Obamacare and hateful rightwingers

I like Obamacare or what is also known as the Affordable Healthcare Act.  My issue with it is I don't think it went FAR ENOUGH!  But, it is a start.  It will be a great day when we have single payer. I don't remember Jesus denying healing anyone or charging them for it!  But, many alleged Christians in America today think it is just fine, thank you very much, if you don't have healthcare or go bankrupt getting treatment.  Never understood that "idea" of "Christian love".  These alleged "Christians" are confused, blind and eat the rightwing propaganda and somehow believe that the love of money is actually "Christian" (you can see other posts where I have touched on that subject).

So, when you have a reasonable law that still keeps the Insurance industry involved to make their profits, but actually deliver to people what they pay on, you have crazy responses such as this one--
http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/06/michigan_matt_davis_gop_armed_rebellion.php?ref=fpnewsfeed

Where a former leader of the Michigan GOP says armed rebellion is their only recourse because that is what others will listen to.  WHAT?  What a crybaby.  If you don't get 100% of what you want, armed insurrection is the answer?  And the GOP claims they are the "moral leaders" and have stolen Christianity.  You would think they would actually pretend to a certain extent to fake that they are Christian.

And you have the rightwing Heartland Institute lying about Obama, claiming he is like Hugo Chavez and that Obama "intimidated" Justice John Roberts.  Their lying knows no bounds.  Here is the link--
http://heartland.org/press-releases/2012/06/28/heartland-institute-reacts-obamacare-ruling

My guess is these Heartland nuts claim they are Christians, too.  They probably worship the 10 Commandments, but don't know the one about "Bearing False Witness".  To make it simple for them, here is  a link on the Ten Commandments for Kids--

http://www.the-ten-commandments.org/the-ten-commandments-quiz.html

It is Exodus 20:16 and should be easy to understand "Do Not Lie".   I am sure Fox and rightwing radio will be coming up with numerous lies and I know for a fact that many of their viewers/listeners believe they are Christian.  This is one of the times I agree with former Vice-President's quote in which he said" "It's a terrible thing to waste one's mind or to not have a mind at all".  So true.

And to prove my point even further about having a mind is the stupidity of the right's reaction about moving to Canada.  Canada, which has national healthcare!!!

http://www.buzzfeed.com/daves4/people-moving-to-canada-because-of-obamacare

But, what does Obamacare do that is so offensive?




And this is something Jesus would be against?  No way.  Maybe, these alleged Christians should open their Bibles to Romans chapter 13 which talks about submitting to governing authorities.

Romans 13 New International Version (NIV) Submission to Governing Authorities
13:1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended.
4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.


Wow, we are also supposed to pay taxes so the authorities can govern.  I pay more taxes as a percentage of my income than the richest 1% and I will gladly pay more so those who are in need of health care would receive it.  I wouldn't do it just because I am a good guy, but because Jesus would want me too.

America Bless God

I like the song "God Bless America".  But when I hear it, my reaction is does "America Bless God"?  So, I wondered if there was anything on the internet about "America Bless God" and I found a few sites--a few rightwing sites.  One just blatantly asks for donations and can be located here--

http://www.americablessgod.com/

The site provides little information about itself, but, of course, we should get back to be a "Christian Nation" because of 9-11 and, oh, by the way, send me a donation!  This was the #1 site in the search.

The #2 site in the internet search was a rightwing Christian who wants to bring back "America's Christian Heritage" which if you take the site literally or seriously, would mean a Christian version of Shariah Law and can be found here--

http://www.hismoralbanner.com/about_us.htm

Oh yes, and on this site you can also spend a lot of money and probably help Brent Bullock on his adventure.  But, it seems that his program stopped in 2011 whereas the first group which is just an unnamed rip-off is exploiting 9-11.

What I was hoping for was a site that provided us with information on how Christians should be humble or at least questioning us about our humility.  Instead what I find is red, white and blue "patriotic" sites asking for money and asking us to rewrite our history to fit a version that rightwing conservatives want us to believe is true when it is not.  So, instead of humility, what we get is pride, the exact opposite of what America Bless God should be.  Methinks that maybe we should re-evaluate some passages from God's Word--

Proverbs 16:18-19 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.

