Christian Coalition of Washington

Language of the Communitarian Church

2011-12-21T08:16:00.000-08:00

The Economics of Megachurchianity
Part 3: Language of the Communitarian Church

As social tools go, language is by far the most important. Certainly, it’s the most influential. The Proverbs makes this abundantly clear: To guard one’s tongue is to preserve life itself, for death and life are in the power of the tongue.

Because each field of study garnishes its own exclusive vocabulary, a trade word oftentimes connotes something altogether different from what the layman might presume. To the tourist, for instance, a Bombay duck is just that; but to the native chef of India, it is more accurately an indigenous fish—dried, salted, and served with curry. Religious speak is all the more confusing—and telling.

In recent years, Christianese increasingly signals the church’s dramatic paradigm shift away from biblical fundamentalism. But too few discern error inherent in transformative, seeker-friendly language. The faithful well versed in it freely characterize progressive, prosperous, and/or positive Christianity as purpose-driven, clarified, and subject to laws of change, transcendence, and biomimicry.

In meeting its call to renewal, the emerging church (of man’s own making) freely expands core biblical values to accommodate “red-letter,” freestyle Christian thought. Indeed, studies reveal that the lion’s share of sermons heard by American churchgoers marginalize the Bible and focus instead on mundane survival issues—i.e., nurturing personal relationships, developing human potential, and healing the inner child—that is to say, “privatization of the Gospel.”

Self-described advocates of planetary citizenship, creation care, and social justice, nouveau evangelicals participate as enlightened community organizers within the context of God’s politics. This takes form in public-private partnerships and faith-based initiatives, requiring process- and/or possibilities- thinking, coupled with the conciliatory language of consensus.

Now, continuous evolutionary change bypasses natural law in favor of social disciplines. But at a price—that of welfare state capitalism. It’s reasoned that this, after all, is an age of new images, in search of common ground and for the common good. Moreover, new age appeal to the church’s global responsibility presumes need for a new world ethic, language for which is more broadly inclusive than its Judeo-Christian counterpart.

Today’s benign-sounding, albeit cutting-edge buzzwords elicit knowing nods from those immersed in it; but then Bible-honoring Christians hold themselves to a higher standard. The book of James makes it abundantly clear that Christians are accountable for the words they use to inspire action and, therefore, they best choose their language wisely in deference to God almighty, not to “tickle the ears” of customers.

Church Government or Corporate Managers?
Charles Colson rightly warns that, all too often, the Gospel has been transformed into a commodity with the local church acting like a retail outlet and church members, its customers. Together, corporate management (church government) and its workforce (customer-members) work in tandem to attract converts and/or new members (noncustomer newcomers). Tithes, offerings, and manpower of newbies promise to better the corporate church’s bottom line.

Toward this end goal, Dr. Robert E. Klenck, M.D. (TruthRadio.com) discloses methods and practices of church growth ministers—those of Dr. Warren, for example. In his business plan, Pastor Warren first considers the felt needs, hurts, and interests of outsiders (noncustomers). Then he examines the Bible in light of these needs in order to determine the most practical, positive, encouraging, simple, personal, interesting ways to meet them.

Warren’s message and presentation are strategically designed to make it easier for a nonbeliever to come in, submit to spiritual gifts assessments (personality profiles), sign on to the program, and then be “discipled” in accordance with his strengths. Managers influenced by Drucker-Deming business model, progressive pastors as Dr. Warren view church members (customers) as human capital to be equipped for service in the productive whole, otherwise known as the body of Christ. Ostensibly in the best interest of customers, management gathers employment information leading to formulation of databases based on profiling practices.

Flock of Believers or Customers?
While functioning as worker bees under management, customers require ongoing in-service training (i.e., lifelong learning). This is accomplished by means of small groups that practice the dialectic process. Group leaders serve as facilitators or change agents who, in Warren’s words, administer “the most effective way of closing the back doors” of their churches.
Through “Bible study” groups, guided dialogue among committed customers and targeted non customers leads to consensus; team building is solidified through social ministries that encourage bonding among group members. Pragmatism distinguishes communitarian ministries. While social relationships and fun activities keep folks coming back, so-called accountability groups keep them in line.

What’s the Beef?
The question arises, “So, what’s the beef?” when the better question is, “Where’s the beef?” Blatantly absent from the communitarian agenda is deep study of the Bible. Yet the Bible is so central to Christianity that early converts, who were not subjected to spiritual gifts assessments and training, nonetheless became passionately, even miraculously eloquent. Starting in an upper room in Jerusalem, they preached the Gospel and virtually exploded across the Greco-Roman world. Theirs was no social justice message. Still, their oratory spread with such ardor that, in the very generation in which Jesus lived, the good news took firm root in all the leading cities of the region.

No ordinary book, the Bible is uniquely “God-breathed” (inspired) and is, therefore, profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. Modern marketing techniques may indeed draw and hold large numbers of people. But strategically meeting felt needs of potential agents of social change does not fulfill the Great Commission, nor can it.

What distinguishes mature believers from the herd is their success at the greatest enterprise of all, life itself. For them, life has ceased to be a problem to be solved. It’s instead a glory to be discerned. While it’s true that Christians are genuinely “incorporated” into the body of Christ, the ekklesia of God is not best described as a corporation. Coupling consultants, denominational leaders, tool builders and suppliers with customized forums and workshops may bring to light the best practices known by man, but they overlook the infinitely more essential matter of spirit.

Be sure: Failure to read the Bible publicly and study it diligently signals error. Inspired scripture, when hidden in the heart, keeps one from sin, the very thing that distances God from mankind. Not only is it a source of comfort, delight, and hope, the Bible also lights man’s path. The humanistic construct of a quest for the good life/death offers no such promise.

As infants’ food, the Bible nurtures growth; and, as a life-giving force, it’s a believer’s sustenance. It’s worthy of being reverenced and esteemed even more than necessary food. After all, the Bible is a probing instrument, a defensive weapon, and a saving power —one that’s settled in heaven and forever standing.

Protestantism came about within context of political economy, nationalism, Renaissance individualism, and a rising concern over ecclesiastical abuses, yes. But the church’s basic mission today remains that of reconciliation through preaching of the Gospel—this, with administration of Gospel sacraments.

Upon being nourished and sanctified through the Word of God, the church’s destiny is to realize full conformity to the Lord and His likeness. In no way is the church primarily a human structure like a political, social, or economic entity. It’s the church of the living God, Jesus Christ. Because its function goes beyond man’s salvation to the praise of God’s glory, neither the church nor its function ceases with completion of its earthly task.

More to come in Part 4.

Proverbs 13:3.
Proverbs 18:21.
Debra Rae. “Hijacking Educationese,” Part 2, 6 November 2004.
Contrary to 2 Peter 1:20.
Revelation 22:18-19.
2 Timothy 4:3.
David Bryant. Christ Is All: A Joyful Manifesto on the Supremacy of God’s Son, Second Edition. New Providence, NJ: New Providence Publishers, Inc., 2005, p. 255.
http://www.crossroad.to/News/Church/Klenck2.html.
Methodology matters to God. When Moses smote the rock a second time, rather than speaking to it as God commanded, he was refused entrance into the Promised Land. Against the command of God, Uzzah steadied the Ark of the Covenant with his hand. For that disobedience, he was struck dead (2 Samuel 6: 6-7).
Taken from The Purpose-Driven Church by RICK WARREN. 1995 by Rick Warren. Used by Permission of Zondervan Publishing House., p. 190.
Huston Smith. The Religions of Man. (New York: Perennial Library Harper & Row, Publishers, 1958), 301ff.
2 Timothy 3:16.
Deuteronomy 31:11; Joshua 8:35; 2 Kings 23:2; Nehemiah 8:3,18; 13:1; and Jeremiah 36:6.
Deuteronomy 17:19; Isaiah 34:16; John 5:39; and Acts 17:11.
Jesus Himself warned: “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures,” Matthew 22:29.
Psalm 119:11.
Psalm 119: 47, 82, 105; Romans15:4.
1 Peter 2:2.
Ezekiel 37:7; Acts 19:20; Deuteronomy 8:3.
Isaiah 66:2-66:2; Job 23:12.
Hebrews 4:12.
Ephesians 6:17.
Romans 1:16.
Psalm 119:89; Isaiah 40:8.
2 Corinthians 5:19; Mark 16:15.
James 1:18; Ephesians 5:26; 1 Peter 2:2.
1 John 3:2.
Matthew 16:18; 1 Timothy 3:15.
Ephesians 1:6; 2:7.

Communitarian Church Growth Movement

2011-12-05T11:38:00.000-08:00

The Economics of Megachurchianity
Part 2: Communitarian Church Growth Movement

When on track, the corporate world is likened to a well-oiled machine that is propelled by one integrative philosophy—namely, Total Quality Management (TQM). TQM ensures continual improvement of the quality of products and processes used so that, in the end, products and/or services offered meet or even exceed customers’ expectations. Together, corporate management, the workforce, suppliers, and customers work in tandem to better the bottom line.

In similar fashion, the Christian church is likened to an efficiently functioning human body with all of its members and officers admirably arranged, ideally proportioned, compacted, and fitly joined together as one. While each part is dependent on the others, all parts submit to the headship of Christ. These fashion one body given over to one faith with one God and Father of all who is over all, and through all, and in all.

Despite superficial similarities, the corporate world and the spiritual body of Christ part ways on matters of profound significance. Biblical Christianity focuses on personal relationship with God that inspires spiritual transformation. Bypassing biblical essentials for the sake of numbers, the Communitarian Church Growth Movement takes its cues from corporate America more so than from the Bible. Rather than heed a Bible-based, Christ-centric model, transformational churchianity practices outcome-based, purpose-driven religion managed by objectives that are geared toward serving customers.

Transformational ChurchianityTransformation churches use modern marketing techniques to attract and hold onto large numbers of people. Church leaders disciple their converts with Total Quality Management-style techniques. Common practices include committed leadership and strategic planning, cross-functional product design and training, process and supplier quality management, customer and employee involvement, information and feedback.

Ultimately, agents of social change within the ranks of the church leave their mark in the community and the world; however, their systems-based management philosophies are not rooted in the Bible, but rather in the work of two globally acclaimed experts in business management and methodology—namely, Peter Drucker and Edwards Deming.

Peter Drucker
An influential writer, management consultant, and self-described social ecologist, the late Peter Ferdinand Drucker coined the term knowledge worker and, later in his life, introduced knowledge work productivity as the next frontier in management. He’s credited with having invented corporate society. Even the church (a human invention in Druker’s view) must balance a variety of mundane needs and societal goals. Ostensibly bringing out the best in people, Drucker nurtured a sense of community.

Well into his nineties, Drucker consulted businesses and non-profit organizations. Volunteering, he believed, is key to fostering healthy community. Drucker insisted that all institutions bear responsibility to the whole of society for the common good.

Among Drucker’s most notable clients were General Motors, Coca-Cola, Citicorp, IBM, and Intel. With ever-increasing notoriety, the Communitarian Church Movement emerges today as yet another behemoth of Drucker’s corporate society model.

Edwards Deming
A contemporary of Peter Drucker, William Edwards Deming was an American statistician, professor, author, lecturer, and consultant best known for his work in Japan from 1950 and on. Deming's message to Japan's chief executives was: To improve quality is to reduce expenses while increasing productivity and market share.

Granted, the Drucker-Deming mindset serves 21st century business interests well; however, when implemented in church ministries modeled by TQM gurus—e.g., Drs. Robert Schuller and Rick Warren and the Rev. Bill Hybels—it’s problematic. Dr. Robert SchullerA great “possibility [transformational] thinker” and master of modern marketing, Dr. Robert Schuller founded the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California. But first, Schuller surveyed the “felt needs” of his community in Southern California. Then he designed and opened an innovative “drive-in church.”

One former attendee described his experience as “a trip,” being able to “smoke and be in church at the same time [while] at a drive-in during the daytime.” Another recalled, “Ushers came with baskets on poles for the donations if you remained in your car. I remember my mom in her bathing suit ready for Huntington Beach right after the service.”

• Rev. Bill Hybels
Dr. Schuller credits the founder of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois, for extending his church growth principles. Rev. Bill Hybels’ seeker-sensitive church is broadly known as the prototypical mega-church featuring contemporary worship, use of drama, and messages friendly to noncustomer seekers.

• Dr. Rick Warren
Arguably, the acclaimed author of The Purpose Driven Church: Growth Without Compromising Your Message and Mission, Dr. Rick Warren, has outdone both the Revs. Schuller and Hybels. Warren holds his doctorate of theology degree from one of the strongest proponents of the Church Growth Movement, Fuller Theological Seminary.

As in Drucker’s economy, Warren always starts the change process with noncustomers (unbelievers). TQM churches use feedback gleaned from community surveys specifically designed to focus on the needs of unbelievers. So it was with Dr. Rick Warren’s Saddleback Valley Community Church in Mission Viejo, CA.

Social Experimentation Toward Church Growth
By his own admission, Dr. Warren condones social experimentation on his congregation. Indeed, he views Saddleback as a kind of Research and Development Department of the church at large. Word has it he’s trained over 150,000 pastors and church leaders in church growth principles.

Unfortunately, transformational churchianity exchanges Holy Spirit guidance for artful manipulation of Hegelian dialectic. That is to say, The Church Growth Movement capitalizes on a repeated process of continual, incremental change until, finally, the Word of God is interpreted to mean something altogether different from its original intent. In the process, the set-apart, Triumphant Church succumbs to agendas that advance seeker- and profit- friendly social services.

Toward this end, Rick Warren fingers the pulpit as the ultimate tool for church growth. The most important thing in communication, according to Peter Drucker, is to hear what’s not being said. Warren agrees. No doubt by design, this communitarian pastor’s attire and presentation are pleasantly informal. Icebreakers and sketchy notes eliminate need for a cumbersome Bible and tedious dogma.

It’s true. Christians may freely enjoy informality, humor, social activities, and the arts. Each has its place. However, a superabundance of church programs and entertainment, when coupled with Hegelian dialectic, inspires creative interpretations only loosely akin to the Bible.

Change Starts with the NoncustomerHuman thinking apart from divine revelation brings about a new thesis or reality upon which all can agree, but by nature it’s hostile toward God. Following Drucker’s managerial principles, unbelievers (noncustomers) are brought into the church, and that’s good. But the follow up process of subtle, albeit continual change sadly misses the mark.

Given the TQM model, the church capitalizes on operant conditioning principles advanced by B.F. Skinner, who found that any behavior followed by a reinforcing stimulus results in an increased probability of that behavior’s reoccurring, and a behavior no longer followed by the stimulus decreases its probability.

Carefully crafted reinforcing stimuli may well nurture church growth and, hence, the bottom line (this, by means of tithes, offerings, and human resources), but then Skinner is no friend to authentic Christianity. In 1973, he signed the Humanist Manifesto II and thereby lauded relativistic values that expressly dethrone God while, at the same time, exalting human dignity and worth based on self-determination through reason.

The Skinnerian method of “successive approximations,” called shaping, at first reinforces a behavior only vaguely similar to the one desired. Once that behavior is more firmly established (i.e., by noncustomer seekers), a good social engineer seeks variations that more closely approximate what’s ultimately wanted (i.e., by repeat customers).

At first, newcomers enjoy sanitized church grounds void of religious symbols that might offend nonbelievers; what’s more, they merit preferred parking slots. Once would-be members are pinpointed, trained greeters expend a great deal of effort to schmooze them. Once on board, the noncustomer newcomer eagerly jumps the bandwagon to help perpetuate the very process that successfully wooed and won him into the fold. Together, corporate management (church government) and its workforce (customers, both new and seasoned) work in tandem to target and draw additional noncustomer newcomers.

This they accomplish by tailoring policies and programs that pander to pinpointed pre-Christians (seekers). Noncustomers are viewed as potential human resources whose talents and means are deemed useful toward furthering work of the corporate church founded on human effort and entrepreneurship.

Biblically, the church is the ekklesia (“called out ones,” each with gifts to share) who separate themselves from the profane world and assemble as a body of believers in order to admonish, comfort, encourage, and edify each other with a word, psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs as unto the Lord. In turn, those built up and anointed go out into the world to yield to the Master Potter and to fulfill the Great Commission.

No doubt TQM ensures continual improvement of the quality of products and processes used so that, in the end, products and/or services offered meet or even exceed customers’ expectations.
But the communitarian church has it all wrong. Expectations of customers (believers) or noncustomers (seekers) don’t much matter. The work of the church is not man-centric. Her mission is to please God, not man; and as good and faithful servants, believers rightly seek the praise of God, not their fellows.

More to come in Part 3.

Ephesians 4:5.
Tarrant, John C., Drucker: The Man Who Invented the Corporate Society (1976), ISBN 0-8436-0744-0.
www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._Edwards_Deming.
Possibilities thinking—Involves mutual processing for mutual benefit. Set aside as cumbersome anchors that block the dialectic process, facts and fixed beliefs bow to constructivist thought. A carefully honed, collaborative team voice trumps line-upon-line biblical knowledge. Attention is directed instead to pinpointed felt needs that demand to be met in society.
www.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Hybels.
http://ministryonline.com/churchgrowth/warren.ht.
7 James 4:4; Romans 8:7.
Human Resources are best viewed as workers, not thinkers; followers, not leaders; group members, not individuals. Ever learning, they fail to discover and embrace to the full Bible truth and sound doctrine (Isaiah 5:20; 2 Timothy 3:7). Their development and management are accomplished by means of lifelong learning, interdisciplinary approaches, systems thinking, partnerships, multicultural perspectives, and empowerment principles—all designed to fit that human resource to the workforce and/or social needs of the community.
John 5:41-44; Matthew 25:14-30.

Church Tradition, Transition, Transformation

2011-11-18T14:42:00.000-08:00

Economics of Megachurchianity
Part 1: Church Tradition, Transition, and Transformation

“Old timers” remember with fondness the community church of yesteryear, when both the church and grammar school operated out of a single building, likewise used as a gathering place for town meetings. Portraying the spiritual life of simple folks in Walnut Grove, Minnesota, the “Little House” television series featured this homey sort of central gathering place for worship, fellowship, instruction in the Word of God, and inspiration.

Relevant biblical and extra-biblical documents suggest that, in the early decades of the church, non-apostolic Jewish Christians brought biblical faith in Christ to Rome. Following Claudius’s edict against the Jews, the church was forced to reorganize, but nonetheless maintained its common identity and Christ-centric mission.

In many ways, the late 1800s church in Walnut Grove, Minnesota mirrored the Gentile-dominated “house churches” that congregated in small groups around the city of Rome. As with the early church, quality (not quantity) mattered most; and Christ was preeminent.

Within that dynamic, the Rev. Robert Alden served his community as a caring shepherd, one who maintained meaningful personal relationships with his flock including, but not limited to, the Ingalls family, “Doc” Baker, and Nels Olesen. Times change, and so do churches—sometimes for the good, sometimes not.

Tradition via Verbal Plenary
Traditional Christian belief is unwavering when it comes to absolute truths in the Bible. Fundamentalists believe the Word of God to be unchangeable and fully inspired—i.e., “God-breathed”—as it originally was penned in Hebrew, Chaldean, Greek, and Aramaic.

The Greek word in the Bible translated “church” (ekklesia) means “called out ones.” It references those who separate themselves from “the unclean thing”—physically, socially, ethically, morally, and spiritually. In distinguishing sacred from profane, these set their faces as flint in unshakable adherence to truth. By the grace of God, they live accordingly. In obedience to the Great Commission, faithful followers of Christ spread the good news (“Gospel”) near and far.

Naturally, doing so is likely to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. That’s to be expected. However, for Church Growth Movement (CGM) statisticians, dogmatism and intolerance simply won’t do. Theirs is a numbers game, not to be jeopardized by introducing even a hint of divisiveness. Instead, many serve up a watered-down, conciliatory Gospel that bears little resemblance to traditional Christianity.

Transition via Diaprax
Unlike dogmatic fundamentalists, whose ways are unacceptably narrow, enlightened churchgoers extol the broader way of tolerance by welcoming all people of faith, even if that faith is godless secular humanism, Islam, or Buddhism. Unlike the early church that unashamedly proclaimed the full Gospel to the Jew first, then the Gentile, church growth gurus repeatedly practice a carefully structured methodology of Hegelian dialectic, called diaprax.
Under guidance of a trained facilitator, willing participants engage in open interchange. Nonetheless, by using group dynamics (better known as “peer pressure”), dialogue is resolutely steered to reach a pre-determined outcome—i.e., consensus—with which all feel comfortable.
In so many words, a provocative question is posed: “Hath God said?” The carefully crafted tone for this query suggests need for a second, more inclusive look. One that will unite, not divide. Accordingly, fear of alienation from the group prevents one from standing firm for his convictions. It becomes easier to rationalize that maybe God didn’t really mean what He said. It’s certainly more reasonable to be inclusive than exclusive, right?

In this manner (thesis-antithesis-synthesis)—by means of Hegelian dialectic—“line upon line, precept upon precept” Bible study is forfeited for groupthink, or collaboration. Agreement or consensus, more accurately termed compromise, prevails.

Nevertheless, unlike politically correct modernists, Christ spoke “fighin’ words” certain to stir the pot. Indeed, He characterized Pharisees as “a brood of vipers” and “white-washed tombs.” Himself a stone of stumbling and rock of offense, Christ was all about truth. His was no conciliatory Gospel.

Transformation via Collaboration
Under guidance of management theory and practice, the American church over time has become super sized. This trend, of course, is consistent with Western culture; but then bigger is not always better.

As previously suggested, not biblical tradition, but diaprax guides transformation within the institutional church, well marinated in postmodern thought. Today’s nonprofit (third) sector—i.e., the mega church—follows private and government sectors in implementing slick marketing ploys, public-private partnerships, and faith-based initiatives designed to ensure social justice.

Not so much a shepherd, the senior pastor is best described as CEO of the corporation. While not its primary goal, profit is recognized as essential for a church’s continued existence. With this in view, deacons serve more as statisticians than stewards, and elders function more as board members than spiritual overseers. Congregants are relegated to the status of “human resources,” prepared and then freed to perform “for the common good.”

Offshoots of a mother church are “plant communities” where individuals’ social needs can be met, and healthy communities can be fostered. They’re “chips off the old block” accountable more to an official hierarchy than to the inspired Word of God revealed under guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Unfortunately, many of today’s mega-churches bear little resemblance to “the little brown church in the vale” that was built in 1864 as a striking testament to traditional Christian faith. In its place are big business ventures that pool community resources to execute social programs. While social programs aren’t inherently bad, man-initiated programs too often dilute biblical Christology and divert called-out ones from their appointed mission.

More to come in Part 2.

1 Verbal Plenary is the biblical position that, as written in its original language, all the Bible is fully “God-breathed”—that is, divinely inspired—to the slightest stroke of the smallest alphabet letter.

Isaiah 50:7—And the Lord Jehovah giveth help to me; therefore, I have not been ashamed. Therefore, I have set my face as a flint, and I know that I am not ashamed (Young’s Literal Translation).

The Great Commission—The last recorded personal instruction given by Jesus to His disciples, the Great Commission is one of the most significant passages in the Holy Bible. In it, Jesus called all His followers to take specific action while on earth: "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:18-20).

Matthew 10:34-35.

Church Growth Movement (CGM)—A movement within evangelical Christianity that emphasizes missionary work in combination with sociological awareness of a targeted population. Its popular label, "seeker sensitive," distinguishes would-be converts as "seekers."

6 George Hegel was a German philosopher who undermined the notion of fixed rights or wrongs; in fact, he believed that the State itself is god. Hegelian Dialectic (conflict resolution or the Delphi Technique) is group consensus under peer pressure whereby ends justify the means.

Consensus (agreement) involves collective thinking that prods participants beyond moral absolutism into the ambiguous realm of “evolving truth.” Ground rules for collaboration forbid adversarial processes; instead, participants must find common ground. Collaboration in the name of education reflects leadership of change agents more so than scholarly efforts of individuals who study to show themselves approved of God.

Genesis 3:1.
Isaiah 28:10.
Matthew 10:34; 23:27, 33; 1 Peter 2:8.

Postmodernism—A philosophical movement that questions the grand meta-narrative (big story) as it relates to the God of the Bible, His expressed will and ways. Apparent realities are but social constructs, subject to change.

Public-Private Partnerships pair government service with private business ventures—i.e., the corporate church. Funding and operations require compliance with government regulations and restrictions. While Christians render unto Caesar his rightful due, they nonetheless give precedence to the Higher Authority—obeying God, rather than man.

Faith-based Initiatives spring from compassionate conservatism, a carefully considered philosophy with results-driven, cost-effective, full-fledged programs that, along with government, embrace efforts by religious groups to address social problems associated with poverty, housing, and prisoners. Faith-based initiatives require recipients to examine the way they live. Because government-sponsored programs make no such demand, increased dependency ensues. Too often, however, the slothful become “brother to him that is a great waster” (Proverbs 18:9).

Social Justice evangelicals lobby for non-proliferation, world peace, and conflict resolution for families. They defend racial justice (if not equality), building interfaith relations with Muslims (reciprocity optional), International Law (trumping our US Constitution), and justice for God’s creation (warranting human apology—even worship).

www.preacherstudy.com/pdf/leaders.pdf.

Biblical Christology is derived from two Greek words, meaning “the study of the person of Christ,” His deity and humanity.

Islamo-phobic? Think Again

2011-08-24T12:02:00.000-07:00

Part 1: Cultural Lessons from Girls of Riyadh and Kuwait

Recently I read a fascinating book unlike any other. Translated into English from Arabic, the Girls of Riyadh compiles a series of emails written by a young Saudi Arabian woman who, at the time of the book’s release, was in Chicago pursuing an endodontic degree.

At the same time the author’s portrayals of her peers are culturally predictable, they are likewise disarmingly surprising. Author Rajaa Alsanea cleverly applies her keen sense of humor and incredibly insightful observations to delightful tales of girlish antics. Within the context of Riyadh’s societal and cultural mores, each girl’s story captures the imagination of readers from the East—and the curiosity of those from the West.

A Worldview “Better Felt Than Telt”
As a woman, I am intrigued by accounts of these girls’ romances, coupled with their remarkable achievements in academia, not to mention their notable career aspirations. I am further moved that sincerely held religious convictions guide every aspect of their lives. Moreover, in reading these published emails, I’m reminded of my own youth.

You see, from 1971-1973, I taught at the American School of Kuwait and, in the summer of 1974, I tutored the Kuwaiti Head of Parliament’s daughter in preparation for her freshman year of college. This young lady was on her way to the United States, and my job was to school her in colloquialisms and to increase her English vocabulary. To that end, I was invited into her life at home, at work, and at play.

Coupled with Alanea’s portrayals of girls of Riyadh, my experiences with girls of Kuwait demonstrate how a defined worldview shapes popular culture, education, economies, and geo-political policies enforced by leaders. For this reason, those already invested in a worldview do well to reflect upon that view’s reach and impact, particularly how it relates to competing or clashing ones. Unfortunately, too many among us choose instead to remain ignorant.

Failing to grasp worldviews vying for supremacy in our changing times, the un- or mis- informed fall prey to winds of change that are certain to set their vessels adrift. Effective dialogue between East and West depends on knowledge. It’s for this reason that I share simple, but crucial lessons I’ve learned from rare glimpses into the ordinary lives of affluent young women of Islam. To these, I add accounts of extraordinary experiences of ordinary Americans when Islamic philosophy and methodology are imposed on them against their will.

Not the Western Way
Set apart by her uncommon background, Alsanea invites readers (both “ladies and gentlemen”) to join her as if she were a tour guide to a new world, one “closer than what you’d imagine.” Her expressed task is to provide the inside scoop of conservative Islamic society as experienced by privileged young Saudi women. Escapades of the clique of girl friends she introduces demonstrate how some Muslim women are beginning to carve out their own way—a reformed way, yes, but not the Western way. Alsanea makes this point very clear.

Keep in mind that “reform” in the Muslim world means something entirely different to Muslims from what it means to infidels—i.e., non-Muslims. To Asanea and her peers, liberated womanhood rests somewhere in between contemporary Western society and sharia.

I repeat: It’s not the Western way. Even girl friend Michelle, whose maternal family is as American as apple pie, returns “home” to Saudi Arabia from her “visits” stateside. The faith of her father beckons Michelle back to her Islamic society largely veiled from Western view.

The Girls of Kuwait
Also among the affluent upper class, my Kuwaiti student was confident, outspoken, and curious. Myself only twenty-five years of age, we weren’t much distanced in age. Though I was her teacher, she came across, in many ways, as “older” (certainly more aggressive) than I.

Budding Women of Islam
Reading Girls of Riyadh refreshed my recollections of this young lady’s group of Kuwaiti girl friends, whose everyday lives were akin to those of the Riyadh girls. Though decades distanced the Saudi clique from their Kuwaiti counterparts, their experiences as Muslim women were more similar than not.

First hand observation of contemporary desert life, framed by seventh-century Arabian culture, intrigued me in the 1970s, and all the more today. Whether in Riyadh or Kuwait City, a Muslim woman’s lot in life is defined by nonnegotiable religious restrictions. While upper class Gulf women study hard and subsequently receive advanced education degrees, they remain under the thumb of a decidedly patriarchal system.

Marrying well (and successfully) tops the list of “to dos” for a dutiful Muslim woman. Muhammad referred to women as man “toys”; and hell, he warned, is replete with ungrateful women who had failed to please their husbands. If that’s not enough, a man’s testimony in courts of law carries the weight of two women’s testimonies, and women in strict Islamic states may not drive or vote.

Separation of the Sexes
Toward the close of my summer employment in 1974, I was invited to a traditional graduation party for my Kuwaiti student and, in a very unique way, gained access to a privileged world unknown to most.

A Westerner unencumbered by limitations, as these, I eyed with great curiosity the scores of young Kuwaiti women who attended that graduation celebration to which I was invited decades earlier. Once out of the public eye, these lovely girls shed their abiyas to reveal an astonishing array of the latest European designer fashions.

Musicians were the only men allowed, but judging from the flashy, form-enhancing attire of these voluptuous young women, one would think their sole charge was to attract and hook a man! Suffice it to say, once a girl is earmarked for marriage, she is further immersed in training to perfect “the art of seduction,” which, I learned, is already very well developed by her teens.

Each Kuwaiti girl in attendance was lavished in jewels (no dime store imitations!). Sculpted hair and exotic make-up mirrored—but preceded and exceeded in sophistication—the Designing Women style of America’s 1980s. What author Rajaa Alsanea characterized as her “signature, shameless, crimson-red lipstick” painted the lips and fashionably formed fingernails of my student and her peers.

Competition and Jealousy
As the evening progressed, each guest was compelled, one after another, to take the dance floor (what appeared to be a long hallway down the center of the room) and “strut her stuff,” as if reenacting an old fashioned “cake walk.” Among onlookers were moms, known humorously as “capital funds and mothers of sons,” who checked out each beauty for suitability as a potential bride for their sons.

Assuming the posture of Paris runway models, guests took their turns while huddled onlookers chattered among themselves. To the best of her ability, each girl averted “the evil eye” which, if directed her way, bestowed bad luck (or so she thought). Even so, each dancer’s bloodline, family wealth, and status were as freely denigrated as her physical appearance. What the girls refer to as “Satan’s evil whisperings” could be downright brutal—e.g., She’s too fat, has a big nose and/or an ugly dress. So-and-so’s prettier, etc.

As with the Saudi girls, so it was with girls of Kuwait. Though highly competitive and openly critical of one another, they clearly enjoyed lifelong friendships marked by genuine affection. Shill trills (similar to wild West warrior whoops) were interjected periodically as if to say, “Way to go, girl friend!” These were interspersed with “pep” chants—i.e., “a thousand blessings and peace be upon you, beloved of Allah, Muhammad!”

When it came my turn to take center stage at this graduation shindig, I stood to my feet, headed down the runway, and immediately felt the sting of buzzing gossip. Once my gig was up, the girls praised my “beauty and grace.” Of course, I recognized that these young women had surely noticed my dress wasn’t a designer original, nor were my “jewels” museum quality. Admittedly, my dance moves were iffy; nevertheless, to my credit, I competed well in the “big hair” department. It was, after all, the seventies!

Superstition and Fate
No big surprises here: Girlish competition and jealousies are typical of all teens, especially among the affluent. However, it puzzles me that, no matter how sophisticated and educated they are, girls of Riyadh and Kuwait succumb to superstition. Ouija boards answer their questions, and personal fortunes are sought out through “readings” of coffee grounds and tealeaves. Even when referenced nonchalantly, as if only in fun, signs of the Zodiac weigh heavily in predicting success of soon-to-be-arranged marriages.

“Fate” likewise drives the Eastern mind. While a resident of Kuwait, I observed that some Muslims seem to think as follows: “If I live, I live; if I die, I die. Whether or not I conduct my affairs rationally, my plight in life rests solely in the hands of Fate. So be it.”

Predictably, the girls of Riyadh echoed this line of reasoning. One’s plight in love rests solely in the hands of Fate. So be it. At her wedding party in Riyadh, for example, the bride’s friends moaned, “The Prophet Muhammad used to send up prayers for the unlovely ones; and now the ugly ones seem to be in demand these days, and not us.” That’s just the way it is. Bummers!

East is East, and West is West
Perhaps more entertaining than anthropomorphically relevant, our girls of Riyadh nonetheless have much to teach us about Islamic culture and faith. I accept that today’s ever expanding “social media” shows Eastern kids to have much in common with their Western counterparts in growing up, schooling, relating, loving, and finding their way in our increasingly complex world.

Rightly so, modern Saudi women perceive themselves as catalysts for reform; but they do not look to the West for definition. Once again, I emphasize that the “new way” they’re pioneering is not the Western way. For us to imagine otherwise is unfounded.

Privileged Saudi women appear far more interested in becoming excellent doctors, dentists, and journalists than they are in “wiping Israel off the face of the Earth.” I’m guessing that, once they come of age, these ladies would rather “make love, not war.” But make no mistake. Hollywood may tickle the fancies of ‘tweens, teens, and twenty-somethings but, in the end, Islamic culture will not be overturned. Nor will the mission of Islam be thwarted. Not by these lassies anyway.

The good news is that a large majority of Muslims, despite gender, distance themselves from radicalism. Problem is, if only a tiny percentage of a huge population endorses Wahhabi extremism, the threat posed is monumental and mustn’t be airbrushed in the name of “Let’s all just get along.” 7

More to follow, Part 2.

Rajaa Alsanea. Girls of Riyadh. (London: Penguin Books, 2005).

Sharia is the restrictive code of laws and rules that govern the life and behavior of Muslims. Based on the Qur’an and Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, sharia references “a path or way to a water hole in the desert.”

David Wallechinsky. “The10 Worst Living Dictators.” Parade Magazine (February 16, 2003): 4.

Abiyas are black “tents” (modesty coverings) worn by Gulf State Muslim women while in public. Abiyas do not replace, but rather overlay “street clothes” (deemed appropriate only in privacy).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_and_antisemitism.

Quran (2:191-193).

7 Without doubt Islam is the largest non-Christian religion in the world, and some fifteen percent of all of the world’s 1.3 billion Muslims sympathize with extremism. Spokesperson for the military wing of Hamas in Gaza admits: “Our people love death.” Furthermore, he adds, “Our goal is to die for the sake of God; and if we live, we want to humiliate Jews and trample on their necks.”

Bamboozled by Buddlam

2011-08-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

Today’s Tactical Pursuit of Religious Commonality
Part 3: Bamboozled by Buddlam

Generally speaking, the study of cultural geography is a good thing. Ongoing dialogue allows one to learn more about others’ beliefs and cultures and hopefully fosters goodwill among world citizens.1 Unfortunately today’s “diversity principle” is more about syncretism than it’s about education.

Beyond research, we’re called “to change our whole way of thinking” because—in the words of Millard Fuller (founder of Habitat for Humanity)—“the New Order of the Spirit is confronting and challenging us.”

An emerging “new consciousness” springs from a growing awareness among Westerners of the inherent wisdom emanating from the East. Cosmic humanist Lucile Green contends that Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, and Shinto may well differ, but together they portray the world as “multidimensional.” Learning through them, she continues, serves “to build the foundations of a new world order”—specifically, one distinguished by religious pluralism.2

Fact is postmodernists herald most any brand of spirituality that, by politically correct standards, isn’t unduly divisive.3 For the sake of building upon “common ground”—this, in an effort to reconcile creeds that logically clash—compliant religionists (whether Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, and/or Muslim) forfeit (or feign to forfeit) traditional core doctrines of their respective religions. 4

Buddlam’s “Path Proper”: Straight but not Narrow
Syncretistic Buddlam poses no special problem to Buddhists who historically endorse “many paths.” To the contrary, one expects Islamic fundamentalists to be more rigid. However, “pacifists” from among them readily embrace Buddhism, but for self-serving reasons. By feigning friendship with one’s nemesis, or by recasting beliefs as being somehow “similar,” these hope to gain tactical advantage. Once Islam’s taproot is sufficiently grounded, the faithful may drop any temporal façade of conciliation to summons the dar-al-kuffer to heed the call of Allah to Islam. 5

The “straight path” to which Muslims must adhere features five pillars—the first of which is Islamic creed: “There is no God But Allah, and Muhammad is His prophet.” The next is prayer; then, charity, the observance of Ramadan by fasting, and finally an once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to Mecca. 6

Buddha’s Four Noble Truths begin with suffering, caused by desire and overcome by an eightfold path of right knowledge, effort, aspiration, speech, behavior, livelihood, mindfulness, and absorption. By following eight steps of the “path proper,” Buddhists hope to curtail suffering by overcoming desire. The destination for this “path” bears not the slightest resemblance to Islam’s endpoint. 7

Nevertheless, in the name of religious harmony, Buddlam advances and recasts a smorgasbord of mismatched creeds and practices until incongruent belief systems of Buddhism and Islam appear to be analogous when they’re not. In reality, the resulting “synchrony” is as unrecognizable and highly unlikely as a mythological half-man, half-horse (a cryptid).8

Creed: “No God …”
Originally recognized as Al-Lat, Allah was known to Arabs in Saudi Arabia even before Islam existed. The “moon god” was one of 360 gods worshipped by the tribes in Mecca. Ironically, strictly monotheistic Islamic creed recognizes no god but Allah. In stark contrast, Buddhism recognizes no god at all. Any pretense of reconciling these two anomalies (“no God but Allah” with “no god at all”) is purely semantic.9

Prayer: Prostration/Buddhist Meditation
Even as Muslims wash, prostrate themselves facing Mecca, and then pray five times daily, Buddhists similarly prostrate themselves three times before prayer. However, supposed similarities end when Buddlam presumes to equate Buddhist meditation with Islamist instruction from holy texts. Whereas the latter involves focused cognition, the former requires an altered state of consciousness. Furthermore, Buddlamists liken devotional practices that are found in many of the Sufi traditions—e.g., Whirling Dervishes—to those specifically associated with Westerners who frequent Mahayana Buddhist centers—namely, chanting, singing, and “vajra-dances.”10

Almsgiving: Almsgiving/Far-reaching Perfections
Both Islam and Buddhism hold individuals responsible for their actions; both adhere to strict ethics; and both practice general cleanliness and charity. As almsgiving is a pillar of Islam, all forms of Buddhism teach generosity, one of the so-called “far-reaching perfections.” While almsgiving for Muslims is motivated by compulsion, it’s pragmatism that goads Buddhists to generosity. After all, Buddhists accept that no god or gods can be counted on, not even the Buddha himself; and of ninety-nine titles attributed to Allah, “love” is not one of them.11

Fasting (Ramadan): Halal/Vegetarianism
Though dietary restraints attend Judeo-Christian tradition, it’s not so much what goes into the body that matters most; rather, it’s what comes out of the heart and mouth.12 Yet again, pragmatism spurs Buddhists to vegetarianism; and, under legal compulsion, Muslims fast until sunset throughout the month of Ramadan. Additionally, while offering a prayer for animals to be reborn in heaven, Islamists follow the halal method of slaughter. Both camps refuse pork and alcohol.

Pilgrimage: Saudi Hajj/India Pilgrimage
Once in their lives, many followers of the various Buddhist traditions aspire to make a pilgrimage to the holy site in India where Buddha attained enlightenment; and Muslims make their hajj journey to Mecca. Buddhist devotees circumambulate and prostrate themselves before a prime Buddhist temple with a stone cube draped in cloth at its center. This, of course, is reminiscent of Islamists encircling the Kaaba stone in Mecca. The point being, though outward acts of piety—i.e., prayer, almsgiving, dietary restrictions, pilgrimage—may indeed suggest similitude, fundamental end goals of extinction (Buddhism) and dominance (Islam) do not.13

• Finally: Trivializing Essential Creed as Superfluous—e.g., Nature of God, Afterlife

The Great “No”/ Detached Nothingness

In Arabic, “lah” means "no," so it’s a negation. Buddlam toys with the word “Allah” by suggesting that the “-lah” at its end designates nothingness. Chanters who decrease one syllable of the Muslim mantra (Allahu akbar) one “lah” at a time ostensibly render Allah "the ‘Great No’"— i.e., the unimaginable pure breath of God.14

Keep in mind that Allah literally means “the God”—to Islamists, the only God. By tampering with the word itself, Buddlamists obliterate the very backbone of an in-your-face religion that simply won’t be refused. For the Islamist, the semblance of religious harmony is but temporal. Once the battle cry of triumph is raised, and the ummah takes form, Islamists will entertain syncretistic nonsense no longer.

Muslim Paradise/Buddhist Nirvana
Buddlamists target and, then, dismiss incompatible beliefs relating to the “afterlife” as if they were inconsequential when, fundamentally, they are not. An ultimate destination theology is no side issue. Indeed, afterlife theology dates back to ancient Egypt, and all major religions speak to it.

