conflicts, ever.1 And this slaughter happened because of philosophies openly hostile to biblical Christianity, and flowing directly from evolutionary belief.
Nazism openly proclaimed its dependence on Darwin.2 It was right and moral for the strongest race to survive; to have pity for the weak was to defy nature's laws. It is doubtful whether this brutal ideology would have so captivated the nation that gave us Bach and Luther if not for the 'scientific' underpinning of evolution.
Read more...
Fossil evidence for alleged apemen—Part 1: the genus Homo
by Peter Line
Paleoanthropologist Milford Wolpoff writes: 'In my view, "objectivity" does not exist in science. Even in the act of gathering data, decisions about what data to record and what to ignore reflect the framework of the scientist.' Evolutionists John Gribbin and Jeremy Cherfas acknowledge: '… we must admit that the history of palaeontology does not read as a shining example of the pursuit of truth, especially where it was the truth of man's origins that was at issue'. They later say: '… we do know that the popular image of the scientist as a dispassionate seeker after the truth could not be further from reality'.
Read more...
The blood-stained 'century of evolution'
by Carl Wieland
Those attacking Christianity sometimes point to the many religious wars and atrocities perpetrated in the name of Christ and the Church. They forget that not everyone self-labeled 'Christian' truly follows Christ. Also, that many times more people have been killed this century, most by their own governments, than in all religious conflicts, ever.1 And this slaughter happened because of philosophies openly hostile to biblical Christianity, and flowing directly from evolutionary belief.
Nazism openly proclaimed its dependence on Darwin.2 It was right and moral for the strongest race to survive; to have pity for the weak was to defy nature's laws. It is doubtful whether this brutal ideology would have so captivated the nation that gave us Bach and Luther if not for the 'scientific' underpinning of evolution.
Read more...
Fossil evidence for alleged apemen—Part 1: the genus Homo
by Peter Line
Paleoanthropologist Milford Wolpoff writes: 'In my view, "objectivity" does not exist in science. Even in the act of gathering data, decisions about what data to record and what to ignore reflect the framework of the scientist.' Evolutionists John Gribbin and Jeremy Cherfas acknowledge: '… we must admit that the history of palaeontology does not read as a shining example of the pursuit of truth, especially where it was the truth of man's origins that was at issue'. They later say: '… we do know that the popular image of the scientist as a dispassionate seeker after the truth could not be further from reality'.
Read more...
Education
Valedictorian Complains of 'Hollow' Public School Education ( Must read!)
by Kate Monaghan
The valedictorian of a Blue Ribbon-awarded high school in New Jersey has left teachers and administrators with a sour taste in their mouths after using his June 20 valedictory speech to describe his education as "hollow" and one filled with "countless hours wasted in those halls."
"I felt like the most important questions were not asked." said Kareem Elnahal, the top rated student at Mainland Regional High School in Linwood, N.J. "Things like ethics, things that defined who we are, were ignored so in that way I thought it was hollow." he told Cybercast News Service Wednesday.
Read more...
Theology/Philosophy
Is Romans 7 the normal Christian life?
by Phil Johnson
This excerpt is from "The Fainting Warrior," a sermon preached January 23rd, 1859, at the Music Hall, Royal Surrey Gardens. I chose this excerpt today because Spurgeon's text here was Romans 7:24-25, and I'm preaching on Romans 7 this weekend.
Of course, one of the tough questions people always raise about that passage is whether Paul was describing his experience as a mature apostle—because if he struggled with sin the way he describes here, there's little hope any of us will attain any kind of perfection in this life. If Paul was calling himself "wretched" as a believer, this text more or less deals a death-blow to perfectionist doctrine of every kind.
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Adam's Fall and Mine
by R.C. Sproul
ANOTHER difficult question that shrouds the doctrine of predestination is the question of how our sinful nature can be inherited from Adam. If we are born with a fallen nature, if we are born in sin, if we are born in a state of moral inability, how can God hold us responsible for our sins?
We remember that original sin does not refer to the first sin but to the result of that first sin. The Scriptures speak repeatedly of sin and death entering the world through "one man's transgression." As a result of Adam's sin, all men are now sinners. The Fall was great. It had radical repercussions for the entire human race.
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Adam's Fall and Mine
by R.C. Sproul
ANOTHER difficult question that shrouds the doctrine of predestination is the question of how our sinful nature can be inherited from Adam. If we are born with a fallen nature, if we are born in sin, if we are born in a state of moral inability, how can God hold us responsible for our sins?
We remember that original sin does not refer to the first sin but to the result of that first sin. The Scriptures speak repeatedly of sin and death entering the world through "one man's transgression." As a result of Adam's sin, all men are now sinners. The Fall was great. It had radical repercussions for the entire human race.
