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Good morning!
On this day in 1948: President Harry S. Truman narrowly won re-election over Republican challenger Thomas E. Dewey.
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back to top214 Comments to “Whirled Views 11.2”
Cant help but think a that just a few years later lotsa young men in the frozen hills of Korea were regretting that re-election!
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Virginia folks, Does Creigh Deeds have a snowball’s chance in hell? Without BHO atop the ticket, lotsa reliable Dem voters are probably gonna sit this one out.
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Harry Truman – Chicago (1975)
America needs you, Harry Truman
Harry could you please come home
Things are looking bad
I know you would be mad
To see your favorite men
Prevail upon the land you love
America’s wondering, how we got here
Harry all we get is lies
We’re gettin’ safer cars
Rocket ships to mars
From men who’d sell us out
To get themselves a piece of power
We’d love to hear you speak your mind
In plain and simple ways
Call a spade a spade
Like you did back in the days
You would play piano
Each morning walk a mile
Speak of what was going down
With honesty and style
America’s calling, Harry Truman
Harry you know what to do
The world is turnin’ round and losin’ lots of ground
Oh Harry is there something we can do to save the land we love
America’s calling, Harry Truman
Harry you know what to do
The world is turnin’ round
And losin’ lots of ground
Harry is there something we can do to save the land we love
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Harry Truman was a little man who fell into a big job. Fortunately, Harry grew into the job and did better than Roosevelt would have done.
Roosevelt was a sick man and should have never been elected to a fourth term. (I think not a third term, but for a different reason.)
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Chas
Good morning. I’ve responded to you in yesterday’s thread. Here’s a thought for today regarding the presidents.
“He changes times and seasons,
deposes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to those who have understanding.”
Daniel 2:21
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Yesterday our pastor preached a good sermon on “Handling Mistreatment Correctly”. For some reason, I thought of some of you during the sermon. He used Joseph and his experiences as his text.
If we think about it, we see that there was hardly anyone in the Bible more mistreated than Joseph. Even Job, David, nor Jeremiah didn’t suffer the constant mistreatment that Joseph had.
His brothers faked his death and sold him into slavery. He didn’t want to be a slave, but the LORD was with him. Then he was framed and thrown into prison for assault on the boss’ wife. But the LORD was with him. Then, he arranged for Pharoah’s cup bearer to spring him from the dungeon. But the cup bearer forgot him for two years. Joseph surely didn’t want to stay in that dungeon, “But the LORD was with him.”
The point is, for his brothers, Potipher’s wife, the cupbearer, Joseph had every right to be angry. But he left vindication to God. There is no indication that Joseph tried to “get even” with anyone.
God had a purpose for getting Joseph into Egypt. Gen. 50:20 “You meant to harm me, but God intended it for good.” But Joseph didn’t fully understand God’s plan. Not even Joseph understood what God intended to do. The point is:
It’s God’s business to make right those things that seem wrong. We may never understand it, just as Joseph didn’t. Not everyone will come out on top as Joseph did. But “We know that all things work together for good to them who love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.”
We get into trouble when we make mistreatment a personal matter. There is nothing anywhere that says we should tolerate mistreatment. But there is much against nursing grudges and vengeance.
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Sawgunner – no snowballs in that hot place and I don’t see any pigs in the trees. The question is, how big will McDonnell win. If I were in the losing Party, though, I’d probably still vote for the loser in order to lessen that margin. Now I think it’s just a ground game in getting people to the polling places. The weather forecast looks good.
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Day three since good Christian NJLawyer falsely accused Jon Rowe of supporting pedophiles.
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Our Brazilian foreign exchange student had never heard of The Wizard of Oz. So we sat down and watched it with her last night (me editing, balancing the check book and other chores from the couch), and I was caught several times by the cleverness of the story. I hadn’t sat all the way through it in years.
I’m happy to report the flying monkies didn’t traumatize me this year–but I was out of the room emptying the dishwasher when they first showed up . . .
Any other suggestions of classic films we should show this “sophisticated” 16-year-old Twilight fan?
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Travis – I have to say that I love your lyrical posts. Very apt and thought-provoking.
SteveG – NJLawyer routinely issues false accusations, but that one is beyond the pale. I stayed out of it because I wasn’t sure I could control myself.
On a lighter note, we have a new Bishop in our diocese. He’s the former head of the Massachusetts Fire Chaplains and did a great deal of good work at Ground Zero after 9/11. Please wish him well in his new post.
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Michelle: try Serendipity (note extremely brief, very blurry female nudity) or 1776: The Musical.
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Splendid piece today in City Journal comparing Texas and California. Wow.. you can retire from a Cali state govt job and immediately start drawing 90% of your yearly base pay in retiremt.. at age 55!!!
Texas emerges very favorably compared to Schwarzneggerstan. Take time to read the City Journal article and share your thoughts. Cali has a sizable herd of un-necessary govt commissions and agencies which truly do belong in the Governmental Anachronism museum! Ahnuld wanted to eliminate some of them. Muscle man couldnt overcome the strength of govt unions.
Ironic aint it? Govt unions are actually all under something called the Service Employees International Union.
Could George Orwell done better at coming up with a bogus name not at all reflective of reality?
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The posting of accusatory comments directed at individuals has to stop, and stop now. Comment on the topics at hand and stop analyzing the motives of others or trying to be the judge and jury of how “Christian” someone is or is not.
And, SteveG, just as I warned Victoria over the weekend, stop dredging up controversies from other posts. It serves no purpose other than to inflame things on this blog, and is a tactic I will not tolerate, either. IOW: Mind your own business.
This serves as a warning to you “regulars.” If it takes banning every last one of you, I will in order to diminish the hostility here and open this forum up to others who are turned off by all the bickering and want to have a civil discussion.
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Today’s quote is a good lead in to the College Football results. Harry Truman barely won the Presidency, as Tychicus ekes out another digital s’more. Watch the calories, sir, as this is your third win. Both he and Travis Birkenstock got all seven games correct, but Tychicus was one point closer on the tiebreaker. I believe this is a first in the contest. (The actual Tenn vs So Car score was Tennessee winning 31-13. Tychicus predicted 23-13 and Travis 22-13. For his accuracy, Travis gets the consolation prize: one of my daughter’s delicious double chocolate brownies.
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MICHELLE: “The Sound of Music”, ‘Fiddler On The Roof’?
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We are totally fogged in this morning and my head is hurting. Hopefully, both will clear soon and then we will be off to the mountains for more firewood and then back to nimipuutimtki class. We are now officially under five months until hubbykins is done in BC. Unless I am miscounting. In which case, please, nobody set me straight.
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Chas, wise words (#6), sounds like you heard an excellent sermon.
I’ve been subscribing to a new daily email alert from a Matthew Henry site which delivers to your email each day a section of commentary from Henry on prayer. Yesterday’s struck me especially, for what it’s worth (fully quoted below):
“(On) Our uncharitableness towards our brethren, and unpeaceableness with our relations, neighbors, and friends, and perhaps injustice towards them:
“We have been very guilty concerning our brother; Genesis 42:21(ESV) for we have not pursued what makes for peace or for mutual upbuilding. Romans 14:19(ESV)
“We have been ready to judge our brother and to despise our brother, forgetting that we must shortly stand before the judgment seat of God. Romans 14:10(ESV)
“Contrary to the royal law of love, we have boasted and been arrogant, have been rude and insisted on our own way; have been irritable, have rejoiced at wrongdoing, 1 Corinthians 13:4-6(ESV) and been secretly glad at calamities. Proverbs 17:5(ESV)
“We have been conceited, provoking one another, envying one another, Galatians 5:26(ESV) when we should have considered how to stir up one another to love and good works. Hebrews 10:24(ESV)
“Our hearts have been closed against those who are in need; 1 John 3:17(ESV) and we have hidden ourselves from our own flesh. Isaiah 58:7(ESV) Indeed, perhaps our eye has looked grudgingly on our poor brother, Deuteronomy 15:9(ESV) and we have dishonored the poor. James 2:6(ESV)
“And if in anything we have transgressed and wronged our brother, 1 Thessalonians 4:6(ESV) if we have walked with falsehood, and our foot has hastened to deceit, Job 31:5(ESV) and if any spot has stuck to our hands, Job 31:7(ESV) Lord, discover it to us, that if we have done iniquity, we will do it no more. Job 34:32(ESV)”
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I was with the 2nd Marine Div. at Camp Lejuene during my time on active duty. Never got to Korea, although one of my reserve buddies did, and came home in a casket.
I have yet to hear of a war that ‘won’ anything except some time before another one started.
MARANATHA!
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It’s been 3 weeks and Annie Oakley the cat is doing well. Tess doesn’t like her much, wishes she’d go away, but I told her if she and Cowboy had been better at catching rodents we would not have had to take this drastic step. “Herding” a rat that’s managed to get into the house simply isn’t good enough.
As soon as I get her ID tag, I’ll escort her out into the backyard and show her the doggie door. I’ll worry about her, but she’s been an outdoor cat (all our cats growing up were indoor-outdoor as well) and if I want her to do serious “mousing,” she’ll need that freedom. Besides, she’d figure the doggie door out on her own eventually anyway.
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We had a close call yesterday. Upon coming out of church, I saw my kids running from door to door, looking for the owner of a kitten they were carrying. Cousin had told them to look for its owner and they and she were hoping I would relent and they could bring it home. I didn’t, they set it on the ground and it ran back to the yard where they had found it. The kitten is safer in town as a well fed stray than up here as coyote/dog/owl/hawk/eagle bait. The neighbors’ half grown kitten just disappeared last week.
