Nothing is Irrelevant

News to Know: Obama vs. Constitution, Dream House Shot Down, & Ron Paul

2012-01-09T23:57:00.016-05:00

POLITICS / CONSTITUTIONALITY:

Obama Sidesteps Senate, Could End Senate Role - http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/08/us/politics/experts-say-obamas-recess-appointments-could-signify-end-to-a-senate-role.html

Bucking Senate, Obama Appoints Consumer Chief - http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/05/us/politics/richard-cordray-named-consumer-chief-in-recess-appointment.html

EPA Stops Homeowners from Building on Their Own Land, Threatens Fines - http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/01/09/supreme-court-hears-case-dream-house-stopped-by-epa/

National Debt Surpasses Economic Output - http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/01/09/republican-blasts-obama-after-national-debt-surpasses-economic-output/

2012 REPUBLICAN DEBATE:

Ron Paul Highlights

Worldviews on Coat Hangers

2011-12-23T23:39:00.007-05:00

My very dear friend, Haley, has just launched a blog on Fashion, Worldviews on Coat Hangers.

Go leave her a kind note as she gets started, and be sure to follow her blog, especially if you've never considered Fashion as a vehicle for answering ultimate questions. She has plenty of fascinating things to say.

Persecution Update: 23 Dec 2011

2011-12-23T00:21:00.005-05:00

Voice of the Martyrs Prayer Update:

South Sudan -- Attacks Continue in Border Region
Yemen--Kidnapped Aid Workers Still Missing
Syria--Christians Prepare for Christmas amid Lockdown

READ FULL REPORT

Also see the VOM Podcast Archive

The VOM podcasts are a great resource for staying informed about the persecuted church. You can also subscribe to them on iTunes.

News to Know: Hitler, Cake, and Pedophiles

2011-12-05T22:42:00.008-05:00

Iowa Baker targeted for refusing to make wedding cake for lesbian couple - http://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/faith-and-morals/9821-iowa-baker-targeted-for-refusing-to-make-wedding-cake-for-lesbian-couple

Rampant pedophilia in Hollywood, actors claim - http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2011/12/05/recent-charges-sexual-abuse-children-in-hollywood-just-tip-iceberg-experts-say/

NJ parents who named child Adolf Hitler lose custody - http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/11/19/new-jersey-parents-who-named-child-adolf-hitler-lose-custody-newborn/?test=latestnews

News to Know: Obama's health care penalizes marriage & Free speech threatened

2011-10-30T00:05:00.010-04:00

1ST WORLD CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION:

British Christian gets pay cut for posting stance on so-called gay marriage on Facebook - http://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-gets-pay-cut-for-posting-gay-marriage-stance-on-facebook-59206/
NJ school bullies Christian teacher over Facebook posts on homosexuality -http://action.afa.net/email/online.aspx?cid=1540&mid=22864178&tid=aa&utm_source=smAFA&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=1540

OBAMA:

Obama administration pressed for acountability after killing Americans in air strikes - http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/10/25/killing-anwar-al-awlaki-unexpected-precedent-for-obama-administration/
Obama's health care law penalizes marriage, analysts say - http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/10/27/obamas-health-care-law-penalizes-marriage-analysts-say/

News to Know: Solyndra, Fake farmers, and government sanctioned kidnapping

2011-10-22T23:08:00.003-04:00

Treasury officials' acknowledge government handling of Solyndra unusual, could violate federal law - http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/10/14/house-panel-looks-at-solyndra-loan-restructuring/

Fake farmers cash in - http://www.foxbusiness.com/on-air/stossel/blog/2011/10/07/more-fake-farmers-0

Sweden kidnaps home school children, parents to lose children permanently - http://www.earnedmedia.org/hslda1012.htm

Persecution Update: 14 Oct 2011

2011-10-14T23:33:00.003-04:00

Voice of the Martyrs Prayer Update:

Iran - Pastors receive death threats
Egypt - Violent clashes leave 25 dead
Laos - Christian children barred from school

READ FULL REPORT

Also see the VOM Podcast Archive

The VOM podcasts are a great resource for staying informed about the persecuted church. You can also subscribe to them on iTunes.

News to Know: Attorney General incompetent? & US drug shortages

2011-10-14T08:41:00.005-04:00

POLITICS:

Deceit, incompetence, or ignorance? Attorney General denies knowledge of "Fast and Furious" despite memos. -http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/10/13/emails-justice-officials-blank-memos/

HEALTH CARE:

US Hospital drug shortages threaten patient health - http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/10/13/hospital-drug-shortages-threaten-patient-health-prove-costly/
UK: Wait-lists for medical treatment getting longer - http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/oct/13/nhs-waiting-times-rise-cuts

Who says socialized health care doesn't hurt? Well, it's been a while since any Brit can honestly deny that.

Verseday Thursday: As the Ruin Falls - Lewis

2011-10-13T19:17:00.003-04:00

As the Ruin Falls - C. S. Lewis

All this is flashy rhetoric about loving you.
I never had a selfless thought since I was born.
I am mercenary and self-seeking through and through:
I want God, you, all friends, merely to serve my turn.

Peace, re-assurance, pleasure, are the goals I seek,
I cannot crawl one inch outside my proper skin:
I talk of love --a scholar's parrot may talk Greek--
But, self-imprisoned, always end where I begin.

Only that now you have taught me (but how late) my lack.
I see the chasm. And everything you are was making
My heart into a bridge by which I might get back
From exile, and grow man. And now the bridge is breaking.

For this I bless you as the ruin falls. The pains
You give me are more precious than all other gains.

Divided, the Movie

2011-10-12T18:57:00.003-04:00

Divided Trailer from NCFIC on Vimeo.

See FULL MOVIE free.

Retrial ordered for Iranian Pastor facing death sentence

2011-10-11T23:02:00.003-04:00

Story update here.

Haven't heard about Pastor Nadarkhani? See these earlier posts.

Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani faces execution for his Christianity (and what you can do about it)

Further allegations heaped upon Pastor Nadarkhani

News to Know: Emperor Obama & Nadarkhani Trial

2011-10-10T08:37:00.002-04:00

AMERICAN TYRANNY:

Secret Panel can put Americans on a "kill list" - http://runronpaul.com/obama/secret-panel-can-put-americans-on-kill-list/
Ron Paul says Obama should be impeached for killing American without due process - http://runronpaul.com/mainstream-media/ron-paul-says-obama-should-be-impeached-for-al-qaeda-killing/
Obama's impeachment a possibility, says Ron Paul - http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1011/65035.html
Ron Paul, civil liberties groups decry killing of American without a trial - http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/09/30/cair-decries-killing-american-militant-without-due-process/
US Government obtains secret court order for email data of Wikileaks volunteer - http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/10/10/us-government-obtains-secret-court-order-for-email-data-wikileaks-volunteer/?intcmp=trending

NADARKHANI TRIAL:

Update: Further allegations heaped upon Pastor Nadarkhani - http://www.persecution.net/ir-2011-10-06.htm
Full Story of Youcef Nadarkhani - http://presenttruthmn.com/the-ministry/youcef-nadarkhani/

Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani Faces Execution for his Christianity

2011-09-28T19:40:00.004-04:00

Iranian pastor, Yousef Nadarkhani is facing execution for refusing to recant his Christian beliefs.

Story here: http://archbishop-cranmer.blogspot.com/2011/09/pastor-yousef-nadarkhani-to-be-hanged.html
Note the link at the bottom to email the Iranian ambassador about Pastor Nadarkhani's fate.

Fox coverage: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/09/28/iranian-pastor-faces-execution-for-refusing-to-recant-christian-faith/

AFA ActionAlert: http://secure.afa.net/afa/activism/TakeAction.asp?id=405 Email the Embassy with a few easy clicks.

News to Know: Obama's Marxism & Communism's silent rise

2011-09-26T08:43:00.005-04:00

PRESIDENT OBAMA

Obama says Republican vision would cripple America - http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/09/26/obama-attacks-republicans-on-west-coast-tour/
John C. Drew: Even Republicans rejected info about Obama's past - http://trevorloudon.com/2011/09/john-c-drew-even-republicans-rejected-info-about-obama%E2%80%99s-past/

COMMUNISM/FASCISM

Blood on the streets: US Communists prepare for 'Hellraising' - http://trevorloudon.com/2011/09/blood-on-the-streets-us-communists-prepare-for-conflict-hellraising/
Six states are now Fascist - http://trevorloudon.com/2011/09/legislating-fascism-%E2%80%93-six-states-one-city-are-now-full-on-fascist%E2%80%A6-with-more-to-come/
Communism dying? 80 million Chinese reds beg to differ - http://trevorloudon.com/2011/09/communism-is-dying-80-million-chinese-reds-beg-to-differ/
CPUSA (Communist Party USA) Six current progressive tasks to conquer Americahttp://trevorloudon.com/2011/09/communist-leader-six-crucial-tasks-for-the-left-and-progressive-community/

-
Subscribe to the New Zeal blog at http://trevorloudon.com/ for the political news everyone else is afraid to talk about.

News to Know: Angry Russia & Gay Intolerance

2011-09-24T11:59:00.005-04:00

Enemy of the State: How Luke Harding became the reporter Russia hated - http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/sep/23/luke-harding-russia

Texas School Punishes Boy for Opposing Homosexuality - http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/09/22/texas-school-punishes-boy-for-opposing-homosexuality/

Verseday Thursday: Holy Sonnet I - Donne

2011-09-22T17:19:00.003-04:00

Holy Sonnet I - John Donne

THOU hast made me, and shall Thy work decay ?
Repair me now, for now mine end doth haste ;
I run to death, and Death meets me as fast,
And all my pleasures are like yesterday.
I dare not move my dim eyes any way ;
Despair behind, and Death before doth cast
Such terror, and my feeble flesh doth waste
By sin in it, which it towards hell doth weigh.
Only Thou art above, and when towards Thee
By Thy leave I can look, I rise again ;
But our old subtle foe so tempteth me,
That not one hour myself I can sustain.
Thy grace may wing me to prevent his art
And thou like adamant draw mine iron heart.

Hill Abbey: St. Ambrose @ Summer Hall

2011-09-17T14:38:00.005-04:00

I spent the last two weeks in July in Idaho at Hill Abbey. Hill Abbey is run by Wes Callihan (Schola Classical Tutorials) a former teacher, now friend, from whom I took Great Books and Rhetoric in high school. Every year he invites students to stay with him for two weeks in a semi-monastic setting reading through one of the early church fathers. This summer we read through a selection of Ambrose of Milan’s work. Our daily schedule went something like this:

7AM – Morning prayers & gardening
8AM Breakfast & showers
9AM Reading
12PM Trappist hour (an hour of silence and solitude in which to meditate)
1PM Lunch & Free time
3PM Reading
6PM Trappist hour (an hour of silence and solitude in which to meditate)
7PM Dinner & evening prayers & music/stories/bonfire

There were a number of things I appreciated about Hill Abbey; four come immediately to mind.

First, I immediately began to love the morning chores. The gardening drove the sleep from my head and set a meditative pace for the day.

Second, reading Ambrose was a good challenge to my own doctrinal arrogance, and an excellent reminder that Reformed Protestantism, although perhaps the true heir of the early church, is a relatively recent development. Ambrose made me face the fact that I'm not as clever as I think that I am. There are some essential doctrines which I believe but understand so incompletely that I can hardly defend my belief in them. And then there are some which I understand more completely, but have no idea how to defend from Scripture. It's an uncomfortable position to be in, because it leaves no room for pride.

Third, reading Ambrose as a group was a huge help--and what a great group! I often felt like the least intelligent point in our circle (or irregular hexagon, to be needlessly precise). Everyone's comments and the discussions which interrupted our reading helped to fling particular passages off the page and into concrete experience. The passages in Ambrose that I remember and understand best are ones which received some acclamation, explanation, or growl of skepticism.

Fourth, the Trappist hours were precious. I think that if I could only take one experience away from Summer Hall, it would be the Trappist hours. I was surprised to find how many pre-soaked ideas I had--thoughts that I had meant to consider, but hadn't had time or space to do so. I was also surprised to find how difficult it was to cultivate ideas like one cultivates a garden, in contrast to my usual habit of gathering ideas from the wilds of inspiration as I wander haphazardly through the world. Inspiration is easy--as easy as finding a fruit tree in a forest. Cultivating ideas, on the other hand, takes far more effort, but yields a greater intellectual crop. The current circumstances of my life allow me little silence and solitude, but having seen their benefits, silence and solitude have now become priorities, and I can't imagine living a serious intellectual life without them.

