"If we ignore the spiritual foundations of our birth as a nation, we do so at our peril. It took a faith in God to win our freedoms."
Harry S Truman
Is Peace Possible in the Middle East?
8 hours ago
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
THE REASON FOR THE SEASON
Isaiah 9:6 (KJV) - For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Luke 2: 1-20
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
002:002 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
002:003 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
002:004 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
002:005 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
002:006 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
002:007 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
002:008 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
002:009 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
002:010 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
002:011 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
002:012 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
002:013 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
002:014 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
002:015 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
002:016 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
002:017 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
002:018 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
002:019 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
002:020 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them
Mark 2:1-11
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
002:002 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
002:003 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
002:004 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
002:005 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
002:006 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
002:007 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
002:008 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
002:009 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
002:010 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
002:011 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Luke 2: 1-20
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
002:002 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
002:003 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
002:004 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
002:005 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
002:006 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
002:007 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
002:008 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
002:009 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
002:010 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
002:011 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
002:012 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
002:013 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
002:014 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
002:015 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
002:016 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
002:017 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
002:018 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
002:019 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
002:020 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them
Mark 2:1-11
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
002:002 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
002:003 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
002:004 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
002:005 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
002:006 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
002:007 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
002:008 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
002:009 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
002:010 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
002:011 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Kwanzaa Bah Humbug
It aggravates me that most Elementary Schools in NJ have lessons about Kwanzaa along with Christmas and Hanuka. I saw a sign today on one school that said Happy Kwanzaa.
No it is not because I am a racist. It is because the Holiday is Racist. It is according to its founder "for Black People"
Want some other reasons.
*Its founder Karenga, is a Marxist black separatist atheist and was convicted of torturing 2 African American women.
*It is anti Christian. It was created to give African Americans an alternative to the Christian holiday which Karenga views as a myth forced upon blacks. It is specifically held at this time of year to detract from Christmas.
*It is made up and has nothing to do with Africa. The really ironic part is that all the language of Kwanzaa is in Swahili which is a derivative of Arabic. It is spoken in areas of East Africa that were colonized by Arab slavers and ivory traders.
Most African Americans do not even celebrate it.
Is this really the type of garbage we want to be feeding any child whether they be black, white brown or yellow? If the school systems did not perpetuate this it would have died off already.
Let your school system know enough is enough.
Please read the sources (links) below for more information
Kwanzaa- Racist Holiday from Hell (the author is a black preacher)
Ron Karenga
Also
What is Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is for Pagans
No it is not because I am a racist. It is because the Holiday is Racist. It is according to its founder "for Black People"
Want some other reasons.
*Its founder Karenga, is a Marxist black separatist atheist and was convicted of torturing 2 African American women.
*It is anti Christian. It was created to give African Americans an alternative to the Christian holiday which Karenga views as a myth forced upon blacks. It is specifically held at this time of year to detract from Christmas.
*It is made up and has nothing to do with Africa. The really ironic part is that all the language of Kwanzaa is in Swahili which is a derivative of Arabic. It is spoken in areas of East Africa that were colonized by Arab slavers and ivory traders.
Most African Americans do not even celebrate it.
Is this really the type of garbage we want to be feeding any child whether they be black, white brown or yellow? If the school systems did not perpetuate this it would have died off already.
Let your school system know enough is enough.
Please read the sources (links) below for more information
Kwanzaa- Racist Holiday from Hell (the author is a black preacher)
Ron Karenga
Also
What is Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is for Pagans
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
The Presidential Candidate and the Floating Cross; A Christmas Story
To paraphrase Freud, sometimes a window pane is just a window pane.
Presidential candidate, former Arkansas Governor and Baptist minister Michael Huckabee is taking some flak from a Christmas message that mentions Christ (oh my!) and has a window pane in it that looks like a cross. Even if it is a subliminal cross so what? Why should he not be able to showcase something that is an integral part of who he is. He is an unabashed evangelical Christian. Whether you like it or not that is an important factor to many voters. Religion is an important part of the life's of the majority of people. There is no reason to strip the issue from politics. If the candidate misuses it well God might have something to say to them about that down the road.