On a brighter note, we have been able to let a couple of the dogs out the past few days and no chickens have been eaten or goats or sheep.
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DonnaJ, I’m glad you have a pet door, otherwise this is what you would have to look forward to with an indooor/outdoor cat.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpSJWzGVv78
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I believe it was Harry Truman that said that the White House was the finest prison a man could ask for. He also said if you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.
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KBells, that’s so funny! I sent the link to a friend of mine who’s a cat “diva.”
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What is Twilight? Other than what it really is? A book? A movie? A TV series? Is it good? Is it not so good? Seems like I have seen a book by that name and found it disconcerting in some way. But I know nothing about it other than what I just googled and found it was a book with plans for a movie so don’t know where it is in the process.
Anyway, since it appears to be some sort of romance and your Brazilian enjoys that: the Jane Austen movies? Ever After?
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I tend to engage in hyperbole for humorous purposes. So when I said that Mickey Maclean should be nominated for the Nobel Prize, I was exaggerating a bit, though given that the actual Nobel Prize organization actually nominated President Barak for the actual prize when he had not done anything to deserve it, they themselves engaged in hyperbole, though I don’t know if the Nobel people actually have a sense of humor.
After I was difficult (because I am a difficult person, as my wife could tell you), I think Mickey dealt with me in a positive and constructive way. I think I have avoided repeating my offense so far, despite my unpleasant tendency to see how close I can get to the line. I then requested that Mickey deal with people on all sides in a consistent manner. As far as I can see, I think he is doing so in a fair manner.
I will for now, avoid suggesting what the conservative Christians should do and leave it to Mickey to make those suggestions. Although we apparently do not have the same religious belief, SteveG and I are similar in some respects (besides both having the same first name), so I will ask Steve to cooperate with Mickey and follow his directions as far as conduct on this web site. SteveG, if you want to tell me to stick it in my ear, you can email me at eman_modnar@yahoo.com, though when it comes to being nasty in online communications I tend to be better [worse] than most other people here, so it would perhaps be best not to email me, or at least not to email me an insult.
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24. I’m wondering that too. My nieces and nephews were taking about it Saturday at the Halloween party.
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I’m the proud (and perplexed) owner of two Maine Coon tuxedo cats. Edmund and Lucy are littermates, and are named for the charcters in the Narnia books. (The personality traits fit.)
DonnaJ – your cats are “herding” the rat for a reason: cats play with their prey to see if it’s healthy before eating it. It’s frustrating, but they can’t help it. This is why our the tabby I had as a kid would insist on bringing birds into our house that hadn’t chirped their last yet. My parents’ house has cathedral ceilings in the living and dining rooms, which meant that a ladder had to be kept in the foyer closet for bird rescue missions. Poor Tiger probably thought his real name was DamnCat.
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I think Twilight might be one of those vampire novels that are so hot right now. But I’ll confess, my first thought was “Oh, a Twilight Zone fan” …. Ugh. I’m becoming old.
Thomas1, actually these were my sheepherding (border collie) dogs who were merely herding the rat. Making sure he stayed in this corner or that, I suppose. They seemed to work out a deal where they all co-existed quite happily, thank you.
I’ll expect more of the cat.
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Mumsee and KBells – Wikipedia has a good entry on Twilight which explains the popularity of the books, movies, etc with teens. I note with some amusement that Gothic fashion is enjoying a revival among teenagers.
It does help develop domestic engineering skills, though. My own nieces are learning how to get pizza sauce out of velvet.
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I read a quarter of Twilight last and put it down. It was simply boring. I tried reading it because the students were interested in it (mostly the girls). The actual prose and arrangement of words were “stiff”. It was like reading page after page of Facebook commentary. I figured the appeal was the notion of the sinster handsome guy with mystical powers and not the story itself.
OH
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Here’s a link to “Unhealthy obsession,” an excellent review of the first Twilight movie from a Christian perspective by WORLD’s Megan Basham.
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Peter L: Sorry, but I can’t take credit for winning the college football contest this time. You seem to have overlooked that I picked Navy to win over Temple, and I believe Temple edged Navy 27-24. Even with the one miss I thought I had it in the bag, until I scrolled down to see Travis’ late entry on Saturday (he must have received some late insider info
). So I’ll return the digital s’more for Travis, but as a consolation I wouldn’t mind one of your daughter’s double-chocolate brownies – that sounds delicious!
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Thomas1, I take it you named “Edmund” after the turkish taffy loving/mean to Lucy Edmund as opposed to the transformed Edmund.
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Thanks, Mickey, that is about what I gathered from the Wik site and others I looked at this morning, as well as when I saw the cover of the book somewhere. But it says it more clearly. Heads up, parents and others with loved ones in the teen and preteen age group.
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Cheryl D,
Thinking of you and yours at this time. May God give you all peace and good memories.
Make it Man,
You as well.
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Mr. Random Name –
Sir. Good morning. Hope the day finds you well and hopping happily about on your little island in the Pacific Northwest.
An afterthought regarding the comment I made to you yesterday – “It is refreshing to see you irritated.”
Your posts to me always seem to reflect a sort of calm indifference to things which others, including myself, find to be slightly more compelling. To post that you were “irritated” was the first time I’d ever really seen some “color” in your moral position. So I sarcastically mentioned it as I did, thinking you would more than likely understand it. In case you didn’t, I offer my explanation for the light-hearted sarcasm and repent of it as it certainly could have been taken the wrong way.
OH
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Mr. Random Name –
Sir. Good morning. Hope the day finds you well and hopping happily about on your little island in the Pacific Northwest.
An afterthought regarding the comment I made to you yesterday – “It is refreshing to see you irritated.”
Your posts to me always seem to reflect a sort of calm indifference to things which others, including myself, find to be slightly more compelling. To post that you were “irritated” was the first time I’d ever really seen some “color” in your moral position. So I sarcastically mentioned it as I did, thinking you would more than likely understand it. In case you didn’t, I offer my explanation for the light-hearted sarcasm and repent of it as it certainly could have been taken the wrong way.
OH
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Don’t know how the double post came to be!
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Tychicus: My bad! I overlooked your miscue in my hurry this morning. Congrats to Travis. Though his entry was a little late (I always forget to put a time limit), I don’t think any of the games were far enough along to make an accurate prediction, were they? So, take the brownie and leave the s’more for Travis. (Personally, I find the brownies better and less gooey). I was also wrong on what they are called. They are actually called Chocolate Chip Cookie-Brownies. Here is the recipe from her blog.
I think I may just offer these as the prize from now on. Perhaps we will get a few more entrants!
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#9 Michelle
Movies to understand why we Americans revolted against the British.
Braveheart Why the Scots and Irish hated the English.
Rob Roy How the English treated people, especially those they ruled.
The Last of the Mohicans (1992 Wide Screen edition required.) A good soliloquy by one of the colonists about why men should go fight the French and indians. Superb photography! Watch the meeting between the British general and the colonists, The English on the far left and the Americans on the far right followed by the Scots Major reporting for duty and his exchange with the English General; very interesting interplay between differing parts of Britain. The scenes with the pioneers in their log house, and later when the Hawkeye, Chingachgook, Uncas, and the Munro girls come upon the burned out house and dead pioneers. The cruelty of the indians to captives. (The colonists rose up when Burgoyne came down with indians from Canada.)
I realize these movies are all war movies, violent and bloody. But they do have swords… .
April Morning A Hallmark Hall of Fame TV movie. This shows how colonists felt about taxes, government and their rights.
The Patriot It makes American patriots look good and Tories look bad. Not fair but so what?
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@ HOPESPRINGS – Edmund is indeed mean to Lucy sometimes, and greedy at the food dish, and generally bad. However, he redeems himself over and over with repentance and cuteness. At 18 pounds, he’d better shape up and start being more consistent.
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I read all four Twilight books in succession over a period of four days. Or so… Then watched the first movie.
It was an enjoyable read, I thought, but I could only momentariy suspend disbelief over the impossible physics.
Anything decelerating or accelerating at those rates is going to have damage…..
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#9
If you’re looking for other iconic American movies, may I suggest:
It’s a Wonderful Life
Miracle on 34th Street
The Sound of Music
Mary Poppins
I’m sure other people can think of others. But, those came to mind.
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MIM
Anything decelerating or accelerating at those rates is going to have damage…
As is the course and fate of all things popular.
OH
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I figured the appeal was the notion of the sinster handsome guy with mystical powers and not the story itself.
******I agree. The “dark, handsome stranger” who will sweep a girl off her feet.
It’s an age-old story.
And, yes, most of the teen guys I know think it is silly “Sparkling vampires! LOL” But, many of the teen girls sigh over it.
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Nobody mentioned “Casablanca” and “The Third Man’?
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TRS, we guys never could figure out what made girsl sigh.
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There are four Twilight books? About vampires and humans? That sounds like the Harry Potter series.
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Well, Thomas1, at least you didn’t name him Eustace.
Michelle, I don’t know how “classic” you want to go, but there are some truly wonderful old classic movies. I agree with TRS and would add:
To Kill A Mockingbird
12 Angry Men
The African Queen
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Emma (newer)
Babette’s Feast (newer, but has subtitles)
Newsies (newer, musical)
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Chas 47
At the very least I can say “homework” as it pertains to the junior high ladies. Beyond that, I am clueless.
OH
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Twilight is a movie aimed at teens, with cute boys and over-dressed girls, that is aimed at annoying their parents. Nothing really new there.