Teaching the time away

2011-08-26T22:02:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the delays. I haven't been able to return to my blogging schedule the past several weeks. The school year has just begun and I'm balancing teaching 9 classes between three institutions. It'll take me a few more days to catch up to where I can blog regularly. Until then, thanks for stopping by.

Cheers.

Persecution Update & News to Know - NHS Rationing, ACORN fraud,

2011-08-12T13:31:00.004-04:00

HEALTH:

NHS Turns to Rationing - http://www.ncpa.org/sub/dpd/index.php?Article_ID=20932&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ncpadpd+%28Daily+Policy+Digest%29&utm_content=FaceBook
Health insurers now forced to cover birth control - http://www.manhattandeclaration.org/the-movement/Blog/11-08-01/Health_Insurers_Now_Forced_to_Cover_Birth_Control.aspx

POLITICS/MONEY:

Obama's Seven Deadly Sins - http://www.conservativecommune.com/2011/08/open-thread-obamas-seven-deadly-sins-add-your-own/
Poll: Only 10 percent approve of Congress - http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/08/10/fox-news-poll-record-low-10-percent-approve-congress/
ACORN fined for voter fraud - http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/08/10/judge-gives-maximum-and-fines-acorn-5000-for-illegal-voter-registration-scheme/
U.S. debt reaches 100 percent of country's GDP - http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/08/04/us-debt-reaches-100-percent-countrys-gdp/#ixzz1U3mFgG8L

ISLAM:

Sharia: a law unto itself? - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/8686504/Sharia-a-law-unto-itself.html

MISCELLANEOUS:

Is Anders Behring Breivik a Christian? - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKEqM5bi8K4&feature=feedu
New spiderman is black, and might go gay - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2021563/Marvel-Comics-reveal-new-Spider-Man-black-gay-future.html#ixzz1U3eX8nWl
Users alarmed over Facebook posting confidential phone numbers - http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/08/10/facebook-exposes-confidential-phone-numbers-users-worry/
Redneck Olympics threatened with lawsuit over word 'olympics' - http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2011/08/10/maine-redneck-olympics-warned-to-drop-olympics/?intcmp=obnetwork

PERSECUTION UPDATE

The nightmare of communism in North Korea - http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/the-nightmare-of-communism-in-north-korea?md5=343ffe21d7dbe3029d9b7cbd7912aa80
Voice of the Martyrs Prayer Update: 12 Aug 2011 - http://www.persecution.com/public/pray.aspx?clickfrom=bWFpbl9tZW51

News to Know - White House Fox hunt, gay history required, pastor may die

2011-07-15T19:15:00.003-04:00

POLITICS:

Emails show White House targeting Fox News despite denial - http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/07/14/emails-show-white-house-ripping-fox-news/

TECHNOLOGY:

Pentagon admits suffering major cyber attack in March - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-14157975

EDUCATION:

Gay history now mandatory in California schools - http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/07/14/calif-gov-signs-landmark-law-to-teach-gay-history/

CHRISTIANITY:

Iranian pastor sentenced to death could be executed if he doesn't recant - See post below. Link HERE.

Persecution Update: July 15

2011-07-15T18:59:00.003-04:00

1) VOM Prayer Update:

Iraq--House church leader kidnapped
North Korea--The gospel finds a way
Burma (Myanmar)--Political unrest leads to ethnic cleansing

Read report HERE.

2) Iranian pastor sentenced to death could be executed if he doesn't recant - http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/07/14/evangelical-pastor-in-iran-may-face-death-if-doesnt-recant/

Verseday Thursday: Shakespeare Sonnet 116

2011-07-14T19:49:00.008-04:00

Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O no! it is an ever-fixed mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.
Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle's compass come:
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.

If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

News to Know – TSA, bird pecks out eyeball, atheist wears colander

2011-07-13T22:58:00.004-04:00

RELIGION:

Freedom From Religion Foundation sues Governor Perry in the name of freedom of religion - http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/07/13/religious-freedom-group-sues-gov-perry-over-planned-all-day-prayer-event/
Austrian mocker wins right* to wear colander in license photo - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/13/niko-alm-pastafarian-colander_n_897700.html#s308414&title=Pastafarian_Niko_Alm

*Note, this article says he won a right. Rights are by definition things that cannot be won; they can only be recognized. Imprecise speech of this sort is misleading and demonstrates our intellectual feebleness.

GOVERNMENT ENCROACHMENT:

Woman facing 93 days of jail for vegetable garden - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/08/julie-bass-jail-vegetable-garden_n_893436.html
Woman jailed for causing refusing to let TSA search her daughter* - http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110713/NEWS01/307130115/Police-charge-mother-Nashville-airport-altercation

*Note: I have no way of knowing whether the woman was in the right or not. But one thing is certainly clear, the TSA consistently goes beyond reason in the name of safety. If it's a choice between liberty and safety, may safety be hanged. Liberty is never safe, and it is particularly threatening to big government.

Speaking of the TSA, check out this drama:

TSA forces 95-year-old-woman to remove diaper - http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-tsa-removes-diaper-from-elderly-cancer-stricken-woman,0,657842.story
TSA denies having required a 95-year-old-woman to remove diaper - http://articles.cnn.com/2011-06-27/travel/florida.tsa.incident_1_tsa-officer-diaper-luggage?_s=PM:TRAVEL
TSA defends removing adult's diaper for pat-down - http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/06/27/national/main20074643.shtml

NOT VERY IMPORTANT NEWS:

Black man named 'Casey Anthony' harassed - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/13/casey-anthony-pennsylvania_n_897147.html
British man's eyeball pecked out by seabird - http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/07/12/british-mans-eyeball-pecked-out-by-seabird/?intcmp=obnetwork

Chastity as Patriotism

2011-07-11T14:36:00.002-04:00

Contrary to everything we are taught, the family, not the individual, is the foundation of society and government. The family is a miniature nation: a kingdom in a tiny castle. It is, of course, a monarchy, but monarchies are the only appropriate governments for raising children. Those who are adults morally are able to govern themselves; those who are children morally need to be governed and made to do right. (That is why John Adams famously said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” He might as well have said, “Our Constitution was made only for adults; it is unsuitable for children.”)

Just as the freedom of a society is dependent upon its moral adulthood, the quality of a society is determined by its values. Good values make good societies. Bad values make bad ones. These same values determine the health of a nation’s families. As the foundation of society, the state of the family determines the state of society, culture, and government. Therefore, that which affects family life for ill is an attack on the whole nation, and that which improves the family improves the whole nation.

Thus, laws that weaken parental rights are not only anti-freedom, but antisocial. Organizations which lobby for the autonomy of the child (against his parents) intentionally throw a wedge into the family, and are therefore antisocial. Even movies with kid-power propaganda (that is, the message children are smarter than adults––especially their parents) are antisocial.

Although these are all big offenders, the biggest villain is the sexual revolution. The sexual revolution cried that sexuality had been repressed and needed to be liberated from its moral tether. The trouble is that sexuality is not repressed by Judeo-Christian morality, but protected by it. We have discovered that in tearing down the moral wall, we “freed” sexuality but destroyed love. Love’s private garden has been turned into a public park, and the gardener has been fired. It’s no surprise that persons are afraid of commitment. The wall which guaranteed the garden is gone. (See The Closing of the American Mind by Allan Bloom, chapter “Relationships.”)

Sexual behavior is required for the creation of a family, yet also has the most potential to destroy it. Sexuality, in its appropriate expression, unites married lovers and creates families. But anyone who has had an adulterous parent, a cheating spouse, an abusive relative, knows the destructive power of unchaste sexuality. This is no surprise. When perverted, the greatest goods become the greatest evils.

Misused, sex not only destroys present families, but also future ones. As a single person, my sexual behavior now affects the health of my future marriage. The more promiscuous I am now, the less stable my future marriage is likely to be. The less stable my future marriage is, the more likely it is that my children will suffer my divorce and marital unhappiness. And, as studies show, children in divorced homes are more likely to have divorces themselves.

Because families build nations, and sex makes or breaks families, our sexual behavior will either improve civilization or work to destroy it. Depending on how we use sex, we may either be patriots or traitors to the nation. It may be your body, but sexual actions have social consequences, so you may not do with it as you please.

Persecution Update: July 8

2011-07-09T00:23:00.002-04:00

Voice of the Martyr's Update: June 8, 2011

(Original post HERE)

WEST BANK--Muslims Oppose Christian Youth Center
VOM Sources

A Christian mission in Bethlehem faces opposition from neighbors and city leaders over a youth center it has established in a Muslim neighborhood. Pastor Steven Khoury of Holy Land Missions (HLM) said his father, Naim Khoury, was summoned to the courthouse recently and warned that carrying out Christian work in the town of Shepherd's Field would lead to trouble. But the trouble had already begun. Muslim extremist neighbors of an HLM youth center have verbally attacked two youth leaders and vandalized the building's locks. They also threatened to attack Pastor Naim and said they would "break the legs" of anyone who enters the youth center. Outreach and prayer meetings are scheduled to begin at the youth center next week. Pray that God will protect those working at the youth center as well as those who attend. Ask God to make the center a shining light in a dark region.

CHINA--Millions Attend Religious Festivals
China Aid Association

China Aid recently reported that a Shouwang Church member who works for the Christian ministry World Vision faced possible dismissal for her participation in the unregistered church's activities. Shouwang Church has attempted to hold outdoor worship services for the past three months, in protest against government interference of the church's worship sites. Church member Xia Xiaoqiu was detained several times in recent weeks after attending Shouwang's outdoor worship services. Xia said the government was urging her employer, the Beijing office of World Vision, to pressure her to quit her job with the ministry. Recently, World Vision contacted China Aid, assuring them that Xia's "job position is secure and that World Vision has not been under pressure by the government of China to change that in any way." Pray for Xia and other Chinese Christians who are under great pressure for choosing to worship at unofficial churches.

EGYPT--Copts and Muslims at Odds Over Kidnapping Case
Assyrian International News Agency, www.thedailynewsegypt.com

Persecution against Christians in Uzbekistan increased last month -- from raids to fines to literature confiscation -- underscoring the need to remember the nation's believers in prayer. Tohar Haydarov, 27, has been imprisoned since his arrest in March 2010 and is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence for the "illegal sale of narcotic or psychotropic substances in large quantities." It is widely believed that the charges were fabricated as a means of punishing Tohar for his religious activity. At last report, he had appealed the prison sentence but there had been no indication of progress. Pray that comfort and peace will reign in Tohar as he suffers for his faith. Pray that he will be assured that he is not forgotten, but that he is loved and remembered by God and His people. Pray that the charges against Tohar will be dropped and that he will be released.

Re-posted from VOM.

News to Know - Iran pouts, Obama breaks ban, & kids don't climb

2011-07-08T13:24:00.007-04:00

MONEY:

Older workers could face cost disparities in health law glitch - http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/06/30/older-workers-could-face-cost-disparities-in-health-law-glitch/
Obama Violated ACORN Funding Ban - http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/07/06/obama-violates-acorn-funding-ban-with-housing-grant-to-offshoot-watchdog-says/

EDUCATION:

Atlanta public schools cheating on behalf of their students - http://www.ajc.com/news/investigation-into-aps-cheating-1001375.html

ISLAM:

Iran threatens BBC over Mohammed documentary - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2012252/Iran-threatens-BBC-Muslim-prophet-Muhammad-documentary.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

TREE CLIMBING:

British children are abandoning the world's greatest pastime - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2012435/1-3-children-climbed-tree-figures-60-watch-TV.html

(Yes, tree climbing deserves its own category. When was the last time you climbed a tree? I'm ashamed to say that I haven't climbed a tree in at least two months.)

Comment Highlight

2011-07-06T14:45:00.003-04:00

My good friend from the Pensamientos blog left a reasonable and thought-provoking comment on one of last week's news posts. Her comment was in response to California's desire to mandate the teaching of "gay history" in schools. This is what she had to say.

