October 2, 2009
Missional living is definitely a popular saying that is all over the place these days. the concept that we are required to label churches, missional, has since the beginning of creation been a tiny bit weird to me. come on, shouldnt all churches be missional in their very character? why cant a church, at its very nature, want to meet their culture and neighborhood with the story of Christ as a missionary would in a different country? Isnt this what the bodies of Christ is encouraged to do in the last challenge from Jesus in Matthew 28:19? Our own local area needs this style of church. Churches in Austin is slowly going to what our God instructed in the Bible.
The messiah gives the charge in Acts 1:8 saying, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 exemplifies this subject as, right before Jesus Christ goes up to Heaven, He commissions the disciples on a mission that would begin right in their local community. He begins with their origin of Jerusalem, and then stretches the call to the far parts of the creation.
As followers of Christ, we are not called to loneliness, but to be missional followers of Jesus who are actively going out and connecting with others right where they are with the message of Jesus. We have observed this throughout history: God moved Abraham on a mission to exit his city and his people and go to the city that God would show him (Gen. 12:1), God sends Moses on a journey to renew an enslaved people and lead them to freedom (Exodus 3:8-10), God sends Jesus on a journey to world to bring back all things to Himself through the death of Jesus (Colossians 1:20). And now God is sending people on a journey to engage communities, cities, tribes, and even nations with the message of Jesus (Matt. 28:19 Mark 6:7 Luke 10:1 John 20:21 Acts 1:8). If we resist this motivation and continue to display the churches like a members only country club ” requesting that people fix their abilities, pay their deposit, and walk to our church God will continue His mission without us.
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March 16, 2009
Mention the word “metaphysical” around a Christian fundamentalist and you will be met with a suspicious glare. That kind of talk is not found in the bible. It is modern, it is science, it is secular, it is witchcraft, it is New Age and it is a threat. I ask you however, what part of the bible is not metaphysical?
The term “metaphysical” simply refers to something that is outside the presumed limitations of physical reality. I never know how much of the bible to take literally but I do know that walking on water, rising from the dead, feeding thousands with one fish, virgin birthing, escaping bodily destruction from fire, making the blind man see, plopping down instant human beings and turning water into wine definitely pushes the boundaries of our perceived reality. I would call these activities metaphysical.
Notice that I said “perceived” reality. It is what we decide based on what appears to be. Research has recently shown us that particles and energy can be interchangeable because they are really forms of the same essence. In other words, thought energy is transmitted by actual little electric ions. The higher we are tuned to spirit vibrations, the quicker our intention gets across and in so doing it bypasses heavier, slower methods of moving these ions around. So there really is a scientific explanation for many of the miracles we find in the bible.
Do you see what this discovery means? It reconciles science and religion which have vehemently opposed each other since the beginning of time. It explains material things in spirit terms and spiritual things in material terms. I guess I call it metaphysical Christianity.
Within this understanding we are recognizing an energetic force and we are attributing good things to it such as kindness and love and healing and beauty. This force can be broken down into a comprehension of tiny electric ions which are moving in a life enhancing direction. We are at liberty to hop on at any point of the belief spectrum, but no matter where we choose to identify ourselves, there is still a reality-based explanation for our conviction.
Fundamentalists hook up to their viewpoint by way of intense, non-intellectual emotion. That’s fine, ideas can be feelings and don’t have to have words. Metaphysicists hook up to theirs by way of scientific explanation. That’s fine too, because actually ideas and feelings are two vehicles which lead to the same understanding. Both lead to the experience of faith.
Energy and particles. Interchangeable substances. In fact, we could even do away with the word metaphysical because the phenomenon we are referring to is actually all physical. Or is it that that everything begins and ends in the spirit, so the manifestation is really just a byproduct of that great mystical power? Mystical? That word is not in the bible either, but so what? We have merged the two populations of science and religion and so we have made the world into a more integrated and harmonious place.
Olga Moe lives on an island in the Puget Sound.
She is known mostly for her fiction contributions to literary e-zines which can be found at zelda2530.tripod.com
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March 16, 2009
A business acquaintance of mine mentioned how the personal-growth company she works for is tacitly assumed to be a cult by FACTNet.org. I browsed over and discovered that sure enough, there are many FACTnet message board posters pointing the finger at their organization and screaming “Cult! Cult!”.
Knowing that my religion is judged by some to be a cult, I used the search function on FACTNet to discover that, sure enough, there are even MORE people pointing at my religion and yelling the same thing.