Whereas Muslim Paradise is portrayed as a garden full of physical pleasures, succulent fruit, and refreshing rivers (and hell is forever), Buddhists instead anticipate a state of detachment or nothingness (nirvana). Likened to one’s escaping a burning building, Buddhist samsara (“hell”) is limited.

Unless martyred, there’s no assurance a Muslim will merit reward for his good deeds, even when the good- outweigh bad- deeds committed. Arbitrary by nature, Allah makes final decisions as he pleases. In contrast, “a black substance that results from wrongdoing” (karma) is said to determine a Buddhist’s providence; and the highest (therefore, a religiously rudimentary) principle in Buddhism is known as “voidness,” said to unite everything beyond all names and concepts.15

As if to make a point with doctrinal spin, Buddlam equates the Buddhist principle of detachment (voidness) with the practice of circumcision among some Islamists. Pairing afterlife doctrines of Buddhists and Islamists this way serves to trivialize an essential creed. Fact is, no matter how it’s portrayed, negotiating one’s afterlife is no small matter.

In his right mind, no would-be Muslim martyr would even consider embracing extinction (voidness) in exchange for promise of seventy-two virgins in Paradise! (What man would?) Be sure, minus the spin, core beliefs of Islamic Paradise and Buddhist nirvana are conceptually different as night and day.16

Final Word
Whether presented as Chrislam, Buddlam, or Hindlam, religious syncretism guarantees global harmony and, in time, will deliver a worldwide coalition that ostensibly shares “one mind.”17

Though open to any non-monotheistic belief system, the complicit show ever-increasing rancor toward Bible believers who firmly “set their faces as flint” without regard for political correctness.18 In the new order of a new age, nonconformists as these are deemed “divisive” and even dispensable.19

Not so in the Kingdom of Christ. They’re lauded as overcomers.20 But not by human might or power.21 It’s by the grace of God that these manage to escape the seduction of religious syncretism.

1. First developed in the late 1950s, the Delphi Technique is a psychological process whereby a predetermined outcome is decided; and all discussions and decisions are made to lead a group to that consensus. Collaborative learning, conflict resolution, and Hegelian Dialectics are analogous terms.
2. Lucile Green. Journey to a Governed World. (Berkeley: the Uniquest Foundation, 1992): 34. Note: In Latin “religion” means “to bind”—that is, to a belief or philosophy that might or might not involve worship of a god or gods. Powerful incentives of guilt and/or fear beckon the gullible to one-world dogma, as expounded in globalism’s bible, the United Nations Charter. Not the Ten Commandments. The UNESCO Declaration of Tolerance (1995) essentially elevates rejection of moral/religious absolutism to the status of legal requirement in one-world politics.
3. Called anti-logic by Plato, deconstructionism is the argument-counter argument ploy of fifth-century sophists who applied spurious reasoning solely to win arguments, never to establish truth. Postmodernism, or high theory, is modern relativism applied to language. In brief, it’s cerebral political correctness.
4. With escalating fervency, a clarion call for religious tolerance trailed synchronized terrorist attacks on America (11 September 2001). Thereafter, presenting Jesus as the only way met with unprecedented disapproval. Political correctness mandated instead an all-inclusive, milk-toast spirituality that everyone could affirm. Goaded by the world’s political and religious leaders, peace loving Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, etc. linked arms as “brothers.” Living peacefully with all men may indeed be biblical, but sharing in the hamartia (Greek, “missing the mark with grave consequences following”) of syncretism is not. Better for God’s people to “come out” than to linger at the wide gate, or saunter down the broad way to destruction (Romans 12:18; Revelation 18:3-5a; Matthew 7:13).
5. One of Islam’s most distinguished theologians Al-Ghazzali (1058-1111) once wrote: “Know that a lie is not wrong in itself. If a lie is the only way of obtaining a good result, it is permissible. We must lie when truth leads to unpleasant results.”?
6. Huston Smith. “Buddhism” and “Islam.” The Religions of Man. (New York: Harper and Row Publishers, 1965): 90-159; 217-253.
7. Debra Rae. “Buddhism.” ABCs of Globalism: A Vigilant Christian’s Glossary. (Lafayette: Huntington House Publishers, 1999): 82-84.
8. http://www.answers.com/topic/cryptid#ixzz1SC22wxrV.
9. "Allah was known to the pre-Islamic Arabs; he was one of the Meccan deities." Encyclopedia of Islam, ed. Gibb, I:406.
10. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sufi_whirling.
11. William Wagner. “The Quiet Revolution.” How Islam Plans to Change the World. (Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 2004): 39-42.
12. Matthew 15:11.
13. Mahathera, Nyanatiloka. Buddhist Dictionary: Manual of Buddhist Terms and Doctrines, 4th ed. (Kandy, Sri Lanka: Buddhist Publication Society, ISBN 9552400198). Available online. Retrieved July 16, 2011.
14. http://www.berzinarchives.com/web/en/archives/study/islam/general/common_features_islam_buddhism.html.
15. http://.falundafa.org/book/eng/dymf_5.htm.
16. Despite profound doctrinal variations, major religions share one great teaching—namely, human beings are immortal, and their spirits come from a divine world and eventually will return there. Since even the earliest spiritual expressions, this stands as the singular great hope for believers. See: Keith L. Brooks. The Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Error (1 John 4:6). (Chicago: Moody Press, 1969): 1-2.
17. Revelation 17:13.
18. In Isaiah 50:7 to set one’s face as flint (a hard rock) denotes resolution not to shrink from suffering or contempt.
19. John 16:2.
20. Revelation 3:21.
21. Zechariah 4:6.

Baited by Buddlam

2011-07-31T10:48:00.000-07:00

Today’s Tactical Pursuit of Religious Commonality
Part 2: Baited by Buddlam

These days, while describing themselves as “spiritual,” increasing numbers of Westerners embrace “no religious affiliation.” Though creed, commandments, and ritual are falling by the wayside, the impulse to link with some “higher being” appears to be on the rise.

East is East, and West is East
To postmodernists, whatever brand of spirituality floats one boat is fine—just as long as the boat’s not rocked. In the West, religious inclusionism appeals especially to nominal Christians. For mainline church folk committed to the Doctrine of Tolerance, “Chrislam” fills the bill nicely. After all, “ecumenical reconciliation” beats the alternatives—i.e., jihad and War on Terror.1

On the other hand, pursuers of religious commonality in the East favor what’s called “Buddlam,” doctrinal mix of Buddhism with Islam.2 Syncretistic Buddlam poses no problem to Buddhists who historically endorse “many paths.” Nor even to Islamists who tactically embrace inclusionism all the while coddling their own desired end to the contrary.

For the sake of building upon “common ground”—this, in an effort to reconcile creeds that logically clash—willing inclusionists take one for the team, as it were, by forfeiting (or feigning to forfeit) traditional core doctrines of their respective religions.

Syncretism on the Sly
Contrary to popular belief, not all orthodox Muslims are offensive activists who refuse to assimilate. Some are defensive pacifists for whom assimilation (or presence) serves an underlying objective to preserve the house of Islam (dar-al-Islam) and foster its growth.

In short, the destiny mission for all orthodox Islamists is complete world dominance. It’s believed that, in time, the community of non-Muslims (dar-al-kuffer) will comply, whether by conversion or coercion; and one caliph armed with sharia will rule over a global community of all those who affirm Islam (ummah).3

With a single eye for this Islamic Grand Design, Muslim proponents of Buddlam target and, then, strategically downplay religious differences—this, in the bogus name of “religious harmony.” Islamists are okay with deception for self-interest.4

Put another way, Islamic precedence accepts that the end (ummah) justifies the means—e.g., identifying with other faiths, if only superficially, as a semblance of solidarity. Other tactics include recasting mismatched beliefs as “similar,” or simply trivializing them as superfluous when, in fact, they are not.

Once Islam’s taproot is well established, the faithful are free to drop the façade and, then, summons the conquered to heed the call of Allah to Islam (da’wah) whereupon shouts of Allahu akbar, meaning “Allah is Greater,” will silence the defunct, but currently useful “many-paths-to-God” mantra. 5

• First: Outward Identification in a Show of Solidarity

Throughout the hajj, Muslim men are required to dress alike in order to represent equality of all Muslims, whether rich or poor. Regardless of one’s sect or country of origin, male pilgrims don sandals and drape themselves in two sheets of white cloth to remind them of simplicity, humility, and self-purification.

Not unlike Muslim Arabs whom the early 11th century Sanskrit Texts depict as “white-clad” invaders, Buddhists with shaved heads also wear special robes. Buddlamists applaud this outward identification, if only by wardrobe, as apparent indication of solidarity, if not sameness.6

With this in mind, I recall a popular comedy routine from decades past in which the Smothers Brothers sang a memorable, tongue-in-cheek ditty. Lyrics expounded on wearing the collar, hat, raincoat, and shoes of a sailor (anthropologist, or refrigerator repairman—whatever) so that some day they’d be sailors, too—“the same as their old man.”

Though Buddhist, the Dalai Lama visits local mosques and dons Islamic garments—but for the sake of conciliation, not comic relief. Either way, conventional wisdom remains in tact: Superficial identification with a sailor, or a Muslim, doesn’t a sailor or Muslim make. Nor does it negate authentic characteristics of real sailors or Muslims. To presume otherwise is delusion, or perhaps even an act of deception.

• Next: Framing Mismatched Beliefs as “Similar”— Doctrines, Devotions, Practices

Once again, Islamic precedence accepts that the end (ummah) justifies the means—i.e., identifying with other faiths as a semblance of solidarity, if only superficially. Yet another tactic employed by religious syncretists is to recast mismatched doctrines, beliefs, and practices as being “similar” when, in fact, they are not.

Doctrinal Similarities

For example, Buddlam tacticians fashion incompatible, core doctrines of Buddhism and Islam as if they were agreed upon Islamo-Buddhist “talking points.”

Re.: The Prophet/Maitreya
Some religionists associate the future Buddha Maitreya (the Loving- or Merciful- One) with the Prophet Muhammad (servant of the Merciful One), but presumed similitude doesn’t stop here. Qur’anic mention of the fig tree is thought by some to reference Buddha, who purportedly attained enlightenment at the foot of one.

More specifically, Buddha is “the one from Kifl” (the Prophet, characterized in the Qur’an as patient and good). However compelling these comparisons, Buddlamists err by pairing Buddha and Muhammad as principled “messengers” intent on achieving the same things; but the respective world religions birthed by them belie this fallacy.7

Re.: Muhammad/Rahman
It’s noted that early 11th century Sanskrit Kalachakra Texts contain beliefs fundamental to Islam—e.g., texts apply a Persian word used for white-clad Arab invaders whose destiny was to please the Compassionate One (Rahman). Some go so far as to identify Muhammad as an avatar (incarnation) of Rahman whose triumphs affected a higher rebirth in paradise. Drawing from convoluted notions, as these, Buddlamists devise and advance a fanciful pipe dream promising religious harmony, understanding, and peaceful cooperation.8

Re.: Greater Jihad/Triumphant Mind Battles
To Buddlamists, jihad (“proper effort”) resonates with the Triumphant One (Buddha) said to have won the mind battle over ignorance, greed, attachment, anger, and hatred. For both camps (Buddhism and Islam), no price is too dear. Today’s Islamic suicide bombers (more accurately, “homicide” bombers) bring to mind Zen monks who incinerated themselves during the Vietnam War. Because Buddhist teachings include something similar to a lesser jihad, and the greater jihad is the struggle against lust, it stands to reason that Buddhists can and should dialogue doctrinally with Islamists.9

Devotional Similarities

Beyond reconciling incompatible doctrines as if they really were reconcilable, Buddlam tacticians attribute fallacious similarities to devotional practices of two distinctly separate world religions.

Sharia/Meditation
The Arabic word sharia (meaning “the grand boulevard” or “the street”) encompasses ritual worship, transactions and contracts, morals and manners, beliefs, and punishments. In short, it represents law that people must obey for metaphorical traffic to move easily in the world.

Though Buddha did not teach a legal code, Muhammad did. A Muslim under sharia may not convert to Christianity, steal, or commit adultery under threat of punishment, be it flogging, stoning, amputation, or execution. Legally, he may redeem holy ground, assist jihadists, fake peace, and endorse female genital mutilation and/or polygamy.

In contrast, Buddhist ethical teachings are derived from Kalachakra Tantra, not sharia; and Buddha’s foundational belief was restraint from ten especially destructive actions—including physical acts of killing, stealing, and inappropriate sexual behavior; verbal ones of lying, speaking divisively, using harsh and cruel language, speaking idle words; and mental ones of covetous thinking, thinking with malice and distorted, antagonistic thinking with which one denies the value of anything positive.

By intentionally mischaracterizing sharia as “methodoloy to attain truth,” Buddlam pairs it with Buddhist meditation, but wrongly so. While sharia is clearly a set of “do’s” and “don’t’s,” Buddhist meditation is not. Rather, it involves a variety of techniques to develop mindfulness, concentration, tranquility, and insight.10

Dhikrs/Mantras
Islamists and Buddhists employ divergent, but seemingly similar methods to overcome pitfalls and obstacles. For example, repeated recitation of Buddha’s names and sacred syllables (mantras) counted on rosary beads purportedly parallels recitation of dhikrs in Islam. Just as Sufis recite the names of God, Buddhists praise the names of Manjushri.11

Concluding Thoughts
Simply put, syncretism is doctrinal mix as evidenced in the growing popularity of Buddlam, doctrinal mix of Buddhism with Islam. While pursuers of religious commonality in the West favor Chrislam, those in the East favor Buddlam.

Postmodernists accept most any brand of spirituality that isn’t unduly divisive. For the sake of building upon “common ground”—this, in an effort to reconcile creeds that logically clash—compliant religionists from Buddhism and Islam both forfeit (or feign to forfeit) traditional core doctrines of their respective religions.

Accordingly, Islamist pacifists tactically embrace Buddhism with no mind to yielding their Grand Design for Islamic dominance. When it serves their own purpose, making friends with their nemesis is fine. So is recasting infidels’ beliefs as somehow “similar.” These understand that, once Islam’s taproot is well established, the faithful may drop the façade of conciliation and, in turn, summons the conquered to heed the call of Allah to Islam.

More to come in Part 3.

1. http://www.plaintruth.com/the_plain_truth/2010/11/chrislam-spreads-throughout-america.html.
2. Alexander Berzin. “Buddhist-Muslim Doctrinal Relations: Past, Present, and Future.” Originally published with extensive footnotes in Buddhist Attitudes toward Other Religions, ed. Perry Schmidt-Leukel. (St. Ottilien: EOS Verlag, 2008): 212 – 236.
3. Debra Rae. “Islamic Fundamentalism.” ABCs of Globalism: A Vigilant Christian’s Glossary. (Lafayette: Huntington House Publishers, 1999): 160.
4. Muhammad bin Maslama once admitted, “Messenger, we shall have to tell lies.” To that, the Prophet replied, “Say what you like; you are absolved, free to say whatever you must” (Ishaq: 365; Tabari VII: 94). See also: http://prophetofdoom.net/Islamic_Quotes.Islam.
5. William Wagner. “The Quiet Revolution.” How Islam Plans to Change the World. (Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 2004): 39-42.
6. Reza Shah Kazemi. “Introduction.” Common Ground between Islam and Buddhism. (Louisville: Fons Vitae,2010): Introduction by H.H. the Fourteenth Dalai Lama and H.R.H. Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad.
7. Tenzin Gyatso. “Many Faiths, One Truth.” (New York: New York Times, 24 May 2010): The Opinion Pages.
8. http://www.berzinarchives.com/web/x/nav/n.html_1867868580.html
9. Berzin, Buddhist Attitudes, 79-110.
10. Berzin, Buddhist Attitudes, 79-110.
11. Berzin, Buddhist Attitudes, 79-110.

Tactical Pursuit of Religious Commonality

2011-07-21T14:26:00.000-07:00

Today’s Tactical Pursuit of Religious Commonality
Part 1: Exclusionism, Pluralism, Inclusionism

It’s said that “if words are to enter men’s minds and bear fruit, they must be the right words shaped cunningly to pass men’s defenses and explode silently and effectually within their minds” (J. B. Phillips). While the fruit of fitly spoken words is sweet, opportunists also use cunningly devised terms to shroud their own provocative agendas that, in the end, bear rotten fruit.1

For instance, universally agreeable twenty-first century buzzwords as “transformation,” “transcendence,” and “collaboration” may appeal broadly, but their generic meanings obscure widespread grasp of how they’d look if acted out in real time. By definition, globalism is an interdependent, worldwide design with geopolitical, economic, and spiritual components.

For the transformative “Grand Design” of collaborative globalism to be realized, national sovereignty, free enterprise capitalism, and biblical fundamentalism must give way to bio-regional global governance, sustainability (wealth redistribution), and syncretism (doctrinal mix). Personal and/or group identities must defer to the Global Village in which populations are controlled and private ownership of property is curtailed. 2

Because religionists of all colors dominate the global population, and religious passion serves as a tremendous boost to (or threat against) democratic transnationalism, globalists work to build bridges of commonality between Eastern and Western belief systems. More often than not, in today’s emerging one-world paradigm, fundamental Western values bow to collectivist counterparts, many of which originate in the East. Purportedly for “the common good,” compliant world citizens submit to a new earth, pan-religious ethic, rather than to traditional mores.3

Tactical Pursuit of Commonality via Changeover, Commendation, Confusion
Religious commonality is accomplished by hawking politically correct diversity, popularly touted as “tolerance,” and by merging and thereby morphing traditional faith systems into oblivion. Among the world’s religionists are exclusivists, pluralists, and inclusionists.
Exclusivists adhere to one true and nonnegotiable path to salvation or liberation. Globalists finger fundamentalism as counterproductive to the burgeoning novus ordo seclorum (“new secular world order of the ages”) and instead favor doctrinal mix (syncretism) over dogma. Scripted “dialogue” encourages changeover to alternatives more amenable to the one-world plan.

Next, pluralists believe in many paths to salvation or liberation, none of which reigns supreme. If you follow Buddhist practices, for instance, you ostensibly get to Buddhist heaven; and if you follow Muslim practices, you get to Muslim paradise. For this reason, it’s assumed that I’m okay; you’re okay; and so is everyone else. Hence, there’s no need for conversion. Globalists promote and placate pluralists as especially useful; predictably, they commend pluralism for “tolerance” (more accurately, for malleability).

Finally, inclusionists believe in many paths to salvation or liberation; however, in the end, a seeker will naturally come to realize “the superior path.” Proponents recognize, identify with and, then, downplay religious differences by recasting them as similar or by trivializing them as superfluous “side issues.”4

The Chrislam Con
Viewed by many as its chief obstacle, well-established religious creed must be softened in order to realize the new, one-world order. With a mind to reset religious canon, globalists introduce confusion simply by merging disparate faith systems. This brand of inclusionism particularly appeals to nominal Christians who are more committed to “tolerance” than they are to biblical truth. As was the case with Eve, the loaded question “Hath God said?” gives them pause. In the name of “diversity,” these swap out the proverbial waistband of sound doctrine with the loose elastic of comfy compromise.

Recently, the Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, Houston, joined Christian communities in Atlanta, Seattle, and Detroit to encourage “ecumenical reconciliation” between Christianity and Islam. Theirs was a sort of worldview potpourri mixing together elements of Christianity with Islam. Predictably called Chrislam, this brand of inclusive ecumenicalism qualifies mutually inharmonious texts—ie., Bible and Qur’an—as divinely inspired.5

In turn, when common ground is reached between Islamists and Buddhists, the result is called Buddlam; similarly, syncretizing Islamic doctrine with Hindu beliefs produces what’s called Hindlam. All three dilute the essence of their respective belief systems.

Buddhist-Islamic Dialogue
In 1996 a conference called Alternative Politics for Asia convened in Penang, Malaysia, in order to spark Buddhist-Muslim dialogue. By lassoing traditional “wisdom” and spiritual values of both world religions, and by merging them into a muddied mix of contradicting religious ideals, participants hoped, albeit unsuccessfully, to solve regional problems—namely, intergroup violence, armed conflicts, global warming, environmental degradation, and drug abuse.6

Thereafter, in June of 2006, the Dusit Declaration likewise fostered harmonious relations essentially by weakening Western free enterprise capitalism and muting biblical ethic that supports it—e.g., respect for rule of law, individual effort, and fair dealing.7 The Declaration concluded: “The hegemonic power of global capitalism is the new ‘religion’ which threatens to undermine the universal, spiritual and moral values and world views embodied in Buddhism, Islam and other religions.”

Adding: This is why “Buddhists, Muslims and others should forge a more profound unity and solidarity, which will be able to offer another vision of a just, compassionate and humane universal civilization [devoid of biblical ethic, of course]. It is with this mission in mind that we hereby announce the launch of a permanent Buddhist-Muslim Citizens Commission for Southeast Asia.”8

Dalai Lama, Leading the Pack
The key proponent for this trendy splurge of merge is His Holiness, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama who contends that sustainable development (even survival) depends on nations, cultures, religions, and individuals sharing responsibility for solving universal problems (seductive, yes; transparent, no).9

Here’s the caveat: The Dalai Lama defends Islam, not by relaying its ostensibly admirable tenets, but rather by “reshaping people’s views of the religion.” Instead of characterizing Islam as purveyor of contact, conflict, conquest, and condescension, he simply ignores the Islamic Doctrine of Abrogation in an effort to “reshape” perception of Islam into a religion of peace and goodwill. To reject his religious renovation is to be “divisive.”10

To the one-world crowd, an ounce of divisiveness is worth a pound of rehab. For example, while on a lecture tour, Israeli journalist and Jewish theologian Avi Lipkin was sentenced in accordance with Swiss anti-racism law. Why? For concluding that “minarets are not church towers,” but they are “nails in the coffin of the West.” Rather than submit to re-education in some mosque (touted as “community service”), Avi instead preferred a jail sentence for his supposedly heinous crime of being politically incorrect.11

HRH Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad of Jordan, on the Bandwagon
On 12 May 2010 the Dalai Lama joined a panel of select scholars who together launched the Common Ground Project. The project was planned over several years by HRH Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad of Jordan who, along with the Dalai Lama, set out to nurture spiritual relationship between their respective faith traditions.

Never mind that core beliefs of Buddhism and Islam clash irreconcilably. For instance, Buddha never admitted to being “god,” nor do Buddhists recognize any god, period. In contrast, fundamental belief in Islam (shahada) recognizes no god but Allah, whose messenger is Muhammad and whose acceptance is mandatory, whether voluntarily or, if need be, by force.

Dhimma status, as relating to the Pact of Umar, purportedly protects Christians and Jews who live in covenant with their Muslim conquerors. For Islamists, the historical concept of “people of the Book” seems to have widened from monotheistic religions, as these, to include Buddhism. Three decades after the Prophet, Buddhists received dhimmi status.

For following ethical principles of higher authority, conquered Buddhists were allowed to follow their religion as long as laypeople among them joined Jews and Christians in submitting to burdensome restrictions and in paying poll taxes from which Islamists are exempt.
Far from fostering goodwill, Islamists vilify non-Muslims as hated dar-al-bughd. According to the Hadith, the Prophet characterized the majority of hell-fire’s dwellers as ungrateful women. Attitudes, as these, hardly lend themselves to conciliation.12

“Shipwrecked by the Laughter of the Gods”
Nevertheless, the Dalai Lama persists in stressing interfaith cooperation. After all, he reasons, everyone wishes to be happy and not to suffer; and the entire world is interdependent, is it not? While understandings, as these, ring true in a very general sense, they fail to flesh out the essence of core belief systems.

The Dalai Lama argues further that, if you truly believe your religion comes from God, you’re obliged to accept that He created others as well; but I disagree. As Albert Einstein once reasoned, “Whoever undertakes to set himself up as a judge of Truth and Knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of the gods.”

Speaking of which, mythology teaches us well that “the gods” are loathe to yield their respective domains—e.g., for the kingship of the gods, Zeus challenged Cronus to war. Today’s pantheon of gods is no different. No amount of wishing, hoping, dreaming, and scheming will deter Allah’s followers from their headstrong bid for global dominance.

Though trendy, today’s syncretism is not the stuff religious “harmony” and “solidarity” are made of; and truth is never subject to my belief or yours. It’s the very essence of God Himself. Neither time, nor cultures, nor preferences, nor ideologies, nor clever tactics can redefine or distil truth. It simply is.13

More to follow in Part 2.

1. http://classicsnetwork.com/quotes/topics/Cunning.
2. Thomas Horn. “Globalism: Utopian Dream or Luciferic Nightmare?” Twenty Experts Advise You on How to Overcome the Most Frightening Issues You Will Face This Century. (Crane: Defender, a division of Anomalos Publishing House, 2009): 79-110.
3. Jesus warned that “if it were possible” the Master of Deception would deceive even the very elect of God (Matthew 24:24). For this reason, believers are warned to be watchful (2 Corinthians 10:12; 1 Peter 5:8).
4. http://jdryer.blogspot.com/2007/07/inclusionist-exclusionist-pluralistwhat.html.
5. http://www.plaintruth.com/the_plain_truth/2010/11/chrislam-spreads-throughout-america.html.
6. Alexander Berzin. “Buddhist-Muslim Doctrinal Relations: Past, Present, and Future.” Originally published with
extensive footnotes in Buddhist Attitudes toward Other Religions, ed. Perry Schmidt-Leukel. (St. Ottilien: EOS Verlag, 2008): 212 – 236.
7. Hebrews 13:17; Proverbs 6:6; Micah 6:8; Jeremiah 22:13; 1 Timothy 5:18.
8. Berzin, Buddhist Attitudes, 79-110.
9. Tenzin Gyatso. “Many Faiths, One Truth.” (New York: New York Times, 24 May 2010): The Opinion Pages.
10. The Islamic Doctrine of Abrogation holds that a latter revelation from Allah nullifies any earlier revelation received. Accordingly, books of Moses (Tawrat), Psalms (Zabur), and the Gospels (Injil) are said to be divinely inspired; however, because they came earlier, these writings are inferior to the Qur’an. Furthermore, Qur’anic verses advocating violence against infidels (called the Medina Approach) nullify more moderate statements of an earlier revelation (called the Mecca Approach).
11. http://sheikyermami.com/2011/01/23/switzerland-jewish-writer-sentenced-for-racism-against-islam/.
12. William Wagner. How Islam Plans to Change the World. (Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 2004): 281-283.
13. Reza Shah Kazemi. “Introduction.” Common Ground between Islam and Buddhism. (Louisville: Fons Vitae, 2010): Introduction by H.H. the Fourteenth Dalai Lama and H.R.H. Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad. See John 14:6 and compare John 8:24-28, 18:5-8 and Revelation 1:17-18 with Exodus 3:13-14 and Isaiah 43:10-11, 25.

Mobalizing for Social Transformation

2011-06-10T08:59:00.000-07:00

Recipe for Revolution
Part 2

A child of the revolutionary sixties, I witnessed firsthand the unprecedented social upheaval of that turbulent decade. Especially on college campuses, the counterculture gained momentum as more and more students “turned on, tuned in, and dropped out.”1 Along with other nations, the U.S. pushed hard for center-left social reform; and its impact was lasting.

Just ask Curtis Bower. Decades later in 1992, Bower was a graduate student at the University of California, Berkeley at a time when the Communist Party of America divided. Upon slipping in undercover to one of their meetings, Bowers learned of a highly developed agenda to infiltrate institutions so that, in the end, American families would be destroyed (via cohabitation, hijacked public education, the feminist movement); businesses would falter (via radical environmentalism); and our culture of religion and morality would collapse (via militant gay rights and hate-crimes legislation).2

Back from the Grave
Though the 1992 cast was new, the script was not. In 1921, leading American socialist Norman Thomas gave voice to the plan’s underbelly. “Under the name of liberalism,” he explained, the American people will “adopt every fragment of the socialist program until one day America will be a socialist nation without knowing how it happened.” 3 Far from crushed, America’s flourishing Communist Party of 1992 honed Thomas’ strategy by exploiting the obliging aftermath of the sixties revolution.

At its core, communism upholds damaging credos of rulers “from the grave” such as Friedrich Nietzsche, Charles Darwin, and Karl Marx, whose notions—“God is dead”; “man is animal” and “lives for the State,” respectively—serve to justify violence. Non-party members, called “useful idiots,” do the dirty work for party elitists and, once used to the full, these socialist “comrades” are likewise rubbed out. Genius strategy, don’t you think?

Bower thought so. Some fifteen years later, as Idaho State Representative, Bower recalled the Berkley meeting and observed that the agenda was advancing, as planned. Over time, both major political parties had moved left of center. Punishing the middle class, expanding racial justice to favor minorities, trumping the U.S. Constitution with international “soft law,” and demanding justice for the planet (ostensibly worthy of human apology and even worship) all had served to advance Thomas’ strategy.4

Aware that when a country goes down, others—be it China, Russia, the EU, or radical Islamists — are poised to fill the gap, Bowers further understood that, if America fails economically, she’ll also go down militarily. And this will mark the end of global freedom for a very long time. In letters to newspapers, Representative Bowers sounded the alarm.4

Shrouded in Weasel Words
Well-informed Americans get it that communism bears responsibility for more mass murders than the combined number of deaths tallied in all modern wars. This alone renders the term unsavory. In response, savvy strategists work word-craft magic by replacing the Marxist lexicon with kinder, gentler euphemisms, more appropriately called “weasel words.”

As is the case with most small omnivores, weasels are known for cunning. Weasel words share this attribute—e.g., use of “saving the planet” (for earth servitude), “commonism” (for communism), “social justice” (for Cultural Marxism), and “the greater good” (for blatant nepotism).

• “Saving the Planet” (for Earth Servitude)
For example, when big government gains control of the distribution and use of energy, it’s poised to interfere in every aspect of life. Indeed, “environment” comes from a French word meaning “surroundings.” Hence, it speaks to “everythingism”—that is to say, government control of every aspect of life. Rather than expose an underlying power-grab agenda, progressives instead fabricate the more palatable, even noble pretense of “saving the planet.”

• “Commonism” (for Communism) and “the Greater Good” (for Blatant Nepotism)
The love child of global super-capitalism, when mated with old school communism, is popularly called “commonism.” By transforming private intellectual assets and nationally controlled natural resources into the global commons, commonism effectively weds the bourgeoisie and the working proletariat—allegedly for the greater good. More accurately, this formula yields blatant nepotism and begets plutocracy.

• “Social Justice” (for Cultural Marxism)
To commonists, “greedy” Americans are a cancer whose market-directed economies wreak chaos and instability. For the sake of “social justice,” producers must provide for non-producers—from each according to ability, to each according to his work and/or need. Coupled with invasion of privacy and wealth confiscation, commonism handily provides a steppingstone for bureaucratic burdens and regulations that quell rugged individualism and entrepreneurism. In the end, society is none the better for it.5

Face of Communism in the 21st Century
Today, the persistent weed of communism springs instinctively from these four stubborn seeds: (1) the Fabian Socialist Society, (2) the Frankfort Schools, (3) Antonio Gramsci, and (4) radical feminism—the first two of which were discussed in Part 1. In review, the Fabian Socialist Society picked up where Karl Marx left off by advancing social reform via evolution versus revolution. Next, a German school that initially consisted of dissident Marxists, the Frankfort School laid claim to public education and the media.

Enter, Antonio Gramsci (January 22, 1891 – April 27, 1937)
Italian writer, politician, political theorist, linguist, philosopher, and atheist, Antonio Gramsci was a founding member and onetime leader of the Communist Party of Italy. Known as a highly original thinker within the Marxist tradition, Gramsci was characterized as the “biggest troublemaker of the world” by, first, creating chaos and, then, stepping in to resolve the problem.

To hasten revolution and thereby shape the destiny of rising generations, Gramsci purposed to infiltrate, sabotage and, then, destroy culture, morality, and religion through his influence in the universities, publications, the arts, entertainment, and churches.6

The Gramsci Model for affecting social change is no stranger to the White House. Having worked for Chicago communist Frank Marshall Davis, young Obama conformed himself to the model, as did his predecessor, Bill Clinton. Resulting from the 1992 split of the Communist Party in the USA, Committees of Correspondence, along with its sister organization, the Communist Party, supported Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign.7

• Saul Alinsky (January 30, 1909 – June 12, 1972)
A prominent Chicago radical in the 1930s, Saul Alinsky devoted his life to revolution against the American system he deemed oppressive and unjust by mobilizing community organizers to stir up things. Taking the best of Gramsci and the Fabian Socialists, Alinsky packaged his own strategy to destroy capitalism by overloading the system with unsustainable entitlements that accompany open borders.

Having interviewed Alinsky while attending Wellesley, Hillary Rodham wrote her senior thesis on Alinsky’s theories and, after graduating, was offered a job with Alinsky’s new training institute in Chicago. Although he never knew Alinsky personally, Barak Obama likewise became an ardent practitioner of Alinsky’s methodology. According to the Alinsky Model, deception is the most important method to create the world “as it should be.” 8

Betty Friedan (February 4, 1921 - February 4, 2006)
A staunch supporter of Stalin, Betty Friedan launched the Feminist Movement in America. In 1966 she co-founded and became the first president of the National Organization for Women (NOW). Purportedly to free female victims of male domination, she wrote The Feminist Mystique and, through it, promoted her communist goals.

Unfortunately, once the value of human life is invalidated (e.g., via “choice” campaigns for managed death and selective breeding options), and our moral strength as a nation is lost (by moral relativism and ensuing anarchy), freedom and free enterprise are left to rot in the wake of revolution. No matter. Following the 2006 death of Betty Friedan, Hillary Clinton suggested that we are not victims, but rather “beneficiaries of her vision." 9

Fundamental Transformation
On Election Eve 2008, Barack Obama noted: “We are five days away from fundamentally trans-forming the United States of America.” Thankfully, the true American dream is not over until it’s over—or until the proverbial fat lady sings. Though we’re hopefully not yet at the point of no return, it’s most assuredly late in the day. Armed with conviction that our values are worth upholding, this is our last chance to push back; and it’s not the Republicans or Wall Street who have the answers.

What Must Be Done?
Accept it or not, our only hope is in the God of creation. Nonetheless, our charge as Americans is to pick great leaders who honor our country and, then, hold those leaders accountable. We need dedicated, praying Christians to take the reigns, leaders who esteem and defend national sovereignty and personal freedom.

It’s been said that an organized minority will defeat the disorganized majority every time. By mobilizing a fully informed and engaged citizenry, we effectively put legs to our prayers. We must rise above evil and guide our children to do likewise. But, above all, we must humble ourselves, seek God’s face, and turn from our own wicked ways.10 Each American patriot must commit to be informed, take appropriate action, engage in prevailing prayer, and stand for godly values. Then, and only then, will we hear from the God of Heaven who, in turn, will heal and restore our land. 11

1. http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Timothy_Leary.
2. Curtis Bowers. Agenda: Grinding America Down. (Black Hat Films: MMX Copybook Heading Productions LLC, 2010): Curtis Bowers.
3. http://quotes.liberty-tree.ca/quote_blog/Norman.Thomas.Quote.FFB1
4. Forty-five destructive goals taken from The Naked Communist (1958) by the late Willard Cleon Skousen, an American author, conservative American Constitutionalist, and faith-based political theorist:
• U.S. acceptance of coexistence as the only alternative to atomic war.
• U.S. willingness to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war.
• Illusion that total disarmament by the United States would be a demonstration of moral strength.
• Free trade between all nations regardless of Communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war.
• Long-term loans to Russia and Soviet satellites.
• American aid to all nations regardless of Communist domination.
• Recognition of Red China and her admission to the U.N.
• Set up East- and West- Germany as separate states in spite of Khrushchev's promise in 1955 to settle the German question by free elections under supervision of the U.N.
• Conferences to ban atomic tests so the United States suspends tests while negotiations are in progress.
• All Soviet satellites given individual representation in the U.N.
• The U.N. offered as the only hope for mankind. (If its charter is rewritten, demand that it be set up as a one-world government with its own independent armed forces.)
• Resist any attempt to outlaw the Communist Party.
• Do away with all loyalty oaths.
• Continue giving Russia access to the U.S. Patent Office.
• Capture one or both of the political parties in the United States.
• Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights.
• Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers' associations. Put the party line in textbooks.
• Gain control of all student newspapers.
• Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations under Communist attack.
• Infiltrate the press. Get control of book-review assignments, editorial writing, policy-making positions.
• Gain control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures.
• Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all forms of artistic expression; "eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings; substitute shapeless, awkward, and meaningless forms."
• Control art critics and directors of art museums.
• Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press.
• Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV.
• Present homosexuality, degeneracy, and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy.”
• Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity, which does not need a "religious crutch."
• Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state."
• Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis.
• Discredit the American Founding Fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the "common man."
• Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of the "big picture." Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over.
• Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture—education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc.
• Eliminate all laws or procedures that interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus.
• Eliminate the House Committee on Un-American Activities.
• Discredit and eventually dismantle the FBI.
• Infiltrate and gain control of more unions.
• Infiltrate and gain control of big business.
• Transfer some of the powers of arrest from the police to social agencies. Treat all behavioral problems as psychiatric disorders that no one but psychiatrists can understand or treat.
• Dominate the psychiatric profession and use mental health laws as a means of gaining coercive control over those who oppose Communist goals.
• Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity, masturbation, and easy divorce.
• Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents.
• Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special-interest groups should rise up and use "united force" to solve economic, political, or social problems.
• Overthrow all colonial governments before native populations are ready for self-government.
• Internationalize the Panama Canal.
• Repeal the Connally reservation so the United States cannot prevent the World Court from seizing jurisdiction over domestic problems. Give the World Court jurisdiction over nations and individuals alike.
5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Wallis.
6. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_Gramsci.
7. Curtis Bowers. Agenda: Grinding America Down. (Black Hat Films: MMX Copybook Heading Productions LLC, 2010): Curtis Bowers.
8. Saul Alinsky. Rules for Radicals. (New York: Vintage Books, 1971).
9. http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/individualProfile.asp?indid=1328.
10. 2 Chronicles 7:14—“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
11. James 1:22—“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” 

Recipe for Revolution

2011-05-11T10:07:00.000-07:00

Recipe for Revolution: Mobilizing for Social Transformation
Part 1

As a young teenager, I witnessed the historic visit of Nikita Khrushchev to my mid-west hometown. At the time, our respective nations were embroiled in the Cold War. Distinguished as first secretary of the Soviet Union’s Communist Party, Khrushchev had famously insisted, “We will bury you”—of course, “not with a shovel”—but “[America’s] own working class will [do it].”1 While driven downtown in an open convertible, Khrushchev nodded and waved to a wary Iowan crowd that intentionally stonewalled fanfare typically afforded public figures.

With the collapse of the Berlin Wall in 1989, many boomers heaved a shared sigh of relief. Khrushchev’s threats were proven toothless, the Cold War was history, and it was time to kiss and make up. Thereafter, the leader of the Free World looked Vladimir Putin in the eyes and, as a friend, discerned “his soul.” In doing so, President George W. Bush necessarily overlooked Putin’s KGB infamy.

Communism’s Dead; Case Closed
Decades later, there are more Communist Party members in the world than ever before, and over 1.5 billion today live under communism’s iron fist. Hence, the “mission accomplished” proclamation of 1989 is shown to have been unwarranted. Fact is, communism didn’t die with Karl Marx, nor did it collapse with the Berlin Wall; but there’s a price to pay for saying so. Progressives mock “conspiracy theorists” and accuse them of McCarthyism. Mere mention of this emotive term suggests “proof” that none can gainsay without reaping the scorn of enlightened folk who somehow know better.

Not So Fast, America!
Consider this: Technically speaking, communism is the final phase and goal of socialism—that is, “big government.” Significantly, there are no examples in history of big government that hasn’t abused its people. Even so, diehard partisans concede that, in the U.S., both major political parties enable it; and communism’s call for world revolution, workers’ democracy, equality, and “real” freedom lingers to this day.

Mobilizing for social transformation, communism boasts strong footholds in South Africa, South- and Central- Americas, Cuba, Viet Nam, Russia—even the European Union. Advanced by “progressives,” the end goal is global governance, core values for which are socialist at best, Marxist at worst.2

Without fail, the persistent weed of communism springs instinctively from these four stubborn seeds: (1) the Fabian Socialist Society, (2) the Frankfort Schools, (3) Antonio Gramsci, and (4) radical feminism.3

Fabian Socialist Society
Advancing social reform by evolution versus revolution, the Fabian Socialist Society picked up where Karl Marx left off. Ardent socialist George Bernard Shaw wrote many brochures and speeches for the Fabian Society and, in the furtherance of its causes, became an accomplished orator on behalf of equal rights for men and women, alleviating abuses of the working class, and promoting healthy lifestyles. Shaw was in favor of rescinding private ownership of productive land, and he vigorously supported Stalin. He also believed in Hitler’s eugenic dream to improve the human race through selective reproduction.4

SDS (Students for Democratic Society), Weathermen/ Weather Underground
Shrouded in the Hippie Movement, Students for a Democratic Society were activists representing the country's New Left. The organization developed and expanded rapidly in the mid-1960s before dissolving in 1969 at its last convention. In January of 2006, a new incarnation of SDS was founded and, by 2010, had grown to over 150 chapters around the United States.5

A faction of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), the Weathermen (later known as the Weather Underground Organization) likewise originated in 1969. Its founding document called for a "white fighting force" to be allied with the "Black Liberation Movement," among others, to achieve "the destruction of U.S. imperialism” and “a classless world under world communism."6

Now a professor of education at the University of Illinois, Chicago, SDS founder Bill Ayers “doesn’t regret” having set bombs to further the cause. Like Ayers, the founder of ACORN Wade Rathke is a disciple of Saul Alinsky (of Rules for Radicals fame).7 You may recall that working for the Association of Community Organizations for Reform (ACORN) was key to advancing President Obama’s political career.

