Jennifer Keeton is a Christian enrolled in an Augusta State University Graduate Course in counseling. She is also a Christian and does not believe homosexuality to be normal. Her instructors do not believe her position is consistent with current psychological theory and have presented her with a remediation plan to make her more sensitive to the gay population. This is a condition for her graduating from this Course of study.
Jennifer views it as a violation of her rights and has the support of the Alliance Defense Fund to be able to finish the Course without changing her convictions.
Can I tell you: I agree with Augusta State University!
If the tables were turned, would a person who believed homosexuality was inherent and/or natural to some people be granted a Degree from a Biblical Counseling Department? In today's climate, maybe. But they should not!
Until the 1970's, the Mental Health community viewed homosexuality as 'abnormal psychology.' By a vote of the committee developing the DSM IV, homosexuality became 'normal psychology.'
No scientific breakthrough. No objective evidence. Not DNA nor brain chemistry studies. Nothing except the opinion of a majority of the 70, or so, committee members: all respected psychologists / psychiatrists.
Now, you can't even imply that homosexual behavior is wrong on any level. To do so makes you a bigot.
The real question is: Why would a Christian want a Secular Counseling Degree?
Psychological Theory is rooted in a pagan anthropology and a completely secular, humanistic philosophy of life. There is nothing whatever biblical about their premise nor their treatment.
In their world, aberrant behavior is the product of a "Mental Disorder." You are broken! It's not your fault. You cannot be cured. It can only be managed.
The term, "Mental Disorder," sounds very medical, doesn't it? But what is the 'mind?' And how is it 'disordered?'
They tend to see the brain as the mind. That's why there are so many brain studies and brain chemistry medications. For the Mental Health community, the way our physical systems interact to produce feelings or behaviors is somehow twisted or non-functional.
But the Bible teaches us that the 'mind' is a function of the heart. It is the mind that makes the decisions of life, not the brain. The Bible teaches that feelings follow behavior, behaviors following choices, choices flowing from hearts that are either sinful or 'made new' by God's grace.
Maybe there will be more Jennifer Keetons and true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ will stop trying to wed the pagan philosophies of psychology with The Bible! Maybe they will actually begin to study God's Word in order to help folks with social or emotional problems.
One can only hope! And Pray!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Twi-Hards & Godliness
The newest of the Twilight Series to hit the movie theaters has broken all records! More Facebook fans than Iron Man, Harry Potter, Transformers and Toy Story combined! An opening weekend of approximately $710 million, worldwide!
And who's reading these books; watching these movies; signing up on Facebook? A goodly percentage are young teen-aged Church-goers....and their Mothers!!!
The reports abound: Women can't get enough of these two young hedonists: one a vampire and the other in love with him. Well, probably in love with him. That is until she spends time with another vampire and eventually kisses him. Of course, she comes back to her beloved Edward and even though she harbors an aversion to marriage, she agrees to marry him!
What is so compelling that people who consider themselves Christians can be so drawn to this storyline? And why are they so fiercely loyal? Talk to them. Criticize their choice. See what you get.
For people who are supposed to be Redeemed from sin; declared righteous; sanctified unto God; living The New Life, this is all wrong!
Peter commanded that Christians "Be...holy, in all your conversation [behavior]." I Pet. 1:15
He said we were ... a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: I Pet. 2:9
And here we are reading, watching and fantasizing about vampire-love and werewolf battles, with de-capitations and grisly gore.
I guess you have to be a woman to understand. All those men in The Bible didn't "get it." Things have changed in the last 2000 years. It's a cultural thing.
NO!!!!! It's not! This is further indication that a) many who consider themselves Christian....aren't, and b) Christianity has become less a lifestyle and more a social club.
The preachers ought to be taken out and flogged! Their crime is worse than that of most criminals. Criminals steal your money. These people have corrupted our souls, in some cases through negligence and in others, through deliberate deceit.
What else explains this phenomena?
And who's reading these books; watching these movies; signing up on Facebook? A goodly percentage are young teen-aged Church-goers....and their Mothers!!!
The reports abound: Women can't get enough of these two young hedonists: one a vampire and the other in love with him. Well, probably in love with him. That is until she spends time with another vampire and eventually kisses him. Of course, she comes back to her beloved Edward and even though she harbors an aversion to marriage, she agrees to marry him!
