“Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.”
1 Corinthians 9:19-24
Paul one of, if not the greatest, missionary in the history of the early church knew how to win souls. His solution was simple: become all things to all people. Speak in a way that registers with people and then give them the gospel message.
In the same way missionaries throughout the ages have followed Paul's advice. Learn about the culture you are going to, learn the language of the people in that nation, and then minister to them and spread the gospel.
Somehow, however, many of the Christians of the 21st century have forgotten this key to evangelism. Just as the missionaries in the past, and even now, do not go into the country they have been called to without a knowledge of how life is there, those Christians who have not been called from the United States should learn the language of our culture. We need to know what the culture is consuming and what is influencing it, know what the culture believes, and know how to bring the gospel message in a way that the people we want to reach understand. We also should consume secular ideas so as to be able to address our nation.
"Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring in some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility-young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king's palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king's table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king's service.
At the end of the time set by the king to bring them in, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king's service. In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom." Daniel 1:3-5 & 1:18-20
Daniel was taken to Nebuchadnezzar's court and taught all sorts of "pagan" literature and ideas. He came out not only wiser than the pagan sorcerers but he was put in place of power because of his wisdom. He was willing to learn the ways of the Babylonians. He then took the ways he had taken and used them to glorify God and bring him to the government of the land.
Daniel like Paul took his knowledge of pagan ideas and brought them to the culture. Why have we forsaken the world and let it go to its own devices. Why do many Christians keep hiding in caves and sheltering themselves from secular ideas. Like Daniel we need to learn the ideas of the culture and be able to apply them to our lives. More and more I see Christians walk into a cave and hide from the world going on around them
We as Christians are called to be a light in the darkness and salt to the earth. We need to bring our message. But we need to do this in a way that is relevant. We need to be in the world but not of it.
There is a fine line that needs to be walked here though. We are called to be salt to the earth “But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” Matthew 5:13
A line needs to be walked in this situation.
Christians need to be able to address the culture and have knowledge of their ways. But we also cannot pervert ourselves with the things of the world. We need to find the line between being able to know about the culture and still keep our identity as Christians. Just as I have seen many Christians hide in caves I have also seen Christians who are so immersed in the culture that they come close to having no identity at all as Christians. They lose their saltiness and as Matthew 5:13 says how can the salt be made salty again.
To sum up there are many Christians who are in and of that I have met. There are also many who are out and not of. But both of these are wrong. Just like Paul, and like Daniel if we want to be effective at meeting the culture to bring them to Christ we need to find that balance of being in not of.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Should She Stay or Should She Go?
Benazir Bhutto former Prime Minister of Pakistan has now returned to her home country after a decade of exile. Looking to reinstate herself in her old position she is again running for the office of PM. The question this raises is should the US intervene in the elections and push Bhutto as their candidate? I say no.
Bhutto was originally exiled from Pakistan on accounts of bank fraud and money laundering. These accusations were later substantiated and show that Bhutto and her husband together laundered 100's of millions of dollars in overseas bank accounts.
"Bhutto and Zardari were alleged to have amassed a fortune from kickbacks on government contracts during her two terms as prime minister. Their assets allegedly included a 10-bedroom, mock-Tudor Surrey mansion and, according to anticorruption investigators, £740m in Swiss bank accounts." CSM Oct. 16, 2007
So obviously the Pakistani people are most likely not going to be to ecstatic about Bhutto's return seeing that most probably remember former deeds done and wil be leary of installing her as PM in the upcoming elections. Many know her to be corrupt and that she has had wishy washy views on important matters.
During Bhutto's former term she suported the actions of the Taliban in Afghanistan. This led largely inpart to the taliban gainging such a foothold in the Afghani mountains.
The second thing is that the Pakistani people do not like the US or want them interfering in their countires elections.
"Many people feel democracy here is nothing but a sham," said Ejaz Akram, an assistant professor of religion and politics at the Lahore University of Management Sciences. "They say there's no democracy in Pakistan. And they see the U.S. as the single biggest hindrance in recognizing democracy in this country.
A poll released in September by Terror Free Tomorrow, a Washington-based non-profit, found that only 19 percent of Pakistanis polled had a favorable opinion of the U.S. -- making the U.S. the most unpopular country here, even more unpopular than historic enemy India." Chicago Tribune Oct. 30, 2007
As this is the case it would be wise for the US to stay out of any type of relationship that might mean bad relations between these two countries as this would be a huge blow to military stations we have already been granted in Pakistan. Without these bases it would be harder to carry out our war on terror.
"Musharaff is, despite his intermittent commitment, currently NATO's best weapon against the Taliban, who are using his country as a safe haven to launch attacks into Afghanistan." Prince George Citizen Nov. 6, 2007
Also as the only country in the middle east who has nuclear weapons that we know of at this point, I think it would be advisable to stay on their good side.
Should the US support Bhutto? No. Is Musharaff the best option. No.
But right now he is all the hope we have.
