At USA Today (link to the article is the title of this post) in the Faith and Reason section there is a somewhat unintelligible diatribe from Cathy Lynn Grossman. Is she equating Glenn Beck with Jeremiah Wright? Or is she trying to explain what Liberation Theology is? I'm all confused.
I've listened to Glenn Beck for about eight or nine months now (not every afternoon, but a goodly portion of them) and I have not heard anything from him even remotely close to the venom spewed out by Jeremiah Wright. The "explanation" of liberation theology only raises more questions than answers.
The "expert" she talked with, J. Kameron Carter, associate professor of Theology and Black Church Studies at Duke University Divinity School, said that it was only hermeneutics which he called "sunglasses." "It's all in the sunglasses that you wear when reading the Bible, not about whether you are right or wrong." (Loose paraphrase.)
Now, I have done a bit of study in hermeneutics and the basic, boiled down explanation is that you read the Bible literally and if that makes sense, you don't go looking for some other explanation. If it doesn't make sense, then you should apply cultural sense of the life and times and study elsewhere in Scripture to make sure scripture interprets scripture. That is a major key in Bible study anyway. So many "scholars" forget they are not the end-all of knowledge, and too many journalists don't check facts beyond the cursory one. I'm beginning to think most journalists went to the same school of ethics that Stephen Glass did.
I wrote a post called Obama's First 9 Months (the bottom portion came to be via a friend in Texas) which was mentioned in my termination letter from CASA-PRC, Inc. Isn't that interesting? Now, Grossman has implied that Beck had a "trashing Obama" agenda along with his message that America needs to get back to God.
Excuse me, but I've only heard Beck say things about Obama that are true which he backs up with audio or video clips catching him in the act so to speak. My question is how is that "trashing" Obama? Anyway...
It seems to me that the problem with the USA is exactly what Beck is saying, we MUST get on our knees and pray, we must turn from our wicked ways, we must repent and turn back to God. He has promised that He will hear and heal our land. Our battle is really not against flesh and blood, it is against the principalities of the spirit world and we must always remember this before we start slicing and dicing our fellow man.
The cow with 310 million udders
I laughed so hard yesterday when I heard Alan Simpson compare the Social Security system to a cow with 310 million tits. It was funny to hear, but the sad thing is it's true.
Then he had to apologize to the White House (who accepted his apology) for the truth. What is that madness all about? Why did he have to apologize??? What was truly wrong with what he said? There are so many Americans who are on Social Security, who depend upon it to pay their electric bills and such. They can't find work because the economy is so bad. So who is to blame?
I heard (wasn't watching, but listening) on Tuesday that the solution to our economic woes is to "spend our way out"!! Now only Obama who is blaming Bush for the economic crises two years into his term would say that out of one side of his mouth and then blame him for spending too much money! After all he was Senator when the idea for a Bailout spending bill came up and he voted for it. There is enough blame to go around and it is time that everyone stand up and do something about it, don't you think? Quit blaming and go back to the laissez faire economic policy. That means let capitalism take over and balance the economy. We would go into a mild depression and then the economy would right itself. Government is way too big. Uh oh! I've probably been tagged as a radical... so sue me and take all my money. Wait a minute, I don't have any. I spent it all on my education and that has gotten me no where fast. No one wants a half century old woman with no figure and doesn't giggle anymore.
Then he had to apologize to the White House (who accepted his apology) for the truth. What is that madness all about? Why did he have to apologize??? What was truly wrong with what he said? There are so many Americans who are on Social Security, who depend upon it to pay their electric bills and such. They can't find work because the economy is so bad. So who is to blame?
I heard (wasn't watching, but listening) on Tuesday that the solution to our economic woes is to "spend our way out"!! Now only Obama who is blaming Bush for the economic crises two years into his term would say that out of one side of his mouth and then blame him for spending too much money! After all he was Senator when the idea for a Bailout spending bill came up and he voted for it. There is enough blame to go around and it is time that everyone stand up and do something about it, don't you think? Quit blaming and go back to the laissez faire economic policy. That means let capitalism take over and balance the economy. We would go into a mild depression and then the economy would right itself. Government is way too big. Uh oh! I've probably been tagged as a radical... so sue me and take all my money. Wait a minute, I don't have any. I spent it all on my education and that has gotten me no where fast. No one wants a half century old woman with no figure and doesn't giggle anymore.
