Lately, I have been reading "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis and working on the accompanying study guide. One thing that is quite easy to pick out is how the devil can get us off track and sin. But, it is easy to see it in others and I am not sure we see it so easily in ourselves. Maybe I haven't gotten to that point in the book yet or maybe it isn't covered, but one thing for sure is that is what we do as sinful creatures.
Lewis lays it our very plainly how we sin and how Satan's minions can get us to sin. Besides going to God in prayer and fellow-shipping with other Christians, probably the hardest thing for us to do is to be REAL with ourselves and others. To be honest and humble at the same time. To be loving and thoughtful with each other. The book can also give us insight into how others are acting and if they are being REAL or if they are under attack and need our help or if they just are playing Christian.
The Screwtape Letters is a book we should pick up continuously since it provides us with wisdom on how we are and will be attacked, but also grounds us in our faith.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
Faith Based and Reality Based
When George W. Bush became President in 2001, many conservative Christians lost their minds. What I mean by that is all of a sudden, those people who could think critically while a Democrat was President, became blind believers of "presidential infallibility". It was as if we put an authoritarian leader into the office that had to be met with blind agreement. Why is that? Some of it comes from this quote--now attributed to that Bush Machiavellian, Karl Rove--
"The aide said that guys like me were “in what we call the reality-based community,” which he defined as people who “believe that solutions emerge from your judicious study of discernible reality.” I nodded and murmured something about enlightenment principles and empiricism. He cut me off. “That’s not the way the world really works anymore,” he continued. “We’re an empire now, and when we act, we create our own reality.”
"The aide said that guys like me were “in what we call the reality-based community,” which he defined as people who “believe that solutions emerge from your judicious study of discernible reality.” I nodded and murmured something about enlightenment principles and empiricism. He cut me off. “That’s not the way the world really works anymore,” he continued. “We’re an empire now, and when we act, we create our own reality.”
The Bush people created their "own reality" and the conservative Christians followed that "reality" even though for the most part it was a made up fantasy of lies or the beliefs of a crazy person. Lying us into two wars, one in Afghanistan and the other in Iraq at the cost of trillions and thousands of US deaths and many more casualties. As God's children and allegedly a Christian President in George W. Bush sent those soldiers and many civilians in those nations to their deaths or a living hell for what reason? Bush didn't keep America safe, falling flat on 9-11 with over 3,000 Americans dead. Bush and his Administration was forewarned more than once by the Clinton Administration and Richard Clarke. But, those who support Bush's wars still believe the lies or alternate reality the Bush Administration created. Same thing with Global Warming or Global Climate Events. Same thing with tax cuts for the rich create jobs and improve the economy. I could go on and on about the lies that many in the conservative Christian community take as "truth" or "belief" that were spawned by the George W. Bush Administration. And this also works in another way, when a Democrat is President, it doesn't matter how truthful or honest they are (I am thinking here of Barack Obama), the rightwing media machine will create enough lies that conservative Christians will easily believe the lies instead of seeking out the truth. Conservative Christian media also promotes the lies and deception about Democrats and Barack Obama.
But, God doesn't want us to blindly believe in government leaders or what they say. It's very ironic that conservatives will go out and take as "truth" whatever someone on conservative media says or writes. Yet, they will reject the reality or truth if it comes from anyone else. As I understand it, those who mislead will go to Hell, yet, I am also beginning to think that those willingly following the deceivers probably aren't too far behind their leaders on that pathway. God gave us a brain to think, it's time to start using it.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Compassionate Conservatives
I have to agree with the thoughts in this link-- http://uawfordcommunity.org/index.php/news/news-that-matters/political-news/item/108-compassionate-conservatives?
Especially, the last paragraph "The Republicans and their Tea Party enforcers truly have little compassion for the poor, those in need of health care, the elderly, minorities and women. But, they apparently seem to have a lot of compassion for the most victimized group in America—the extremely wealthy. Every tax cut is good regardless of the social cost and for those who happen to be born into a poor or middle class family, well, that's just too bad. Maybe you can marry up!!!"
I remember when Bush was running against Gore in 2000 and many in Conservative Churches were running around claiming that George W. Bush was "just like Moses!" Wow. I didn't believe it then and don't believe it now. The ones making this claim don't ever mention it anymore. And they don't mention compassionate conservatism anymore, either.