Bhutto was originally exiled from Pakistan on accounts of bank fraud and money laundering. These accusations were later substantiated and show that Bhutto and her husband together laundered 100's of millions of dollars in overseas bank accounts.
"Bhutto and Zardari were alleged to have amassed a fortune from kickbacks on government contracts during her two terms as prime minister. Their assets allegedly included a 10-bedroom, mock-Tudor Surrey mansion and, according to anticorruption investigators, £740m in Swiss bank accounts." CSM Oct. 16, 2007
So obviously the Pakistani people are most likely not going to be to ecstatic about Bhutto's return seeing that most probably remember former deeds done and wil be leary of installing her as PM in the upcoming elections. Many know her to be corrupt and that she has had wishy washy views on important matters.
During Bhutto's former term she suported the actions of the Taliban in Afghanistan. This led largely inpart to the taliban gainging such a foothold in the Afghani mountains.
The second thing is that the Pakistani people do not like the US or want them interfering in their countires elections.
"Many people feel democracy here is nothing but a sham," said Ejaz Akram, an assistant professor of religion and politics at the Lahore University of Management Sciences. "They say there's no democracy in Pakistan. And they see the U.S. as the single biggest hindrance in recognizing democracy in this country.
A poll released in September by Terror Free Tomorrow, a Washington-based non-profit, found that only 19 percent of Pakistanis polled had a favorable opinion of the U.S. -- making the U.S. the most unpopular country here, even more unpopular than historic enemy India." Chicago Tribune Oct. 30, 2007
As this is the case it would be wise for the US to stay out of any type of relationship that might mean bad relations between these two countries as this would be a huge blow to military stations we have already been granted in Pakistan. Without these bases it would be harder to carry out our war on terror.
"Musharaff is, despite his intermittent commitment, currently NATO's best weapon against the Taliban, who are using his country as a safe haven to launch attacks into Afghanistan." Prince George Citizen Nov. 6, 2007
Also as the only country in the middle east who has nuclear weapons that we know of at this point, I think it would be advisable to stay on their good side.
Should the US support Bhutto? No. Is Musharaff the best option. No.
But right now he is all the hope we have.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Music and Worldviews
Music. It is a facet of 21st century culture. It is everywhere. The grocery store the radio, the mall, homes, the church, and in movies. Music and musicians have been instrumantal in the culture. From the beginings of rock with Elvis Presley, the free love and drug addled time of the Beatles in the 60's, the anti-war songs of U2, and the rise of contemporary chrisitan music, music has been instrumental in shaping cultures and times. The thoughts and ideas expressed in songs have in some ways shaped history itself, so it is important to think about the songs we hear and the worldviews expressed in them. These next three songs present some very interesting worldviews.
Five for Fighting
100 Years (Lyrics)
Just 100 years. That's it. We are a like a vapor, here today, gone tomorrow, so why waste time trying things out for ourselves. I have heard form some people that they would rather learn about life for themselves even if the lessons they learn could have been learned from others and seen to be counter productive. Why waste time trying out bad ideas for ourselves when we could not only learn from the mistakes of others but follow the example of others to know how to live?
The song also seems to be a bit existentialist, in that we exist and then are gone and that's it. There's nothing else. But there is. There is something else for those who believe in Christ's saving grace. There is eternity. So maybe this song isn't existentialist as it can be used to show those around us that this life is not the end.
Depeche Mode
Blasphamous Rumor (Lyrics)
Well for those who believe in an all powerful and loving God this song is a blasphamous lie and appears to hold to a worldview that God is the enemy in human existence and the problem, not he answer.
This is false. God knows best and nobody knows his will.
The first half of the song (if you didn't read the lyrics) speaks of a girl attempting suicide and not suceeding. I have no idea why they feel that it is God's fault she is committing suicide, more like it is the fallen, corrupt, depraved, and hopeless state of this world that would have driven this girl to suicidal actions. Seeing no hope she wants to die. God is not the problem here but the answer. Without him life is pointless and not worht living. We try to escape our world through all sorts of means, so we can forget the Godless state of the world and the horrors that it contains.
The second half of the song speaks of another girl who accepts Christ and then gets hit by a car and dies.
Now this incident again is not God's fault but his will. Depeche Mode seems to not understand the fact that God knows and plans the time of our deaths and that for a Christian to die is not a bad thing or the end of life but merely a passing into a better existence. As Paul says to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Stellar Kart
Life is Good (Lyrics)
So if you can get past the rather strange music video,(sorry but it's the best You Tube carried)this song seems to be the climax. People live their lives chasing the American Dream, the good life, (here's another good song on that) and in the end what is it worth? Can they take it with them? Without a faith in Christ and the promise of eternal life it is all worthless.
So when we listen to songs especially those in mainstream American life think about the effect those songs are having on th culture and ways you can use them to show others the promise of eternal life.
PS Please fell free to comment on what you think the worldview is on any or all of these songs. I'd like to know what you think.