What is so compelling that people who consider themselves Christians can be so drawn to this storyline? And why are they so fiercely loyal? Talk to them. Criticize their choice. See what you get.
For people who are supposed to be Redeemed from sin; declared righteous; sanctified unto God; living The New Life, this is all wrong!
Peter commanded that Christians "Be...holy, in all your conversation [behavior]." I Pet. 1:15
He said we were ... a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: I Pet. 2:9
And here we are reading, watching and fantasizing about vampire-love and werewolf battles, with de-capitations and grisly gore.
I guess you have to be a woman to understand. All those men in The Bible didn't "get it." Things have changed in the last 2000 years. It's a cultural thing.
NO!!!!! It's not! This is further indication that a) many who consider themselves Christian....aren't, and b) Christianity has become less a lifestyle and more a social club.
The preachers ought to be taken out and flogged! Their crime is worse than that of most criminals. Criminals steal your money. These people have corrupted our souls, in some cases through negligence and in others, through deliberate deceit.
What else explains this phenomena?
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Elena Kagan is Emblematic
Pres. Obama's 2nd pick for U.S. Supreme Court Justice is a Poster-Child for all that's wrong with our current political leadership.
In her opening remarks she explicitly stated that she will decide cases based on 1) Principle, and 2) The Constitution. So, what does that mean? Whatever it means, it clearly places The Constitution behind "principle." Her principles? Established judicial principle? The Principle of re-defining the Constitution?
In 1996, Miss Kagan was White House Policy Counsel to President Bill Clinton. At that time, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists [ACOG] issued a statement regarding Partial Birth Abortion. They call it "an intact D&X."
The findings from the ACOG read: "...in the vast majority of cases, selection of the partial birth procedure is not necessary to avert serious adverse consequences to a woman's health." [Kagan Memorandum]
In a subsequent memorandum, Miss Kagan wrote that the draft ACOG formulation "would be a disaster -- not the less so (in fact, the more so) because ACOG continues to oppose the legislation."
So, she crafted an alternative statement, faxing it to ACOG's legislative director, that said, "An intact D&X, however, may be the best or most appropriate procedure in a particular circumstance to save the life or preserve the health of a woman."
The Executive Board (not the Task Force that studied the issue) inserted it, verbatim, into the final statement."
This statement became one of the greatest evidentiary hurdles faced by the Justice Department lawyers in defending the Federal ban. Kagan's role in all this was never disclosed to the courts.
The political scrawling of a biased White House appointee became the pivotal point in a serious legal and moral issue. One that subjects innocent children to one of the most gruesome methods of death man has devised.
For what? Principle or Constitutional Law?
This is the height of Post-Modern morality: the ends justify the means; redefine the words to suit your need. She will make but TWO of these, on the U.S. Supreme Court. Even the other two liberals aren't this bad!
But, understand, even the most conservative President we may get, in the future, is tainted by this philosophy and will bring us more of the same.
Recently I was labeled a 'bigot' (again) by someone using, not the Dictionary definition, but the "popular definition" of the word. A definition that is skewed toward a politically-correct view of the world. Not the Dictionary Definition.
Get used to it!
In her opening remarks she explicitly stated that she will decide cases based on 1) Principle, and 2) The Constitution. So, what does that mean? Whatever it means, it clearly places The Constitution behind "principle." Her principles? Established judicial principle? The Principle of re-defining the Constitution?
In 1996, Miss Kagan was White House Policy Counsel to President Bill Clinton. At that time, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists [ACOG] issued a statement regarding Partial Birth Abortion. They call it "an intact D&X."
The findings from the ACOG read: "...in the vast majority of cases, selection of the partial birth procedure is not necessary to avert serious adverse consequences to a woman's health." [Kagan Memorandum]
In a subsequent memorandum, Miss Kagan wrote that the draft ACOG formulation "would be a disaster -- not the less so (in fact, the more so) because ACOG continues to oppose the legislation."
So, she crafted an alternative statement, faxing it to ACOG's legislative director, that said, "An intact D&X, however, may be the best or most appropriate procedure in a particular circumstance to save the life or preserve the health of a woman."
The Executive Board (not the Task Force that studied the issue) inserted it, verbatim, into the final statement."
This statement became one of the greatest evidentiary hurdles faced by the Justice Department lawyers in defending the Federal ban. Kagan's role in all this was never disclosed to the courts.