So, I read around a little on the site to discover why FACTNet believes my religion and my friend’s company are cults. Surely there must be somewhere where they give a list of criteria and objectively judge point by point whether a given organization qualifies for such a dubious title.
I found some very interesting things. On one page FACTNet offers an answer to a very important question:
“Anybody can unfairly attack a group they disagree with by calling it a cult or saying they are using coercive mind control. How does FACTNet prevent this type of problem and determine fairly whether or not a group is a cult?”
Wow! Great question! Here is their answer:
“FACTNet uses specific criteria to determine if a mind control system has been used, and does not suggest organizations are destructive or dangerous cults without careful research and determination that the evidence fits definite criteria.” (emphasis added)
Wow! Great answer! Only one problem, FACTNet, where’s the beef? With Google’s help, I searched all 75,600 pages of the website looking for the pages where FACTNet discloses the results of their “careful research” of both the organizations in question. Found nothing. I repeat, I found no listing anywhere on their site as to how they came to the reputation-damning conclusion that both my religion and my friend’s business where cults. Nichts, nada.
What I DID find were discussion boards where former members of both organizations lambast them for all their past and present faults and shortcomings — both real and perceived (but wait, didn’t Jesus say, “let he who is without sin cast the first stone?”).
I also found that FACTNet has a listing of links to newspaper and web articles about members of my church (who apparently never listened in Sunday School) who were convicted for child abuse. So, is THAT the standard? If a religion has members who, against the teachings of their church, abuse children, then the religion is a de facto cult? If so, FACTnet, please tell us which religion has no child molesters, so we can all convert!
But, I digress. Not being able to find the all-important “careful research”, I read through the list of criteria of how to tell if a group is a “destructive cult”. As I read, I reviewed in my mind what I knew about my religion, of which I have been an active member — attending weekly and serving in one capacity or another for over 35 years. Can you imagine my surprise to discover that my religion does not qualify based on their criteria? Yet, there they are, treated on the site as if they are some kind of wacked-out fruitcakes.
So, why? Why are both these and other organizations being targeted by this site without presenting their “careful research”? I can only venture a guess. The site’s founder, Lawrence Wollersheim, was in a 22-year legal battle with the Church of Scientology, of which he is a disgruntled former member. He won a $8.9 million settlement. Hmmm… maybe he’s fishing for more deep-pockets to sue — I don’t know.
And another possibility. Doesn’t it stand to reason, whether Scientology is actually a cult or not, that Wollersheim wears “cult-colored” glasses? We tend to see what we believe. So Lawrence, reading down the same list of criteria for dangerous cults, would probably judge my religion and my friend’s organization as cults solely because he is predisposed to agree with disgruntled former members. But has he ever actually VISITED either? Has he actually done this all-important research? If so, Lawrence, where’s the beef?
While his website allows people to vent their spleens on various organizations, he offers no objective analysis of any organization against their touted list of criteria. Again, Wollersheim, where’s the beef?
About the Author
James Peters enjoys writing articles on a variety of subjects for publication on the Internet. Feel free to read what has been posted by people on the FACTNet Message Board and judge for yourself whether it’s beef or vendetta.
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February 28, 2009
The gay bar scene or high risk promiscuous sex… Is it so happy-go-lucky? Something so sweet and wonderful we’d “wish you were here?” Or is it actually something you wouldn’t wish upon your worst enemy? Is it simply a matter of being well-adjusted? Or resigned? What’s so gay about it all anyway? Who ever dreamed up that label? What about truth in advertising? Some want their money back. Were they sold a line? Is homosexuality a victimless crime? What about their minds? Aren’t they victimized? When they refuse to even “think straight” – aren’t they denying themselves the opportunity to change? After all, isn’t the brain the biggest sex organ?
God has provided for proper sexual satisfaction in marriage; but there’s always that allure of the unknown, the forbidden zone. It arouses our curiosity, attempts to lower our resistance, and seduces our weakened will. In such a state, intoxicated with lust, we could engage in a deadly liaison and only discover later what a fatal attraction it really was (Prov. 5:11). “You play, you pay” (Prov. 6:27). Don’t let a one-night stand be your fall. But isn’t that the main purpose for going out to the bars? And if there’s any such thing as gay community centers, they’d have to be THE BARS! They’re the familiar haunts, pick-up joints, and popular retreats; everything from your local dive to those pulsating places that are practically cities under a roof – something for everyone.