While I am not completely sold on Huckabee because of concerns about his economic policies what I do like about him is that he is clear and up front about who he is. His religion will cost him votes and gain him votes but I do not think that is part of his calculation. He says this is who I am and this is where I stand. I admire that in a politician. While American history has shown that strong religious belief does not always translate into competent executive leadership ( see Jimmy Carter and unfortunately I must admit our current president) I do like the fact that Huckabee shares my values.
Whether he is your choice or not it is a really good Christmas message. So chill out and take it as that.
Presidential candidate, former Arkansas Governor and Baptist minister Michael Huckabee is taking some flak from a Christmas message that mentions Christ (oh my!) and has a window pane in it that looks like a cross. Even if it is a subliminal cross so what? Why should he not be able to showcase something that is an integral part of who he is. He is an unabashed evangelical Christian. Whether you like it or not that is an important factor to many voters. Religion is an important part of the life's of the majority of people. There is no reason to strip the issue from politics. If the candidate misuses it well God might have something to say to them about that down the road.
While I am not completely sold on Huckabee because of concerns about his economic policies what I do like about him is that he is clear and up front about who he is. His religion will cost him votes and gain him votes but I do not think that is part of his calculation. He says this is who I am and this is where I stand. I admire that in a politician. While American history has shown that strong religious belief does not always translate into competent executive leadership ( see Jimmy Carter and unfortunately I must admit our current president) I do like the fact that Huckabee shares my values.
Whether he is your choice or not it is a really good Christmas message. So chill out and take it as that.
Global Warming ?
I Continue to doubt that Global warming is a fact. (read the article linked).
UPDATE - SEE ALSO THIS
Historically it was just as warm during the Medieval Warming Period (During the time the Vikings colonized Greenland and discovered America) as it is today. This was followed by the climate period that was known as the little Ice Age. Logically from a historical perspective the "Global Warming Theory" does not add up.
But let us say it is warming up. Unless you believe we are in a "perfect climate cycle" getting warmer can not be all bad. Granted their will be winners and losers in any climate change but mankind has flourished through a variety of climate variations over the millennium. Our climate has NEVER been static. There is not even scientific consensus as to what the effects of global warming will be. My favorite theory is that warming will slow the gulf stream which will actually trigger an ice age in the Northern Hemisphere. I kind of like the idea that the earth is a semi closed system that can self regulate itself. In any event, today we have the technological ability to ameliorate any negative effects of climate change. This is where our efforts should be expended.
Additionally the downside has been greatly exaggerated. Most meteorologists say global warming does not affect hurricanes formation. Some have postulated that a warmer climate would reduce hurricanes because they are driven by temperature variation, warm air hitting cold water. Another example is an increase in Malaria. Well malaria is not limited to warm climes. It was once a problem in large areas of the United States. Malaria is even found in Siberia and out breaks many many years ago killed a lot of people in Siberia. So global warming will not cause a spread of malaria. Warmer means longer growing seasons. That is a good thing. Far more people die throughout the world from cold then from heat every year.
Wait you say why not play it safe and reduce carbon emissions? Well I agree that there are a myriad number of reasons to reduce energy consumption through alternative energy, improved technology and voluntary conservation. The problem is that other countries are using global warming to wage economic warfare against the US. Developing countries are trying to use global warming scare tactics to force a reduction in our standard of living while China , India and the third world catch up with us. They are also using global warming to force an involuntary transfer of technology to the developing nations. See when you can not go fast enough to catch up you try to slow the other guy down. This is one of the things driving this global warming scam.
The other thing driving it is the anti technology crowd who think combustion engines are the spawn of Satan. Let us not forget that we owe our health, standard of living, our easy access to knowledge, all the things we take for granted to the consumption of fossil fuels. That is why the developing world does not want restrictions to apply to them because they understand it is their ticket out of grinding poverty. Sure their have been some trade offs and as I said their are many good reasons to move on to a economy based on alternative energy but let us not throw away the baby with the bath water.
Because both global warming and its proclaimed negative effects are questionable we should move forward with mandatory reductions in carbon emissions cautiously so as not to destroy our economy and we should not bind ourselves to international treaties which hamstring our economy while giving the rest of the world free reign.