The political scrawling of a biased White House appointee became the pivotal point in a serious legal and moral issue. One that subjects innocent children to one of the most gruesome methods of death man has devised.
For what? Principle or Constitutional Law?
This is the height of Post-Modern morality: the ends justify the means; redefine the words to suit your need. She will make but TWO of these, on the U.S. Supreme Court. Even the other two liberals aren't this bad!
But, understand, even the most conservative President we may get, in the future, is tainted by this philosophy and will bring us more of the same.
Recently I was labeled a 'bigot' (again) by someone using, not the Dictionary definition, but the "popular definition" of the word. A definition that is skewed toward a politically-correct view of the world. Not the Dictionary Definition.
Get used to it!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Useful Idiots
I was interviewed by a conservative talk show host, recently, who trotted out all the old liberal chestnuts about homosexual rights.
They are a much-maligned segment of society.
The government has no business in our bedrooms.
We can't legislate morality.
They have rights, too.
It was sickening! They are a much-maligned segment of society for good reason! They are seeking to destroy this society. Not the average person who engages in homosexual behavior but the Gay Rights Activists. You can't take your children to a Gay Pride Parade, for example. And, if they get their way, the "family" will forever be dismantled and destroyed. This is no small thing, the family being the Basic Building Block of Society!!!!
The government was NEVER in anyone's bedroom! They brought their bedroom out into the street and into our faces! The laws against homosexuality, in the old days, were about sodomy. Sodomy is a physically, emotionally and socially destructive practice, and every government has the right / responsibility to protect its citizens from harmful people and/or practices.
EVERY law on the books legislates morality! Highway speed laws, animal leash-laws, jay-walking laws, ALL legislate morality. In this world there are some things which are right and therefore good and some things which are wrong and therefore bad. Governments pass laws to support the good and limit the bad. That's legislating morality.
Everyone has the RIGHT to be stupid, but it's not a good idea for the majority to be this way. When a person or a society emphasizes Rights, the tendency is toward Anarchy. When Responsibility is being emphasized it tends toward Character. The "Right" to corrupt our children and co-opt the family is not a good thing. Society's "parents" have a responsibility to control for such things.
You know the inmates are running the asylum when 'conservatives' are convinced that the homosexual arguments are valid! They represent about 3% of the population of this country, they are almost single-handedly responsible for AIDS, and the spread thereof and are openly advocating for the right to have sex with children. They call it 'therapy,' in the psychological publications and articles where the idea is floated. I first saw it in Psychology Today, about 10 years ago. Ever hear of N.A.M.B.L.A.?
One day people like me will be put in jail for writing a blog like this. And you will be right next to me for simply reading I Cor. 6:9 out loud, in the presence of other people!
Such is the power of sin that good becomes evil and evil becomes good. And it will happen through the efforts of 'useful idiots' who see themselves being compassionate and tolerant where this vile behavior is concerned.
They are a much-maligned segment of society.
The government has no business in our bedrooms.
We can't legislate morality.
They have rights, too.
It was sickening! They are a much-maligned segment of society for good reason! They are seeking to destroy this society. Not the average person who engages in homosexual behavior but the Gay Rights Activists. You can't take your children to a Gay Pride Parade, for example. And, if they get their way, the "family" will forever be dismantled and destroyed. This is no small thing, the family being the Basic Building Block of Society!!!!
The government was NEVER in anyone's bedroom! They brought their bedroom out into the street and into our faces! The laws against homosexuality, in the old days, were about sodomy. Sodomy is a physically, emotionally and socially destructive practice, and every government has the right / responsibility to protect its citizens from harmful people and/or practices.
EVERY law on the books legislates morality! Highway speed laws, animal leash-laws, jay-walking laws, ALL legislate morality. In this world there are some things which are right and therefore good and some things which are wrong and therefore bad. Governments pass laws to support the good and limit the bad. That's legislating morality.
Everyone has the RIGHT to be stupid, but it's not a good idea for the majority to be this way. When a person or a society emphasizes Rights, the tendency is toward Anarchy. When Responsibility is being emphasized it tends toward Character. The "Right" to corrupt our children and co-opt the family is not a good thing. Society's "parents" have a responsibility to control for such things.