Also involved with the SDS in his youth, the Reverend Jim Wallis is best known as founding editor of Sojourners magazine and the D.C.-based community of the same name; moreover, he serves President Obama as spiritual advisor. Wallis’ primary support from the progressive religious left champions “social justice,” arguably the latest, greatest buzzword for socialism, communism, and Marxism.

The Frankfort School9
A German school initially consisting of dissident Marxists, the Frankfort School serves as a sort of outpost for European Bolshevism in America. Father of Progressive Education, John Dewey established one such school—its emphasis, destruction of religion and morality.

To destroy the family is to destroy the nation, so then Frankfort enthusiasts plotted its demise in the 1930s by making America so corrupt that “it stinks.” The oft-repeated phrase, “Make Love, Not War,” originated in the Frankfort School of Cultural Marxism. Beyond systematic breakdown of traditional family relationships and values, the Frankfort School recommended (among other things) sex education (inclusive of homosexuality) and bias against churches, not to mention victims of crime.

With Dewey’s assistance, the Frankfort School set its sights on the media, along with education, to control and then dumb down both. Proponents advocated continual change (to create confusion), open borders and huge immigration (to blur national identity), and ever-increasing dependency on the Nanny State.

Today, the Frankfort School’s impact on American society is inescapable. By accessing the Internet and liberal media, young student activists are swayed to pit themselves against presumed-to-be bankrupt traditionalism—be it religion, the U.S. Constitution, or nuclear family. Given revisionist history as its catalyst, Marxism assumes center stage. Victimization theories effectively hook our youth; and hardcore action holds promise for global transformation to a just, peaceful, sustainable society bereft of national sovereignty, traditionalism, and free enterprise capitalism.10

In reality, a mere mirage attracts and then points gullible idealists down the proverbial “yellow brick road” leading to Shangri-La. Problem is, “utopia” literally means “no place,” and paradise it ain’t.

More to follow in Part 2.

1. http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=we+will+bury+you+nikita+kruschev&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8.
2. Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. The Communist Manifesto. (U.S.: Tribeca Books, 2011).
3. Curtis Bowers. Agenda: Grinding America Down. (Black Hat Films: MMX Copybook Heading Productions LLC, 2010): Curtis Bowers.
4. Ted Flynn. “Fabians.” Hope of the Wicked: The Master Plan to Rule the World. (Herndon: MaxKol Communications, Inc, 2000): 2,4-5,8,80-81,117,132,218,304,376,383,400.
5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Students_for_a_Democratic_Society_(1960_organization).
6. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weather_Underground.
7. Saul Alinsky. Rules for Radicals. (New York: Vintage Books, 1971).
8. Marvin Olasky. “Let’s Admit Who We Are.” (World, 17 July 2010): 80. See also World, 14 March 2009: 57-58; 29 August 2009: 76; 10 April 2010: 88; 17 July 2010: 88; 11 http://agendadocumentary.com: Trevor Loudon.
9. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankfurt_School.
10. See also: Debra Rae. “Rousing Young Visionaries for Radical Social Change.” (News with Views, 4 June 2006): http://www.newswithviews.com/Rae/debra6.htm.

The WOW Factor

2011-03-29T15:51:00.000-07:00

The WOW Factor: Watchmen on the Wall for Such a Time as This
Remember the Alamo, Part 2
Debra Rae

From very early history to modern times, city walls served as fortifications, if not fortresses. The term, “fortification,” is derived from the Latin fortis ("strong") and facere ("to make") and speaks to “making strong” one’s defense, specifically from enemy intrusion. Able to see in the distance, watchmen on city walls forewarned fellows of impending danger, thereby inspiring appropriate preparations and timely action.

Vestiges of ancient defenses remain even today; however, one need not travel to Persepolis in Iran to find an example. Texas will do just fine. There, a former Spanish religious outpost converted to a makeshift fort, the Alamo, recently marked the anniversary of its infamous fall in 1836. It was then that, for over 13 days, 186 patriots withstood Santa Anna’s 4,000 troops.

Perhaps the most notorious failure of a well-known fort, the Alamo had no chance of prevailing. Indeed, Santa Anna described her as an "irregular fortification hardly worthy of the name." The Alamo was woefully undermanned, under-provisioned, and poorly commanded. Significantly, it was not her stouthearted defenders, but rather avoidable defense flaws that sealed her doom.1

As mentioned above, a fortification “makes strong.” Just how strong is paramount. You see, while the Alamo was designed to withstand an attack by native tribes, it could not weather an artillery-equipped army. Even so, Texas engineer Green B. Jameson boasted to army commander Sam Houston that, given artillery at their disposal, they could "whip [the enemy] ten to one.”2

Defenses Compromised
From a Bible point of view, believers are commanded to “war a good warfare.”3 Their charge is to be fully armored up,4 ever vigilant,5 and “instant in season and out.”6 While these mandates apply to spiritual warfare, they likewise speak to national defense. God may well have been “on their side,” as Alamo patriots claimed; however, it’s conceivable that, had proactive steps been taken, the defenders’ fate might have been different.

In like manner, America may boast that “God is on her side,” and that her superior defenses are impenetrable; but in compromising her borders, she falls short of defending herself against very real threats—and this time, not just from Mexico! According to a recently released government report, less than one percent of the 4,000-mile stretch along the U.S.-Canadian border is adequately protected.

Senator Joe Lieberman warns that the northern border from Washington State to Maine provides “easy passage into America by extremists, terrorists, and criminals whose purpose clearly is to harm the American people.” It is, in fact, a higher risk to public safety than its counterpart to the far south. Today, Canada harbors more Islamic extremist groups than does Mexico.7

Promoting open borders subjected to a network of global bureaucracies renders our union all the more vulnerable. Nonetheless, a planned, ten-lane international corridor will be the first leg of what has been dubbed the NAFTA Superhighway, boasting a tri-national database under joint military command. With no signed agreements or congressional oversight, our nation’s merged future with Canada and Mexico will allow freer flow of people, goods, and capital—drugs, terrorists, and human traffickers included.8

Wily Warfare
Rather than mobilize a professional, highly disciplined military force, mostly volunteers defended the Alamo. Alamo defenders did not wear uniforms. For example, Davy Crockett was more a sharpshooter-hunter and storyteller than he was a soldier. As such, his standard attire was that of a frontiersman.

Similarly, Americans too often fail to don the “whole armor of God” without which they open our nation to wiles of her enemies.9 Case in point: Former governor of Colorado Dick Lamm fleshed out what he recognized as a genius strategy for expediting America’s demise.10 Without the “shield of faith” properly positioned, America is catching the proverbial arrows of this clever scheme.

It goes like this: To spark tension and turmoil, one first must turn America into a bi- or multi-lingual and bicultural country. Next, to level the playing field, one must invent multiculturalism and, then, celebrate diversity over unity. No more the “melting pot,” America establishes her metaphoric identity with the “salad bowl,” components for which are distinguished by the hyphenated identity, bilingual education, and radical historical revisionism.

Some surmise that under the gargantuan burden of entitlement, even for lawbreakers, America’s already begun her downward descent. Once the rate of immigration overtakes assimilation, chaos will be unavoidable. That said, to strengthen her defense from enemies within and without, America mustn’t remain undermanned, under-provisioned, underprepared, distracted, poorly commanded, and out-strategized. Otherwise, she’ll share the Alamo’s fate.

Undermanned and Under-provisioned
Though the Texan force grew slightly with the arrival of reinforcements led by James Bowie and William B. Travis, Sam Houston could not spare the number of men needed to mount a successful defense. By January 1836, fewer than 100 soldiers remained; and the sick and wounded among them were unable to fight.

American patriot-frontiersmen and heroes are as few and far between today as were defenders of the Alamo. Ever growing numbers of “victims” outnumber stalwartly rugged, American individualists. Case in point: Recent union rallies whereby government-employed activists in Wisconsin pooh-poohed budget-repair bills, bemoaned the plight of public workers, and affirmed their right to lobby for more government spending at taxpayers’ expense. Forced dues to unions are tantamount to taxpayer subsidies to do just that, but never mind.

Nor does it matter that, given our struggling economy, sometimes lavish, taxpayer-funded bennies are unsustainable. Even “undocumented workers”—i.e., “illegals”—feel entitled to jobs and all the rights and privileges of American citizens. “Victims” look to corporations and America’s wealthiest citizens to bear the brunt of their demands—if necessary, under threat of interrupted vital services.11

Forget that our nation is collapsing under the federal deficit, and Washington can’t find a nickel to cut from the budget. “Victim” entitlements take priority. For example, compliments of American taxpayers (who themselves struggle to pay bills), a government program called “Lifeline Benefits” provides a free SafeLink Wireless cell phone coupled with assurance that “income-eligible consumers” will get no bills and no contracts ever.” 12

More among us would do well to heed the words of Texas Colonel Travis. "Our business,” he explained, “is not to make a fruitless effort to save our lives, but to choose the manner of our death." His was a call to sacrifice. With that, Travis drew his sword and slowly marked a line in the sand. "I now want every man who is determined to stay here and die with me to come across this line."13

Unlike defenders of the Alamo, too many among us elect to join French soldier of fortune, Louis Moses Rose who, for self-interest, refused Travis’ challenge.

Underprepared and Distracted
Unfortunately, the Texan government was in turmoil and unable to provide much assistance to Alamo defenders. Struggling to secure men and supplies, Texas settlers were unprepared for a long campaign.

Nonetheless, unaware of the Mexican army's proximity, the majority of the Alamo garrison joined Béxar residents at a fiesta. Similarly, too many today turn deaf ears to watchmen’s warnings.14 Packed agendas propelled by time-gobbling social media, obsession for entertainment, and “cares of life” distract and delude clear thinking.15 Wartime was not (and is not) the best time to throw a party. But party, they did.

Poorly Commanded
No one was entirely certain who actually was in charge. Four different men claimed to have been given command over the entire army. When appointed sole commander of all troops, Sam Houston journeyed to Gonzales to take command of the 400 volunteers who were still waiting for Colonel James Fannin to lead them to the Alamo. Unbeknownst to them, Fannin had aborted the mission of mobilizing men, artillery, and supplies for the Alamo. Dissent and confusion abounded when Fannin, his officers, and enlisted men blamed one another for lack of follow through.

When Neill left the Alamo to recruit additional reinforcements and to gather supplies, he transferred command to Travis, the garrison’s highest-ranking regular army officer. Although unconvinced by the reports of the Mexican army's imminent arrival, Travis stationed a soldier in the San Fernando church bell tower—the highest location in town—to watch for signs of an approaching force. Even then, few arrangements were made in preparation for a potential siege in exceedingly cold temperatures.

To complicate matters, volunteers within the garrison refused to accept Travis as their leader. Instead, they elected Bowie as their commander because he had a reputation as a fierce fighter. Unfortunately, Bowie celebrated his appointment by getting very intoxicated and, then, creating havoc in Béxar. Moreover, Houston's orders to Bowie were vague; and historians disagree on their intent.

To mitigate ill feelings due to Bowie’s drunkenness, he agreed to share the command with Travis; however, once Bowie succumbed to illness, Travis assumed sole command of the garrison. Even as the Alamo suffered a dirge of rank-and-file, proactive leadership coupled with neglect, misunderstandings, dissention, and bickering, so it is with present-day America. Without timely intervention, the probable outcome will be every bit as damaging.16

Out-strategized
Santa Anna opportunistically timed their final assault for when Texans fell into the first uninterrupted sleep many had gotten since onset of the siege.17 The makeshift north wall of the Alamo contained many gaps and toeholds, and few defenders guarded the west-wall gun ports. As enemy troops massed against Alamo walls, Texans were forced lean over them while shooting. This further exposed defenders to Mexican fire. In the heat of battle, Texans neglected to spike their cannon before retreating to fortified barracks, where remaining defenders were ensconced and, in the end, overcome.

As a nation, we, too, are asleep at the wheel. Entangled with affairs of this life and embroiled in contentious partisanship,18 we have compromised our “shield and buckler” of truth for the god of political correctness.19 More often than not, sobriety and vigilance evade us.20 As a result, we have compromised God’s protective wall of fire round about us and forfeited His glory in our midst.21

With God’s help, we can take back the reigns of our nation. If there’s still some fight in us, we’d best cross Travis’ line in the sand, forego fruitless efforts to save our own lives, and make whatever sacrifice is necessary to fortify our borders and our ranks within—in other words: Remember the Alamo. Otherwise, we’re destined to obsolescence, if not extinction.

1. http://thealamo.org/battle/words.php.
2. Small, Melvin and J. David Singer. Resort to Arms: International and civil Wars 1816–1980 and Berenbaum, Michael. A Mosaic of Victims: Non-Jews Persecuted and Murdered by the Nazis, New York: New York University Press, 1990.
3. 1 Timothy 6:12.
4. Ephesians 6:13.
5. 1 Peter 5:8.
6. 2 Timothy 4:2.
7. Hotakainen, Rob (2011), McClatchy Newspapers, Seattle, WA: The Seattle Times Nation & World Report, A2 News.
8. http://infowars.com/articles/nwo/nafta_superhighway_coming_through.htm.
9. Ephesians 6:13.
10. http://www.safehaven.com/article/4837/how-to-destroy-america.
11. Olasky, Marvin. Purim in Wisconsin. Asheville, NC: World, 12 March 2011.
12. https://www.safelinkwireless.com/EnrollmentPublic/home.aspx.
13. http://www.texasescapes.com/MikeCoxTexasTales/Line-in-the-Sand-Alamo-History.htm; Hardin, Stephen L. (1994), Texan Iliad, Austin, TX: University of Texas Press, ISBN 0-292-73086-1, p. 111.
14. Luke 8:4.
15. Matthew 13:22.
16. Todish, Timothy J.; Todish, Terry; Spring, Ted (1998), Alamo Sourcebook, 1836: A Comprehensive Guide to the Battle of the Alamo and the Texas Revolution, Austin, TX: Eakin Press, ISBN 978-1-57168-152-2, p. 29, 30-31.
17. Judges 16:20.
18. 2 Timothy 2:4.
19. Psalm 91:4.
20. 1 Peter 5:8.
21. Zechariah 2:5.

Remember the Constitution

2011-03-21T09:20:00.000-07:00

The WOW Factor: Watchmen on the Wall for Such a Time as This
Remember the U.S. Constitution, Part 1
Debra Rae

Most agree that life is fraught with danger. Not all threats are physical, but most are birthed out of ideologies. Hitler’s Germany provides a prime example. At the Führer’s bidding, Heinrich Himmler executed Hitler’s Final Solution. By some counts, persecution and genocide, carried out in stages, resulted in up to seventeen million victims.1

Expanding their concept of the Aryan race, today’s Neo-Nazis promise a wannabe utopia every bit as autocratic as Hitler’s Germany; and globalists advance their own version of dictatorial democratic trans-federalism.

What was needed throughout the season of Hitler’s reign of terror is precisely what’s required today—namely, the WOW factor. By this I mean “watchmen on the wall.” In the mid-1930s Albert Einstein was one such watchman. His fear was that Nazi scientists might develop the world’s first atomic bombs. Hence, in 1939, Einstein urged President Roosevelt to launch an American program of nuclear research.

As a watchman on the wall, Einstein sounded the alarm with history-altering results. All the more today watchmen are needed to expose ideological threats not unlike those that were egregiously acted upon in the 1930s and 1940s.

A Strong Defense
From very early history to modern times, city walls served as fortifications, if not fortresses. The term, “fortification,” is derived from the Latin fortis ("strong") and facere ("to make"). It speaks to “making strong” one’s defense from enemy intrusion.

Those appointed to guard a city, or the headquarters of an army, were positioned with strategic advantage atop the wall around that city. Able to see in the distance, watchmen on these walls forewarned fellows of impending danger, thereby inspiring appropriate preparations and timely defensive action.

Vestiges of ancient defenses remain even today. In 1971, I visited Persepolis, the capital of the Persian Empire located NE of Shiraz—this, for the 2,500-year celebration of Iran’s monarchy. Persepolis defenses “made strong” this vast and powerful empire, which stretched from the Mediterranean to the River Indus. The bastion fortress was partly cut out of a mountain. Its terraces’ uneven foundation acted like a castle, and angled walls enabled its defenders to target any section of the external front.

A Defenseless America
All the more today, one’s national defense from enemy intrusion is required, but effectiveness is not limited to manning state-of-the-art armies, erecting bastion fortresses or, as the case may be, installing heavily guarded border fences. Indeed, ours is an ideological—more precisely, a spiritual warfare—against the God of the Bible and His handiwork. Whether shots are fired, or not, the battle we face is every bit as real.

In his letter to President George Bush dated 25 December 2000, Mikhail Gorbachev insisted that America’s extraordinary privilege is not tenable over the long run. To the contrary, Marxist ideals propel the one-world vision he hawks. A Robin Hood approach to wealth distribution is classic Marxism, which demands “equitable distribution” of the world’s finite resources.

Indeed, the Marxist-Leninist maxim of “earning one’s keep on planet earth” is at the heart of the UN sustainability principle. To merit this coveted status, enlightened communities must limit growth, eliminate suburbs, establish ethnic/economic equality, and curtail consumption patterns consistent with America’s middle class.
The socialist principle of government-managed development, sustainable development calls for revamping the very infrastructure of our nation away from private ownership and control of property to nothing short of a national zoning system through which producers are expected to provide for non-producers. Good global citizens are herded out of the suburbs into urban clusters more easily controlled and regulated by UN-empowered special interest groups.

Her Defenseless Foundation
America’s premiere ideological defense was called “a miracle” at its adoption. The oldest written compilation of the fundamental laws of a nation, the United States Constitution, lays down our system of government. It further defines relations of the legislature, executive, and judiciary to each other and to citizens.

Its preamble gives rise to “a more perfect union” (not the “global village”), establishes justice (not exclusively for the world’s downtrodden), ensures domestic tranquility (not by militarizing police), provides for common defense (not under a UN banner) and general welfare (not excluding the unborn or unfit); and it secures blessings of liberty: private property, religious expression, freedom of speech, and limited government. But these very ideals are now under attack.

In fact, trendy “living Constitutionalism” renders this “miracle” up for grabs. To undermine the divinely inspired and unique political perspective of what Trinity Law Professor James Hirsen identifies as “the grand experiment we call America,” each sphere of culture that influences society is targeted for the taking—e.g., arts and entertainment, business, education, family, government, media, and religion.

Be sure the political apparatus of our current administration, Organizing for America, seeks to fundamentally transform the United States of America by means of a new convention to amend her Constitution.2

Should thirty-four states petition Congress to issue the call, then (according to Article 5) amendments (plural) must be considered by respective states—e.g., amendments to balance the budget, to limit debt, and to repeal acts passed by Congress, the 17th Amendment (election of Senators by popular vote), and the electoral college. The floodgates would be open to gay-, abortion-, and gun control- advocates—for that matter, all special interests.

In a letter to George Turberville (2 November 1788), James Madison warned: “If a General Convention were to take place for the avowed and sole purpose of revising the Constitution, it would naturally consider itself as having a greater latitude than the Congress appointed to administer and support as well as to amend the system.” The Founder’s warning is no less relevant today.3

Her Enemies from Within
With or without rules of order, the “guy with the gavel” (not rule makers) would control such a convention, and no doubt the mainstream media would opportunistically manipulate the reins of public opinion. Aggressive partisanship, agitation, chaos, and controversy would surely follow.

Political correctness dictates that, as progressive, living Constitutionalists increasingly succumb to worldviews at odds with Bible truth, Christians gradually forfeit the same liberty afforded earth pagans who worship Gaia; Muslims who worship the Moon God, Allah; and neo-pantheists who worship “the god within.” Only when it’s too late will the underlying nature of Bible-free dictatorial globalism come to light.

John Adams once pointed out that the U.S. Constitution is “made only for a moral and religious people.” Accordingly, devout lovers of God, truth, freedom, family, and righteousness must plant themselves as watchmen on city walls, as it were, in order to spot, identify, then sound the alarm at the presence of encroaching danger. They must insist that representatives in Congress “make strong” the “miracle” of our republic—this, by strict interpretation of the U.S. Constitution.
Only then can America prove Gorbachev wrong and maintain her “extraordinary privilege” over the long run.

Part 2 to follow.

1. Small, Melvin and J. David Singer. Resort to Arms: International and civil Wars 1816–1980 and Berenbaum, Michael. A Mosaic of Victims: Non-Jews Persecuted and Murdered by the Nazis, New York: New York University Press, 1990.
2. http://www.barackobama.com/learn/about_ofa.php
3. http://www.eagleforum.org/topics/concon/

Class Warfare--Then and Now

2011-02-01T08:44:00.000-08:00

Part 2: Evils of Free-Enterprise Capitalism

Curious, isn’t it? While America is portrayed globally as repugnant, several hundred thousand immigrants think enough about her to forfeit all they have to get here. Be sure those who have tasted the American pie groan in incredulity at the blame-America-first insults levied by those who hate her.

Former Secretary-general of the UN, Kofi Annan, blames America—not Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, or the Darfur region of Sudan—for “an unjust world economy, world disorder, and widespread contempt for human rights and the rule of law.” I repeat: “Widespread contempt for human rights.” C’mon.

Pot-calling-the-kettle-black Syndrome
It’s been said that only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you—Jesus Christ and the American G.I. The former died for souls, the latter for freedom. Still, stone throwers from Germany, Japan, and maybe to a lesser degree Italy and Britain forget billions of U.S. dollars in aid and forgiven debt afforded them following World War 2. Now many openly rebuke “decadent, warmongering America” ignoring that, not long ago, the Marshall Plan and Truman Policy propped up their disheartened, war-torn countries. This begs the question, “With friends like these, who needs enemies?”

All the while touting tolerance and inclusiveness, the United Nations likewise condemn America as “a nation of evil,” but with open arms host the real planetary bullies—to name two, Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez and Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Forget that Americans lead the pack in rushing to the aid of earthquake-rattled and tsunami-ravaged victims in far-off lands. Chavez slams “the hegemonic pretensions of the American empire” that ostensibly place at risk “the very survival of the human species.” Say what?

The “roast” doesn’t end here. Through a “say-it-in-Spanish” campaign, Chavez’s government targets “U.S. cultural imperialism” ostensibly cloaked in disagreeable English words as “staff,” “marketing,” “password,” “mouse,” “meeting,” “sponsor.” Yet in speeches, Chavez routinely “breaks playfully into English.” In his world, what’s good for the gander isn’t necessarily good for the goose.

Then, there’s Ahmadinejad who anticipates intervention of the 12th Imam to obliterate America and Israel (a.k.a. greater- and lesser- Satans), but these aren’t the countries notorious for blowing themselves up, destroying churches, and engaging in so-called honor killings.

In no way are Israel or America free of vice and short fallings. However, to magnify what’s wrong with America, revisionists skew her history toward “the bad and ugly” and prune from it “the good.” They discount the genius of he U.S. Constitution, which they characterize as “a living work in progress,” subject to partisan punditry and edits. Moreover, they discredit traditional biblical values that gave rise to America’s founding documents (the Constitution included).

Religious Class Struggle
In the early 19th century, “Bohemians” occupied lower rent (and class) neighborhoods. Nontraditional lifestyles of these marginalized and impoverished artists, writers, musicians, and actors set them apart as creative nonconformists whose higher consciousness permitted them to live by different rules than those imposed upon their boring, moralistic, middle-class counterparts.

Twenty-first century neo-Marxists follow suit. We may well have won the Cold War with political and economic communism, but Pat Buchanan laments our having lost the war with cultural Marxism.1 How so? Political cosmopolitanism (Held, Falk, Miller) demonizes free-market capitalism and champions forced equity among peoples of the world. Sound familiar? You bet.

Given that formal world federalism is linked to trendy, rights-based progressivism, all too many Americans are fooled into believing that Marxism is a “fairer” system. Truth is: Its core values are socialist at best, Marxist at worst. Not free-enterprise capitalism, but rather communism and its right hand of fascism bear responsibility for more human misery than any other system of belief known to contemporary man.

In the name of collective security, totalitarian global governance under world law features an a-biblical religious component. It heralds deceptive universal aspirations of peace, harmony, and safety. But “fairer” it isn’t. Progressive politics of immigration rob organized (legal) workers of real wages siphoned instead to cheap (illegal) immigrant labor.

Founded in 1657, the oldest charity still existing in the U.S. is the Scots’ Charitable Society of Boston. Historically, its supporters viewed the poor as “halfway up the ladder,” not at its bottom. Rather than pit one class against another, charity workers believed that, once in proper relationship with God, the needy would live and work accordingly. This would facilitate a blessed lifestyle. Able-bodied men who refused to work, called “imposters,” were denied charity reserved for willing counterparts in temporary need.

This pragmatic worldview escapes progressives. Neo-Marxists advance an increasingly bloated democratic welfare state helplessly suckled at the breast of big government. Social conditions “improve” by electing socialist representatives (nannies, if you will) who promise “equitable income” under strict state control. Hence, progressive politicians court the vote of their “underdog” constituency, whether “documented” or not.

Geo-political Struggle
Enter, globalism. Known as revisionism and called “social democracy,” this kinder, gentler Marxism melds capitalist and socialist principles and practices. By definition, globalism is a worldwide design to undermine sovereignty of nation-states toward realizing a spiritually illumined new-world order.

Trendy eco-socialists bypass the God of the Bible to serve the god of sustainable development (code for controlling populations and redistributing wealth). The global plan is to concentrate the world’s resources, wealth, and therefore power into the hands of few.

Paternalistic global elites shepherd willing “sheeple” and sternly discipline those inclined to act other than in the presumed-to-be best interest of the greater good. But here’s the caveat: Full-Monty Marxism hides under the guise of Christian socialism, in itself an oxymoron. You see, while Christianity is a spiritual creed characterized by personal relationship, communism is decidedly materialist enforced by the collectivist State.

Make no mistake. In the words of Dr. David A. Noebel (American Philosophical Association), the Marxist/Leninist worldview is “one of Christianity’s most vocal detractors.” 2 Its proponents court “the Christian Left” under compellingly sexy banners of liberation theology,3 red-letter social justice,4 bio-mimicry,5 freestyle evangelism,6 and/or political correctness.7 All imperil what Trinity Law Professor James Hirsen rightly extols as “the grand experiment we call America”; all are poised to rid the world of the proverbial goose that laid the golden egg.

Editor Donald S. McAlvany adds: “America is still in the early stages of a dramatic change that threatens to shatter the very foundations of the country.” While giving overriding priority to the world’s poor, a global brain trust calls the shots; and America eventually takes the fall.

After all, it’s presumed that freedom in the global commons (including outer space, the atmosphere, non-territorial seas, and environmental systems that support life) threatens ruin to all; hence, out of necessity, a new form of feudalism must be enforced. Politically correct, theologically bereft socialism handily fits the bill. America’s constitutional republic does not.

Economic Class Struggle, Déjà Vu
Not-so-new “New Class” theory was (and is) felt in fields of economics (rich/poor, Wall Street/Main Street, haves and have-nots); politics (bourgeoisie/proletariat; ruling elite/masses), society (blue collar/white collar; white/non-white); religion (enlightened/unenlightened); secret societies (“Greeks”/independents; initiated/uninitiated); and global government (world citizens/nationalists).

In an article entitled “Marxism in U.S. Classrooms,” U.S. News and World Report reported that there are ten thousand Marxist professors on America’s campuses. Georgie Anne Geyer adds: “The percentage of Marxist faculty numbers can range from an estimated 90 percent in some mid-western universities.” 8

A product of the sixties and state-certified master educator, I have observed firsthand said Marxists at work; and their clout mustn’t be underestimated. By establishing the State as god (à la George Hegel) with world citizens, its peons, Marxists work tirelessly to eliminate the middle class and thereby make room for an emerging new order.9 Thanks to public higher education, this plan is well underway.

Predictably, the Marxist plan for America’s demise has long been to negate eternal truths and conventional morality; confiscate property and abolish private ownership; impose burdensome taxes and eliminate rights to inherit; centralize means of communication, production, health care, and transportation; consolidate and distribute wealth; combine education with industrial production and thereby establish equality in labor.

To work this agenda, Marxists finger creative entrepreneurs as “rulers” not unlike absolutist monarchs and slave owners; therefore, their unfair, even immoral “rule” must end. The dream of a Marxist-socialist is for “the people”—i.e., State—to own the means of production. Accordingly, America is fast supplanting “ownership” with “we’re all in it together” society that is diverse, centrally planned, unionized, heavily taxed, and subsidized.

The Grand Plan Unfolding
In summary, the Marxist plan is to eliminate America’s middle class, free-market capitalism that created it, and traditional family values that nurtured and sustained it. Conspiracy? You bet. The objective of the global brain trust is control—not just of government, wealth, and natural resources—of people as well.

The formula is simple. First, create a problem, whether real or imaginary—i.e., class struggle. In advertising that problem through the media and public education system, convince folks that something must be done about it. Next, propose and implement a solution to bring about change: One-world governance for a new, collectivist age of infinite (but undeliverable) promises.

While ostensibly paving the way for world peace, international power elites have purposed to regionalize Europe, then the world. America’s blossoming love affair with Communist China, coupled with NAFTA and followed by GATT and CAFTA, grease the skids toward establishing a North American Union—this, after the European model. Even now, an international public-private partnership, the North American Super Highway Coalition (NASHC), is hard at work to create a four-mile wide, UN-controlled NAFTA Corridor—that is, a super highway from Mexico through mid-America and on to Canada.

With concepts of national sovereignty strategically dissolved, and regions (also called “kingdoms”) linked to a bio-regionally defined, representative federal government, the resulting “new” (actually recycled) world order doesn’t define, but rather defies what our Founding Fathers had in mind.
“From each according to ability; to each according to need” certainly wasn’t their vision. Nor did they posture manufacturers, farmers, small-business owners—you know, “citizen Joes”—to kowtow to elitists in the mainstream media, education establishment, mainline clergy, and certainly not in an information-technology industry that was yet to sprout wings.

In the Founders’ plan, “we the people” distinguish ourselves by a stellar work ethic coupled with strong motivation to provide well for our families. Biblical principles of conduct light the way. By design, private property ownership constitutes the cornerstone of American middle-class ideology and tradition.

Ideally, labor and management pull together; however, by fomenting discontent derived from division of labor, neo-Marxists perpetuate a stealth revolution until, by counterculture design, American citizens capitulate to global citizenship defined by a New Earth ethic.10 In the end, no one wins but global plutocrats.

1. newswithviewsstore.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=NWVS&Product_Code=DV49&Category_Code=DVD.
2. David A. Noebel. “The Marxist/Leninist Worldview.” Understanding the Times: The Religious Worldviews of our Day and the Search for Truth. (1996): 4-6.
3. Liberation Theology counters alleged oppression, racism, and poverty. Black liberation theology has much in common with Black Power, likewise developed in the 1960s. In North America, James Cone is considered its foremost architect. Linked the Obama-Biden bid for the White House, Pastor Jeremiah Wright, Jr. is arguably its most visible proponent.
4. Red-letter social justice references New Testament words of Jesus that are printed in red letters. Based on said passages, Red-letter Christians advocate radically progressive social issues and policies as they relate to capital punishment, corruption, modern warfare, welfare, health care, homosexual rights, and the like.
5. Bio-mimicry examines and takes inspiration from nature, its models, systems, processes, and elements in order to solve human problems.
6. “Freestyle evangelicals” (word coined by Steven Waldman, editor of the interfaith Web site Beliefnet) are so-called “higher critics” of the religious left. Armed with a social gospel, proponents create “a new story” other than the ostensibly defunct “monologue of the religious right.” Theirs is a nouveau tolerance—i.e., political correctness.
7. Political Correctness is sophist anti-logic that advances an overarching agenda of united causes including civil/ gender/ sexual orientation rights and radical environmentalism.
8. David Horowitz. Marx’s Manifesto: 150 Years of Evil. Los Angeles: Center for the Study of Popular Culture (1998): 1-12.
9. Karl Marx. The Communist Manifesto. American Opinion Press (1974): 24.
10. William Bowen, Jr. “Think Globally, Act Locally: Caveat Emptor.” Globalism: America’s Demise. Lafayette: Huntington House Publishers (August 1984): 59ff.

Class Warfare--Then and Now

2011-01-31T07:14:00.000-08:00

Part 1: Middle-Class Menace

Ah, the sixties! I remember them well. College campuses across our nation were abuzz with flower power on one hand and seething with anger on the other. Targeting and manipulating naïve students, “Cultural Marxists” used art, music, and media, as well as education, to condition their prey. As puppeteers masterfully wielded rhetorical trickery to foment dissention, disunity, and dispute, deeply alienated and embittered marionettes submitted on cue, thus affecting what arguably amounted to a stealth revolution.

Baby Boomers after all were products of Progressive Education. The movement’s father, Professor John Dewey was a Marxist-Fabian socialist. In 1928, Dewey identified the political function of schools as he saw it—that being, “to construct communist society.” Thanks to Dewey and ilk, progressive public schools served as nurseries for anti-God, anti-American, anti-middle class collectivism. Indeed, atheism was Progressive Education’s root; Marxism its branch.1

The Middle-Class Anomaly
In many, if not most cases, myths sparked the flame, fanned it, and then drove the outcome—for example, stereotypical belief about proverbial “fat-cats.” Recall that some of the most vociferous rebels of the sixties themselves were privileged ivy leaguers. Phony disdain for affluence in no way prevented preppies from climbing their own professional ladders to success in business, law, media, and education. Over time, many amassed fortunes and became the very establishment they had censured.

The same applies today. Tinsel-Town liberals “own the bank” so to speak. All the while heralding “the little man,” and bemoaning right-wing greed, these live out an advantaged, planet-depleting lifestyle that they feign to detest. As was the case in the sixties, definitions as to who-fits-what-category are in flux and, especially throughout the coming decade, are destined to continue changing.

Keep in mind that half of America identifies with the “middle class”; and studies by the National Opinion Research Center reveal that those earning an annual income of $45K define themselves as such (Parade.com/intel). In politics, however, what constitutes this fuzzy category depends on what’s being promoted. For example, while campaigning, Obama promised a tax cut for “middle-class” families that earn up to $200K yearly. When a tax credit was proposed to help middle-class families pay for higher education, the magic number adjusted to $160K. 2

Two (or Three) Americas?
Well-to-do, progressive politicians, as former Democratic vice-presidential candidate John Edwards, advance the “two Americas” theory. In this paradigm, good guys are "regular Americans" (the many), and bad guys are an affluent minority (the few). That Edwards’ haircuts each cost $400 hardly qualifies him as “the regular many” he purports to champion.

Truth be told, progressives recognize three Americas—namely, the affluent, the poor, and the coalition of political elitists, intelligentsia, and bureaucrats who together form a ruling class. Unfortunately, their disingenuous political leaning on behalf of “the poor” serves more to magnify a growing fiscal gap than it does to bridge it. 3

Fashionable Disdain of the Middle Class
Cultural editor for World, Gene Edward Veith contends, rightly so, that “a fashionable disdain for middle-class values animates liberalism.” Accordingly, upper- and lower- crust folks snub the middle class—specifically for their work ethic, religious inclinations, and social respectability. Projected guilt is intended to shame middle-class Americans into questioning their rights to private property ownership, free enterprise, and manner of living to which they have grown accustomed.
Understandably, stereotypical middle-class norms appeal to most Americans—i.e., having kids, a dog or cat, home, appliances, car, and bank account. As if on cue, today’s “third-America” class is manifestly insulted if accused of indulging in unsustainable practices, as these; and spotlighted “have-nots” are incited to begrudge their own meager piece of the American pie.

Ironically, many prominent Democratic families possess inherited wealth—e.g., the Kerrys and Kennedys. These join computer- and Hollywood- industries in lending support to liberal ideals and causes likewise funded by mega-wealthy financiers, as Warren Buffet and George Soros.

Never mind that free-market capitalism created wealth that actually catapulted America’s teeming masses (the “have-nots”) into a middle-class (“bourgeois”) lifestyle. No more. Collusion between big business and big government is no real friend to American workers. Under a new social order, their monetary worth promises never to exceed the lowest common denominator prescribed by the world community at large.

To expedite this (the power-elites’ agenda), any memory of an “American dream” must be erased from consciousness. This is accomplished, first, by targeting America’s middle class for systematic extinction. Convince the masses that they are victims of greedy, rightwing management—the answer for which is “social justice,” minus the Founding Fathers’ blueprint. Do this, and dependency on the State with its many entitlements will flourish unabated.4

Marxist Plan to Destroy American Hegemony
Minus her middle class, America forfeits hegemony; and that’s just what globalists want—this, by dismantling and shipping overseas America’s industrial base and by advancing theories found in Paolo Friere’s book, Pedagogy of the Oppressed.

Friere insists that non-whites must accept that they are oppressed and, then, give voice to their grievances; furthermore, they must resist any assimilation that “dominant white Western culture” attempts to impose on them. This they do by maintaining their native tongue and culture. Season this recipe with class envy, coupled with bogus claims of entitlement to other people’s resources, and the seething pot boils over.5

Cosmic Struggle between Worldviews
Chuck Colson said it well: “The culture war is not just about abortion, homosexual rights, or decline of public education. These are only skirmishes. The real war is a cosmic struggle between worldviews”—ideologies or philosophies offering overarching approaches to understanding God, the world, and humanity’s relations to both.

Postmodern nomenclature may be new, but concepts aren’t. As was the case in the sixties, non-socialist societies still are divided into two classes relating to class, race, ethnicity, and/or gender—namely, the oppressed and their oppressors. Under pretense of eradicating “class warfare,” opportunists fabricate and, then, exploit this seemingly timeless struggle (consistently to their own advantage).

In 1921, leading American socialist Norman Thomas gave voice to this scheme. “Under the name of liberalism,” he explained, the American people will “adopt every fragment of the socialist program until one day America will be a socialist nation without knowing how it happened.” Punishing the middle class, expanding racial justice to favor minorities, trumping the U.S. Constitution with international “soft law,” and demanding justice for the planet (ostensibly worthy of human apology and even worship) all hasten Norman Thomas’ premonition.

Socialism’s pawns are in for a surprise ending, though. Minus America’s middle class, two classes will remain—namely, the oppressed and their oppressors.

This is the “real change” they can count on.

More to come in Part 2.

1. David A. Noebel. “The Marxist/Leninist Worldview.” Understanding the Times: The Religious Worldviews of our Day and the Search for Truth. (1996): 4-6.
2. Mindy Belz. “We vs. Them.” World (9 May 2009): 73.
3. Gene Edward Veith. “Head of the Classes.” World (5 March 2005): 30.
4. Donald S. McAlvany. “The Decline of the Middle Class.” The McAlvany Intelligence Advisor (December 2007): 1.
5. Kim Andrews. “Arizona Bill Targets Classes Promoting Ethnic Resentment.” Education Reporter 293 (June 2010): 1, 4.

Worldview Potpourri: Chrislam

2010-12-24T12:00:00.000-08:00

The Lost Art of Critical Thinking
Part 6, Worldview Potpourri: Chrislam

Recently, the Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, Houston, joined Christian communities in Atlanta, Seattle, and Detroit to encourage “ecumenical reconciliation” between Christianity and Islam. Theirs was a celebration of a sort of worldview potpourri mixing together elements of Christianity and Islam. Predictably called Chrislam, this brand of ecumenicalism qualifies both the Bible and the Qur'an as holy texts. Hence, in a show of equal authenticity, Qur’ans were positioned in church pews next to Bibles.1

Not surprisingly, the American version of Nigerian Chrislamology hops the political correctness bandwagon. For the sake of harmonious coexistence, ecumenical reconcilers value elastic syncretism over orthodoxy, a milk-toast conciliatory gospel over the New Testament Gospel of Jesus Christ. This paradigm shift appears to be compellingly “tolerant”; however, the case for recognizing Chrislam within Christian churches relies solely on fallacies of logic, certainly not biblical compulsion.2

Conflict Escalation: Slippery Slope Fallacy
Some argue that if American “tolerance”—i.e., as in the form of Chrislam—were rejected, then the ongoing conflict between East and West would escalate beyond repair. This slippery-slope fallacy presumes a sort of chain reaction, destined to end with dire consequences that otherwise might have been averted.

Truth be told, embracing tolerance in the name of Chrislam—not the opposite—is what really leads to a slippery slope. After all, the Qur’an explicitly subjugates People of the Book (Jews and Christians) as second-class citizens, subject to burdensome fees and Shariah Law. Believers may live, yes, but only under Islamic terms.3

Can you say, “separate, but not equal”? Been there; done that; not good. Even if all Christian Americans were to embrace Chrislam, and Israeli Jews were to accommodate demands of neighboring Muslim countries, the ongoing conflict in the Near East would nonetheless persist. Solid evidence is lacking to support assertion that “tolerance” of this ilk can restrain Armageddon or that its lack will trigger it. To the contrary, Qur’an-believing Muslims will continue the fight until the Great Satan (America) and the Lesser Satan (Israel) are wiped off the face of the earth—literally.4

Wimpy Doctrine: Straw Man Fallacy
A clever way of strengthening one’s argument is to anticipate opposition, then respond to it in advance. Applying the straw-man fallacy, an arguer sets up a wimpy version of his opponent's position and, then, knocks it down.