Besides, I like warm weather.
UPDATE - SEE ALSO THIS
Historically it was just as warm during the Medieval Warming Period (During the time the Vikings colonized Greenland and discovered America) as it is today. This was followed by the climate period that was known as the little Ice Age. Logically from a historical perspective the "Global Warming Theory" does not add up.
But let us say it is warming up. Unless you believe we are in a "perfect climate cycle" getting warmer can not be all bad. Granted their will be winners and losers in any climate change but mankind has flourished through a variety of climate variations over the millennium. Our climate has NEVER been static. There is not even scientific consensus as to what the effects of global warming will be. My favorite theory is that warming will slow the gulf stream which will actually trigger an ice age in the Northern Hemisphere. I kind of like the idea that the earth is a semi closed system that can self regulate itself. In any event, today we have the technological ability to ameliorate any negative effects of climate change. This is where our efforts should be expended.
Additionally the downside has been greatly exaggerated. Most meteorologists say global warming does not affect hurricanes formation. Some have postulated that a warmer climate would reduce hurricanes because they are driven by temperature variation, warm air hitting cold water. Another example is an increase in Malaria. Well malaria is not limited to warm climes. It was once a problem in large areas of the United States. Malaria is even found in Siberia and out breaks many many years ago killed a lot of people in Siberia. So global warming will not cause a spread of malaria. Warmer means longer growing seasons. That is a good thing. Far more people die throughout the world from cold then from heat every year.
Wait you say why not play it safe and reduce carbon emissions? Well I agree that there are a myriad number of reasons to reduce energy consumption through alternative energy, improved technology and voluntary conservation. The problem is that other countries are using global warming to wage economic warfare against the US. Developing countries are trying to use global warming scare tactics to force a reduction in our standard of living while China , India and the third world catch up with us. They are also using global warming to force an involuntary transfer of technology to the developing nations. See when you can not go fast enough to catch up you try to slow the other guy down. This is one of the things driving this global warming scam.
The other thing driving it is the anti technology crowd who think combustion engines are the spawn of Satan. Let us not forget that we owe our health, standard of living, our easy access to knowledge, all the things we take for granted to the consumption of fossil fuels. That is why the developing world does not want restrictions to apply to them because they understand it is their ticket out of grinding poverty. Sure their have been some trade offs and as I said their are many good reasons to move on to a economy based on alternative energy but let us not throw away the baby with the bath water.
Because both global warming and its proclaimed negative effects are questionable we should move forward with mandatory reductions in carbon emissions cautiously so as not to destroy our economy and we should not bind ourselves to international treaties which hamstring our economy while giving the rest of the world free reign.
Besides, I like warm weather.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Globalisation
I am not a huge Michael Bloomberg fan but this article in the Financial Times deserves careful consideration. I am not sure I agree 100% with it but it definitely raises some interesting points.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
OF COURSE IT MATTERS
Yesterday Mitt Romney took a cue from Jack Kennedy and gave the America does not have a religious test for office speech. Well he is right but that misses the point.
Does the average American have the right to look at a persons religious beliefs when decide who to vote for. Of course they do. In fact I submit they should. A persons religious beliefs reveal a tremendous amount about there personality and where they stand on issues.
Is there any red blooded American out there who would vote for a Muslim Wahhabi. Of course not, unless they are Wahhabi's.
Religion is not always a deciding factor but it is always one factor. I would be hard pressed to vote for an atheist, or a pagan or a scientologist. In fact anyone who was not Jewish or Christian would give me pause because I know Jews and Christians share the same cultural values that I do. Additionally in my view Christianity is the only rational religion because there is probative evidence that its claims are true. (that is will be the subject of its own post some day)
That is not to say that if it was between an atheist who agreed with my views 90 percent of the time and Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama that I would not vote for the atheist. In that case I might. As I said religion is just one consideration. Barack Obama is a good example of how religion is instructive. He is a member of the United Church of Christ. This is the most liberal Christian denomination in the world. This is instructive on his world view just as the fact that Huckabee is a Baptist minister is instructive with regard to his world view.