Five for Fighting
100 Years (Lyrics)
Just 100 years. That's it. We are a like a vapor, here today, gone tomorrow, so why waste time trying things out for ourselves. I have heard form some people that they would rather learn about life for themselves even if the lessons they learn could have been learned from others and seen to be counter productive. Why waste time trying out bad ideas for ourselves when we could not only learn from the mistakes of others but follow the example of others to know how to live?
The song also seems to be a bit existentialist, in that we exist and then are gone and that's it. There's nothing else. But there is. There is something else for those who believe in Christ's saving grace. There is eternity. So maybe this song isn't existentialist as it can be used to show those around us that this life is not the end.
Depeche Mode
Blasphamous Rumor (Lyrics)
Well for those who believe in an all powerful and loving God this song is a blasphamous lie and appears to hold to a worldview that God is the enemy in human existence and the problem, not he answer.
This is false. God knows best and nobody knows his will.
The first half of the song (if you didn't read the lyrics) speaks of a girl attempting suicide and not suceeding. I have no idea why they feel that it is God's fault she is committing suicide, more like it is the fallen, corrupt, depraved, and hopeless state of this world that would have driven this girl to suicidal actions. Seeing no hope she wants to die. God is not the problem here but the answer. Without him life is pointless and not worht living. We try to escape our world through all sorts of means, so we can forget the Godless state of the world and the horrors that it contains.
The second half of the song speaks of another girl who accepts Christ and then gets hit by a car and dies.
Now this incident again is not God's fault but his will. Depeche Mode seems to not understand the fact that God knows and plans the time of our deaths and that for a Christian to die is not a bad thing or the end of life but merely a passing into a better existence. As Paul says to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Stellar Kart
Life is Good (Lyrics)
So if you can get past the rather strange music video,(sorry but it's the best You Tube carried)this song seems to be the climax. People live their lives chasing the American Dream, the good life, (here's another good song on that) and in the end what is it worth? Can they take it with them? Without a faith in Christ and the promise of eternal life it is all worthless.
So when we listen to songs especially those in mainstream American life think about the effect those songs are having on th culture and ways you can use them to show others the promise of eternal life.
PS Please fell free to comment on what you think the worldview is on any or all of these songs. I'd like to know what you think.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Vietnam Again...
Hey everyone sorry for not writing in so long I have been busy and have not found anything really worthy of blogging about for a while but now I have something.
I believe that we can learn much about how to live now if we look at history and try to learn from it to not make the same mistake twice.
I also believe we should stay in our current state in Iraq until the country is settled and we can leave in good conscience.
Nobody likes wars. Nobody. However they do unfortunately have to be fought. Theodore Roosevelt knew that and said this: Wars are, of course, as a rule to be avoided; but they are far better than certain kinds of peace. TR
Wars have to be fought which is why it is so aggravating to see the cretins of society creep out of their holes and wave their idiotic peace flags and UN banners (they are obviously unaware that the UN is really, only an orginization to be ridiculed anymore)in protest to the war.
They do this country no favors what so ever. The contempt I hold this people in is acute. They cause this country to break down from the inside and make us a laughing stock before the nations we are fighting. They do the soldiers they want to bring home nothing, infact they most likely endanger them more by showing terrorists that if they can just kill enough soldiers the contemptible doves in this nation will force the government to pull out our troops.
This article is the basis for this post so you should read it to see where I am coming from.
This war is reminiscent of the conflict in Vietnam. We have the traitorous radicals waving their flags and marching in protest, we have a war we are going to have a hard time winning if we cannot risk lives, and we have a conflict we cannot exit without losing all the ground gained.
We never seem to learn from the past. These peace people are abimonable traitors and cretins. They hold this nation and her soldiers in no respect to dishonor them by campaigning against all their efforts. You may think me a little extreme. I think not
I believe that we can learn much about how to live now if we look at history and try to learn from it to not make the same mistake twice.
I also believe we should stay in our current state in Iraq until the country is settled and we can leave in good conscience.
Nobody likes wars. Nobody. However they do unfortunately have to be fought. Theodore Roosevelt knew that and said this: Wars are, of course, as a rule to be avoided; but they are far better than certain kinds of peace. TR
Wars have to be fought which is why it is so aggravating to see the cretins of society creep out of their holes and wave their idiotic peace flags and UN banners (they are obviously unaware that the UN is really, only an orginization to be ridiculed anymore)in protest to the war.
They do this country no favors what so ever. The contempt I hold this people in is acute. They cause this country to break down from the inside and make us a laughing stock before the nations we are fighting. They do the soldiers they want to bring home nothing, infact they most likely endanger them more by showing terrorists that if they can just kill enough soldiers the contemptible doves in this nation will force the government to pull out our troops.
This article is the basis for this post so you should read it to see where I am coming from.
This war is reminiscent of the conflict in Vietnam. We have the traitorous radicals waving their flags and marching in protest, we have a war we are going to have a hard time winning if we cannot risk lives, and we have a conflict we cannot exit without losing all the ground gained.