Isaiah 5:21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.

Micah 6:8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Luke 16:15 He (Jesus) said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight."

There are numerous Scriptural verses on humility.  On how we should be humble and God respects that.  But, God doesn't respect the opposite and that is pride.  Sorry to disappoint you but we are an extremely prideful nation and have been for a long time no matter how much we want to deceive ourselves.  We have had many wake up calls throughout our history, but we still want to walk the path of pride and sidestep humility and make the claim we are "God's Children".  I have been told numerous times that "God's thoughts are not our thoughts."  Truer words have never been spoken, but are you listening?

Secular Music

There are many people who call themselves Christians who don't listen to what they call "secular" music.  By that, they mean "non-Christian" music.  Some do it as a way of "purifying" themselves of the secular culture, some see secular music as sinful or satanic and some view it as a way to "get closer to God".  I am a Christian and I embrace secular music and I will listen to what is called Christian music, too.

Christian music is a multi-million, if not billion dollar industry.  We aren't in the age of singing hymns or praise and worship songs for free.  Even if a church wants to play modern Christian music, they have to pay a pretty hefty fee.  Christian music has become a business, with few exceptions, just like secular music.

When I listen to Christian music, what I find is that it is usually about me and God. There is no one else involved.  It is about my condition in relation to Christ.  I think this is why rightwingers or conservatives love Christian music--it really is about self.  Myself and My relation to Christ.  If you are praising God, great.  If you are convicted of a sin and act to change your behavior, great.  However, my guess is that is what doesn't happen.  It is My interaction with My God and we had a good time and I feel better so I will leave it at that.  It is vertically directional, but what it leaves out is the horizontal direction.  What I mean by that is what we need to do as a Christian or if convicted, to be right with God.  That is why I like secular music.  Quite often, secular music points out what is wrong with our human condition and our society and prompts us to think and act on it.  This is something I find that is missing in Christian music--a lot.

Take for example, The Yardbirds song, "Mr. You're a Better Man Than I" from 1965--

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPX0mMiObN4

The Yardbirds lyrics are provoking because they ask us to re-evaluate how we look at others. From the song--
"Could you tell a wise man By the way he speaks or spells? Is this more important Than the stories that he tells? And call a man a fool If for wealth he doesn't strive"--

 Chorus:  Then Mister you're a better man than I Yeah Mister You're a better man than I Oh Mister You're a better man than I Yeah Mister You're a better man than I "

If we begin to think about how we view people, we should hopefully be the ones that start to change for the better.  The way God would want us to change to treat His children.

Motown music also prompted us to think about what we were doing not only to each other, but to the world. Marvin Gaye had an entire album dedicated to the human condition called "What's Going On?" which hit on our problems.  Here is a link to the song "Mercy, Mercy, Me"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkYx--x9wa0

Once watching it, just think about how we are treating the planet God created.  Secular music points this out,  I haven't heard Christian music pointing it out.

There is a lot of trash in secular music, but a lot of good music that points out our human condition.  Secular music is the horizontal music in our lives--it is about our family, our neighbor, our country and our world.  Jesus didn't come to Earth so He could get right with God, Jesus came to Earth so you could get right with God.  That doesn't mean you praise God, sing worship songs, go to church and then hate other people.  Or ignore other people or vote for people who help the rich and harm the poor.  What it means is get your act together and do what is right in the eyes of God.  Secular music  offer alternatives of what we should be doing and a lot of it is starting out that we are in the world together, to live or die together.  Too many people claim they are Christian and love God and then either actively or passively harm their neighbor because they are different than them.  There are too many who blindly support politicians who blame the poor and steal from the poor and middle class while giving monies to the ultra rich and to profitable corporations that don't need it.