There is a problem I have here and from reading Scripture, God and Jesus agree with me. The problem is many conservatives really do all they can to harm the poor, orphans, widows, the defenseless that we are supposed to protect. These same conservatives enable and support those who harm the aforementioned groups and make excuses for what is done to them. I don't know how they can claim to be Christian and 1) not be convicted of their sin and 2) at least be able to sleep at night. The conservatives I know have no problem doing both and that is a problem.
Especially, the last paragraph "The Republicans and their Tea Party enforcers truly have little compassion for the poor, those in need of health care, the elderly, minorities and women. But, they apparently seem to have a lot of compassion for the most victimized group in America—the extremely wealthy. Every tax cut is good regardless of the social cost and for those who happen to be born into a poor or middle class family, well, that's just too bad. Maybe you can marry up!!!"
I remember when Bush was running against Gore in 2000 and many in Conservative Churches were running around claiming that George W. Bush was "just like Moses!" Wow. I didn't believe it then and don't believe it now. The ones making this claim don't ever mention it anymore. And they don't mention compassionate conservatism anymore, either.
There is a problem I have here and from reading Scripture, God and Jesus agree with me. The problem is many conservatives really do all they can to harm the poor, orphans, widows, the defenseless that we are supposed to protect. These same conservatives enable and support those who harm the aforementioned groups and make excuses for what is done to them. I don't know how they can claim to be Christian and 1) not be convicted of their sin and 2) at least be able to sleep at night. The conservatives I know have no problem doing both and that is a problem.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
United States in Prophecy
If you are looking for Scripture that the United States is mentioned in prophecy. You can stop. It isn't. I understand there are some who want to believe we are and that not only are we mentioned in prophecy, but we are the "good guys". This is an idea that falsely intertwines Christianity and "patriotism" (which will be in another post), but isn't true.
Even Dr. J. Vernon McGee noted that the United States wasn't around in Old Testament times and only appeared in 1776. McGee states those who believe we are in prophecy "will not face reality and try to find the United States in prophecy". McGee is a well respected Biblical scholar and no wild eyed crazy liberal. Yet, even though I agree with McGee on that aspect, I don't agree with McGee's statement (in the same material) that Russia is mentioned in the Old Testament as "Gog" in Ezekiel 38 & 39. I read those Ezekiel passages and don't get how McGee made the connection.
Even though McGee got it right about the US not being in prophecy, he got it wrong about Russia. Perhaps, McGee got caught up in the Cold War mentality about Russia being evil and satanic. Strange that there were many Christians even when the Communists ran the country and there are many more Christians today. McGee passed away in 1988 and didn't see the destruction of the Berlin Wall in 1989. But he was alive when Mikhail Gorbachev was around and should have realized there was a change in the former Soviet Union. We all want to believe in something and we all want to believe we are right. We aren't and we should thank God that He still accepts us even though we are failed human beings.
Even Dr. J. Vernon McGee noted that the United States wasn't around in Old Testament times and only appeared in 1776. McGee states those who believe we are in prophecy "will not face reality and try to find the United States in prophecy". McGee is a well respected Biblical scholar and no wild eyed crazy liberal. Yet, even though I agree with McGee on that aspect, I don't agree with McGee's statement (in the same material) that Russia is mentioned in the Old Testament as "Gog" in Ezekiel 38 & 39. I read those Ezekiel passages and don't get how McGee made the connection.
Even though McGee got it right about the US not being in prophecy, he got it wrong about Russia. Perhaps, McGee got caught up in the Cold War mentality about Russia being evil and satanic. Strange that there were many Christians even when the Communists ran the country and there are many more Christians today. McGee passed away in 1988 and didn't see the destruction of the Berlin Wall in 1989. But he was alive when Mikhail Gorbachev was around and should have realized there was a change in the former Soviet Union. We all want to believe in something and we all want to believe we are right. We aren't and we should thank God that He still accepts us even though we are failed human beings.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Is Las Vegas a modern day Sodom & Gomorrah?
I just got back from a business trip. When some people in the Christian community hear about Las Vegas, their knee jerk reaction is it is a modern day Sodom & Gomorrah. There are a lot of avenues to sin in Las Vegas, that is for sure. Just as there is to sin in New York, Detroit, Orlando and Houston and in any city, county and state in the USA. Shoot, the conservative Republican Red states consume the highest amount of pornography in the USA. Why blame Las Vegas for your sinful behaviors?
