We watched and listened, last week, to pundits and pols, as they wiggled and squirmed around the issue of racism. Sparked by the Professor Gates issue and our President's response. The question is, however, what constitutes racism?
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, racism is: a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race. But how can that be possible when all human beings are of the same "Race?"
Ah, here's the problem: we have re-defined the word racism to suit our circumstance and perhaps to exaggerate something which is completely normal. People groups DO exhibit unique traits and characteristics. But, maybe we're really looking at something else and simply calling it racism.
What about bigotry? Merriam-Webster defines a bigot as: a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially: one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance.
So, what's the difference? Well, one is a political "club" used to beat people over the head for fun or profit. The other is immoral. But we can't talk about morality because everyone's morality is different. What's right for you may not be right for me, according to the post-modern, secularist.
So, we're stuck with "racism." This idea is more social than moral and we can drag it out whenever we need it in order to defend poor behavior or attack our enemies.
Professor Gates exhibited bigotry. He assumed that because the men at his door were police officers that they were simply out to give him a hard time or intimidate him because he was black. Isn't that what all police officers do?
The fact that he and another man used their shoulder to break down a door, in order to gain access, then showed a Harvard University ID, which did not have the address of that house on it was not apparently a suspicious enough event, in the mind of this PhD. When the officer wanted more information and to come inside, to make sure everything was as it was being presented, Professor Gates shouted "Racist!" He also began insulting the officer and making a ruckus on the lawn, constituting a Public Disturbance [as opposed to a disturbance in his own home].
That should have worked. It usually does. Al Sharpton thought it was sufficient. Even the president of the United States weighed in on Professor Gates' side.
But, alas, the facts were on the officer's side. What a surprise! You mean not all men and women in blue are bigoted? You mean we can no longer paint them all with the same brush?
What, then, are we to do when the police catch us in suspicious circumstances?
We could try cooperating, like ordinary citizens instead of expressing a bigoted attitude. That would be the Christian thing to do. And, if you're not a Christian, it would be the polite thing to do.
We may even start getting along.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
Hate Speech
Jim Wallis is CEO of Sojourners, a "Progressive Evangelical" organization with the purpose of articulating "the biblical call to social justice, inspiring hope and building a movement to transform individuals, communities, the church, and the world." [http://www.sojo.net]
Jim Wallis believes it was "hate speech" that contributed to the recent murder of Dr. Tiller, in Kansas, and the Security Guard at the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C.
He suggests Christians "shun" those who "propagate the hate speech that provides the framework of justification for these heinous acts. It is time to publically (sic) walk away from those who are committing these kinds of social sins and encourage others to do the same."
What he's talking about are those Christians, and others, who say abortion is murder. You see it's this kind of narrow, judgmental opinion that feeds the hate we see expressed in these murders and elsewhere...Wallis says.
Jim Wallis is an ordained minister of the Gospel. He is President Obama's spiritual advisor. He is invited to speak in Churches and at religious meetings and Christian colleges and seminaries. Jim Wallis is the darling of the political Left.
Jim Wallis is also an admitted Socialist and Communist. He was part of the radical Students for a Democratic Society, in the 1960's. He preaches that Christians should drop the typical conservative issues of abortion and same-sex marriage, and embrace poverty, AIDS and global warming.
The evangelicalism Jim Wallis envisions is indistinguishable from the secular Left. And he actively challenges Christians of all traditions to transform the culture through social activism and progressive policy. Jim Wallis does not understand The Word of God!
Problem? The Bible challenges Christians to transform the culture by means of the Gospel, not conform to it. We are not to embrace it. We are not to bring it into our churches, let alone our homes.
Who's winning? Look around. On the immediate side, the Jim Wallis' of this world are gaining in popularity and power. Dominion Theology, Kingdom Now Theology, popular Evangelicalsim, Replacement Theology, the Contemporary Christian Movement and a host of lessor philosophies are pushing The Church toward capturing the culture for Christ.