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Mumsee
The Twilight series “pales” in comparison to the Potter series in terms of compelling writing. The prose in Twilight is as pasty white as the skin of the vampires themselves.
OH
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I often find myself irritated when I read comments at worldmagblg.
I often myself irritated when my wife says something critical to me.
She often says, “Don’t snap at me!” when I reply.
Nevertheless, we have managed to stay married for 43 years. In November we will pass 44 years. Even though we are both atheists.
Our motto is: “We are both too weird for anyone else to put up with. We might as well stay married.”
OH, I hope you find someone weird enough for you to marry.
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Ah, I’ve got to go to work, no time to comment. I’ll give you my take on the Twilight books and their appeal later. Yes, it is vampires, forbidden romance . . . and they are unendurable to read . . . first time twenty-something writer had a dream, wrote it up and got a $750K advance–unimaginable to us in the industry.
Great movie suggestions–I’m trying to give her a quality taste of American movies rather than the garbage that is shown everywhere . . .
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There seem to be two main threads of Christianity (among the thousands of other main threads).
One thread: the Bible is inerrant. Every thing in it is true.
Second thread: much of the Bible is spiritual and parable and has to be interpreted.
Those who hold to the first thread seem to predominate here. There are problems with this approach. One is they can’t seem to agree on what is supposed to be perfectly clear. Second, some of them get pretty nasty to my taste, with obsessions on sexuality, especially homosexuality, and a tendency to be unnecessarily intolerant. Not to mention a belief in miracles, which is very subjective.
There are problems with the second approach. It is very subjective. They are more tolerant, but perhaps too tolerant. Muslims who pretend to be friendly and tolerant may take advantage of them. Atheists who pretend to be friendly and tolerant may take advantage of them.
A third approach is to say both of these threads are incorrect. This may send the person into nihilism. Nihilism may send a person into suicide or into evil behavior.
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Michelle at 54,
No wonder most high school boys are going to be famous sports stars.
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Happy Anniversary to you and your wife, Random Name.
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OH,
My connection with Harry was the idea of quickly becoming a child/teen phenomona. I attempted to read some of the Potter books some years ago as I had foster kids interested in them. I determined it was not in their interest to spend much time on them as they undermined the value of a substitute parent (which was me) and gave the children false views of our relationship. I await Michelle’s take on the Twilight series. It sounds like yet another whitewashed tomb type of book, kids are thrilled with it and parents say, “at least my child is reading!” But is it teaching the type of character we want instilled in the next generation of Christians or American citizens?
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Random Name 11.02.09 AT 12:01 PM
There seem to be two main threads of Christianity (among the thousands of other main threads).
One thread: the Bible is inerrant. Every thing in it is true.
Second thread: much of the Bible is spiritual and parable and has to be interpreted.
-
Pastor Responds – Lets address this first – The God’s Word is both inerrant and is spiritual and parable and has to be interpreted. When it talks about sin and what is right and wrong is true. When God’s Word address Spiritual issues it again is true. An parable are to show the Truth of God’s Word in different ways.
A great example of the truth and the interpretation is the Rapture of the Church. God’s Word is clear it is going to happen the debate is when. Pre, mid or post.
Those who hold to the first thread seem to predominate here. There are problems with this approach. One is they can’t seem to agree on what is supposed to be perfectly clear. Second, some of them get pretty nasty to my taste, with obsessions on sexuality, especially homosexuality, and a tendency to be unnecessarily intolerant. Not to mention a belief in miracles, which is very subjective.
There are problems with the second approach. It is very subjective. They are more tolerant, but perhaps too tolerant. Muslims who pretend to be friendly and tolerant may take advantage of them. Atheists who pretend to be friendly and tolerant may take advantage of them.
A third approach is to say both of these threads are incorrect. This may send the person into nihilism. Nihilism may send a person into suicide or into evil behavior.
—
Now this — the key think to remember Random Name , homosexuality community are the ones forcing their views onto society and onto the church. That is why people are addressing the issues.
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Well, I liked
“Because of Winn Dixie”
and also
“Second-Hand Lions”.
Even though I tried to pretend to my wife that I was bored while we were watching the movie ‘Because of Winn Dixie’.
It was so embarassing when we were watching ‘Because of Winn Dixie’; I got something in my eyes that caused them to tear up a bit and I also had to blow my nose several times during the movie (sinus problems due to the weather)- all my nose blowing and wiping at my eyes had NOTHING at all to do with actually being emotionally affected by the movie or anything like that, of course, I hope you understand.
Why, just afterwards, just to show my wife that I was NOT at ALL affected by the movie, I grumped and stomped out on the front porch and tried to yell at the dogs for barking, and tried to threaten to shoot the whole lousy, no-good, worthless lot of them.
But there was a sort of lump or something in my throat, and so all I could do was kind of croak and squeak and wave my arms around in a ridiculous way.
And so the dogs paid even less attention then usual to me and kept barking, like they always do.
And my wife just came up behind me and smiled and shook her head, as she always does.
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Paster Roy:
Now this — the key think to remember Random Name , homosexuality community are the ones forcing their views onto society and onto the church. That is why people are addressing the issues.
What is the meaning of the word “forcing.”
Your church does not have to marry homosexuals.
I don’t have time to address the other points you raise right now.
Thank you for your congratulations Hope Springs.
Also, my family and I are thankful at Thanksgiving. Many Christians are confused how atheists can be thankful if they are not thanking a God.
I guess you had to be there.
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Tychicus – thank you very much for coming forth and pointing out the error in the football contest scoring. I always applaud good sportsmanship!
Peter L – I appreciate you stepping up and running the contest in Anlir’s absence, and the fine prizes.
And FWIW, I made sure that I posted my entries to your contest on Saturday morning before the start of any of the games.
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Michelle,
A few titles that haven’t been mentioned yet:
Singin’ In the Rain
It Happened One Night
Some Like It Hot
All of them tell a story and contain witty dialogue. Singin’ In the Rain even throws in classic song-and-dance numbers as a bonus.
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Random Name 11.02.09 AT 12:30 PM
Paster Roy:
Now this — the key think to remember Random Name , homosexuality community are the ones forcing their views onto society and onto the church. That is why people are addressing the issues.
What is the meaning of the word “forcing.”
Your church does not have to marry homosexuals.
I don’t have time to address the other points you raise right now.
Thank you for your congratulations Hope Springs.
Also, my family and I are thankful at Thanksgiving. Many Christians are confused how atheists can be thankful if they are not thanking a God.
I guess you had to be there.
–
Let see they are demanding Christian Church to change their teaching on the sin’s of homosexuality.
Just look at the Churches that are losing memeber over the changing the treaching and views of homosexuality.
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Like the song goes, “Give ‘em H*ll, Mickey!”
err, I mean Harry…
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Sawgunner – “Virginia folks, Does Creigh Deeds have a snowball’s chance in hell? Without BHO atop the ticket, lotsa reliable Dem voters are probably gonna sit this one out.”
President did his part for the party and came here to Old Dominion University to campaign for Deeds. But even with that piece of heavy artillery, Deeds” campaign didn’t stand a chance. Whe you come out of the gate running anegative attack ads for over half of the campaign, you ‘re on shaky political ground.
The President’s hand giveth and it taketh away when a white House “leaks” that you have run a bad campaign and have no one to blame but yourself. That was the kiss of death and the president cut him loose.
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klasko 11.02.09 AT 12:42 PM
Sawgunner – “Virginia folks, Does Creigh Deeds have a snowball’s chance in hell? Without BHO atop the ticket, lotsa reliable Dem voters are probably gonna sit this one out.”
President did his part for the party and came here to Old Dominion University to campaign for Deeds. But even with that piece of heavy artillery, Deeds” campaign didn’t stand a chance. Whe you come out of the gate running anegative attack ads for over half of the campaign, you ‘re on shaky political ground.
The President’s hand giveth and it taketh away when a white House “leaks” that you have run a bad campaign and have no one to blame but yourself. That was the kiss of death and the president cut him loose
–
Klasko could it be that the
President support was the kiss of death?
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In Canton, we have an independent running for President of the City Counsel. She does not want to represent either party plus she is proposing cutting the salaries of all the politicians. The Lady has my vote.
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drill 60:
Good movie suggestions here, both old and new.
At the park this morning I had my Bible with me and was going over some of the notes again from yesterday’s sermon and Q&A session afterward. (We’re going through the 10 Commandments, we began the 6th yesterday.)
Our pastor suggested that it’s very easy to (outwardly) appear very pious in our relationship with God — reading our Bibles, going to church, praying. No one can see beyond our outward actions or see whether our hearts are regenerate or not.
But it is in our relationships with others that our true selves (what lies in our hearts) often come out. So in that context he suggested that the way we treat each other is something of a “litmus” test for our spiritual condition. We can’t think our relationship with God is “OK” if our relationships are not right with others.
The discussion also warned about holding a malicious disposition. While we may rightly note that someone is wrong or is acting like a “fool,” we need to be careful here. We need to operate in the “field of mercy and not in the field of justice” when it comes to others.
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So Annie Oakley has discovered the many birds and bees that inhabit the bush right outside the living room window. She’s mesmerized.
Good thing there’s a tight screen on that window. It’s heartening to see her little hunting instincts perking up (not that I want any birds to go down, but as for those pesky rodents … All’s fair.)
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# 60: Drill likes chick flicks, just like me!
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Roger!
“Chick” flicks? This is unbecoming of your otherwise mostly gentlemanly blog demeanor!
OH
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Pastor Roy – “Klasko could it be that the President support was the kiss of death?”