God could only find Lot to be saved in Sodom and Gomorrah. I bet God could find a lot more to be saved in Las Vegas. There are numerous churches and very active groups there that help the homeless. In Sodom and Gomorrah the perversion was so terrible, so invasive, that the people at that time believed gang rape was OK. Even Lot offered up his daughters for gang rape so the villagers would leave the angels alone.
From Genesis 19:1-8--The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When he saw them, he got up to meet them and bowed down with his face to the ground. 2 “My lords,” he said, “please turn aside to your servant’s house. You can wash your feet and spend the night and then go on your way early in the morning.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.” 3 But he insisted so strongly that they did go with him and entered his house. He prepared a meal for them, baking bread without yeast, and they ate. 4 Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom —both young and old—surrounded the house. 5 They called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.” 6 Lot went outside to meet them and shut the door behind him 7 and said, “No, my friends. Don’t do this wicked thing. 8 Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them. But don’t do anything to these men, for they have come under the protection of my roof.”
And Lot was known as "righteous". Wow, Las Vegas has a long way to go before it is the modern day Sodom and Gomorrah. Also, what does it say about Lot that he wanted to stay in such a sin infested, wicked city? I guess saying Las Vegas=Sodom and Gomorrah can make us blind to our own sinful sexual behaviors and perversions such as Red states buying porn. If Las Vegas is Sodom and Gomorrah, than there are many more across the land.
God could only find Lot to be saved in Sodom and Gomorrah. I bet God could find a lot more to be saved in Las Vegas. There are numerous churches and very active groups there that help the homeless. In Sodom and Gomorrah the perversion was so terrible, so invasive, that the people at that time believed gang rape was OK. Even Lot offered up his daughters for gang rape so the villagers would leave the angels alone.
From Genesis 19:1-8--The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When he saw them, he got up to meet them and bowed down with his face to the ground. 2 “My lords,” he said, “please turn aside to your servant’s house. You can wash your feet and spend the night and then go on your way early in the morning.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.” 3 But he insisted so strongly that they did go with him and entered his house. He prepared a meal for them, baking bread without yeast, and they ate. 4 Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom —both young and old—surrounded the house. 5 They called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.” 6 Lot went outside to meet them and shut the door behind him 7 and said, “No, my friends. Don’t do this wicked thing. 8 Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them. But don’t do anything to these men, for they have come under the protection of my roof.”
And Lot was known as "righteous". Wow, Las Vegas has a long way to go before it is the modern day Sodom and Gomorrah. Also, what does it say about Lot that he wanted to stay in such a sin infested, wicked city? I guess saying Las Vegas=Sodom and Gomorrah can make us blind to our own sinful sexual behaviors and perversions such as Red states buying porn. If Las Vegas is Sodom and Gomorrah, than there are many more across the land.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Is Liberty University "Christian"?
I know the question may seem ridiculous. But, Liberty University latest of inviting Mitt Romney, a Mormon, to speak at their commencement should have the alleged "Christian" university up in arms. Giving a graduation stage to a non-Christian to promote his ideas of the world, seems very hypocritical of a "Christian" university. You would think they would invite a Christian, like President Obama or Jimmy Carter to give the commencement speech.
But, when you think of Jerry Falwell and the "moral majority" and Liberty University, Christianity will take a back seat to politics and obtaining political power. Now, I can't find anything in the Bible that says to hide your Christianity and suck up to another religion to obtain power and then promote Christianity. Maybe someone can find that verse for me, but I doubt it. A long time ago, Falwell put political power ahead of Christianity. So, it makes sense that Falwell's university would allow a non-Christian to speak at commencement. It is not about Christ, it is about earthly power.
Liberty has also had other "Culture Warriors" such as Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum and the lunatic Glenn Beck (another Mormon). So, it seems Liberty is interested in having relationships with rightwing lunatics who have one particular hatred or another. It seems they tend to forget God's and Jesus message of love. Anyway, there are many Muslim Imams who would fit in quite nicely as culture warriors along with Liberty University and with the Romneys, Becks and Gingriches of the world. Perhaps next year they can get an Imam from the Middle East to speak at commencement!
But, when you think of Jerry Falwell and the "moral majority" and Liberty University, Christianity will take a back seat to politics and obtaining political power. Now, I can't find anything in the Bible that says to hide your Christianity and suck up to another religion to obtain power and then promote Christianity. Maybe someone can find that verse for me, but I doubt it. A long time ago, Falwell put political power ahead of Christianity. So, it makes sense that Falwell's university would allow a non-Christian to speak at commencement. It is not about Christ, it is about earthly power.