The bars – hallowed be their names – are a place to go when you’re bored, a welcoming-wagon for the new kids on the meat block, and somewhere to let your hair down and unwind, enjoying the company of your substitute family. The gay lifestyle definitely revolves around these dark dens of iniquity. Such a polluted environment naturally encourages drug and alcohol abuse (“communion”), sexual abuse in a casual way with careless partners (“confirmation”), and verbal abuse (Prov. 4:24) in an overflow of raunchy talk (“fellowship”) and gossip – jes’ dishin’ the dirt….
“Out” On the Town
Your first experience “out” on the town (with the boys) could be exhilarating – or bizarre! You might see wonderful men dressed to kill, or hunks in tank tops and T shirts; enter a wet jock-strap contest or watch gyrating male strippers, or view the make-believe world of make-up queens trying to steal the show, a different person on stage…. Then there’s the games people play, the vicious backbiting and hair-pulling of the young and breastless, or the S & M (stand & modeling) crowd who love themselves and lots of mirrors. Quite a carnival atmosphere.
But it kind of puts a damper on your evening’s fun when you go into bars and find yourself greeted by pornographic posters (trying to get across the point about “safe-sex”), or see a fishbowl or platter filled with assorted colors of “life-savers” (condoms); or to order yourself a strong drink and notice AIDS donation jars staring you down: L’Chaim suddenly becomes more personal. And then there’s the endless ads in all the gay mags about HIV testing, “understanding doctors” who’ll screen you in private, surgically remove your hemorrhoids, laser your anal warts, counsel you about your problems, ad nauseum. Makes you eager to jump in bed, eh? Or run scared! But welcome to the real world – the good, the bad, and the ugly. But jump from bed to bed until we all drop dead? Is that what life’s all about?
Isn’t it stupid to keep playing this deadly game (of Russian roulette) until someone doesn’t shoot blanks? DEATHBED takes on a whole new meaning. The next time you want to get “laid” – hope that it’s not in a grave! So what if you can trick with every Tom, Dick, and Harry if you become just another name on the AIDS quilt (a “grave-blanket”). Don’t sell yourself short (John 8:36; Heb. 12:16).
Eventually, the wear and tear, the abuse of your mind and body, is going to take its expensive toll. All of the cheap, mechanical, meaningless, sexploitation has got to affect you. How could you not become desensitized? If you deviate from the strait and narrow, how can you not get lost? If you forget or pervert the original purpose of sex, how can you escape confusion? You’ll condemn yourself to wander in your sexual bewilderment, experimenting with everything since “anything goes.”
Look around you the next time you go out (if you haven’t had enough of that tired crowd and empty scene). From drag-queens to muscle men, welfare alcoholics to executives on cocaine; the homosexual world is as diverse and perverse as the “straight” world. Some men acting like women, some women acting like men; worlds in collision, an identity crisis, suicidal tendencies – but have another drink, what are friends for?
Are “gay” people really so happy? Or just putting on a front? Beneath the smiling faces, love and laughter, you’ll too often find broken hearts and lost dreams. And although the clubs are usually full, there are too many empty individuals who are lonely and aching inside; but the show must go on, drinking and dancing, until another burnt-out dawn….
One-Night Stands
And what are one-night stands, really? Other than quick sex with “no strings attached,” it’s a cheap counterfeit of what we’re actually looking for: true love, undivided attention, special affection, and sincere compliments. We’re starved for love and yet dying from “fast-food.” What we’re really hungry for is some “good ol’ home-cookin’!” But once you’ve lost your looks (if you ever had any), you won’t have to worry about any more “strangers in the night” – unless you’re able and willing to pay them for their time and trouble.
The bar-scene brazenly worships at the altar of youth, and devotes itself to the beauty that’s only skin-deep. Everyone else is thrown on the human heap, scrapped and abandoned. Of course, there’s some “hope” for these discarded lives: they can join the lonely hearts club of dashed hopes and lowered standards. The only requirement is to be desperate and dateless. If I’ve overstated this case, it’s only to emphasize the point that sex sells – and without your youth and/or looks you’re flat broke. It’s twisted values, but reflective of our troubled times.
Happy and in Love?
Many gays will protest that God is a “God of love,” and they think that as long as we’re happy and in love – how could something so right be so wrong? They feel God couldn’t condemn such relationships and wonder how anyone could think He would. But mortal thoughts and opinions aside (Prov. 14:12; Isa. 55:8), if there is a Creator God, and if the Bible is His Instruction Manual for mankind, we’d better base our beliefs solely on what’s revealed within its pages. Faith must have a foundation (Rom. 10:17).