Problem? The Bible says, very clearly, that sin will reign on earth until Jesus comes. His coming is as The King of Kings! No political or social construct can or will succeed until Jesus destroys the current structure and establishes His Kingdom on earth.
Until then, those of us who actually believe The Bible will come under increasing pressure to keep quiet, get in line and stop preaching an exclusive Gospel message.
Will you sign up for this?
Jim Wallis believes it was "hate speech" that contributed to the recent murder of Dr. Tiller, in Kansas, and the Security Guard at the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C.
He suggests Christians "shun" those who "propagate the hate speech that provides the framework of justification for these heinous acts. It is time to publically (sic) walk away from those who are committing these kinds of social sins and encourage others to do the same."
What he's talking about are those Christians, and others, who say abortion is murder. You see it's this kind of narrow, judgmental opinion that feeds the hate we see expressed in these murders and elsewhere...Wallis says.
Jim Wallis is an ordained minister of the Gospel. He is President Obama's spiritual advisor. He is invited to speak in Churches and at religious meetings and Christian colleges and seminaries. Jim Wallis is the darling of the political Left.
Jim Wallis is also an admitted Socialist and Communist. He was part of the radical Students for a Democratic Society, in the 1960's. He preaches that Christians should drop the typical conservative issues of abortion and same-sex marriage, and embrace poverty, AIDS and global warming.
The evangelicalism Jim Wallis envisions is indistinguishable from the secular Left. And he actively challenges Christians of all traditions to transform the culture through social activism and progressive policy. Jim Wallis does not understand The Word of God!
Problem? The Bible challenges Christians to transform the culture by means of the Gospel, not conform to it. We are not to embrace it. We are not to bring it into our churches, let alone our homes.
Who's winning? Look around. On the immediate side, the Jim Wallis' of this world are gaining in popularity and power. Dominion Theology, Kingdom Now Theology, popular Evangelicalsim, Replacement Theology, the Contemporary Christian Movement and a host of lessor philosophies are pushing The Church toward capturing the culture for Christ.
Problem? The Bible says, very clearly, that sin will reign on earth until Jesus comes. His coming is as The King of Kings! No political or social construct can or will succeed until Jesus destroys the current structure and establishes His Kingdom on earth.
Until then, those of us who actually believe The Bible will come under increasing pressure to keep quiet, get in line and stop preaching an exclusive Gospel message.
Will you sign up for this?
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
God vs. ObamaCare
Christians often have a hard time separating politics and faith. The dividing line is not always clear. But, when you consider that the Bible reveals the mind of God on the important issues of life, you can come to certain conclusions.
For example: The Bible favors personal responsibility over government largesse.
We are being told we need Socialized Healthcare because, according to the U.S. Census, 40 million Americans are not covered by insurance and the costs are out of control.
The truth is, according to the CBO, only 23.7 million Americans are not covered. 14 million are eligible for Government programs and 10 million earn over $75,000 a year. That's about 7% of the population. Hardly enough to warrant a major re-structuring.
In 1960, Americans spent 53% of their money on housing, energy, food and healthcare. In 2008, Americans spent 55% of their money on the same items. But we increased our spending on Recreation.
Two-thirds of the cost of healthcare in America comes from new medical technology and innovation. This has resulted, for example, in a survival rate from heart attack to jump from 60% in 1980 to 90% today. And our survivability from a stroke is 3 times better. New things cost money.
In America, sick people cannot be turned away from public hospitals. Indigenous poor and illegal aliens make up a large percentage of FREE healthcare.
In a 5-Continent Study, more American women were likely to have regular mammograms. ALL American women! Not just those with insurance.
In America, 5% of the population represent 50% of all healthcare dollars spent.
The conclusion is not that we have a healthcare crises, but that we have a crises in selfishness. And we want someone else -- anyone else -- to pay what we owe, so we can have more money for Flat Screens, ipods, blackberries, and jewelry.
This is not a political problem, but a moral problem.
