Some say that the US president, George W. Bush, is a born-again Christian, others say he was ordained by God to lead our country, and some say he is the anti-Christ. But, how could they possibly say that someone is the anti-Christ, or even some powerful Dragon of the Revelations dreamed Beast?
The title link (please right click and open in a new window) has an interesting article that poses George W. Bush against his own religious beliefs, and patches some holes in the way American Christians might be viewing the US president.
Showing posts with label Christian-right. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian-right. Show all posts
Monday, May 15, 2006
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Iowa Stops Funeral Picketing
Can you believe that someone would want to have a protest at a funeral? Get this: A Kansas City church wants to protest at an Iowa National Guardsman funeral. Why? Because this church believes that our soldiers are dying because they are fighting for a country (the US) that allows homosexuality. This article went so far to say that God is killing our soldiers! What kind of weed is this church smoking??
Jesus did not protest at any funerals. In fact, when one of his diciples wanted to bury his father, Jesus said, "let the dead bury the dead." What did Jesus mean? Are funerals a folly? A waste of time? Thus, would this mean that protest at a funeral would be doubly foolish?
Maybe this Kansas City church doesn't follow Jesus, because Jesus would not lead them down the road to protest at a funeral. "Let the dead bury the dead."
Jesus did not protest at any funerals. In fact, when one of his diciples wanted to bury his father, Jesus said, "let the dead bury the dead." What did Jesus mean? Are funerals a folly? A waste of time? Thus, would this mean that protest at a funeral would be doubly foolish?
Maybe this Kansas City church doesn't follow Jesus, because Jesus would not lead them down the road to protest at a funeral. "Let the dead bury the dead."
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
White House Christmas Wish List
Here's the Top Ten Christmas Wish List from the White House:
10. A little less Snow for Christmas.
9. Tamper-poof Presto! Voting Machines —I’d be easier if I were a dictator, but until then, let US vote with the new Presto! Voting Machines.
8. More White Housies Diapers —to prevent more leaks from the Oval Office. Gotta potty train the cabinet, and soon.
7. HAL from 2001: A Space Odyssey -- HAL just has a way with words, and would be a perfect replacement for Karl Rove, or even Scott McClellan.
6. Democracy Food Processor -- because I like my democracy finely chopped.
5. I Spy: Domestic Surveillance Edition
4. Last longer in the sack -- no, Iraq. We cannot tolerate early withdrawal.
3. GOP Bible –- You know like King James, but for our time. We need the Bible to back our style of governing the people. You see, the wording just doesn’t work for us as it is right now.
2. St. George of the Bush Republican Church. Has a nice ring to it. Hee, hee!
1. Peace on Earth. Wait, no I want a piece of earth. A big piece of earth. Heck, I want to rule the world!
10. A little less Snow for Christmas.
9. Tamper-poof Presto! Voting Machines —I’d be easier if I were a dictator, but until then, let US vote with the new Presto! Voting Machines.
8. More White Housies Diapers —to prevent more leaks from the Oval Office. Gotta potty train the cabinet, and soon.
7. HAL from 2001: A Space Odyssey -- HAL just has a way with words, and would be a perfect replacement for Karl Rove, or even Scott McClellan.
6. Democracy Food Processor -- because I like my democracy finely chopped.
5. I Spy: Domestic Surveillance Edition
4. Last longer in the sack -- no, Iraq. We cannot tolerate early withdrawal.
3. GOP Bible –- You know like King James, but for our time. We need the Bible to back our style of governing the people. You see, the wording just doesn’t work for us as it is right now.
2. St. George of the Bush Republican Church. Has a nice ring to it. Hee, hee!
1. Peace on Earth. Wait, no I want a piece of earth. A big piece of earth. Heck, I want to rule the world!
Monday, December 12, 2005
Blessed are the Weak, Passive Dads...
Perry Noble, you are not getting off the hook here. Hold out the palm of your hand and get ready for some enlightenment from the Golden Ruler (2 Timothy 4:2-4). Oh, you wonder why you deserve such punishment? Sister Jen says it is not punishment, but correction. Gentle correction. Please let me commence with the background and then correction of the Golden Ruler.
Let me excerpt from your previous blog on why your Megachurch is not open for Christmas Day. (By the way, the Golden Ruler is not being used just because you and your church wishes to celebrate Christmas Day with materialistic gluttony.)