Could be, but Deeds was already checking out of this race before the president endorsed him.
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Michelle – another American History story that keeps coming to mind is the John Adams series. (HBO was it?)
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Thanks for the WM link to the review of Twilight above in #31 — believe it or not, some of my late 20s- and 30-something female colleagues have also mentioned being somewhat “swept away” by the books.
Nothing new under the sun, Dracula lives. Seems like some of the more modern film renditions (from the 1980s and ’90s) have stressed the vampire’s irresistible appeal to women as central to the tale based on that much older book.
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Mums
Potter series. There’s gold if you dig deep enough. I read all 7. The theme?
“The last enemy to be defeated is death.” 1 Cor. 15:26. It appears briefly on an epitaph in a cemetery in the last book but is actually, in my opinion, the whole point of the entire series. Love, not magic, conquering all, even death. Potter reads the inscription but does not understand it at first. The final chapter there is resurrection and the defeat of death.
As far as Harry as an orphan, it wasn’t parental neglect, but parental love and sacrifice which preserves Harry’s life. His parents died saving Harry’s life. His parents play a significant role throughout the story. As Harry matures, we see he is far more moved by his love for them than his knowledge of magic. Harry is endeared to them and their memory, much more so than his “magical powers”. Love pervades Rowling’s epic series, love far more than magic. Magic is just like any technology is the way I see it treated in the stories. Love is the overarching metanarrative; able to defeat death.
OH
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#76
Totally in agreement.
In addition, while she is Liberal is some respects, Rowling is a Christian, and she makes no bones (now that it’s over) that the series is permeated by Christian symbolism and themes.
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There’s a book called Finding God in Harry Potter (or something very similar). It pointed out a lot of Christian themes in the books.
As for Twilight & the other vampire books & movies & such, I recently read a blog entry on this subject that Christianity Today linked to. The writer reminded her readers of how sacred blood is in the Bible, & said that she feels the emphasis of drinking blood in vampire stories is unholy.
She also did not appreciate the idea of the “undead”, being like a false resurrection.
And she quoted an interview with the Twilight author, Stephanie Meyers (?), in which she (the author) writes about not only having the novels come to her in a dream, but also the way the characters “talked” to her in her waking hours. It was pretty creepy.
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On the evolution is limited front, “junk” DNA contains limitations for reproduction.
“http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026220018.htm”
My prediction is that most “junk” DNA is not infact junk, and will contain many limiting mechanisms on evolution. (This is a prediction).
In other news, I heard a good comment on the news this weekend regarding why the economy has jumped up around 10k, something I hadnt thought of before.
Basically since the tax incentives end in the comming year, money is being funneled for this year, thus boosting the market now, for what will inevitably be another crash when taxes go back up.
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The SOUND OF MUSIC would be a great MOVIE to watch.
What about the LONG, LONG TRAILER with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz?
And the MUSIC MAN?
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A company here is closing–23,000 employees will be out of work. They are moving it overseas.
Will more companies bail because they forsee the future of healthcare?
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“Basically since the tax incentives end in the comming year, money is being funneled for this year, thus boosting the market now, for what will inevitably be another crash when taxes go back up. “
Yupper…
Dead cat bounce. I expect another crash. Perhaps I should think about pulling money out before it happens….
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Rowling goes way over the line of liberal – As far as being a Christian, the following should answer that question.
J.K. Rowling Reveals ‘Harry Potter’ Character Dumbledore Is Gay
The last two paragraphs of the article “J.K. Rowling Outs Hogwarts Character” … tell us just what ROWLING is up to, why would an adult would want children to “question authority” ? So we can be sure that kids should be tolerant of sin, and question authority?
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,303760,00.html
And this coming from a Christian? – – No – witchcraft, urging kids to question authority, homosexuality, that is not coming from the Word of GOD, but from the darkest side of the occult.
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Our water/refuse will be charging us more. We have been promised 2 or 3 raises in our bills soon. It sounds like it is related to stimulus money.
Also the gov’t is threatening a coal plant (owned by Native Americans) that pumps water uphill to the valley. If they shut down, I’m sure there will be more hikes.
When this admin. is finished with us we will work directly for them just like in Cuba.
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news2me 11.02.09 AT 2:15 PM
The SOUND OF MUSIC would be a great MOVIE to watch.
–
once you go see where the events of the movie took place. you will leave say the movie missed the mark
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As far as interpreting witchcraft into things, one could make a pretty good case for it existing in “Marry Poppins”.
You look hard enough for something in any sort of fiction, you’ll find it.
Fiction is fiction. And in that we should be careful in deriving any sort of truth from it. It is possible to do so in any good story but the bottom line is that no fictional tale, however delightful or inspiring it may be, should be the primary source for truth. 2 Timothy says that in the latter times people will turn to “fables” and turn away from sound doctrine.
I believe its possible to “plunder the Egyptians” when it comes to literature and look for the nuggest of truth which inform them. No literature should ever be introduced to children without adult guidance and interpretation.
I fully believe that in the worst of stories, truth can be found so long we recognize the source of truth stands outside and above the stories we enjoy.At some point from childhood to adulthood, youth is going to have to grapple with truth and falsehood. Fiction is a good place to start.
OH
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I fear children watching FOX NEWS far more than reading J.K. Rowling.
OH
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That Brian Kilmeade guy is very scary.
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“Perhaps I should think about pulling money out before it happens….”
I’m thinking i’ll wait to add to my deferred comp, until after it crashes as well.
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Victoria 11.02.09 AT 2:41 PM
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20
—
that is our Nation
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That’s a good point OH, my parents read LOTR to us when we were kids. We did not read it alone at a young age.
I think its important for parents to understand the strengths and weaknesses of their kids and how well their kids discern and the things they need to be discipled on.
Kids vary on when they gain better discernment and in which areas.
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I say that out of first hand experience with some students of mine who watch FOX and the attitude that always accompanies, “Mr. Ray, last night, they said on Fox News as if that was the final say in the matter.
Such a presentation of “news” inculcating young minds into thinking this is the only way to view the world is a bit disconcerting in my opinion.
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Harry Potter – the passage fits:
They confound and overthrow distinctions between good and evil. They prefer their own reasonings to Divine revelations; their own devices to the counsels and commands of God. Matthew Henry
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Ok Victoria – Point blank time, Madam.
You think I’ve got this agenda or purpose in turning members of this blog away from the truth of Scripture. You are now obviously insinuating I’m doing it now.
You may think whatever you wish to think and post whatever you wish to post.
But you are dead wrong about my intentions. Your posts are legalistic, void of any desire or willingness to hear any other position other than your own. They are filled with arrogance, self-righteous, self-agrandizements and are as void of true understanding as any could possibly be in regards to what you think I’m attempting to do, say, think or feel.
If you believe that what I write is calling evil good and good evil, you are incredibly, horribly and utterly completely misunderstanding the thoughts and intentions of my posts which you so often claim you ignore.
Witchcraft is evil. Sorcery is evil. Homosexuality, pride, arrogance, haughtiness, love of money, leading little ones astray are also evil. Sin is sin and I’ve never insinuated that anything that is contrary to Scripture is NOT evil.
My point about literature, especially controversial literature, is that it requires parental supervision and a discernment of spirit. I do not carte blanche endorse Potter and do not condemn those who do nor do not. Not every youth should or could read them. I will say though that fictional literature, with deliberate and intentional involvement with a parent or teacher is a wonderful way to safely prepare young minds to grapple with truth and falsehood that will inevitably confront them as they get older.
So Victoria, whether you choose to admit it or not, you are once and for all WRONG about what my intentions are and what I believe.
OH
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OH,
You watch the nightly news, you’ll find out which sites are free for porn :\ So I understand your point very much.
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Travis, #89. You scare too easily. It’s Gretchen Carlson who scares me.
Also, Megyn Kelly. 
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Victoria: she might still be Christian. I think SteveG, for example, supports homosexuality. I understand that “liberal Christians” do. I, of course, think they’re wrong, but I also think they’re still saved.
On the “Dumbledore is gay” note: I’ve read the books several times through, and he never struck me as such. I think she pulled it out of her you-know-what to get extra publicity. I still really like her books.
Twilight is a semi-disturbing tale of sparkly (?!?) vampire romance. I mean… he breaks into her house to watch her sleep, he’s what… 107 years old? He’s dead …ewww.
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Thank you, OH. Victoria can’t figure out why other posters dislike her posts. Your 4th paragraph outlines exactly why you don’t, and I agree with every word.
For Victoria directly re: your post at 83… Christ questioned authority all the time. Children should be taught that the most appropriate question is “Why?”. Does this automatically equate to spoiled brattitude? Perhaps in your world. But an inquisitive child with an agile mind is precious in mine, and I would be loathe to raise a dittohead who had blind respect for authority, whether such authority be legitimate or not.
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“Harry Potter – the passage fits”
This may be so, but that does not mean it would not be worth reading.
I havent read the potter series, I think it marketed to the 10 year olds, rather than the late teens, and I have a problem with that.
I am currently reading the Wheel of Time series, which I would recommend if you are an LOTR fan. The Inheritance Series is also pretty good, esp for teens, even though it invokes Star Wars as far as plot, quite often.
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Thomas1 11.02.09 AT 3:02 PM
Thank you, OH. Victoria can’t figure out why other posters dislike her posts. Your 4th paragraph outlines exactly why you don’t, and I agree with every word.
—
what is wrong with Victoria posting?
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Thorn
This present darkness and Piercing the darkness?
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sorry
Thorn – have you read
This present darkness and Piercing the darkness?