A devout Christian, for example, is expected to denigrate Chrislam as apostasy (abandonment of, or departure from, the faith). One who anticipates this response will bypass deal-breaking differences to emphasize superficial similarities between Islam and Christianity—e.g., Abrahamic roots, monotheism, morals and ethics, and the like. Then, he might try to convince others that, only by uniting the world’s two largest monotheistic religions, will rise of atheism and alternative spirituality be thwarted.

Despite apparent similarities, it can’t be emphasized enough that the respective scriptures of Islam and Christianity are fundamentally incompatible. When the Qur’an adamantly rejects the deity of Christ as blasphemy (5:17), and it denies His death on the cross (4:157-158), Islam eradicates altogether any semblance to Christianity. Apostasy established; case closed.

Quacks Like a Duck Theory: Fallacy of Weak Analogy
From God’s vantage point, it’s a daffy idea that just because it looks, acts, and walks like a duck—it is one. He looks, not outwardly, but inwardly. Unfortunately, apart from God, humans lack that ability.5

Mirroring the Muslim practice of walking around the Ka'aba in Mecca, Chrislamists engage in "running deliverance," allegedly practiced by Joshua's army upon taking Jericho. But when Chrislam followers practice “running deliverance,” it doesn’t follow that these two examples of “spiritual running” represent one and the same thing.

Indeed, circumambulation—tawaf (طواف) in Arabic; pradakshina in Sanskrit; skorba in Tibetan—distinguishes many faith traditions. Its practice is integral to Hindu ritual for discovering a deity’s most sacred center of spiritual energy, but no one factors Hinduism into the Chrislam equation.

Merely drawing an analogy between two things (a weak one at that) doesn't prove the fallacious “quacks-like-a-duck” theory proposed by Chrislamists.

The Fast: Begging the Question Fallacy
An argument said to “beg the question” asks one to accept a conclusion without offering weighty evidence. It simply ignores an important, but questionable assumption upon which the argument rests. For example, Emerging Church Movement leader Brian McLaren has written a five-part blog entry arguing why Christians should join with Muslims in the Ramadan fast.

McLaren’s argument rests on the central, but erroneous assumption that, for the sake of congeniality, it’s okay for Christians to fast with their Muslim “brothers” to commemorate the month during which the Qur’an was revealed to Mohammed (2:185).

Consider the Night of Power (Laylat Al Qadr), the 27th night of Ramadan (ninth month on the Islamic calendar). Some scholars apply gematric value (occult mysticism) to it, and devout Muslims (called submitters) who observe the Night of Power expect to earn “double credit” in Allah’s eyes. McLaren forgets that it’s by faith we find favor with God—this, through grace and not by works (i.e., fasting), lest any man should boast.6

In advancing his own brand of political correctness, McLaren ignores the erroneous assumption upon which his argument rests. This he does by withholding the preponderance of scriptural evidence: While loving and befriending others is paramount to the Christian faith, the Bible forbids participating in abiblical religious ceremonies.7

Abrahamic Heritage: Post Hoc (False Cause)
The “false cause” fallacy gets its name from the Latin phrase post hoc, ergo propter hoc, translated "after this, therefore because of this." It assumes that because B comes after A, A caused B. However reasoned this sounds, correlation isn't the same thing as causation.

In Islamic tradition, the three monotheistic, Abrahamic religions journeyed in a caravan. Having obtained a measure of truth, Judaism pitched tent and went no further. Thereafter, having expanded Judeo truth, Christianity moved forward, but then settled. Only Islam continued full bore to receive maximum truth.

Chrislamists would have us believe that shared Abrahamic heritage spiritually unites Jews, Christians, and Muslims, but this belief presumes an established pecking order generated by the “false cause” fallacy. Because Christianity came after Judaism (and Islam followed Christianity) does not presuppose that Judaism caused Christianity, or that Christianity caused Islam. For Chrislam to claim shared Abrahamic heritage is no “proof” of Islam’s stature as a Yahweh-sanctioned improvement over faith of the fathers.8

Cutting-Edge Church Leaders: Appeal to Authority Fallacy
By referencing respected, albeit biased sources or authorities, some employ the “appeal to authority” fallacy. To lend support to their own beliefs, they namedrop, align with, and explain positions held by well-known leaders who may not qualify as subject-specific experts.

Take, for example, Emerging Church leader Dr. Tony Campolo. While Dr. Campolo’s credentials are impressive, he was the subject of an informal heresy hearing in 1985, and for good reason. You see, he’s not convinced that Jesus lives only in Christians. In Campolo’s view, an Islamic “brother” who has fed the hungry and clothed the naked clearly has a personal relationship with Christ, but just doesn’t know it. Accordingly, Campolo excuses many Muslims from need for evangelization. Though not labeled heretical, he was found to be "methodologically naïve and verbally incautious." 9

Campolo insists “we cannot allow our theologies to separate us,” yet Jesus came with a doctrinal “sword” to do just that.10 Moreover, about seventy-five percent of Muhammad's biography (Sira) consists of jihad waged on unbelievers. In the words of Dr. Moorthy Muthuswamy, “about sixty-one percent of the contents of the Qur’an … speak ill of the unbelievers or call for their violent conquest; at best only 2.6 percent of the verses … show goodwill toward humanity."

Although Campolo is a popular voice for Chrislam, Jesus is the ultimate authority for Christianity; and Mohammed for Islam. When Campolo contradicts Jesus and/or Mohammed, he forfeits the credibility afforded him by namedroppers hoping to catch the wind of his sails.

“Hath God Said?”: Appeal to Ignorance Fallacy
One who employs the fallacy of appealing to ignorance suggests that the absence of conclusive evidence on a given issue naturally boosts a position the arguer holds. Recall that, in the Genesis account, the serpent toyed with Eve, intimating that her lack of experiential knowledge—i.e., evidence—somehow gave default credence to his own premise, “Ye shall surely live.” 11

In similar fashion, Emergent Church leaders hold that spiritual edification and growth, inspiration and maturity, work for peace and the common good spring from uniting Islam and Christian worldviews. Without experiential knowledge, those who steer clear of Chrislam are deemed unknowing. Therefore, when arguers pose the biblical query “Hath God said?” they challenge purists to “try it and like it.” After all, what’s to say they won’t?

Political Correctness Bandwagon: Ad Populum Fallacy
A common application of ad populum is the bandwagon fallacy, in which the arguer convinces others to believe something because “everyone else” does. Given that tens of thousands of Americans convert to Islam each year, and Chrislamic gatherings can attract up to 1,500 adherents each week, Christians should join the Emerging Church in its embrace of Chrislam.

The arguer overlooks the fact that, just because 130 prominent Christian leaders signed an agreement that states Muslims and Christians worship the same God, it doesn’t necessarily make it so. Indeed, solid archeological evidence overwhelmingly refutes Islamic identification with the God of the Bible.

In actuality, Islam is a revival of the ancient moon-god cult. Its ceremonies, rites, symbols, and name of its god come from this ancient pagan religion. When the moon-god’s popularity weakened, Arabs continued its worship as their chief deity, Allah (generic for “the god”).12

The Common Good: Red Herring Fallacy
The red-herring fallacy introduces a tangential side issue that distracts from what's really at stake. For example, it’s suggested that, when Jesus engaged and thereby learned from the Syrophoenician woman,13 he overcame his “religious prejudice” as a devout Jew. In spinning the biblical account thusly, the arguer distracts from what’s really at stake—the divinity of a sinless Jesus.14

Another example: Though the Qur’an mentions Jesus some twenty-five times (tangential side issue), it also accuses anyone who believes that Jesus is the Son of God as having committed the greatest blasphemy imaginable (Qur’an 19:88). In this case, Qur’anic mention of Jesus is a red herring to distract from what’s really at stake—again, belief in Christ’s divinity.15 The tactic employed is to knock over the king pin, so all the pins fall.

What’s Really at Stake?
What’s really at stake is orthodoxy. Coming from a Greek root, the word means "straight belief." Correct practice—i.e., orthopraxy—depends on orthodoxy, not tolerance, as Chrislamists would have us to believe.16

Not recognized as a world religion in its own right, Chrislam blurs differences and distinctions between biblical Christianity and Islam fundamentalism. Its fuzzy thinking renders Chrislam obscure, indistinct, and hazy—thus, capable of deceiving those unschooled as to its nature.

Predictably, relativism drives the “worldview potpourri” of Chrislam. Given no established “black” or “white”—no scripturally validated truth upon which all can rightfully draw—the core value “not to offend” takes front stage. Never mind that the Bible likens Jesus to a stone of stumbling and rock of offense; some Christians believe they must never offend.17

Granted, Chrislamists are not alone in employing fallacious arguments. Many Christians and Muslims do likewise, but then most agree that matters of spirituality and faith transcend logic. Amos 3:3 poses the fitting question, “How can two walk together except they be agreed”? The implied answer is “they can’t.”

As a Christian, I do not hate or shun Muslims, nor do I seek spiritual “common ground” with them, because core incompatibilities between Islam and Christianity preclude perceived, albeit superficial similarities. The Christian faith is founded on the deity of Jesus Christ, the great “I AM,” Immanuel (“God with us”). Were He not divine, Christ’s death on the cross would have been insufficient as an atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world.18 To compromise basic tenants of biblical Christology is to abandon the faith altogether, thus removing the “Chris” from Chrislam.19

If I am faithful to the Great Commission of Jesus Christ, I will seek instead to “make disciples of all nations,” Islamic ones included. This isn’t accomplished by might, power, “holy war,” or congenial “give-and-take,” but rather by the spirit of the living God.20

Fallacies of logic that Chrislamists employ “stand away from” orthodoxy (whether Christian or Islamic) and, therefore, qualify as apostate. The English word “apostasy” comes from two Greek words. The first is a preposition (apo), which means “away from”; the second, a verb (histēmi), which means “to stand.” Biblically, apostates “stand away from” known or previously embraced truth.

Be sure Chrislam is apostate. For a Christian to believe otherwise is self-deception.

1. Posted on line at http://thelastcrusade.org. Paul L. Williams, Ph.D. Qur’an in the Pews; Jesus in the Qur’an. (Accessed November 2010).
2. Galatians 1:6.
3. William Wagner, Th.D. How Islam Plans to Change the World (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2004), 108-109.
4. Ibid, 219-236.
5. 1 Samuel 16:7.
6. Ephesians 2:8; Titus 3:4-6.
7. 2 Corinthians 6:14-15.
8. Galatians 1:6.
9. Posted on line at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/tony_Campolo (Accessed November 2010).
10. Matthew 10:34-36.
11. Genesis 3:1.
12. James 1:17.
13. Mark 7:26; Matthew 5:22.
14. Matthew 15:21 ff, Mark 7:24 ff.
15. 1 John 2:22, 23.
16. Matthew 7:14 with 1 Corinthians 12:31; 2 Peter 2:1-2, 15.
17. 1 Peter 2:7-8.
18. 1 John 2:2.
19. 2 Timothy 3:16 with John 10:35.
20. Zechariah 4:6.

Worldview Potpourri: Chrislam

2010-12-07T07:13:00.000-08:00

The Lost Art of Critical Thinking
Part 5, Worldview Potpourri: Chrislam

A pleasing mixture of aromatic or dried spices, fruits, and petals of flowers generally appeals to the senses; but “potpourri” also speaks to a mixed bag of that which is motley or miscellany. The montage of ingredients in potpourri of this nature may intend to attract, but the stew it offers reeks. No seasoning or garnish can hide the reality that some fundamentally incompatible elements, when combined, are unsuitable for ingestion.

So it is for the potpourri of worldviews merged in the sect of Chrislam which, as its name suggests, melds together religious elements of the Christian West and the Muslim East. Abraham McLaughlin of the Christian Science Monitor explains that, in the beginning, the group was called "Chris-lam-herb" for its unlikely mixture of Christianity, Islam, and “traditional medicine” based, not on scientific research, but rather on indigenous beliefs handed down from generation to generation. While its promise of unity and harmony pander to the postmodernist, Chrislam is far from savory.

“God’s Love”: Fallacy of Equivocation
Founded by Tela Tella, and practiced predominantly in Lagos, Nigeria, the will of God (feoluwa) mission, Chrislam, comes from a Yoruba word meaning “God’s love.”1 Adding Yoruba to the Greek New Testament concept of God’s love serves as a sort of “love garnish,” but it doesn’t fool those with mature taste. It’s still hash.

In a manner of speaking, Chrislam jams Christianity and Islam into a magic hat and, with wave of a wand, pulls out “love” by its proverbial ears. Because the “love” concept in Islam differs appreciably from that of Christian love, this love-rabbit, so to speak, is a sorry mutation.

Accordingly, the fallacy of equivocation involves sliding between different meanings of a single word that is vital to the debate—in this case, “love.” The Bible establishes that God is love.2 Arguably, its meaning is paramount within the context of religious debate.

Consider this: While the Qur’an affirms that "God is great" [Allahu akbar], it omits any reference to "God is love" [Allahu muhibba]. An example of contrast between Islam and Christianity is Muslim persecution and dhimmitude of Christians worldwide. In its pure form, Christianity practices nothing equivalent. Instead, Jesus taught His disciples to love, not terrorize their adversaries and to pray for, not subjugate them.3

Jesus blessed “peacemakers.”4 Despite claims to the contrary, history demonstrates that in Islam the purported greater jihad (warfare against sin) takes backseat to the so-called lesser jihad (holy war). Furthermore, the Islamic Doctrine of Abrogation elevates revelation given later over and above earlier revelation. Hence, the latter revelation sanctioning harm (Medina Approach) effectively abrogates the earlier conciliatory revelation in favor of non-harm (Mecca Approach). Of the over 100 allusions to jihad in the Qur’an, some 97% of them reference jihad’s primary meaning—that being, the forceful spread and domination of Islam.5
Fear of God in the Judeo-Christian mindset speaks to reverential fear—i.e., veneration—for the person, nature, and magnitude of a loving God who never vacillates, but remains forever the same.6 In biblical Christianity perfect love casts out fear; the two (love and fear) are mutually exclusive, and together they are like oil and water.7

That said, Moroccan scholar Fatema Mernissi explains the centrality of fear within Islam. Many modern Muslims fear Allah and his Imams, the foreign West, democracy, freedom of thought, and individualism. What’s not to fear? After all, the fire of Hell is said to be seventy degrees hotter than earthly fire; and escaping it depends on the whim of Allah. Unfortunately, Allah is outright arbitrary with respect to salvation of his creation. In the words of Caesar Farah, “Allah may vary his ordinances at pleasure, prescribing one set of laws for the Jews, another for the Christians, and still another for Muslims.”8

The fallacy of equivocation with respect to this key word, “love,” is opportunistically used to syncretize (mix together) belief systems that, when closely scrutinized, prove to be incompatible. Hence, the resulting “love child” (or “love rabbit,” as the case may be) is no rightful heir of salvation, but rather a bastard.

The Crescent Cross: Appeal to Pity Fallacy
To persuade another to accept his conclusion, one who applies the appeal-to-pity fallacy introduces empathy and/or sympathy. For instance, the Chrislam symbol of the crescent cross, as pictured above, purports to emphasize togetherness and thereby creates a sense of empathy between Muslim and Christian “brothers.”

Designed to appeal as an interfaith symbol to both camps, the crescent cross allegedly represents neither a cross that is adorned with a crescent, nor a crescent adorned with a cross; nonetheless, any suggestion that these merged symbols bear equal significance simply doesn’t ring true.

In Christianity, the cross speaks to Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection without which Christian faith simply doesn’t exist.9 Significantly, the Qur’an outright denies Christ’s death on the cross (4:157-158). With a simple stroke of a pen, the crescent cross is reminiscent of this symbol:  ( + leaning ), indicating negation.

Superimposing a crescent moon over the cross—this, in the bogus name of tolerance—symbolically trumps the Christian gospel with Muslim belief. Indeed, the Islamic version of unity is tawheed (“the unity of Allah”). In Islam, “the Body of Christ” eludes the equation. Be sure there is no single visible church of Muslim converts in any Arab country.

Tolerance or Intolerance: False Dichotomy Fallacy
The false dichotomy fallacy offers only two viable choices and thereby eliminates a world of possibilities left undisclosed. Political correctness (in this case, “diversity”) postulates two such options—namely, tolerance or intolerance. Take your pick.

To the postmodernist, fundamentalism of any stripe smacks of intolerance; and one-way, all-the-way belief in either Christianity or Islam is gravely flawed. The answer, then, is a made-to-order belief system (Chrislam), which deigns to make sense of the complex and varied landscape of 21st- century religiosity. Because Chrislam ostensibly epitomizes tolerance, it stands proud as the obvious choice.

An Episcopal priest from Seattle, Rev. Anne Holmes Redding apparently agrees. In 2007 Redding declared herself a Christian-Muslim. In an outward show of inward “tolerance,” Redding dons her Islamic headscarf on Fridays and her clerical collar on Sundays.

That increasing numbers of nominal Christians are taking the bait is evidenced by an observation made by Bishop Vincent Warner of the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia. Warner insisted that Redding’s politically correct enlightenment had not been controversial in his diocese.10

Small Sample: Hasty Generalization Fallacy
Redding’s creed may not have sparked controversy in Warner’s diocese, but that’s not so of the Christian community at large. To make an assumption, as this, based on the atypical and certainly flimsy reckonings of a small sample (Episcopal diocese of Olympia) demonstrates the underlying fallacy of hasty generalization.

Redding contends that, when she looks through Jesus, she sees Allah. For her, Jesus is not “the beginning and the end,” but rather means to an end—namely, the Muslim moon-god, Allah. In her economy, Jesus is not divine; but Allah is.

Redding overlooks the fact that, although today’s Islam is monotheistic, its roots are decidedly pagan. As far back as 2000 BC, the crescent moon has symbolized pagan moon worship. The moon-god was referred to as "al-ilah." Before Mohammed promoted his new religion in AD 610, “al-ilah” was shortened to Allah, a generic word for “the god.” 11

That said, union of Allah (moon-god) with the sun goddess purportedly resulted in three goddesses (Al-Lat, Al-Uzza, and Manat). Together, the family were viewed as "high" gods at the top of the pantheon of Arabian deities. Even so, a host of “lesser gods” were likewise worshiped (Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, I:61).

For Redding to claim Jesus as her Savior is inauthentic. Denying Christ’s divinity renders Him a deceiver and invalidates His efficacious work of mankind’s salvation from sin, death, and the devil.12 In short, Redding’s portrayal of Jesus as some lesser “god”—i.e., a mere prophet—transcends controversy. It’s out-and-out heretical.

A Panacea: Fallacy of Missing the Point
Some view Chrislam as the solution, a panacea of sorts, for the ongoing conflict between the Western world, which is predominantly Christian, and the Middle East, which is predominantly Muslim. Premises of this faulty argument may indeed support a conclusion, but not the feel-good conclusion that actually is drawn.

You see, while this analysis seems evenhanded, it nonetheless misses the point—that being, exclusive truth claims of Christianity and Islam are fundamentally incompatible.13

Examining Chrislam in the light of critical thinking reveals that any semblance of “truth” springs from fallacies of logic, among which are equivocation, appeal to pity, false dichotomy, hasty generalization, and missing the point, to name but a few.

Summary
When Constantine the Great opportunistically embraced Christianity, adding to it sundry pagan practices of the day, he established an historic example of syncretism for the sake of appeasement. True, the mix of Christianity with paganism served Constantine’s political ambition, but it also skewed the pure doctrine of biblical Christianity.14

The same holds true today regarding Chrislam. A politically-correct worldview potpourri may well suit the postmodernist, but its resulting violence to biblical truth sullies the pot.

In his epistle to the church at Galatia, the apostle Paul cautioned against embracing “another gospel.” Christians today do well to heed Paul’s warning.15

More to follow.

1. Posted on line at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrislam (Accessed November 2010).
2. 1 John 4:8,16.
3. Matthew 5:43-45.
4. Matthew 5:9.
5. William Wagner, Th.D. How Islam Plans to Change the World (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2004), 61-81.
6. James 1:17.
7. 1 John 4:18.
8. Caesar E. Farah, Islam (Hauppauge, N.Y.: Barron’s, 2000), 80.
9. Hebrews 9:22,28.
10. Adrian Ryan. “Urban Voodoo: Santeria. It’s Not Salsa; It’s a Religion.” The Stranger (Seattle, WA: On Line Publication, June 28 – July 4, 2001 issue).
11. See discussion of the origins of Allah in "Arabic Lexicographical Miscellanies" by J. Blau in the Journal of Semitic Studies, Vol. XVII, #2, 1972, pp. 173-190.
12. Romans 10:9-11.
13. 2 Corinthians 6:14; Jude 24-25.
14. Posted on line at http://historymedren.about.com/od/cwho/p/who_constantine.htm (Accessed November 2010).
15. Galatians 1:6.

Man with the Plan

2010-11-16T18:15:00.000-08:00

Globalism Revisited
Man with the Plan
Part 1 of 6

In the field of medicine, an ultrasound diagnostic image exhibits shadowy, computer-generated movements of a developing fetus. Globalists likewise monitor in utero movement—but on the grander screen of geopolitics. Their one-world love child is spawned by what many call the “shadow government.” According to Nelson Rockefeller in The Future of Federalism, this new order of one-world government is “struggling to be born.”[i]

A foretaste of full-term globalism, the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympics showcased selected features of “one world” at its best. At the Bird’s Nest in Beijing, the planet’s best athletes bedazzled an ecstatic audience of ninety-one thousand onlookers, not to mention some four billion at-home viewers.

Sober reverence and a-biblical religious metaphors attending Olympic events echo ancient times when even the sweat of competitors was decreed sacred. This declaration alone warrants close scrutiny; moreover, too many among us are surprised to learn that the torch lighting and bearing were instituted by Nazi propagandists in the Berlin Olympics (1936).[ii]

Though Hitler’s hope was to prove Aryan superiority, none dare challenge the custom. To speak against Pierre de Coubertin’s Olympian dream for global solidarity, peace, and friendship is ridiculed as ignorant and intolerant.3

This we’ve heard before. Prior to passage of the Federal Reserve Act in 1913, the means by which globalists seized control of American finances, President Woodrow Wilson described the burgeoning, one-world phenomenon as “power so organized, so subtle, so watchful, so interlocked, so complete, so pervasive” that no one dares to speak out against it.4

Candidates for Prime Minister of the Planet

As capsulated in the 1994 UN Report on Human Development, the one-world premise is simple enough: Given that mankind’s problems no longer can be solved by national governments, world government is deemed necessary.5

In 1928, former Fabian Socialist H.G. Wells published The Open Conspiracy: Blue Prints for a World Revolution. In Wells’ view, before the shadowy new order’s character is “plainly displayed,” existing governments first must be “weakened, effaced, incorporated, and superseded.” 6

Democratic Socialists of America insists that “now is the time to press for the subordination of national sovereignty.” 7 Yet eliminating an effective global system of checks and balances based on nation-states begs the question, “If not sovereign nations, then who’s to be in charge?”

Consider this: Wells further distinguished “plain display” of the face of globalism as “a world religion.”8 You read it right—“a world religion.” That said, could God himself emerge as the globalists’ candidate of choice as Prime Minister of the planet?

Not a chance. Signatories of the third Humanist Manifesto (2003) included twenty-one Nobel laureates who joined predecessors in supplanting traditional religion with decidedly incompatible albeit grandiose ideals of Darwinism,9 ethical naturalism,10 and empiricism11—in a word, secularism.

The same three manifestos (1933, 1973, 2003) that expressly deplore division of humankind on nationalistic grounds likewise demean religion as sentimental, wishful thinking and, therefore, devoid of power. No deity will save us; we must save ourselves.12

Plainly, a theocracy is not what globalists have in mind.13 Therefore, our question remains: If not nation-states, if not God, then who’s to be in charge of a border-free new world order?

Follow the Clues

The Bible provides needed clues to this pressing question. About six hundred years before Christ, Daniel’s apocalyptic visions accurately prophesied and characterized major world governments to follow the Babylonian Empire—specifically, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and Rome revived.14

Once revived, a new Rome will resemble the ancient counterpart with respect to its universal belief system, global impact, and destined collapse. Although Charlemagne, Mussolini, and Hitler tried to resuscitate ancient Rome, none could accomplish what the Antichrist alone can at his given hour.15

Scripturally, the joint work of Antichrist and his false prophet is called “the mystery of iniquity.”16 Furthermore, the work of Satan through the Antichrist is clearly rooted in the prophecies of Daniel. Indeed, Daniel’s account of the “little horn”17 references this last-day visionary and mother of all dictators who, while at the helm of end-time world government, will oppose Christ all the while pretending to be Christ (“the anointed one”).18

In prophetic imagery, this conquering counterfeit of Christ, a powerful “free-world supra-national political being,”19 sits on the white horse of a godless, one-world system. With a deceptively silent weapon of war in hand (a bow), Antichrist demonstrates shrewdness; that the bow lacks arrows signifies his empty promise of peace.20 In this picture, Antichrist imitates the infinitely greater white horseman called “Faithful and True.” However, instead of delivering peace, plenty, and abundant life as offered by Christ, Antichrist releases the red horse of warfare, the black horse of famine, and the pale horse of death.21

Globalism: One Size Fits All

“Shadow government” is an oft-used euphemism for the developing one-world system also known as global restructuring (perestroika), the global village, the new paradigm, sustainable society and, yes, even “glo-bologna” (compliments of Clare Boothe Luce).

It’s not just the new world order anymore. Any one (or combination) of the following characterize globalism’s many facets: global transformation, world religion of Open/ Aquarian Conspiracy,22 vision for world peace, enlightened eco-socialism, economic integration, multinational institution building, collaborative partnerships, global democracy, interdependence, collective security, federalized world government, transnational federal government, and more.

In testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (1950), international financier James P. Warburg insisted we shall have a world government—either by consent or conquest.[1] To this end, globalism extends a hook to everyone—you name it: the bleeding-heart liberal, the pacifist, the activist, the idealist, the spiritually enlightened, the atheist, the underdog, and the uninformed.

It’s as if globalism were a chameleon whose unique body language enables it to change color when attracting potential mates. This metaphor suggests that globalists quickly and opportunistically adjust their values so as to win others to a one-world point of view.

Case in point: In a speech delivered at the Institute for the Study of International Affairs at Copenhagen, historian Arnold Toynbee documented high-level “discreet workings” to wrest sovereignty out of the clutches of local nation-states, all the while denying with one’s lips what is being done with one’s hands.24

To carry the global agenda minus sovereignty of nation-states to its zenith, international treaties, conventions, and environmental regulations are detailed in Our Global Neighborhood, written by the United Nation’s Commission on Global Governance.25

Correspondingly, in 1992 the United States ratified a UN International Covenant on Civil and Religious Rights. In reality, the covenant is yet another con intended to swap U.S. sovereignty for international courts, taxes, and military.

Conclusion

The “utopian” dream of globalism (global governance) sports all the trappings of the so-called Olympian spirit. Given its honorable—even “sacred”—principles of global unity, harmony, alignment, and excellence, few dare speak against it.

By design globalism’s inner workings escape the public eye all the while proponents tightly weave together geo-politics with economic and religious components. Its political strand is decidedly socialist; the economic strand, Marxist; the religious strand, varied versions of Cosmic Humanism.

Make no mistake. Fingered enemies of globalism are sovereign nation-states, free enterprise capitalism, and the God of the Bible. For apparent reason, godly patriots of our nation do well to wake up and sound the alarm before the tsunami of global governance crashes its borders.

More to follow, Part 2.

Footnotes

1 Dennis Laurence Cuddy, Ph.D., Secret Records Revealed: The Men, Money & the Methods Behind the New World Order (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: Hearthstone Publishing, Ltd., 1999), 101.

2 James Rizzuti, “The Gods of Olympus” (Midnight Call: April, May, June, July, 1998), 16-33.

3 Ibid., 33.

4 Ted Flynn, Hope of the Wicked (Sterling, Virginia: MaxKol Communications, 2000), 2.

5 United Nations, Report on Human Development (Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University, 1994), 81.

6 H.G. Wells, The Open Conspiracy: Blue Prints for a World Revolution (London, England: Book Tree, 1928), XVIII.

7 http://www.enterstageright.com/archive/articles/0800globalgov.htm.

8 These quotes come from a lecture at Harvard University given by Nelson Rockefeller in 1962. See also: Nelson Rockefeller, The Future of Federalism (Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University, 1964).

9 Darwinism is the systematic, codified view of today’s prevailing and politically correct theory of evolution. It explains the macro-evolutionary process through principles of natural and sexual selection.

10 Ethical naturalism contends that religious verities are illusionary, and everything is explicable only by means chance and natural law.

11 Empiricism is the philosophical belief that all knowledge is ultimately derived from sense experience.

12 Written primarily by Raymond Bragg, the first Humanist Manifesto with 34 signers was published in 1933. Unlike later manifestos, Humanist Manifesto I refers to humanism as a religious movement meant to transcend and replace previous, deity-based systems. With 120 signatories, The Humanist Manifesto II first appeared in The Humanist (September/ October, 1973) when Paul Kurtz and Edwin H. Wilson were editor and editor emeritus, respectively. Humanism and Its Aspirations (subtitled Humanist Manifesto III), is the most recent manifesto published by the American Humanist Association (AHA). The newest one is considerably shorter and lists these six primary beliefs:

a. Knowledge of the world is derived by observation, experimentation, and rational analysis.

b. Humans are an integral part of nature, the result of unguided evolutionary change.

c. Ethical values are derived from human need and interest as tested by experience.

d. Life’s fulfillment emerges from individual participation in the service of humane ideals.

e. Humans are social by nature and find meaning in relationships.

f. Working to benefit society maximizes individual happiness.

13 A theocracy is a form of government in which a god or deity is recognized as the supreme civil ruler.

14 The Book of Daniel is a prophetic book that includes four apocalyptic visions predicting the course of world history (Chapters 7-12 with Revelation 13:2, 17:15).

15 A latter day visionary, antichrist eventually will become the greatest dictator the world has ever known. He will rule but for “a short space” of time; and though his message will be one of peace, he will war mercilessly. The most fearful punishment found anywhere in Scripture is related to the “Mark of the Beast.” Enforced by antichrist’s false prophet, this mark is a brand required by all in order to buy or sell in the world community this dictatorial administration forges (Daniel 7:25 with Revelation 12:14; 17:10; Daniel 8:25; Revelation 14:9-10).

16 2 Thessalonians 2:7.

17 Daniel 7:8. In Scripture, the horn depicts power.

18 Antichrist can be interpreted “in place of Christ,” or “a substitute for” Him. In general, the term “antichrist” refers to one who stands in opposition to all that Jesus Christ represents. He will not regard the God of his fathers, nor any god, for he’ll magnify himself above all others (1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 7; Daniel 11:37).

19 Nelson Rockefeller referenced a powerful “free-world supra-national political being” (also, a single, benevolent world “Administrator”) while lecturing at Harvard University in 1962. See also: Nelson Rockefeller, The Future of Federalism (Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University, 1964).

20 Revelation 6: 2-8.

21 Revelation 19:11.

22 The term, “Aquarian Conspiracy,” was popularized in 1980 See: Marilyn Ferguson, The Aquarian Conspiracy (Los Angeles, California: Penguin Group, 1980).

23 Gary Allen, The Rockefeller File (Seal Beach, California: ’76 Press, 1976), 77.

24 Arnold Toynbee, “The Trend of International Affairs Since the War” (Copenhagen, Denmark: The Institute for the Study of International Affairs, November 1931). See also: Dennis Laurence Cuddy, Ph.D., Secret Records Revealed: The Men, Money & the Methods behind the New World Order (Oklahoma City Oklahoma: Hearthstone Publishing, Ltd., 1999), 50-51.

25 United Nations Development Program, Our Global Neighborhood: The Report of the Commission on Global Governance (Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University, 1995), 35.

Right of Conscience to "B or not to "B"

2010-10-03T21:41:00.000-07:00

The Lost Art of Critical Thinking
Part 3, Right of Conscience to “B” or not to “B”

Americans insist on all sorts of rights—rights to housing, jobs, decent medical care, and organized interests (i.e., unions). They affirm rights and freedoms as egalitarian in fashion, belonging to all.

Too often, however, folks confuse rights with privileges. For example, the Drivers’ Manual surprises many “teen wanna’-be’s” by characterizing driving not as a right, but instead as a privilege. The basis for legitimate concepts of natural law rights and liberties (as opposed to privileges) are expressed in the United States Bill of Rights.

In contrast, what springs from the blogosphere and impassioned sound bites frequently demonstrates a spirit of entitlement. Skewing God-given liberty, this wayward spirit drives an ongoing national right-to-conscience debate.

Right to “My Terms” Trumps “Your Terms”

At a recent public hearing in Renton, Washington, activists from Planned Parenthood, Legal Voice, NARAL, and others testified passionately before the Washington State Board of Pharmacy. Their demand was clear: Regulations are necessary to force pharmacists and pharmacies to dispense the “morning-after pill,” for example—when and where a customer asks for it.

Here’s the caveat: Demand for early abortifacients as Plan B, Ella, and ilk trumps even a provider’s conscience should he object ethically or morally. Forget that pharmacies do not, and cannot reasonably be expected to, stock all of the thousands of FDA-approved drugs and their generics; to “choicers,” here-and-now Emergency Contraception is non-negotiable. And they won’t be referred elsewhere to get it.

Think about it. On the basis of conscience, a pacifist need not go to war, and a nurse need not participate in an abortion. When Oregon legalized physician-assisted suicide, health care workers could opt out. But if “choicers” have their way, a pharmacist could be forced to forfeit conscience, career, or privately owned business in deference to someone else’s perceived “right” to convenience.

Right to Risk Trumps Prudence

Opponents wrongly brand conscientious objectors as “a few religious fanatics,” but a pharmacist committed to do no harm could well object to Plan B for reasons other than religious ones.

As is the case with all prescriptions, there are side effects from taking abortifacients. Also, Emergency Contraception may reduce the risk of pregnancy by 75 - 89%, but it offers no guarantees. Nor can it prevent STDs or ectopic pregnancies, which by the way are very dangerous.

It’s no big leap to assume that risk is involved when imbibing synthetic hormones that affect the ovaries and development of the uterine lining. As I understand it, the so-called one-step Emergency Contraception (EC) pill gives the body a short, high burst of synthetic hormones to disrupt hormone patterns required for pregnancy. Side effects can include (but are not limited to) nausea, vomiting, headaches, breast tenderness, dizziness, fluid retention, abdominal pain, and irregular bleeding.

Although emergency contraceptive and morning-after pills are not the same as RU-486, the latter (otherwise known as a “baby pesticide”) is used as Emergency Contraception. After taking RU-486 to cause an abortion, several women developed serious illnesses, and some died. For this reason, life advocacy groups petitioned the Food and Drug Administration to halt its distribution and marketing pending review of safety issues.

Problem is, what may be legal is not always safe, ethical, or moral. It stands to reason, then, if a provider believes use of legal ECs is harmful or even lethal, he must speak up. One way to do so is to refer a patient elsewhere; but to the “pro-choice” crowd, this act of conscience is unconscionable, even reprehensible.

My Life Trumps That of a Baby

Talk about reprehensible! Many who negate right of conscience likewise advocate for the new eugenics inclusive of partial- and live- birth abortions (infanticide), cannibalizing babies to make them into medicine, and selling baby parts in the name of science. Arguably, all are birthed out of Roe v. Wade legacy.

Unlike a "death with dignity" participant, a life in the womb has no voice and, therefore, is no willing participant in the managed-death option to which he’s subjected. Conscience in support of that life mustn’t succumb to a customer's demand for convenience. Doing so would undermine human dignity and violate core principles of “life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness [specifically for the unborn].”

If my choice of conscience is unnecessary by another's standards, or even if it errs on the side of caution, I cannot rightly be denied it. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees that special right.

To do what one perceives to be evil is, according to biblical principle, "sin" in the eyes of God. When church and State clash, a believer must submit to the highest authority. And he has every right to do so.

Right to Affix Blame Trumps Personal Accountability

Evidently, to the lonely, time- and money- challenged customer with prescription in hand, the one, local pharmacist is her only recourse. The impassioned cry, “What about true victims of rape or incest?” lands squarely upon his shoulders with no apparent expectation of intervention from Planned Parenthood, NARAL, the prescribing physician, or social services.

Forget that EC may be effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after intercourse and that it’s not 100% foolproof, activists insist upon immediate product and service from the first pharmacy of choice—no matter the provider’s heartfelt convictions against its safe, ethical use. A pharmacist on the next block simply won’t do.

It’s true, a woman can conceive when responsible efforts to prevent pregnancy are ineffective. But, then, in the minds of activists, this, too, becomes the pharmacist’s problem. It’s his job, not to refer, but rather to “fix” the outcome; conscience, we’re told, has nothing to do with it.

The “problem” resulting from risky, unprotected sex likewise becomes that sole pharmacist’s mandate. His “choice” not to dispense EC, but rather to refer a customer elsewhere, signals to the “pro-choice” crowd that the pharmacist is not doing his job. To “choicers,” right of “choice” applies exclusively to them.

Right to Label the Opposition as “Religious Fanatics” Trumps Civility

Labeling right-to-conscience advocates as “a few religious fanatics" overlooks the fact that that there are an estimated 2-3 billion Christians in this world, in excess of ¼ of the world’s entire population. Many among them champion right to conscience and, in so doing, cannot accurately be characterized as some small group of uncaring thugs.

To denigrate those whose worldviews differ may well stir passion within the ranks of the disgruntled; but, in reality, “conscientious objection” is by no means synonymous with religious fanaticism, as “choice” advocates suggest.

Live and Let Live (But Only If You Live Like Me)

An honorable person will "live in accordance with conscience" and, in turn, will "let live." Sometimes another person's life choices are in accordance with his or her conscience, sometimes not. God allows free choice, but then accountability falls to the one choosing and no one else.

That said no health care provider should be forced against his conscience to abort a fetus, perform extreme plastic surgery, prescribe marijuana, or dispense early abortificients. Another person’s choice is not his problem to fix.

My Want Trumps Universal Wisdom to the Contrary

Christians are not alone in standing for conscience. In the words of Mohandas Gandhi, “There is a higher court than courts of justice, and that is the court of conscience,” which, he adds, “supersedes all other courts.”

Truth be told, the entire world community agree that "everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion … and to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance." Check it out: Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

According to testimony at the public hearing, though, this universal declaration is more poetic than substantive. Like it or not, people, to behave in accordance with one’s conscience is an universal right, one upon which our nation is founded. Sorry, “choicers,” it can’t be shooed as a pesky fly!

If, indeed, right to conscience is an universally agreed upon premise, as most agree it is, then we must zealously uphold it even in the marketplace. On a practical level, it stands to reason that a private business owner should be free to choose his own inventory and to distribute it as he sees fit.

My Body; My Choice—Your Pharmacy; My Choice—Your Conscience; My Choice
The “my body; my choice” crowd apparently believes that “your pharmacy” is “my choice” as well. At the Renton hearing, a steady stream of self-proclaimed, would-be “victims” testified of their outrage at hypothetical, sometimes fabricated scenarios. Clearly, their spirited fight for speedy, non-restricted access was politically motivated and bereft of documentable authenticity.

A single working woman without ready access to transportation can’t possibly make her way to another pharmacy, they whined—but (miraculously) she can find her way to Renton from Vancouver or Eastern Washington in order to complain about her plight.

A college student is too pressed for time to acquire and use birth control, or to seek out another pharmacist; but evidently there is time in her busy schedule for sexual intercourse. Then again, there’s the hypothetical high school girl who claims to be too embarrassed to be denied Plan B at her pharmacy of choice, but with eloquence she readily testifies on camera before a room full of adults.

I agree that these folks are victims, but not necessarily of a hard-knock life—or a hard-nosed pharmacist. Political activists prey upon, and then use, the vulnerable for their own purposes. That’s victimization in my book.

Right to Timely, Non-Restrictive Access Trumps Conscience

If timely, non-restrictive access were truly a "right," as opposed to a convenience, then all pharmacies would be forced to operate 24/7 under threat of government enforcement. For now anyway, this isn’t the case.

A customer can always take his business elsewhere. It's America after all; most live within reasonable walking (or biking/bus) distance from a neighborhood drug store. If not, willing “choicers” who champion early abortificients are but a phone call away.

I agree with Albert Einstein who warned us “never do anything against conscience even if the state demands it.” In the words of Andrew Jackson, “As long as our government is administered for the good of the people, and is regulated by their will; as long as it secures to us the rights of persons and of property, liberty of conscience and of the press, it will be worth defending.”

In America folks are still free to agree or disagree with my convictions [and I with theirs], but it's simply not acceptable to deny me or anyone the right to voice and practice them.

And that, my friend, is worth defending.

Back to the Drawing Board for Educrats

2010-09-28T19:45:00.000-07:00

The Lost Art of Critical Thinking
Part 2, Back to School for Kids; Back to the Drawing Board for Educrats

With September upon us, it’s time to load back packs and bid adieu to the kids, off to school for another year. Parents hold high hopes for success, and students can’t wait to see their friends again.

In this spirit of expectation, the forward-looking National Education Association congregated this summer in New Orleans. Intent upon “turning hope into action,” this 2010 convention resulted in an impressive list of resolutions that demonstrate educators’ commitment to regroup, review, and reform.

In providing “free, equitable, universal, and quality public education for every student” the NEA advances accredited educational opportunities for all from birth (that’s right, birth) to age eight and beyond (i.e., cradle to grave). This includes funding pre-kindergarten for all three- and four-year-olds, as well as mandatory full-day—every day kindergarten programs requiring compulsory attendance. No one’s excluded from the NEA agenda.

“The” Agenda

So just what is the NEA agenda? Development of individual initiative? Emphasis on correcting the U.S.’s below-average ranking among developed nations in reading, science, and mathematics? Making up for “credential inflation” responsible for admitting unqualified students into our nation’s colleges?