Embryonic stem cell research blocked by judge
Hallelujah!! That's one giant baby step for embryos. The major problem now is that these tiny humans are either frozen or being destroyed. That just sets my heart to crying. I've said this before and I'll say it again. God would never design cures for diseases to come from the death on innocents, which is what this is.
On a side note: I am beginning to think that every reporter and journalist is having fact-checking problems. In Pete Yost's article about the blocking of embryonic stem cell research, he says, "Stem cell research holds the potential to address some of the most difficult areas in the medical field — from spinal cord injury to diabetes to Parkinson's, which all have resisted traditional treatment." He gives no reference, no back up for the statement. It just lays there with no teeth, yet, someone will pick up this article and use it as prooftext of their agenda that embryonic stem cells actually will be the answer to all our disease woes including curing the common cold. Poppycock.
Okay, I won't beat a dead horse, but certainly we need to put on our bullcrap detecting glasses so that we can see news reports clearly.
On a side note: I am beginning to think that every reporter and journalist is having fact-checking problems. In Pete Yost's article about the blocking of embryonic stem cell research, he says, "Stem cell research holds the potential to address some of the most difficult areas in the medical field — from spinal cord injury to diabetes to Parkinson's, which all have resisted traditional treatment." He gives no reference, no back up for the statement. It just lays there with no teeth, yet, someone will pick up this article and use it as prooftext of their agenda that embryonic stem cells actually will be the answer to all our disease woes including curing the common cold. Poppycock.
Okay, I won't beat a dead horse, but certainly we need to put on our bullcrap detecting glasses so that we can see news reports clearly.
Gay Marriage False Facts
This article/column written by Frank Turek, author of Correct, NOT Politically Correct, is extremely eye-opening concerning the ruling of Judge Walker who recently stalled California's Proposition 8.
The fact that the voters of California turned out and voted yes for this proposition which defines marriage as one man and one woman among other things says a lot about the feelings of American in general concerning homosexual marriages.
Turek is correct that most people do not understand the literal impact that this liberal judge is wielding against America. He is, in essence, that judges know better and the people go hang.
Proposition 8 in no way forestalls the 14th Amendment. Down through the ages, American people have not been open to same sex marriages. What right does any judge have to rule that "that time has passed"? The people of California say that it has NOT passed and that they consider a marriage to be normal with all the rights and privileges if it is between one man and one woman. It should remain so, especially since our country was founded upon Christian principles, the Holy Bible and by Christian men and women. We are still a Christian nation.
I have heard it often said that you can't legislate morality. I have often said, "Poppycock!" to that and am well-pleased that Turek says the same thing in his column.
I suggest you read his column. It is very well thought out and he presents some extremely good logic in his arguments against Judge Walker's ruling.
The fact that the voters of California turned out and voted yes for this proposition which defines marriage as one man and one woman among other things says a lot about the feelings of American in general concerning homosexual marriages.
Turek is correct that most people do not understand the literal impact that this liberal judge is wielding against America. He is, in essence, that judges know better and the people go hang.
Proposition 8 in no way forestalls the 14th Amendment. Down through the ages, American people have not been open to same sex marriages. What right does any judge have to rule that "that time has passed"? The people of California say that it has NOT passed and that they consider a marriage to be normal with all the rights and privileges if it is between one man and one woman. It should remain so, especially since our country was founded upon Christian principles, the Holy Bible and by Christian men and women. We are still a Christian nation.
I have heard it often said that you can't legislate morality. I have often said, "Poppycock!" to that and am well-pleased that Turek says the same thing in his column.
I suggest you read his column. It is very well thought out and he presents some extremely good logic in his arguments against Judge Walker's ruling.
Steven Slater's goat was got
Steven Slater’s anger taking off? Where is your goat tied up?
Steven Slater has done the thing that millions of workers have at one time or another wanted to do, dreamed about doing. One has to wonder if that one moment of intense venting is actually worth it. This incident is actually mild compared to other frustrated workers’ reactions. The violence spurred by lack of self-control fanned into flames by irresponsible bosses coined the American slang, going postal. But that term is usually associated with job-related murders and mass murders.