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Plus, the main character strikes me as a Mary Sue type. (In Twilight.) And I’ve heard a joke that if you remove all the type about Edward’s perfect body, gorgeous hair, sparkly skin (?!?), etc. the first book in particular is only about 1/3 as long.
Victoria: I agree with OH. I read Harry Potter. I like the fantasy and science fiction genres in general. I celebrated Halloween on Saturday. I play D&D. None of this makes me evil. I seem to remember Paul being very clear on this issue. OH is right about parental supervision and discernment of spirit.
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I don’t have a clue as to what your purpose is, I don’t think about what you do or why you do it. I don’t insinuate anything.
Mumsee brought Potter up #48 – TRS brought it up #77 –
Your belief that I think about what you post isn’t true or your “intentions” is incorrect.
My posts reflect my beliefs -
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KLASKO, before I forget, I want you to know that I’ll be with you in spirit Thurs. on the Capitol steps, and praying for a convincing turn-out that makes the fence-sitters take notice, as well as encouraging the Dems with enough backbone not to be intimidated by Pelosi and 0bama’s political machine.
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For me, I can speak for no one else, your beliefs and your attitude toward what you perceive to be others’ beliefs. Yes. Those come across very strongly.
You didn’t comment about Potter until I brought up the notion that there might be something redeeming in the books. Then you suggested very strongly with your choice of verse that one of us was calling evil good and good evil. If that was not what your intentions were, my apologies. But that is sure what it sounded like, given our history of interaction on this blog.
You’ve called me a sock puppet in the past and have accused me of playing games and have felt the need to “warn” people about me. I doubt your sincerity in saying you do not claim to know what my agenda is. You sure come across as someone who thinks I have one. But if you tell me you do not, I will believe you until I see otherwise.
Thanks for a rather gentle and kind respose.
OH
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Hi all. Nothing new, just saying hey as I find it hard to jump into conversations when postings are above 100. It takes too much time to scroll down using my cell phone.
Here’s something new: creating a rice dish with what was available. It’s a huge departure from what I do, because it involves a can and it is baked, not stove top.
Long Grain brown rice in a 9×13 baking dish, sprayed with olive oil spray.
progresso lentil soup
what was left of the salsa
2 C hot water mixed with beef base
I threw in leftover cooked/chopped spinach
dotted with butter.
Covered with tin foil
baking slow 300 degree oven til done
will top with shredded cheddar later and bake a little while longer.
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Thorn
One could argue the meaning of “FOX” having to do with “news” is like the meaning of the name of the restaraunt chain that supposedly has something to do with owls.
OH
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If it’s yummy I’ll check in and tell you so.
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Pastor Roy,
I read Frank Peretti’s childrens series when I was a kid and loved his writing. I have not read any of his mature books, but I hope to one day. I’m poor with sitting down and reading. It took me 2 to 3 years to get through the first 11 Wheel of Time books…it’ll probably take me 3 to 4 months just to read the new one.
But yes, I like Peretti
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Haha, that took me a minute OH…but very funny
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OH,
A wurd to teh wize is ’nuff…
Just don’t go there.
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Thorn 11.02.09 AT 3:30 PM
Pastor Roy,
I read Frank Peretti’s childrens series when I was a kid and loved his writing. I have not read any of his mature books, but I hope to one day. I’m poor with sitting down and reading. It took me 2 to 3 years to get through the first 11 Wheel of Time books…it’ll probably take me 3 to 4 months just to read the new one.
But yes, I like Peretti
–
I was the same way but I can listen to the book on tape/cd
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OH
I don’t warn people about you, although you now make that accusation as well. Who have I warned?
Mumsee brought up Harry Potter #48 – I didn’t read your posts after hers until just now - I rarely read your posts. If you look back, I don’t post to you, I haven’t for a long time.
When I posted the piece in FOX News it was to TRS’s belief that Rowling is a Christian. TRS #77 -
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I will be clear I believe that the Church and the Christian who supports the GLBT Community are walking a very find line between been a servant of God and rejecting God’s Word.
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Thats a good idea Pastor, I do occasionally grab audio files for mp3..that would be better for me, as i use my mp3 player alot.
Although the audio cost for the Wheel of Time book was supposedly 17 cds and 45 bucks…vs 22 for the hardcover.
So dunno…maybe I can find used audio
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Peretti
When I first became a Christian, I read This Present Darkness. It turned out to be a stumbling block for me. I began to view almost any non-Christian organization as run by the devil. Everything was demonic and there were grand angelic fields of combat on every corner in which the outcome wasn’t necessarily clear.
I ended up talking more to my “guardian angels” and finding more fascination with angelic beings in general than I did Jesus. Since then, and especially since the advent of The Shack I am weary of fiction which extends what is revealed in Scripture beyond what we can know into an imaginary realm of man’s creation. And what ends up happening is we yearn for the fiction more than we do the reality.
Again, in my case, it was a matter of needing discipleship and grounding in the Word – someone to help me read and discern TPD. But I was on my own at the time. I thought TPD was basically in accordance with the truth of Scripture.
So its a good story, but we still must cautiously wade through the “fiction” with much discernment. 1 Corinthians does talk about there being folks with different levels of spiritual maturity who can handle partaking of food offered to idols with a clear conscience but that in such a liberty, we ought not to offend those who cannot.
Literature is our culture’s “meat offered to idols” from which spiritually mature may partake, but not at the expense of the weak. In other words, never carte blanche declare “Such-and-Such” is a good book/movie/t.v. show that “everyone” should read/watch it.
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Thorn
I get my book on tape from the library,
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“When I posted the piece in FOX News it was to TRS’s belief that Rowling is a Christian.”
So are you saying that she’s not because she included a possible gay character?
Should christians leave them out of books? Or is it okay for their books to reflect reality to some extent?
Is it okay to include examples of Isaiah 5:20 in a fictional setting to show how that can come about?
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oohhhh…i forgot we had those Pastor
haha
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Victory
Pax, Madam. You have explained yourself. You are vindicated in my mind. The slate is clean. I understand your perpsectives and according to you, I have misjudged the intentions of your posts, the very selfsame thing of which I accused you. My apologies. We can now resume our regularly scheduled ignoring of one another.
Forgiveness?
OH
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Sorry – “Victoria” not “Victory”.
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MIM
I’ve been a few places today. Where dost thou believeth I have trespassed?
OH
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BY Thorn 11.02.09 AT 3:46 PM
oohhhh…i forgot we had those Pastor haha
–
I found my lib. about 6 years ago.
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Good points OH, even at older ages for the areas we do not have discernment can be misleading.
Fiction, esp fantasy fiction can be powerful imagery grabbing realms. As that is fun to think about, we must remember this is fiction. Some struggle with this more than others.
It is another reason I read in short spurts. I can get wrapped up in the fiction too much. My imagination can run wild like Calvin & Hobbes
But on the other hand, I love Lewis for his depictions of heaven, and I think that thinking on that realm can be quite beneficial. It’s like Christ walking through the door to the disciples post ressurrection. Is it that Christ was a ghost? or is that we are? He is so “real”, and yet we are like vapor/mist.
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And Victoria, my comments about FOX were simply based on first-hand experience of what I’ve heard 7th grade boys discussing when they think there isn’t a teacher around. They “know” the anchors are “pretty” lets just say. They think what is being said is the final word on social and political commentary. They don’t there’s anything else out there worth considering once a FOX anchor has spoken on the matter. They loathe the thought of reading a newspaper, magazine or think beyond the talking…er, wait, “shouting” heads of FNC. And they think that it’s OK TO TALK LIKE THAT! And I work at a Christian school! If our younger generation thinks wholesome constructive discourse with a lost and dying world means screaming at one another in a television studio we’re sunk!
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Thorn –
I’m with you. I love a good story and have often been swept up in it beyond what is reasonable. I’ve often worried I’ve been “given over” to my desire for knowledge and am one of those who is “ever learning but never able to come to the truth.” I understand the go-between tension. Yes.
OH
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OH @72: Thanks for the compliment (I think :-/ )! I got that idea from another blogger, I don’t remember who it was, who ordered me to do 20 pushups for confessing that I sometimes weep at what he called ‘chick flicks’. I think he was a reincarnation of my ‘beloved’ DI at Parris Island> :-0
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Thorn 11.02.09 AT 3:51 PM
Good points OH, even at older ages for the areas we do not have discernment can be misleading.
Fiction, esp fantasy fiction can be powerful imagery grabbing realms. As that is fun to think about, we must remember this is fiction. Some struggle with this more than others.
It is another reason I read in short spurts. I can get wrapped up in the fiction too much. My imagination can run wild like Calvin & Hobbes
But on the other hand, I love Lewis for his depictions of heaven, and I think that thinking on that realm can be quite beneficial. It’s like Christ walking through the door to the disciples post ressurrection. Is it that Christ was a ghost? or is that we are? He is so “real”, and yet we are like vapor/mist.
—
What I love abut This present darkness and Piercing the darkness, they give us a great picture on how God puts us in a great spot to help people and how our prayers make a big different. In the Spiritual battle between good and evil.
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Speaking of Perretti,
Have any of you heard his voice? Wooo… very strange voice. Gave me the creeps for a while.
His books were ok, but not something I’d read over again.
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Best news I’ve heard all day.
http://www.breitbart.tv/planned-parenthood-leader-resigns-after-watching-ultrasound-of-abortion-procedure/
“Planned Parenthood Leader Resigns After Watching Ultrasound of Abortion Procedure”
“I just thought I can’t do this anymore, and it was just like a flash that hit me and I thought that’s it.”