No, none made the resolution list. Outspoken proponents of “freedom of choice,” NEA educrats nonetheless oppose federally or state-mandated parental option (or choice) plans that, from their perspective, “compromise” an agenda that best serves their own purposes.

While employing emotive rhetoric advancing psycho-politics of change, educrats throw critical thinking to the wind and instead sashay around politically correct incongruities. The message is clear. Human resource training trumps academic basics. Not reading, writing, and arithmetic, nor clear thinking, but one-size-fits-all, affective domain instruction makes the final cut.

Subject-centered, teacher-directed accumulation of knowledge gives way to fluff that eludes observable, repeatable, and measurable instructional objectives, all necessary components of mastery learning. Examples include understanding and accepting diverse populations, maintaining gender neutrality and non-stereotypical language, developing self-esteem, and conforming to group think.²

Contradictory Resolutions: The New Diversity

It’s no wonder that resolutions proposed in New Orleans present a curious study in contradictions. For instance, while one resolution purportedly eliminates discrimination and stereotyping based on race, yet another (to the contrary) advances the right to “take race into account” when making decisions as to student admissions, assignments, and/or transfers.³

Not reason nor fair dealing, but relativity and situation dictate actions. To achieve or maintain desired diversity, educrats opportunistically ignore their own principles—this, for self-interest. Case in point: Until protesters got it removed, the NEA website calendar displayed an unlikely posting featuring a supposed icon of diversity—namely, Mao Zedong.

Best known as the “champion murderer of all time,” Chairman Mao lived by a code of violence by which one class overthrows another. “Tolerant,” he wasn’t. Yet while demanding “human rights” on one hand, the Association recognizes Mao Zedong as a sort of “role model” on the other.

Contradictory Resolutions: The New Discrimination

Along with Chairman Mao, NEA’s “anti-biased, culturally sensitive” agenda embraces the GLBT crowd in that it enforces non-discrimination for gays, lesbians, bisexual, and transgenders. In fact, recognizing her work to prevent HIV infection, Harvard-educated actress Ashley Judd was presented an NEA award at the convention—this, from the GLBT caucus.

Herein lies the problem: The resolution to “coordinate with organizations and concerned agencies that promote the contributions, heritage, culture, history, and special health and care needs of diverse population groups” stops short when it comes to partisan politics.

Be sure the Association urges its members to be politically active (no problem here)—but only in support of political action committees of the Association and its affiliates. Moreover, conservative and independent teachers are forced to pay annual dues to the Association, 95% of whose political contributions go to Democratic candidates and decidedly liberal issues to which they object morally and/or ethically.6

Generally speaking, educrats dismiss as passé any moral and/or ethical absolutes—unless, that is, they support NEA purposes. In matters relating to birth control, diversity of sexual orientation, and gender identification, for example, there’s no sanctioned celebration of diversity as defined by traditionalism.

In advancing progressive absolutes exclusively, NEA “tolerance” goes just so far. NEA educrats insist that it’s “our way or the highway.” No discussion. Period. New paragraph.

Contradictory Resolutions: The New Freedom of Choice

As previously intimated, NEA educrats reserve for themselves “freedom of choice,” but fail to extend the same privilege to independently thinking colleagues and parents. You see, in some 28 states, a free-thinking teacher risks losing his job should he object to union policies and refuse to join.

Even tax-paying parents who themselves fund free public education are thwarted from selecting education programs—e.g., tuition tax credits, vouchers—that best suit their children’s needs; and home-schooled children may not enjoy the same extracurricular activities to which even illegal aliens have free access.

In the arena of progressivism, “free to choose” means “free to make the right choice as determined by NEA absolutists.”

Contradictory Resolutions: The New Censorship

The Association ostensibly abhors censorship, book banning, and/or burning, but summarily eliminates the Bible—this, despite its value as a unique work of classical antiquity. In fact, no classical works of Christian or Jewish thought, science, or history qualify; nevertheless, educrats zealously protect access in school media facilities to controversial materials of all sorts—pornography, for one.9

According to the Association, political correctness separates the right- from the wrong- kind of censorship. Case in point: Across curricula—all subjects; all levels—the NEA insists upon integrating what educrats judge to be accurate portrayals of the roles and contributions of all groups throughout history. Yet it refuses the example of our nation’s founders who themselves drew from the ancient history of Israel, coupled with experiences of the New Testament church.

While purporting to eliminate subtle practices that favor the education of one student over another—this, on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identification, disability, ethnicity, or religion—the NEA excludes the very groups whose tried-and-true, transcendent ideals of law and liberty define who we are as a culture and a nation.

It stands to reason why one group is more likely than another to find its way into the thread of world history. Yet without considering the magnitude (or lack thereof) of their contributions, the Association deplores historical underrepresentation of particular groups.10

Contradictory Resolutions: The New Separation of Church and State

The NEA’s commitment to “make up” for underrepresentation frequently violates their resolution to integrate “accurate portrayals” of groups. Disturbingly, in some school districts, the “Prophet” Mohammed is distinguished as “the most influential man in history." This generalization begs the question, “Really?”

Think about it. From a pool of 1.4 billion Muslims (2 out of every 10 people), only six have won the Nobel Peace prize; and one of those six is a known terrorist (Yasser Arafat)! In comparison, from a pool of only 12 million Jews (2 out of every 1,000 people), fully 165 have distinguished themselves with this coveted prize. Even so, only progeny of the former, not the latter, have voice in today’s public schools.11

By way of example, Attorney Edward White with the Thomas More Law Center represented parents in a complaint against a California School district for its iffy assertion that “dressing and acting as Muslims increases student learning and enjoyment." The New Separation principle censors reciting the Lord’s Prayer and Beatitudes, but not Islamic phrases used in prayers. Christmas is off limits, but not "Caravan- or Oasis- Days" and Ramadan.

Mind you, parents do not object to students learning about Islam, but they do find fault (and rightfully so) with students assuming Muslim names while facing Mecca in role playing exercises! 12

Contradictory Resolutions: The New Law

Be they natives, Asians, Pacific Islanders, Blacks, Hispanics, women, gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender persons, or people with disabilities, legal American citizens should not be denied what their taxes provide. “Legal” is the operative word here.

But while recognizing an International Court of Justice and Criminal Court, purportedly to enforce law, another of the NEA’s resolutions encourages lawlessness. How so? By extending privileges of access for undocumented students—that is, illegal aliens.

Respect for rule of law is at the core of America’s triumph as a nation, but tax-paying, legal citizens must compete with illegal recipients of financial aid and in-state tuition to state colleges and universities. “Respect, understanding, acceptance, and sensitivity” (to use resolution words) matter; I agree. However, to thumb one’s nose at the rule of law is not to value or respect it.13

Conclusion

Although NEA resolutions purportedly allow teachers the right to encourage free expression of students and to voice personal points of view concerning the policies and programs of the schools, any expression “inimical to the ideals of the Association” are black balled as “extremist.”14

Ironically, the Association’s resolution “to examine assumptions and prejudices” is itself acted upon prejudicially. As we’ve seen, black-and-white NEA resolutions favor progressives over conservatives, postmodernists over traditionalists, Muslims over Jews and Christians, the politically correct crowd over the independently minded, the illegal minority over the legal majority.

To champion politically incorrect views is to be subjected to “conflict resolution” processes whereby “renegades” surrender to school guidance- and counseling- programs designed to bring them around to acceptable collective thought.

This hardly speaks to an “antibiased, culturally sensitive program” purporting to model tolerance.15 And truth be told, Johnny still can’t read!

1. http://www.eagleforum.org/educate/2010/aug10/resolutions.html, A-14. Financial Support of Public Education. B-1. Early Childhood Education.
2. Ibid. B-14. Racism, Sexism, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identification Discrimination.
3. Ibid. B-13. Racial Diversity Within Student Populations. B-14. Racism, Sexism, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identification Discrimination.
4. Michael Carl, Brave New Schools “NEA: Let’s celebrate Communism,” World Net Daily Exclusive (29 July 2010).
5. http://www.nea-glbtc.org/images/2010-06_GLBTC_News.pdf.
6. http://www.oregonlive.com/hovde/index.ssf/2009/12/mandatory_union_dues_shouldnt.html
7. http://www.eagleforum.org/educate/2010/aug10/resolutions.html, C-15. Extremist Groups. F-1. Nondiscriminatory Personnel Policies/Affirmative Action.
8. Ibid. H-1. The Education Employee as a Citizen.
9. Ibid. A-25. Voucher Plans and Tuition Tax Credits. A-34. Federally or State-Mandated Choice/Parental Option Plans. B-82. Home Schooling.
10. Ibid. B-14. Racism, Sexism, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identification Discrimination. E-3. Selection and Challenges of Materials and Teaching Techniques.
11. http://www.jewishmag.co.il/99mag/nobel/nobel.htm.
12. http://www.eagleforum.org/educate/2010/aug10/resolutions.html, E-10. Academic and Professional Freedom.
13. Ibid. I-33. Freedom of Religion.
14. Ibid. B-24. Education of Refugee and Undocumented Children and Children of Undocumented Immigrants. I-2. International Court of Justice. I-3. International Criminal Court. I-22. Immigration.
15. Ibid. C-15. Extremist Groups.
16. Ibid. B-71. Conflict Resolution Education. B-48. Family Life Education. C-25. School Guidance and Counseling Programs.

Contradictory Resolutions

2010-09-16T07:19:00.000-07:00

The Lost Art of Critical Thinking
Part 2, Back to School for Kids; Back to the Drawing Board for Educrats

With September upon us, it’s time to load back packs and bid adieu to the kids, off to school for another year. Parents hold high hopes for success, and students can’t wait to see their friends again.

In this spirit of expectation, the forward-looking National Education Association congregated this summer in New Orleans. Intent upon “turning hope into action,” this 2010 convention resulted in an impressive list of resolutions that demonstrate educators’ commitment to regroup, review, and reform.

In providing “free, equitable, universal, and quality public education for every student” the NEA advances accredited educational opportunities for all from birth (that’s right, birth) to age eight and beyond (i.e., cradle to grave). This includes funding pre-kindergarten for all three- and four-year-olds, as well as mandatory full-day—every day kindergarten programs requiring compulsory attendance. No one’s excluded from the NEA agenda.

“The” Agenda

So just what is the NEA agenda? Development of individual initiative? Emphasis on correcting the U.S.’s below-average ranking among developed nations in reading, science, and mathematics? Making up for “credential inflation” responsible for admitting unqualified students into our nation’s colleges?

No, none made the resolution list. Outspoken proponents of “freedom of choice,” NEA educrats nonetheless oppose federally or state-mandated parental option (or choice) plans that, from their perspective, “compromise” an agenda that best serves their own purposes.

While employing emotive rhetoric advancing psycho-politics of change, educrats throw critical thinking to the wind and instead sashay around politically correct incongruities. The message is clear. Human resource training trumps academic basics. Not reading, writing, and arithmetic, nor clear thinking, but one-size-fits-all, affective domain instruction makes the final cut. Subject-centered, teacher-directed accumulation of knowledge gives way to fluff that eludes observable, repeatable, and measurable instructional objectives, all necessary components of mastery learning. Examples include understanding and accepting diverse populations, maintaining gender neutrality and non-stereotypical language, developing self-esteem, and conforming to group think.²

Contradictory Resolutions: The New Diversity

It’s no wonder that resolutions proposed in New Orleans present a curious study in contradictions. For instance, while one resolution purportedly eliminates discrimination and stereotyping based on race, yet another (to the contrary) advances the right to “take race into account” when making decisions as to student admissions, assignments, and/or transfers.³

Not reason nor fair dealing, but relativity and situation dictate actions. To achieve or maintain desired diversity, educrats opportunistically ignore their own principles—this, for self-interest. Case in point: Until protesters got it removed, the NEA website calendar displayed an unlikely posting featuring a supposed icon of diversity—namely, Mao Zedong. Best known as the “champion murderer of all time,” Chairman Mao lived by a code of violence by which one class overthrows another. “Tolerant,” he wasn’t. Yet while demanding “human rights” on one hand, the Association recognizes Mao Zedong as a sort of “role model” on the other.

Contradictory Resolutions: The New Discrimination

Along with Chairman Mao, NEA’s “anti-biased, culturally sensitive” agenda embraces the GLBT crowd in that it enforces non-discrimination for gays, lesbians, bisexual, and transgenders. In fact, recognizing her work to prevent HIV infection, Harvard-educated actress Ashley Judd was presented an NEA award at the convention—this, from the GLBT caucus. Herein lies the problem: The resolution to “coordinate with organizations and concerned agencies that promote the contributions, heritage, culture, history, and special health and care needs of diverse population groups” stops short when it comes to partisan politics.

Be sure the Association urges its members to be politically active (no problem here)—but only in support of political action committees of the Association and its affiliates. Moreover, conservative and independent teachers are forced to pay annual dues to the Association, 95% of whose political contributions go to Democratic candidates and decidedly liberal issues to which they object morally and/or ethically.6

Generally speaking, educrats dismiss as passé any moral and/or ethical absolutes—unless, that is, they support NEA purposes. In matters relating to birth control, diversity of sexual orientation, and gender identification, for example, there’s no sanctioned celebration of diversity as defined by traditionalism.

In advancing progressive absolutes exclusively, NEA “tolerance” goes just so far. NEA educrats insist that it’s “our way or the highway.” No discussion. Period. New paragraph.

Contradictory Resolutions: The New Freedom of Choice

As previously intimated, NEA educrats reserve for themselves “freedom of choice,” but fail to extend the same privilege to independently thinking colleagues and parents. You see, in some 28 states, a free-thinking teacher risks losing his job should he object to union policies and refuse to join.

Even tax-paying parents who themselves fund free public education are thwarted from selecting education programs—e.g., tuition tax credits, vouchers—that best suit their children’s needs; and home-schooled children may not enjoy the same extracurricular activities to which even illegal aliens have free access.

In the arena of progressivism, “free to choose” means “free to make the right choice as determined by NEA absolutists.”

Contradictory Resolutions: The New Censorship

The Association ostensibly abhors censorship, book banning, and/or burning, but summarily eliminates the Bible—this, despite its value as a unique work of classical antiquity. In fact, no classical works of Christian or Jewish thought, science, or history qualify; nevertheless, educrats zealously protect access in school media facilities to controversial materials of all sorts—pornography, for one.9

According to the Association, political correctness separates the right- from the wrong- kind of censorship. Case in point: Across curricula—all subjects; all levels—the NEA insists upon integrating what educrats judge to be accurate portrayals of the roles and contributions of all groups throughout history. Yet it refuses the example of our nation’s founders who themselves drew from the ancient history of Israel, coupled with experiences of the New Testament church.

While purporting to eliminate subtle practices that favor the education of one student over another—this, on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identification, disability, ethnicity, or religion—the NEA excludes the very groups whose tried-and-true, transcendent ideals of law and liberty define who we are as a culture and a nation.

It stands to reason why one group is more likely than another to find its way into the thread of world history. Yet without considering the magnitude (or lack thereof) of their contributions, the Association deplores historical underrepresentation of particular groups.10

Contradictory Resolutions: The New Separation of Church and State

The NEA’s commitment to “make up” for underrepresentation frequently violates their resolution to integrate “accurate portrayals” of groups. Disturbingly, in some school districts, the “Prophet” Mohammed is distinguished as “the most influential man in history." This generalization begs the question, “Really?”

Think about it. From a pool of 1.4 billion Muslims (2 out of every 10 people), only six have won the Nobel Peace prize; and one of those six is a known terrorist (Yasser Arafat)! In comparison, from a pool of only 12 million Jews (2 out of every 1,000 people), fully 165 have distinguished themselves with this coveted prize. Even so, only progeny of the former, not the latter, have voice in today’s public schools.11

By way of example, Attorney Edward White with the Thomas More Law Center represented parents in a complaint against a California School district for its iffy assertion that “dressing and acting as Muslims increases student learning and enjoyment." The New Separation principle censors reciting the Lord’s Prayer and Beatitudes, but not Islamic phrases used in prayers. Christmas is off limits, but not "Caravan- or Oasis- Days" and Ramadan.

Mind you, parents do not object to students learning about Islam, but they do find fault (and rightfully so) with students assuming Muslim names while facing Mecca in role playing exercises! 12

Contradictory Resolutions: The New Law

Be they natives, Asians, Pacific Islanders, Blacks, Hispanics, women, gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender persons, or people with disabilities, legal American citizens should not be denied what their taxes provide. “Legal” is the operative word here.

But while recognizing an International Court of Justice and Criminal Court, purportedly to enforce law, another of the NEA’s resolutions encourages lawlessness. How so? By extending privileges of access for undocumented students—that is, illegal aliens.

Respect for rule of law is at the core of America’s triumph as a nation, but tax-paying, legal citizens must compete with illegal recipients of financial aid and in-state tuition to state colleges and universities. “Respect, understanding, acceptance, and sensitivity” (to use resolution words) matter; I agree. However, to thumb one’s nose at the rule of law is not to value or respect it.13

Conclusion

Although NEA resolutions purportedly allow teachers the right to encourage free expression of students and to voice personal points of view concerning the policies and programs of the schools, any expression “inimical to the ideals of the Association” are black balled as “extremist.”14

Ironically, the Association’s resolution “to examine assumptions and prejudices” is itself acted upon prejudicially. As we’ve seen, black-and-white NEA resolutions favor progressives over conservatives, postmodernists over traditionalists, Muslims over Jews and Christians, the politically correct crowd over the independently minded, the illegal minority over the legal majority.

To champion politically incorrect views is to be subjected to “conflict resolution” processes whereby “renegades” surrender to school guidance- and counseling- programs designed to bring them around to acceptable collective thought.

This hardly speaks to an “antibiased, culturally sensitive program” purporting to model tolerance.15 And truth be told, Johnny still can’t read!

1. http://www.eagleforum.org/educate/2010/aug10/resolutions.html, A-14. Financial Support of Public Education. B-1. Early Childhood Education.
2. Ibid. B-14. Racism, Sexism, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identification Discrimination.
3. Ibid. B-13. Racial Diversity Within Student Populations. B-14. Racism, Sexism, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identification Discrimination.
4. Michael Carl, Brave New Schools “NEA: Let’s celebrate Communism,” World Net Daily Exclusive (29 July 2010).
5. http://www.nea-glbtc.org/images/2010-06_GLBTC_News.pdf.
6. http://www.oregonlive.com/hovde/index.ssf/2009/12/mandatory_union_dues_shouldnt.html
7. http://www.eagleforum.org/educate/2010/aug10/resolutions.html, C-15. Extremist Groups. F-1. Nondiscriminatory Personnel Policies/Affirmative Action.
8. Ibid. H-1. The Education Employee as a Citizen.
9. Ibid. A-25. Voucher Plans and Tuition Tax Credits. A-34. Federally or State-Mandated Choice/Parental Option Plans. B-82. Home Schooling.
10. Ibid. B-14. Racism, Sexism, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identification Discrimination. E-3. Selection and Challenges of Materials and Teaching Techniques.
11. http://www.jewishmag.co.il/99mag/nobel/nobel.htm.
12. http://www.eagleforum.org/educate/2010/aug10/resolutions.html, E-10. Academic and Professional Freedom.
13. Ibid. I-33. Freedom of Religion.
14. Ibid. B-24. Education of Refugee and Undocumented Children and Children of Undocumented Immigrants. I-2. International Court of Justice. I-3. International Criminal Court. I-22. Immigration.
15. Ibid. C-15. Extremist Groups.
16. Ibid. B-71. Conflict Resolution Education. B-48. Family Life Education. C-25. School Guidance and Counseling Programs.

The Lost Art of Critical Thinking

2010-08-20T10:33:00.000-07:00

Part 1, Critical Thinking, A Broad Stroke

Contrary to popular application, the “critical” in critical thinking doesn’t mean categorizing political opponents as “idiots”! Far from it.

Thinking reasonably, reflectively, and deeply is an essential (that is, critical) skill. Its focus determines what one believes—and how he acts out those beliefs. For good reason, the God of the Old Testament implores His own to “come, let us reason together.” Note that He doesn’t compel them to rally for the purpose of contentious wrangling.

To qualify as a reasoned critical thinker, rather than a squabbler, one considers alternatives and their counterexamples; moreover, he explores consequences. That is to say, his posturing is proactive, not reactive.

Significantly, a critical thinker learns from history and from his own mistakes so as not to repeat missteps unnecessarily.

That said the art of critical thinking springs from basic knowledge. While remaining open to new information, a critical thinker evaluates his sources with due diligence, applied discernment, and careful circumspection. He is not a metaphorical lemming destined to suffer the fate of those who go along unquestioningly with fashionable partisanship, trendy enlightenment, or fantastical delusions.

Fallacies of Logic

Rightful reflection involves communion with one’s own heart, mind, and conscience. In the process of deliberation, one detects fallacies (meaning “deceit”). Examples include false analogies, presumptive generalizations, personal attacks, distractions, ambiguities, and the like—all used commonly and underhandedly to sway popular opinion. Whether distinguished as “formal” or “informal,” all fallacies are dangerous when used by, or in the presence of, those who do not fully understand them.

The wily opportunistically intimidate unwary counterparts with strategies of deceit; only clear thinkers avoid traps strategically designed to ensnare them. They do this by monitoring their own thought processes (called meta-cognition) while, at the same time, they exercise well-reasoned inductive and deductive thinking patterns.

The Thought Ladder²

Master educators understand that folks read and think at overlapping levels. The most basic level of thinking is literal. At this rung of the thought ladder, one applies concrete thinking skills that deal with facts. He acquires and maintains rudimentary knowledge accurately and fluently while, at the same time, answering basic what, where, when, and who questions.

Abstract thinking expands upon basic knowledge. It is both interpretive and critical in that it generalizes and transfers knowledge to new settings or responses. The abstract thinker answers questions like “What is meant by what was said?” or “How does this fit with what I already know?”

Creative thinking extends knowledge by elaborating, adapting, and capitalizing on it. Now, the question posed is “What can I do with this information?” As a result, the new concept (or complex of concepts) shapes one’s beliefs and inspires his actions.

Applying these three thinking levels—literal, abstract, creative—guides aright study within all fundamental fields—i.e., political, religious, educational, scientific, medical, military, technological, cultural, social, philosophical, and economic. Failing to do so misses the mark and invites grave consequences.³

Evading Critical Thinking

To disregard basic knowledge, its expansion and extension, is to float adrift in the sea of life and to suffer the penalties of cognitive instability. It behooves one, therefore, to engage critical thinking skills in voting, worshipping, relating, exploring a career path, investing, and the like. Otherwise, he subjects himself to the system of involuntary servitude called peonage, which in effect elevates the State as supreme and demotes citizens to mere pawns of “collective opinion.”

Make no mistake. Those bent upon transforming our entire culture do so more through the brain than in the battlefield. Their cry for “transformation” may resonate as a purr but can come with a snarl and a bite. Already UNESCO pushes the right kind of tolerance and lifelong education for global cosmic citizenship. Through one-stop social clinics, school-to-work, and cradle-to-grave learning programs, educrats mold “human resources” to their liking.

Concrete Thinking Skills

Today’s interdisciplinary approaches in education result in fewer courses presented under the guise of “thematic teaching.” In short, facts and knowledge—namely content—are deemphasized. More often than not, “process” trumps “product.” By eliminating standardized tests and traditional, subject-based curriculum, educrats freely advance a social agenda that is both radical and indulgent.

Transformational learning incites “raising a ruckus” by “rethinking schools.” Forget the facts. Victimization theories hook our youth to hard-core action. Void of verifiable facts, revisionist history serves as its catalyst; and Marxism assumes center stage in directing the social revolution at hand.

In support of youth self-expression, organizations as the Daughters Sister Foundation (underwritten by the Pride Foundation) educate, inspire, and empower our young people toward realizing a new one-world order bereft of ostensibly obsolete sovereignty, traditionalism, and capitalism.

Abstract Thinking Skills

To promote campus-wide dialogue and “a shared intellectual experience,” seventy-nine out of one hundred of our top American universities ask their incoming freshmen to read one designated book over the summer. The exercise promises to stimulate abstract thinking by posing questions like “What is meant by what was read?” or “How does this fit with what I already know?”

Problem is participating students read no works of classical antiquity, no classical works of Christian or Jewish thought, science, or history. Instead, incoming freshmen typically read books that feature “quick impressions, snappy ideas, or empathetic evoking of misfortune.” Some even read comic books (called “graphic novels”) that tend to be “short, caffeinated, and emotional” in words of NAS President Peter Wood.

Speaking of which, the National Association of Scholars (NAS) examined some 180 books selected by 290 participating schools only to find that many choices relaxed into liberal biases and did little to stretch demands of college-level study.

Rather than foster mastery of fact acquisition, fluency, maintenance, expansion, and reasoned application, students instead read emotive books featuring the “politics of change” (psycho-politics) “with a distinctly disaffected view of American society and Western civilization.”5

Creative Thinking Skills

In review, the creative thinker asks, “What can I do with this information?” Then, he generates a new concept (or complex of concepts) serving to shape his beliefs for success. If you think about it, the American Dream demands elaborating, adapting, and capitalizing on knowledge while moving forward entrepreneurially. Clearly, creative thinking is at the heart of America’s triumph as a nation.

This is especially true when rule of law, individual effort, and fair dealing lead the way. History reveals that America’s founding fathers embraced and implemented tried-and-true, transcendent ideals of law and liberty. These they drew from the ancient history of Israel, as a people, coupled with experiences of the New Testament church. In short, they gave heed to and then learned from the past—morally, ethically, and religiously.

By way of example, our founders understood that the “rule of the laity” wars against rule of law. When citizens (the “laity”) overlook the latter to do what is right in their own eyes, they fall prey to idolatry, chaos, violence, collectivism, and/or complacency.

In God’s economy, a measured scale of divine equity ensures corporate well-being, but partiality nurtures oppression. Consider the ant and its ways. Governed by personal integrity and responsibility, not force, the proverbial ant provides amply for itself. In contrast, the root word for sluggard means “to lean.” So-called “leaners” look to Big Brother for life’s provisions.6 Their lot in life is perpetual servitude and want.

Birth of a Blessed People

Bombarded with intimidation, oppression, and deceit, our founders rose to the challenge, thought critically, and gave themselves wholly to belief and actions to which they pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor. For this, they paid dearly. As a result, we are a blessed people. To restore America and secure like blessings for our progeny, we can do no less than they.

1. Isaiah 1:18.
2. Curriculum Letter No. 58, Department of School Services and Publications, Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut.
3. Debra Rae. “The Sin Factor.” ABCs of Cultural-Isms: Bible Truth or Grave Consequences (2003): 9-17.
4. Huffington Post (June 2010).
5. Beach Books: What Do Colleges Want Students to Read Outside of Class? (Thorne and Wood Report, 2010).
6. Proverbs 6:6.

Apocalyptic Angst

2010-08-05T18:26:00.000-07:00

Who’s Right?
Part 2

Apocalyptic angst drives many religionists to speculate about earth’s perilous last days and her inhabitants’ final judgment. Monotheistic faiths temper news of pending calamity with promise of paradise (janah for Muslims), a heavenly abode (gan’eden for Jews), or a new heaven and new earth (the New Jerusalem for Christians).

In assessing the worth of any belief, especially “happily ever after” scenarios as these, one principle prevails: Let God be true and every opposing man (or spirit) a liar.1 Of course, this begs the questions: Just what is truth, and who’s to say something is (or isn’t) true? Aren’t all religions and end-time beliefs equally valid? All’s well that ends well, right?

No, not necessarily. Were it not for the gravity of very real consequences it might be okay to “live and let live.” However, if last days are marked by economic and political upheavals, a series of armed conflicts, breakdown of the earth’s ecosystem, unprecedented corruption, deception, persecution, and divine judgment, then to alert and rightly instruct the unwary is more than appropriate; it’s a moral mandate.

Clearly, the God of the Bible invites us to come that we might reason together with Him.2 In doing so, an honest person examines reality, employs logic, draws from the knowledge base he’s acquired, judges the fruit of his life, and attends to the all-important test of time.

For their willing, diligent Bible study to verify truth, Bereans were dubbed nobler than counterparts who apparently failed to do likewise.3 Anointed revelation and Berean due diligence guide the faithful to knowledge of truth. Certainly not everyone will be convinced; but an honest, levelheaded discussion is warranted.

Reality
Reality is not a matter of personal opinion, nor does it adjust to accommodate falsity. Insist that “thumbs down” points south and “thumbs up” points north, but this can’t alter the fact that, when freely suspended, a magnet always points toward the north- and south- poles. Faith governed by superstition, feelings, mindless traditions, fear, force, will power, or blind commitment is fundamentally irrational and destined to succumb to reality.4

Certainly, New Age guru Eckhart Tolle may insist that knowledge is illusory, but then the science of gravity is no figment of the imagination. Try leaping out of a plane without a parachute. Sooner, if not later, reality wins out; that’s knowledge you can count on.5 In contrast, believe as you may, crossing your fingers or rubbing a rabbit foot will not guarantee winning a jackpot lottery.

If knowledge were illusion, as Tolle contends, then why distinguish between being “conscious” and “unconscious”? Doing so presupposes discernment based on knowledge. Even more, Tolle believes that the “we-they” construct—i.e., saved, unsaved—blemishes Christianity, but evades New-Earth consciousness. In nurturing what he calls the “I’m right; you’re wrong fallacy,” Christians allegedly exercise an “illusory sense of superiority.” Never mind that, by declaring himself “awakened,” Tolle distinguishes his own enlightened knowledge from the “unconscious collective human ego.” Sounds to me like “I’m right; you’re wrong.”

When open to a-biblical points of view, the double-minded person alleging Christ-consciousness may indeed “win friends and influence people,” but he has a reality problem nonetheless.6 (Can you say narcissistic personality disorder?)

After all, cosmic humanists who awaken to their own Christhood are self-proclaimed gods; but then erroneous knowledge at the worldview level is, at best, destabilizing.7 Demi-gods don’t always see eye-to-eye. Remember Greek mythology: Cronus overthrew his father and, in turn, was overthrown by his own sons, Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon. And so it goes.

Logic
Plainly, it’s irrational to presume that all religious traditions are one-and-the-same when, in fact, they teach and practice radically different things. An apt, logic-defying analogy is taking the freeway exit to the north in search of a southbound destiny. It’s not a good idea.

By way of further example, Bible principles guided by simple logic preclude a would-be martyr’s strapping on a bomb to ensure sensual pleasures in the afterlife. Once again, it’s not a good idea.

Knowledge
Consider this: There is no reason in the nature of things why the God of the Bible could not or should not exist. Why? Because there is nothing about the realm of nature that renders this God improbable or implausible.8 On the other hand, Eastern mysticism thrives on implausibility.

Eckhart Tolle may well believe that sin, evil, and the devil are illusory. But, then, a proclaimed truism isn’t necessarily so simply because someone wants it to be true—or because its acceptance is somehow fashionable or profitable.

That said, good and evil can be known.9 However, such knowledge increases sorrow.10 Case in point: Although many exploit human vulnerability for self-gain, all people of honor recognize the evil of human trafficking. Today, an estimated 158 million children are forced into slave labor. For good reason, the Bible instructs us to add knowledge to virtue.11 Rightly so, former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice characterizes defeat of human trafficking as “a great moral calling of our time.”

By His very nature, the God of the Bible is a God of knowledge, which He imparts freely.12 Not just “cunningly devised fables,” but experiential knowledge testifies to this truth.13 Remarkably, there are 800 Old Testament and 4,800 New Testament manuscripts indisputably substantiating the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Though faith transcends the here-and-now, it’s well supported by knowledge. Rightly viewed, faith is “substance” and “evidence.”14

Unfortunately, worldly knowledge breeds arrogance;15 nevertheless, knowing truth not only is attainable, but also it’s liberating.16 Just what constitutes Christian knowledge? A Christian knows that his Redeemer lives.17 He’s assured that Christ is his Savior always working for good.18 Even beyond this life, a Christian remains God’s enduring workmanship.19 The LORD will safeguard His own until united “face to face.”20 Because of the measurable God-given love a Christian has for his fellows, he has evidence for having passed from death to life.21

Fruit
One’s worldview determines the orientation of everything else he thinks and does. When lived out, a worldview bears fruit that is bitter or sweet, abundant or scarce. Even Eastern mystics revere Jesus and acknowledge the enduring fruit of His life and ministry. In contrast, when examined in the light of world history and contemporary geo-politics, roots of ancient wisdom, as expounded by Eckhart Tolle, yield something altogether different. Visit India or Tibet to see for yourself.

Test of Time
No faith can be a man’s real religion if he knows that it is true only for certain places and certain people. Moreover, belief as mere personal opinion is unstable.22 Whimsy will not stand the test of time, nor will man-fashioned, albeit longstanding world religions stand the test of eternity.

For example, having originated with man, Buddha’s religion was encased in legend and devoid of the supernatural. In contrast, the Spirit of the Lord was upon Jesus to heal, deliver, and restore.23 Unlike arcane claims of mystics, His miracles, as substantiated by ancient records, were observable, measurable, and repeatable.

Some honor Buddha as one of the greatest rationalists of all time, but arguably no man spoke as Jesus did. His Word was with power, as evidenced in contemplations of “One Solitary Life”: 24

Jesus was born in an obscure village, the son of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village, where he worked in a carpenter's shop until he was thirty. Then for three years he became a wandering preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family or owned a house. He didn't go to college. He never visited a big city. He never travelled two hundred miles from the place where he was born. He did none of those things one usually associates with greatness. He had no credentials but Himself.

He was only thirty-three when the tide of public opinion turned against Him. His friends ran away. He was turned over to his enemies and went through a mockery of a trial. He was executed by the state. While he was dying, his executioners gambled for his clothing, the only property he had on earth. When he was dead, he was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.

Twenty centuries have come and gone, and today he is the central figure of the human race and the leader of mankind's progress. All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man on this earth as much as that One Solitary Life.

So Then … Who’s Right?
Though crisis looms, the Gospel shouts “good news.” For Christian believers, “the more sure word of prophecy” nullifies apocalyptic angst.25 Gloom and doom may well distinguish other faiths, but the Bible’s signature message is hope. So, then, which rings true—the theistic story, or the nirvana story? You decide.

1. Romans 3:4.
2. Isaiah 1:18
3. Acts 17:11.
4. Dallas Willard, Knowing Christ Today: Why We Can Trust Spiritual Knowledge (New York, New York: Harper-Collins Publishers, 2009), 31.
5. Ibid., 41.
6. Ibid., 45.
7. James 1:8.
8. Willard, Knowing Christ Today, 62 and 98.
9. Genesis 3:5.
10. Ecclesiastes 1:18.
11. 2 Peter 1:5.
12. Daniel 2:22.
13. 2 Peter 1:16.
14. Hebrews 11:1.
15. 1 Corinthians 8:1.
16. John 8:32.
17. Job 19:25; Isaiah 50:7.
18. John 4:42; Romans 8:28.
19. 2 Corinthians 5:1.
20. 2 Timothy 1:12; 1 John 3:2.
21. 1 John 3:14.
22. Willard, Knowing Christ Today, 2.
23. Luke 4:18.
24. Luke 4:32 and http://www.john3-16.net/OneLife.htm.
25. 2 Peter 1:19.

Man's Religious Constructions

2010-07-19T15:02:00.000-07:00

Apocalyptic Angst
Part 1: Man’s Religious Constructions

The Book of Common Prayer reminds us that “there was never anything by the wit of man so well devised, or so sure established, which in continuance of time hath not been corrupted.”

This applies especially to man’s religious constructions, which blend reality with fanciful imaginations; truth with error. Last days speculation provides prime examples. For thousands of years, various cultures worldwide have contemplated earth’s looming end, the last judgment, and the hereafter.

Sources from which adherents draw their beliefs include the Mayan Code (Mesoamerican Long Count Calendar), the Qu’ran, the Zoroastrian Avesta, and prophetic passages from Old- and New- Testaments (e.g., Daniel, Revelation).

Mythological and Historical Eschatology
The term “eschatology” comes from Greek words meaning “last” and “the study of.” It references last days—specifically, the “close of the age” with respect to an historical period. Depending on its orientation, eschatology can be mythological or historical in nature.

In its grand cycles of the destruction and recreation of the universe, Hinduism advances mythological eschatology. Accordingly, Eastern mystics anticipate a new dawn once mankind takes a global leap to cosmic- or Christ- consciousness. In contrast, the three preeminent monotheistic world religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) view the last days historically in terms of God’s perfecting His creation and establishing His kingdom.

In the end, monotheistic religions look to janah (paradise for Muslims), gan’eden (heavenly abode for Jews), or the New Jerusalem, new heavens and new earth for Christians. Although most eschatological traditions agree on general time frame, key figures, and desired outcome, key doctrines vary significantly.

That said, the “moon god” (Allah) diverges dramatically from the God of the Bible, as do particulars of Islamic eschatology. For most faiths, judgment scenarios inspire awe, if not fear; yet, while a Muslim martyr expects to be greeted by a gaggle of virgins, a Christian, once “absent from body,” is “present with the Lord.”

End Time Imminence: Eastern Perspective
Albert Schweitzer once postulated: “As we acquire more knowledge, things do not become more comprehensible, but more mysterious.” Indeed, mystery shrouds Eastern eschatology. Core beliefs resurrect ancient Mithraic Mysteries (Zoroastrianism) and those of Osiris, Semiramis, and Eleusis from Egypt, Babylon, Greece and Rome, respectively.²

Ancient societies believed that in 2012 “the gods”—e.g., the feathered serpent god—would return to earth, judge its inhabitants, and usher in a new, pagan golden age. Starting at the Mayan Fifth Great Cycle, the Hindu calendar likewise predicts global earth changes around the year 2012.

21 December 2012 (or 13 Baktun) closes the 5,126-year, post-creation era in the Mayan Long Count Calendar. Similarly, "Cherokee Rattlesnake Prophecies" anticipate coming of the Pale One in 2012, when the Cherokee calendar ends.

Prophecies surrounding 2012 and the coming of Hiram appear repeatedly in Masonic literature, and the Jewish Kabala offers mystical commentary on the Pentateuch/Torah and sets 2012 as the date for Messiah’s appearing. St. Malachy fingers 2012 as relating to “the last Pope.”³

In contrast, the Bible offers no definitive date for end-of-time wrap up; however, by discerning signs, as indicated by changing seasons—e.g., spring blooms, blistering sunshine, falling leaves, the first frost—a Bible believer likewise heeds natural, spiritual, and social signs that signal Messiah’s coming.

End Time Imminence: Western Perspective
Typical Westerners may pooh-pooh doomsday mania, but few dismiss socio-spiritual impact of last-day markers. Even agnostics take note when learning that the Web Bot Project for making stock market predictions foretells global devastation for late December 2012; and a NASA report of the National Center for Atmospheric Research anticipates an apocalyptic geomagnetic solar storm to reach maximum in the year 2012.

Recall some years back, as Y2K fast approached. Many reliable sources warned that the much-publicized “millennium bug” threatened a worldwide economic depression. The scare featured embedded chips, billions of which are in service globally. “Unseen guardians of our lives,” these chips keep nuclear cores, intensive care units, military hardware, satellites, oil, gas, water, and electricity. For good reason, apocalyptic speculation abounded.

Should but one mission-critical failure occur, operations could halt altogether for agriculture, food processing, health care, education, air traffic control, and government services. Hollywood’s new batch of disaster films are likely triggered by “topical anxieties” relating to looming catastrophe (real, imagined, or manipulated), global unrest and violence, threat of financial ruin and deadly pandemics.6 When presented in tandem, scenarios as these prompt many otherwise rational Westerners to seek escape in alcohol, gluttony, and fantasy entertainment.

Fear: The Hook
Even as Mayans prophesied some agent of destruction bringing famine, drought, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, massive tidal waves, and polar reversal, Eastern mystics expect a cosmological “Dark Star” to cause deadly comets to bombard the earth. For Muslims, “major” and “minor” end-time signs include increased warfare and decreased godliness.

Among ten signs from the Sanhedrin 97B include Jews opposing Jews, heightened inflation, and youth hating the aged. Similarly, Christian eschatology features what the Bible describes as the beginning of birth pangs (some of which are listed above); full-force birth pangs involve persecution, rampant deception, and celestial disturbances of unprecedented magnitude.

While Allah’s judgment is arbitrary, offering no substantive assurances to Muslims, the God of the Bible tempers justice with mercy; salvation of His devotees is secure.

Key Figures
Most all religions recognize need for a savior. The role of each is similar—that being to overcome evil and establish good. Enemies of a promised golden age include un-awakened consciousness, Iblis (Muslim word for Satan), and antichrist.

Muslims believe a great destruction will precede the day of the resurrection (Yaum al-Qiyamah)9 when Jesus (Isa) will return, restore faith, usher in a perfect Islamic society, and institute Sharia law to govern all aspects of life on the planet.

In the Mayan tradition, shamans serve as messengers between the natural and spiritual worlds. Alleged reversal of earth’s magnetic field will accompany the Mayan Fifth Cycle. Distinguished by rediscovery of ancient wisdom, this cosmic cycle will transition the age of degeneration (Kali) to that of a golden age (Krita).

Eastern mystics look for a new avatar (incarnation) of Maitreya Buddha—in Zoroastrianism, it’s Saoshyant. While Judaism awaits the Messiah, Christians await the Messiah’s return. Even as the Jewish Messiah will defeat Gentile nations and restore the nation of Israel, Christians believe that Christ will come again to rescue Israel, defeat antichrist, judge the nations, and establish a messianic kingdom.10

Crucial to Christianity is the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus, for “there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.”11 No shaman, adept, avatar, “pale one,” or Maitreya will suffice.