For example: The Bible favors personal responsibility over government largesse.
We are being told we need Socialized Healthcare because, according to the U.S. Census, 40 million Americans are not covered by insurance and the costs are out of control.
The truth is, according to the CBO, only 23.7 million Americans are not covered. 14 million are eligible for Government programs and 10 million earn over $75,000 a year. That's about 7% of the population. Hardly enough to warrant a major re-structuring.
In 1960, Americans spent 53% of their money on housing, energy, food and healthcare. In 2008, Americans spent 55% of their money on the same items. But we increased our spending on Recreation.
Two-thirds of the cost of healthcare in America comes from new medical technology and innovation. This has resulted, for example, in a survival rate from heart attack to jump from 60% in 1980 to 90% today. And our survivability from a stroke is 3 times better. New things cost money.
In America, sick people cannot be turned away from public hospitals. Indigenous poor and illegal aliens make up a large percentage of FREE healthcare.
In a 5-Continent Study, more American women were likely to have regular mammograms. ALL American women! Not just those with insurance.
In America, 5% of the population represent 50% of all healthcare dollars spent.
The conclusion is not that we have a healthcare crises, but that we have a crises in selfishness. And we want someone else -- anyone else -- to pay what we owe, so we can have more money for Flat Screens, ipods, blackberries, and jewelry.
This is not a political problem, but a moral problem.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Are We Taking Stupid Pills?
This week it was reported that four teen aged boys sexually abused one of their team mates, in the locker room, with a broom handle and a hockey stick. They did it repeatedly and they will be charged as Adults.
This is horrendous, but it is NOT news. Things like this occur every month in America. Children are used and abused by all sorts of people. Often it is by adults who are charged with protecting them. Not infrequently it is by sexually-charged perverts.
We are shocked when a child is abducted for sex or raped or otherwise sexually abused. But we laugh at the so-called comedy of TV shows which feature sexuallized situations and pay big money to see what used to be called pornography, in Movies and Stage Shows.
We pass laws to protect citizen's from this abuse. But we also pass laws to allow the protection of those who peddle it in Magazines, Books, Songs and Commercials. We protect the right to Free Speech, which now includes pornography, nudity and debauchery. And we market sexual fashions to children as young as 5 years of age.
We have come to accept that young children need to be exposed to sex in the classroom, even homosexuality in Kindergarten [Calif. School District just voted to do this].
If we really wanted to protect children (and others) from Pedaphiles and other abusers we'd get sexual content out of their world. We'd stop the Viagra and Sexual Lubricants Commercials. We'd stop legitimizing selfish, sexual lifestyles. We'd stop mainstreaming aberrant sexual behaviors.
We all know that if you don't want to get burned, you simply stay away from the fire.
It seems the sex-merchants have won. Under the guise of Free Speech, they make commercials that sell their wares and make themselves huge profits. Then use that money and power to convince us that video images don't cause behaviors.
And otherwise reasonable people believe it! Law makers and judges support it! Teachers' unions and medical professionals accept it! Does anyone have the courage to stand up and say this is wrong? For the childrens' sake?
Either stop being outraged at sexual atrocities, or stop programming the society to accept every form of sexual behavior, known to man. We can't have it both ways!
This is horrendous, but it is NOT news. Things like this occur every month in America. Children are used and abused by all sorts of people. Often it is by adults who are charged with protecting them. Not infrequently it is by sexually-charged perverts.
We are shocked when a child is abducted for sex or raped or otherwise sexually abused. But we laugh at the so-called comedy of TV shows which feature sexuallized situations and pay big money to see what used to be called pornography, in Movies and Stage Shows.
We pass laws to protect citizen's from this abuse. But we also pass laws to allow the protection of those who peddle it in Magazines, Books, Songs and Commercials. We protect the right to Free Speech, which now includes pornography, nudity and debauchery. And we market sexual fashions to children as young as 5 years of age.