We never seem to learn from the past. These peace people are abimonable traitors and cretins. They hold this nation and her soldiers in no respect to dishonor them by campaigning against all their efforts. You may think me a little extreme. I think not
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Ishbane Conspiracy
I just finished a great book by author and pastor Randy Alcorn called the Ishbane Conspiracy. This book is the sequel to another book by Alcorn, Lord Foulgrin's Letter's. Both these books are written in novel form with every chapter followed by a letter either from a demon who who has been assigned to the characters in the book or a mentor demon. In the Ishbane conspiracy the letters are from a demoted Lord Foulgrin or Prince Ishbane, Foulgrin's mentor. The book mirrors the Screwtape Letters a little bit when the demons write to each other, only the letters are a lot easier to comprehend than those in the Screwtape Letters.
The book follows the lives of four friends, three of whom are seniors in high school and one of whom is a freshman in college. Two of the three high schoolers dabble in the occult, one of them is a christian in name only, and the college freshman is a strong christian. We follow these four as their lives take all sorts of twists and turns, some good and some bad.
This book was well written and exciting. If any of you have read any other books by Alcorn, liked the Screwtape Letters or are looking for an enjoyable read I highly suggest this book.
The book follows the lives of four friends, three of whom are seniors in high school and one of whom is a freshman in college. Two of the three high schoolers dabble in the occult, one of them is a christian in name only, and the college freshman is a strong christian. We follow these four as their lives take all sorts of twists and turns, some good and some bad.
This book was well written and exciting. If any of you have read any other books by Alcorn, liked the Screwtape Letters or are looking for an enjoyable read I highly suggest this book.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Ill-Informed
I found this quote in a comment posted on the General Pace issue at: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/03/12/national/main2561669.shtml#Post the comment was by one "firststate".
"In less time than we've been in Iraq, we defeated both the Germans and Japanese fighting on multiple fronts. If this bunch had been in charge of the military in WWII, we'd either still be fighting or using another language."
This commenter is apparently ill-informed. WWII was total war. We bombed many civilain and economic areas in Germany, almost completely destroyed Tokyo, and dropped two atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagaski. WWII losses are the most in the history of any war and civilian losses are into the millions.
This country could not conduct total war in Iraq, or the peace flag wavers who campaign around my city would be calling for the impeachment of Bush even more than they already are because of his destruction of civilian life. But no, we are forced to take all precautions possible to not kill more than is necessary due to the liberals, and the liberals are all ruffled over the war not being over in a timely fashion. This is clearly a no win situation for Bush. So now ill-informed commenter please endorse politicians who espouse your view of the way wars should be won.
I suggest they not be liberals.
"In less time than we've been in Iraq, we defeated both the Germans and Japanese fighting on multiple fronts. If this bunch had been in charge of the military in WWII, we'd either still be fighting or using another language."
This commenter is apparently ill-informed. WWII was total war. We bombed many civilain and economic areas in Germany, almost completely destroyed Tokyo, and dropped two atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagaski. WWII losses are the most in the history of any war and civilian losses are into the millions.
This country could not conduct total war in Iraq, or the peace flag wavers who campaign around my city would be calling for the impeachment of Bush even more than they already are because of his destruction of civilian life. But no, we are forced to take all precautions possible to not kill more than is necessary due to the liberals, and the liberals are all ruffled over the war not being over in a timely fashion. This is clearly a no win situation for Bush. So now ill-informed commenter please endorse politicians who espouse your view of the way wars should be won.
I suggest they not be liberals.
General Peter Pace Stands Up for the Truth
General Peter Pace, current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said on Monday that homosexuality is immoral in an interview with the Chicage Tribune.
"I believe that homosexual acts between individuals are immoral and that we should not condone immoral acts. I do not believe that the armed forces of the United States are well served by a saying through our policies that it's OK to be immoral in any way." General Peter Pace in an audio clip of his interview with the Chicago Tribune.
Hurray for General Pace. Finally someone came out and stood up for what is right. I applaud him for taking a stand and telling it like it is. Unfortunately the amount of fire he has taken from opponents is shameful, like this woman, one Arlene Isaacsen member of the Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus who said to CBS Radio Station WBZ-AM,
"It's bad enough that he thinks that. It's even worse that he would be foolish enough to say that publicly. It is crass prejudice, crass bigotry and brazen ignorance, and it's disgraceful to think that someone in his position would think in these terms."
This woman is not very clear on how General Pace's statement was prejudiced, bigoted, or ignorant, she just kind of throws those words out there without an explanation. Since she does not give an explanation I will infer that apparently she is of the opinion, that to have a moral conviction and state it to the public, is all of the above mentioned.
This is just another part of the battle in America over homosexuality and another part of the battle to hold together a moral code here in America. America cannot continue on abstract truths and the "phrase who am I to judge." We need more people in places of power to come out and say what General Pace said and then brave the ensuing criticism. For the immorality of homosexuality is the truth and the truth cannot be supressed by the governing idea and word of America today, and that word is tolerance.