Desired Outcome
Mayan wisdom recognizes seven ages of man in his journey from realizing his spiritual destiny, acknowledging the god within, and becoming spiritual to the point of exercising telepathy. By definition, nirvana is achieving enlightenment by absorption of the finite self into the infinite absolute. Through multiple, upward mobility reincarnations, mystics hope for nirvana in a “Pure Land Buddhism.”

Even as Muslims define seven levels of reward with emphasis on mutahsibir (sensual pleasure), Jews expect three levels of reward featuring restoration and fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel.

Christians are afforded degrees (not levels) of reward, first, in a millennial kingdom, then in a new heaven and new earth. Even as the brightness of the sun varies from that of the moon and stars, so it is with those bought back to right standing with the Father by the shed blood of Jesus and resurrection power.

Simply put: The closer to the Son, the brighter the reflected light.12

Part 2 follows.

1. 2 Corinthians 5:8.
2. Debra Rae, ABCs of Globalism: A Vigilant Christian’s Glossary (Lafayette, Louisiana: Huntington House Publishers, 1999), 50-58.
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baktun and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_phenomenon.
4. Matthew 24:36.
5. http://www.december212012.com/topical anx.
6. Romans 8:22.
7. Romans 8:30-31.
8. Jerry Rassamni, From Jihad to Jesus: An Ex-Militant’s Journey of Faith (Chattanooga, Tennessee: Living Ink Books), 216.
9. Ezekiel 39:22; Hosea 6:1-3; Zechariah 14:9; Matthew 25:31; Revelation 20:2-7.

Ta-ta Ta'a (Obediance to Islam)

2010-07-02T09:12:00.000-07:00

A Grand Design Made to Order
Part III: Ta-ta Ta’a (Obedience to Islam)

By definition globalism is a collectivist one-world state that rejects the biblical worldview and ethic for enlightened group think distinguished by relative (as opposed to absolute) truth. Global citizens pledge allegiance to the world community, not to any specific nation-state.

In many respects, the Islamic Grand Design for world dominance fits the globalist model. Already, Islam is the world’s second largest religion after Christianity. While Pakistan is the only state explicitly established in the name of Islam, the Islamic impact on world culture is indisputable.

Its three-fold strategy of missions, presence, and force has left an indelible mark. Already, Muslims make up a majority in some seventy of 188 nations, and Islam has become the fastest growing religion in Europe.

Harmonization
To the globalist, harmonization is the elimination of state and national boundaries. Director of the London Muslim Institute, Dr. Kalim Siddique makes it abundantly clear that the objective of the modern Muslim movement is “to eliminate all authority other than Allah and his prophet; to eliminate nationalism in all its shapes and forms, in particular, the nation-state.”

According to Islam expert Dr. William Wagner, ever since Muhammad’s flight from Mecca to Medina in AD 622, Muslims have instigated what he calls the Four “C’s” of engagement—all of which serve this purpose.

The first “C” for contact enables large minorities to live in modern countries. Particularly in the West, Islam’s greatest increase in numbers is less by conversion, more by migration and growing Muslim families up to four times larger than non-Muslim ones. Gullible Western women are targeted baby factories. When a husband dies, the father’s uncle, not the mother, wins custody of the children, who are required to be raised as Muslims.

The second, conflict, is often violent, but can involve dialogue and/or debate. Since Islam claims dibs on every piece of ground that any Muslim has trod upon, it is no wonder that Islam expert Dr. Robert Morey tags this phenomenon “an Islamic invasion.”

Conquest implements the “lesser jihad” strategy of holy war. Until Muslims obtain each inch of land they insist Allah has given them, they will continue to wage jihad. Sadly, being awarded the title shaheed (or saint) for having strapped on and detonated a lethal bomb in the name of Allah is the highest hope a Muslim mother has for her offspring.

That said Islam is a complete way of life fusing together politics, economics, social norms, and religion. For the Muslim, there’s no clear distinction between church and state. Significantly, there’s also no Arabic word for “democracy.” Condescension to non-Muslims upholds, not the “rule of/by/for people,” but rather mandates Shariah Law.²

Dr. Wagner rightly fingers Iran as the clearest example of what could happen in the West should Islamists take control. When imposed beyond barriers of nation-states, universal Shariah law will not be optional. The more freedom lovers who wake up to this possibility, the less likely it will happen according to Islam’s prescription.

Concentrated Wealth, Power
In Tragedy and Hope (1966) Carroll Quigley elaborated on the powers of financial capitalism. Its far reaching aim, he noted, is “nothing less than to create a world system of financial control in private hands able to dominate the political system of each country and the economy of the world as a whole.”

Globalization speaks to redistribution of the world’s wealth and then concentrating that wealth, therefore power, into the hands of few who manage masses by international law. Enter, the oil-rich Gulf States. In Saudi Arabia alone, a minimum of eight million barrels of oil (commanding about seventy dollars per barrel) is produced daily. Imagine the astonishing revenues flowing into a country with only six million citizens. Consider, too, the power said wealth wields within the global marketplace.

Add to this the tribute poll tax (jiza) payable by subjugated People of the Book who do not accept Islam, and the figures become even more staggering. Already, there is a strong Islamic presence in Europe. If not Europe, some believe that Asia is destined to lead the global economy; and it’s Asia where most of the world’s Muslims live. Hui Muslims have commanding presence throughout East Asia, China specifically; but the story doesn’t end here.

Perception of Tolerance
Supported by Saudi Arabia, the World Islamic League plays a strategic role within the global community by framing Islam in rose-colored lighting. For example, in proclaiming a worldwide global state under Shariah law, the League boldly characterizes Islam as “tolerant.” Yet not one visible church of Muslim converts exists in any Arab country, nor have neighbors of “Occupied Palestine” assimilated displaced fellows as equal citizens. More often than not, Palestinians residing in the Gulf States are relegated to servant status.

For a Muslim to befriend a Jew is reprehensible. How do I know? The Qur’an tells me so. Check out Surah 7:16. Here, Jews are demeaned as “despised and rejected apes.” Friendly rhetoric? Hardly.

In 1981 the Mecca Declaration released Islamic jihad against Israel. HAMAS’ founding document proclaims the war to be open “until Israel ceases to exist … and the last Jew in the world is eliminated.” Similarly, in 1988, Osama bin Laden issued a fatwa or religious edict calling on Muslims to kill Americans anywhere in the world where they can be found.

Islamic Eco-menicalism
To market Islam as the sole one-world religion and Muhammad as the world’s premiere prophet, the League now rides the trendy wave of eco-menicalism. The World Islamic League portrays Islam as ready to resolve earth-related problems by using principles that are allegedly expounded through the Qur’an.

Mind you Muslim-majority countries do next to nothing toward limiting population growth or pollution from factories and automobiles, and they allow exploitation of natural resources. Nevertheless, self-proclaimed Muslim “environmentalists” purpose to create a “green Hajj” by eliminating plastic bottles generated by some three million pilgrims each year. What next—eco-friendly mosques and Qur’ans published with paper from sustainable forests? You bet!³

Wahabi Globalism: A Force, Yes; The Force, No
Truth be told, a Muslim’s greatest deterrent is evangelical Christianity—more specifically, the God of the Bible. Within the Islamic community, countless numbers have experienced what they dub their “Jesus dream” or “Jesus vision.” Reported miraculous healings in Jesus’ Name have won many former Muslims to a saving knowledge of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Countless more will follow.

Islam’s ultimate bid for world dominance may well be supported by its fast growth across most regions of the globe, tremendous financial resources, new-found allegiance to the environment, and Muslim missionary momentum. In fact, theirs is the sole world religion sporting what Dr. William Wagner calls a “megastrategy.”

While Islam’s Grand Design arguably carves way for a New World Order, the planned breakdown of national sovereignty (harmonization), redistribution of wealth (globalism), and establishment of a New Earth (Global Civic) Ethic will have not a thing to do with the Qur’an or Shariah Islamic Law.

While a real and present danger, the Muslim bid for world dominance is but a tool in the hands of CFR globalists, the true megastrategists. In the end, nepotism (favoritism) within the New World Order will summarily bypass any and all faith systems that are by nature monotheistic, fundamental, and/or mono-cultural. Islam’s no exception.

1. Dr. William Wagner, How Islam Plans to Change the World (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2004).
2. Ibid.
3. http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/asia/Muslim-Environmentalists-Push-For-Green-Haj-90738449.html.
4. Philippians 2:9-11.

Shariah Islamic Law

2010-06-18T22:11:00.000-07:00

A Grand Design Made to Order
Part II: Shariah Islamic Law

Professor of Intercultural Studies at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. J. Ray Tallman, contends rightly that “the obvious can be ignored no longer: Islam is in search of world dominance.” Consistent with their theology and worldview, Islamists purpose to impose a code of laws and rules to govern all citizens of their world community whether forged by consent or conquest.

This code said to govern dar-al-Islam (the Islamic world order) comprises, not a single book, but instead various compilations of precedents found within the Qur’an and Sunnah of the Prophet. Shariah Islamic law is deemed the rightful path to an allegorical water hole in the desert.

In 1776 Grand Patriot of the Jacobin Society Adam Weishaupt formulated a dandy scheme to grasp control by fomenting crisis (whether natural or engineered) and, then, offering a viable “fix.” Keeping in mind Weishaupt’s so-called Law of Fives, consider the sly camel who gradually achieves total dominance by entering, overcoming, and then occupying a targeted place of refuge, his master’s tent.

Once the Arab falls for the dromedary’s clever ruse, he’s ousted from his own tent. Within the context of his new reality, the exiled master faces new rules imposed upon him—rules with promise to show him the way (purportedly, to the nearest oasis). This, of course, illustrates how the Islamic “presence principle” operates.

New Landlord; New Terms for Tenancy
If the camel’s former master is an unbeliever, he’s relegated to the ranks of the hated dar-al-bughd. If instead he’s a Zionist/Jew or Crusader/Christian, then the evicted believer is protected under the so-called Pact of Umar. As a dhimmi (a conquered Jew or Christian living under Islamic law), he is allowed to exist. However, Muslims remain his superiors, and he is subject to poll and land taxes; only by paying the jizya is he exempt from military duty.

For the good of the community, Shariah law strips individuals, as our banished Arab, of many God-given rights. For instance, no one may testify against a Muslim in any court of law, no matter the crime. Non-Islamic religious symbols are disallowed, and “the conquered” may not build new churches or synagogues. Nor may they construct their own houses higher than those of Muslim neighbors. Forget keeping up with the Al-Jones!

When imposed, Shariah Islamic law is not optional; and social implications for an Islamic nation are profound. Westerners should note that there is no Arabic word for “democracy.” Moreover, other than Israel, there are no functioning democracies in the Middle East.

Women especially are vulnerable to Islamic social restrictions. Called “toys” by the Prophet, child virgins can be forced by their fathers to wed; and marriages in general are typically arranged. Sex is the man’s right, not the woman’s.

The Prophet said “I was shown the Hell-fire, and the majority of the dwellers were women who were ungrateful [to their husbands].”² Hence, the Qur’an admonishes men to beat their wives if they fail to obey. To a Western woman, it’s understandable why a Muslim wife might willingly send her husband to war—even martyrdom—and, if that doesn’t work, find a way—any way—to divorce him honorably.

Proclaiming Peace; Delivering Destruction
Without doubt Islam is the largest non-Christian religion in the world. It’s believed that some fifteen percent of the world’s in excess of a billion Muslims sympathize with extremism. A spokesperson for the military wing of HAMAS in Gaza admits: “Our people love death.” Furthermore, he adds, “our goal is to die for the sake of God; and if we live, we want to humiliate Jews and trample on their necks.”³

So much for a kinder, gentler Islam.

Be sure, when Muslims are in the majority, and their enemy is judged to be weak, the Medina Approach endorses war-mongering to impose the non-democratic cultural imperialism of an Islamic republic. Accordingly, threat of global terrorism has drastically changed America’s structure of government to include a Department of Homeland Security, and formerly free-as-the-wind-blows Americans willingly surrender rights and comforts once taken for granted. Frequent flyers attest to it.

Political Correctness: An Unlikely Ally
One of Islam’s most distinguished theologians Al-Ghazzali (1058-1111) once wrote: “Know that a lie is not wrong in itself. If a lie is the only way of obtaining a good result, it is permissible. We must lie when truth leads to unpleasant results.”

Because expediency dictates the essence of truth, Muslims are known for releasing inaccurate statistics with highly exaggerated numbers. Within Islam, relative truth parallels absolute truth. The Qur’an is considered the sole book of divine absolute truth; however, freedom of religion is by no means absolute. Rather, it’s an example of relative truth.

Upon visiting an Iranian mosque in Tehran, I was reminded of just how welcoming Islam is to the purportedly protected dhimmi. A banner prominently posted over the mosque’s door read: “Christians are not welcome. They will be losers in the after world.” Just a year later, I rearranged my itinerary to skip Algiers when its local newspaper announced that every American should be shot on the spot! Thanks, but no thanks.

A Matter of Opinion—But Whose?
Perhaps surprisingly, Muslim readers are free to interpret the Qur’an as they wish. To them, falsehoods are not lies—just differing perspectives. Speaking of which, political correctness—i.e., viewpoint discrimination—requires acknowledgement that Islam is a kind religion, one of peace and charity, even though some eighty percent of all Imams (spiritual leaders) in the United State sanction the Wahabi movement.

Yet no Christmas carols, prayers, or Bible reading are allowed, but as part of their seventh-grade curriculum, Excelsior Elementary School in Byron, California, ran a three-week course in which students assumed Islamic names, recited Muslim prayers, and memorized Surras (verses) from the Qur’an.

Forget Lent, but require kids to fast for a day during the ninth month of the Muslim lunar year (Ramadan)? C’mon, folks. Get a grip.

To Harm or Not to Harm—That is the Question
Called the Mecca Approach, a conciliatory stance is sanctioned in Islam, but this applies primarily when Muslims perceive themselves to be in the minority. A popular Arab saying goes like this: “When your enemy is strong, kiss his hand and pray that it will be broken some day.” The takiya right allows a Muslim to “fake peace” when one is proven to be weak.

Islamic Doctrine of Abrogation
Muslims speak of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam in terms of a three-camel caravan by which Judaism goes just so far in truth, then camps. Christianity picks up from there by introducing greater truth, but Islam alone reaches the final destination. Here’s the bottom line: The Islamic Doctrine of Abrogation elevates revelation given later over and above earlier revelation. Hence, Islam’s revelatory truth naturally exceeds that of its predecessors.

Keep in mind that Qu’ran verses were written in two different cities at two different periods of time. Whereas the first ninety-two (written in Mecca) advocated non-harm to People of the Book, the last twenty-four (written in Medina) sanction harm to non-Muslims. In accordance with the Doctrine of Abrogation, this latter revelation effectively abrogates the earlier conciliatory one in favor of non-harm.6

Shed Blood a Given
In a CFR journal Foreign Affairs (August 1975), Arthur Schlesinger Jr. linked “harm” to the New World Order which, he demanded, won’t be achieved “without paying for it in blood.” In a speech delivered at the session on Humanism and Islam at the IHEU World Congress 2002, Azam Kamguian openly testified of his own shed blood at the hands of brutal Islamists; and he is by no means alone.

From AD 33 to Y2K fully nine million Christians have been murdered by Muslims. Since 1979, a hundred thousand men, women, and children were executed in Iran—all in the name of Allah. Two million Christians were killed in the Sudan genocide alone. Add to that the same number of Armenians in Turkey, and we’re talking lots of bloodshed. Today, about 160,000 Christians die yearly for their convictions.

Pretty is as pretty does. Politically-correct characterizations to the contrary cannot negate this truth. Dressing an attack bull in a pink tutu in no way alters the nature of the beast.

1. Dr. William Wagner, How Islam Plans to Change the World (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2004), 9.
2. Ibid.
3. Ibid.
4. http://www.lamblion.com.
5. Steven Emerson, American Jihad (New York: Free Press, 2002), 160.
6. Wagner, How Islam Plans to Change the World, 67, 70-71.
7. David Barrett, George T. Kurian, and Todd M. Johnston, World Christian Encyclopedia (New York: Oxford University Press, 2003), 1:11.

King of the Mountain

2010-06-11T08:46:00.000-07:00

A Grand Design Made to Order
Part I: King of the Mountain

In our age of constant crisis, world citizens yearn for “global security,” peace, and harmony that transnational federal government alone is said to offer. But the one-world agenda is by no means new. Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome all gave it a whirl under the likes of Nimrod, Nebuchadnezzar, Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, and Napoleon (among others).

Throughout history, each tyrant touted his own designer brand of global governance; each fell short of the prize. In less than a year, for example, Hitler and his henchmen effectively enslaved and dominated most of Europe, but in the end failed to accomplish the thousand-year Third Reich.

A presently emerging New World Order inspires endless speculation as to its source, nature, timeline, and ultimate fate. Though dubious conspiracy theories abound in the tradition of long-debunked Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion, naysayers agree nonetheless that globalism defines twenty-first century reality. Activists call for local action on behalf of the global community.

While illuminists herald a planetary shift to a new age of elevated consciousness, and bio-regionalists advance the cause of “planethood,” internationalists labor to birth a Novus Ordo Seclorum (“New Secular World Order of the Ages”). The Bible prophesies yet another future world rule distinguished by an universal religion, economic dominance, and some sort of self-ruling republic known popularly as “democratic trans-nationalism” or globalism.

The true “Mother of all Dictators,” known as the Antichrist (one who stands against and in place of the Messiah), will assume its headship, but thankfully not for long. Once the time is up for this would-be “king of the mountain,” Christians anticipate (and can expect) a millennial rule and reign under Jesus Christ Himself. Theirs promises to be a theocratic world order reflective of the Garden of Eden.

In contrast, Wahabi Muslims seek one-world dominance under Shariah Islamic law. Osama bin Laden is a self-proclaimed adherent of Wahabism, representing a sort of revivalist mega-fundamentalism on steroids, if you will.¹

Globalism by Definition
In brief, globalism is a collectivist, one-world state that supplants biblical belief with alleged enlightenment, pluralism, and world law. Globalists peddle their wares with undeliverable promise of an emerging egalitarian utopia that John Lennon himself could “only imagine.”

Cosmic citizens join dreamers, as Lennon, in visualizing a brotherhood of man living as one and therefore finding nothing to kill and die for (especially not religion).² Smitten by the bug of “political cosmopolitanism,” global citizens willingly pledge allegiance, not to their nation-state of origin or residence, but rather to the world community at large and the euphonious vision it represents.

In the name of justice, globalization speaks specifically to redistribution of the world’s wealth but, then, concentrates that wealth—and power—into the hands of few. Head honchos are strategically postured to manage the world’s huddled masses—all “yearning to breathe free,” but instead destined to burdensome constraints of international law.

At stake for all are national sovereignty (exchanged for “harmonization”), personal liberties (exchanged for Earth servitude), and freedom to self-govern (exchanged for global law).

Those destined to steer the movement are identified by some as the Eastern Liberal Establishment of Insiders. The Bible alludes to them as veritable “kings without kingdoms.”³ Globalism’s proverbial brain resides within the elitist ranks of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), offshoots from which wield three arms of power—namely, economic, spiritual, and political. Change agents who “help make” foreign policy compatible with global goals are CFR media members undergirded by inner-circle academia.

Order out of Chaos
In 1776 Grand Patriot of the Jacobin Society Adam Weishaupt founded the clandestine Order of the Illuminati. His Law of Fives was a dandy scheme to grasp control by fomenting crisis (whether natural or engineered) and, then, to offer a viable “fix.”

In implementing this Machiavellian agenda, any crisis suffices—environmental catastrophe, water shortages, genetically altered foods, new diseases, nuclear attack, terrorism, biological warfare, an imploding social system, a failing education system, even aliens from outer space if need be!

It goes like this: Introducing chaos spawns discord for which new laws are required. In the midst of confusion, a dictatorial figure conveniently emerges—first, to explain the problem; then, to micromanage it. Ensuing frustration and alienation induce many to escape into fantasy and addiction, and emotionally detached dupes are easier to control. The result? Order out of chaos—simple as that.

The Grand Design of Islamists
By way of example, the Wahabist movement and chaos go hand-in-hand. Begun by an East Saudi Arabian Muslim scholar of the seventh century, the revivalist Wahabi movement is extremist in its orthodoxy and decidedly militant in action.

By uniting Muslim nations under the leadership of a Wahabist coalition, the faithful purpose to forcibly expel the West from the Middle East and, thus, “liberate” Palestine from America, the Great Satan, and the Lesser Satan Israel. Next, in order to elevate to the status of divine mandate both the spirituality and culture of seventh-century Arabia, Islamic Law must dwarf and eventually supplant the dominant biblical world order and ethic.

Forged by intimidation and, at times, violence, this Grand Design for world dominance lends itself handily to the Law of Fives. Accordingly, those committed to Weishaupt’s plan have lassoed this effort for their own opportunistic use. Once having served the one-world agenda, Wahabists eventually will be hog-tied and defanged by Weishaupt’s ilk; but for now their efforts create sufficient chaos to demand draconian control.

The Wahabi Goal
In short, the Wahabist’s goal is to establish a global community of all those who affirm Islam (an ummah). A successor to Muhammad’s temporal (not spiritual) authority (a single Caliph) is slated to govern the expected one-world theocracy.

To this end, a key strategy is “presence,” as understood by the so-called camel story: While on a journey, a camel convinces his master to allow his head to enter the warm tent in order for him to rest better. The master concedes and gradually allows the camel’s neck and two feet—finally, his entire body—to find refuge in the tent. Once having assumed full occupancy, the camel then evicts his master from out of what’s now become the camel’s tent.

Complete dominance is secured merely by entering, overcoming, and occupying a targeted place of refuge. With this strategy in mind, increasing numbers of elaborate, expensive mosques are being built all over the world—even if they remain unattended. By 2004, there were over 1,200 mosques and seven million Muslims in the United States alone; and (to borrow a phrase from Frazier) the camel has not left the building! 6

Jihad by Design
In a statement to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in 1950, James Warburg (CFR) insisted: “We shall have world government, whether or not you like it, by conquest or consent.” Muslim sentiments exactly.

By definition jihad is the word for struggle. The “greater jihad” refers to warfare against sin and contending for the faith; the “lesser jihad” references holy war by intimidation, threat and/or physical damage. The latter applies today.

Da’wah is a “call” or “invitation” to embrace Islam. Despite Muslim missions and physical presence, infidels may still refuse to bow the knee to Allah. In the absence of consent, conquest follows. For a reason, since 1983 four key Islamic nations (Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Libya, and Egypt) have been numbered among the nine largest purchasers of arms. Communities of non-Muslims or unbelievers (dar-al-kuffer) fear terrorism—again, for a reason—and thereby can be coerced into the ranks of “the faithful.”

A Study in Fear
Moroccan scholar Fatema Mernissi explains the centrality of fear within Islam. Modern Muslims fear Allah and his Imams, the foreign West, democracy, freedom of thought, and individualism. They also fear the past, present, and future.

What’s not to fear? After all, the fire of Hell is said to be seventy degrees hotter than earthly fire; and escaping it depends on the whim of Allah. Unfortunately, Allah himself is by nature more relative than absolute. In fact, he is outright arbitrary with respect to salvation of his creation. In the words of Caesar Farah, “Allah may vary his ordinances at pleasure, prescribing one set of laws for the Jews, another for the Christians, and still another for Muslims.” 9

Keep in mind, too, that Islam is a religion that labels one an apostate merely for turning pages of the Qur’an with licked fingers. (It follows that the late Colonel Sander’s chances of being greeted at the portal of heaven by seventy-two virgins were far from finger-licking good!)

1. Dr. William Wagner, How Islam Plans to Change the World (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2004), 36.
2. http://www.lyrics007.com/John%20Lennon%20Lyrics/Imagine%20Lyrics.htm.
3. Revelation 17:12-13.
4. Tom Horn, How to Overcome the Most Frightening Issues You will Face This Century (Crane, Missouri: Defender Books, 2009), 79-110.
5. Ted Flynn. Hope of the Wicked: The Master Plan to Rule the World (Herndon, VA: MaxKol Communications, Inc., 2000), 256.
6. Wagner, How Islam Plans to Change the World, 39-59.
7. http://quotes.liberty-tree.ca/quote/james_warburg_quote_bc08.
8. Fatema Mernissi, Islam and Democracy (Cambridge, Mass.” Perseus, 2002), 44.
9. Wagner, How Islam Plans to Change the World, 123.

Truth or Lie?

2010-06-04T09:09:00.000-07:00

New Spirituality; Old Lie
Part 5: Truth or Lie?

To rest secure in these perilous times presupposes firm grounding in God’s truth as opposed to any counterfeit of it. In order to discern accurately between truth and a credible counterfeit, one first must know “the real thing” inside-out, top-to-bottom. For a Christian, this is accomplished through lifelong, Holy Spirit-directed study of God’s Word.

With the plumb line in hand, Christians must seek God’s will and remain in it as best they can. Morally, they must set and keep godly standards. Mentally, they must work at being fully informed and engaged, but never lose sight of Jesus. The Bible warns even Christians that, if not wary, they too are subject to deception.

A recent Gallup survey showed a surge in American spirituality, but many embrace a smorgasbord kind of religion made to suit the individual. Unfortunately, some 88% of America’s teens are un-churched and consequently unable to differentiate between Bible truth and New Thought lies.

• The Hook: Inner Knowing

Modern counterparts of the ancient mysteries share these in common: secrecy, degrees of initiation and targeted self-actualization. Above all, neo-Gnostics value knowledge. To achieve so-called inner knowing, one must resist unconsciousness and be awakened to the possibility of being no longer terrestrial, but celestial—i.e., no longer a Christian, but a Christ.

A practice forbidden by scripture, auto-suggestion or “enchantment” (hypnosis) is commonly employed by New Age practitioners. Hypnosis is an artificially induced state of relaxation in which suggestibility is heightened and past-life regression allows subjects to travel back to their “past lives.”

An adept is qualified to be master over less accomplished esoterics pursuing the same goal; his is a higher state of consciousness. For mystics, transcending the mundane to attain heightened consciousness is a coveted state; however, knowledge that elevates humanity to “he who is God over all” counterfeits God’s more excellent plan that believers partake of the divine nature on His terms.

• The Core Concept: Pantheism

Patron saint of New Thought, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin was a French Jesuit paleontologist and philosopher who effectively blended Christianity with pantheism. His trendy, neo-Gnostic error embraces a sophisticated mix of blended heresies springing from Hinduism, Buddhism, Greek philosophy and ancient mystery religions of the Mediterranean.

The holistic movement involves evolution into greater wholes (body, mind, spirit), its goal being the balance of forces in the universe (pantheism). The New Age mystic wrongly perceives God to be no more or less than the sum total of all that exists. At the base of all is pantheism, proclaiming all life to be God, or part of God.

In anthropology, animism is the concept of spirits residing in all natural phenomena and objects. Rooted in pantheism, animism is linked to ancestor and Nature (Gaia) worship. A glorified garden plot in Northern Scotland, the Findhorn Community claims interdependent alliance among nature, Devas (etheric archetypes for creation) and Man.

• The Goal: Self-god

Self-esteem has become the unremitting mantra of mystics and secularists alike. Whereas secular humanists express their religious emotions in “a heightened sense of personal life,” cosmic humanists journey inward in search of “the higher self.” Becoming a “transformed partaker of the Divine Nature” communicates something altogether different to a New Age mystic than to a Bible-believing follower of Jesus Christ.

With intuitive insight into the nature of the divine, archetypal images (ideal forms) are highly evolved humans who have mastered esoteric philosophy by becoming one with god; hence, one with the universe. Known as the hierarchy, wise men (also called Ascended Masters of Wisdom and the Elder Brothers) claim to have evolved through successive cycles of reincarnation in reaching a state of divinity.

The Bible commands us to love others as we love ourselves. Nevertheless, counterfeit self-love, even to the point of pantheistic self-deification, is outright blasphemy. In the face of God Almighty, the Eugenic (meaning “well born”) Manifesto declares “We are interested in competing with Jesus Christ and Buddha for the destiny of man… It is now time for you to meet God. Here is god: that god is you” (James L. Hart. Eugenic Manifesto, Prometheus Press, 1997, pp. 1 and 32).

• The Process: Mystical Darwinism

The Greek root of “esoteric” means “private or confidential.” Such knowledge is not intended for, or understood by, the general public. Although sacred secrets are revealed at the highest, inner level exclusively, the process of mystical evolution holds promise for humanity to awaken to it. Presumably multiple reincarnations (called transmigration) with upward mobility provide the modern mystic opportunities needed to ascend.

Centering techniques—i.e., Transcendental Meditation—are means by which higher states of consciousness are attained. A climactic “peak experience” (Omega Point) is accomplished through a variety of centering techniques.

Global transformation (known by some as Planetary Luciferic Initiation) is the mass quantum leap to so-called enlightenment, promising to usher in a new age of group-consciousness, that of Aquarius. This misguided New Age notion is promoted to the public through eco-occultists as David Spangler; authors as Paul Hawken (The Magic of Findhorn); and New Age mystics as Amory Lovins, fellow of the druid-like Lindisfarne Association.

• The Trap: Convincing Counterfeits

The coming new age, the Ecozoic Age, is one which will transcend God, says misguided Gaia spokesperson Father Thomas Berry. True, Christians anticipate a golden era of unprecedented opportunity, peace and worldwide collaboration when Christ rules and reigns in the Millennium. To the undiscerning, the right use of energy among intuitive friends united by earth stewardship, sustainability, collectivism and illumination sounds like the real deal; but it isn’t.

Summary

Forewarned and forearmed with Bible truth, godly men and women embrace authentic wisdom from above. Their hope is not directed toward self-god released from within. Even when culture inundates them with syncretistic spirituality, Bible-honoring believers “buy the truth and sell it not.” In assessing the worth of any belief system, one principle prevails: Let God be true and every opposing man (or spirit) a liar.² This, they live by.

1. Proverbs 23:23.
2. Romans 3:4.

Convincing Counterfeits

2010-05-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

New Spirituality; Old Lie
Part 4: Convincing Counterfeits

Prosperity and complacency have gradually diluted the church with a gutless form of counterfeit godliness that trivializes sin in the name of tolerance. Concurrently, more and more false prophets claim to have attained “Christhood”; and technological breakthroughs fabricate powerful signs and lying wonders that threaten to seduce the gullible with what the Bible calls “strong delusion.”

Although knowledge will be multiplied in these last days, the Bible likewise prophesies a famine for God’s Word. These last thirty years, we’ve generated more data than in the previous five thousand years combined, yet knowledge of biblical truth has waned proportionally to the point of being rationalized altogether out of existence.

Devoid of any spiritual compass, religious Universalists contend that all religions (or none) provide an equal basis for enlightenment. Accordingly, Brian McGuire of The Wall Street Journal endorses theosophy as “a religion for anyone—those who already have a religion and those who neither have nor want one.”²

It stands to reason why this perplexing blend of Eastern philosophy and Western thought—best described as neo-pantheistic syncretism—enjoys universal endorsement. What’s not to like? Rather than contemplate the omnipotence of God, theosophists investigate instead “the powers latent in humanity.” According to Ascended Master Ramtha, “You become by worshipping you.”

A Superior Species for the Esoteric Now

Those “having arrived” comprise a superior species (called homonoeticus). Presumably their quantum leap to “cosmic consciousness” has fitted them for higher levels of existence in the so-called “esoteric now.” In contrast, the “perfect” (mature) man of the Book of Ephesians achieves “the measure of the stature that belongs to the fullness of Christ”—not by “paradigm shift,” awakened consciousness, or by attaining Christhood—but rather by embracing and following Jesus as Savior and Lord.³

This superior species acts as “Custodians of the Plan” by watching over and even guiding all of humanity’s spiritual progress. The desired outcome is for the old “Piscean Age” with its obsolete traditionalism to give way to an anticipated “Age of Aquarius,” marked by promises of peace, harmony and brotherhood.

• Self-proclaimed Maitreyas

Since the 19th century, non-Buddhist spiritual movements have adopted the name and selected characteristics of Maitreya for teachers in their respective traditions. Since onset of the 1930s, Ascended Master teachings have honored Maitreya as "World Teacher." In 1956, he was elevated to the stature of "Cosmic Christ."

Artist, author, self proclaimed esotericist, Scotland-born Benjamin Crème owns Share International magazine, which equates Maitreya with prophesied figures of multiple religious traditions. To Crème, Maitreya is the "Avatar for the Aquarian Age."
His message: Within everyone sits a god. That god is one’s true Self. To practice honesty of mind, sincerity of spirit and detachment is to come to Self-Realization.

The Emerging Church

Notably, the broad, transformational movement of the postmodern Emerging Church emphasizes interfaith dialogue and is open to new revelation, enlightenment and experiences in the here and now.

Also called the Emergent stream, the Emergent Church refers to an official organization, the Emergent Village, which is associated with Brian D. McLaren. In 2005, Time magazine recognized him as one of the "25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America." For this reason alone, McLaren warrants a closer look.

• Compromised Theological Grid

That McLaren allegedly denies hell and Christ’s substitutionary atonement at the cross undermines basic tenets of the Christian faith. Once on board with McLaren, Pastor Mark Driscoll eventually broke away from the Emergent Church. Driscoll could not abide McLaren’s referring to God as “a chick,” his questioning god’s sovereignty and dismissing the central role of Scripture, all of which align with New Thought mysticism.6

• Contemplative Prayer

While rote methods, as those employed in mystical “contemplative prayer,” have gained foothold in many Christian circles, these nevertheless miss the mark. For example, some EC members engage in contemplative forms of prayer. To achieve a so-called “cloud of unknowing,” where God’s presence is thought to be waiting, those who ponder aright are instructed to “shut down” and “turn off” while whispering some supposedly sacred word.

Truth be told: Being still before God in its truest sense is taking time to relax, ponder God’s goodness, reflect upon His Word and acknowledge Him at work. In doing so, there is no need for altering one’s consciousness because, by its very nature, waiting on God is decidedly cognitive.

• Holistic Ancient-Future Church

For EC members, holistic involvement takes diverse forms of social activism in performing acts of kindness—i.e., "missional living." This key social drive in the West sometimes cloaks old lies in the garment of new spirituality.

The Emerging Church relates to what they identify as the 21st century culture of mysticism; consequently, postmodern spirituality becomes but a new form of ancient mysticism. To reflect the local community's tastes, the church embraces eclectic expressions of spirituality. For these reasons, the Emerging Church is sometimes called the "Ancient-Future" church.

• Eco-theology Connection

The church’s passion for justice is expressed in critiquing systemic and coercive power structures while, at the same time, working for environmental causes. While it’s biblical for good stewards to tend, keep and subdue the earth for life’s necessities, the error of eco-theology, as promoted by the Green movement in America’s churches, isn’t. Falling prey to a guilt-driven global movement that demands action even in the face of scientific uncertainty is certain to sidetrack those within the Emerging Church who advocate the deconstruction of modern Christian dogma.

Summary

In assessing the worth of any belief system, one principle prevails—let God be true and every opposing man (or spirit) a liar. The line is easily crossed when discernment is lacking. To embroil oneself in deceitful spirituality is to forfeit love of truth.

In order to distinguish between truth and a credible counterfeit, one first must know “the real thing” inside-out, top-to-bottom. For Christian believers, this is accomplished through lifelong, Holy Spirit-directed study of God’s Word line upon line, precept upon precept.

Knowing the Bible and yielding to the Holy Spirit protect Christians from distracting doctrines and deceit.

1. 2 Thessalonians 2:11.
2. http://www.austheos.org.au/tsia-article-is-theosophy-a-religion.html.
3. Ephesians 4:13.
4. http://www.newswithviews.com/Rae/debra39.htm.
5. http://www.inplainsite.org/html/maitreya.html.
6. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerging_church.
7. Romans 3:4.
8. Isaiah 28:10.

The Cult of Oprah

2010-05-18T19:27:00.000-07:00

New Spirituality; Old Lie
Part 3: The Cult of Oprah

Rightly named one of the 100 Most Influential People of the 20th Century by Time magazine, Oprah Winfrey likewise received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (1998). Oprah purports to serve “a higher good.” She boasts having “a contract with the universe” and, in its execution, is numbered as a foremost spiritual authority among swamis, yogis and Tibetan masters.

Arguably the most influential woman in the world, Oprah Winfrey gushes over the unimaginably creative, never-before-seen visuals and profound spiritual lessons to be derived from Avatar. Everyone, she insists, must see it. Lessons to which Oprah alludes are soundly embedded in the doctrinal grids of her endorsees. Her theology incorporates a worldview that sociologist Philip Rieff calls “the therapeutic society.” It is obsessed with self, thus raising self-preoccupation to the level of religious duty.

The fact remains: Whom Oprah endorses, the world embraces.

Marianne Williamson: Course on Miracles

For example, the press dubs Oprah’s spiritual mentor, longtime friend and special XM Satellite Radio reporter Marianne Williamson “a modern-day shaman” and “Hollywood’s answer to god.” Through Williamson’s transformational teachings on self-realization, her disciples awaken to memory of their Divine Inheritance.

Self-described “ex-cabaret-singing Jew from Texas,” Williamson is an energetically engaged (and no doubt engaging) woman whose “feel good” message is compelling, maybe, but strikingly devoid of Bible truth. In the 1980s Williamson lectured on A Course in Miracles.

Williamson views the course as "a self-study program of spiritual psychotherapy" that expounds upon New Thought, similar to Unity teachings. Unity's fundamental belief is that the true "church" is but a "state of consciousness,” and god is simply the sum total of our thoughts about him. In fact, god is mind; and his Law of Mind is oneness. Hence, our “holy minds” are perfect; “as we were, so are we now and will forever be” (Lesson 167). That is to say, everything—everyone—is god.

Williamson’s recent book, The Healing of America, synthesizes A Course in Miracles with Unity principles. Hers is a whole-system approach to transforming American culture. In this endeavor, she founded and works through the American Renaissance Alliance, conjoining spirituality with political activism.

Caroline Myss, Ph. D.: Energy Medicine

New York Times best-selling author Caroline Myss, Ph. D. (pronounced /mace/), takes cues from Swiss psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung known for his theory of the collective conscience. So compelling is Myss’ message in fields of energy medicine and human consciousness, intuition and potential that, for one entire year (2003), Winfrey gave the doctor her own half-hour television program on the Oxygen Network.²

Eckhart Tolle: A New Earth

There exists today a worldwide Tolle-propelled “Cult of Oprah.” The Gospel according to Tolle indicts Christianity and its claim to ultimate truth. Biblical dogma, he claims, serves ego and results in an “illusory sense of superiority” that “corrupts to the point of insanity.”

Never mind that this self-proclaimed “spiritual leader” boasts pantheistic self-deification! In Tolle’s misguided view, Christ is every man and woman. True, he references “universal law,” but Tolle ascribes the Ten Commandments as necessary only for those cut off from their own “I AM”-ness. Note that it was not Tolle, but rather co-Masonic Hierarch and famed occultist Alice Bailey who conceptualized and coined the term for this—namely, “Christhood.”

Living in Tolle’s “now” ostensibly enables transformation of consciousness from illusive thought (“wanting,” “thwarted wanting” and “indifference”) to self-god awareness. Having triumphed over matter by self-mastery, the fully “conscious” trade their tradition-bound “phantom selves” for their purported “I AM”-ness.³

Deepak Chopra: A Third Jesus

In 1999, Time magazine named Deepak Chopra one of the top 100 icons and heroes of the 20th century. Oprah-endorsed author of A Third Jesus, Chopra explores Christ-consciousness beyond any denominational dogma, national or ethnic identity.

Over time, humans have evolved from hunters to farmers to industrialists to the techno-savvy. The alleged final step in his evolutionary process is Christhood; and Chopra contends that each of us is here to discover this, “our true Self.” “We're not human beings that have occasional spiritual experiences,” he adds. “We're spiritual beings that have occasional human experiences.” For the sake of the planet, it behooves us to realize our potential as “pure divinity right here on earth.”

“Exuberant Religiosity”: Church of Oprah and Obama Worship

As rightly observed by Peter L. Berger in The Chronicle of Higher Education, our purportedly rational age is distinguished, ironically so, by “exuberant religiosity.” Case in point: the divisive tone of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright's “exuberant,” while highly incendiary messages. Although Oprah Winfrey and President Barak Obama share in common previous membership at Trinity United Church, both stopped attending. Clearly, Rev. Wright was a major reason.

Of necessity, theirs is an inclusive message crafted to resonate with fan bases in mainstream America and throughout the global community. Notwithstanding the “Church of Oprah” and “Obama Worshippers” exercise their own version of “exuberant religiosity.”

Check it out on You Tube; and you will see young African-American men locking their fists in front of them as they bark, “Yes, we can!” Shouting with military precision, each extols Obama for the many blessings of his Health Care Plan. It’s expressly “because of Obama” that each young soldier can claim by faith the certainty of realizing his life’s dream.

Having donned army fatigues, Obama’s youth of the Junior Fraternity Regiment march in cadence while bellowing the mantra “Alpha-Omega,” “Alpha-Omega.” But, wait. In the Bible, it’s the Lord Jesus who alone qualifies as the Beginning and the End. Sorry, folks. It’s not Obama.

It’s not even Oprah.

1. http://www.marianne.com/.
2. http://www.myss.com/.
3. http://www.eckharttolle.com/home/.
4. http://www.google.com/search?q=%E2%80%A2+Deepak+Chopra:+A+Third+Jesus&hl=en&rlz=1T4GFRC_enUS217US218&tbs=vid:1&tbo=u&ei=Sf-jS5quKYW2sgPH_dki&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&ct=title&resnum =4&ved=0CCIQqwQwAw.
5. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HO9K7FNAYbk.