So how does that effect my feelings for Romney. While present day Mormons share many of the same values as Christians I am hesitant to call them Christians. To be a Christian I would say that at the bare minimum you must subscribe to the Apostles Creed or some similar creed like the Nicene. I do not believe Mormons subscribe to those creeds in their entirety and if they do they have a lot of additional views that are heterodox.
Mormons believe that their founder Joseph Smith was shown Golden Tablets by an angel that revealed to him the stories found in the book of Mormon. They are taking his word for it and there is no evidence it is true nor does archaeological evidence support the claims in the book. While I understand how difficult it is to question a faith that you were raised with ,that should not mean that you do not apply critical thinking skills to your fundamental beliefs. Failure to do so is one of many factors that go into my personal determination of a persons ability to be the leader of the free world. For that reason Mitt Romney is not my first choice. I will add that neither is he my last choice.
So of course religious beliefs matter and should be one consideration people weigh when they are picking a candidate. It reveals a great deal about the candidate. To say otherwise is just plain silly.
Does the average American have the right to look at a persons religious beliefs when decide who to vote for. Of course they do. In fact I submit they should. A persons religious beliefs reveal a tremendous amount about there personality and where they stand on issues.
Is there any red blooded American out there who would vote for a Muslim Wahhabi. Of course not, unless they are Wahhabi's.
Religion is not always a deciding factor but it is always one factor. I would be hard pressed to vote for an atheist, or a pagan or a scientologist. In fact anyone who was not Jewish or Christian would give me pause because I know Jews and Christians share the same cultural values that I do. Additionally in my view Christianity is the only rational religion because there is probative evidence that its claims are true. (that is will be the subject of its own post some day)
That is not to say that if it was between an atheist who agreed with my views 90 percent of the time and Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama that I would not vote for the atheist. In that case I might. As I said religion is just one consideration. Barack Obama is a good example of how religion is instructive. He is a member of the United Church of Christ. This is the most liberal Christian denomination in the world. This is instructive on his world view just as the fact that Huckabee is a Baptist minister is instructive with regard to his world view.
So how does that effect my feelings for Romney. While present day Mormons share many of the same values as Christians I am hesitant to call them Christians. To be a Christian I would say that at the bare minimum you must subscribe to the Apostles Creed or some similar creed like the Nicene. I do not believe Mormons subscribe to those creeds in their entirety and if they do they have a lot of additional views that are heterodox.
Mormons believe that their founder Joseph Smith was shown Golden Tablets by an angel that revealed to him the stories found in the book of Mormon. They are taking his word for it and there is no evidence it is true nor does archaeological evidence support the claims in the book. While I understand how difficult it is to question a faith that you were raised with ,that should not mean that you do not apply critical thinking skills to your fundamental beliefs. Failure to do so is one of many factors that go into my personal determination of a persons ability to be the leader of the free world. For that reason Mitt Romney is not my first choice. I will add that neither is he my last choice.
So of course religious beliefs matter and should be one consideration people weigh when they are picking a candidate. It reveals a great deal about the candidate. To say otherwise is just plain silly.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
STRIPPERS
Those of you who like to visit strip clubs need to read this. (and view the video interview)
Even if the strippers you watch are doing it voluntarily it objectifies another human being which leads directly to this type of thing.
Think about it next time you visit your local strip club.
Even if the strippers you watch are doing it voluntarily it objectifies another human being which leads directly to this type of thing.
Think about it next time you visit your local strip club.
Evolution v. Creationism
Governor and Republican Presidential candidate Huckabee has given the perfect answer to this
question.
The most important question is not how God did it but whether or not he did it. Pure evolutionary theory denies the existence of God. That is the real objection that most religious people have to it.
The important aspect of the creation story in the bible is not how God did it or how long he took but rather That GOD DID CREATE EVERYTHING and he CREATED US IN HIS OWN IMAGE. Those are the essentials.
question.
The most important question is not how God did it but whether or not he did it. Pure evolutionary theory denies the existence of God. That is the real objection that most religious people have to it.
The important aspect of the creation story in the bible is not how God did it or how long he took but rather That GOD DID CREATE EVERYTHING and he CREATED US IN HIS OWN IMAGE. Those are the essentials.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