"In the world it is called Tolerance, but in hell it is called Despair, the sin that believes in nothing, cares for nothing, seeks to know nothing, interferes with nothing, enjoys nothing, hates nothing, finds purpose in nothing, lives for nothing, and remains alive because there is nothing for which it will die." Dorothy Sayers.
What better way to define the pervading idea of tolerance in our culture. It defines the state of this country perfectly. This country, this great America is sinking in the sea of tolerance. We hold to absolutely nothing anymore. There are no more morals or truths in this country except the truth of "whatever works for you."
That is where we are, "whatever works for you." You want to murder your baby go ahead, whatever works for you. You are a homosexual, whatever works for you. You believe in the theory of evolution, whatever works for you. With this being the state of the country today let us praise God when a man like General Pace takes a stand.
So now I entreat those of you reading this blog, pray. Pray for more leaders like General Pace, pray for morals to be again held to in this country, and pray for the abolition of the sin called tolerance.
I wonder if General pace knew the effect his words would have. I don't know. I do know however that with the speaking of those words, a new battle begins to keep the boat MORALS afloat in America.
"I believe that homosexual acts between individuals are immoral and that we should not condone immoral acts. I do not believe that the armed forces of the United States are well served by a saying through our policies that it's OK to be immoral in any way." General Peter Pace in an audio clip of his interview with the Chicago Tribune.
Hurray for General Pace. Finally someone came out and stood up for what is right. I applaud him for taking a stand and telling it like it is. Unfortunately the amount of fire he has taken from opponents is shameful, like this woman, one Arlene Isaacsen member of the Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus who said to CBS Radio Station WBZ-AM,
"It's bad enough that he thinks that. It's even worse that he would be foolish enough to say that publicly. It is crass prejudice, crass bigotry and brazen ignorance, and it's disgraceful to think that someone in his position would think in these terms."
This woman is not very clear on how General Pace's statement was prejudiced, bigoted, or ignorant, she just kind of throws those words out there without an explanation. Since she does not give an explanation I will infer that apparently she is of the opinion, that to have a moral conviction and state it to the public, is all of the above mentioned.
This is just another part of the battle in America over homosexuality and another part of the battle to hold together a moral code here in America. America cannot continue on abstract truths and the "phrase who am I to judge." We need more people in places of power to come out and say what General Pace said and then brave the ensuing criticism. For the immorality of homosexuality is the truth and the truth cannot be supressed by the governing idea and word of America today, and that word is tolerance.
"In the world it is called Tolerance, but in hell it is called Despair, the sin that believes in nothing, cares for nothing, seeks to know nothing, interferes with nothing, enjoys nothing, hates nothing, finds purpose in nothing, lives for nothing, and remains alive because there is nothing for which it will die." Dorothy Sayers.
What better way to define the pervading idea of tolerance in our culture. It defines the state of this country perfectly. This country, this great America is sinking in the sea of tolerance. We hold to absolutely nothing anymore. There are no more morals or truths in this country except the truth of "whatever works for you."
That is where we are, "whatever works for you." You want to murder your baby go ahead, whatever works for you. You are a homosexual, whatever works for you. You believe in the theory of evolution, whatever works for you. With this being the state of the country today let us praise God when a man like General Pace takes a stand.
So now I entreat those of you reading this blog, pray. Pray for more leaders like General Pace, pray for morals to be again held to in this country, and pray for the abolition of the sin called tolerance.
I wonder if General pace knew the effect his words would have. I don't know. I do know however that with the speaking of those words, a new battle begins to keep the boat MORALS afloat in America.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Scientology: Who Really Can Take It Seriously?
I found some, well, rather interesting quotes on Scientology today while reading on it at this website http://www.scientology.cc/en_US/index.html, from which all quotes are taken.
“Individuals improve their lives through Scientology. As Scientologists in all walks of life will attest, they become happier and enjoy greater success in their relationships, family life, jobs and professions.”
Right I believe it. That’s why Tom Cruise has been married 3 times and had relationships outside of marriage. He is really improving his relationships and family life.
"The writings and recorded spoken words of L. Ron Hubbard on the subject of Scientology collectively constitute the scripture of the religion. He set forth the Scientology theology and technologies in more than 500,000 pages of writings, including dozens of books and over 2,000 tape-recorded public lectures."
"Thus, one will also find Scientologists studying the works of L. Ron Hubbard in any Church of Scientology."
"Although Mr. Hubbard departed his body in 1986, he is still with us in spirit and the legacy of his work continues to help people around the world realize their true spiritual nature."
"Scientologists celebrate several major holidays annually. These include the birthday of L.Ron Hubbard."
The Scientologists say they don’t consider Hubbard a Christ figure. Hmm… What do you think?
"Scientology is a religion in the deepest and most traditional sense, for it is concerned with no less than the full rehabilitation of man’s innate spiritual self — his capabilities, his awareness and his certainty of his own immortality — and his relationship to the divine."