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Heresy
The Trinity, the Definition of Chalcedon, and Oneness Theology (Must read!)
by James White
[Editor's Comment: James White here writes about people that most of you know and perhaps even think are wonderful preachers or worship leaders. Some of them are: T.D. Jakes, Tommy Tenney, Gwen Shamblin, Philips, Craig and Dean. If you deny that the issue of the Trinity is fundamental and essential to who God is, then you assume that the very nature of God is unessential! I am sad to say that too many charismatics have fallen for these false teachers! ]
The doctrine of the Trinity requires a balanced view of Scripture. That is, since the doctrine itself is derived from more than one stream of evidence, it requires that all the evidence be weighed and given authority. If any of the foundational pillars of the doctrine (monotheism, the deity of Christ, the person of the Holy Spirit, etc.) be ignored or even rejected, the resulting doctrinal system will differ markedly from the orthodox position, and will lose its claim to be called "biblical." For centuries various small groups have rejected the doctrine of the Trinity. In modern times these groups have frequently attracted quite a following; Jehovah's Witnesses as the modern heirs of Arius have over 3 million people actively engaged in their work; the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons) are heirs of ancient polytheism and mystery religions, and nearly 10 million adhere to their teachings. A smaller number of people, however, cling to the third-century position of modalism - the teachings of men such as Sabellius or Praxeas or Noetus. Though fewer in number, it is this position, popularly called the "Oneness" teaching, that prompts this paper's clarification of the Biblical position regarding the doctrine of the Trinity and the Person of Jesus Christ. Oneness writers strongly deny the doctrine of the Trinity.
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by James White
[Editor's Comment: James White here writes about people that most of you know and perhaps even think are wonderful preachers or worship leaders. Some of them are: T.D. Jakes, Tommy Tenney, Gwen Shamblin, Philips, Craig and Dean. If you deny that the issue of the Trinity is fundamental and essential to who God is, then you assume that the very nature of God is unessential! I am sad to say that too many charismatics have fallen for these false teachers! ]
The doctrine of the Trinity requires a balanced view of Scripture. That is, since the doctrine itself is derived from more than one stream of evidence, it requires that all the evidence be weighed and given authority. If any of the foundational pillars of the doctrine (monotheism, the deity of Christ, the person of the Holy Spirit, etc.) be ignored or even rejected, the resulting doctrinal system will differ markedly from the orthodox position, and will lose its claim to be called "biblical." For centuries various small groups have rejected the doctrine of the Trinity. In modern times these groups have frequently attracted quite a following; Jehovah's Witnesses as the modern heirs of Arius have over 3 million people actively engaged in their work; the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons) are heirs of ancient polytheism and mystery religions, and nearly 10 million adhere to their teachings. A smaller number of people, however, cling to the third-century position of modalism - the teachings of men such as Sabellius or Praxeas or Noetus. Though fewer in number, it is this position, popularly called the "Oneness" teaching, that prompts this paper's clarification of the Biblical position regarding the doctrine of the Trinity and the Person of Jesus Christ. Oneness writers strongly deny the doctrine of the Trinity.
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Pro-Life Issues
Hey Kids, I Didn't Think We Were Getting Enough Time Together, So I Killed Your Baby Brother
by Freeman Hunt
This is the strangest editorial I've read in a long time. It begins thus:
The conservative politics of the Bush administration forced me to have an abortion I didn't want. Well, not literally, but let me explain.
Oh, please do...
My husband and I both work, and like many couples, we're starved for time together. One Thursday evening this past March, we managed to snag some rare couple time and, in a sudden rush of passion, I failed to insert my diaphragm.
Hey, wait a minute. . . I thought that this was going to be the Bush administration's fault. . .
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Gates-Buffett Linkup Troubles Pro-Life Activists
The billionaires' combining of forces almost certain to mean millions more for abortion, population-control groups.
by Pete Winn
Billionaire financier Warren Buffett announced this week he is going to leave 80 percent of his estate — more than $35 billion — to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
It's a donation that is troubling to the pro-life community, according to Joseph D'Agostino of the Population Research Institute.
"It's very scary," D'Agostino told CitizenLink. "The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has very close ties and gives a lot of money to pro-abortion groups, such as Planned Parenthood, and for population control around the world."
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Anne Lamott Publicly Confesses to Murder ( Excellent!)
One of the Emergent Church's Darlings
by Ron Gleason
Anne Lamott belongs to the elite. She writes novels that people who are in psychotherapy read while they're in their analyst's waiting room (Hard Laughter, Rosie, All New People, Operating Instructions, Bird by Bird); she has published two books ostensibly dealing with faith—any resemblance between what she writes and what the Bible says is purely coincidental (Traveling Mercies; Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith)—, and the apostate Christianity Today describes her as "Jesusy." Cute. The word "Jesusy" applied to someone like Anne Lamott makes you wonder where CT is getting its journalists.
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Sermons/Inspirational
Weber the Friendly Geist
Christianity and the Rise of Capitalism
by Charles Colson
A century ago, the German sociologist Max Weber wrote The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism. In it, he argued that the "manner of life well adapted to the peculiarities of capitalism" was the product of certain Reformed ideas.
Weber's thesis was popular with secular academics and among some Christians who cited his arguments as part of their cultural apologetic for Christianity.
It's an elegant theory, but only in part true. Much good, of course, like the Protestant Work Ethic came out of the Reformation.