This song, "We Take Care of Our Own" from Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band fits a lot of what is wrong with people who claim they are Christian.  The point is we don't take care of our own.  The delusion or ignorance of many rightwing Christians is some may actually listen to this song and think, "yes, we do take care of our own", when the point is we don't (since Ronald Reagan and the Republican attack on the average American) and if you served in the military, are poor, are not white, you are screwed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x8zBzxCwsM

Unfortunately, Iris Dement sums up what rightwing Christianity means for the USA in her song "Wasteland of the Free".  Sorry about the jumpy video--but it is well worth it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhgb9hYjX3g

Dement's lyrics hit the nail on the head with conservative America--blaming the poor for their condition, praising the ultra rich, outsourcing jobs overseas for profits, etc.  I think that is why many who say they are Christian don't listen to secular music.  Secular music can challenge you while Christian music makes you feel good--usually about yourself and your relationship with God.

With Christian music you can be in your own bubble with God.  You can sing songs of praise and worship and feel good about your relationship with Christ and then you can turn around and stab your neighbor in the back and feel justified in doing it. It's OK to listen to Christian music and worship and praise God, but you should also be involved in society--you might learn something along the way!

More Secular songs to get you to think and act as a Christian--

The Hollies--He ain't Heavy, He's My Brother--

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1KtScrqtbc

Bruce Springsteen--If I should fall Behind--

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04mRvBaEku4

Billy Bragg--Upfield--

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnkkxC7BOrM

Punctured

If you get a chance, watch the movie "Puncture".  It is a true story about the medical supply industry and focuses solely on syringes.  Actually, the safety of syringes for medical professionals.  Health care professionals were getting infected by contaminated needles.  There was a retractable safety syringe which would make these same health care professionals safe, very low to no chance of being impacted by a contaminated needle.  Yet, the health care industry fought against it--they didn't care about the health care workers, they just cared about continued profits.

I would suspect that many in the industry who fought against the safe needles would claim they are "Christian".  But, they put profit over health and safety.  I still haven't found the Biblical verse where God puts profit over people.  However, the syringe manufacturers could have made the retractable safety syringe at a profit.  Health care workers everywhere would want to use them.  Sales would not drop and the syringe suppliers would probably charge a little more for these syringes.  As most people realize, these charges would be passed on to the "customer" (ie-patient) regarding their health care coverage.

The manufacturer ended up settling an anti-trust suit for $150 million and retractable syringe sales are available.  The question is why did it have to come to this?  I suspect many involved in this situation would claim they are Christian, go to church on Sunday and do other activities with their church--especially in Texas.  So, we need to ask ourselves--"how can people claim to be Christians when their actions actually harm people for money?"

And I think the answer comes from 1 Timothy 6: 2b-10--

These are the things you are to teach and insist on.
3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching,
4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 
5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.
8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.


They love money first and foremost. Going to church is just a show (we have always had Pharisees in the Church and quite often they are the ones running it).  God sees through our shallowness and remembers.  He remembers those who harm His children for profit.  Unfortunately, this is not unique in America, it is more of the normal.  We can have compassionate capitalism in the United States of America where corporations and businesses make a profit and people aren't harmed.  However, too often money is the #1 priority and if there is a negative outcome--too bad, sue me!  Then when corporations get sued, we get Republican politicians telling us how bad Trial Lawyers are.  Yet, true to form, Republicans won't offer any legislation that helps average Americans but Republicans are the ones to claim they love Christ more than you and go to Church as much as possible (or so they claim).

Here is a link to the Syringe Manufacturer settling in 2004--

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/03/business/03buyer.html?scp=16&sq=Retractable%20Technologies%20Inc&st=cse

The Unloving Conquerors

Geez, the self-proclaimed "Christian" hatemongers and yellers who believe they have to spread the message of Christ's love (LOL, yes it makes absolutely no sense) at the Dearborn Arab Festival make me sick.  Yes, groups such as Bible Believers, Acts 17 Apologetics and the Street Prophets are out there with a hateful message on behalf of Christ (it's not Christ's message, it's these morons out there with their hate filled personalities).  But, they apparently are attempting to conquer the people at the festival and they are doing a mighty poor job of it.  I am sure they feel good about themselves and praise God and claim they are doing God's will.  They aren't.