Liberty has also had other "Culture Warriors" such as Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum and the lunatic Glenn Beck (another Mormon). So, it seems Liberty is interested in having relationships with rightwing lunatics who have one particular hatred or another. It seems they tend to forget God's and Jesus message of love. Anyway, there are many Muslim Imams who would fit in quite nicely as culture warriors along with Liberty University and with the Romneys, Becks and Gingriches of the world. Perhaps next year they can get an Imam from the Middle East to speak at commencement!
The "Right" to Bully
I am just not amazed anymore how some rightwing "Christians" are just hateful fearmongers. And by that, I mean they aren't Christian at all. They may claim it to make themselves feel good or have tax exemption status, but I would put a paycheck that they won't enter God's Kingdom and will be many of those "wailing and gnashing their teeth".
The latest information on Mitt Romney's assault on a gay student when at Cranbrook brought back recent stories about how rightwing "Christians" are against any, ANY, legislation that would prevent gays being singled out and harrassed and abused. State or Federal legislation that would help to prevent or stop bullying of gay students is fearmongered as making all of our children gay, or teaching the homosexual lifestyle, blahblahblah. All the Student Non-Discrimination Act does is make an attempt to stop bullying gay kids. Whether you agree or not with a "gay lifestyle", it is here and won't go away. If you are a Christian and are supposed to "love your neighbor" why would it be OK to have an open season of hate against one particular group? Do you think God will approve of your hatefulness?
Why not go and bully all the adulterers? Pornographers? Liars? Cheaters? Etc.? I would suspect because many rightwing "Christians" fit into one or more of those categories and probably many more are gay themselves. But it is easy to bully something that is different and icky. God's challenge is we would get over that. Many a rightwing "Christian" has told me when they disagree with what someone or a group of people are doing to "love the sinner, but hate the sin". When it comes to "the gay" it is "hate the sinner and hate the sin". And that makes it easy for the rightwing alleged "Christian" to bully and hate and feel they have God's approval. Well, if I am reading the Bible correctly, God doesn't approve.
The latest information on Mitt Romney's assault on a gay student when at Cranbrook brought back recent stories about how rightwing "Christians" are against any, ANY, legislation that would prevent gays being singled out and harrassed and abused. State or Federal legislation that would help to prevent or stop bullying of gay students is fearmongered as making all of our children gay, or teaching the homosexual lifestyle, blahblahblah. All the Student Non-Discrimination Act does is make an attempt to stop bullying gay kids. Whether you agree or not with a "gay lifestyle", it is here and won't go away. If you are a Christian and are supposed to "love your neighbor" why would it be OK to have an open season of hate against one particular group? Do you think God will approve of your hatefulness?
Why not go and bully all the adulterers? Pornographers? Liars? Cheaters? Etc.? I would suspect because many rightwing "Christians" fit into one or more of those categories and probably many more are gay themselves. But it is easy to bully something that is different and icky. God's challenge is we would get over that. Many a rightwing "Christian" has told me when they disagree with what someone or a group of people are doing to "love the sinner, but hate the sin". When it comes to "the gay" it is "hate the sinner and hate the sin". And that makes it easy for the rightwing alleged "Christian" to bully and hate and feel they have God's approval. Well, if I am reading the Bible correctly, God doesn't approve.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Donating Blood
Whenever I donate blood, it is another way in which God connects me with the rest of humanity. One donation can help up to three people. That is impressive. I was never big into giving blood and didn't have a good reason not to donate. I am glad I was finally convicted into donating. It takes about an hour to an hour and a half, but most of that time is waiting and processing. Typically, the blood donation part of it is less than 15 minutes (some get it done in 5 minutes--drink plenty of water!!!).
For information on blood donation--
http://www.redcrossblood.org/learn-about-blood/blood-facts-and-statistics
http://www.redcrossblood.org/learn-about-blood/blood-types
For information on blood donation--
http://www.redcrossblood.org/learn-about-blood/blood-facts-and-statistics
http://www.redcrossblood.org/learn-about-blood/blood-types
The End of Society
President Obama supports marriage equality. That means he supports gay marriage. To many who claim they are Christians, this is the end of society as we know it. I disagree. If we are talking about sex and the breakdown of marriage, that happened a long time prior to this announcement. Divorce rates in the USA have been over 50% for awhile (greater than 50% for people who claim they are Christians). Add onto this that the most Red leaning Christian states (and Mormon Utah) have the highest rates of watching and buying pornography. There are numerous (allegedly straight) sexual predators, rape and sexual crime against women that have been going on for a long time and in many instances these crimes have been covered up or the victim was blamed. Add onto that one major church that was involved in a pedophile scandal. So, I am not buying that it was this week in history that society ended.