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Make it Man 11.02.09 AT 4:00 PM
Speaking of Perretti,
Have any of you heard his voice? Wooo… very strange voice. Gave me the creeps for a while.
His books were ok, but not something I’d read over again.
–
He has a speech problem.
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OH: I had to repent of being to ungentelmanly to another blogger. God used a lady blogger to call me on it, and i am greatful.
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OH, if you were serious about judging FNC more insidious to young eye-gates and ear-gates than making witchcraft attractive, I simply can’t agree. Fantasy fiction is much more enticing to immature minds than any slant on current events. I don’t understand how you make such a faulty comparison, unless you have a political bias against considering both sides of an issue.
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#115
I said she was a Liberal in certain areas. But, she confesses Christ, and she deliberately put Christian symbolism into her books (very obvious, btw, and long suspected. Finally confirmed.)
I don’t like that she said (after the fact and not in the books) that Dumbledore was gay. But, I cannot judge whether or not she is a Christian by that.
The fact is that it is NOT in the books, and many Christians are okay with gay (not most Conservative ones, of course.)
I find it scary that other people want to judge someone’s Christianity by one or two sins. It is not our place to do so.
She claims to be a sister in Christ. I accept as such.
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My experiences are first-hand Nana. Both literature and television are powerful media. Note I said “I” in my comparison and wasn’t comparing FOX to witchcraft but to J.K. Rowling’s writing. There is a difference. You are perfectly free to disagree with me. I don’t have children. If I did and I felt them to be mature enough, we would read the Potter books if they wanted to and I felt they could handle it and were grounded in the truth first. FOX can be equally persuasive for an ungrounded mind.
Politics and witchcraft are both in and of themselves technologies for manipulating one’s environment to suit one’s purposes.
The choice is up to the individual parent, bottom line. Both are influential. Both are powerful. I would much rather spend time myself guiding a child through the literature if I felt they were up to it than trying to sort through the current events the way FNC does. But if you leave a child to themselves with either medium, there will be problems. Bottom line its a parent’s discernment both spiritually and in regards to whether or not a child is mature enough to engage the ideas contained therein.
OH
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TRS
I think the key is. How do they hanldy God’s Word., and are they embracing a sinful behavior and supporting the behavior.
Is the Determine fact if someone is a Christian or not.
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CRS: AMERICA’S COMBINED ENERGY RESOURCES LARGEST ON EARTH
Inhofe, Murkowski Release Memo Showing U.S. Is World Leader in Conventional Fuels
Washington, D.C.-Sen. James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released a preliminary government report today showing America’s combined recoverable natural gas, oil, and coal endowment is the largest on Earth. America’s recoverable resources, Congressional Research Service (CRS) shows, are far larger than those of Saudi Arabia (3rd), China (4th), and Canada (6th) combined. And that’s without including America’s absolutely immense oil shale and methane hydrates deposits.
The link is:
http://epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Minority.PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=824fbf11-802a-23ad-4fe4-04c94a5a6757&Region_id=&Issue_id=
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#78
I would agree, but if my kids wanted to read them, I would probably read them too, and then we would discuss exactly the issues that you brought up.
In my household, I tend to feel that it makes stronger Christians to discuss and dissect and understand, rather than to censor and avoid.
Now, of course, we DO censor pornography and things that go way over the line.
I also tell them my opinions. My oldest child (almost 18) has been told he may read Phillip Pullman’s books, but he also knows that Pullman wrote with a distinctly ANTI-Christian intent (well admitted to), and he has blasphemous characters and plots. However, I do not forbid it, rather I’ve discussed it. So far, my oldest has chosen not to read the series.
I do not want my children’s first understanding of the WORLD to be from someone else in college. (And a shock.) I want them to be discerning, careful, aware, and able readers and consumers who can find worldview and can look for and recognize falseness. I want them to slowly “build spiritual muscle” as they grow and be able to take on the world without being overwhelmed by it.
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#138
I disagree. I believe that if they confess Christ and show love, then they are Christians. They may have bad doctrine, and poor understanding, but these are not what the Bible asks for in order to be saved.
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Be baptized. Love God, your neighbor, and your brothers and sisters in Christ.
The rest is important, but does not determine one’s salvation. Not unless you are adding to the Bible.
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#86
Excellent post. I agree.
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TRS
GOD isn’t ok with gay/homosexual –
#137
I like that phrase: “engage the ideas contained therein.” That is what I want my children to be able to do. Good phrase.
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Nana,
I would echo OH here. News in general (not just Fox) shows reality, and reports on specific items (like pornography).
That can be more persuasive if not out right leading, verses a work of fiction, that you know is fiction.
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So Victoria, what was Gandalf?
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Well, Victoria, we’ll have to agree to disagree. I read all the Potter books, and am reading them to my youngest now.
I enjoyed them quite a bit. We had lots of good family discussions. I think they have lots of Christian symbolism in them. I am not ashamed of reading them.
I’ve enjoyed the movies as well, although in different ways and not as much as the books. (As is usually the case when comparing movies to books.)
Naturally, your mileage may differ.
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#138
And, honestly, if you look at the thief on the cross, he only had to confess Christ as his Lord and that was enough to get him saved.
Now, being saved and being a GOOD Christian with good doctrine…that we can mull around a bit. The problem is that it is hard to find the line. Some people become downright Pharisaical about it, and pretty much expect that they (and perhaps their family, and maybe — maybe — their particular church) will be the only denizens of Heaven.
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The Matrix had lots of christian symbolism though as well. I think the important thing is that books and movies can hit on truth, regardless of the state of soul or mind.
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TRS 11.02.09 AT 4:23 PM
#138
I disagree. I believe that if they confess Christ and show love, then they are Christians. They may have bad doctrine, and poor understanding, but these are not what the Bible asks for in order to be saved.
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Be baptized. Love God, your neighbor, and your brothers and sisters in Christ.
The rest is important, but does not determine one’s salvation. Not unless you are adding to the Bible.
–
“Not unless you are adding to the Bible” – or take away from God’s Word and this is why I posted “How do they hanldy God’s Word” We have churches and people today who call themselves Christian but are more then willing to added to and take away from God’s Word. To meet the needs of the people and not encouraging the people to reach out to God.
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RS 11.02.09 AT 4:34 PM
#138
And, honestly, if you look at the thief on the cross, he only had to confess Christ as his Lord and that was enough to get him saved.
Now, being saved and being a GOOD Christian with good doctrine…that we can mull around a bit. The problem is that it is hard to find the line. Some people become downright Pharisaical about it, and pretty much expect that they (and perhaps their family, and maybe — maybe — their particular church) will be the only denizens of Heaven.
–
The key is God’s Word.
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Thorn 11.02.09 AT 4:29 PM
So Victoria, what was Gandalf?
–
Sorry to say a good man but unless he repented of his sins and except Christ. He is not in heaven.
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TRS,
The thief on the Cross is not applicable as an example of your argument.
One doesn’t proclaim they believe in Christ as Savior and then fantasize about witches, sorcery, etc., write books to entertain themselves on the subject and market them for children – it doesn’t fit. The fruit isn’t there. Anyone can say they are a Christian, but ask them what that means and most people will tell you that it’s being good and loving their neighbor -
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From Heritage.com
The Waxman–Markey energy bill, which would restrict greenhouse gas emissions by creating a cap-and-trade system, was passed by the House in June and will likely be considered by the Senate soon.
If this bill becomes law, gasoline prices would increase significantly in order to meet emissions limits imposed by the legislation. To see specific estimates, hover your mouse over each state below: (To see the effect on your state, go to the link and click on the state.)
http://blog.heritage.org/2009/08/27/waxman-markeys-effect-on-gas-prices-in-your-state/
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Roger
If we were having coffee, I would have laughed as I said my comment about “chick flicks”! Coming from you, it gave me a chuckle. Yes, not the best choice of words, perhaps, but humorous.
I like those kinds of movies, myself truth be known.
OH
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Well my point Pastor is that Gandalf was a wizard created by Tolkien. His books were clearly overtoned with christian values, intentionally or not, but they also included magic. Is that a bad thing? Should we avoid Tolkien? Was he not a christian?
Is there a difference between Rowling and Tolkien, and what is it if so?
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Thorn 11.02.09 AT 4:49 PM
Well my point Pastor is that Gandalf was a wizard created by Tolkien. His books were clearly overtoned with christian values, intentionally or not, but they also included magic. Is that a bad thing? Should we avoid Tolkien? Was he not a christian?
Is there a difference between Rowling and Tolkien, and what is it if so?
-
Great question I do not know much about Rowling, an I heard Tolkien was a Christian. Those who have proclaimed it, but with out any proof
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Mr. Random Name in #53
She would definately have to be wierd beyond belief.
My warmest regards to you and the Mrs. on the celebration of many faithful years together. May God in His infinite mercy, love and grace continue to smite your recalcitrant nihilism and grant you both long life and repentance so we can hang out eternally.
OH
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“The thief on the Cross is not applicable as an example of your argument.”
Technically there is no fruit from the thief yet either, other than his repentance to Christ.
Proverbs 21:
1 The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD;
he turns it wherever he will.
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,
but the LORD weighs the heart.
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.Thorn 11.02.09 AT 4:57 PM
“The thief on the Cross is not applicable as an example of your argument.”
Technically there is no fruit from the thief yet either, other than his repentance to Christ.
Proverbs 21:
1 The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD;
he turns it wherever he will.
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,
but the LORD weighs the heart.