I read the article on including gay history in California classroom curriculum, and specifically the suggestion that "slain San Francisco politician Harvey Milk would be an appropriate choice [to study]. Leno contends Milk's fight for civil rights is as worthy of class study as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s." I did some research, curious to see if the concept of teaching gay history in the classroom could be considered more of an attempt not to leave out important, influential people in history simply because they were gay.

However, after reading some about Harvey Milk, I have difficulty seeing how a classroom discussion of him could be appropriate for the high school or middle school audience. Kids don't need to be involved in discussions about the nitty gritty defining lines of sex crimes (a lot of the political controversy surrounding gay rights in the 1960's had to do with laws prohibiting oral sex and similar activities), and while I agree with the thought that the public at large should not believe that all gay men are trying to lure children into sexual abuse (one of the prominent beliefs of the 1970's straight world), do conversations about pedophilia really belong in the high school or middle school classroom? Children don't need to be hearing or discussing these sort of things... and a sanitized version of Harvey Milk's story would simply be another distortion of history.

And an interesting point about Milk's assassination... he was not assassinated for being gay. He was assassinated by a disgruntled fellow politician. How can someone compare Milk's story to Martin Luther King's? Other details confirm that Milk, although perhaps he could be seen as a brave man campaigning for the rights of a minority group, does not have the kind of integrity that a man like Martin Luther King had (such as a story of Milk disclosing the sexual orientation of Oliver Sipple, a gay ex-marine who saved President Gerald Ford from an assassination attempt, against Sipple's wishes, because he felt that it was "too good an opportunity" for the gay community).

These are important issues... but these are not issues that can be presented objectively, without a political slant, nor are they ones that can be taught in a manner appropriate for the age of the audience.

Well said.

Persecution Updates: July 1

2011-07-01T08:44:00.007-04:00

Pastor's Death Sentence Upheld by Iranian Supreme Court - http://www.aina.org/news/20110630192158.htm

Voice of the Martyrs Update July 1, 2011
(Original post HERE)

Pakistan—Evangelists Threatened and Under Investigation
VOM Sources

Muslim leaders in a remote Pakistani community threatened an evangelist recently, telling him to stop his work or he would “see results coming in the future.” The men approached “Salman,” the evangelist, as he distributed gospel literature. They told him, “We are well aware of what you are doing here; you are trying to convert Muslims to Christianity. We warn you to stop these activities.” Unshaken by their threats, Salman boldly replied, “I am here because my God sent me. … When the Lord asks me to leave this place I will do it, but until then I will not leave.” In another Pakistani city, officials visited an evangelist’s office and asked if Christians were involved in converting Muslims to Christianity. The officials also asked about the evangelist’s source of funding. Christians who work in the office are now under investigation, and authorities are also watching their mail. Pray that God will grant wisdom and protection to all those sharing the gospel in Pakistan.

Sudan—Growing Violence in Sudan
Samaritan’s Purse

Intense fighting has erupted along the border between north and south Sudan. Eyewitnesses report that dozens of civilians have been killed and more than 60,000 displaced. Two churches built in the area by the Christian ministry Samaritan’s Purse (SP) were burned, and multiple bombs have been dropped near an airstrip used for SP relief efforts. In addition, attackers looted the home of some of the ministry workers and burned their offices. “Churches and pastors were directly targeted,” one pastor said. The renewed violence comes at a critical time in Sudan’s history, as south Sudan is preparing to become an independent nation on July 9. If the fighting continues, it could escalate into another civil war. Pray for a peaceful transition of power. Pray that Christians in both north and south Sudan will wait in hope on the Lord.

Afghanistan—Christian Beheaded
World Magazine

A recently released video shows four Afghan militants beheading a man believed to be a Christian in Herat province. The militants, who claim to be Taliban, captured Abdul Latif from his village outside the town of Enjeel. In the video, the men, whose faces are covered with scarves, recite verses from the Quran as they pin Latif to the ground. They read an indictment that references Sura 8:12: “Whoever changes his religion should be executed.” One militant stabs Latif in the neck with a knife, and the men shout “Allahu Akbar!” (God is great) repeatedly until he is fully beheaded. They then place Latif’s head on his chest. Afghan Christians warn of dire consequences for believers when American forces leave Afghanistan. “If U.S. troops are not in Afghanistan, the Taliban will come to power,” Afghan Christian Obaid S. Christ told World Magazine. “We will have the same situation we had in the 1990s when the Russians left Afghanistan, when we had civil war and millions killed.” Pray for the protection of Christians in Afghanistan. Pray that other Afghans will find hope and peace in Christ as they anticipate more violence. Pray that God will grant wisdom to those involved in determining Afghanistan’s future.

Re-posted from VOM.

Same-Sex "Marriage": Headlines and Essays

2011-06-30T18:16:00.004-04:00

Latest headlines on so-called same-sex "marriage."

Obama Steps Into Same Sex Marriage - http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303339904576403891060580806.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
New York: Gay Marriage Approved by Senate - http://www.christianpost.com/news/new-york-senate-approves-gay-marriage-bill-51559/
Next Gay Marriage Showdown Could Be In Minnesota - http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_GAY_MARRIAGE_NEXT_BATTLES?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2011-06-27-17-22-24
Bill Mandating California Schools Teach Gay History is a Lesson in Controversy - http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/06/30/gay-history-in-califronia-schools-lesson-in-controversy/

Here are some articles on the subject which are worth reading in their entirety. They raise excellent questions and drive some hard points.

Sex and the Empire State: An Interview with Robert P. George - http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/print/270662
A Few Queries on Same-Sex Marriage - http://www.kevinbywater.com/weblog/?p=289

If you haven't done so already, check out the Manhattan Declaration here: http://www.manhattandeclaration.org/home.aspx

News to Know - N Korea & Nukes, Lady Gaga Proves the Constition Invalid

2011-06-29T22:07:00.006-04:00

UNIONS:

Union Exempts Itself in Worst Boss Contest - http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/06/29/union-leaders-hold-contest-for-worst-boss-stories-that-excludes-them/

GLOBAL POLITICS:

North Korea to Chair UN Disarmament Conference: The Fox is Guarding the Chickens - http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/06/29/north-korea-to-chair-un-disarmament-conference/
Victory for Freedom: Geert Wilders Aquitted - http://www.pi-news.org/2011/06/a-historic-victory-for-freedom/

THE CONSTITUTION:

via Hugh Hewitt: The 6th Circuit Decision (Healthcare Reform Ruled Constitutional) - http://www.hughhewitt.com/blog/g/60f5973f-53e2-4c06-bd21-6ec3c2a96f42
The Pledge Wars Continue: Patriotism & Religion vs. Soft-skinned Atheists - http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/06/28/compromise-on-pledge-allegiance-in-oregon-town-has-some-seeing-red/
TIME Magazine's Reductio ad Lady Gagaum - http://links.heritage.org/hostedemail/email.htm?h=fa8863fb66eb7aa06d9affbafb7dda87&CID=9160967663&ch=E055F0CD944E98495A0DCE6DAE60F2DE

Mark Steyn on Free Speech at the IPA

2011-06-22T16:26:00.000-04:00

Mark Steyn on Free Speech at the IPA from Institute of Public Affairs on Vimeo.

Escapism: Making Man-Babies

2011-06-15T14:05:00.005-04:00

I recently saw a National Geographic video clip which revealed to me something profound. The clip shows a man whose uses enormous diapers, a giant crib, pacifiers, and has a live-in nurse. The catch? He has no handicaps or mental disabilities––he even has a normal job.

I know that if I had enormous diapers, a giant crib, and pacifiers, it would be because I was making the world’s biggest pacifier sling-shot, and my live-in nurse would be there just in case the diaper sling didn’t release the ammo properly (like what happened to this poor girl).

But the man on National Geographic wasn’t building medieval weapons out of giant surplus nursery items. For him, wearing diapers, sleeping in a crib, and being taken care of by a nurse are all part of his lifestyle: Infantilism. He finds comfort and stress-relief in pretending to be a baby. Babies have no responsibilities and no worries; their world is one of warmth and love. The real world is a hard place, and this man escapes by living a fantasy. As the man himself admits, Infantilism is Escapism at its fullest.

After watching the video, it occurred to me that all Escapism is Infantilism, which is why Escapism ultimately makes children of men. Escapism is not only an escape from reality, it’s an escape from responsibility, and therefore from adulthood. Our world does not need perpetual children; to shun responsibility is cowardice, and our world is desperately devoid of real heroes.

We become Escapists anytime we flee to imaginary worlds to escape reality. We flee to films. We turn to music. We run from reality by refusing to entertain disturbing ideas: the idea that we’re wrong, that we ought to do some unpleasant thing, that we ought not have done something that we did. We create worlds where we are heroes, where there is no evil––at least no potent evil, where the gods have spoken and declared us perfect as we are.

Of course, not all films or music or imaginary worlds are Escapist in the same sense. Nor should all shunned ideas be considered. (It is good to shun thoughts of murder, for instance. Those who entertain them make dangerous friends.) Sometimes an escape from the cares of the world is a good thing. Everyone needs a Sabbath.

The rule in determining between wrong escapes (Escapism) and right escapes (Rejuvenation) is this: a bad escape is an escape from reality, a good escape is a leap into reality. We may forget ourselves in a movie, but a good film will leave us inspired to live our lives; a bad film will leave us wishing for someone else’s life. A good piece of music will leave us searching the world for beauty, a bad piece will leave us searching the world for ourselves.

Children ignore problems and hope that they go away on their own. That is why they wear diapers. Given a choice, I would rather be an adult.

News to Know - Shari'a, Yemen, Shield Law, & Money

2011-06-10T10:29:00.002-04:00

ISLAM:

Study: Shari'a and Violence in American Mosques - http://www.meforum.org/2931/american-mosques
Website: Equal and Free: Tackling the Oppression of Women Under Sharia - http://equalandfree.org/app

YEMEN:

Peace Prize Winner Starts War Campaign in Yemen - http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/09/world/middleeast/09intel.html?_r=1&hp

JOURNALISM:

NJ Courts: No Shield Law for Message Board Posts - http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110607/ap_on_hi_te/us_blogger_protections

MONEY:

U.S. Funding for Future Promises Lags by Trillions - http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2011-06-06-us-owes-62-trillion-in-debt_n.htm#.Te4g92Afcok;facebook
Bank of America to Pay Couple in Mistaken Foreclosure Case - http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/06/06/bank-america-pays-florida-couple-in-mistaken-foreclosure-case/

News to Know - Obama and Bloomberg

2011-05-20T09:54:00.004-04:00

Mr. Obama is courting radical Islamic groups. (Yes, again.) Story HERE.

Mayor Bloomberg publicly stated that he can buy votes. Story HERE.

News to Know - Facebook Interrogations

2011-05-17T23:50:00.004-04:00

A 13-year old boy is questioned by the Secret Service over a Facebook status. Does that concern you? Me too.

News to Know - Illegal entry, Pakistan, Unions

2011-05-17T12:20:00.003-04:00

Court: No right to resist illegal cop entry into home - "INDIANAPOLIS | Overturning a common law dating back to the English Magna Carta of 1215, the Indiana Supreme Court ruled Thursday that Hoosiers have no right to resist unlawful police entry into their homes."

Horrifying? Check. Totalitarian? Check. All hail U.S.S.A.?

Pakistan's 'Blasphemy' Laws pose growing threat - "ISTANBUL, May 13 (CDN) — Pakistan’s notorious “blasphemy” laws can put even children at risk, and Christians say the days when they could teach their offspring pat answers to protect them from accusations of disparaging Islam or its prophet seem to have passed."

In case you hadn't noticed, Pakistan is no friend to freedom. They have declared themselves brutal enemies of Christianity.

White House budget staffers seek to join union -"WASHINGTON - Staffers at the White House budget office filed a petition Monday to join a labor union, seeking to gain more input over their working conditions."

Sounds innocuous, right? The trouble is that unionized government workers will press for higher wages (rather than seeking higher paying non-government jobs) which means that more tax money must be spent to keep the government running.