Getting hit in the head with heavy luggage without an apology wasn’t what got Slater’s goat. It’s getting hit in the head hundreds of times, it’s the rudeness, it’s the absence of “thank you”, it’s the lack of being appreciated by the company you work for and those you work with, then add to the pressure cooker the fact that your Mom has lung cancer and the mix is volatile as Slater proved. One could almost surmise that this kind of behavior would happen sooner or later, IF one knew all the particulars, such as compensation including bonus plans and benefits as well as incentives, working conditions and on and on. All those things factor into why a person melts down. It was reported that Slater was a recovering alcoholic. So, is the passenger to blame for his falling off the wagon when he snatched the beers from the airplane fridge? I’m not condoning his actions. On the contrary, I deplore them because his job was a flight attendant and that necessarily means handling wayward, disgruntled, fearful and sometimes mean passengers. It is part of the job. He has zero excuse for his actions. But, 4therapy.com lists considerable reasons why he’ll probably not pay for his actions.
What is at work here is the inability to handle mounting frustrations and stress. Slater’s mom said in an ABC report that she might have even done worse that her son did. Well, she would know more about the situation than what has been reported so far.
I overhead a young woman tell my pastor the other night, “I’ve decided he won’t get my goat because I won’t tell him where it’s tied up.” I thought this an amazing decision and very pithy.
Which brought a question or two to mind that I’ve been pondering for quite some time: Do we Christians tie our goats to our belts and drag them behind us everywhere we go? Does the blatant display of our goats make us easy targets? Is this why our tender feelings get bruised so easily when someone expresses an opinion contrary to our own?
For some reason, there is some erroneous thinking that we Christians are supposed to be these suffering martyrs, accepting everything thrown at us without a peep of aggravation or complaint. Of course in a perfect world, we do accept it and we try to be content in whatever condition we find ourselves, just as Paul teaches. But, seriously…
The man after God’s own heart was quite vocal with his indignation. Look at some of the things he said:
For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is engulfing ruin; their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue. 10 O God, hold them guilty; let them fall from their own counsels. Drive them away in the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against You.
Admittedly, those who had transgressed against David had done so robustly against God as well. Anyone who messes with God’s children, messes with God. He gets rather perturbed at those who attack His children who are going about His business. We see this clearly in Psalm 5:4 For You are not a God enjoying wickedness; nor shall evil live with You. 5 The boasters shall not set themselves before Your eyes. You hate all workers of iniquity. 6 You shall destroy those speaking lies; Jehovah will despise the man of blood and deceit.
(Reprinted from Everyday Christian post, Wednesday, August 11, 2010)
Steven Slater has done the thing that millions of workers have at one time or another wanted to do, dreamed about doing. One has to wonder if that one moment of intense venting is actually worth it. This incident is actually mild compared to other frustrated workers’ reactions. The violence spurred by lack of self-control fanned into flames by irresponsible bosses coined the American slang, going postal. But that term is usually associated with job-related murders and mass murders.
Getting hit in the head with heavy luggage without an apology wasn’t what got Slater’s goat. It’s getting hit in the head hundreds of times, it’s the rudeness, it’s the absence of “thank you”, it’s the lack of being appreciated by the company you work for and those you work with, then add to the pressure cooker the fact that your Mom has lung cancer and the mix is volatile as Slater proved. One could almost surmise that this kind of behavior would happen sooner or later, IF one knew all the particulars, such as compensation including bonus plans and benefits as well as incentives, working conditions and on and on. All those things factor into why a person melts down. It was reported that Slater was a recovering alcoholic. So, is the passenger to blame for his falling off the wagon when he snatched the beers from the airplane fridge? I’m not condoning his actions. On the contrary, I deplore them because his job was a flight attendant and that necessarily means handling wayward, disgruntled, fearful and sometimes mean passengers. It is part of the job. He has zero excuse for his actions. But, 4therapy.com lists considerable reasons why he’ll probably not pay for his actions.
What is at work here is the inability to handle mounting frustrations and stress. Slater’s mom said in an ABC report that she might have even done worse that her son did. Well, she would know more about the situation than what has been reported so far.