If we really want to get into a debate on the end of society, let's talk about funding priorities. Tax breaks for the rich and cutting programs for the poor, seniors, orphans and the disabled. Other funding priorities such as feeding the defense budget while letting social budgets starve to death. You don't have a society by destroying the society and then bemoaning a separate issue as the "reason" that society is dead. If this is the end of society, don't blame the gays, society was killed a long time before Obama's statement.
If we really want to get into a debate on the end of society, let's talk about funding priorities. Tax breaks for the rich and cutting programs for the poor, seniors, orphans and the disabled. Other funding priorities such as feeding the defense budget while letting social budgets starve to death. You don't have a society by destroying the society and then bemoaning a separate issue as the "reason" that society is dead. If this is the end of society, don't blame the gays, society was killed a long time before Obama's statement.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
1 in 6 Americans
A poll just released by PRRI (Public Religion Research Institute) show that 1 in 6 Americans still believe President Obama is a "secret Muslim". Despite the President stating he is not a Muslim and is a Christian on numerous occasions.
It is hard to believe that 16% of the population will continue to believe something that is untrue. But, that's what the pollsters found out. On top of this, Evangelical Christians are very supportive of Mitt Romney, a Mormon, by a split of 68% for Romney and 19% for Obama. To me, this is amazing in that Evangelical Christians typically seem to be the most vigilant about pure Christianity. Supporting a non-Christians would seem to be a huge sin. However, evangelicals may be most of the 16% who believe Obama is a Muslim.
For me personally, Obama had extolled Christian characteristics and virtues rarely seen in a President. Obama is a good father and husband. He hasn't appeared to lie to the public. He is honest with America and the world. He admits mistakes. Perhaps the last President who could actually claim Christianity by words and deeds would have been Jimmy Carter. Carter continues to promote Christianity by the causes he takes after he left office.
It is hard to believe that 16% of the population will continue to believe something that is untrue. But, that's what the pollsters found out. On top of this, Evangelical Christians are very supportive of Mitt Romney, a Mormon, by a split of 68% for Romney and 19% for Obama. To me, this is amazing in that Evangelical Christians typically seem to be the most vigilant about pure Christianity. Supporting a non-Christians would seem to be a huge sin. However, evangelicals may be most of the 16% who believe Obama is a Muslim.
For me personally, Obama had extolled Christian characteristics and virtues rarely seen in a President. Obama is a good father and husband. He hasn't appeared to lie to the public. He is honest with America and the world. He admits mistakes. Perhaps the last President who could actually claim Christianity by words and deeds would have been Jimmy Carter. Carter continues to promote Christianity by the causes he takes after he left office.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
The biggest sin?
When I am in Bible Studies and a discussion of sin comes up, usually the "biggest sins" brought up are:
Most of the times in these studies, it seems that there are some members who are very knowledgeable about the Bible. That's why it is odd that Jesus words to the Pharisees from Matthew 22:37-40 are rarely brought up. This was when the Pharisees asked Jesus what was the Greatest Commandment and he replied:
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind. This is the first and Greatest Commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and Prophets hang on these first two commandments."
When I think of the biggest sin, I think it would be something that contradicted the Greatest Commandments of which Jesus spoke. Are we doing all we can to follow these commandments? Quite often, the list above is used in a manner that is unloving and divisive, which according to the Bible is not Christian and further drives those who may be seeking away from Christ. Or it may just give more ammunition to those who don't want to believe.
- Abortion
- Gay Sex
- No prayers in public schools (which isn't accurate. You can pray in public school, you just can't have a state religion. So, any religious group can pray).
- Disobeying authority (this one has political overtones depending on who is President)
- Any kind of talk about equality (you are stuck with your lot, wanting more or equitability causes "problems").
- Unbelief
Most of the times in these studies, it seems that there are some members who are very knowledgeable about the Bible. That's why it is odd that Jesus words to the Pharisees from Matthew 22:37-40 are rarely brought up. This was when the Pharisees asked Jesus what was the Greatest Commandment and he replied:
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind. This is the first and Greatest Commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and Prophets hang on these first two commandments."