"Scientology holds in common with many of the world’s oldest religions the belief that man was put here to work out his own salvation and that only by doing this can he fully understand his relationship to God the Creator," and their creed states that “We of the Church believe that the spirit can be saved and that the spirit alone may save or heal the body.”
Hold the phone the Bible clearly states that Jesus is the way and the truth and the life and that the only way to God the father is through him (John 14:6) not the spirit.
“Scientology principles further hold that man is basically good and that his salvation depends upon himself, his relationships with his fellow man and his attainment of brotherhood with the universe.”
Yup, right, Hitler and Stalin were basically good. I forgot.
Here again I beg to differ. The Bible clearly states that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
“A civilization without insanity, without criminals, and without war, where the able can prosper and honest beings can have rights, and where man is free to rise to greater heights, are the aims of Scientology.”
It’s an impossible goal, so ROCK ON Scientologists and try to achieve it. It’s never going to happen. Only through the grace of God can the sinfulness and problems of man be resolved.
“Scientology affirms the existence of a Supreme Being, although its dogma is unique and does not include the worship of one. Scientology believes that only through total spiritual enlightenment can one then truly discover and understand the Supreme Being.”
This is a no enlightenment zone. You have to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and then you can have fellowship through Christ with God and can by pass all the insane mumbo jumbo of “auditing.”
“Man is an immortal spiritual being.” Wrong! Man is a sinful and is going to die w/o a faith in Christ. Let me again appeal to the scriptures.
For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).
“His (man’s) experience extends well beyond a single lifetime.” My question is where does man's experiences go after a single lifetime? Any ideas?
"God helps those who help themselves." Please Scientologists out there show me where this is found in scripture.
“Scientologists believe that one must be properly prepared — spiritually and ethically — to receive these materials and that premature exposure could impede spiritual development. For this reason, the information in these advanced scriptures is kept confidential.”
Sure, or perhaps it is more like that the thinking of the Scientologists is so whacked out that they don’t want you to know about it right up front or they wouldn’t have any new converts. Like the Mormons.
“Individuals improve their lives through Scientology. As Scientologists in all walks of life will attest, they become happier and enjoy greater success in their relationships, family life, jobs and professions.”
Right I believe it. That’s why Tom Cruise has been married 3 times and had relationships outside of marriage. He is really improving his relationships and family life.
"The writings and recorded spoken words of L. Ron Hubbard on the subject of Scientology collectively constitute the scripture of the religion. He set forth the Scientology theology and technologies in more than 500,000 pages of writings, including dozens of books and over 2,000 tape-recorded public lectures."
"Thus, one will also find Scientologists studying the works of L. Ron Hubbard in any Church of Scientology."
"Although Mr. Hubbard departed his body in 1986, he is still with us in spirit and the legacy of his work continues to help people around the world realize their true spiritual nature."
"Scientologists celebrate several major holidays annually. These include the birthday of L.Ron Hubbard."
The Scientologists say they don’t consider Hubbard a Christ figure. Hmm… What do you think?
"Scientology is a religion in the deepest and most traditional sense, for it is concerned with no less than the full rehabilitation of man’s innate spiritual self — his capabilities, his awareness and his certainty of his own immortality — and his relationship to the divine."
"Scientology holds in common with many of the world’s oldest religions the belief that man was put here to work out his own salvation and that only by doing this can he fully understand his relationship to God the Creator," and their creed states that “We of the Church believe that the spirit can be saved and that the spirit alone may save or heal the body.”
Hold the phone the Bible clearly states that Jesus is the way and the truth and the life and that the only way to God the father is through him (John 14:6) not the spirit.
“Scientology principles further hold that man is basically good and that his salvation depends upon himself, his relationships with his fellow man and his attainment of brotherhood with the universe.”
Yup, right, Hitler and Stalin were basically good. I forgot.
Here again I beg to differ. The Bible clearly states that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
“A civilization without insanity, without criminals, and without war, where the able can prosper and honest beings can have rights, and where man is free to rise to greater heights, are the aims of Scientology.”
It’s an impossible goal, so ROCK ON Scientologists and try to achieve it. It’s never going to happen. Only through the grace of God can the sinfulness and problems of man be resolved.
“Scientology affirms the existence of a Supreme Being, although its dogma is unique and does not include the worship of one. Scientology believes that only through total spiritual enlightenment can one then truly discover and understand the Supreme Being.”
This is a no enlightenment zone. You have to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and then you can have fellowship through Christ with God and can by pass all the insane mumbo jumbo of “auditing.”
“Man is an immortal spiritual being.” Wrong! Man is a sinful and is going to die w/o a faith in Christ. Let me again appeal to the scriptures.
For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).
“His (man’s) experience extends well beyond a single lifetime.” My question is where does man's experiences go after a single lifetime? Any ideas?
"God helps those who help themselves." Please Scientologists out there show me where this is found in scripture.
“Scientologists believe that one must be properly prepared — spiritually and ethically — to receive these materials and that premature exposure could impede spiritual development. For this reason, the information in these advanced scriptures is kept confidential.”