I overhead a young woman tell my pastor the other night, “I’ve decided he won’t get my goat because I won’t tell him where it’s tied up.” I thought this an amazing decision and very pithy.
Which brought a question or two to mind that I’ve been pondering for quite some time: Do we Christians tie our goats to our belts and drag them behind us everywhere we go? Does the blatant display of our goats make us easy targets? Is this why our tender feelings get bruised so easily when someone expresses an opinion contrary to our own?
For some reason, there is some erroneous thinking that we Christians are supposed to be these suffering martyrs, accepting everything thrown at us without a peep of aggravation or complaint. Of course in a perfect world, we do accept it and we try to be content in whatever condition we find ourselves, just as Paul teaches. But, seriously…
The man after God’s own heart was quite vocal with his indignation. Look at some of the things he said:
For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is engulfing ruin; their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue. 10 O God, hold them guilty; let them fall from their own counsels. Drive them away in the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against You.
Admittedly, those who had transgressed against David had done so robustly against God as well. Anyone who messes with God’s children, messes with God. He gets rather perturbed at those who attack His children who are going about His business. We see this clearly in Psalm 5:4 For You are not a God enjoying wickedness; nor shall evil live with You. 5 The boasters shall not set themselves before Your eyes. You hate all workers of iniquity. 6 You shall destroy those speaking lies; Jehovah will despise the man of blood and deceit.
David pleads with God because of my enemies, make straight Your way before me and lead me in Your righteousness. David was wary of his enemies getting his goat. He looked to the One who could keep things in perspective, and guide him through the dark valley into the sunshine. Perhaps, goat protecting is not just God’s job, though. It should be a joint venture between God and us. We must make the deliberate decision to keep our goat and not to handily display it for all to see and covet.
It is okay to raise your complaint to God. He knows your heart anyway. David did it frequently and, it is supposed, that he recognized the good that came from it. Pouring out all that ire, hurt, despair, doubt, unforgiveness, stubbornness, bitterness, and confusion will do several things for you.
You will be able to articulate exactly what has got you so upset. Then you can consider whether it is crucially important to do something about, or whether it is something that you can set behind you just as God puts our sins behind His back never to be thought of again. After the outburst is over, and the tears have been wiped away, you can then consider the next step in a more calm state of mind. This is critical because all that bad stuff blows toward God rather than on your loved ones. This is a major achievement because God can actually do something about the trouble in your heart, whereas, your loved ones don’t have that kind of power.
This leads to another vital point which is that God cannot be tempted to sin by all our hurtful bitterness and anger, but our loved ones can be moved to exasperation beyond control. It is always best to get rid of it. Make that decision for it to never sit and fester like an untreated sore. Once it is out in the open between you and God, then determine not to wallpaper your mind with it again. You must redecorate your mind with wholesome things rather than unwholesome things. That is not a simple thing to do.
That is why God is such a great baby buggy bumper. God will absorb it for us. We can bounce anything off Him and He is none the worse for wear. If we try that with our friends and loved ones, we never know if we have nicked or pricked them with our own hurt. If we aim it toward passengers or clients as Steven Slater did, then a few moments of anger impacts our future chance of income and the frustration remains to fester. Only God will never allow anything to happen to us beyond what we can withstand. He is the escape hatch, if we only will utilize it.
Psalm 55:16 I, even I, will call to God, and Jehovah will save me. 17 Evening and morning, and at noon, I will pray and cry aloud; and He shall hear my voice. 18 He has delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me; for there were many with me.
Psalm 141:10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets together, while I escape.
When someone finds your goat and steals it, then first listen to God’s voice as He says, “Peace. Be still.” Say the first ten words of the LORD’s prayer. Pour out every bit of your ire, bitterness, hurt, unforgiveness, and stubbornness before Him. Every time you think of what has hurt you, pray one of David’s prayers. Trust God to vindicate you. He absolutely will. You may never know it or hear of it, but He will. Know that others are watching how you handle the situation and judging Jesus by your responses. Is that fair? Of course not, but nothing in this life is really fair. We’ll have to wait until Heaven for that.
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