And while it's true that unions arose to protest unfair treatment, today unions exist, not to protest worker abuse, but to pressure companies into artificially raising wages and benefits (that is, raising wages beyond the value of the workers' labor), and to keep companies from firing employees (despite performance). In other words, unions have become parasitic institutions which drain their host companies of profit and productivity, requiring them to artificially increase prices, and rendering them unable to compete in the global market, which leads to bankruptcy. Or, in the case of government (and ours is already bankrupt), unions tend toward higher costs and even greater incompetency. And everybody wants that, right?

National Geographic - The Berlin Wall

2011-05-15T13:27:00.001-04:00

Never forget how communism in action looks.

Ethiopian Muslims Burn Churches

2011-03-24T17:44:00.002-04:00

Surprised? Me either.

Story here: Thousands of Christians Displaced in Ethiopia After Muslim Extremists Torch Churches

Who Says Marxists Aren't Reasonable People?

2011-03-23T10:33:00.002-04:00

Know why we haven't found any life on Marx?--er, Mars? Well, Chavez seems to know. Too much exploitation by the Martian bourgeois, apparently.

Story here: Chavez says capitalism may have ended life on Mars - Reuters.

Stop Hating; Start Debating

2011-03-22T19:46:00.003-04:00

If there’s one thing no one is allowed to question, it’s that homosexuality is a normal and healthy lifestyle. Challenge this sacred cow and you’re immediately blasted with ad hominem attacks. The way Gay activism got started in the first place was by challenging the status quo. And while many people believe that homosexuals are still unfairly oppressed in the United States, an overlooked consequence of the success of Gay activism is that it is killing our ability and right to argue like civilized people.

For instance, have you noticed that the word “tolerance” is often used to silence debates? If someone says that homosexual behavior is wrong, they are immediately labeled intolerant. Debate over. In this context, what tolerance means at its best is this: we can’t get along if we disagree, so let’s pretend like we don’t disagree, okay? But this is a heartless position. It means that nobody cares what your opinions are, just so long as they don’t make anyone cry. But disagreement is never intolerance and arguments are never hate speech. They are precisely the opposite. Tolerance can only exist where there is disagreement, and an argument is an act of respect. To tolerate rap music means to bear it, to suffer it. It does not mean to enjoy it or to agree with it. To argue with someone is to respect her ideas, because an argument is not a quarrel but an exchange. If an argument isn’t a civil exchange of ideas, it isn’t an argument.

Rather than Tolerance, I suggest a position of Hospitality. Take a genuine interest in other people and their opinions. When people offend you, forgive them. Offer your opinions, but listen to the opinions of others. Be fair. Argue, not just passion, but with compassion.

As a nation, we haven’t done this well, especially not in conversations on homosexuality. Instead, there seems to always be a side which insists that having homosexual desires is a choice, but then refuses to listen to the sincere voices which cry, “We didn’t choose our same-sex attractions.” Likewise, there seems to always be a side which will scream “homophobe!” at anything that moves. Unfortunately, the term “homophobe” is a hateful slur, just like any other. As we all know, and as some of us seem to have forgotten, homophobia is an invented condition (and an ad hominem, at that) yet no one gets in trouble for calling someone a homophobe. Besides, one could argue that if some persons are born gay, then maybe some persons are born homophobic. But that’s ridiculous. An “is” does not imply an “ought.” Plenty of babies are born with life-threatening conditions, and there, at least, we have no moral qualms about fixing what “God made.” What a tragic double standard.

In any case, the debate is far from over. We need to step away from the absurd accusations and hateful language, and talk like civilized people. Giving away chicken sandwiches at a marriage conference is not an act of homophobic bigotry, but those sorts of accusations are exactly what bigotry looks like.

So please, stop hating; start debating.

Who cares about human rights? Not us, apparently.

2011-02-15T19:27:00.005-05:00

My goodness, the government and media do love their double standards, don't they?

Critics Slam U.S. Government, Media for 'Weak' Response to Anti-Christian Attacks

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/02/15/critics-slam-government-media-weak-response-anti-christian-attacks/#ixzz1E4qeRchz

"Christians are a moderating force in the Middle East. When they are gone, religious diversity and pluralism goes with them,” she said. “…It ultimately means there will be a setback for our own national security interests and the ability of these countries to peacefully coexist with us.”

Islam in the News: Feb 2011

2011-02-07T23:40:00.004-05:00

I'm so glad Islam means peace. If it meant "submission" rather than "peace" these stories might actually make sense.

1) "Hena, who was sentenced under Islamic Shariah law, was accused of having an affair with a 40-year-old married cousin, although her family and neighbors said the man had in fact raped her. The man's family beat up Hena and then publicly accused her of adultery, the girl's family said."

Story here: http://www.aolnews.com/2011/02/07/body-of-rape-victim-who-died-after-flogging-is-exhumed-for-new-a/

2) The founder of a Muslim-oriented New York television station was convicted Monday of beheading his wife in 2009 in the studio the couple had opened to counter negative stereotypes of Muslims after the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

Also see today's earlier pos t.

Egyptian Christians Fear Muslim Rule

2011-02-07T18:22:00.000-05:00

“About 90 percent of the population here believes that slitting our throats is their way to heaven.”

Planned Parenthood, A Friend of Sex Traffickers?

2011-02-04T12:40:00.005-05:00

Remember the ACORN scandal? Well, it's 2011 now, which means MORE SCANDALS! This time the offender is Planned Pimphood--er, I mean--Planned Parenthood.

More video links HERE.

Too Religious to Home-School

2011-02-02T10:38:00.006-05:00

A New Hampshire judge ordered a girl to public school because of her Christian faith.

“The judge,” explained Simmons, “said that Amanda reflected her mother’s rigidity in matters of Faith, and that because of that rigidity she needed to be ordered into government run schools."

Story here.

Stories like these are becoming more and more common.
Make a difference; join or donate to HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association).*

*As far as I know, HSLDA is not involved in this case. Nevertheless, they are frequently involved in home school and religious liberties cases across the country.

When God does not Deliver

2011-01-20T16:06:00.008-05:00

I recently heard an idea which haunted me for days. It was one of those terrible truths of which I was already aware, but had never expressed, and had thus only seen peripherally. “God does not deliver his people for their temporal happiness.” Those were the offending words that appeared in the middle of a sermon. It was not meant to be a spectacular point, merely an observation, but it is shattering when one is accustomed to musing only on God’s provision and material blessing. It is an offensive thought, but one whose truth is impossible to deny. More Christians are being imprisoned and killed now than ever before.

Our culture increasingly hostile to Christianity, and I like to be reassured that any future persecutions will be light; I can handle glares and minor inconveniences. I do not mind being purposefully offended for Jesus’ sake. Heck, if offending me was a crime, I could already file ten lawsuits every day. What makes me uncomfortable is any threat of imprisonment, torture, or death. If God is going to deliver me from anything, those are the situations I would like to be delivered from. My happiness and comfort depend much on being free, not-tortured, and alive. It scares me to think that God might not deliver me from oppression, but he often seems to not deliver his people. God even gave his Son over to be killed.

After a few days, I realized what the problem was. I am the problem. All of my concern revolves around my own comfort and what I think is right and best. God too, is concerned about my wellbeing, but I often define “wellbeing” differently than God does. I am not forgetting that the church is commanded to care for persons’ temporal needs, and I am not diminishing the reality and gravity of those needs. Rather, I mean to highlight the two realities: the spiritual and the physical. Both are equally real, but the spiritual reality is greater than the physical reality because bodies die; souls do not. Even if I never know starvation, I will one day be unable to eat. Even if God delivers me from imprisonment or a fatal beating, I am eventually going to die. The question is not if I will suffer and die, but rather, when will I die and to what degree will I suffer?

Furthermore, in requiring God to deliver me from an untimely death, I am guilty of a monstrous arrogance. God’s purposes are greater than my own. As the answer to the first catechism question states, man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. I exist to bring glory to God and I can never place my safety or comfort above that purpose. If God is most glorified in not delivering me from those who have declared themselves my enemies, so be it. I must seek the Kingdom of God more than I seek life.

God’s grace is sufficient (2 Cor 4, 5:1-10, 2 Cor 12:9-10).

[Image source]

A Quote from Bonhoeffer

2011-01-12T23:10:00.003-05:00

"In Jesus Christ the reality of God has entered into the reality of this world. The place where the questions about the reality of God and about the reality of the world are answered at the same time is characterized solely by the name: Jesus Christ. God and the world are enclosed in this name. . . we cannot speak rightly of either God or the world without speaking of Jesus Christ. All concepts of reality that ignore Jesus Christ are abstractions."

-Ethics, Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Fresh Air and Fresh Books

2010-12-16T14:35:00.004-05:00

I finished my undergraduate studies this past Saturday, December 11. Now that I have room to breathe, I'm reading a number of good books, including Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas. A close friend gave me the book as a Christmas present, and it has been amazing--(an adjective which applies to my friend, as well). Reading about Bonhoeffer's life is an inspiration and encouragement to me, even if I do find his intellect intimidating. At any rate, if you're looking for a book to read over Christmas break, this one would be a good choice.

I'm hoping to get myself back on a less sporadic blogging schedule soon.

Undergrad? Done.

2010-11-30T15:57:00.002-05:00

Dear friends,

I ought to explain why I suddenly dropped off the blogosphere radar after my last post. My excuse is a single word: college. I am happy, however, to share that it is also my last undergraduate semester and ends in a mere 11 days. If idleness is the devil's workshop, let me assure you that this semester has been a veritable factory of righteousness. I limited myself to 16 credit hours this semester because I wanted to enjoy a bit of free time; I was tired of working so hard. Well, those 16 hours have turned out to be a very large 16 hours, and left me with no free time at all. At any rate, I'll be back very soon.

Power-Grabbing, Are We?

2010-09-17T12:14:00.003-04:00

As we know, whoever controls the definitions controls the debate. For instance, all that is necessary to institutionalize perfectly sane persons is to redefine madness. A government unhappy with dissent need only redefine madness in terms of political disapproval, and--abracadabra--half of society is mad. Thus, any time a government introduces new definitions or euphemisms, we ought to be wary.

It turns out the White House wants you to start calling it "global climate disruption" rather than "global warming." Why? Because "global climate disruption" is vaguer, and because it is vaguer, it means that laws giving the government the ability to shove 'greenness' down your throat will suddenly be able to apply more broadly.

Having bonfires in your backyard leads to global warming. No more s'mores, kids. But what about cutting down that tree that leans precariously over your child's bedroom? Sorry, climate disruption. It'll have to stay. Move your kid. Thinking about buying a dog? Sorry, climate disruption. Your backyard will never be the same. Want to fertilize your asthmatic lawn? Isn't that climate disruption, too?

My point is this. Your environment is whatever surrounds you. Environmentalism might as well be called 'Everythingism.' And the moment our surroundings become more important than the persons who inhabit them, we haven't become 'environmentally conscious;' we've become anti-human. Even most murderers aren't anti-human. They just hold a grudge against a single person, or a single group of a people. But to be anti-human is a much bigger thing. Any racist is more humane than a person who despises the existence of more than six billion humans.

And don't give me the "Environmentalism means to save the planet to save humanity--you have it backwards" line. If it was about humanity, the emphasis would be on greater production and freedom, not limiting production and limiting freedom. The question ought to be "how can we meet the needs of the peoples of the world?" rather than "how can we keep folks from killing the planet?" If you meet the world's needs, the planet will take care of itself*. If you try to save the planet, you'll destroy humanity.

*(Do you think the folks cutting down rain forests do it because its fun? Or because they need money? Notice that only wealthy countries can afford to preserve their land. And my pet peeve: as long as the UN keeps cheap power out of Africa, nobody in Africa will care about anything but their immediate needs. Environmental policies that prevent development kill poor people.)

Rant over. Peace.

Religious Freedom, Where Have You Gone?

2010-09-06T14:32:00.001-04:00

Healthcare Reform Will Not Be Televised - Alfonzo Rachel

2010-09-04T12:07:00.002-04:00

See the video HERE.

Peace.

Sloganized Christianity: Part 3 - A Relationship, Not a Religion

2010-08-31T15:08:00.002-04:00

Christianity isn’t a religion; it’s a relationship. This is, perhaps, the most common naïve Christian slogan. I consider it naïve for two reasons. First, because it is not true, and second, because while it is used to counter one valid problem, it implies a view of the Church which is just as large of a problem.