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Fools
by R.J. Rushdoony
The root of the fool's trouble is spiritual, not mental. The fool loves his folly, and he keeps returning to it, no matter what one does to keep him away from it. "As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly" (Prov. 26:11). Fellowship with fools is destructive: "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed" (Prov. 13:20).
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I'M ON A MAN HUNT (Must read!)
by Dave Daubenmire
We can win you know?
I'm not talking about Iraq. I'm talking about America, the cultural war, the fight for the soul of this nation, the war against Christianity. The battle for our country.
I'm convinced we can still win.
Unfortunately, very few of us believe it. But, like the Marines, I'm looking for a few good men. Men of the cloth, men of Faith, men who will stand on the Word, men who will fight for the Truth, men who will fight for their children, men who will not blink, men who have not sold out to the government, men who identify themselves as Christians rather than Republicans.
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The whole "pearl of great price" or just some of it?
by William Dicks
I was listening to The Listener's Bible (ESV) on my way to work this morning. The reading was a very familiar part of the Bible. John 3!
It struck me how many people who read this chapter or preach on it switch off after verse 17.
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Liberals
Planet of the Apes (Must read!)
Spain leads a long-time-in-coming legal revolution.
by Richard G. Stevens
After a quiescence lasting half a millennium, Spain has distinguished itself by a return to the legal genius demonstrated by Francisco de Vitoria and Francisco Suarez in the 16th century. An eminent member of the Green party, and so of the Socialist Coalition now governing Spain, Francisco Garrido (note the name — is this the hand of God, or what?) has proposed legislation that would make Spain the first nation in the world to "give chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, and other great apes some of the fundamental rights granted to human beings." Read more...
Congress, Attorneys Scramble to Defend Historic Symbols of Faith
How much longer will America be "One nation under God?"
by Pete Winn
The upcoming 4th of July Independence Day holiday finds pro-family groups working hard against uphill odds to protect important symbols of America's heritage and faith.
'One Nation Under God'
Members of the House Wednesday passed and sent the Senate the first piece of what they are calling the American Values Agenda -- H.R. 42, the Freedom to Display the Flag Act, sponsored by Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, R-Md.
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Politics
Explore Importance of Voting Your Values
by Wendy Cloyd
"Values voters" heavily influenced the 2004 election, not only returning President Bush to office but passing 11 marriage-protection amendments and electing seven new pro-lifers to the Senate.
To help even more Americans join the influential ranks of these ballot-casters, Focus on the Family has launched its iVoteValues.org Web site. Its goal: to motivate people concerned about the moral issues at play in the culture to be involved in getting values-oriented candidates elected to public office.
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So what if I gained from affirmative action — it's still wrong ( Must read!)
by La Shawn Barber
"…We have seen the High Court of the country declare that discrimination based on race was repugnant to the Constitution, and therefore void." — President Lyndon Johnson, 1965
On Monday, June 23, 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court disregarded the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and upheld the University of Michigan Law School's race preference policy.
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The second wrong
Why affirmative action cannot lead toward racial reconciliation
by Marvin Olasky
California referendum, Texas case, Congressional legislation-affirmative action is being debated among God's children throughout the land once again, with learned discourses on both sides. I'm not a very good "briefer," as they say in Washington, because I tend to throw complications at politicians who want simple answers, but on this issue I can keep it simple.
Here goes: God is our father. I'm a father too. And although I can in no way fathom the depths of God's mind, I can know what God thinks about race from reading the Bible. I can get a sense of his emphasis on the importance of evenhanded treatment for all his children from the way my children-created in God's image-explode when they believe they have been treated unfairly.
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"…We have seen the High Court of the country declare that discrimination based on race was repugnant to the Constitution, and therefore void." — President Lyndon Johnson, 1965
On Monday, June 23, 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court disregarded the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and upheld the University of Michigan Law School's race preference policy.
Read more...
The second wrong
Why affirmative action cannot lead toward racial reconciliation
by Marvin Olasky
California referendum, Texas case, Congressional legislation-affirmative action is being debated among God's children throughout the land once again, with learned discourses on both sides. I'm not a very good "briefer," as they say in Washington, because I tend to throw complications at politicians who want simple answers, but on this issue I can keep it simple.
Here goes: God is our father. I'm a father too. And although I can in no way fathom the depths of God's mind, I can know what God thinks about race from reading the Bible. I can get a sense of his emphasis on the importance of evenhanded treatment for all his children from the way my children-created in God's image-explode when they believe they have been treated unfairly.
Read more...
Miscellaneous
Keeping pastors accountable (Must read!)
by William Dicks
It always amazes me that in the church, where people are to be the safest possible, one can find some of the most horrendous abuses of the very people that the church is to keep safe!
Just look at the sexual abuse cases in the church, from Roman Catholic to Independent Baptist. It makes me sick to the stomach that men who were trusted by the church, family, friends and little children could sink so law as to molest little children.
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Website of the week...
Quote of the week...
"The theologian's task is not to divert the ears with chatter, but to strengthen consciences by teaching things true, sure, and profitable."
John Calvin,
Institutes of the Christian Religion 1.14.4
Institutes of the Christian Religion 1.14.4
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