Just look at those in the Bible who actually talked about the Gospel message.  People went out into the wilderness to see John the Baptist.  John the Baptist didn't go to pagan festivals and try to disrupt them--especially with a hateful message.  The apostle Paul spoke in the public squares (ie--Free Speech Zones) and the Jews would send people to harass and intimidate Paul.  Paul would want to reason or debate them, but he didn't want to create problems.  Quite often Paul left the area.  It was the harassers that wanted to create the problem.  The harassers and intimidaters at the Dearborn Festival are the outside "Christian" groups, but one of them uses the Book of Acts (Paul) as their reason--talk about misinterpretation or delusion--take your pick.   When people found out about Jesus, they sought Him out.  Jesus was loving and kind in most of His interactions.  Even with the Pharisees, Jesus was straightforward, honest and direct.  No where in the Bible is Jesus screaming at the Pharisees or non-believers.  The only time Jesus got angry was when He threw the money changers out of the Temple.

You may be able to find an Old Testament Prophet who may have been a screamer, but I doubt it.  God would tell the prophets His instructions and they would go about doing it.  Usually they were pretty depressed bringing a message of destruction and probably got a lot of harassment from the local population at the time.

Jesus provided us with His words to follow from Matthew 28:16-20--

The Great Commission
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.
17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Jesus tells us to "make disciples" and to teach "them to obey everything I have commanded you."  I am sure Jesus meant that it should be done in the way Jesus taught as a loving person.  Nowhere in that statement did Jesus say to be an asshole.

Hurting Christianity

Oh boy, here is a bunch of alleged Christians doing their best to harm Christianity.  Link here--

http://www.freep.com/article/20120616/NEWS05/120616015/Christian-missionaries-with-pig-s-head-taunt-Arab-Americans-at-Dearborn-festival?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

As you can see they are all older white men, with provocative signs about Mohammed being a "pervert" and the standard "going to hell" sign.  They even had a pig's head on a stake.  What a lovely thing to bring to the Dearborn Arab Festival, a festival co-sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.

Muslims and pork don't get along.  Just like the Jews and pork don't get along.  I wonder if the "Bible Believers" go to Jewish festivals with a pig's head on a stake yelling at the Jewish people how they are "going to burn in hell".  I highly doubt it.

In my opinion, these "Christians" aren't Christian.  I don't know where they get their information on harassing other peoples and cultures.  Surely, Jesus did not do this.  But, it reminds me of the intro of the DC Talk song, "What if I stumble" which is this:

"The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today
Is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips
Then walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle.
That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable."


Not only that, but by this group and the other "fighting Christians" who descend on this festival, this hurts Christianity in everyone's eyes.  The Bible Believers, who haven't told us what they believe in, should be proud of themselves driving people away from Christ.  It's time for them to listen to this DC Talk song and repent.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kg6HedZ4xGs

Jerry Springer Evangelism (sorry Jerry)

All it takes is an Arab American Festival in Dearborn, Michigan to bring the alleged Christian lunatics out in full force.  These alleged Christians goals is to make fools of themselves on behalf of Christianity driving potential seekers away in order to get a reaction from the Arab audience.  Which they then put on their website to make themselves feel good about their unChristian behavior and to raise monies from fools across America.

How this relates to Jerry Springer is to get media attention and continue to get fundraising and coverage, you have to do even more and more outrageous things.  And your audience loves you even more and more for it.  Of course, they will spin it about how they are "doing it for Christ" and "God wanted me to do it" and "the Spirit prompted me", etc.  When in reality, it is their own delusional ideas that they are some kind of "warrior for God" that they will disrupt a Pagan festival for attention.  Ruben Israel fits that bill.  He should be on Springer.

See for example, Ruben Israel and the "Bible Believers" here--

http://www.officialstreetpreachers.com/BLOG/Rubens_Story.html

http://www.officialstreetpreachers.com/Rubens%20File/RUBEN%20ISRAEL%20IN%20THE%20NEWS.

As you can see from the material, it is all about Ruben and his "warrior" status with God thrown in for good measure (that is how you raise funds).  Also, both links are incredible for someone who claims they are a Christian.  Self-righteous self-promotion of making an fool out of yourself.  I don't remember Jesus or Paul going into Pagan festivals with the sole purpose of disrupting it for local and perhaps national media coverage.