So our first Christmas together was "interesting." You see, I LOVE getting presents! I am not going to be one of those weak, passive dads who say, "Don't get me anything--it's just nice to have you around." I will instruct my children, "I had better get something from you--and if you buy me underwear, socks, or some lame cologne then you are grounded until my birthday." (They will have that date memorized!)--Perry Noble http://perrynoble.blogspot.com/2005_12_01_perrynoble_archive.html#113404991123197131
Sigh. See, this is the reason for the Golden Ruler. There are many, even weak and passive dads, who are trying to be the best Christians they can be, and some that may even look to you for guidance. You tell them that being content dads that are happy with what they have and not in want or need are weak and passive.
Aren't weak, passive dads mentioned in the beatitudes? (Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5--read the whole chapter, you'll learn even more. Meek=(definition) showing patience and humility, gentle; easily imposed on; submissive.) Aren't weak, passive dads mentioned in Paul's "Love is patient, love is kind... love does not demand its own way..." (1 Corinthians 13)
Content people are not weak and passive, nor are weak and passive people inferior. "For whomever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (Matthew 23:12, Luke 14:11, Luke 18:14)
So what, you may say. Well, read the book of James.
When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. Do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:3,5-6--Read the whole chapter.) Maybe this is the reason why you don't get what you want at Christmas (re: underwear, sock, or lame cologne), so why punish your children for your own issues with God? And, maybe God is telling you something with those gifts, regardless if you wanted them or that they don't give you pleasure? Think about it.
I hear you saying "you're just spouting Bible verses, they don't apply to this situation." Or do they? Let's read Jesus' parable of the sower in Luke 8: The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. (Emphasis mine.)
Do you get it?
Oh, and on the topic of cancelling Sunday services... I believe Jesus said "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!" (Mark7:9--just read it all.)
So what, you may say. Here, let me jog your memory on one of the commandments: Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. (Exodus 20) Hmmm...now what is holy? Sure, it doesn't say you HAVE TO worship that day, just keep it holy. So, is practicing over-indulgence, selfish demands and gluttony holy activities?
And, on the topic of why other churches and Christians are upset about your MegaChurch cancelling Sunday services. It is because all Christians are the body of Christ. Regardless of your church's body part, you are an important part of the body (remember Ephesians?). The other body parts are just telling you that you need to work with the whole body and uphold God's commands and the holiness of Christmas Day.
Did we not learn anything from our time in Sunday school, CCD classes, or seminary?
Let me excerpt from your previous blog on why your Megachurch is not open for Christmas Day. (By the way, the Golden Ruler is not being used just because you and your church wishes to celebrate Christmas Day with materialistic gluttony.)
So our first Christmas together was "interesting." You see, I LOVE getting presents! I am not going to be one of those weak, passive dads who say, "Don't get me anything--it's just nice to have you around." I will instruct my children, "I had better get something from you--and if you buy me underwear, socks, or some lame cologne then you are grounded until my birthday." (They will have that date memorized!)--Perry Noble http://perrynoble.blogspot.com/2005_12_01_perrynoble_archive.html#113404991123197131
Sigh. See, this is the reason for the Golden Ruler. There are many, even weak and passive dads, who are trying to be the best Christians they can be, and some that may even look to you for guidance. You tell them that being content dads that are happy with what they have and not in want or need are weak and passive.
Aren't weak, passive dads mentioned in the beatitudes? (Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5--read the whole chapter, you'll learn even more. Meek=(definition) showing patience and humility, gentle; easily imposed on; submissive.) Aren't weak, passive dads mentioned in Paul's "Love is patient, love is kind... love does not demand its own way..." (1 Corinthians 13)
Content people are not weak and passive, nor are weak and passive people inferior. "For whomever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (Matthew 23:12, Luke 14:11, Luke 18:14)
So what, you may say. Well, read the book of James.
When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. Do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:3,5-6--Read the whole chapter.) Maybe this is the reason why you don't get what you want at Christmas (re: underwear, sock, or lame cologne), so why punish your children for your own issues with God? And, maybe God is telling you something with those gifts, regardless if you wanted them or that they don't give you pleasure? Think about it.
I hear you saying "you're just spouting Bible verses, they don't apply to this situation." Or do they? Let's read Jesus' parable of the sower in Luke 8: The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. (Emphasis mine.)
Do you get it?
Oh, and on the topic of cancelling Sunday services... I believe Jesus said "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!" (Mark7:9--just read it all.)
So what, you may say. Here, let me jog your memory on one of the commandments: Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. (Exodus 20) Hmmm...now what is holy? Sure, it doesn't say you HAVE TO worship that day, just keep it holy. So, is practicing over-indulgence, selfish demands and gluttony holy activities?