If the homosexual argument that “as long as we’re happy and in love” is valid, couldn’t the same defense be made to sanction incestuous relationships? Or premarital experiences or adulterous affairs? Do we always know what’s best for us? Couldn’t we be like grown-up teenagers who think they know everything, when in reality they don’t?
Hasn’t it been said, and true at times, that “love is blind?” Is it just a matter of feeling happy? Can’t feelings fool us sometimes? Isn’t that why family and friends have cautioned us to “keep your head above your heart?” Is all love proper? Are all affections good and healthy? What about being “lovesick?” Shouldn’t there be some form of standards to judge by or criteria for character? Isn’t there any game plan? Hasn’t love too often been confused with lust (2 Sam. 13:15)?
Satan is “love!”
If we look into the Bible (not Freud, the latest sexual survey, or some kinky report), we’ll find that it does condemn: the love of vanity (Ps. 4:2), of simplicity (Prov. 1:22), of excessive sleep (Prov. 20:13), of religious lies (2 Thes. 2:10), illicit sex, improper lovers, and “foreign affairs” (Ezek. 23:11, 17, 22; 16:37), of evil (Micah 3:2), drunkenness (Hos. 3:1), self-righteousness (Mat. 6:5; 23:6), of money (1 Tim. 6:10), this present world system and its ways (1 John 2:15), spiritual darkness (John 3:19), the kick-back of wrongdoing (2 Pet. 2:15), of ourselves in an unhealthy way and of cheap thrills (2 Tim.3:2,4), violence (Ps. 11:5), strife (Prov. 17:19), and even having a greater love for family or friends than for God (Mat. 10:37).
Therefore, the Bible clearly reveals that various forms of love and feelings are wrong, that certain human relationships are forbidden and condemned (Lev. 18), and that true love must be consistent with God’s character and commandments (1 John 5:3). Any other “love” isn’t from God, but from Satan who is (such) “love!” He’s the clever counterfeit; the snake who confuses the issues and twists the truth. It’s precisely because God is Love (1 John 4:8) that He wants to protect us from those Canaanite customs, perverted practices, and harmful ways that would ultimately undermine our land and lives (Lev. 18:30).
Still, some would angrily question how anyone could allow some old-fashioned Book to dictate their lives; after all, it’s thousands of years old! But who would argue that the time-honored commandments against murder, or prohibition that protects private property or safeguards marriage and minds, or upholds honesty and virtue and being content are outdated? They’re tried, tested, and true. Naturally, it’s easier to accept something as long as it doesn’t hit home or step on our toes. It’s still typical, “A man (or woman) convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.” Don’t waste your time confusing them with the facts (Mat. 7:6; 15:14).
This booklet’s intention is to make the plain truth about homosexuality known and available. It’s to assist those who really want to consider what the Good Book has to say. Obviously, this is a very sensitive subject. If someone does become convinced or converted to the truth – great!
More power to them. But if others choose to continue in their contrary lifestyles, dying for sex rather than living for God and His Kingdom – that’s their choice. God gives us all the prerogative to do as we please, but He strongly recommends and encourages us to “choose life” (Deut. 30:10); an even more appropriate message considering the high risk of AIDS. It’s so difficult to TRANSCEND HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS – but we must, if and whenever it’s necessary (Mark 10:28-30).
Living Responsible Lives
Is the first “gay” decade of 2,000 fulfilling prophecy? The “last days” are supposed to be reminiscent of earlier times, “as it was in the days of Noah,” and “as it was in the days of Lot.” How was it in days of yore? Just like today. Apparently, ignoring the dire need to make drastic changes in their lives, they conducted “business as usual” and fiddled about or got carried away with less important things (Deut. 32:47; Mark 4:19). It’s recorded that they ate and drank, got married, and went to work everyday – until they were consumed by their burning desires and swept away by their sins (Luke 17:26-30).
What’s wrong with eating and drinking or working? We might very well wonder. Didn’t God create us with an appetite and a thirst, as well as a need for physical exertion? Yes, but certain tastes, desires and relationships should be nipped in the bud; not allowed to grow or develop or take root (Jas. 1:14-15)! Many things are good of and by themselves, and not wrong, but God’s imposed conditions, restraints and guidelines for us to live by.