And this article shows that Israel doesn't want to follow the City of Dearborn's or Wayne County's laws regarding the matter.  But, they will sue you if you don't let them do exactly what they want.
http://dearborn.patch.com/articles/anti-muslim-group-plans-return-to-arab-international-festival

They even hired their own "security force" (ie--thugs) and are importing them from Tennessee.  In the past, the only safety issues have occurred when self-righteous fake Christians have inserted themselves in a confrontational manner into the Arab Festival.  These false Christians created the problem for media attention and so they can sue the City of Dearborn and make even more money off their donor base.

For example, this is what the "Bible Believers" do at the Arab Festival (from the Patch article above)

"The letter from the Center for Religious Expression maintains that last year, when counter-protesters grew unruly in response to the Bible Believers’ signs–which said such things as “Islam is a religion of blood and murder”–Wayne County officers “took the side of the violent Muslims and ordered Israel and his friends to stop their expression.”

So, you have Arabs, many who are Muslim coming to a non-religious event and they have these screaming lunatics with signs shouting at them about their religion while they are trying to enjoy themselves.  And they wonder why Muslims might get upset.  And then Israel and the Bible Believers say they need security because of the Muslims!!!  Unbelievable, it isn't because of the Muslims, it is because you are acting like an ass provoking the Muslims that are in Dearborn to enjoy a non-religious festival.

In the Christian realm we have problems, I admit it.  No one is perfect, that's for sure.  But when we have self-appointed, self-righteous egomaniacs like Ruben Israel in the House, Christianity takes a hit.  Because it's not about Christ, it is about Ruben Israel.

Taking Christians to the Bank

Throughout time crooks, hypocrites, Pharisees and charlatans have fleeced real Christians and those who claim they are Christians.  They do this based on various schemes which play on their emotions or make promises or act as if they are leading the fight against a certain sin or group.

We have those who come to Dearborn, Michigan to "fight against Islam" such as Acts 17 Apologetics, cult leader Terry  Jones and even non-Christians such as Pamela Gellar all make annual treks to fleece fearful Christians or those who claim they are Christian but are filled with hatred towards Muslims.  These groups act as if they are on the frontlines "protecting us" when they are not.  They are looking out for their own self interests.  If they truly want to "help" with Muslims, they would talk to local clergy who have worked with them.  That doesn't fit in with media coverage and lawsuits and fundraising.

There are other people and groups that actively pretend to "fight for Christians" when they really want your money.  People such as Newt Gingrich, who left two wives because he was cheating on them at the time.  Ralph Reed, who runs the "Faith and Freedom Coalition" which fleeces Christians wholesale.  Reeds'  involvement in the Jack Abramoff affair should have ended Reed's ability to ever be a player in the purportedly pious world of the Religious Right. Reed, while working for Casino Jack Abramoff, portrayed himself as an anti-gambling crusader while he was in fact working for a Native American tribe that hoped to build its own casino. In the fallout, a series of emails between Reed and Abramoff came to light. They portrayed Reed as a greedy huckster eager, as he put it in 1998, to “start humping in corporate accounts.”  Reed was the point man to get churches angry and to vote against casino's, while Abramoff was getting bribe monies from the casino's to guarantee a "victory".  Too bad only Abramoff went to jail, Reed deserved prison time, too.  And look, Reed still gets to fleece Christians today!  Isn't America grand!

We also have Robert Aiken and David Barton, self proclaimed "Christian nation" propagandists who fabricate American history to fit their propaganda.  And many Christians eat it up and buy their trash.  Barton's latest book "The Jefferson Lies: Exposing the Myths You’ve Always Believed About Thomas Jefferson" is a book full of lies about Thomas Jefferson but written by David Barton.  It is historical creationism.  Barton even makes the claim that Thomas Jefferson was a "conservative Christian" when it has been well documented that Jefferson was a Deist, believed in separation of church and state and questioned a lot about Christianity in general.  You wouldn't get that in Barton's book, he has it the exact opposite.

Unfortunately, I am only hitting the tip of the iceberg on these scoundrels.  There are many, many more who will rot in hell for eternity but should also be bankrupted financially today to prevent their misinformation and hatred from spreading.  The irony is they are already morally bankrupt.