Seducing Spirits

2010-05-10T15:07:00.000-07:00

New Spirituality; Old Lie
Part 2: Seducing Spirits

Given the genius of modern cinematography and unmatched access to cutting-edge technology, deceptive spirituality packs a wallop never before possible. This was demonstrated by the 20th Century Fox production, Avatar, which out-grossed even Hollywood’s blockbuster of all time, the Titanic.

Briefly, Avatar (roughly meaning incarnation) is a futuristic, body-snatching saga in which enlightened humanoids, animals and vegetation experience spiritual “bonding” or “connecting.” Mystically-minded enthusiasts with utopian fantasies promote what clearly is science fiction to the presumably more reputable rank of “science.”
Seduction of the “Sciences”
In general, science is systematized knowledge. Because many perceive knowledge to be sexy, cults of esoteric knowledge are hugely popular today—e.g., neo-Gnosticism, knowledge of transcendence arrived at intuitively. Literally, agnosticism is to be without said gnōsis (knowledge).

• The Noetic Sciences
The word “noetic” has no precise English equivalent; however, it refers to "inner knowing," a kind of intuitive consciousness. To the illumined Freemason, for example, rediscovering “the Lost Word” is to possess knowledge of the divine self, or Christ-state. Moreover, it is to wield “the key of the phenomena of nature,” the concept for which is classic witchcraft. Those persuaded that exclusive, esoteric knowledge, exceptional talents and aptitude guarantee their right to rule over less illumined counterparts serve as custodians of a divine cosmic plan.

• Science of the Whole: Philosophy
Psychology Professor Jean Twenge has coined the term “iGeneration”—“i” as in iPod, yes, but also “I” as in “me, me, ME.” Speaking of which, in “the science of the whole,” better known as philosophy, solipsism maintains that “the self” is the only thing known to exist; everything else merely reflects one’s own consciousness.

Neo-pantheists discover this “self” through renewed relationship with the planet. No doubt Avatar is the latest, greatest poster child for Cosmic Humanism. Upon passing, a character played by Sigourney Weaver joins the “Divine Her” (goddess Mother-Earth) and, in the process, convincingly testifies that Gaia truly is “real.”

Prominent educator, globalist and occultist Dr. Robert Muller apparently agrees. He defines that self as “the earth having become conscious of herself.” This being the case, modern man is charged with moral responsibility to embrace a heightened ecological consciousness enforced by draconian laws designed to preserve biodiversity.

• Panetics

In April of 1986, Professor Rudolph Krejci first coined the term “Panetics” which offers a new, broadly endorsed approach to research, policy making, analysis and management. Its fundamental principles were first advanced by Ralph G. H. Siu.

Yet another synthesis of East-meets-West, Panetics is an evolving, panethical search for ways to reduce human suffering and victimization through governments, institutions, social groups and the professions. Meaning "to suffer" in the ancient language of Buddha, the dukkha is a quantitative unit used by Siu to measure suffering.

In Avatar, a paraplegic war veteran, Marine Corporal Jack Sully, gets a fresh start as an avatar in a distant world. He finds Pandora inhabited by the Na'vi whose alien inhabitants and arcane culture beguile him. In the face of military action spurred by corporate greed, Sully “gets religion”; once this blue-hued avatar goes Green, Sully’s empowered to save Pandora from suffering and victimization much the same way that eco-warriors of Earth Liberation Front (ELF) and their ilk commit to putting Earth First! (parent organization from which ELF evolved).

The Seduction of “Possibilities”

Best known as father of progressive education, John Dewey was a Marxist Fabian-Socialist whose obsession with inquiry learning toppled the overpowering Protestant character of the early public schools. After Dewey’s death, an esteemed social engineer and futurist, also a transformational Marxist, Dr. Benjamin Bloom introduced mastery learning. Bloom’s famed taxonomy of educational objectives are at the heart of today’s educational restructuring efforts.²

Whereas the former, an avowed atheist, epitomized secular humanism, the latter leaned more toward humanism’s cosmic counterpart. To Bloom, the purpose of education is “to change the thoughts, feelings and actions of students.” Simply put, good teachers are ones who destroy fixed beliefs. Indeed, Bloom regarded moral relativism as the highest possible cognitive goal.

In but a few decades, America’s public education system has morphed from no spirituality (Dewey) to new spirituality. Enter, Dr. Robert Carkhuff. What is now dubbed “dysfunctional” traditional math gives way to “constructivist learning,” requiring students—not to solve a problem with the correct answer—but rather to use their “team voices” to “think about mathematics” and how it makes them feel. In The Possibilities Mind (HRD Press 2000), Carkhuff identifies “god” as “the possibilities mind” that co-processes with us to illuminate his mysteries.

Dr. Carkhuff poses a similarly troublesome new science of possibilities. His utopian brave new world of infinite possibilities is achieved by the Links Project that demeans facts and fixed beliefs as “cumbersome anchors” that “block the dialectic process,” otherwise known as “group think.” Carkhuff’s school of the future is a place where children and adults together “follow their bliss”—reminiscent, perhaps, of Paradise Pandora? ³

The Seduction of Spiritual Experience

Seeking ever deeper revelation, mystics are drawn to tangible, supernatural experiences that become ends in and of themselves and thereby take the place of God.

• Yoga

Tens of thousands of copies have been circulated of a video tutorial created by Marsha Wenig of Michigan City, Indiana. Techniques within her Yoga Kids video and adult certification program (to teach yoga to children) have captivated young moms everywhere. Many rush to their local bookstores to snatch up Yoga Baby and I Can’t Believe It’s Yoga for Kids.

The term “yoga” means “union with Brahma,” allegedly the divine spirit of the universe. Virtually all standard yoga texts link psychic powers and other occult abilities with yoga practice. In giving way to one’s true divine nature, the goal for hardcore mystics is occult enlightenment accomplished by controlling vital energy in the act of breathing. Meditative practices associated with yoga feature mental passivity and mantra meditation, both of which attract spiritually-minded Christians who tend to be long on experience, but short on doctrine.

• The Indigo (Chrystal) Child Phenomenon

Today, many children are diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Labels as these imply imperfection. It’s no wonder that parents readily fork over big bucks when told, to the contrary, that the bluish hue of their child’s aura signals mental superiority, coupled with psychic ability. Not some defect.

Indigos are said to be highly evolved, uniquely gifted youngsters whose mission is to teach their elders and, thus, ensure planetary transformation into a golden era of peace and brotherhood. Ascending to “Christhood” through multiple, upward mobility reincarnations is no more clearly evident than in the phenomenon of the Indigo (or Crystal) Child. Because they’re so “advanced” and alert to “better ways” of doing things, Indigo Kids aren’t inclined to obey, wait in line, or participate in ritually-oriented systems.

Summary

Today’s new spirituality is downright seductive. Forget the apostle Paul’s lament, “wretched man that I am!” Instead, neo-pantheists claim the bluish hue of mental superiority and “inner knowing.” In exercising “the possibilities mind” of God Himself, highly evolved adepts self-qualify as custodians over humanity’s spiritual progress. They free captives of “cumbersome anchors” imposed by biblical mandate and Western civilization. In so doing, however, these fall into an insidious trap of “strong delusion.”

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Siu.
2. http://www.eecs.usma.edu/cs383/bloom/default.htm; http://www.valdosta.edu/~whuitt/psy702/cogsys/bloom.html; www.eecs.usma.edu/usma/academic/eecs/instruct/howard/slidesho/sigcse2/index.htm; www.uct.ac.za/projects/ cbe/mcqman/mcqappc.html.
3. http://www.newswithviews.com/Rae/debra2.htm.
4. ttp://www.google.com/products?sourceid=navclient&rlz=1T4GFRC_enUS217US218&q=Yoga+Baby&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=nLGjS_mpJoqsswO7iIW9BA&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=3&ved= 0CCMQrQQwAg.
5. http://www.newswithviews.com/Rae/debra34.htm.

New Spirituality; Old Lie

2010-04-19T10:27:00.000-07:00

New Spirituality; Old Lie
Part 1: Self-God

The enticement to be like god is a timeless seduction. Perhaps the most recognizable self-proclaimed deity this century is the affable 14th Dalai Lama. Master of the most revered Tibetan monks, he is at home with his own divinity, for which he credits a strong will and karmic force. Looking to him and other ostensibly highly-evolved ascended masters, growing numbers of mystics view themselves as embryo gods-in-the-making.

This new spirituality is no more than rehash of a very old lie. Described in the Bible as a beautiful, anointed cherub, Lucifer exalted himself above all others. He purposed to usurp humans as crown of God’s creation; even more, he wanted to become as god. With that very ambition, Lucifer seduced Eve to partake of the forbidden fruit of knowledge, reserved for God alone.

Earth’s first lady, Eve, learned the hard way that “playing God” rendered no service to her relationship with God, her family and humanity at large. As a result of self-god delusion, Lucifer fell as lightning from heaven; and both Adam and Eve were ousted from paradise.

The Ultimate Blasphemy
For hundreds of years, each new generation has poured over poetic verses (quatrains) contained within Nostradamus’ ten books called Centuries. Since the age of the Renaissance, writings of this mid-16th century French sage-prophet have awed mystics. His end-time prophesies once again are all the rage.

In the esoteric world, the Law of Threes is well known. Nostradamus likewise anticipated three antichrists—all charismatic, messianic kings of terror; each more evil than his predecessor. Although not necessarily delusional, prophets of “the curious arts,” as Nostradamus, drew from sources other than the God of the Bible. Examples abound.²

Nearly two-hundred-year-old "Cherokee Rattlesnake Prophecies" anticipate coming of a Pale One when their calendar ends in 2012. Apparently, the first-degree Masonic Tracing Board contains this very prophecy.³ A notable initiate of the secret, fraternal society Knights of Pythias (pronounced /pith/), Nelson Rockefeller looked to “a powerful free-world, supra-national political being” (The Future of Federalism, 1962). Even Muslims anticipate an “imposter” not unlike “the prince that shall come” prophesied by the statesman Daniel.

Be sure, biblical penmen anticipated ever-escalating, end-time deceivers culminating in a latter-day visionary destined to become the greatest dictator the world has known. Over time, this one known as antichrist will demand the loyalty, and eventually the worship, of world citizens. Upon entering the Holy of Holies to declare his godhood, he epitomizes the ultimate blasphemy of “self-god”—this, by standing instead of and, thus, against the Messiah. Antichrist will be Lucifer incarnate (an avatar, if you will)—his bait the promise of becoming god.

“The New Spirit” of Men
As a matter of interest, the Mayan calendar is divided into seven ages of man. In the fifth age, men will realize their spiritual destiny. In the sixth, they discover the god within; and in the seventh age, they allegedly become telepathic.

Indigenous insights and, when warranted, psychedelic drug use assist contemporary mystics in their ascent to supposedly higher levels of existence—this, by tapping cosmic energy and thereby metamorphosing from demi-god to full blown godhood. Theirs is “the new spirit of men” that’s not so new after all.

Numerous ancient cultures finger December 21, 2012 as a marker for the world’s end on one hand, and for a coming new dawn of global enlightenment on the other. As the targeted date nears, increasing numbers of planetary light bearers claim to have achieved full flowering of human potential. They herald what promises to be a mass planetary quantum leap to the higher self, thus signaling a new age of “the perfected man” (Freemasonry and the Ancient Gods, 1921).

The Feminine Side of God
In the wake of women’s liberation, girl power is said to rock. Empowerment jargon—e.g., “I am WOMAN; hear me roar”—mirrors mantras of would-be adepts whose spirits are awakened. Jungian psychologist Marion Woodman credits the International Women of Wisdom Foundation for manifesting what she calls “the feminine side of god.” WOW welcomes “any woman who desires to connect with other women” and thereby “be inspired by the spirit that links us” and “our ancestors before us.”6

A Process Booster: OptiMysticism
While notable teachers of low-rung terrestrial humanity include Christ (thrown in with the likes of Moses and Buddha), disciples of contemporary OptiMysticism claim to share an even higher calling. In an OptiMystic’s view, illumined humanity occupies an “ascending place” within the universe. Human destiny is achieved by conscious ascension through centrifugal fields of energy called “aziums.”

New revelation of Universal Azium Ascension purportedly awakens celestial humanity to capital “L”-Life in the greater universe. In other words, those highly evolved become god by applying OptiMystic meditative techniques. In this way, they accelerate conscious evolution from lower rungs of instinct and intellect through the third rung of emotion—i.e., love—and on to higher stages of spirit-consciousness. The peak at which one evolves into Super-Humanity is popularly known as the Omega Point.

Truth Unveiled: Partaking of the Divine Nature
While the Bible advances no cosmic plan for global enlightenment, collaboration and empowerment apart from the Lord, Jesus Christ, what it does offer exceeds human imagination and desire. Ultimately, by His doing, the believer partakes of the divine nature—but only in measure and in strictest accordance with God’s plan.

Allow me to explain. As recorded in John, Chapter 17, Jesus prayed to the Father that His followers would all be made “as one” together with the Father and Him (God incarnate). To realize this destiny, the Christian disengages, not from terrestrial illusion, but rather from sin, defined biblically as “transgression of law.” In contrast, New Thought gurus as Marianne Williamson claim that sin doesn’t even exist. “You’ve committed no sins,” she adds—“just mistakes.” If this were true, which it isn’t, Christ’s admonition to “sin no more” was spurious and His sacrifice in vain.

Christ’s redemptive work bridged the sin gap and thereby provided access to the divine nature. The Greek word for “partaker” speaks to “joint participation.” Christians share a common portion of the Father in much the same way that human offspring possess the nature of their biological parents. In no way do they commandeer His godhood.9

What Aquarians reference as “the inner force” is what the Bible calls “seducing spirits.”10 The bottom line is this: Without biblically-grounded revelation of God’s will for us, coupled with due vigilance, even Christians are susceptible to the counterfeit version of “partaking of the divine nature.”

1. Genesis 3; Ezekiel 28:11-19; Isaiah 14:12-20; Luke 10:18; 1 Timothy 3:6.
2. http://www.history.com/shows/nostradamus-effect.
3. http://www.newswithviews.com/Horn/thomas128.htm.
4. 2 Thessalonians 2:4-12.
5. http://www.womenofwisdom.org/.
6. http://www.consciousness.com/missionstatement.html.
7. John 12:31, 14:30; Ephesians 2:2.
8. John 8:11.
9. 2 Peter 1:4.
10. 1 Timothy 4:1.

How Then to Live?

2010-04-02T14:20:00.000-07:00

History’s “Nostradamus Effect”
Part 4: How Then to Live?

The Bible is clear that no man or woman is privy to knowledge of the day and hour of Christ’s return; nevertheless, visionary clues point to the season of His coming. Prophetically, Israel re-established as a nation signals the proximate approach of Great Tribulation. With increasing intensity, nature will groan as if in the throes of birth pangs. Earthquakes, famine, and pestilence will shake civilization with unprecedented fury; and lawlessness will abound.

To rest secure in our helter-skelter world presupposes firm grounding in God’s truth as opposed to any counterfeit of it. In order to discern accurately between truth and a credible counterfeit, one first must know “the real thing” inside-out, top-to-bottom. As previously explained, this is accomplished through lifelong, Spirit-directed study of God’s Word line upon line, precept upon precept.

Evil Unleashed

To force submission, opportunists craft doomsday rhetoric to magnify and intensify the dark side of our human condition. Any believable crisis can and will be exploited—be it environmental catastrophe; rising crime or terrorism; nuclear, biological, or cyberspace attacks; aliens (some from outer space!); new diseases; an imploding social system and moral decay.

Energized by inflammatory language, and ever-flaunted by the if-it-bleeds-it-leads media, apocalypse NOW—whatever that represents to the target audience—threatens to choke, burn, infect, ambush, sicken, addict, destroy, offend, scar, maim, weaken, kill, hurt and/or wreak lives. Fact is countless threats are credible, even inevitable. Only the foolhardy dismiss as inconsequential global terrorism, genocide, and even moral decay. Nonetheless, it requires discernment to sort, pinpoint, weigh and prioritize them while, at the same time, maintaining equilibrium in the face of “sky-is-falling” global hysteria.

Proactive Preparations

Be sure our hope is not in some spiritual guru, a political party, a candidate of preference, partisan activism, or even emergency preparedness.

Our home is located in an earthquake-prone area. With this in view, many—ourselves included—plan and prepare for needs of family, friends, and neighbors should an emergency ensue. In anticipation of crisis, we’ve undertaken reasonable preparations to provide for needed finances, food, drink, first aid, and waste management. Even in the event of a short-lived winter storm, we are better for it.

While many doomsayers look to Machiavellian measures for answers, proactive believers approach practical, preparatory tasks with unruffled trust—not in their own provisions—but in the God they serve. Although rash alarmism has no place among secure Christians, many overly anxious ones practice the cult motivation of fear mongering. By heralding gloom and doom, these attract and draw together the fearful.

In contrast, while maintaining firm trust in the creator and sustainer of life, believers are called to apply God-given common sense to faith-propelled, proactive preparedness. A Christian’s hope is in Jesus Christ and none other.

Spiritually, Christians must seek God’s will and remain in it as best they can. Morally, they must set and keep godly standards. Politically, they can vote and, as God leads, assume leadership positions on key battlefronts for which they are equipped and called to enter. Mentally, they must work at being fully informed and engaged, but never lose sight of Jesus.

These choices are before Christians: scoff at end-time threats, join the herd, beat down the inevitable, or use it for good and thereby restrain its full expression.

Scoff at It

Many scoff at the sky-is-falling rhetoric of end-of-time prophecies. In similar times as ours, a committed preacher of righteousness named Noah warned corrupt contemporaries of an impending flood so that they might repent. Sadly, scoffers refused to listen and, as a result, were excluded from safety on the ark. Correspondingly, contemporary Christians mustn’t scoff at what God fingers as very real contemporary threats.

Join It

True, Christians anticipate a golden era of unprecedented opportunity, peace, and worldwide collaboration when Christ rules and reigns in the Millennium. To the undiscerning, the right use of energy among intuitive friends united by earth stewardship, sustainability, collectivism, and illumination sounds like the real deal; but it isn’t. The Bible warns even Christians that, if not wary, they too are subject to strong delusion.

Globalism’s promises of unlimited well-being, transcendence to one’s “higher self,” and universal brotherhood are compellingly seductive; however, in the end, a one-world religious system enforced by the false prophet of the Book of Revelation obliges all to worship Antichrist or face certain death for noncompliance. From biblical perspective, to join this order guarantees spiritual death.

Beat It

Some might not like to hear this, but attempting to fight against fulfillment of clear Bible prophecies is as useless as pounding mole hills with a baseball bat. As I understand biblical eschatology, one-world government is a given. Rome will revive; and world financiers, acting as “kings without kingdoms,” will rule with Antichrist for a predetermined and bounded time span.

It is by God’s permission that Satan empowers malevolent men and seducers to advance their errant agendas; nonetheless, in God’s time, and with the brightness of Christ’s coming, the enemy’s schemes will be revealed and utterly paralyzed. Even as dark clouds gather and loom overhead, Christians are all the more empowered to overcome evil and to fulfill their destinies simply by retaining spiritual purity.

Christians’ Two-Fold Charge: Use It for Good and Restrain It

While living in this world, Christian believers are not party to it. In his first letter to the church at Corinth, Paul allowed using the whole world order (cosmos) for godly purposes as long as they not overly use it, or rely on it wholly. With eternal citizenship elsewhere, believers are as pilgrims; they remain riveted to their Lord more so than to a world system destined in time to pass away.

Perhaps unexpectedly, 21st-century global trends have much to offer Christian Kingdom-builders. For example, open borders promise ease of entry for Bibles and ministers of the gospel. Technological innovation and limitless information invite broad access to biblical knowledge on big or small screens, in radio, and by means of the Internet. The universally spoken English language facilitates networking while cashless transactions enable global ministries to do God’s bidding.

What some would use for wrongdoing, Christians can and must use for good. God’s call to resist and restrain the “mystery of iniquity” falls to the universal body of Christ whose charge is to restrain iniquitous use of the system. This is not accomplished by American Christians acting alone, by any specific political administration, or under orders of some standing army security counsel.

For such a time as this, some among us are raised to leadership and action, as was Queen Esther, who risked her own life to champion her people before King Ahasuerus. Though not all lead in the church, in business, or in politics, all Christians defend righteous judgments in the civic arena.

Conclusion

It is not appropriate for Christians to herald planetary doom, thereby attracting and drawing together the fearful. Nor should they yawn in the face of impending calamity by escaping into a comfortable world of complacency, fantasy, or addiction. Instead, Christians must be wise as serpents, gentle as doves. To win over doubters requires wisdom, not stealth; prevailing prayer, not brute force; anointing, not cleverness.

Perhaps more now than ever before, it’s time to shake sleep, study to show ourselves approved, maintain spiritual sobriety, and exercise vigilance. Being well-read and up-to-date on vital issues is a great start; but more exactly, believers must heed biblical mandate by praying diligently, exercising faith, and practicing charity.

Even if one were to achieve all of the above and willingly face martyrdom, it’s never enough if God’s love evades the equation. Just imagine the magnetic draw of a surrendered life led in Christ-blessed abundance, one that is tempered by balance and lived victoriously and joyfully to the glory of God and in service to others.

This, my friend, is the restraining power of the church: experiencing the Christ life, humbly but powerfully; circumspectly but with a single eye for the Savior; no longer I, but Christ.

The Bible assures us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. By divine enablement, yes, we can. By God’s grace, yes, we will.

Showdown of Prophecies

2010-03-03T11:15:00.000-08:00

History’s “Nostradamus Effect”
Part 3: Showdown of Prophecies

Although he served as a government official, the statesman Daniel likewise exercised the gift of a prophet. Apocalyptic in nature, the Old Testament book of Daniel outlines the inevitable course of world history. So accurate were Daniel’s prophecies about Antiochus Epiphanes, a pre-figure of Antichrist-to-come, that Christian antagonist Porphyry wrongly insisted that Daniel’s description must have been written after the fact.

The same argument cannot be applied today. Daniel could not have known about the UN concept of sustainable development, yet he accurately foresaw end-time environmental and political efforts of eco-socialists. Daniel predicted with uncanny accuracy that Antichrist will “divide the land for gain”; that is, he will opportunistically redistribute global wealth. The Bible further predicts a central, end-time authority to control citizens’ power to buy and sell in a cashless, global economy.

No doubt Antichrist aptly fits the description of the powerful “free-world supra-national political being” to which Nelson Rockefeller referred in the Future of Federalism (1962). Similarly, Nostradamus anticipated three antichrists—each more evil than his predecessor. All three were charismatic, messianic kings of terror, representative of the Devil on earth. In the esoteric world, the Law of Threes is well known. Although not necessarily delusional, prophets of “the curious arts” drew from sources other than the God of the Bible.

Speaking of which, both John’s and Paul’s references to the Antichrist show that his tradition was well known to their contemporaries (1 John 4:3 “ye have heard”; 2 Thessalonians 2:6 “ye know”). Nebuchadnezzar, Antiochus Epiphanes, Nero, Lenin, Stalin, and Saddam Hussein were among the predecessors or types of the Beast of Revelation. According to John, “many antichrists” were and are now present, thus marking the end-of-days.

Napoleon Bonaparte (1769–1821)
Actions of Napoleon, as a military and political leader—and later the Emperor of France—shaped European politics in the early 19th century. A global cultural icon, Napoleon was a dangerous tyrant, ever poised to invade. Today’s military academies continue to study his campaigns.

In Century 1: Quatrain 60, Nostradamus fingered Napoleon as the first antichrist. With accuracy, he portrayed Napoleon as an emperor from Southern Europe whose actions cost the empire dearly. In like fashion, Antichrist of the Bible is characterized as a fierce warrior-Prince that Shall Come.

Adolph Hitler (1889–1945)
Once the totalitarian leader of Germany, and eventually its head of state, Adolf Hitler is known for his charismatic oratory, propaganda, and the Third Reich, a single-party dictatorship based on the totalitarian and autocratic ideals of national socialism.

As Antichrist of the Bible, Hitler ultimately wanted to establish a New World Order boasting absolute Nazi German hegemony. To this end, Nazi forces committed unspeakable atrocities. Best known as a ruthless, self-serving mass murderer, Hitler certainly prefigures the ultimate latter-day visionary, prophesied to become the greatest dictator known to the world.

The Ultimate Son of Perdition
Having begun with the ascension of Christ, the end (or latter) times, last (or latter) days will see formation of a destined-to-be doomed global system of government and economics under an iron thumb, politically and ecclesiastically.

Along with his false prophet, Antichrist will surpass the evil promulgated by all forerunners combined. Modeled after the European Economic Community, and headed by the mother of all dictators, this New World Order will redistribute wealth and implement a cashless system for state-managed buying and selling. Reviving the ancient mysteries, this Man of Sin will usher in a deceptively enlightened age marked by global interdependence and universal harmony.

2012
Over seven hundred years ago, a collection of books (the Zohar) were written in medieval Aramaic. In its "Vaera" section, Orthodox Jewish priests prophesied "The coming of the Messiah" (Mashiach) in late 2012.

Other ancient societies believed that in 2012 “the gods”—e.g., the feathered serpent god, Quetzalcoatl—would return to earth, judge its inhabitants, and usher in a new, pagan golden age. Some five hundred years ago, the Maya purportedly prophesied about the Colonial date 1776, which in turn would lead to apocalypse in 2012.

Starting at the Mayan Fifth Great Cycle, the Hindu Kali Yuga calendar likewise predicts global earth changes around the year 2012. The Cherokee and Maya alike prophesy astronomical phenomena related to Jupiter, Venus, Orion, and Pleiades, allegedly causing "powers" of the star systems to "awaken."

According to author Thomas Horn, the "Cherokee Rattlesnake Prophecies" are contained within a series of apocalyptic prophecies made by tribe members from 1811–1812. Nearly two-hundred-year-old prophecies anticipate the Pale One’s coming in 2012, when the Cherokee calendar ends. It is said that the first-degree Masonic Tracing Board contains this very prophecy. Curiously, Muslims also look for an “imposter,” not unlike Antichrist of the Bible.

5770 (Hebrew: ה'תש"ע)
On the Jewish calendar, the Hebrew year of Ayin 5770 (the New Year) is a likely milestone marking the close of this age and transition to the next. Its frequent use throughout the Torah code signals its spiritual significance. Starting the evening before 19 September 2009 and ending 8 September 2010, this year has 355 days; however, it is believed that 5770 sets the stage for the next ten years.

Ayin is Hebrew for an eye. Hence, God wants His people to increase their vision and see God’s glory more deeply and clearly. It’s also the word for “spring” or “well,” source of living waters, springing even from the desert of human want.

Day of the Shofar Blast
Another name for Rosh HaShanah is Yom Teruah, which in Hebrew means “day of the shofar blast.” Most often made from a ram’s horn, the shofar (שופר‎) is a Jewish instrument distinguished by its trumpet-like sound. In the Book of Joshua, shofarot (plural of shofar) aided capture of the city of Jericho. Traditionally, the shofar’s blown on Rosh HaShanah to wake up and then turn the soul’s attention to repentance (teshuvah).

Both solemn and festive, this Jewish New Year, Rosh HaShanah (Feast of Trumpets) marks onset of a season for introspection, repentance, and new resolutions. Ten Days of Repentance end with Yom Kippur, literally the Day of Atonement. The first prophetically unfulfilled feast, the Feast of Trumpets is a holiday of firsts—e.g., the anniversary of creation and the first of High Holy Days.

Many Messianic Christian ministers likewise believe that 5770 will trigger a series of what the Bible outlines as last-day events. Yet again, believers are reminded to maintain vigilance.

Prophecy Showdown
Ancient societies, Nostradamus, Native Americans, Hollywood, mystics, Muslims and Masons all contribute to the end-of-days prophetic landscape; however, compelling images and para-biblical messages so thoroughly infuse truth with fiction that even well-grounded students of eschatology are at a loss for answers.

In order to discern accurately between truth and a credible counterfeit, one first must know “the real thing” inside-out, top-to-bottom. For Christian believers, this is accomplished through lifelong, Spirit-directed study of God’s Word line upon line, precept upon precept. Knowing the Bible and yielding to the Holy Spirit alert Christians to distracting doctrines and deceit.

Elijah faced circumstances similar to our own. A powerhouse of faith, he boldly reproved the idolatrous King Ahab and, on Mount Carmel, gathered hundreds of false prophets for a showdown of sorts between the Canaanite god (Baal) and Yahweh Himself. The latter prevailed. The same yesterday, today, and forever, God will do no less for lovers of truth in these last days. Believers count on it.

More to come in Part 4.

STARK EXISTENTIALISM

2010-02-16T20:17:00.000-08:00

History’s “Nostradamus Effect”
Part 2: Stark Existentialism and Fantastic Escapism

As the 21st century unfolds, I’m reminded of dichotomies pondered by English novelist Charles Dickens in A Tale of Two Cities. All the more today, ours are “the best and worst of times.” This “age of wisdom and foolishness” shuffles incredulity with belief, Darkness with Light, despair with hope; and co-existing contradictions, as these, kindle foreboding and rouse forward speculation.

Regardless of age, status, and religious affiliation (or lack thereof), curious folks everywhere crave sneak-peeks of what’s to come. True to form, Discovery and History channels are airing provocative series focusing on futuristic events; and the big screen’s fantasy genre offers end-of-time dramas with intensely violent plots, apocalyptic themes, dark supernatural elements, and demi-gods strategically poised to redeem their fellows.

Recently, Hollywood launched a new wave of big-budget spectacles that depict our planet as all but obliterated. “Previews of coming attractions” confirm that more are on the way. After all, big-name stars aided by impressive special effects bring even bigger dollars at the box office, but not without cultural impact.

Media Effect

Some surmise that Hollywood’s new batch of disaster films is triggered by “topical anxieties,” as was the case in the 1930s when the Great Depression inspired escapism via whimsical musicals. To reference real-life experiences, movie goers likewise flocked to dark social commentaries.

For example, the New York Herald Tribune described Jimmy Cagney’s performance in Warner Brothers’ The Public Enemy (1931) as "the most ruthless, unsentimental appraisal of the meanness of a petty killer the cinema has yet devised."

Experimental psychology documents significant media effect—particularly on youth highly susceptible to imbedded messages. Their longer-term behaviors and attitudes are shaped by persuasive lessons gleaned even from fiction.

Cagney’s callousness pales when compared to 21st century counterparts. Given the genius of modern cinematography and unmatched access to cutting-edge technology, evil packs a wallop never before possible, as demonstrated by the 20th Century Fox production, Avatar, which holds hope for out-grossing even Hollywood’s blockbuster of all time, the Titanic.

Avatar

In this body-snatching science fiction saga, a paraplegic war veteran, Marine Corporal Jack Sully, gets a fresh start and quickly finds out he’s “not in Kansas any more.” His is the distant world of Pandora, inhabited by the Na'vi.

While on an intelligence mission with intent to pillage, a remotely controlled avatar body (an incarnation of Sully) engages this otherworldly humanoid race. No surprise here: The love bug bites, and gruesome combat follows.

For the Na’vi, Sully’s a solo savior; but he’s not alone in Tinsel Town. “Belief” trumps “incredulity” through countless big screen heroes—namely, animated stitchpunk characters, a solitary messianic warrior (Eli), and “shining ones,” respectively, in these three films: 9, the Book of Eli, and 2012.

9, the Book of Eli, and 2012

Uniquely animated, Shane Acker’s 9 takes place in a magical world parallel to our own, one in which advanced machines rise up to destroy people. Following a protracted war, a group of nine little rag-doll robots, called stitchpunks, live a post-apocalyptic existence. One of their own (number 9) emerges as key to their survival.

Similarly post-apocalyptic, The Book of Eli is Oscar-winner Denzel's Washington's latest movie set in 2043. By guarding the Book of Eli, his character battles to save the future of humanity.

Distributed by Columbia Pictures, 2012 is yet another end-time disaster film. In the wake of calamitous earthquakes and horrifying tsunamis, destined to unfold in A.D. 2012, billions are left dead. The post-deliverance reality of plucky survivors may well suggest biblical millennialism, but promise of peace minus the Prince of Peace Himself exceeds incredulity. It’s downright deceptive.

Legion; Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time; Clash of the Titans

Scott Stewart's supernatural thriller Legion credits as savior a supernatural spiritual ally, the archangel Michael. As the story goes, a group of strangers in an out-of-the-way eatery assume first line of defense when God chooses to end their existence. Contrary to the Bible, God apparently judges the human race no longer worthy of Him—or of redemption.

Come May yet another future-defying film will hit the silver screen. Set in medieval Persia (today’s Iran), a daring prince is tricked into unleashing the Sands of Time. Instead of saving the world, as intended, he unwittingly destroys a kingdom and transforms its population into fierce demons. The cure is for him to return sands to the hourglass—this, by using the Dagger of Time.

But wait, there’s more! Louis Leterrier’s Clash of the Titans likewise pits men against kings and kings against gods. Born a god but raised a man, Perseus traverses the forbidden worlds where he battles demons and beasts. Only if he can accept his power as a god will he survive and succeed in his mission to save his family from hell unleashed.

Media Effect Lessons

So, you ask, why not “lighten up”? These movies are all fantasy fiction featuring apocalyptic themes and would-be saviors. Granted, we’re not talking Sunday school—but then we mustn’t underestimate the media effect on young people especially.

Given today’s geo-political unrest, spiritual and economic shakings, coupled with unparalleled natural calamities, Hollywood’s cutting edge, 3-D images prove to be incredibly powerful. Arguably the most influential woman in the world, Oprah Winfrey gushes over the unimaginably creative, never-before-seen visuals and profound spiritual lessons to be derived from Avatar. Everyone, she insists, must see it and embrace its matchless spirituality.

Even more so than the Cult of Oprah, youth are all the more vulnerable to imbedded messages, many of which shape their religious and political leanings for life. For example, Avatar finds man (and humanoid facsimiles) pretty much on their own with a Creator God pretty much out of the picture. Pagan pantheism trumps Bible truth, and enlightenment requires altered states of consciousness, not revelation from God’s Word.

Whereas men are like gods in pursuit of their own salvation, deities manifest the nefarious character of fallen men. Additional a-biblical messages conveyed by Hollywood’s apocalyptic genre include: “Might makes right,” existential despair is one’s lot in life, god-men rule, and we are charged with saving ourselves.

Might Makes Right vs. Galatians 5:15; 20-21

In God’s economy, “might” never makes “right.” To “bite and devour” one another is to be consumed of one another; in other words, to take the sword is to perish with it.
While spiritual warfare and principled wars are biblically endorsed, carnal manifestations of enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissentions, and factions are not.

These “works of the flesh” defy God and exclude offenders from His Kingdom, yet they characterize adversarial fantasy films that violently pit avatars against humanoids, stitchpunks against mechanical beasts, humans against despots, the “haves” against the “have-nots,” a prince against demons, men against kings, or kings against gods.

Existential Despair is Our Lot in Life vs. 2 Thessalonians 2:16

It’s true, biblical eschatology prophesies unprecedented shakings, economic and political upheavals, a series of armed conflicts, breakdown of the earth’s ecosystem, undermining of the Judeo-Christian ethic, religious deception, and persecution; but in Christ all are overcome.

“Apocalypse” in the New Testament delivers an overarching message of good, not evil. The term specifically references the “unveiling” or “revealing” of Jesus Christ. Add to this fulfillment of the plan of God for spiritual Israel and the wrap-up of God’s plan for national Israel; and hope reigns supreme.

Whereas the God of the Bible imparts everlasting consolation and good hope—not existential despair—each movie reviewed features an apocalyptic theme threatening natives on Pandora, rag dolls of yet another parallel world, humanity on earth, ancient kingdoms, and gods of forbidden worlds. None promise any long term effect of whatever pseudo-salvation is offered victims of catastrophe.

God-men Rule vs. Romans 3:4; Isaiah 52:11; Matthew 24:35

Each introduces dark, supernatural elements accompanying a range of other-worldly characters—e.g., brutish beasts to grotesque humanoids, a band of rag-tag robots to war-mongering, magical machines, a god-opposing archangel to fierce demons, Zeus to his nemesis Hades, god-men to the universal god-force.

In assessing the worth of any belief system, one principle prevails—let God be true and every opposing man (or spirit) a liar. Without discernment, the line is easily crossed. To embroil oneself in deceitful spirituality is to forfeit love of truth.

Save Yourself vs. John 3:3-7; 1 Peter 1:23; 1 John 5:1; Acts 4:12; John 14:6
Be they avatars, stitchpunks, royals, or god-men, Hollywood’s leading wo/men impart some sort of pseudo-salvation when invading Marines, corporate tycoons, magical technology, despots, demons, demi-gods and/or natural calamities threaten human existence.

But none can save apart from the politically incorrect, but biblically sound concept of salvation: Unless one is “born from above,” he’s excluded from God’s kingdom. We are “born again” by the Word of God; and to believe that Jesus is the Christ is to be born of God. Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no other savior apart from Him.

Whether affirmed or maligned, Christian believers experience what the God of the Bible delivers, but post-apocalyptic Hollywood cannot—namely, palpable hope.

More to come in Part 3.

History's "Nostradamus Effect"

2010-01-25T09:39:00.000-08:00

Part I: Bible Eschatology

For thousands of years, cultures around the world have contemplated our planet’s looming end, the last judgment, and the hereafter. Futuristic visions, symbolism, and messianic themes mark un-canonical apocalyptic literature between c. 200 B.C. and A.D. 200; and for hundreds of years, each new generation has poured over poetic verses (quatrains) contained within Nostradamus’ ten books called Centuries. Since the age of the Renaissance, writings of this mid-16th century French sage-prophet have awed mystics seeking alleged enlightenment.

Coupled with stark realism his dreadful, confusing visions captivate the imaginations of forward-looking sleuths. Accordingly, by means of twelve episodes on three DVDs, the HISTORY™ Channel visits the most chilling of Nostradamus’ end-time prophecies, as well as those derived from mythology, hieroglyphs, and other ancient texts. Correlating findings with today’s front-page news is called the “Nostradamus Effect.”

A True Prophet’s Accountability
As was the case with John the Revelator, Nostradamus described with eerie accuracy modern technology unrecognizable to him. Many scholars accept prophecies of Nostradamus as “divine, comprehensive, unified, and factual.” Problem is, unlike John, the messenger Nostradamus walked the line between science and magic.

Magic is the art of the Magi, the Persian priestly caste devoted to the practice of religion. Over time, the word “magic” came to mean all occult rituals that influence the course of nature, dominate men and circumstances, and otherwise tap forces of the unseen world—e.g., forecasting the future (divination)—which the Bible forbids.

Although not necessarily delusional, prophets of “the curious arts” drew from sources other than the God of the Bible. Make no mistake. Their track record fell dismally short of the biblical standard for accuracy. To qualify as God’s true prophet, one must prophesy with uncontested exactness—no magic involved. Biblical prophets were not mere interpreters of God’s will; they uttered actual words God gave them; and this, without error.

False Prophecies
Modern prophets of gloom and doom come and go. For example, Paul Ehrlich warned of global famine in The Population Bomb (1968) when, in fact, since World War II, populations have doubled and food production’s tripled. Now, obesity (not famine) takes center stage as a national crisis. In the early 1970s, an ice age was predicted—now, it’s global warming. What alarmists don’t want us to know is that years of very precise satellite data show that the planet has actually cooled by 0.13 degrees Celsius.

“The Real Deal”: Biblical Authenticity
Of one thousand biblical prophecies, some five hundred are already fulfilled. What distinguishes these is that, without exception, Bible prophecies prove to be accurate one hundred percent of the time. For example, despite astronomical odds, about three hundred prophesies that surround the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus were fulfilled to the detail.

Remarkably, Daniel’s prophecy of Seventy Weeks is said to have foretold the exact month, day, and year (6 April A.D. 32) Jesus would present Himself as Messiah (on what we call Palm Sunday). Only “the more sure word” of God authenticates end-of-the-world scenarios.

Signs of the End in the Bible
Beginning with the ascension of Christ, and culminating at His Second Coming, eschatology is a division of systematic theology dealing with the doctrine of end times as set forth in the Bible, about one-third of which is prophecy. Last-day theology is a major theme throughout the poetic books, major- and minor- prophets, Pauline- and general epistles, as well as the Book of Revelation and the Great Eschatological Discourse (Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21).

To Bible believers, end-time signs are as birth pangs announcing introduction of new life. Increased intensity signals that God’s Kingdom is at hand. These pangs are not to be confused with doomsday premonition of “the end of the world.” Rather, they herald the close of an age. Earth as we know it will “roll up as a scroll,” but then a new heaven and earth follow.

Breakdown of the Earth’s Eco-System
The Bible prophesies that natural wonders will literally shake the planet. Severe famines, pestilence, tribulation, and plagues of unprecedented enormity will cause hearts to fail for fear. Some will seek escape in death, but not find it.

Israel’s Centricity
Jesus prophesied that our generation, having seen Israel re-established as a nation, will not pass away until the entire eschatological discourse is fully realized. During outpouring of plagues, God will “confirm the covenant” with 144,000 representatives from each of the twelve tribes of Israel, thus protecting His own and fulfilling the last half of Daniel’s enigmatic seventieth-week prophecy.

Breakdown of a Bible Worldview and Ethic
Virtues of self-sacrificial love, faith, longsuffering, goodness, meekness, gentleness, and temperance will give way to blatant sensuality and uncurbed self-interest. Fierce opponents of absolute values and biblical fundamentalism will fall prey instead to unrestrained love of pleasure, profane covetousness, inordinate addictions, self-will, and abounding lawlessness.