Sure, or perhaps it is more like that the thinking of the Scientologists is so whacked out that they don’t want you to know about it right up front or they wouldn’t have any new converts. Like the Mormons.
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Who Should We Really Apologize To?
I just read an article a little while back about how a group of pastors and leaders are organizing a formal "Apology Tour" if you will, to apologize to China for the Wests part in problems in China i.e. the Opium Wars and the Boxer Rebellion.
Now this seems an incredibly silly thing to do. I do not think the leaders of China will be necessarily touched by the apologies. More likely it will further their disdain for the West and it's ideals. This tour will also most likely further the idea that the West and Christianity are evil if the Christians from the West are taking the initiative to apologize for wrongs. This will most likely have an extremely bad effect on the Christians in China as it will further the idea that Christians are bad people and that their ideals are wrong. Overall I think this measure is silly and pointless.
If we really want to start apologizing let's go to the Jewish race and apologize for the Holocaust and for their mistreatment throughout history. Let's go to the Rawandians and apoogize for not intervening to help them in the 90's. Let's go to the people who suffered in Poland and other Eastern European countries at the hands of the U.S.S.R. Let's go to the Native Americans for the massacres and atrocities committed against them. Once we have made formal apologies to all of them, then let's talk about an apology to the Chinese.
I am not saying that brutalities were not committed against the Chinese, but I am saying that there are others who need to be apologized to more.
So let's carry out our call to seek forgiveness, but first let's get our priorities straight.
For more info go here
Now this seems an incredibly silly thing to do. I do not think the leaders of China will be necessarily touched by the apologies. More likely it will further their disdain for the West and it's ideals. This tour will also most likely further the idea that the West and Christianity are evil if the Christians from the West are taking the initiative to apologize for wrongs. This will most likely have an extremely bad effect on the Christians in China as it will further the idea that Christians are bad people and that their ideals are wrong. Overall I think this measure is silly and pointless.
If we really want to start apologizing let's go to the Jewish race and apologize for the Holocaust and for their mistreatment throughout history. Let's go to the Rawandians and apoogize for not intervening to help them in the 90's. Let's go to the people who suffered in Poland and other Eastern European countries at the hands of the U.S.S.R. Let's go to the Native Americans for the massacres and atrocities committed against them. Once we have made formal apologies to all of them, then let's talk about an apology to the Chinese.
I am not saying that brutalities were not committed against the Chinese, but I am saying that there are others who need to be apologized to more.
So let's carry out our call to seek forgiveness, but first let's get our priorities straight.
For more info go here
Monday, February 26, 2007
What Next?
Ok this is incredibly stupid. Alright I can't stop laughing. Well the story goes that some students at Long Island University took a rubber duck hostage and acted like they were terrorists and threatened the duck. These students were then fired from their jobs on campus. The students then went out and apologized for the stunt which I think was stupid as this prank was simply the students right to free speech. Well watch this video for more information as I agree with this guy.
Alright so to sum it up this was a completely harmless prank and a much bigger deal has been made out of it than should have been. The question to ask after this story is where it will stop. Where will the impuning of free speech end?
So after asking yourself this question watch this video about the same type of scenario that happened in the 80's.
Ok so if you are not laughing after that video watch it again because you will understand it more. If you are still not laughing you probably will not agree with this post. I think this video was absolutely hilarious and that the faculty at LIU had no business in asking the students to apologize.
Alright so to sum it up this was a completely harmless prank and a much bigger deal has been made out of it than should have been. The question to ask after this story is where it will stop. Where will the impuning of free speech end?
So after asking yourself this question watch this video about the same type of scenario that happened in the 80's.
Ok so if you are not laughing after that video watch it again because you will understand it more. If you are still not laughing you probably will not agree with this post. I think this video was absolutely hilarious and that the faculty at LIU had no business in asking the students to apologize.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Amazing Grace
"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me." The famous words of John Newton's autobiographical hymn. How true these lines are both spiritually and physically, and right now a great new movie called Amazing Grace is open to the public. Amazing Grace is the story of William Wilberforce the indefatigable parliament member who, in the late 1700's to the beginning of the 1800's fougth for the destruction of the slave trade. He is an amazing man who overcame obstacle after obstacle to finally destroy the slave trade and help build a better world. Many resources have been released on Wilberforce over the last few months in anticipation of the realease of the movie. A recent release was this biography. You can read an interview with the author here.
So the movie was well done. I have read multiple criticisms of the movie being to talkie. However I do not think this is so. Being a movie about parliament and politics it should be mostly talking.
So the movie was well done. I have read multiple criticisms of the movie being to talkie. However I do not think this is so. Being a movie about parliament and politics it should be mostly talking.
American Holocaust
"Hitlers still alive in the knives of abortionists" (Prince of Peace;OC Supertones). Not a pleasant thought, is it? But it is completely true. The parallels that can be drawn between the pro-choice proponents of today and Hitler's Nazi regime are so close it appears Hitler really is still alive in the work of abortionists.