When Christians claim that Christianity is a relationship and not a religion, they intend to distance it from cold ritualism. I agree with this sentiment wholeheartedly. Performing a service for the mere sake of performing a service, or saying a prayer merely for sake of saying a prayer are both wrong and ought to be avoided. Worse yet is for a man to perform a service or say prayer for the sake of convincing himself that he is not a bad man, or for assuming that these acts prove his goodness and allow him to stand before God. The purpose of our services and our prayers is to both worship God and be edified in our pursuit of Him; our righteousness before God is Christ alone, not anything of ourselves.

The trouble, then, is not the sentiment of the statement. The trouble is the statement. My copy of Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary defines religion in the following words.

Religion: 1) the service and worship of God or the supernatural; 2) a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices.

Clearly, the dictionary entry contained more than those first two definitions, but none of the other definitions could be construed in any way that would disqualify Christianity as a religion. Christianity is and always will be a religion. Why am I making such a big deal out of definitions? As somebody wise once said, “When words lose their meanings, people lose their lives.” In this case, no one is dying, but a proper understanding of the Christian life is at stake; spiritual lives are at stake.

When we say that Christianity is a relationship and not a religion, we implicitly reject both the communal aspects of religion as well as its formal aspects. Christianity becomes entirely personalized, and the Church as an institution diminishes in importance, or disappears altogether. But the visible Church exists both for God’s glory and our benefit.

Here are three ways we benefit.

1) A healthy church keeps us from great hypocrisies by exercising church discipline. As my pastor often says, “Don’t join a church that won’t kick you out.” Excommunication is more like chemotherapy than an execution. Church discipline is reserved for members who refuse to repent of their sins. And the point is not to abandon them out of spite, but rather to withhold certain blessings that they might realize the severity of their sins and repent and return. It is also an excellent deterrent; I have no wish to be confronted by the elders of my church.

The cruelest thing that a church can do is ignore great sins in its members; to ignore a sick soul is not love – it is apathy. And not to point out the obvious, but the refusal of churches to exercise church discipline is the reason that churches are allegedly filled with hypocrites. Turning a blind eye to sin is turning blind to sin.

2) Regularly attending church keeps us from spiritual lethargy by virtue of being regular, by providing us with Christian fellowship, and by administering the means of Grace (the Lord’s Supper, the preaching of the Word, baptism, etc.). At least, that is how it ought to be.

But why not have ‘church’ at home? Why can I not be a congregation of one? The church was always meant to be a community of believers. If we read our Bibles at all, we recognize that we are God’s people, and not just God’s person. Also, I suspect that Christians who reject ‘organized religion’ for ‘personal religion’ have far less personal religion than those Christians in established churches. With no accountability and no schedule, it is far too easy not to pray, not to read one’s bible, not to sing praises to God, and not to maintain a daily attitude of worship.

3) Attending church also keeps us from pride by reminding us that we are dependent on Christ and dependent on each other. We are neither the masters of our fate, nor are we spiritual giants ready to battle demons in the desert (like vain medieval hermits).

Christianity is both a religion and a relationship; the two are not mutually exclusive—they are mutually dependent. The church is the bride of Christ. If I reject the bride, how can I expect a good relationship with the groom? The application is this: attend a church that preaches the gospel. We are the bride. Let us not forget our Groom.

Read Part 1: Doctrine Divides
Read Part 2: Don't Judge!

Sloganized Christianity: Part 2 - Don't Judge!

2010-08-28T15:14:00.003-04:00

Don’t judge or you’ll be judged! This phrase appears as a naïve Christian slogan when its scriptural meaning and context is ignored. In my experience, “Don’t judge!” is tossed into discussions like a smoke bomb to prevent persons from making moral evaluations. It usually means this: Hey, you can’t pass any judgments because it’s not your place to judge; it’s God’s. So leave me alone, jerk.

As we know, “don’t judge” is in reference to Matthew 7:1-2, which says “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (NIV).

At first glance, the common use of the phrase might seem justified. But let us examine the verse that follow. Verses 3 through 5 continue the theme. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye” etc. It’s obvious from these verses that it is not judgment which is being condemned, but hypocrisy. This passage is saying that if you are going to pass a judgment, make sure you are not engaged in the same sin that you are condemning. That is, hold yourself to the same standards you hold others.

And look at what happens in verse 6. “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs.” Wait, how do we know who the dogs and pigs are? Gasp! Is Jesus asking us to use our judgment to differentiate between mocker ‘pigs’ and honest truth-seekers? (also see Proverbs 9:7-9) Yes, yes he is.

But what about Luke 6:37? “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Well, the log-in-the-eye metaphor appears a few verses over (vs. 41-42). And on top of that, there are verses 43-45. “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit.” Etc. Here also are moral judgments not only implied, but necessary.

Therefore, to read “do not judge” as a prohibition on judging is misguided. Perhaps a better reading would be “do not judge censoriously” or “do not judge hypocritically” (see John 7:24 and previous verses).

It is impossible to be a Christian and not judge between right and wrong. We’re even commanded in Galatians 6:1-5 to practice the following: 1) to recognize sin in each other, 2) to gently correct each other, 3) and to judge our own actions accurately.

If it sounds like I am beating a dead horse, I am sorry. It is important, however, that as Christians, we not abandon the tools God has given us, especially in our misguided attempts at harmony. If we refuse to judge each other in light of Scripture, calling each other back to truth and repentance, God will judge me for sinning, and then judge you for your heartless silence.

Read Part 1: Doctrine Divides
Read Part 3: A Relationship, Not a Religion

Sloganized Christianity: Part 1 - Doctrine Divides

2010-08-27T12:10:00.008-04:00

There are a great many naïve Christian slogans floating in the air, and I’m quite certain it is a solely western phenomenon. I doubt the underground church in China uses slogans like the ones we have got. They do not have the luxury of being naïve; they have too much at stake. I mean popular phrases like, “Love unites; doctrine divides”, “Don’t judge, lest you be judged!”, and “Christianity isn’t a religion; it’s a relationship.” All of these phrases emerge out of some valid concern; they’re all used by well-meaning persons. The trouble is that, like most reactions, they go too far.

Of the three phrases I have listed, the first is downright dangerous, the second is merely an honest mistake, and the third phrase makes us look ignorant and is potentially misleading in several ways.

Love unites; doctrine divides! That sounds awfully nice, but is rather silly. If you were paying attention, you noticed that “love unites; doctrine divides” is itself a doctrine. To put it another way, this slogan is saying “Love unites, but rules about what to believe are divisive.” But this is absurd; this slogan is also giving you a rule about what to believe: that love unites and that doctrine divides.

What persons usually mean (I hope) when they say that “love unites, but doctrine divides,” is that there are some doctrines which are not salvific ones, but which are often enough to divide Christians. I mean doctrines like those of baptism—do we immerse or pour? Or questions of the gifts of the spirit—are cessationists right, or is it the continuationists who are right? To be wrong on questions like these is not to be a mortal heretic.

The trouble is that when we say that doctrine divides, it implies that doctrine is either bad or unimportant. But every theological question is important, because every question is a question about God, and God is infinitely important.

How is every theological question a question about God? All theological questions can be classed as questions about God’s nature, God’s wishes, and God’s acts. But God acts and wishes only according to His nature. So even questions like “What is man?” can be understood in terms of God’s nature. (God created man in His own image and created man good, according to His nature. Man did not obey the wishes of God, and found himself at enmity with God, etc.)

Doctrines ultimately unite. We may disagree over doctrines, and that is magnificent, because it means we must respect each other enough to disagree. G. K. Chesterton writes that “creeds are always in collision. Believers bump into each other; whereas bigots keep out of each others’ way.”* Our disagreements force us to become better listeners, to practice love, to always be reexamining our convictions. If we ignore our disagreements, we do so by ceasing to listen, by loving only those who refuse to anger us, and by hiding our convictions under a smug blanket of cold tolerance.

Yes, love also unites; it is like string, or bandages. But doctrine is cement. Doctrine is the reason the universal Church exists as a universal Church. It is because we share the fundamental doctrines of Christianity that we are brothers and sisters in Christ. It is because of the doctrines of love that we understand our need to love.

*What's Wrong with the World, I.3 -- G.K. Chesterton.

Read Part 2: Don't Judge!
Read Part 3: A Relationship, Not a Religion

"I Want Your Money" Trailer

2010-08-26T15:12:00.001-04:00

Bwahaha, I'm excited about this coming out.

New Club of Good Cents Posts

2010-08-26T08:04:00.004-04:00

The Club of Good Cents (where I am a contributor) has two new blog posts.

1) Slave to Sin or Righteousness?

2) The Great Weaknesses of Atheism: Part 2 - Irrationality
You can read part 1 HERE.

Refuting Xianity: Journal 1 - By What Standard?

2010-08-22T14:47:00.000-04:00

As you know, I have set myself the task of refuting Christianity. I went to Starbucks yesterday and wrote out my reasons for trying to refute Christianity. It was, perhaps, unnecessary, since I obviously know what my intentions are, but it's always clarifying to see them on paper nonetheless.

The most significant thing that I jotted down in my notebook was my decision to use Reason as my measuring rod as well as my platform. Its a bit like pulling myself up by my own bootstraps, but it can't be helped. In order to judge anything you must have a position from which to judge. To measure anything you must have a standard by which to measure. To challenge anything you must have a place from which to stand and challenge it. And I have abandoned Christianity as my platform.

The trouble with using Reason as my standard, as my pastor reminded me this afternoon, is that mankind's ability to reason is imperfect (thanks to total depravity). I've spent all afternoon reevaluating my position and realized that I'm a presuppositional apologist, both by habit as well as conviction. My trouble is that I don't always express my ideas clearly. By holding up Reason as my measuring stick, I was trying to find some sort of common ground among all the major worldviews. My trouble was that I had muddied the waters between epistemology and the apologetic process.

In the end, I realized that it is necessary to assume an epistemic common ground. In order to communicate rationally, you have to assume that rational communication is possible. Thus, I'm assuming that in general humanity has a basic ability to reason, to understand logical arguments, and to recognize self-evident truths. This does not imply, of course, that sound or irrefutable arguments will not be rejected or their conclusions denied. But if there is to be any meaningful discourse at all, I must assume that man is a rational being and recognizes himself as such (albeit by necessity rather than rational proof).

Thus I have begun. It's a slow start, but a careful one. I may find myself returning to this again and refining my positions further.

Read my challenge announcement HERE.

So far, my book list consists of The God Delusion by Dawkins, because I already have it and haven't finished it. If you have any more book suggestions, please comment below.

"Runaway Slave"

2010-08-20T19:36:00.003-04:00

I'm buying this when it comes out in 2011. You should, too.
I heard about it on this follow-worthy blog.
Peace.

Help Me Refute Christianity

2010-08-16T15:39:00.005-04:00

I have decided to prove Christianity wrong. I intend to attack Christianity from the position of every major worldview.

Why?

Part of the reason is because at some point I realized that opponents of Christianity are doing a sorry job refuting it. For instance, this video, which is supposed to be a serious attack on Christianity, makes so many unwarranted assumptions and logical fallacies that it's shamefully sloppy. And from a philosophical perspective, kind of hilarious. I don't see how any critical thinker can take it seriously.

As a Christian, I think I can do a better job of refuting Christianity than atheists (or any non-Christian for that matter), so I'm going to give it a shot. They can only see Christianity from the outside, but I've got the full view.

Of course, I expect to fail in refuting Christianity, which is the point. If my confidence strikes you as arrogant, then I'd like you to try to prove your own position wrong. If you're not sure of your beliefs, why hold them? (If you do, in fact, take my challenge to prove your own position wrong, comment or email and let me know.)

I'm going to keep a journal of my progress, and I'll post updates periodically. Feel free to follow and challenge me as I go and make sure I treat everything fairly.

So, if you'd like to help me out, comment below and share what you consider to be the most serious challenges to Christianity (from any point of view), whether it be particular arguments, books, websites, inherent inconsistencies, etc.

Cheers,

----------------------

Journal Entry 1

Agenda: Grinding America Down (a documentary)

2010-08-15T01:16:00.006-04:00

I just finished watching this documentary. I was blown away. Everyone must see it. I have no further words. It speaks for itself. Watch the trailer below. Then buy it. The information it contains is worth far more than $18.