–
The key about the thief on the Cross is the idea of a death bed confession. Which is different from people who call themselves Christian but their life style is in direct conflict with God’s Word and they have chosen their life style over God’s Word.
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The key is that Christ is their fruit
He is their good work, he is their righteousness.
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Pastor Roy – 160
EXCELLENT post and answer –
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We’ve had a number of discussions in our family about Harry Potter. My husband and I read them first before letting our older son read them, and talked about them with him. Now that our younger son is old enough to read them he’s enjoying them also (we all enjoyed them), and we have the discussions about whether it is appropriate.
Yesterday in his (4th/5th grade) Sunday School class (and his older brother is a volunteer in the same classroom, so he can tell us what was actually said when the younger brother forgets or misunderstands), they talked about “Christianity vs Witchcraft and the Supernatural.” Naturally the subject of HP came up. The pastor leading the lesson said that there was a fine line there, and Christians don’t all agree on it. One person (I’m guessing one of the adult volunteers) felt they were inappropriate for Christians, period. Most seem to think, as my husband and I do, that they are appropriate to read as long as you have discussions about them. The pastor told me afterwards that he thought my younger son grasped the issues very well, based on his questions and comments.
As for “making witchcraft attractive,” I suppose anything that teenagers do that grownups object to is going to seem attractive to a certain kind of chid/teenager. Personally I think the books do a pretty good job showing just how dangerous witchcraft can be, either in the hands of someone who doesn’t know what he is doing, or someone who uses it to hurt others. We just watched the fourth HP movie yesterday, and it has some pretty dramatic examples of the dangers involved, even in fictional witchcraft.
In any case, we’ve explained to our sons that even though HP is fiction, there are powers in the real world that people try to harness with witchcraft, and that doing so is very dangerous, even if it seems harmless.
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Pastor ROy says of Gandalf:
“Sorry to say a good man but unless he repented of his sins and except Christ. He is not in heaven.”
Oy. Gandalf was a wizard, not a man. And actually, he was probably more like an angel if you read the backstory. That’s why he was able to go head to head with a demon (Balrog).
There’s more to Tolkien works than meets the eye….
It pains me to have to explain this. Please have the good sense to have a basic understanding of a subject if you’re going to discuss it.
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Yes, I believe the Simirillian (sp?) discussed Gandalf’s origin.
But MiM, I think Pastor just misunderstood why I brought up Gandalf.
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OH: I do not know where you live, but I live in SC, about 20 miles fron center Charlotte, NC. i won’t drive more than 2o miles to have a cup of coffee, but it would be fun would it not? The owners of the coffee shop would most likely have to toss us out!
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Thorn 11.02.09 AT 5:03 PM
The key is that Christ is their fruit
He is their good work, he is their righteousness
—
.
He is the good works of Christian, yes.
He is the righteousness of Christian, yes.
But He is not the good works of everyone who calls themselves Christian.
He is not the righteousness of everyone who calls themselves Christian.
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Make it Man 11.02.09 AT 5:21 PM
Pastor ROy says of Gandalf:
“Sorry to say a good man but unless he repented of his sins and except Christ. He is not in heaven.”
Oy. Gandalf was a wizard, not a man. And actually, he was probably more like an angel if you read the backstory. That’s why he was able to go head to head with a demon (Balrog).
There’s more to Tolkien works than meets the eye….
It pains me to have to explain this. Please have the good sense to have a basic understanding of a subject if you’re going to discuss
–
sorrry I read it wrong I read it as a different name please forgive me.
An you attuide can be left out of your posting please.
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Thorn 11.02.09 AT 5:24 PM
Yes, I believe the Simirillian (sp?) discussed Gandalf’s origin.
But MiM, I think Pastor just misunderstood why I brought up Gandalf.
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–
thank you I read a different name but still his attuide is out of line.
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“But MiM, I think Pastor just misunderstood why I brought up Gandalf.”
Obviously. But one should at least have a basic understanding of something before hitting it over the head with the four spiritual laws.
It’s a work of FICTION. Where does “repented of his sins and except [sic] Christ” come into a complete work of fiction?
I’m in complete agreement that folks should repent of their sins and accept Christ as their Saviour. But man… do you have to justify everything by slapping the four spiritual laws on it?
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–
I read Gandhi
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“But He is not the good works of everyone who calls themselves Christian.
He is not the righteousness of everyone who calls themselves Christian.”
I agree. Real faith is not just knowledge or declaration.
It is Christ’s declaration. Which is why the theif was saved
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Thorn 11.02.09 AT 5:42 PM
“But He is not the good works of everyone who calls themselves Christian.
He is not the righteousness of everyone who calls themselves Christian.”
I agree. Real faith is not just knowledge or declaration.
It is Christ’s declaration. Which is why the thief was saved
-
I believe it is both our and his knowledge or declaration. An to me real faith is living for Christ to the best of our ability.
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Folks sorry for my little outburst towards Make it Man.
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My, you all have been busy while I was busying working.
Here are my vaunted comments about the Twilight books; most of these points were well made above by others.
I found the writing poor in quality and tediuous. Like many other books currently on the market (including, alas, Ms. Rowling’s books) it desperately needed to be edited. A bigger concern, of course, was the content.
As mentioned above, what is a 97-year-old vampire doing in a 16 year-old girl’s bedroom all night watching her sleep? Does this sound like obsession to any of you? And is this the type of “love interest” you want your teenage daughter to view in a glamorized format?
And what does a 97-year-old vampire have in common with a 16 year-old girl that he would want to spend time with her? The very premise is sick.
Oh, and for those of you who don’t know, these are “vegetarian” vampires–they only suck the blood of wild animals, preferably not endangered species.
(I read the series 15 months ago–part of my job is to know what’s hot in the book market).
The vampires are also cold and hard–like a statue since no blood runs through their veins; I prefered the shaggy, warm and cuddly werewolves . . .
All that aside, why are teenage girls so enraptured with this series? I’ve got a theory and you all might find it interesting.
Who wouldn’t want to be loved unconditionally by someone with powers beyond that of a mere mortal? And who wouldn’t want to be loved forever, no matter what you do or how you behave? Who wouldn’t want to partake of an enduring love that gave you wisdom, energy, comfort and encouragement? Someone to whom you could always turn?
And don’t you all have such a lover at your fingertips in Jesus?
For those of you who minister to young women in particular, pay attention to the need–what do they need and what emotional void are they trying to fill with Twilight?
I’ll posit it’s the love of Christ.
Just a thought.
(And the best scene in the whole series is when Bella celebrates her birthday with the vampires and gets a paper cut while opening her gift. They destroy they house trying to get at her . . .)
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Very interesting negative observation about the Twilight books, with wise insight:
http://terimccarthyblahblahblog.com/vampires-suck/
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My created rice dish is yummy! I can recommend it.
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Thanks for all the great movie suggestions. No surprises, we own most of them.
I have a funny story about The Sound of Music.
Some years ago I realized my nine year-old daughter had never seen the movie, so I stopped by the local video store to rent it one weekend. I went up and down the aisles past all the musicals, garbegy animation, pure trash and the occasional great flick, but didn’t see The Sound of Music.
I approached a young man at the counter and asked where it was.
“How do you spell that?” he asked, turning to his computer.
“S-O-U-N-D, wait. You’ve never heard of The Sound of Music?”
He shook his head. “What is it?”
“Everybody’s heard of The Sound of Music. I’ll ask this guy standing next to me in line.” (I love it when Woody Allen does that in movies).
The biker type growled, “Yeah, I’ve seen it. Chick flick.”
The clerk shook his head, totally puzzled.
“I know you know this.” I began to sing, “Doe, a deer, a female deer . . . ” The girl at the other register joined me–and the sopranos sang the whole chorus, just like in a musical!
The biker rolled his eyes, the male clerk’s mouth dropped open. “We don’t have it.” He finally said.
“That’s craziness. You should see it before you become an adult.”
I then went around the corner and bought the movie at K-mart. My daughter loved it.
And we all lived happily ever after . . .
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I like to bring up the Wizard of Oz. Cultural classic, yes?
Some Christians have a problem with Harry Potter. Victoria’s view is hardly unique. Does she also have a problem with the Wizard of Oz? Be consistent here. I haven’t ever really heard, IIRC, any Christian who openly has issues with the Wizard of Oz.
We have witches there too. And, unlike Harry Potter, it actually has a subtle unBiblical theme. Glinda tells Dorothy that she’s always had the power to save herself. That is, in fact, a major theme: the Scarecrow, Lion, and Tin Man also each had the power to save himself. The Wizard (God?) is a sham. The green glasses (religion?) are removed, encouraging everyone to challenge tradition. Etc.
(Plus, I’ve read several of the rest of the Oz series. I always thought it had communist overtones. It only becomes clearer as you go along, until you get explicit examples of the Scarecrow (in charge of Emerald City) redistributing wealth, IIRC)
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Not to mention Princess Ozma and her transgender issues.
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#59
The God’s Word is both inerrant and is spiritual and parable and has to be interpreted.
I haven’t read all the comments since #59, so there may be a better or more pertinant comment, but my reactions are:
A. Another “heads we win tails you lose” type of comment.
B. This strikes me as a type of approach likely to lead to quite a bit of disagreement and conflict. Although I am not concise, nor particularly original, “Your mileage may vary” still seems to stay within the lane.
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Have people played nicely today? I haven’t read the rest of Whirled Threads. Remember, it is getting close to Christmas, and if you haven’t been nice, Santa Claus won’t come down your chimney.