And, on the topic of why other churches and Christians are upset about your MegaChurch cancelling Sunday services. It is because all Christians are the body of Christ. Regardless of your church's body part, you are an important part of the body (remember Ephesians?). The other body parts are just telling you that you need to work with the whole body and uphold God's commands and the holiness of Christmas Day.
Did we not learn anything from our time in Sunday school, CCD classes, or seminary?
Monday, November 21, 2005
Pick Our Battles: Potter Pokes
Funny when you're trying to find something else online and wind up finding something that pertains to something that it is not intended... (See link in title.)
My mom listens to Christian radio quite a lot, religiously, I would say. And when Harry Potter came out, and then the Christian hype that it would make children Satan-worshippers, my mom heard it on Christian radio. And, you know Christian radio only espouses the truth.
When I happened upon this article on the web, I had to chuckle when I read it, because there were way too many undertones of other misgivings we hear so much as of late about terrorism and the Iraq war.
I'm not saying that everything we hear about terrorism and Iraq is parody (just most everything I hear), but that as Christians we need to pick our battles. And pick them wisely. Too often, we think that if we don't do something about it, some person under our watch will be damned to hell. Don't you think that our Christian God is too weak to do anything. Because he isn't.
God wants us to be vigilant to him, not to our enemies. Whenever we become more vigilant to our enemies (evil Harry Potter magic, or terrorism, or WMDs, or militant factions), the more we have turned our back on God (we can't think of both hatred and love at the same time). God will take care of our enemies, we just need to give our care to God.
So, what am I saying? We shouldn't fight terrorism? No, not exactly. As Christians, maybe we should fight terrorism the way God wants us to fight it... with God's love, not with selfish revenge. God will take care of the rest.
By the way, in this post Jen has been replaced by some spirit that actually thinks clearly and coherently, and values love above and beyond all else. I'm sure Jen will need to comment on her spirit's writing, so that she can retain her earthly desire to poke at things she really doesn't need to, unless it's for a laugh or two.
My mom listens to Christian radio quite a lot, religiously, I would say. And when Harry Potter came out, and then the Christian hype that it would make children Satan-worshippers, my mom heard it on Christian radio. And, you know Christian radio only espouses the truth.
When I happened upon this article on the web, I had to chuckle when I read it, because there were way too many undertones of other misgivings we hear so much as of late about terrorism and the Iraq war.
I'm not saying that everything we hear about terrorism and Iraq is parody (just most everything I hear), but that as Christians we need to pick our battles. And pick them wisely. Too often, we think that if we don't do something about it, some person under our watch will be damned to hell. Don't you think that our Christian God is too weak to do anything. Because he isn't.
God wants us to be vigilant to him, not to our enemies. Whenever we become more vigilant to our enemies (evil Harry Potter magic, or terrorism, or WMDs, or militant factions), the more we have turned our back on God (we can't think of both hatred and love at the same time). God will take care of our enemies, we just need to give our care to God.
So, what am I saying? We shouldn't fight terrorism? No, not exactly. As Christians, maybe we should fight terrorism the way God wants us to fight it... with God's love, not with selfish revenge. God will take care of the rest.
By the way, in this post Jen has been replaced by some spirit that actually thinks clearly and coherently, and values love above and beyond all else. I'm sure Jen will need to comment on her spirit's writing, so that she can retain her earthly desire to poke at things she really doesn't need to, unless it's for a laugh or two.
Monday, August 01, 2005
Value of Life
Originally penned Friday, June 10, 2005
It seems like the new catch-phrase in political and religious areas seems to be the “culture of life,” especially in the Republican Party and what is termed ‘Christian right’ groups. Current events like the Terry Shiavo case and pro-life stance on abortion rights seem to echo this view of the culture of life. Or maybe they are serving as a camoflauge for the Republican Party’s true ideology behind their front of the culture of life.
Where did the thought of the culture of life originate? Actually, it was Pope John Paul II’s idea. Pope JP II had developed his campaign of the culture of life, reflecting the value of life Jesus gives to all people.
I think the primary push for me to begin blogging is the growing rate of so-called pro-lifers doing anti-life activities. As a Catholic voter, I have a very difficult time voting because neither the Republican nor the Democratic Party truly support all pro-life policies from pre-birth to death. The Republicans seem to support that some lives are way more important than others, especially those with more money or clout. The Democrats, claiming to be pro-choice, has been tagged at anti-life proponents by the opposition because they want to keep abortions legal.