AGENDA: Grinding America Down (Trailer) from Copybook Heading Productions LLC on Vimeo.

Here's a link to the Agenda Website.

A friend (who is awesome) let me borrow this film, so I don't actually own it. But after watching it, I'm ordering at least one copy.

Books: America Alone and The Spirit of Churchill

2010-08-05T18:21:00.000-04:00

I finished America Alone yesterday, and today I started The Spirit of Churchill by Debbie Brezina. America Alone was about the moral cowardice of the West, and The Spirit of Churchill is about an era when the West was still brave. Brezina's book makes an excellent prequel to Steyn's.

There wasn't much that was new to me in America Alone. Steyn discusses the dangers of the increasing Islamization of the West. I was familiar with most of his points-- the problems with global demographics (and how it relates to the spread of Islam), the moral poverty of the West and the moral strength of Islam, the incompatibility of Islam and Western freedom, Islam's inherent violent bent, etc.

So over all, America Alone was depressing. After all, critics of the book called it 'alarmist propaganda' or something. Which would be a bad thing, except for the fact that Steyn is right. Whether a book is alarmist or not has nothing to do with whether or not it makes valid points. And not only are his points valid, they're also pointy and uncomfortable, like swords: the Sword of Islam. It's worth a read.

The Spirit of Churchill, on the other hand, is nothing short of inspiring. It's amazing how easily I'd forgotten how incredible Hitler's rise and defeat actually was. The West needs another Churchill; we need another Charles Martel. We've got far too many Chamberlains in politics these days. I've been reminded how rare true courage is. Perhaps it's because courage is a Christian virtue; only the weak can be brave. It is the lamb and not the lion which can cultivate courage. Courage is the lamb becoming the lion, despite the knowledge that he is still a lamb.

At any rate, I highly recommend The Spirit of Churchill to your reading lists.

Cheers,

2010-08-03T22:40:00.007-04:00

A mosque on ground zero? Sure! Why not? It's not like the 9/11 hijackers were Muslims or anything.

Granted, the mosque won't be on the ruins of the two towers; it'll be an a nearby building that was struck by airplane debris. I don't know that the Islamic center can be legally opposed without violating the first amendment, but it ought to be recognized for what it is. A slap in the face of the American people.

The mosque is supposed to be, as the linked article states, "part of an Islamic community center to be operated by a group called the Cordoba Initiative, which says the center will be a space for moderate Muslim voices." The trouble with this, of course, is the notion of 'moderate Muslims.'

What is a 'moderate Muslim?' The term is so vague as to be completely meaningless. It's often used vis a vis 'radical Muslim,' which implies that a 'moderate Muslim' is simply a Muslim who isn't trying to blow persons up. Well, that definition works just fine. The trouble is that that isn't what is meant by 'moderate Muslim.'

What is usually meant by 'moderate Muslim' is a Muslim who keeps his faith at home and in the mosque. In other words, a 'moderate Muslim' would be nearly indistinguishable from your typical American self-proclaimed 'Christian.' But this is ridiculous. Islam requires the practice of Sharia law. Sharia law does appear in four distinct schools, but all four agree that anyone who wishes to leave Islam ought to be given three days to return to Islam. If after three days he refuses, he must be killed. I won't even talk about other human rights violations in Sharia law, that one example ought to suffice.

Myth: Islam means peace. No, Islam means submission, and there are no Qur'anic verses which command peace with non-Muslims. I dare you to prove me wrong.

Thus, moderate Muslims are really Muslims who are against Islamism--almost like Christians who oppose the organized Church. They aren't being consistent.

Don't get me wrong, I wish all Muslims were truly moderate Muslims. (I wish even more that they were all Christians. Jesus said, "Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you." Try find that one in the Qur'an.) I simply think that we've been greatly mislead in believing that most Muslims are as moderate and modern as we've made them out to be.

One would think that this slap to the face that this new mosque represents would wake us up, but nah, we're too drunk on our own smug delusions--like the one that murderers only kill persons because society has failed them. Don't worry, Mr. Terrorist! We know that you're really a nice person. You're just upset because we've been so bigoted as to think bad thoughts about Islam, like the idea that it might be wrong.

Okay, so I'm upset. But shouldn't you be upset, too? I should probably temper my language; it's not going to win over any Muslims who read this. But I'm not writing to them. I'm writing to post-Christian Americans who ought to know better. Don't be a frog in a pot. Pay attention to that water. It's been heating up for several hundred years.

Peace,

In a Chapter on America Was Written...

2010-07-23T12:26:00.004-04:00

"It may be said with rough accuracy that there are three stages in the life of a strong people. First, it is a small power, and fights small powers. Then it is a great power, and fights great powers. Then it is a great power, and fights small powers, but pretends that they are great powers, in order to rekindle the ashes of its ancient emotion and vanity. After that, the next step is to become a small power itself."

-G. K. Chesterton, Heretics

An Object in Motion Will Stay in Motion -- A Short Story

2010-07-21T11:51:00.001-04:00

An Object in Motion Will Stay in Motion

By D. Araujo

I’m always so close, yet he always eludes me; he vanishes into the heat-blurred Arizona horizon like a lightning ghost. I’ve hunted him my whole life, just as my father did before me and his father before him. My superior intellect—IQ, two hundred and seven: super genius—has allowed me to transcend the worn-out methods of my ancestors. That was the age of tooth and claw. This is the age of mail-order catalogues.

Today I got closer than usual. I spent the morning with my usual traps. I painted a strip on the road with instant glue and hid behind a cactus with a giant wooden mallet. In the past, I tried the glue and the mallet individually to no effect. My prey zipped across the glue like it was cast-iron skillet. And I always time my mallet swings wrong; I usually end up hitting myself. But I see no reason why they shouldn’t work in combination. Even if the glue slows him only a few milliseconds, that should be enough time for me to strike. At any rate, I routinely try a new twist on an old trap before breakfast.

Seconds after I hid, a cone of dust approached like a spear up the road. I stifled a laugh at the thought of my nemesis glued and smashed. I counted down and leapt, wielding my mallet. My timing was impeccable. After the dust settled, I saw that he stood beside me; he had stopped before the glued strip. I also found myself standing in the instant glue and my mallet glued to the road after my great swing. The fiend stuck his tongue out at me and dashed away. Then I got hit by a mover’s truck.

After scraping myself off the pavement and breakfasting on large insects, I worked on my mid-morning attack. I had drawn plans for a trap which called for TNT. I strung a trip wire across the road and packed the steep hill by the road with explosives. The plan, of course, was that he would collide with the trip wire and throw an avalanche of rocks upon himself. Engrossed in my task, I failed to notice the familiar cone of dust rocketing along on the road: the soon-to-be avalanchee at its point. When I heard his cries, I jumped and turned in horror to see him dashing toward the wire. Rocks exploded around me; I was weightless, I was deaf, I was blind. I was also on fire.

After the defeats of the morning, I welcomed the arrival of a new apparatus in the mail, namely, a molecular projector. This machine has two settings: it either copies an object or dissolves it, projecting the object’s molecules and reassembling it at a distance. It closely resembles a teleportation device, except that this apparatus can cast objects high in the air. I’m sure you are asking yourself why I would want to cast myself in the air—have I got a pair of wings, perhaps? No, of course not! But uncommon innovation separates us super geniuses from the ranks of common folk. No, I shall not cast myself, but anvils. It will rain anvils, I told myself.

I dragged the machine to a hill overlooking the road. I set the dial to “duplication”—I have only one anvil—and practiced dropping anvils out of the clouds. Soon, I could hit any cactus I wanted with as many anvils as I pleased. Or I could spray anvils over a region. Then, with the sun sinking toward the horizon, I readied myself for the last attack of the day. I put a large bowl of birdseed in the road. I even stuck a sign in it: FREE BIRDSEED. Then I returned to my spot on the hill behind the machine and waited.

I waited for an hour. The sun was as red as the cliffs and the air still and silent. I could almost hear the ground cooling under my feet. Suddenly, a trail of dust appeared in the distance. He was coming.

My timing was perfect. Just as I expected, he halted at the birdseed. A great cloud of anvils crashed on the road. When the dust blew away, there was no trace of him. I hurried down to where the anvils lay like a black blanket over the road. It was all anvil black and dust red, till at length I spied a spot of color, a blue splotch against the red earth—a wing. At last! I had captured him. I had crushed him. I chuckled with glee. After years of pain (road rash, dramatic falls, third degree burns) and hundreds of traps, tons of explosives, rocket skates and even earthquake pills, I had won. Now I could taste this mythic delicacy.

The wing twitched; I stopped laughing. What was I without him? The pursuit was over. What had I left to pursue? Without him, I had no epic struggle, and nothing stretched before me but the petty trials of mere survival. If I destroyed him, I destroyed myself.

I tipped the anvil up. Flat as a pancake, he looked at me cross-eyed and dazed. Then, waddling away, he stuck his tongue out. I stared back at him and smiled. WHAM—something hit me in the head and drove me into the ground. I guess that earlier an anvil had gotten stuck in the sky. I heard him waddle closer and put his head by my flattened body.

BEEP! BEEP!

And he was gone.

The Club of Good Cents

2010-07-15T00:11:00.006-04:00

EDIT 21/07/2010: My post is now up.

A small intellectual club, of which I am a part, has just begun a blog. Check it out here. We will be posting weekly. I'm a little bit behind on my contribution (the first installment of a series on the great weaknesses of atheism), but it'll be up by the end of next week.

Check us out! Go read the current article on religious freedom and persecution.

Peace,

To Be--That is the Answer

2010-07-11T20:18:00.004-04:00

Text for an art song I wrote this spring. I was writing my senior thesis (on madness in Chesterton's fiction) during the same period, so this lyric was heavily influenced by my good friend G.K. At any rate, I thought I'd share it because I've wanted to post for a while, but I have absolutely nothing to say. Ah well, cheers.

To Be--That is the Answer

The million windows of the midnight air
Shut in the world's lunacies and sins,
But light drips down to catch our tired eyes
And shed the warmth of heaven's feasting fires.

On winter nights spent staring into fires,
I'm madly pricked to joy in both my eyes
And curse with love the sickness of my sins--
That I forgot to praise my God for air.

Warning: the Constitution Might Offend Your Socialist Sensabilities

2010-06-10T08:15:00.004-04:00

This made me sick. Way to start the morning.

The country that our Founding Fathers knew has already been completely destroyed, but some folks seem intent on destroying every last trace of what we were. I'd call it treason if treason was still a crime.

On the Nonexistence of Shoes

2010-04-07T01:37:00.005-04:00

On the Nonexistence of Shoes (Or, Harry the Ashoeist)
by D. Araujo

Harry loved his purple shoe
And hated things that fly
So when his shoe grew wings and flew
He made a purple sky.
His other shoe was blue and true
But soon began to cry;
It missed its match: the purple shoe
Up in the purple sky.
“By Hermes feet!” Harry cursed
While painting earth with blues.
“I never thought I’d be the first
To prove there are no shoes.”

Christopher Hitchens' Christian Brother

2010-03-18T19:34:00.003-04:00

Again, super busy. But here's a post anyway.

Two worthy articles to check out from the Peter Hitchens Blog:

"How I found God and peace with my atheist brother"

"More sex education means more teenage pregnancies. . . always"

Cheers,

SCURY-CURING BACHELOR SALSA

2010-03-07T01:32:00.006-05:00

Haven't been around, sorry. Life is crazy. In other news, I think I've finally perfected the art of homemade salsa. My super exact original recipe is as follows:

SCURVY-CURING BACHELOR SALSA

1 large can of petite diced tomatoes
3 ripe tomatoes
1 yellow bell pepper
1 red (or orange) bell pepper
2 small onions (red or white)
3 (at least) jalapenos
lots of cilantro
garlic powder (or you can use fresh garlic, but I'm lazy)
onion powder
salt
3 limes

Step 1: Dice your 3 tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, jalapenos, and cilantro.
Step 2: Drain most of the liquid in your out of your can of tomatoes.
Step 3: Throw it all into a large mixing bowl
Step 4: Squeeze your three limes into the salsa.
Step 5: sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, and salt (more salt than garlic or onion powder).
Step 6: Mix, cover, and refrigerate over-night.