If you claim to be a Christian, do yourself and God a favor.  Donate to your local church, a local homeless shelter, a local food bank, buy new clothing and donate that instead of dumping off old used clothes or donate to truly good organizations such as World Vision, Heifer International, Oxfam America, the Carter Center, Rafiki even Thru the Bible Radio by J. Vernon McGee is better than any of those charlatans previously mentioned.

Acts 17 Apologetics vs. the Dearborn Arab Festival

Dearborn, Michigan is a hot spot for alleged Christians, charlatans and money grubbings who want to make believe they are "fighting the good fight" against Islam.  What I mean by this is Dearborn is a safe place for these fake "Christians" to fundraise.  Acts 17 Apologetics fits the bill. 

The group comes to Dearborn during the Arab Festival, which is a festival sponsored by two non-religious organizations, one of those groups being the Chamber of Commerce (hardly an Islam loving, Imam promoting organization).  And why would the Chamber be interested in an Arab Festival?  Perhaps because at least one third of Dearborn's population is Arabic and it is a great way to make money for local businesses and the City of Dearborn.  I could be missing something here, but isn't it a normal practice to try to help businesses sell goods and increase tax revenues for your city or town?  By doing so, wouldn't these places use what makes logical sense?  Dearborn has a large Arab community, which is rather unique in North America, so maybe the City and businesses can cash in on it?

Anyway, Acts 17 Apologetics has put it on themselves that they are "the chosen" to proseltyze the Arabic people or anyone else who may show up at the festival.  The problem is, they don't want to follow the laws of the City of Dearborn and then they want to lie about what really occurred in the City of Dearborn (but, this leads directly into fundraising for the group).

For example, the City allows any religious to participate and even prosletyze at the event.  Typically, both Christian and Muslim organizations will set up a tent or booth during the event to promote their beliefs.  There is also a "free speech zone" which provided free access to promote their message at the festival.  This space is also used by different religious groups.  Yet, in the Acts 17 Apologetics literature, this is never mentioned. 

On June 18, 2010 the group was aggressively confronting passers-by and were arrested for Breach of Peace and Failure to Obey a police officer.  The group was acquitted on the Breach of Peace charges, but one was found guilty of failure to obey a police officer.  Yet, this is what is used by Acts 17 in the media, I am pretty confident as their fundraiser.  For some reason, Acts 17 Apologetics claims to be Christian, but seem not to know Scripture.  Take Romans 13:1-7 for example--

1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended.
4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.
 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

But, as I mentioned for this group it is a money and attention raising event.  Therefore, they sued the City of Dearborn with the help of rightwing Thomas More organization and low and behold--the ACLU!!!  That has got to be one of the irony of ironies right there.  This may end up in the Acts 17 (and at least the Thomas More group) to take money away from the City of Dearborn causing us to have to cut more services because some fringe group wants to harass Arabs in this city.  It also keeps them in the media, locally at least.  Which they and their groups will make bigger than a mountain through the Internet.

The City of Dearborn has set up laws and policies that many other cities have set up for big events.  Policies that everyone abides by but Acts 17 Apologetics.  But, Acts 17 is not harrassed, oppressed or victimized because they are allowed the rights of every other group who wants to prostletyze this event, they just don't want to follow the law like the other groups.  A local group of Dearborn Christian ministers attempted to contact Acts 17 Apologetics and since there was no response, released this letter in 2009 after reviewing the groups escapades during the Arab Festival that year.  Here is the link--

http://www.fairlanealliance.org/downloads/letter_concerning_acts_17.pdf

I think the ministers write a good letter but the glaring part that struck me is Acts 17 Apologetics is about promoting Acts 17 Apologetics.  They use Jesus as the means to their end.  I see these people as another one of the false groups making money and noteriety off of Jesus Christ. 

Acts 17 Apologetics is another outside group that feels they have to invade Dearborn during the year to allegedly "save Christianity" from the evil Muslims.  I am guessing they make quite a haul from their unknowing donors (and some even knowing donors who want to stir up trouble) for their brief trip to cause dissension and strife.

"Religious Freedom" Proposal goes down in Flames

Red State North Dakota voters shot down an alleged "religious freedom" proposal to the State Constitution on June 12, 2012. Measure 3 would have amended Article I of the North Dakota Constitution by adding: “Government may not burden a person’s or religious organization’s religious liberty.”