We’re meant to enjoy those foods that God has blessed and offered us (Lev. 20:25; 1 Tim. 4:5), and even have an occasional drink, if we want. The Bible condemns gluttony, not eating; drunkenness, not drinking; greed, not need. It’s what we do with what we’re given. And we are instructed to work and be productive, but we’re also commanded to remember the Sabbath (seventh day) to keep it holy. It’s counterproductive to become too busy earning a living, that we neglect learning how to live (2 Pet. 3:18).
Although we’re at liberty to do almost anything, within reason (Gen. 2:16-17), we’re to remember that we’re held responsible for how we handle ourselves and manage our new-found freedoms (Ga. 5:13). We’re not to abuse our privileges (1 Cor. 8:9), but be careful not to get caught up in things that could too easily get out of control (2 Pet. 2:20). A night of good, clean fun can quickly degenerate into an atmosphere of “just like the old times.” We’re entitled to time-out with the boys (or girls), just don’t let your diversion become an obsession (1 Cor. 6:12) – as my mother once warned me!
Keep Your Head Above Your Heart!
Is it – as some would charge – being cold and cruel, even inhuman, to be in control of your mind and emotions? Isn’t it rather mature to exercise proper self-control, sick and tired of giving in to compulsion? Isn’t it judicious to carefully cross-examine every thought, thereby destroying the defense of our death sentence, commuting it in Christ (2 Cor. 1:9; 10:4-5; 1 Cor. 11:31)?
Doing what just comes natural or seems normal might excite Nietzsche; but it’s not good enough for God. God wants us – mere mortals made out of matter – to come to resemble, think and act like Him. “Like Father, like Son.” Why? Is God on some big ego-trip and wants a bunch of clones to come along for the joy-ride? No, but because it’s the only way that’ll work. He ought to know the secret for living happily ever after.
Mankind, after all, was created in the image of the Godkind, and shares the awesome potential to become composed of God’s Spirit – after we’ve developed His characteristics (1 Cor. 15:53). God’s eager to award us all the Diploma of Divinity after we’ve finished the course of conversion (2 Cor. 3:18). Therefore, instead of just doing what comes natural – we’re to do the supernatural! As Christian individuals, we’re to turn the other cheek instead of busting their jaw; forgive rather than fume; pray for our enemies rather than swear revenge. We’re continually called to be different – in contrast, not conformity, to this world (Rom. 8:29).
Tough-Love
There is a time and a place for “tough-love.” We’re not to show the “mercy of fools” for welfare frauds or lazy bums (2 Thes. 3:10), or have compassion on cold-blooded murderers or hardened criminals, despite their many appeals (1 Sam. 15:32-33; Rom. 13:4).
We shouldn’t refuse to use corporal punishment (Prov. 13:24). It might hurt for awhile, but hopefully the lesson (that actions have consequences) will last a lifetime (Prov. 19:18; 23:13; 29:15). It could keep them out of worse trouble later (Ecc.8:11).
We’re also not to allow our emotions for loved ones to lead us to hell (Deut. 7:3-4; 13:6-9), or wrong relationships to get in our way. Despite the grief of saying goodbye, and the pain of tearful separation (2 Sam. 3:14-16; Ezra 10:3), you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do. Why make it any more difficult? Don’t procrastinate and prolong your misery. Get it over with and get on with your life! We don’t have time to waste in no-win situations (Ephes. 5:16).
We shouldn’t try and be more understanding and tolerant than God, but refuse to even associate with a Church member who’s living in sin without any apology or shame (1 Cor. 5:1-2, 9-13). And we should NEVER entertain any notions about ordaining such people!
Of course, we shouldn’t cop a self-righteous attitude (Ga. 6:1), but realize the prayerful purpose is to help restore everyone to their senses (knowing that ongoing sin results in an eternal separation). If and whenever such a person “comes to” (Luke 15:17, 20), he’s to be welcomed back with wide-open arms (2 Cor. 2:6-8). A little love can go a long way (as Mama Evans used to say), and encourage us to do even better – rather than give up. But sometimes the situation calls for “shock-treatment” (tough-love), as well as private counseling. “Different strokes for different folks,” so to speak (Luke 12:47-48). The moral of this story? Don’t get blinded by the light: the glitter of “love,” the hot-flash of emotion, and the gleam of relationships (2 Cor. 11:14). The going price for fool’s gold is too high to pay. Walk away. It’s not worth it.
David Ben-Ariel is a Christian-Zionist writer and author of Beyond Babylon: Europe’s Rise and Fall. With a focus on the Middle East and Jerusalem, his analytical articles help others improve their understanding of that troubled region. Check out the Beyond Babylon blog.