Makes approximately several pounds of salsa. Serves approximately a few salsa-loving people.

Eat with everything.

(Salsa-making wouldn't be an art if I was exact. It's what separates the great salsa-artists from the mediocre salsa-artists. You just know, you know? When my Mexican genes speak, I listen. Que bueno que hablo espanol, no?)

If you try this recipe, leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

P.S. This salsa also cures Atheism.

The Dirty Dozen

2010-02-15T12:08:00.001-05:00

Twelve policies that are undermining our country.

News to Know: Education crime, global bank taxes, and trashy teachers

2010-02-11T13:33:00.009-05:00

Here are some news stories you should know about:

Political asylum granted to a German family fleeing persecution for their education choices.

A few days ago, somebody told me that if a world state appears, it'll be run by and preceded by an international bank. As everyone knows, for politicians, money is only ever a means to an end: power.

Teacher's unions are good, right? Yes! They allow teachers who impregnate their 16 year old students to continue collecting their salaries, even though they're banned from teaching. What a deal!--sleep with a 16 year old student and retire on your untouchable salary! With benefits like that, I'm surprised there aren't more teachers...

Political Agenda in the Classroom? POW! Shot down.

2010-02-03T18:49:00.005-05:00

The fact that folks were outraged over THIS proves there's some hope left. Unsurprisingly, Perry High School is a public school, although this wasn't stated in the article.

-Peace

EDIT: Did I say something about hope? I take that back. Kids need to learn more history, not less. And not just American history but Western history. Make those kids read Livy for Pete's sake. What's wrong with the world? Our education.

Ain't no education like a classical education, foo'.

The Illustrated Road to Serfdom

2010-01-28T17:54:00.002-05:00

The Illustrated Road to Serfdom.

Islam, the Religion of Peace and Tolerance

2010-01-26T15:11:00.002-05:00

Christians in Egypt are threatened with death. "Muslims try to kill us, and will kill us if they find us."

I predict that the biggest problems the world is going to face in the 21st Century are going to be the direct result of the spread of Islam and the globally declining birthrate.

University of Myspace, Facebook State, Xanga College...

2010-01-23T16:13:00.015-05:00

I have a post in limbo, but I've been sick most of the week and haven't really gotten around to editing it. The more posts I write, the pickier I become about what I say and how I say it. I suppose that's a good thing, but it slows me down and makes me want to delete everything I've ever written. At any rate, today I give you

Things I Have Learned from Networking Websites.

1. Most persons are invisible to themselves. What I mean is that persons rarely (if ever) see themselves accurately. Outside of the odd and horrific moment of clarity, we only ever see of ourselves that which we want to see. I discovered this years ago from browsing myspace and xanga profiles; I noticed that everyone thought themselves unique. Instead, I was surprised to discover how much the same everyone is. The more unique someone thinks they are, the less likely it is that they are.

The trouble is that they are wrong because they are right. Or more precisely, they are wrong because of where they are right. For instance, today I read this in somebody's profile: "I am one of the strangest people you'll ever meet because of my likes and dislikes." A person is right that he is unique in so far as there is not another person that is he, but everyone is wrong when they think that their uniqueness is anything but superficial. My tastes differentiate me from others the same way different outfits make identical mannequins different. It creates a false sense of diversity. Beliefs create substantial differences: nothing else does. The Flat Earth Society is full of people who truly are unique. Our schools and universities are full of clones.

The problem isn't that we haven't got enough mirrors, it's that we have far too many.

2. The search for significance appears as a transmission of the trivial (how's that for alliteration, eh?). What I mean is that much of the noise that is generated on social networking sites is the result of everyone's attempt to be heard. I wish I had a dollar for every Myspace bulletin I've ever opened which said "new profile!! go comment!!" or "new pix from da show lst weekend!! leve me commentz! xoxo." These desperate pleas for attention are pretty obvious, but the same force is at work on Twitter and Facebook, I believe. (I need someone to pick on. Let's create someone named Billy.) Thanks to Twitter, I don't care that Billy just got a paper cut. I don't care that Billy is now watching American Idol. Nobody but Billy cares that it's time to vacuum. Persons that do care about these sorts of things are called stalkers. Or gossips. But Billy obviously wants us to care about all these things, otherwise he wouldn't tell us about them. If the trivial things in Billy's life can be significant to somebody else, then the whole of Billy's life becomes significant.

At this point I hear someone protesting that not all transmission of triviality is a search for significance. This is true. Much of it is a search for amusement, and sharing what we find amusing often increases our pleasure. But my argument is strictly within the arena of internet community. It is one thing to share a joke someone else has made because you enjoyed it; it is a very different thing to invent a pointless joke in order to leave a comment (I'm guilty of this. One of my great vices is that I use humor, not to make other persons feel good, but rather to make myself feel significant). When I receive comments about things I have done or said, it gives me the illusion of significance. When I leave trivial comments on things other persons have done or said, I often find that I'm only trying to assert my own importance (talking to hear myself talk).

All this is based on less than a decade's weight of observation and introspection and many gallons of theory. So I propose an experiment. As you float around the internet's social networks, pay attention to how people react to each other, pay attention to yourself, and notice triviality as triviality. Then let me know whether or not you agree with me, and on what points you agree or disagree. I'm interested in hearing your thoughts.

Nefarious Trailer from Exodus Cry

2010-01-22T12:19:00.003-05:00

This looks like an incredibly important film, albeit one that won't be very easy to watch.

Nefarious Trailer from Exodus Cry on Vimeo.

Verseday Thursday: Edgar Allen Poe

2010-01-14T23:08:00.000-05:00

This used to be one of my favorites by Poe. It's not his best poem, but I've always liked the way it rolls off my tongue, starting slowly and gathering momentum.

From Childhood's Hour - Edgar Allen Poe

From childhood's hour I have not been
As others were; I have not seen
As others saw; I could not bring
My passion from a common spring.
From he same source I have not taken
My sorrow; I could not awaken
My heart to joy at the same tone;
And all I loved, I loved alone.
Then--in my childhood, in the dawn
Of a most stormy life--was drawn
From every depth of good and ill
The mystery which binds me still:
From the torrent or the fountain,
From the red cliff of the mountain,
From the sun that round me rolled
In its autumn tint of gold,
From the lightning in the sky
As it passed my flying by,
From the thunder and the storm,
And the cloud that took the form
(When the rest of Heaven was blue)
Of a demon in my view.

Your Fear Asplode

2010-01-09T17:56:00.002-05:00

If you let your enemy define your terms of victory, you'll never win. Duh.
This article is worth reading.

Peace,

Verseday Thursday: Walt Whitman

2010-01-08T16:41:00.002-05:00

(I know, I know...I keep forgetting to notice Thursdays. Maybe I should call it Verseday--Day After--Thursday...*sigh*)

I have to confess that I still haven't decided whether or not I respect Whitman as a poet. I don't really like his poetry, but not liking him doesn't make him a bad poet. By the same token, just because he's anthologized doesn't mean that he's necessarily a good poet either; it just means that he was influential. At any rate, this is my favorite Whitman poem, but not because I think it's a good poem (I still haven't made up my mind whether it is or not), but rather because I think it contains a valuable insight.

TO THE STATES - Walt Whitman

To the States or any one of them, or any city of the States,

Resist much, obey little,

Once unquestioning obedience, once fully enslaved,
Once fully enslaved, no nation, state, city of this earth,
ever afterward resumes its liberty.

Religious Freedom at Stake in Supreme Court Case

2010-01-06T20:14:00.000-05:00

Story here.

Don't Steal, the Government Hates Competition

2010-01-04T17:41:00.005-05:00

Theft is theft, regardless of who you steal from. Raising taxes on the rich and middle classes is like stealing the seeds a farmer has saved for next year's planting and using them to make cakes for everyone in the village. They might be great cakes, but next year's harvest won't even be enough to make each person a flour tortilla.

The wealthy and small business owners provide jobs for the rest of the world. When you strangle them, it's economic equivalent of tying a tourniquet around your neck to stop the bleeding in your foot. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

And then when the economy keeps plummeting, guess what! More bailouts! Bigger government!

Dear Mr. Obama, Cronies (Advisors), and Congress,
You're not Robin Hood. Stop trying to be. That was feudalism. This is a democratic republic. Not sure if you noticed, but they are different.

EDIT: While you're fuming with me about taxes, here's one to make you glad you don't live in New York City.

Verseday Thursday: Chesterton and back-posts

2009-12-31T16:36:00.002-05:00

This blog needs more structure. I'll sometimes begin to write a post, work on it for a couple days, and then decide in the end that I shouldn't post it, which ends up leaving this place postless and dead, despite my good intentions. So, I have decided to migrate a weekly Facebook post that I make to this, my beloved blogspot. The post is called "Verseday Thursday," because it's as close as I could get to a rhyme. At any rate, I do hope you'll find the poems worth your while.

To kick off this very first blogspot edition of Verseday Thursday, I'm presenting you with today's post in addition to back-posts for a very special New Years Eve Verseday Thursday.

Cheers.

VERSEDAY THURSDAY (31 Dec. 2009): Gilbert Keith Chesterton

I nearly forgot today was a Thursday. But I remembered, and in honor of the new year, I've decided to share one of my favorite Chesterton poems.

A PRAYER IN THE DARKNESS - by G. K. Chesterton

This much, O heaven--if I should brood or rave
Pity me not, but let the world be fed.
Yea, in my madness if I strike me dead
Heed you the grass that grows upon my grave.

If I dare snarl between this sun and sod,
Whimper and clamour, give me grace to own
In sun and rain and fruit in season shown,
The shining silence of the scorn of God.

Thank God the stars are set beyond my power;
If I must travail in a night of wrath,
Thank God my tears will never vex a moth
Nor any curse of mine cut down a flower.

Men say the sun was darkened, yet I had
Thoughts it beat brightly, even on Calvary:
And He that hung upon the torturing Tree
Heard all the crickets singing, and was glad.

VERSEDAY THURSDAY (18 Dec. 2009): William Butler Yeats/Day-late edition [posted it on a Friday. ]

He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven - W.B. Yeats

Had I the heavens’ embroidered cloths,
Enwrought with golden and silver light,
The blue and the dim and the dark cloths
Of night and light and the half light,
I would spread the cloths under your feet:
But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

(Very possibly my favorite Yeats poem)

VERSEDAY THURSDAY (10 Dec. 2009): Thomas Nashe

ADIEU, FAREWELL EARTH'S BLISS (A.D. 1592) –by Thomas Nashe

Adieu, farewell earth's bliss,
This world uncertain is;
Fond are life's lustful joys,
Death proves them all but toys,
None from his darts can fly:
I am sick, I must die.
Lord, have mercy on us!

Rich men, trust not in wealth,
Gold cannot buy you health;
Physic himself must fade;
All things to end are made;
The plague full swift goes by:
I am sick, I must die.
Lord, have mercy on us!

Beauty is but a flower
Which wrinkles will devour;
Brightness falls from the air,
Queens have died young and fair,
Dust hath clos'd Helen's eye:
I am sick, I must die.
Lord, have mercy on us!

Strength stoops unto the grave,
Worms feed on Hector brave,
Swords may not fight with fate,
Earth still holds ope her gate;
Come, come, the bells do cry.
I am sick, I must die.
Lord, have mercy on us!

Wit with his wantonness
Tasteth death's bitterness:
Hell's executioner
Hath no ears for to hear
What vain art can reply:
I am sick, I must die.
Lord, have mercy on us!

Haste, therefore, each degree
To welcome destiny:
Heaven is our heritage,
Earth but a player's stage:
Mount we unto the sky.
I am sick, I must die.
Lord, have mercy on us!

Christmas Eve Christmas Links

2009-12-24T11:44:00.003-05:00

Here are some worthy Xmas links:

Origin of 'Xmas'

The House of Christmas - G. K. Chesterton (poem)

What Christmas Meant to C.S. Lewis (there are some worthwhile comments below the post, too)

And finally, let us dwell upon the fact, as Lewis succinctly put it, that

"The Son of God became a man to enable men to become the sons of God."

Not only is that the reason we celebrate Christmas, but it is also what enables us to celebrate anything at all.

Merry Xmas!