In reality, the proposal was based on the rightwing, alleged Christians, hatred of President Obama and Obamacare and their view on birth control (although I bet many of these same people use birth control).  This proposal went down in flames by a 64% to 36% vote.

Now, the person who started the drive--Christopher Dodson, who is the executive director and general counsel for the North Dakota Catholic Conference, after realizing the proposal lost e-mailed the following statement:  “Religious freedom is a fundamental human right,” it said. “As such, we must be ever-vigilant to ensure that this precious right is always protected and respected. The outcome of the vote on Measure 3 will not distract us from that task.” (http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/364016/)

Now, I don't know about you, but I am trying to think exactly what kind of "religious freedoms" we are missing here in the good old US of A.  But, I do know it is and has been a part of the Republican Election Playbook for quite some time now.  At least since the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980 to the present.  If you don't think it is part of the Republican Playbook, here is Republican candidate Mitt Romney on the issue--

"The "Religious Freedom" messaging has become such a big part of 2012 Republican campaigning that Mitt Romney -- who once spoke with relative eloquence about the importance of religious diversity and tolerance -- now declares without cracking a smile that: "I don't think we've seen in the history of this country the kind of attack on religious conscience, religious freedom, religious tolerance that we've seen under Barack Obama." (http://articles.latimes.com/2012/feb/22/news/la-pn-gop-debate-religious-freedom-20120222)http://articles.latimes.com/2012/feb/22/news/la-pn-gop-debate-religious-freedom-20120222)

Getting back to the religious freedoms that have been taken away from us, still nothing comes to mind.  The only thing that has created any kind of furor (false outrage) was when the Department of Health and Human Services sent letters to employers stating as part of Obamacare the employers would have to provide allegedly free contraceptives to their employees.  This outrages some parts of the Catholic Institutions because they don't want to do this.  In response, Obama, once again bent and allowed that the Catholic Institutions would not have to provide these contraceptives, insurance companies would.  (Yowzer!!! That evil Obama, giving in on what the Catholic Institutions wanted!!! Obviously, it is a plot, a trick, like everything else he does!!!)

Anyway, so what kind of "religious freedoms" are we losing?  None that I can think of.  I know that alleged Christians want to make the USA a "Christian" only nation and deny other religions their rights.  This idea is basically anti-American in my opinion.  Denying those with other religions their rights is anti-American.

Yet, there is a dark side to this "Religious Freedom" proposals and others like it.  What happens if Measure 3 passed and there is a group that believes in polygamy?  They have the religious freedom to do it now in Montana, don't they?  What about stoning a sinner based on Old Testament laws or some current Islamic laws?  Is that OK?  What about beating wives and children as a "way of disciplining" them because you can find it in your religious material?

I truly believe the rightwing nutters started this initiative because they hate President Obama and it was an assault on the Affordable Healthcare Act that has helped millions of people so far--my family included.  But, out of their hatred, I don't think they realized the damage they could have caused to many people--not just those denied healthcare, but those women and children who could legally be abused due to alleged "religious freedom".  If there truly was an attack on Religious Freedom in America, I would be with you, but there isn't.  There is just a bunch of lies, hatred, division and deception against this President masked as some kind of war about good and evil.

Science and Religion

Usually, when I hear or read about some new scientific discovery, it just proves to me more that God exists.  Sub-atomic particles and how they work to the enormity of space, how everything fits together perfectly.  What made me think about God and science lately was donating blood.  If you research blood donation God has made a way to make the system work (if we are willing to do it).  If you look at the chart on this link (to the American Red Cross) you may be amazed at who can donate to whom based on blood types but also the percentage of the population that can donate based on blood type.
http://www.redcrossblood.org/learn-about-blood/blood-types

And this fact sheet from the American Red Cross shows why blood is needed for donation and what it is used for.  http://www.redcrossblood.org/learn-about-blood/blood-facts-and-statistics

Only 38% of the US population is eligible to donate blood for various reasons.  Yet, hospitals need blood type O, which is the highest blood type in the USA.  There is enough people available to provide this need for the general population if we are willing.