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February 27, 2009
My daughter,
I want you to know how proud I am of you. You’ve been reborn and the Lord is your savior. Beware of the unclean spirit that came out of you, he Will return.
The bible says: When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, “I will return to the house, from which I came” (your body is the house it’s referring to) when he returns though, he finds the house empty, swept and put in order. (This is because you have been made clean through the blood of Jesus) He then decides to go, get seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they come back to the empty house, enter and dwell there. The state of that man is worse that the first.
How do you combat these evil spirits?
It’s simple, while the unclean spirit is away:
Open your bible.
Ask God to give you wisdom and understanding.
Start feeding your mind the word of God, by reading the scriptures. (I’ll help you with that if you need it).
A good place to start would be the book of John (some say it’s the book of love) or another New Testament Book like Romans.
The words written in red ink are extremely important; they are the words of Jesus (pay special attention to all of them- His words are alive).
The bible says while you’re reading the scriptures, The Lord will write His words on your heart.
What happens with me, is- when I have a sinful thought, the Lord sends His Holy Spirit to remind me of His words. (Tip: The Holy Spirit can only remind you of God’s words if the words are already on your heart).
This is extremely important, because God’s word will defeat the evil one every time. You’ll need His words securely planted in your heart, for when evil tries to tempt you.
The Holy Spirit will also come to comfort you when you need to be comforted.
Take heart if you find yourself giving in to temptation. The Holy Spirit will also convict you of your sin (i.e. bring your sin to your attention) He does this so you can repent and ask for forgiveness. God loves you as a child and He knows you’re not perfect. All children stumble, this is inevitable, it’s just part of being human.
My dear, you may also want to get a bible concordance. This book lists every word in the bible. For example: If you want to learn about angels, just open the concordance, look up the word ” angels” and it will show you the scripture location for each occurrence of the word “angels”. This should make it easier for you to learn about a specific topic.
While you’re doing this, always remember to read a few paragraphs before and after the actual word to get a good understanding of the context the word is being used.
Let me know if there’s anything more you need, and I’ll be happy to help. God bless you, may you grow in wisdom and knowledge.
Love,
Mom
Renae Patterson is a wife and mother of three girls (One of which has already gone to be with the Lord) and one son. When she is not taking care of the little ones, she’s busy editing for the online magazine Christian Woman Daily.Com located at http://www.christianwomandaily.com
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February 11, 2009
The life of Lao Tzu is a mysterious one. His last name is “Li” and his first name is “Er”. “Bo-yang” is his courtesy name and “Dan” as his posthumous title. He was born in 571 BC during the time of King Ding of Zhou Dynasty in Chen County, State of Chu. He served as the Custodian of the Imperial Archives for King Ding. His father had a family name of Han and the first name Qian, with Yuan-bi as his courtesy name. His mother’s name was Jing-fu. His mysterious birth stated that his mother was pregnant for eighty years and he was born under a plum tree. Thus Lao Tzu adopted the Chinese character for plum (pronounced as Li) as his surname.
He is the first scholar to inherit the heritage of Tao and then he passed it to Confucius. After transmitting the essence of Tao to Confucius, he rode a green ox and went to the west through Fort Han-gu. He enlightened the King Yin-xi in the west. His teaching emphasizes on distancing emotions and desires and maintain one’s True Nature. By excluding all images in the material world, his way of reaching the Void (Heaven of Truth) is from the Heaven of Spirit. When the True Fire and True Water inside the body become complementary, the process of refinement will give birth to the immortal embryo. He wrote “Tao Te Ching” and “Qing-jing Ching, also known as Ch’ing-ching Ching” to teach people. He is greatly respected as the founder of Taoism.
For ages, the Chinese general belief has been that man must show that he is strong and not pliant; smart and not dull. But Lao Tzu came and said that man must show pliant and not tough. Man must have no motives and desires; be selfless, pure-minded and natural. He is strongly against materialism and advocates a life of natural goodness.
Realizing that the Zhou’s reign was disintegrating, he left Luoyang and went west through the Han Gu Pass. The keeper of the pass, Lin Yinxi, when met Lao Tzu at the pass, requested Lao Tzu to please write something to give him guidance. So Lao Tzu wrote a book made up of two parts, consisting of about 5,000 characters. Upon completing the book, Lao Tzu left and nobody knew where he went after that. The book is called Tao Te Ching.