You know the inmates are running the asylum when 'conservatives' are convinced that the homosexual arguments are valid! They represent about 3% of the population of this country, they are almost single-handedly responsible for AIDS, and the spread thereof and are openly advocating for the right to have sex with children. They call it 'therapy,' in the psychological publications and articles where the idea is floated. I first saw it in Psychology Today, about 10 years ago. Ever hear of N.A.M.B.L.A.?
One day people like me will be put in jail for writing a blog like this. And you will be right next to me for simply reading I Cor. 6:9 out loud, in the presence of other people!
Such is the power of sin that good becomes evil and evil becomes good. And it will happen through the efforts of 'useful idiots' who see themselves being compassionate and tolerant where this vile behavior is concerned.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Happy Father's Day? Not Likely!
Noted Theologian and Sociologist, Bill O'Reilly, says "Marriage was invented to domesticate the male of the species." Raised a Roman Catholic, educated in Roman Catholic Schools, and this is what he learned?
There is apparently no human purpose to the monogamy of one man and one woman, for life. I know this because our society is being driven by a secular humanist mindset and this arrangement doesn't fit with their goals.
This, alone, should be ample proof that The Bible is true! If not true, at least reliable, because it is in The Bible that we find the genesis of marriage [pun intended]. God established what we now call The Traditional Family Structure.
But, is it all that necessary? The Feminists say No. The Gay, Lesbian, Transgender community say No. And the humanists aren't quite sure....yet. They're thinking about it.
Well, think about this. According to Drs Patrick F. Fagan and Kirk A. Johnson, in their book, "Marriage: The Safest Place for Women and Children," children in the care of single mothers are:
33 times more likely to be seriously abused (requiring medical attention)
73 times more likely to be killed.
In addition, according to U.S. Government Statistics [in the last decade], when it comes to children from fatherless homes, young people are more at risk for a host of really bad things
63% of suicides
85% of those exhibiting behavioral disorders
80% of rapists [motivated by displaced anger]
71% of school drop outs
75% of adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers
70% of juveniles in State-operated Institutions
U.S. News & World Report Feb. 1995
But The Traditional Family is not all that important, and Fathers are certainly not any more important to the mix than, say, two women, or two men, or three women, two men and a monkey.
It is not a Happy Fathers Day In America! Many fathers are missing out. And many parents are wondering "what went wrong?"
So, let's stay the course on "Alternative Families" and see what happens.
Can't hurt. No one but the children. It's still amazing: The Children Always Pay!
There is apparently no human purpose to the monogamy of one man and one woman, for life. I know this because our society is being driven by a secular humanist mindset and this arrangement doesn't fit with their goals.
This, alone, should be ample proof that The Bible is true! If not true, at least reliable, because it is in The Bible that we find the genesis of marriage [pun intended]. God established what we now call The Traditional Family Structure.
But, is it all that necessary? The Feminists say No. The Gay, Lesbian, Transgender community say No. And the humanists aren't quite sure....yet. They're thinking about it.
Well, think about this. According to Drs Patrick F. Fagan and Kirk A. Johnson, in their book, "Marriage: The Safest Place for Women and Children," children in the care of single mothers are:
33 times more likely to be seriously abused (requiring medical attention)
73 times more likely to be killed.
In addition, according to U.S. Government Statistics [in the last decade], when it comes to children from fatherless homes, young people are more at risk for a host of really bad things
63% of suicides
85% of those exhibiting behavioral disorders
80% of rapists [motivated by displaced anger]
71% of school drop outs
75% of adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers
70% of juveniles in State-operated Institutions
U.S. News & World Report Feb. 1995
But The Traditional Family is not all that important, and Fathers are certainly not any more important to the mix than, say, two women, or two men, or three women, two men and a monkey.
It is not a Happy Fathers Day In America! Many fathers are missing out. And many parents are wondering "what went wrong?"
So, let's stay the course on "Alternative Families" and see what happens.
Can't hurt. No one but the children. It's still amazing: The Children Always Pay!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Where's The Beef?
Dr. Al Mohler, President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, in his blog, references the trend among young Jewish adults who are polarizing between the Orthodox and the Secular. [http://www.albertmohler.com/2010/06/10/the-briefing-from-young-restless-and-jewish-to-peter-singer-and-the-pope/]
It seems, however, that the fastest growth is among the Orthodox. The Secular Orthodox are not reproducing themselves, either physically or spiritually. Dr. Mohler draws some obvious parallels with Contemporary Christianity, at least in this country.