Preparation of the Bride
While lukewarm complacency will cripple a large segment of the church, a remnant-bride will prepare diligently for spiritual union with the heavenly bridegroom. Rather than be swayed by a decaying world system, this bride will seek first God’s kingdom and nurture her love relationship with Christ. Believing that “the vision will not tarry,” the faithful will cling to and tirelessly promote it. Duly equipped and empowered with gifts of the spirit, charismatic believers will stir the winds of revival and boldly evangelize the world.

Persecution of the Church
Even so, end-time believers are instructed to “un-bow” themselves. The term (from Luke 21:28) suggests an outside source of restraint. As salt (a preservative) the church (literally, “called out ones”) will preserve truth and thereby restrain a swelling flood of darkness. Doing so will subject them to ridicule and retaliatory persecution. In fact, many antagonists will think, albeit wrongly so, that their random acts of terror against them render service to God.

Totalitarian Global Governance
In the name of pseudo-peace and safety, an ultimate world dictator (Antichrist) and his “enlightened” henchmen will enforce international law within the totalitarian, one-world system they forge. Bio-regions, not nation-states, will characterize a burgeoning transnational democracy (i.e., “rule of the people,” or Laodicea). The September 1973 document Regionalized and Adaptive Model of the Global World System reveals that the Club of Rome (responsible for today’s unified Europe) has already divided the world into ten politico-economic regions referred to as “kingdoms.”

The Bad News: Global Religious Deception
Although knowledge will be multiplied in these last days, the Bible prophesies a famine for God’s Word. These last thirty years, we’ve generated more data than in the previous five thousand years combined, yet knowledge of truth has waned proportionally to the point of being rationalized out of existence.

Prosperity and complacency will dilute even the church with a gutless form of counterfeit godliness that trivializes sin in the name of tolerance. Still, more and more false prophets will claim to have attained “Christhood”; and technological breakthroughs will fabricate powerful signs and lying wonders that threaten to seduce the gullible with what the Bible calls “strong delusion.”

… And the Good: Rapture (out-translation or harpazo in the Greek New Testament)
These truly are perilous times marked by abounding anarchy and fearsome natural wonders. Global governance, as prophesied by Daniel some six hundred years before Christ, will resemble ancient Rome in its neo-pantheistic one-world religion, its global influence, economic integration, and destined collapse.

Apart from God, fear is more than a reasonable response; it’s a given. However, as all hell breaks loose, there’s good news for the church. Hope in what the Bible calls a “high, upward calling,” or the rapture, offers comfort to believers, who will be snatched to safety from out of the worst of global tribulation yet to come.

Economic and Political Upheavals: Armed Conflicts
According to Bible prophesies, economic and political upheavals will incite a series of armed conflicts, many racial in nature (ethnos against ethnos, Matthew 24:6-7). Armageddon will settle the ongoing ancient feud between the seed of Ishmael and Isaac—not by military might, but rather by the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ with His Bride at what is known as the Second Coming. Their subsequent thousand-year rule and reign on earth will facsimile the Garden of Eden before the fall.

On a positive note, re-establishment of God’s rightful world order in the Millennium will ensure complete restoration, peace, and harmony.

More to come in Part 2.

Our Nation's Foundational Quandary

2009-12-19T10:32:00.000-08:00

Part 3-of-3 (Scroll down for previous)

So what’s it going to be—a noble or compromised legacy? In my view, the answer is both. Yes, many of our nation’s founders were skilled at God-speak, but practiced in enlightened principles of occult Illuminism. Religious syncretism is evidenced by the cacophony of arcane symbols found throughout our nation’s capitol.

Notwithstanding, there remains cause for the two words (Laus Deo, or “Praise be to God!”) on the aluminum cap atop the Washington Monument: A survivor of Nazism and communism, Dr. Balint Vazonyi came to the U.S. from Hungary following the 1956 uprising. Vazonyi identified four points of the American compass—namely, rule of law, individual rights, guaranteed property, and American identity. America’s noble heritage in Christ is reflected in such Bible-based foundational principles.

Religious freedom, rule of law, free trade, and private property took form among early predominantly Christian settlements of the East Coast of North America—namely, at St. Augustine (1565¬), Plymouth (1620), Jamestown (1607), and Savannah (1733). Furthermore, our nation’s Christian legacy finds expression in the first colonial grant made to Sir Walter Raleigh (1584); the first charter of Virginia, granted by King James I (1606); subsequent Virginia charters (1609 and 1611); and various ones granted to the other colonies.

Evidence of America’s Noble Heritage

Be sure there’s good, bad, and ugly among us (and within each of us, I might add). No matter, God remains actively engaged in the affairs of men. It’s really not about the atheist, religionist, deist, Unitarian, occultist, nominal Christian, or even the “wretched man that I am.” It’s all about God Almighty.

For good reason, God is expressly mentioned in most all state constitutions, mottoes, and seals; Christ’s words are chiseled on our national monuments; and the Ten Commandments are engraved in stone in our Supreme Court.

Seeded by early settlers, our nation’s biblical grounding bore extraordinary fruit throughout America’s early revivals and awakenings. In their wake, Francis Scott Key gave us our national anthem (adopted 3 March 1931). The second verse of The Star-spangled Banner proclaims: “May the heaven-rescued land praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation. And this be our motto: ‘In God is our trust.’”

Even our currency bears witness to America’s trust in God, as does the folded flag with stars uppermost. In fact, each fold in our nation’s flag-folding ceremony represents aspects of America’s noble heritage—e.g., the second fold pays tribute to belief in eternal life; the eleventh fold glorifies the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; the twelfth is in tribute to Christianity.

The 1954 amendment to Francis Bellany’s 1892 version of our nation’s Pledge of Allegiance also targets religious transcendence as America’s most powerful resource, whether in times of peace or while at war. Forget political correctness. On two occasions, the Supreme Court has declared our Pledge of Allegiance “under God” as soundly constitutional. Even an ACLU Handbook admits that the pledge is not objectionable simply because it contains a reference to God.

Conclusion

A nation that permits what God does not—i.e., abortion, pornography, promiscuity, adultery, homosexuality, materialism—does not rightly merit the label, “a Christian nation.” However, as Abraham discovered, the Just Judge of the whole earth is willing to withhold His wrath for the sake of fifty, forty-five, thirty, twenty, even ten righteous men.

Maybe America fails to qualify as “a Christian nation.” Perhaps many of her founding fathers were less than noble. But there is no doubt that, at her inception, she was seeded by Christians and grounded in Holy Scripture.

So, then, we can rightly pray, “God bless America!” History shows that it is His pleasure to do just that.

Awakenings Among the Lost

2009-12-09T21:05:00.000-08:00

Part 2-of-3

Great Awakenings invite the presence of God, often to an entire nation. The result is renewal—not only spiritually, but also in law, government, and literature. Be sure America’s Great Awakening took on much grander proportions than the Enlightenment, said to have guided many of America’s founding fathers.

• The First Great Awakening (c. 1730–1755ff).
Early on, tens of thousands of colonists came to hear George Whitefield preach and, as a result, experienced “new birth.” In 1775 alone, more than three thousand religious organizations took root in the colonies. Moreover, higher education flourished in the wake of spiritual renewal. Of nine colonial colleges in America, most sprang from awakenings—namely, Princeton, Columbia, Brown, Rutgers Universities and Dartmouth College. Perhaps for this reason Webster defines “awakening” as “an act or moment of becoming suddenly aware of something.”

When Jonathan Edwards from North Hampton, Massachusetts, preached his fiery sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” his congregation fell under conviction and, then, cried out for mercy. The impact of sudden awareness so profoundly transformed the entire nation that “even hardened skeptics could not deny it.”

• The Second Great Awakening (c. 1790–1840)
Five-time Governor of Virginia, Patrick Henry (1736-1799) once remarked, "It cannot be emphasized too strongly nor too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ." Ignited by the preaching of Presbyterian James McGready in Logan County, Kentucky, this second renewal left a legacy of many established Christian churches while, at the same time, it ushered in social reform.

America’s history clearly demonstrates that the best impulses for social reform come on the heels of spiritual awakenings. Historians concur that the anti-slavery movement in America was mainly a part of the reform movement generated by the Second Great Awakening. This rings true of movements for prison reform, child labor laws, women’s rights, inner-city missions, and many more.

• The Third Great Awakening (late 1850s to the 1900s)
The Third Great Awakening started with a 48-year-old businessman, Jeremiah Lanphier, who in July 1857 began work as an urban missionary for the North Dutch Reformed Church. Within six months ten thousand gathered daily for prayer throughout New York. Historian J. Edwin Orr wrote that “the influence of the awakening was felt everywhere in the nation. It first captured great cities, but it also spread through every town and village and country hamlet. It swamped schools and colleges.”

What impressed observers (the press even!) was little preaching, but much prayer. As people gathered, they remained largely silent while maintaining an overarching attitude of worship. It was reported that each week the number of conversions soon reached an astounding fifty thousand.

In summary, the first Great Awakening started with Jonathan Edwards who had a humble desire for God to revive his Christian congregation. The Second was ignited by James McGready, burdened for the restoration of the Christian church at large, and the Third by Jeremiah Lanphier in order to pray for national and spiritual renewal. All three awakenings left the indelible stamp of Christianity on these United States of America.

Some credit Benjamin Franklin as the most influential American to invent the type of society America would become, but I disagree. More so than any other revival, or natural influence, the Second Great Awakening exerted a lasting impact on American society.

Next: Our Nation's Foundational Quandary

OUR NATION'S HERITAGE

2009-11-30T12:29:00.000-08:00

Part 1-of-3

Noble or Compromised?

A much revered minister once asked this question of Billy Graham's daughter: "Anne, what do you believe God expects from us?" A "preacher's kid," Anne raced through her cache of answers—He expects us to pray without ceasing, witness, tithe, read the Bible, and honor the Ten Commandments.
It was then the pastor-teacher countered with a surprising answer. What does God expect? He expects us to fail. Anne was astonished, but further thought convinced her. Apart from divine enablement, we "cannot keep ourselves an hour clean." All have sinned; all fall short. Yet we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. God’s expectation is failure, and we deliver! But that’s not the end of it.
Thankfully, as believers, we receive abounding grace—albeit with consequences for our wrongdoings. This the fourth son of Aaron, Eli, learned well. A judge and high priest in Israel, he was a good and pure man; however, in raising his sons Hophni and Phinehas, Eli failed to toe the line. After all three died inglorious deaths, Phinehas’ wife delivered a son, whom she called Ichabod—that is, “Where is the glory?” Because of Eli’s grievous shortcomings, the presence of God (His glory) departed Israel when, on Eli’s watch, the ark was taken captive.

Seemingly, the ark of God’s presence among us has likewise been taken captive. It’s as if Ichabod marks our nation’s tattered portal. The good news is no matter how wayward His children, God always has a remnant of faithful believers through whom divine blessings flow. For this very purpose, God chose the patriarch Abraham to usher his descendants into a saving covenant relationship with Himself so that, through them, He would bring salvation and blessings to the entire world.

Despite Israel’s rebellious ways, God stirred revival—first within Jacob’s household, then through Asa, Joash, Hezekiah, Josiah, Zerubbabel, and Nehemiah. Christian writers (Tertullian, Irenaeus, Theophilus of Antioch, Clement of Alexandria, Origen, and others) testified of comparable renewal within the early church. Surely God’s work did not cease on distant shores of what has come to be known as the Holy Land.

Revivals Among Believers

Despite grievous failings of nation-states, God graciously stirs revivals and awakenings—revivals to embolden His church; awakenings to “seek and save the lost.” The “Quietism” movement was to France what Savonarola was to Italy and George Fox, John Bunyan, and John Wesley were to England. Through ministries of Lorenzo Dow and Peter Cartwright, the Holy Spirit visited and re-visited America’s shores from “sea to shining sea.”

God released grace through evangelist-theologians (Charles G. Finney), charismatics (Elder Jacob Knapp), Christian writers (Dr. A. J. Gordon and D.L. Moody of old New England Puritan stock), and itinerary preachers (as A. B. Earle who, in fifty years, traveled 325,000 miles throughout the United States and Canada).

The famous Quaker who founded Pennsylvania (William Penn), Bible scholars (Dr. Adam Clarke), missionaries to the Natives (David Brainerd), Congregational preachers (Edward Payson of New England), and music ministers (hymn writer Philip Paul Bliss) all carried the baton of revival in the early years of America’s history.

Next: Awakenings Among the Lost

Let the sparks fly!

2009-11-12T13:15:00.000-08:00

Part 3-of-3 (Scroll down for parts 1 & 2)

Collectivist Thought Control or Free-thinking Individualism?

According to Pew survey results, Americans have upended concern over moral values for economic issues that draw increasingly higher ratings in modern media. This, of course, provides all the more reason for conservative, faith-based publications, blogs, and talk-radio programs to recover and then run with our nation’s biblically-based moral compass.

What author-attorney James Hirsen refers to as op-ed “crockumentaries” function as dandy rein aids to advance and guide competing causes of liberalism, secularism, and partisanship. Fact is, reporters, writers, and others in the media vote overwhelmingly for liberal Democrats; and a substantial majority are “pro-choice, pro-gun control, pro-separation of church and state, pro-feminism, pro-affirmative action, and supportive of gay rights” (Eric Alterman, What Liberal Media: The Truth about Bias and the News, 21).

This is well and good. It’s still America after all, but ponder this: Politician-industrialist Cecil John Rhodes reasoned that “the press owns the minds of the people.” Similarly, journalist, playwright, and essayist Arthur S. Miller referenced “a pervasive system of thought control” in the United States—this, by “employment of the mass media” coupled with “the system of public education.” Both, he added, tell people “what to think about.” Miller understood how the mainstream media—inclusive of publishing, entertainment, reporting—own people’s minds and direct their thinking.

I agree that the voice of honest conviction must not be silenced—and that it should be countered. The Bible likens this process to iron sharpening iron. When the politically-correct, collectivist mindset encounters what Scripture calls “the mind of Christ,” sparks fly; and the latter garners stones (of contention) or converts, as the case may be. Either way, the public is well served.

Let the Sparks Fly!

Until and unless the mainstream media cleans up its act and rethinks the so-called “Fairness Doctrine,” public opinion will continue to plummet even beyond its current lowest level in more than twenty years of Pew Research surveys. Moreover, perception of media bias and independence will not only match, but surpass previous lows.

When articulating unwavering devotion to the ultimate plumb line of truth expounded line upon line, precept upon precept in the Holy Bible, I willingly duck flying rotten tomatoes. Agree with me or not, I invite you to hold back the tomatoes and imagine with me a super structure constructed without use of any benchmark level. What results is a cartoonish blob of ill-chosen, misfit building materials—not the integrated, skillfully rendered master design intended.

Let’s take this analogy a step further: Lack of any proven standard for truth reasonably results in folks pursuing what’s right in their own eyes. Given ever-evolving, self-centric values—propelled in part by the mainstream media—populist trends, complacency, apathy, mediocrity, dependency, anarchy, and control-by-force are inevitable. All belie the master design forged by godly forefathers.

My personal mandate is to “buy the truth and sell it not.” Accordingly, my job is not to insist that others think as I do. (Who was it that said “a man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still”?) Rather I purpose to challenge the liberal, secular status quo with biblical perspective that, when rightly applied, has proved itself incontrovertibly worthy throughout the millennia.

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by God’s Word. A person of faith, I base opinions expressed in my books and articles on that very Word. This I do as authentically, honorably, and objectively as my human limitations and bias allow.

A radio co-host, I speak my mind as freely, honestly, and honorably as I know how. For me, to dismiss Truth for expediency, or ratings, is beyond mere sell out. It’s a travesty.

So then, let the sparks fly!

Riding the Air Waves of Radio

2009-11-02T13:20:00.000-08:00

Part 2-of-3 (scroll down for part 1)

While not every voice (conservative, moderate, or liberal) is to my liking, freedom of speech remains the American way. Known for his scathing, right-wing analyses, Michael Savage stands out among the most controversial of radio talk-show hosts. In fact, Britain numbers him with twenty-two fellows deemed so extreme and intolerant that all are banned from even entering Britain.

This is the same Britain that welcomes Muslims who are among the most embittered in the western world—this, according to the Washington-based Pew Global Attitudes Project. Only 32% of British Muslims tolerate Jews, and a 2009 Gallup poll reveals that these have zero tolerance toward homosexual acts.

“Selective tolerance” characterizes our side of the pond as well. Speaker Nancy Pelosi reports that House leaders will aggressively pursue legislation to reinstate the "Fairness Doctrine,” which in the name of “fairness” stifles controversial commentary and thereby tramples First-Amendment, free-speech principles. Threat of random warnings and investigations threaten to discourage broadcasters from airing anything that FCC bureaucrats might deem "unbalanced" (like “America, love it or leave it”?).

Dot-Com Journalism

In light of long-term disparagement of the press’ performance at multiple levels, the Internet is fast becoming a primary source for news-junkies in their twenties, thirties, and forties. Clearly, the Internet stands alone as a veritable treasure trove of information for just about every subject imaginable, and the burgeoning "blogosphere" is the up-and-coming primary source of instant news available worldwide to all who access it.

Non-discriminate Internet surfing promises to arm the gullible with a laughable arsenal of so-called knowledge, to be sure; however, on the upside, the Internet has given voice to unprecedented stockpiles of data and commentary well structured by the Wonder Wheel and colorfully enhanced by Sky Map (both compliments of Google).

Cyberspace offers provocative alternatives and nuances to views upheld by the Michael Moores and Michael Savages of this world. Through the blogosphere, the otherwise “silenced voice” of well-reasoned, oftentimes politically-incorrect ideology is heard; and pundits hold public servants to higher levels of authenticity and accountability because of it.

Next: "Collectivist Thought Control" (Part 3)

Chic Cheap Journalism and Faux-News

2009-10-11T10:54:00.000-07:00

News Mags and "Crockumentaries"
Part 1-of-3

In recent years, “truth, justice, and the American way” have suffered deadly blows, as has the mainstream media. Today, nearly three-quarters of Pew survey respondents perceive news organizations to be unacceptably biased and overly influenced by the powerful.

Speaking of whom, Michael Moore has done it again. Time magazine celebrates his new movie (Capitalism: A Love Story) as Moore’s "magnum opus." Throngs of movie-viewers concur.

In a recent interview aired on CNN, Larry King characterized Moore as a propagandist, yes, but in the good sense of that term. Through good propaganda, Moore promises to anger some and (in his own words) to offer hope to others that, yes, we can turn around “the sick and twisted mess made by the last president.” BTW, a wag of the finger for former President Clinton presumes to render Moore’s purportedly nonpartisan political assessment as, uh, “fair and balanced”?

Still, I give it to him. When Moore defined market capitalism at its best, I agreed wholeheartedly. Then, Moore detailed how greed and self-interest have so skewed the ideal that it’s hardly recognizable anymore. Again, I was with him. But he lost me when, instead of righting a good system, he jumped the popular band wagon to denigrate what arguably represents the triumph of America’s historically unique, whole scale economic prosperity. Based on respect for rule of law, individual effort, and fair dealing, the free market allows ordinary people (like Moore, for example) to profit from their own talents and abilities.

Let’s see if I have it right. The system Moore trashes is the very one that initiated Moore (and King, I might add) into the ranks of America’s unconscionably wealthy minority; moreover, it’s a system America falls far short of modeling in its finest sense. Even so, rather than set a good system back on track, Moore would summarily throw out the proverbial baby with the bath water in exchange for what? An egalitarian super-status for the mass proletariat reflected in the State. Last I looked, this is naked Marxism.

It’s no wonder Republicans have been highly critical of the media’s performance—case in point, Moore on CNN. But since 2007, Democrats now show double-digit growth in their criticism of it. While just one-third of Democrats complain that the media is too down on America, this reflects a sizeable ten-point increase over just two short years.

News Magazines and “Crockumentaries”

At its core, propaganda provides information to influence others into a specific mindset and/or attitude. Self-serving selectivity of supporting data resonates nicely with any political agenda of choice. For this reason, propaganda is the darling of partisan politicking regardless of its leaning. Rather than inspire rational assessment, it tends rather to elicit emotional responses to targeted information, conveniently skewed to suit the desired outcome. What King calls “good propaganda” is success at raising important issues, and doing it well.

That said, student texts for my college course on Propaganda Analysis did not include the Communist Manifesto, as one might expect. Instead, for their liberal usage of propaganda devises, Newsweek and Time magazines were selected. As students, our task was to discriminate between solid news (“just the facts, ma’am”) and sloppy, one-sided bias (“sick and twisted mess made by the last president”).

In the realm of propaganda, opportunistic use of revisionism seals the deal, so that history unnecessarily repeats itself. “Never again” or “we won’t forget” rhetoric is swallowed up in mantras of change, hope, and “yes-we-can” speak on one side of the aisle—“mission accomplished,” “read my lips,” and “I’m no crook” on the other.

How quickly I learned that independent and/or God-centric mindedness relegates one to the ranks of a vast right-wing conspiracy, a sort of “mob” or ranting fringe group that warrants little or no credence. Apparently, this brand of propaganda isn’t the “good” type.

Next: "Riding the Air Waves of Radio"

Postmodern Morality

2009-09-14T17:29:00.000-07:00

Part 3-of-3 (Scroll down for parts 1 & 2)

Through the revolving door of evolving values, childlike immoderation typically trumps mature moral moderation. Accordingly, today’s Olympic-class consumers all too often indulge in what they cannot afford—even if they have to beg, whine, steal, borrow or lie to get what they want. The perpetual child is “worth it” after all; and convenience, comfort and emotion drive the childlike masses.

Lying today is big business. On the heels of indulgence come web sites that provide tips for how to beat a polygraph or fabricate an alibi. A new survey by CareerBuilder.com reveals that over half of hiring managers admit to having caught a lie on a candidate’s application for employment (but just five percent of workers admit to fibbing on their résumés).

This Dot-Com’s vice president of human resources, Rosemary Haefner observes rightly that “catching a lie on a résumé raises a red flag about a candidate’s overall ethics.” The same holds true for students who plagiarize assignments. Crediting self for another’s efforts likewise introduces the leaven of deception. Not only is the offending student robbed of an important educational experience, but he also grasps credit from another whose time, effort and genius warrant due recognition.

Abraham Lincoln once noted, “What is morally wrong can never be politically right.” However, in the contemporary view of things, Lincoln’s maxim is perceived as archaic, old-fashioned and out of touch. Take, for example, the partisan tradition of mud-slinging. The political volley of name-calling not only hits below the belt; this contemporary practice serves also to uncover a culture gone awry.

To characterize all liberals as godless, bleeding-heart, pinko-communists and conservatives as intolerant, extremist right-wing ignoramuses hardly flatters the American ideal of one nation, indivisible under God, and offering liberty and justice to all.

A Little Leaven Leavens the Lump

By definition, leaven is an agent that causes a cook’s batter to rise when baked. By means of fermentation, leaven (yeast) gradually modifies and expands the dough. Metaphorically, leaven symbolizes sin or false doctrine. When mixed with the doctrine of God, a little leaven corrupts largely. Jesus shared the Parable of the Leaven to show how something small becomes something big.

The biblical principle finds expression in Lithuanian poet Czeslaw Milosz’s depiction of a tree of falsehood, grown from a small grain of truth. To “let one’s lie be even more logical than the truth itself” may well attract the weary traveler to find repose in it. Nonetheless, Lenin warned that “a lie told often enough becomes the truth” when bereft of a “grand meta-narrative” (big picture).

Bypassing accountability to God, self-serving “truth” morphs into nothing more than a social or personal construction; and reality dissolves into paltry bits and pieces. Societal permissiveness and partisan politics surely contribute, but America’s ills stem more from absence of the love of truth, lack of which is certain to yield what the Bible fingers as “unfruitful works of darkness.”

In the end, everyone pays for lies; and no one is the better for them.

So, then, who's to say?

2009-09-09T12:59:00.000-07:00

Part 2-of-3
(Scroll down for Part 1)

Though the prevailing secular worldview elevates no moral code as superior over another, it’s downright trendy to single out and then castigate traditional morality for applying a “spurious moral compass.” This, of course, begs the question: How then is any moral distinction right or wrong if all are deemed spurious?

Consider Michael Galster. He threatened to expose a Health Management Association within the Arkansas penal system for harvesting from inmates blood that was tainted with hepatitis C and the HIV virus. Allegedly with full knowledge of prison authorities, the blood was shipped to several foreign countries, Canada included.

It is no accident, observes Dr. Rossiter, “that the greatest political system in human history was founded by devout Christians on the assumption that its citizens would live by Judeo-Christian ideals”—i.e., the Golden Rule—but there appears to be a new sheriff in town whose mandate is to leave no good deed unpunished!

For recipients of the contaminated blood and their loved ones, Galster’s moral distinction was far from spurious. What he wouldn’t want done to himself or his loved ones, he refused to do to others. For Galster’s truthfulness, however, he received no kudos, no pats on the back. Instead, he was fired and denied renewal of his orthopedic contract in the Cummins State Prison.

Pardonable Deception

Given the Lord’s very essence as “the Truth,” He hates “a lying tongue.” Even so, to protect their child from a murderous king, the loving parents of Moses engaged in a clear act of deception when, for three months, they hid him. In the end, an entire nation escaped bondage because of it!

Yet another deceiver, Rahab hid spies sent by Joshua prior to the siege of Jericho, thus earning her a spot in the biblical Hall-of-Fame. In both cases, morality is rightly relative to the situation and even opportunistic, though not in unscrupulous or unprincipled ways.

The ancient Greek tragedian, Sophocles, conceded that lying is not honorable; but “speaking dishonorably is pardonable when the truth entails tremendous ruin.” For example, if a knife-toting rapist-pedophile crashed into my home demanding access to my 12-year-old daughter, I would suffer no guilt for deliberately misdirecting him with a lie. Nor should a soldier suffer shame for withholding military intelligence from enemy interrogators whose intent is to inflict widespread harm.

On a lighter level, should a wife ask if her pants make her look fat, the husband does well to think twice before he answers! Most agree that a creative response is in order—e.g., “Honey, you look great to me no matter what you wear.” While arguably situational, relative and opportunistic, the response is true enough; and no one gets hurt by it.

A Nation of Liars

A leading public educator and founding father, Noah Webster recognized Christian faith as foundation for our nation’s public life—this, for good reason. Alongside divine enablement, “human instincts can be controlled only where the constraints of individual conscience are adequate, cultural morality supports their control and society’s laws deter their criminal expression” (Lyle H. Rossiter, Jr., M.D., The Liberal Mind).

As a former first-grade teacher, later an administrator, I read this to mean that love of truth can and should be nurtured by carefully designed and well-communicated rules. When reasonable rules are enforced with kindness and consistency, classmates enjoy the good fruit of an emotionally safe and stable setting. Consequently, students naturally are drawn to truth, the love for which is nourished by experience and nurtured by good example.

For some, this description conjures up the unpleasant visual of a stern, spinster schoolmarm whose weapon in hand is a solid, stiff ruler poised to crack knuckles. This, of course, is far from the ideal, as is the permissive model that indulges carelessness. After all, when carelessness is given full reign, a culture rots from within. Samuel Johnson reminds us that “it is more from carelessness about truth than from intentionally lying that there is so much falsehood in the world.”

Next: Postmodern Morality

Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire!

2009-09-05T22:17:00.000-07:00

Part 1-of-3

It may well be that “the devil is the father of lies,” but in the words of Josh Billings, “he neglected to patent the idea, and the business now suffers from competition.” Whereas in years past the lesson of Pinocchio spoke volumes to children who feared being found in falsity, deception by design has become today what Edmund Burke describes as “a perennial spring.”

Case in point: In the 1998 movie LIAR, LIAR Jim Carrey portrayed an attorney whose son wishes that he would stop his habitually lying. When the boy’s wish comes true, the “perennial spring” of lies dries up; but havoc ensues. Fact is attorneys are not lone liars. Politicians, students, business partners, mates, lovers, junkies, employees, employers, polygamists, attorneys, retailers, religious opportunists, masters of espionage, scam artists and crooks are honing to perfection the art of deception.

With hardly a bat of the eye, spouses lie to assuage their mates, and kids lie to escape discipline. Lawyers lie to whitewash clients, and criminals lie to escape justice. Speeders lie to avert tickets, and politicians lie to win elections. Parishioners lie to escape duty, and ministers lie to appear holy.

Falsehood: Its Twists and Turns

In the biblical sense, morality speaks to sexual chastity, honor, integrity and truthfulness. Granted, some falsehoods (oral or written) are unintentional—e.g., a misspoken word. On the other hand, some exploitatively promote self-interest. There’s the “little white lie” and out-and-out falsehood, birthed from whom the Bible characterizes as the “Father of Lies, a murderer from the beginning.”

Lies can be active (speaking untruth) or passive (failing to disclose full truth). They introduce logical contradictions or specious fallacies. If for entertainment purposes alone, some folks intentionally exaggerate or mislead. Others go beyond cleverness and trickery to defraud, unfairly discriminate or counterfeit.

The R-rated Imperative

So prevalent is the practice of falsehood that onlookers everywhere snickered when some years back the leader of the free world was caught in a tangled web of lies with respect to his sexual immorality. Many, if not most dismissed as inconsequential the memorable finger-in-the-face, bald-faced lie planted on them. The subject matter alone demands deception, they reasoned.

Moralists disagree; however, before mounting the proverbial high horse, these do well to recall that indicting an administration on the basis of lies, shredded documents, moral impropriety, abused power, laundered money, obstructed justice and the like is tricky business.

New York Times bestselling author Edward Klein described a standard, five-fold strategy employed within the White House: lie, deny, parse, stonewall and then go on the offense. We’ve all seen it in action—if truth be told, on both sides of the aisle. For every so-called liberal at fault, there is a conservative or moderate equally ensnared in wrong doing—and visa versa, of course.

Next: “So, then, who’s to say?”

TECHNOLOGY AND NEW AGE SPIRITUALITY

2009-08-17T19:41:00.000-07:00

Her Highness, Technology
Part 3-of-3

Serving as medium for an emerging world-wide, super-brain trust, cyberspace is breeding what Teilhard de Chardin dubbed the noosphere—i.e., cosmic consciousness. Proponents look to a mass planetary shift from the age of Pisces to that of Aquarius, distinguished by group- or cosmic- consciousness.

Having triumphed over matter—first, the geosphere (inanimate matter); then, the biosphere (biological life)—the duly enlightened and highly evolved look to planetary transformation marked by emergence of a new, superior species called homonoeticus.

Enter, one of the Bible’s most broadly-known futuristic phrases, “mark of the beast.” In these end-times, thusly illumined initiates will be required to receive such a mark—specifically, a “stamp” or “brand” attesting to ownership and subservience. Precursors to that mark include RFID technology using tattoos, implanted microchips and the like.

The Greek word for “mark” can also be rendered “an etching” or “a scrawling.” It’s possible to use non-invasive, high-frequency laser techniques to etch a barcode below the skin—even unbeknownst to its bearer while in an MRI machine, for instance. This barcode could be read remotely by microwave readers and used to track and then record every transaction of its unwitting bearer.

Technology and “the Good Death”
No wonder the death industry enjoys high profile, big-money organizational clout. Under the United Nations’ concept of sustainable development, the human population must be reduced, simple as that. So then, scientists cannibalize babies to make them into medicine. Others sell baby parts in the name of science; still others eliminate the unwanted by means of baby pesticides.

And why not? Belief in any postmortem consequences in heaven or hell has been relegated to obsolescence, and trendy naturalistic thought effectively eliminates human accountability to God. Rather than live circumspectly in the fear and admonition of God, transhumans actively prepare to become posthuman. To this end, they avail themselves of every current option for self-enhancement.

Because modern man has proclaimed himself the measure of all things, it is his presumed birthright to live “the good life” as he sees fit and, at its close, to choose “the good death”—whether by suicide, euthanasia, or as an expected outcome of some chosen lifestyle—with no regard for his Creator.

Many hope in the science of cryopreservation. Stored in liquid nitrogen (cryostasis), member patients of the Cryonics Institute expect to emerge whole, revived and rejuvenated to a greatly extended life span free from disease and the aging process—also, free from dependence on God Himself.

The Ultimate Techno-Augmented Arrogance
Autonomous souls naturally reason: "Perhaps man is not the end product of God's work. Perhaps man is the by-product of the process which will create God" (Michael Breazeale, 04/19/2009).

Clearly, techno-augmented arrogance knows no bounds. Once cosmic lemmings leap that slippery slope to out-and-out blasphemy, Her Highness Technology will have succeeded in turning “a revolution all her own”; and it won’t be pretty.

TECHNOLOGY, THE SERVANT

2009-07-24T20:23:00.000-07:00

Part 2-of-3

Good news: The Great Commission to take the Gospel to the four corners of earth rides the swelling wave of information technologies, which have advanced greatly since the science of communication and control (specifically, cybernetics) first emerged. That communication channels between distant locations are both flexible and direct serves well this noble cause.

Yet another example, Maria Lancaster is one profoundly blessed by technological know how. Her own adorable little girl, Elisha, was adopted as an embryo, having been frozen for four years. Thanks to modern technology, Elisha’s two little cells were flown Fed Ex across the country, then thawed before being transferred (at eight cells) to the waiting mother’s womb.

As Executive Director of Embryo Adoption Services of Cedar Park (Bothell, Washington), Lancaster offers the remarkable solution of “snowflake babies” for couples without contraindications to pregnancy, childbirth and parenting, but experiencing infertility problems nonetheless. Healthy children have been born from embryos frozen for more than twelve years; and through vitro fertilization (IVF), thousands of couples have been able to conceive and thereby establish loving families.

Surely, embryo adoption is great news for the nearly one-in-four couples who cannot conceive, as well as for hundreds of thousands of remaining human embryos who, following successful fertility treatments, are destroyed, used in research, held in freezers or sold for profit.
Technology, the Master
On the other hand, whom the Bible labels as “the ultimate murderer from the beginning” will opportunistically and increasingly lasso techno-knowledge for incredible evil.

Apparently, Her Highness Technology purposes to one-up even the Creator Himself. The race is on to create smarter-than-human intelligence—and to introduce mind-reading capabilities, implications for which are staggering. Argento also imagines a new breed of intentionally dumbed-down humanoids willing to work twenty hours a day without "comp time" or sick days.”

With this in view, RNAi is a system within living cells that helps to control which genes are active and how active they are. Applying RNA interference (RNAi) to produce human designer babies is worlds apart from silencing genes for decorative pigmentation in petunia plants, but an intriguing frontier nonetheless.

Perhaps the most commonly mentioned techno-vation is Artificial Intelligence, but there are others—e.g., direct brain-computer interfaces, biological augmentation of the brain, genetic engineering, ultra-high-resolution scans of the brain, followed by computer emulation. Technologies as these are fast approaching tipping-point sophistication.

Presently, the world community is well conditioned to submit to Her Highness Technology. At the consumer level, transportable technology has become a virtual human appendage. Be it in the car, while in line at the check-out counter, or even in a public bathroom stall, there is no escape from the cell phone. Arguably, what was intended to serve instead has become a master.

Her Highness Technology

2009-07-13T16:58:00.000-07:00

Part 1of3

Classic Sci-Fi thrillers from the 1950s and 1960s feature special effects that portray colliding universes, UFOs, aliens, body snatchers and, yes, zombies. Though not especially convincing, and sometimes downright hokey, what now is perceived as retro-technology once captured the fancy of diehard movie buffs every where.

Today, even the most skeptical are riveted to (and mesmerized by) astounding special effects that command the silver screen. Beyond the frivolous, albeit powerful realm of cinematography, techno-genius uniquely shapes 21st-century global economics, governance, culture, morality and even spirituality.

Our Techno-Future
Radical information technologies that feature “quantum computing” and cutting-edge biotech advancements serve to reshape the marketplace, redistribute wealth and restructure society at large. As breast milk to a baby, technology breakthroughs nourish the burgeoning vision for a cyber-connected, one-world community.

Founder of the International Center for Technology Assessment, Andrew Kimbrell labels this would-be reality a “technotopia”; moreover, respected scholar O. B. Hardison likens faith in silicone devices to religious fervor transcending any mundane thrill of employing talking cars and functioning robots.

What’s not to like? The techno-god of our future promises efficient, renewable solar and/or electromagnetic energy; quantum teleportation; nano- and replicator- technologies (growing new cells for the cure); protective force fields; and emerging robotics. Spiritually, it holds promise for embracing self-god and, eventually, immortality.

To this end, cosmic educators, progressives, futurists and globalists target the world’s youth and then coach them in fanciful utopian ideologies most likely to be propelled and sustained by modern technology.

Techno-explosion Minus Bible Truth
Centuries before Christ, the prophet Daniel characterized a knowledge-infused “time of the end” with spot on precision: Then, global power brokers will function as “kings without kingdoms” over regions of the world “divided for gain.” Eventually, these regions will be linked under totalitarian global governance. With a dictatorial Prime Minister at the helm, the feckless dream of planetary utopianism is destined to play out as the mother of all nightmares.

The apostle Paul likewise warned that, despite influx of knowledge, end-time world citizens will bypass truth for deception. A seemingly endless abyss of information will ultimately crowd out authentic doctrinal formation. Already, broadly held esoteric belief systems are united by a compelling global agenda touting Earth worship, sustainability, collectivism and illuminism.

Techno-fascism
"Among the best investigative journalists money can't buy” and host of sillyConValley.net, Rob Argento of Hampstead, North Carolina characterizes this rising phenomenon as techno-fascism. As consultant and/or staff writer, the former technical communications specialist for Valley heavyweights—e.g., Microsoft, Oracle, Xerox and VeriSign—produced technical documents that elucidated "bleeding-edge" technologies ranging from human-computer interfaces to exotic e-commerce and bioinformatics.

Argento knows what he’s talking about when he describes Silicon Valley as a culture and state of mind. In his own words, “The Valley had set out to change the world. But by the dawn of the new millennium, it was the world that had changed the Valley.”

“Maybe it was all that Y2K ballyhoo; maybe it was the Dot Com Dot Bomb. Or maybe it was Bin Laden's Magic Carpet ride through the Twin Towers making them appear to collapse just like a computer-controlled demolition,” he adds. “More likely, though, it was simply a steadily rising sense that Her Highness Technology, unfurling faster than any single human mind could possibly track, was gradually turning a revolution all her own.”

Arguably, no generation has been more entertained or more connected than ours. On the down side, prophetic scripture instructs that the world dictator-to-come will “play god” and exercise extraordinary power, signs and lying wonders. As never before, these will be rendered possible by deceptive techno-savvy—i.e., generating arbitrary scenes by a holographic volumetric display.

Accordingly, human aspirations and values are fast deferring to ruthless cravings for technocratic dominance, status, wealth and accompanying power. There’s no turning back from participatory technology (virtual reality), digital television and cash, robotics, nanotechnology and artificial intelligence—their benefits and their trappings.

Next week: "Technology the Servant"

Where's the Hope?

2009-07-10T16:30:00.000-07:00

Part 3of3

Strategic Lunacy

Senior economics writer for The Wall Street Journal editorial page Stephen Moore explains: Politicians invariably create and then respond to crises by spawning new government programs, laws and regulations. These, in turn, generate more havoc and poverty, which inspires the politicians to create more programs.

The downward spiral repeats itself until productive sectors of the economy collapse under the collective weight of taxes and other burdens imposed in the name of fairness, equality and do-goodism.

The more incompetent one is in business, the more handouts the politicians bestow. That's precisely the justification for subsidies doled out to keep afloat distressed insurance companies, banks, Wall Street investment houses and auto companies.

Even so, President Obama is on record as regretting that Supreme Court decisions have not been radical enough to order redistribution of wealth. Problem is, when profits, wealth and creativity are denigrated, they start to disappear, leaving everyone the poorer (Phyllis Schlafly Report, December 2008).

Throughout life’s journey, each must carry his own backpack or burden. Excessively heavy ones are rightfully shared; however, as a rule, the industrious (not sluggards, nor shysters) are deemed “worthy of their hire.” That is to say, these are blessed with the fruit of their own labors (Galatians 6:5; Romans 15:1; 1 Timothy 5:18).

The Asian Century

For many, a new administration refreshes hope for desired change in pursuit of a better America. However, many in the media have begun referring to the 21st century as the Asian Century—this, because of the predicted growing power in Asia. With it comes Eastern mysticism.

When merged with the conciliatory gospel of the West, neo-pantheistic syncretism debases our culture, work ethic, private property and free enterprise. To the contrary, the exercise of sound biblical principles—hard work as unto the Lord, discretionary spending, earth stewardship and cheerful generosity—is certain to sustain free society propelled by biblical ethic.

Where’s the Hope?

If cross-cultural iniquity abounds at all levels of society, as surely it does, the question remains: Where’s hope to be found when cynicism, paranoia, fear, mistrust, blame, greed and spiritual deception dominate?

The answer’s surely not to be found in global politics, economics or religious systems. Instead, “Messenger of Hope” David Bryant has issued a joyful manifesto on the supremacy of God’s son through which he emphasizes these four goals: proclaim a comprehensive vision of Christ’s supremacy, awaken hope focused on this larger vision, empower then mobilize leaders, and equip other “Messengers of Hope” to follow suit.

Herein lays our hope as Americans: an uncontrollable spiritual brush fire that ultimately yields the triumph of God’s global charge, not man’s counterfeit of it. By awakening to an unfolding revelation of God’s glory, believers will experience fresh winds of passion, mission and—yes—hope that can’t be quelled no matter the prevailing circumstances.