We have come to accept that young children need to be exposed to sex in the classroom, even homosexuality in Kindergarten [Calif. School District just voted to do this].
If we really wanted to protect children (and others) from Pedaphiles and other abusers we'd get sexual content out of their world. We'd stop the Viagra and Sexual Lubricants Commercials. We'd stop legitimizing selfish, sexual lifestyles. We'd stop mainstreaming aberrant sexual behaviors.
We all know that if you don't want to get burned, you simply stay away from the fire.
It seems the sex-merchants have won. Under the guise of Free Speech, they make commercials that sell their wares and make themselves huge profits. Then use that money and power to convince us that video images don't cause behaviors.
And otherwise reasonable people believe it! Law makers and judges support it! Teachers' unions and medical professionals accept it! Does anyone have the courage to stand up and say this is wrong? For the childrens' sake?
Either stop being outraged at sexual atrocities, or stop programming the society to accept every form of sexual behavior, known to man. We can't have it both ways!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Where We're Going? Or Where We Are?
I read, recently, of a Church where the pastor and probably all of the 30 or 40 Staff Members have no Bible College or Seminary training. Where the leadership is learning as they go and where The Bible is viewed more as theory than settled truth.
Individuals are challenged to figure out for themselves what it means. Their worship is not focused on the sovereign, holy majesty of the ineffable God Who rules over the affairs of men, but rather the needs, attitudes and interests of those who attend.
It's man-centered and contemporary.
It's laid-back and "real."
It's populated by seekers, observers and hangers-on.
And the conservative messages presented are not propositional. They do not propose a response from the hearer. Rather they are offered as information, personal testimony and suggestions for serious thought. Folks are left to decide for themselves what these words mean "To Them."
The music is loud and emotionally intense. The environment more like a Night Club or Concert Hall than a Cathedral. And no one cares how anyone dresses or what they might believe.
Oh, and they have 5000 people gathering every Sunday to experience this form of church.
It's a sham and a hoax. But it satisfies the human heart's desire for worship. It's just not the Bible idea of Church. It's an expression of will-worship. And at least one person who attends regularly has said that should the pastor leave, the whole thing would collapse.
Of course, this is not the story of all churches. There are still groups of Christians who gather in the name of Jesus to humble themselves before God and worship in spirit [with their spirit, not with sensual expressions] and in truth [the way God prescribes, rather than their own ideas].
What of them? They are generally smaller, and getting even smaller, and they're membership is aging. The Youth-Culture is not interested in Bible Doctrine nor in submission to God. Maybe because their heart is far from Him.
I say that, not judgmentally, but because these free-wheeling, contemporary mega-churches are not known for preaching The Gospel of Repentance from sin and Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. And because the human heart, in it's natural condition, cannot understand spiritual things [I Cor. 2:14], nor are they interested [Rom. 3:11-12]
Individuals are challenged to figure out for themselves what it means. Their worship is not focused on the sovereign, holy majesty of the ineffable God Who rules over the affairs of men, but rather the needs, attitudes and interests of those who attend.
It's man-centered and contemporary.
It's laid-back and "real."
It's populated by seekers, observers and hangers-on.
And the conservative messages presented are not propositional. They do not propose a response from the hearer. Rather they are offered as information, personal testimony and suggestions for serious thought. Folks are left to decide for themselves what these words mean "To Them."
The music is loud and emotionally intense. The environment more like a Night Club or Concert Hall than a Cathedral. And no one cares how anyone dresses or what they might believe.
Oh, and they have 5000 people gathering every Sunday to experience this form of church.
It's a sham and a hoax. But it satisfies the human heart's desire for worship. It's just not the Bible idea of Church. It's an expression of will-worship. And at least one person who attends regularly has said that should the pastor leave, the whole thing would collapse.
Of course, this is not the story of all churches. There are still groups of Christians who gather in the name of Jesus to humble themselves before God and worship in spirit [with their spirit, not with sensual expressions] and in truth [the way God prescribes, rather than their own ideas].