We only have a wood stove, with a very narrow chimney for the smoke to get out. Santa is going to have problems at the Random House. Though maybe our generator has been fixed after not working for four years…
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Seems to be pretty nice. Maybe the “Good Witch Glinda” waved her wand.
As a child, I was much influenced and taken with The Oz books, the Freddy the Pig books, and the Andre Norton books. I am 65 years old and just atarting to grow up.
I don’t define believeing the Bible is the Word of God as a sign of being grown up.
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Has New Jersey Lawyer been banned? Jersey – if you’re out there reading this, I’ll be praying for both our elections. Beeen thinking about you all day. Don’t stay away long.
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The author of “The Wizard of Oz” was into Theosophy and it comes very much into play in the book series. The good witch/bad witch is just one of those themes. Parents should talk about it to their children. A lot of the other stuff goes over the head of children, such as the field of poppies.
It wasn’t until I was an adult and had my own children that I realized much of my music was referring to drugs. The same thing with lots of children and their music, movies and books—they miss a lot of the inunendo. Nevertheless, they can still obsorb some bad thinking. That is why it is important to read/listen to what they like and engage them in conversation.
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The problem, KI, is that I read these books at something like 8 or 10 years old, and I still picked up on a good majority of what I posted there. The rest came at about 14-15, when I specifically analyzed the Wizard of Oz for a world views class.
The other problem is that it’s inconsistent to be okay with the Wizard of Oz and against Harry Potter.
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TJS Catlover — interesting observations about the “Wizard of Oz,” I remember having the same thoughts after I’d watched it as an adult and as a Christian.
But I think the comments made by some posters earlier — that these are works of fiction and they require discernment — hit the mark. We can enjoy some of these things while still recognizing the unbliblical themes that sometimes creep in.
And, as OH pointed out, often seeing very biblical themes as well. I still remember the first online back-and-forth conversation OH and I had regarding the Tom Hanks film “Cast Away.”
He saw all kinds of very interesting biblical themes (probably unintentional on the part of the filmmakers) running through the movie that I’d completely missed. It’s a matter of seeing and thinking biblically — and we should do that with anything we watch or read.
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I have to agree, Donna. It is wonderful to have parents or teachers point out these types of things in all types of media. Then the children are learning to be discerning and not just forbidden. That has to become more challenging for them as they age, though.
I would agree about it being inconsistent, TJS.
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Another successful firewood gathering expedition and a lovely couple of hours of nimipuu class.
As to the discussion on Potter/Twilight/Oz. My concerns with Potter were simply that it had a negative effect on one foster child and I chose not to read it with her as it seemed to be giving feet to her anger. We moved along well without it. And the kids in public school, knowing she was not allowed to read it at home, would use the school computers and printers to make copies of the books for her to read, add deceit.
Anyway, my first batch may or may not have read them, they were too old for them when they came out and probably did not spend much time with them. These kids were apparently told somewhere along the line that it would be wrong for them to read them. We have mentioned that it would be bad for them to read them if they believed it sinful but we did not have that sort of difficulty with the books. They have not elected to read them as yet, and I never got around to finishing the series, maybe read around four of them. But they very much enjoy the Chronicles of Narnia and the Lord of the Rings and some other books I have had to take a closer look at and discuss with them.
I very much enjoyed Oz as a child, because it came on once a year and it was a big event to watch it. As I got older and became a believer, I did not care for it so much. For a lot of the reasons mentioned by others.
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“Oz” we can see, “Twilight” has come to this thread. Is it time to “Potter” it away?
[This is supposed to be a punny post. Not to be taken seriously. So don't.]
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Peter L,
Just don’t get in the Hobbit of making posts like that.
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I see that Peter L has been attempting to legitimize the unresolved conflict found in the color of the poppies in the field outside the city. This is all well and good unless we are to consider that the broomsticks were not made on a lathe but rather were worked in a dimly lit room as the sun had just set and the light not yet faded from the day. So, in retrospect, we must conclude that the rhombus was not only multifaceted but mixed well with the particulates found in the oil can.
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And Pauline has been toying with the idea of distracting the ents from their chosen direction, causing all manner of self esteem issues.
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Mumsee, I remember the once-a-year TV showings of “Oz” as well, always in the spring, wasn’t it?
And Judy Garland singing “Somewhere, Over the Rainbow” can still make me cry.
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The cat’s not liking her collar much. After several attempts, I haven’t even been able to put it on her — despite how incredibly cute the collar is.
What’s up with cats anyway? They’re so obstinate and contrary.
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I know there are many weighty matters and much human suffering on this blog.
Nonetheless, if you could all spare a prayer for a small black cat, about 3 years old, named Lina, it would be great.
We adopted her from SPCA 2+ years ago, and kept her despite knowing she has F. Leuk. We found out Sunday that she appears to have lymphoma, and she has a transfusion and chemo scheduled Tuesday.
What breaks my heart is the bond she has with my seven year old daughter. She picked the cat out, and it is truly her kitty. Snuggles on her bed at night on her special blanket.
Daughter found out enough about loss in June when her grandpa passed away. She really doesn’t need to experience loss again so soon.
So…. if anyone could spare a prayer for a small black kitty, we thank you.
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Hey Donna,
I notice that you’ve mentioned at least twice how incredibly cute the collar is.
Apparently, though, your cat isn’t in to good fashion. Just like a teenager!
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Roy, prayer sent.
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Royclay,
I will pray for your daughter’s kitty. I lost one at about that age myself that slept with me and cried for me when I wasn’t home. I cried and cried and cried, and it can still bring tears to my eyes (I really loved that cat.)
So, I have great empathy for this situation. I pray God will grace your cat with a longer, healthier life.
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Wait, NJL was banned?
Was Jon banned? I haven’t seen him post since I thought I saw someone say he was….
Victoria, you’re obviously still here….
Steve?
Did we miss the “moderated” stage?
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TRS, I’ve mentioned the cute collar before? Oh my, I’m scaring myself now.
Yes, but well, it is cute. She’d look so good in it. And I don’t want her getting lost once she goes outside.
I’ve tried dangling it in front of her, rubbing catnip on it, but still no go. She acts like I’m trying to strangle her whenever I go to slip it on.
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Royclay: Of course I’ll pray for the kitty.
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J.K. Rowling belongs to the Church of Scotland (which is the Presbyterian church here.) She attends regularly, believes in God, and considers herself a Christian.
Her books are chalk full of Christian symbolism.
You don’t have to like them, but you’re really missing out if you don’t read them with a Christian world view. They are every bit as Christian as the Narnia series (she admires C.S. Lewis greatly.)
J.R.R. Tolkien was Catholic. Some here would say he wasn’t Christian because of that, but he was quite devout. He didn’t write his books to be allegorical (he didn’t like that), but they are heavily influenced by his Christian world view.
C.S. Lewis was also a Christian fantasy writer. He considered his Narnia books “supposal” books, rather than allegories. “Suppose there was another world, and Christ had appeared there.”
He and Tolkien disagreed about how much “allegory” should be in books, but were good friends.
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TJS #201: I’m still here. Don’t know about the others. I had assumed not as Mickey usually announces when he’s banned someone (although he usually just says he has banned someone and leaves it to us to figure out who.)
But I don’t know for sure.
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This reminds me of the “good old days” of the Soviet Union, when people in the west pored over pictures of Soviet leaders on reviewing stands at May day parades to see who was in power and who had disappeared or been demoted.
As I have gone through the equivalent of a “re-education camp,” I have been allowed to remain as a “token” atheist and homosexual lover, perhaps to throw Satan a scrap. I am not sure why SteveG is still here, but perhaps he has also vowed to behave himself.
As far as the others go, perhaps the got up and went.
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they got up and went.
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And I just twitted Joel for leaving an “r” out of “your.”
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Random: I am not sure why SteveG is still here, but perhaps he has also vowed to behave himself.
As far as I know, no one’s been banned. But the recent silence from NJL and Jon Rowe is a bit odd.
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I hope Jon and NJL will make up and come back soon.
This entire brouhaha was silly.
And I know where Cheryl is, and am praying for her.
But where is Kim? Hopefully out selling something.
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Random Name 11.02.09 AT 7:11 PM
#59
The God’s Word is both inerrant and is spiritual and parable and has to be interpreted.
I haven’t read all the comments since #59, so there may be a better or more pertinant comment, but my reactions are:
A. Another “heads we win tails you lose” type of comment.
B. This strikes me as a type of approach likely to lead to quite a bit of disagreement and conflict. Although I am not concise, nor particularly original, “Your mileage may vary” still seems to stay within the lane.
–
Only disagreement and conflict comes from people who want to cause a fight over it. God’s Word is true.
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We must search the Scriptures. And proving all things must be to hold fast that which is good. We should abstain from sin, and whatever looks like sin, leads to it, and borders upon it. He who is not shy of the appearances of sin, who shuns not the occasions of it, and who avoids not the temptations and approaches to it, will not long keep from doing sin. Matthew Henry
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Victoria 11.03.09 AT 12:06 PM
21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5
We must search the Scriptures. And proving all things must be to hold fast that which is good. We should abstain from sin, and whatever looks like sin, leads to it, and borders upon it. He who is not shy of the appearances of sin, who shuns not the occasions of it, and who avoids not the temptations and approaches to it, will not long keep from doing sin. Matthew Henry
–
the problem is some can not search God’s Word for they have a false uderstand of what God’s Word says.
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#211
God’s Word is true.
I think this is called religious fanaticism.
Not everybody agrees that you know what “God’s Word” is. How do those who disagree with you deal with you?
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