My Heavenly Master JiGong said, “The books that you are reading (including Tao Te Ching) now are created by ancient people. Then the books that were created and handed down to you by the ancient people are actually telling you a road and a path for learning. Every matter must have its Truth and principle, and they must have its longitudes and latitudes (rules and norms).”
Author: T.A Chew
T.A Chew, in 1994 was told by a deity “blood brother of Lao Tzu” that Maitreya Buddha needs him to carry out a great mission in 12 years time, that is year 2006. Recalling this incident, it must be the propagation of Tao through the internet to reach out to millions. Website: http://www.white-sun.com
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February 11, 2009
Hindu Religion has many God and Goddess in which Mataji or Ambaji is known as Source of Shakti -the Spiritual Energy. This Distinguished Smiling Face of Mataji -Hindu Goddess -Divine Mother extends her holy hand to give blessings from Manav Mandir at Ahmedabad Guj India. Ashirvad Trust have such different Five Temples at Bombay, Surendranagar (Guj), Gandhinagar (Guj) and at Chicago (USA). It also has School in Bombay, Charitable Hospitals also at various places. It is founded by Shri Devendravijayji. No wonder there more than 1,00,000 visitors every year in the temple. Over and above Temples, Schools & Hospitals, the Trust runs various activities like Free Foodgrains distribution to needy poor persons, Teaching Indian Classical Music, Indian Dancing Classes, Free Eye Care camps for poor people, Kettle feeding camp during draught times and many other activities of Social and Religious upliftment. In true sense, one finds Peace of mind that came for Darshan or Worship. If you are interested to know more about the Organisation or get Prasad at your place just E-mail us. Come and join with Good cause created by Selfless workers for Global Peace. Please attribute your attention for this good cause of human peace.
You can visit www.mataji.org to find out more.
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Religious
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February 4, 2009
I am not a particularly pious person and I certainly don’t go for the religious ceremony of things like Inaugurations and Graduations. It has always been my belief that we should do our alms in a closet. Whatever you give, keep that info to yourself, is pretty much my policy. In the past few years Christians have taken a lot of heat from liberals and moderates as a result of the Bush administration and mostly because of John Ashcroft and what has been labeled as “The Christian Right”.
That being said and believe me the citations are overwhelming and need not to be mentioned here for the sake of space, I have come wonder if the old saying, “What you do speaks louder than what you say”, should be in play here.
The newest attack on the Christian Right is that they have accused SpongeBob Squarepants and his buddy Patrick of being homosexual partners and are pushing the gay agenda down the throats of children. Remember Teletubbies sounds pretty similar.
Here is an example of the liberal critics taken from a letter I received in my email, “I see that once again, the “religious right wing” has found a monster in animated clothing, to wit, “SpongeBob.” This has happened before. I remember the comical furor over “Teletubbies” and aspersions that one of them was “gay.”
Now the target for this same claim is “SpongeBob Squarepants.” I don’t know their supposed grounds for their claims, but to say that I find this ludicrous is an understatement. This has become an obsession with this part of the populace, and obsessions are a fixation on something that one deeply wants but cannot have.
I would suggest to the “religious right” that they look within themselves for their monsters and grapple with their own secret desires, rather than attacking animated figures that do nothing more than amuse children.”
Now let’s put this into perspective. Most of my readers have the opinion that homosexual behavior is wrong because God’s Word says it is wrong. No debate on that one at least not from me. If you are one who sees nothing wrong with homosexual behavior, than you would say that my statement is homophobic or in the current debate of SpongeBob you would call me Christian Right Wing so I pose the question “Should the Christian Right Wing shut up and teach the Bible?”
Most of the so called Christian leaders who make the kind of public statements like the ones that have brought all this SpongeBob wrath down on Christians are simply trying to relate what the Bible says in real life examples of today’s culture.
What comes out is a suspicious and paranoid version of a Christian leader looking to condemn at any opportunity. Is there a homosexual under every rock, around every corner should we be preoccupied with unearthing every homosexual agenda or should we stick to preaching the word and be instant in season and out with the Word of God.
The best way to have our Christian light shine is to not hid it under a bushel basket and speak out with love. Sure teach what the Bible says about homosexuality but don’t point to an evil agenda in every aspect of life. I would agree with the critic, “This has become an obsession with this part of the populace (Christian Right), and obsessions are a fixation” given the current tenor to uncover the homosexual agenda.
Like any other type of non-biblical behavior homosexuality is to be rebuked and rebuffed by the Word. There is no pulpit for the obsessed nor is there a platform for the fixated, we must all teach the Word as we are inspired by God to meet the needs of our Christian brothers and sisters.