What of them? They are generally smaller, and getting even smaller, and they're membership is aging. The Youth-Culture is not interested in Bible Doctrine nor in submission to God. Maybe because their heart is far from Him.
I say that, not judgmentally, but because these free-wheeling, contemporary mega-churches are not known for preaching The Gospel of Repentance from sin and Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. And because the human heart, in it's natural condition, cannot understand spiritual things [I Cor. 2:14], nor are they interested [Rom. 3:11-12]
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
It's Starting To Make Sense
I learned a new word this week: panentheism. I may have seen it before and just thought it was misspelled. You see pantheism is the philosophy/ belief that God is all (or everything). Native religions tend to be pantheistic.
But panentheism is the belief that God is IN everything. The importance of this word is found in the Battle for Truth. You see, this pagan concept may be in your Church. It may also be that you espouse it, in your spiritual walk.
It is NOT a Bible idea. But it certainly explains why certain changes and doctrines are not only popular, but fiercely defended.
Panentheism says that nothing is so secular (absent of God) that it cannot be made sacred. Why? Because God is IN everything. He is in ungodly musical forms if we just add God-words. He is in unholy behaviors or environments if we simply sanctify them by our own motivations.
And He is in the worldly, secular, human worship forms, sanctified by he word "church" or "worship."
The list is not endless, for true believers. We have limits. But for others, it is.
Occultist and prophetess, Alice Bailey, writes: "The Christian Church in its many branches can serve as a St. John the Baptist, as a voice crying in the wilderness, and as a nucleus through which world illumination may be accomplished."
The blending of occultic ideas and methods with Chritianity (which has been part of mainstream church for 40 years) will provide the vehicle for spreading and instilling New Age consciousness.
Churches will still have Christian trappings, use the same vocabulary, but asked specific questions about traditional Christian doctrine, New Age answers would be given.
The Word-Faith Movement, Seeker-Sensitive Movement, Contemporary Worship Movement and the Emerging / Emergent Church Movements are the major players. But Christendom, at large, has been captured by this philosophy.
It satisfies the human heart that wants God, but on it's own terms.
But panentheism is the belief that God is IN everything. The importance of this word is found in the Battle for Truth. You see, this pagan concept may be in your Church. It may also be that you espouse it, in your spiritual walk.
It is NOT a Bible idea. But it certainly explains why certain changes and doctrines are not only popular, but fiercely defended.
Panentheism says that nothing is so secular (absent of God) that it cannot be made sacred. Why? Because God is IN everything. He is in ungodly musical forms if we just add God-words. He is in unholy behaviors or environments if we simply sanctify them by our own motivations.
And He is in the worldly, secular, human worship forms, sanctified by he word "church" or "worship."
The list is not endless, for true believers. We have limits. But for others, it is.
Occultist and prophetess, Alice Bailey, writes: "The Christian Church in its many branches can serve as a St. John the Baptist, as a voice crying in the wilderness, and as a nucleus through which world illumination may be accomplished."
The blending of occultic ideas and methods with Chritianity (which has been part of mainstream church for 40 years) will provide the vehicle for spreading and instilling New Age consciousness.
Churches will still have Christian trappings, use the same vocabulary, but asked specific questions about traditional Christian doctrine, New Age answers would be given.
The Word-Faith Movement, Seeker-Sensitive Movement, Contemporary Worship Movement and the Emerging / Emergent Church Movements are the major players. But Christendom, at large, has been captured by this philosophy.
It satisfies the human heart that wants God, but on it's own terms.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Law & Grace
Periodically, on the Bible Forum, we get calls and/or comments regarding the Christian's responsibility to obey The Law. Some insist we follow Law, others can't see how the Ten Commandments become unimportant just because we're Christians, while others want us to follow The Torah.
The issue is one of Law v. Grace. A subject clearly discussed and settled in the New Testament. As early as Acts 15, the young Church took up the issue: do Gentiles have to come under The Mosaic Law in order to be saved? The clear and resounding answer was NO!