He references Collin Hansen's article in Christianity Today to make his point. [http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/september/42.32.html]
Apparently younger evangelicals are being drawn away from the fluff and emotion that constitutes much of the Contemporary Christian scene, just as much as they are from their parents' brand of Church.
The trends seem to support the idea that young people, being idealistic at heart, and yearning for a more significant spiritual expression, gravitate to the Contemporary Churches or those which offer a Contemporary Service and lots of opportunities for ministry as well as social activities.
Having spent some time there, a growing number are becoming disenchanted. The assumption is that the more exciting, attractive and active churches are more 'alive' than the old, dull and dead churches.
But wait! A growing number are being attracted to the Reformed traditions. If you aren't aware what that means, it means churches where the Bible is actually taught, much like in a Bible College! It means Bible Doctrine takes Center Stage! It means these young people recognize the need for spiritual 'food' and where to find it!
If The Lord tarries, we may see more and more young adults growing up to see the emptiness of busyness that characterizes much of organized Christianity today. You can do just so many Missions Trips, Youth Activities and Social Events, before you start wondering "where's the beef?"
It seems, however, that the fastest growth is among the Orthodox. The Secular Orthodox are not reproducing themselves, either physically or spiritually. Dr. Mohler draws some obvious parallels with Contemporary Christianity, at least in this country.
He references Collin Hansen's article in Christianity Today to make his point. [http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/september/42.32.html]
Apparently younger evangelicals are being drawn away from the fluff and emotion that constitutes much of the Contemporary Christian scene, just as much as they are from their parents' brand of Church.
The trends seem to support the idea that young people, being idealistic at heart, and yearning for a more significant spiritual expression, gravitate to the Contemporary Churches or those which offer a Contemporary Service and lots of opportunities for ministry as well as social activities.
Having spent some time there, a growing number are becoming disenchanted. The assumption is that the more exciting, attractive and active churches are more 'alive' than the old, dull and dead churches.
But wait! A growing number are being attracted to the Reformed traditions. If you aren't aware what that means, it means churches where the Bible is actually taught, much like in a Bible College! It means Bible Doctrine takes Center Stage! It means these young people recognize the need for spiritual 'food' and where to find it!
If The Lord tarries, we may see more and more young adults growing up to see the emptiness of busyness that characterizes much of organized Christianity today. You can do just so many Missions Trips, Youth Activities and Social Events, before you start wondering "where's the beef?"
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
A Brave New World?
Events are Cascading:
The Middle East is heating up.
The Gospel is all but ignored and/or marginalized in the West.
Christianity is becoming more entertainment than spiritual strength / hope.
Societies are becoming more crude and crass.
Life is becoming less valuable, at every level.
Morality is becoming increasingly more subjective.
Sex is dominating our attention and our lives.
Education is evermore critical and fewer are being educated.
Digital communities [Facebook, etc] are robbing us of real connectedness.
Natural disasters are making us more uneasy.
Everything is revolving around computers and numbers.
The cashless society bankers and law enforcement favor, is becoming a reality.
The bad economy is pushing us into a global society.
Is all this simply the natural evolution of societies? Or is it being orchestrated by intelligent forces?
The cumulative effect is to decentralize the individual, desensitize him in the critical areas of life, deconstruct our traditional support systems and push us toward a global dependency, without national identity.
And it just so happens this is exactly what The Bible predicts will be the situation at the End of the Age!
The Middle East is heating up.
The Gospel is all but ignored and/or marginalized in the West.
Christianity is becoming more entertainment than spiritual strength / hope.
Societies are becoming more crude and crass.
Life is becoming less valuable, at every level.
Morality is becoming increasingly more subjective.
Sex is dominating our attention and our lives.
Education is evermore critical and fewer are being educated.
Digital communities [Facebook, etc] are robbing us of real connectedness.
Natural disasters are making us more uneasy.
Everything is revolving around computers and numbers.
The cashless society bankers and law enforcement favor, is becoming a reality.
The bad economy is pushing us into a global society.
Is all this simply the natural evolution of societies? Or is it being orchestrated by intelligent forces?
The cumulative effect is to decentralize the individual, desensitize him in the critical areas of life, deconstruct our traditional support systems and push us toward a global dependency, without national identity.
And it just so happens this is exactly what The Bible predicts will be the situation at the End of the Age!
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