When I think of the biggest sin, I think it would be something that contradicted the Greatest Commandments of which Jesus spoke. Are we doing all we can to follow these commandments? Quite often, the list above is used in a manner that is unloving and divisive, which according to the Bible is not Christian and further drives those who may be seeking away from Christ. Or it may just give more ammunition to those who don't want to believe.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Pamela Geller and Muslims
Pamela Geller was in Dearborn on April 29, 2012 to denounce the rash of Muslim "honor killings." Geller is allegedly upset about violence against women and that this is a "human rights" issue. I have no problem with being upset about violence against women and it is a human rights issue, my issue is when someone has to come to Dearborn, Michigan and single out the Muslim community when they can stay where they are at--in Geller's case, NewYork City and talk to her hearts content about this issue.
Violence against women is not just limited to the Muslim community, it is unfortunately part of every community in the USA. That is one of the reasons why "The Violence Against Women Act" was passed by Congress in 1994 and signed into law by then President, Bill Clinton.
"The Violence Against Women" laws provide programs and services, including:
1) One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.
2) An estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year.
3) 85% of domestic violence victims are women.
4) Historically, females have been most often victimized by someone they knew.
5) Females who are 20-24 years of age are at the greatest risk of nonfatal intimate partner violence.
6) Most cases of domestic violence are never reported to the police.
In the Christian faith, men are supposed to love their wives as Christ loved the Church (Ephesians 5:25-33)-
"25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing[b]her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body. 31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”[c] 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."
And husbands are supposed to treat their wives with respect as 1 Peter 3:7 states: "7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers."
I understand that Geller is Jewish and is not bound by Christian principles and she is a disciple of Ayn Rand, who was an enemy of Christianity (see this link--http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/forum/2011-06-05-Ayn-Rand-and-Jesus-dont-mix_n.htm).
Why did Geller then, come to Dearborn? Maybe Geller truly feels Dearborn is the epicenter of violence against women or only that violence against Islamic women count. Tell that to the families of the over 1800 women killed in domestic violence acts yearly in the USA. They would probably disagree with Geller. But Geller has something else: an obvious hatred for Islam and Muslims. Both are an easy target in the USA because of the events of 9-11. And, Dearborn's Muslim community is being used fairly frequently as a fundraiser for rightwing extremists, a category in which Geller fits. Geller came to Dearborn for media exposure and money, that's it. She could and should campaign against violence against all women, everywhere, but singling out a minority community that is not the most liked in America, that is just a way to free money.
Violence against women is not just limited to the Muslim community, it is unfortunately part of every community in the USA. That is one of the reasons why "The Violence Against Women Act" was passed by Congress in 1994 and signed into law by then President, Bill Clinton.
"The Violence Against Women" laws provide programs and services, including:
- Community violence prevention programs
- Protections for victims who are evicted from their homes because of events related to domestic violence or stalking
- Funding for victim assistance services, like rape crisis centers and hotlines
- Programs to meet the needs of immigrant women and women of different races or ethnicities
- Programs and services for victims with disabilities
- Legal aid for survivors of violence
1) One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.
2) An estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year.
3) 85% of domestic violence victims are women.
4) Historically, females have been most often victimized by someone they knew.
5) Females who are 20-24 years of age are at the greatest risk of nonfatal intimate partner violence.
6) Most cases of domestic violence are never reported to the police.
In the Christian faith, men are supposed to love their wives as Christ loved the Church (Ephesians 5:25-33)-
"25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing[b]her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body. 31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”[c] 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."
And husbands are supposed to treat their wives with respect as 1 Peter 3:7 states: "7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers."
I understand that Geller is Jewish and is not bound by Christian principles and she is a disciple of Ayn Rand, who was an enemy of Christianity (see this link--http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/forum/2011-06-05-Ayn-Rand-and-Jesus-dont-mix_n.htm).
Why did Geller then, come to Dearborn? Maybe Geller truly feels Dearborn is the epicenter of violence against women or only that violence against Islamic women count. Tell that to the families of the over 1800 women killed in domestic violence acts yearly in the USA. They would probably disagree with Geller. But Geller has something else: an obvious hatred for Islam and Muslims. Both are an easy target in the USA because of the events of 9-11. And, Dearborn's Muslim community is being used fairly frequently as a fundraiser for rightwing extremists, a category in which Geller fits. Geller came to Dearborn for media exposure and money, that's it. She could and should campaign against violence against all women, everywhere, but singling out a minority community that is not the most liked in America, that is just a way to free money.
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