They made the point that even Jews had been unable to keep the law and that under no circumstance was law going to make anyone righteous. Therefore, why bind Gentiles to something even Jews couldn't do?
Later, Paul made it clear that Christians live by a new law (governing principle): the law of the Spirit of life, which made us free from the law of sin and death. (Rom. 8:2-3) Because Jesus Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth. (Rom. 10:4)
Salvation is NOT by The Law! But, what about the moral requirements? Can we simply ignore the Ten Commandments?
The answer is No. But what are the Ten Commandments? Jesus said the greatest commandment was to love God with all our heart -- this sums up the first 5 commandments. And that the second is like unto the first: to love others above ourselves -- this sums up the second 5 commandments.
Beyond that are a myriad of New Testament standards, Christians are to live by. None of which makes us righteous. Jesus simply said that if you love Me, you'd do the things He commanded.
The Law was given to Moses, to guide a rebellious and unregenerate people. When Jesus lived according to that Law, He fulfilled it's moral requirement. And when He died the sacrificial Lamb of God He fulfilled it's spiritual requirement. There's nothing left. The Law is fulfilled. It no longer serves any purpose.
According to the Book of Hebrews there is now a better priesthood and a better covenant (Heb. 7-10). The point is made that if the first could have done the job there would be no need for the second. But, since there is a second, the first has been done away with. Mosaic Law is for the Abrahamic Covenant. Christians are under The New Covenant, as will redeemed Israel, one day.
It is judaizers (those who mix law and grace) who constantly seek to drag Christians back under some form of law. And they were condemned in the New Testament in the strongest language.
Israel continues to live under some elements of the Law, however. Those portions that identify them as a peculiar nation of people. Feasts and celebrations of God's love and provision.
But for those who are declared righteous by God, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, there is only love for Him, which is illustrated by our obedience to the things He has commanded.
The issue is one of Law v. Grace. A subject clearly discussed and settled in the New Testament. As early as Acts 15, the young Church took up the issue: do Gentiles have to come under The Mosaic Law in order to be saved? The clear and resounding answer was NO!
They made the point that even Jews had been unable to keep the law and that under no circumstance was law going to make anyone righteous. Therefore, why bind Gentiles to something even Jews couldn't do?
Later, Paul made it clear that Christians live by a new law (governing principle): the law of the Spirit of life, which made us free from the law of sin and death. (Rom. 8:2-3) Because Jesus Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth. (Rom. 10:4)
Salvation is NOT by The Law! But, what about the moral requirements? Can we simply ignore the Ten Commandments?
The answer is No. But what are the Ten Commandments? Jesus said the greatest commandment was to love God with all our heart -- this sums up the first 5 commandments. And that the second is like unto the first: to love others above ourselves -- this sums up the second 5 commandments.
Beyond that are a myriad of New Testament standards, Christians are to live by. None of which makes us righteous. Jesus simply said that if you love Me, you'd do the things He commanded.
The Law was given to Moses, to guide a rebellious and unregenerate people. When Jesus lived according to that Law, He fulfilled it's moral requirement. And when He died the sacrificial Lamb of God He fulfilled it's spiritual requirement. There's nothing left. The Law is fulfilled. It no longer serves any purpose.
According to the Book of Hebrews there is now a better priesthood and a better covenant (Heb. 7-10). The point is made that if the first could have done the job there would be no need for the second. But, since there is a second, the first has been done away with. Mosaic Law is for the Abrahamic Covenant. Christians are under The New Covenant, as will redeemed Israel, one day.
It is judaizers (those who mix law and grace) who constantly seek to drag Christians back under some form of law. And they were condemned in the New Testament in the strongest language.
Israel continues to live under some elements of the Law, however. Those portions that identify them as a peculiar nation of people. Feasts and celebrations of God's love and provision.
But for those who are declared righteous by God, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, there is only love for Him, which is illustrated by our obedience to the things He has commanded.
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