Adolf Hitler and his "Final Solution" to the Jewish "question" was extermination of the Jewish race. We wonder how this horrible work could have been carried out by people. The answer is that the Nazis and the German people were indoctrinated into the idea that the Jews were inhuman or subhuman. We should wonder how they could have ever thought that way. But isn't it the same today? The answer to the emotional aspect of abortion, specifically first tri-mester abortion, is that the forming child is not really human, that it is merely genetic matter and it doesn't really hurt the genetic matter to be injected because it is not really a human. This thinking is identical to the thinking of Nazi SS exterminators that the beings they were killing were not really humans but simply beings; genetic matter.
Maybe that's a bad example, maybe our thinking and excuses are not the same. How about the fact that the Nazi government was the lead proponent of the final solution. That their condoning of the genocide of the Jews is exactly like some of our politicians endorsing of the "right for women to choose." The question is choose what? The answer is that politicians are enabling women to choose to murder or choose to keep their children. Many of our politicians today are endorsing laws that mirror the horrible laws and acts of the Nazi's. So this to say that the pro-choice politicians in the American government who hold to abortion are acting in the same way as the Nazi leaders of the 30's and 40's.
So think about it. By putting pro-choice leaders into our government you are really furthering the Nazi ideal that some humans, in this case the unborn, then the Jews and Gypsies, are not really humans so it is ok to murder them. Is that really what we as a nation want, a government that in this case mirrors that of Nazi Germany? I hope not.
Adolf Hitler and his "Final Solution" to the Jewish "question" was extermination of the Jewish race. We wonder how this horrible work could have been carried out by people. The answer is that the Nazis and the German people were indoctrinated into the idea that the Jews were inhuman or subhuman. We should wonder how they could have ever thought that way. But isn't it the same today? The answer to the emotional aspect of abortion, specifically first tri-mester abortion, is that the forming child is not really human, that it is merely genetic matter and it doesn't really hurt the genetic matter to be injected because it is not really a human. This thinking is identical to the thinking of Nazi SS exterminators that the beings they were killing were not really humans but simply beings; genetic matter.
Maybe that's a bad example, maybe our thinking and excuses are not the same. How about the fact that the Nazi government was the lead proponent of the final solution. That their condoning of the genocide of the Jews is exactly like some of our politicians endorsing of the "right for women to choose." The question is choose what? The answer is that politicians are enabling women to choose to murder or choose to keep their children. Many of our politicians today are endorsing laws that mirror the horrible laws and acts of the Nazi's. So this to say that the pro-choice politicians in the American government who hold to abortion are acting in the same way as the Nazi leaders of the 30's and 40's.
So think about it. By putting pro-choice leaders into our government you are really furthering the Nazi ideal that some humans, in this case the unborn, then the Jews and Gypsies, are not really humans so it is ok to murder them. Is that really what we as a nation want, a government that in this case mirrors that of Nazi Germany? I hope not.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Appeasement: Will it Work?
As of recently a measure was passed that would give North Korea hundreds of millions of dollars in food and aid if North Korea would end their nuclear program. This measure is being paid for by six countries. The U.S. is one of them.
This measure being put into effect is not what we have come to expect from the Bush administration and its war on terror. It is heavily reminiscent of Neville Chamberlain's policy of appeasement with pre WWII Germany. The policy of appeasement did not work then and I highly doubt it will work in this case either. Giving North Korea aid will not achieve the intended effects if we look at what has happened historically when malicious dictators said they would stop their programs of domination if they just were given this or that. There is no evidence to suggest that North Korea will give up their nuclear weapons program, even after the aid. Others have broken their promises of cessation of hostilities and as the historical evidence points to the fact that the policy of appeasement has failed in the past I think it unlikely that it will work at this time. Let us pray however that it will.
This measure being put into effect is not what we have come to expect from the Bush administration and its war on terror. It is heavily reminiscent of Neville Chamberlain's policy of appeasement with pre WWII Germany. The policy of appeasement did not work then and I highly doubt it will work in this case either. Giving North Korea aid will not achieve the intended effects if we look at what has happened historically when malicious dictators said they would stop their programs of domination if they just were given this or that. There is no evidence to suggest that North Korea will give up their nuclear weapons program, even after the aid. Others have broken their promises of cessation of hostilities and as the historical evidence points to the fact that the policy of appeasement has failed in the past I think it unlikely that it will work at this time. Let us pray however that it will.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
In the Beginning
The name of this blog, In Not Of, refers to Romans 12:2a which states "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." As such this blog will be pleasing to God, and will speak mostly about politics and popculture from a Christian perspective. However politics being such a touchy topic, my views will probably not line up with all of yours. My cultural views will probably not line up with yours as well. But bear with me and think about what you read. You may find it true in some cases.
To end this rather short post, I will say finally that I hope that anyone reading this blog will find it interesting, informative, and astute.
To All
In Not Of
To end this rather short post, I will say finally that I hope that anyone reading this blog will find it interesting, informative, and astute.
To All
In Not Of
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