No Shave November -- The End

2009-11-29T13:27:00.006-05:00

NOTE: This post is in the past tense because I have already returned to the land of the well-groomed.

After shunning my razor for over a month, I looked a bit scruffy. Actually, I didn't look too different from when I started.

I'm a scruffy cyclops!

Poetry: Melancholy and Moral Geometry

2009-11-24T01:30:00.009-05:00

A couple recent poems. They aren't fantastic, but I suppose they aren't vomit-worthy either. Neither of these is actually titled, but I felt like I needed to title them to post them. I'm sure I'll read them again in a few months and either burn or revise them (...for the umpteenth time. Alas). But until their demise or further verbal (plastic) surgery...

Silent Melancholy Sits - D. Araujo

Silent melancholy sits
Crouched beside the path
Well-worn and soft,
Like tired earthen backs,
With the stately steps
Of distilled centuries.
Green, it hides,
And gray, it hangs.
It waits for me to pass
With tender silent tread
And turns blithe inspiration
Heavy, entering like a mist
And choking like a sigh.

Life Wanders

More poetry here.

We are Villains in Need of Heroes

2009-11-22T19:10:00.000-05:00

In Moby-Dick, Melville writes,

Men may seem detestable as joint stock-companies and nations; knaves, fools, and murderers there may be; men may have mean and meagre faces; but man, in the ideal, is so noble and so sparkling, such a grand and glowing creature, that over any ignominious blemish in him all his fellows should run to throw their costliest robes.

This remarkable line captures the essence of the epic hero. It is this sentiment of mankind’s glory that makes myths and epic poems. Literature, in all its historic vastness has painted images of the ideal man: men like Hector, Odysseus, Aeneas, King Arthur, and Beowulf. The great Greek and Humanist sculptors of the Renaissance attempted to carve the body of this ideal man. In pursuit of this ideal, we are often willing to excuse the faults of a great man if his greatness outweighs his faults: giants, for instance, like King David, Martin Luther King Jr., and Churchill.

However artificially, we create and frame certain men as approaching the ideal – as heroes – out of a need to observe such men. If history has taught us anything, it is that mankind naturally tends toward evil; it is only through careful vigilance and the constant threat of losing our freedoms that we can maintain them. Perhaps in setting such men on pedestals and disregarding their failures, we are not such much admiring them as we are reassuring ourselves of humanity. If giants can arise out of society, perhaps there is hope for us: perhaps there is hope for humanity. Such heroes help us preserve the idea that man can be good, despite all the evil, suffering, and failure in the world.

The scandal to which we are daily exposed has perhaps destroyed our ability to believe in such heroes. The men and women who are supposed to be extraordinary, often seem to prove themselves so only by the exceptional number of their moral failures. We are reminded of Lord Acton’s famous dictum: all power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Adultery, illicit affairs, financial dishonesty, and various other corruptions seem as common among politicians and celebrities as runny noses in a nursery.

On the flip side of our desire to believe that man can be great, is both the realization that a greater capacity for goodness carries an equally great capacity for evil and a secret desire to see great men fall. The danger of greatness draws us to it; he who has the greatest capacity to save life has the greatest capacity to destroy it, and the balance can easily swing in either direction. Every good and powerful man is like a man dangling from the edge of a cliff, and breathless, we watch.

When great men fall, we are secretly pleased and fascinated, even though it only inspires cynicism. When great men fall, our own failures become a little more excusable. If we can excuse great men, perhaps we can excuse ourselves. If even great men cannot escape moral failures, how are we – the ordinary – be expected to escape? If it’s inevitable, perhaps we aren’t to blame.

No one is perfect, and so every time we set up a hero, we must ignore and cover his blemishes. This is not deceit, it is elevation of the good to the point where it fills our vision and we are unable to see anything else. Heroes are men as they should be, not men as they are. No matter how good we become, they are bigger and better still, and we are to continually reach after them.

It serves us better to create heroes than to destroy them.

Atheist Poster Children Actually Christians

2009-11-20T19:37:00.001-05:00

Ha! O, irony. Read the story here.

Discrimination is the New Non-Discrimination. Confused? You're Fired.

2009-11-10T12:19:00.008-05:00

Peter Vidala was fired for telling his coworker her homosexual marriage was wrong. He spoke up because he's a Christian, saying, "I see, like all real Christians, homosexuals as people who, like me, are sinners and need to be told the truth in a loving way."

He clearly identifies himself with his Christianity--it's who he is.

As you might recall, I posted this quote a while ago:

"When someone is attacked for being who they are, and for being proud of who they are, there is no other explanation for that attack than hatred and bigotry," said New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, the first openly gay speaker of the city council.

He was clearly fired for being who he is, and being unashamed (proud?) of who he is. Thus, the only reasonable explanation is that he's a victim of hatred and bigotry. Hey, not my words. I'm just applying things equally.

"Yeah, but he didn't have to say anything to his coworker. He should have just kept his mouth shut. Christians should keep their religion private."

--Oh really? Well what if I said this?

Homosexuals shouldn't flaunt their sexuality. They should keep their mouths shut. They should keep their homosexuality secret.

Blatant double standards, anyone? They're giving out free extra-portions! Get your pink slips while they're hot!

No Shave November/Movember/Hobo Holidays

2009-11-02T14:44:00.009-05:00

Alas, I realized we were already in November late last night. I've been planning on doing No Shave November for months, but I've been so busy that I lost track of time and WHAM, I forgot to shave on Saturday. Thus, I'm going into No Shave November with an untrimmed 'stache and goatee and scruff all over my neck.

I can't grow a full beard for the life of me. Get ready, here comes the beard joke:

My beard screams "Geronimo!" ...'cause it's a patchy beard! (Get it, Apache beard? Ha. Ha. Ha...)

At any rate, here's today's No Shave photo. It's okay if you recoil in horror. My mother does too.
"Um...when are you going to get a haircut?"
"...Mother, I promise that one day I will get a haircut."
"When?"
"...I dunno. One day?"

Here's a couple links for you to check out.
In Defense of Beards (Previous post on beards)
Movember (from the Art of Manliness website)
Manliest Mustaches of All Time (from the Art of Manliness website)
Growing a Manly Beard (from the Art of Manliness website)
Beards.org (what it says, yo.)

Cheers,

Slightly Ominous: Gaius Octavius Obama Caesar?

2009-10-29T22:37:00.008-04:00

Slightly ominous. Parallels, o how boring life would be without you...

"Pft, everybody is over-reacting."
Perhaps, but it's also true that we might be under-reacting.
"WHAT? Are you serious?"
Yes, I'm serious. Hey, it's possible.
"Do you ever blog anything except controversial news and opinion articles?"
Yes, yes I do.
"Well?"
Hey, I've been busy. College is a mosquito.
"Sucks your blood, eh?"
Yeah, that and money.
"You could have said vampire."
I suppose.
"So, when you're done being so busy...?"
I'll start blogging more substantial things, I promise. I have tons of ideas--piles of plans. I'd like to do a post on aspects of death, another one on a Xian view of literature, perhaps even one defending "Xian" and "Xmas" as terms ("Keep Christ in Christmas!" What? He's still there. Etymology, anyone?), and perhaps a few posts on my developing aesthetic theory, etc. etc.

So stick aroond (as they say in Scotland). One of these days I'll have a real post up.

Cheers,

Dear God, Save Us

2009-10-22T19:03:00.003-04:00

If Obama signs the 'hate crimes bill,' it will be time to begin looking to change my nationality.

A 'hate crime' is a thought crime, and it's a crime against the American people to legislate thoughts.

The predictions are, of course, that because 'hate crimes' are so ill defined, that as soon as someone can claim emotional and psychological distress over something someone has said out of 'hate'--bingo. Hate crime.

Of course, all advocates claim that the bill will be applied equally to all. Right, so if I ever get beat up for being a Christian, everyone will jump to my rescue and claim that I was a victim of hate? No, I'll tell you what will happen. I'll be accused of provoking the attack by being hateful myself. If I get beaten up for witnessing to someone, I'll be accused of hate speech against other religions, hate speech against 'alternative lifestyles,' and general bigotry.

It doesn't matter which way it goes. Christians lose. And they call this progress. Pft.

It's bloody favoritism, that's what it is.

Just watch, I wouldn't be surprised if this post earns me some 'hate speech', just like this post did.

Peace,

Ex-Gay Books Banned from Schools

2009-10-22T13:06:00.003-04:00

Article here. Who says public schools don't have a blatant agenda?

Cheers,

Friday Miscellanies

2009-10-16T17:35:00.004-04:00

Why the Obama Administration Will Implode in Weeks.

Even the Norwegians Know Obama Can't Keep his Promises.

Baby hit by Train -- this is actually a happy story.

And here are the past winning entries of the Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest (the worst first sentence of a novel contest).

-Peace

When Persons are Attacked for Who They Are...

2009-10-12T21:12:00.006-04:00

New York Man Beaten for Being Gay. Clearly, violence is not a way to solve these sorts of problems. Please pay attention to the quote in this article. Remember it. It is a significant quote. I'll even reproduce it here:

"When someone is attacked for being who they are, and for being proud of who they are, there is no other explanation for that attack than hatred and bigotry," said New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, the first openly gay speaker of the city council.

When someone is attacked for being who they are, and for being proud of who they are, there is no other explanation for that attack than hatred and bigotry--really? I think we'll be finding out very soon. I'll be referring back to this in the future.

Peace.

Insurers Against Healthcare Reform

2009-10-12T16:56:00.010-04:00

Destroying private business through federal tax-funded competition?

Sounds good to me! While we're at it, why don't we give the government a monopoly on carrying first-class mail? In fact, let's give our responsible federal government the job of helping the nation's poor (or nations', if you prefer) and responding to natural disasters! Oh! And let's hand over our children to our caring government's tutelage.

OH WAIT, we already do all that.
1) Stamps are too expensive,
2) our welfare programs subsidize promiscuity and the birth of bastard children (oh, but just think if we had free abortions! Problem solved!--a la Margaret "Racist" Sanger),
3) FEMA did an expensive, crappy job with Katrina (while local and state Churches and ministries responded immediately, albeit invisibly--thanks, CNN),
4) and our kids are stupid.

The Federal government is a giant king Midas that drowns the quality and rockets the cost of anything it touches (and who, if it was in a Dickens novel, would be in debtors prison right now). Way to go, Feddy.

Cheers,

EDIT: Apparently Insurers' attacks made the White House grumpy. A quote from the article:

"This is a self-serving analysis from the insurance industry, one of the major opponents of health insurance reform," [Linda Douglass, spokeswoman with the Office of Health Reform] said. "It comes on the eve of a vote that will reduce the industry's profits. It is hard to take it seriously."

Oh, please. Seriously? The insurance companies are self-serving and the Federal government isn't? Our immaculate federal government never acts in its own interests? Our Federal government is an obese baby with grubby hands. The Federal government ALWAYS acts in its own interests. Why do you think we have a system (however imperfect) of checks and balances? (Lately, it's looking more like cheques, and negative balances. Boing--boing--boing).

Bah. There's a baby that needs a bath, a new diaper, and a diet.

Public Schools Love Double Standards...

2009-10-06T15:14:00.003-04:00

Homeschool Ruling Reveals Educational Double Standard: worth a quick read.

Peace.

How Superstitious are You?

2009-10-05T15:05:00.005-04:00

THIS is an interesting article. Toward the bottom there's a superstition quiz you can take.

At the end of the quiz, the writer notes, "The higher your score, the more supernatural your beliefs. Research among students using this scale showed an average score of 38 in the US and 32 in the UK."

I scored a walloping 9 points. The lowest possible score is 6.

You know, I wasn't really surprised. It's because I'm a Christian. Christianity leaves no room for superstition. I clearly believe in the supernatural, but my belief is a rational one, and it's a belief in an ordered supernatural, because God values order.

If that doesn't make sense, then you haven't understood Christianity.

Peace.

Since when is America a bigger loser than France?

2009-10-02T18:58:00.007-04:00

This ("Obama's French Lesson" -Washington Post) is an intriguing article.

When you get rebuked by a Frenchman (and the Frenchman is right)...you know you've sunk to a new level.

Earth to Obama, earth to Obama, come in Mr. Obama...

And while you're at it, this is also a worthwhile piece on Obama and the Olympics.