There are a variety of government policies and laws that contradict the culture of life. The main policy currently in place now is the pre-emptive strike against Iraq and the war that has shattered many lives in that country and the soldiers that have lost their lives for a moot cause. This war is not saving any lives and is in fact putting more lives in jeopardy as these people show their animosity toward the US and this unjust war the US declared on their people. These citizens of Iraq did nothing wrong, yet, they are being punished by this war for the apparent actions of their leader Sadam Hussein for hiding WMDs, his mass killings of his own people, and other atrocities. Since the Bush regime did not find these WMDs, they have taken on the theory that this war is a humanitarian war.
What war is ever a humanitarian war? Wars do not usually hurt those in power, it hurts those (many of them innocent of whatever reason the war is being waged) that have to fight it and be in the thick of it. But wars are declared and fought precisely because of the dictates of a leader. In this war, however, the US did something that Geneva Convention does not condone, they took out the leader, too. Sadam Hussein is now out of power and who knows what’s up with that now.
Now, Iraq is in a state of chaos because not only are they rising up against their US-imposed military state, they are battling for their views of what is right for them, with Sunni, Shia, and Kurds each thinking that they ought to lead the country.
In the Bible, Jesus says that what you do to the least of these, you do for me. If the Republican policy to decrease the funding for title 19 and limit Medicaid coverage says anything, it’ll have the least of these (er, Jesus) sick and dying without any way to pay for the expenses of getting them better. That’s ok because the Republicans are also the big anti-drug pushers, so these sick people will have no way to die painlessly. Maybe this is just the way, since Paul was such a big advocate of suffering in the New Testament. Hmmm, if that’s the case, then why aren’t all these Christian-right people wanting to suffer, too?
It seems like the new catch-phrase in political and religious areas seems to be the “culture of life,” especially in the Republican Party and what is termed ‘Christian right’ groups. Current events like the Terry Shiavo case and pro-life stance on abortion rights seem to echo this view of the culture of life. Or maybe they are serving as a camoflauge for the Republican Party’s true ideology behind their front of the culture of life.
Where did the thought of the culture of life originate? Actually, it was Pope John Paul II’s idea. Pope JP II had developed his campaign of the culture of life, reflecting the value of life Jesus gives to all people.
I think the primary push for me to begin blogging is the growing rate of so-called pro-lifers doing anti-life activities. As a Catholic voter, I have a very difficult time voting because neither the Republican nor the Democratic Party truly support all pro-life policies from pre-birth to death. The Republicans seem to support that some lives are way more important than others, especially those with more money or clout. The Democrats, claiming to be pro-choice, has been tagged at anti-life proponents by the opposition because they want to keep abortions legal.
There are a variety of government policies and laws that contradict the culture of life. The main policy currently in place now is the pre-emptive strike against Iraq and the war that has shattered many lives in that country and the soldiers that have lost their lives for a moot cause. This war is not saving any lives and is in fact putting more lives in jeopardy as these people show their animosity toward the US and this unjust war the US declared on their people. These citizens of Iraq did nothing wrong, yet, they are being punished by this war for the apparent actions of their leader Sadam Hussein for hiding WMDs, his mass killings of his own people, and other atrocities. Since the Bush regime did not find these WMDs, they have taken on the theory that this war is a humanitarian war.
What war is ever a humanitarian war? Wars do not usually hurt those in power, it hurts those (many of them innocent of whatever reason the war is being waged) that have to fight it and be in the thick of it. But wars are declared and fought precisely because of the dictates of a leader. In this war, however, the US did something that Geneva Convention does not condone, they took out the leader, too. Sadam Hussein is now out of power and who knows what’s up with that now.
Now, Iraq is in a state of chaos because not only are they rising up against their US-imposed military state, they are battling for their views of what is right for them, with Sunni, Shia, and Kurds each thinking that they ought to lead the country.
In the Bible, Jesus says that what you do to the least of these, you do for me. If the Republican policy to decrease the funding for title 19 and limit Medicaid coverage says anything, it’ll have the least of these (er, Jesus) sick and dying without any way to pay for the expenses of getting them better. That’s ok because the Republicans are also the big anti-drug pushers, so these sick people will have no way to die painlessly. Maybe this is just the way, since Paul was such a big advocate of suffering in the New Testament. Hmmm, if that’s the case, then why aren’t all these Christian-right people wanting to suffer, too?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