When someone asks me if homosexuality is wrong I simply quote: Rom. 1:27
And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.
If they hear the Word they will be blessed, if not they will not understand, it is that simple. I Cor. 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.
So maybe the so called Christian Right should back off SpongeBob and teach the Word of God instead. Anyway nothing wrong with a Crabby Patty once in a while I think they are low in cholesterol.
Paul Griffitts, 30 year Biblical Researcher, Teacher, Writer
Bible based editorials and research articles for today’s Christian
P.O. Box 500 Sutherlin, OR 97479
http://www.believer.com
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Write to me at Paul@believer.com
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January 16, 2009
Transitional fossils, or the supposed lack thereof, has been used for many years by anti-evolutionists to argue against evolution. Here, I will explain what a transitional fossil is, and why it is not valid as an argument against evolution.
A transitional fossil shows the evolutionary development from one species to another. For example, if organism 1 existed 70 million years ago, and organism 2 shows up in the fossil record 5 million years later, then theoretically there should be intermediate species in this 5 million year gap, which shows gradual progression from one species to another. The lack of these “transitional” fossils is proof to young earth creationists that evolution is false.
Evolutionists have shown that indeed there are transitional fossils, and there are plenty of examples of them. For instance, see this article.1 Here is the key point…even if young earth creationists accept these examples of transitional fossils, they will still claim that there are no transitional fossils! These fossils will be called either unique species, or they will come up with some reason (disease, birth defect, etc) that accounts for the apparent transition feature.
Naturally, they will say, “Where are the transitional fossils between these transitional fossils?” If we had a clear fossil record, showing progression every 10,000 years for millions of years, they will not believe it, and will want the “transitional” fossils for the missing 10,000 year period. No amount of evidence will convict them that their belief is wrong.
The same thing could be said of progressive creationists as well. Progressive creationists believe in an old earth, but that God created each species a unique creation, and not evolved from an earlier species. I happen to be one of these myself. However, we must be careful not so say our view is the only one that is valid. Dr. Hugh Ross of the old earth ministry Reasons to Believe, has put forth many arguments against evolution. However, when you consider the possibility that within Theistic Evolution, you have God guiding the evolutionary process, then all bets are off. Yes, evolution by itself could not have happened…as Dr. Ross explains, 13.7 billion years is not nearly enough time, statistically speaking, for evolution to occur. However, with God’s supernatural intervention and guidance, it could have easily happened.
I’m not saying that evolution is right, but what I am saying is that with God, all things are possible, including evolution. We should not be so quick, as progressive creationists, to condemn evolution.
Conclusion
The fact that young earth creationists will not be convinced, no matter how much evidence is presented, makes this a weak argument. The argument is not based on science, but on assumptions based on a young earth interpretation of creation.
Greg Neyman is the founder of the website ministry Answers In Creation. The original location of this article is here.
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January 16, 2009
Superultramodern Religion ( SR ) is a component of Superultramodern Science (SS). In particular, it is an application of SS [mainly the NSTP (Non -Spatial Thinking Process) theory] to religious viewpoints.
SR states that the religious viewpoints (say, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc.) are flawed on their physical (or, so called, metaphysical) side. The prophets (say Jesus Christ, Mohammad) could be superhuman, in the sense of being able to modulate the spatial illusion, but their theories / advocacies on the nature or physics of reality were quite probably wrong / false (as many flaws could be demonstrated, e.g. eternal creating something, immovable and flat earth theories, etc.). The true structure and mechanism of the universe is in accordance with the NSTP theory which produces states of consciousness or feelings as if Jesus, for example, controlling winds, curing diseases, etc., to people, including Jesus (assuming others are conscious like me : where all conscious entities / beings are mere groups of feelings or states of consciousness).
This could be simplified with an analogy. Suppose in 2005 A.D. we cannot drive cars. However, our science is so developed that we can easily invent an appropriate theory on the internal mechanism of the car. Now we find a car used in 0 B.C. and a book, say Bible, describing a person very skillful in driving cars, with a theory on the internal mechanism of the car. We do not at all agree with the theory invented in 0 B.C. as it has many simple logical / conceptual problems. So we infer that the person, very skillful in driving the car, was (probably) wrong on how the car actually works (i.e. its internal mechanism) , whereas we are (probably) right on its mechanism but are not skillful enough to drive the car.
Kedar Joshi BSc MA MRI Cambridge, UK.
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