When I think of quarks, magnetism, lightning, the Earths rotational access around the sun which provides us with life, the worlds geography which if we treated it right and other humans right would provide enough sustenance for everyone on the planet, I think that this is a world created by God.  And a universe created by God.

Christians should embrace science because it shows the brilliance of God.  This link to a short ad by the BBC shows some of that brilliance.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/auSo1MyWf8g?r

Blessed is the One

One of my favorite Psalms is Psalm 1.  Here it is--

Psalm 1
1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.
4 Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

Yes, I like this Psalm, but it is frustrating to me in a way.  I see the wicked, those standing in the way that sinners take and those who sit in the company of mockers daily.  I see the powerful who are continuing to help destroy our country economically for political power, I see those in Congress and at State Levels who are standing in the way of helping their brothers and sisters in need of not Food Stamps and Medicaid or Medicare, but in need of a job which would provide them with dignity and I see the mockers on TV, radio and the Internet who promote the destruction of America and get paid handsomely to do so.  The wicked sinners and mockers influence trickles down mightily to those who lap it up and spit it back out locally and in personal conversation.

From this we see the truth of what is going on around us.  It is not hidden no matter how much they try to subvert and obfuscate their wickedness. It is not hidden no matter how much they try to confuse us, although the simple minded, the smart idiots and those who are truly not in God's will agree with the wickedness, we know, and more importantly, God knows.  Throughout history, those who have stolen God for their own purposes have caused immense amounts of pain and anguish, but they will meet their maker one day.

That is the frustrating part to me.  We still must plug along and be God's people on Earth, but we are up against the liars and deceivers who steal God and Jesus and Biblical verses.  They talk the talk, but can't walk the walk.  I can't wait for the chaff to be blown away.  Until that time, let's not walk with the wicked or stand with the sinners take or sit in the company of mockers. Let's delight in God's Law and study it well. Then, we will be well rooted and yield a good crop of fruit.  Plant, cultivate and groom good crops.

Bruce Springsteen is right, we are travelling over Rocky Ground.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTkHD35eWR0&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PLF66E16E2E51DBBEB

It's Good to Be Curious

One thing my wife is, is very curious.  She turned me onto this video of Mr. Rogers song "Garden of Your Mind" which has been remixed and is very cool.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFzXaFbxDcM

Fred Rogers, who was ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1963 had a calling to teach and educate young children.  And he was very good at it.  Rogers helped expand Public Television programs for children due to his appearance before a United States Senate Subcommittee on education in 1969.

What Mr. Rogers did for children, we need for adults.  We, as adults, should be curious about other people and other things.  We should be curious about science, art, literature, politics, religion and society in general.  But, as a society and the richest one in the world for that matter, we are ignorant of other people, societies, science, art, literature and we think we know everything about politics and religion.  As long as it is "our politics" and "our religion" because that is all we "need to know".  Henceforth, our ignorant, arrogant American culture.

I think one thing that God would like us to do is use our brain.  Why should we listen or watch TV with ignoramus blowhards telling us Global Warming isn't real when the polar ice caps are melting?  And when most credible scientists have proven such?  It makes many feel good that they believe their ignorance makes them smarter than pointy headed nerds who actually have the knowledge, data and the ability to understand such things.  Bury your head in the sand and you won't see the tidal wave when it is coming to hit you.

Most people in American society couldn't hold a 5 minute discussion on literature or art.  They may be able to hold a conversation longer than 5 minutes on music, but probably only a certain style of music--not more than one genre.  I remember when I lived in Europe, the cab drivers were talking with us about the latest Eugene Ionesco plays.  If you ask most Americans who Eugene Ionesco is, they have no clue.

I won't take up too much time on politics, because many Americans don't understand the issues and many more have been misled on the issues, yet they will act as "experts" and transform into mad screamers when you disagree or ask them questions on their opinions.

We should, along with Paul, think about such things--from Phillipians 4:4-9--

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

God would like us to consider "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."


When we go to Church on Sunday (or any other day of the week for that matter) and then clock out when it comes to the world, the world the God created and just focus on our arrogant ignorances--which is a horrible combination to have--we do ourselves, our neighbors, our country and our God a disservice.  We put up walls of shallowness and hatred, we drive people away and that is something Jesus wouldn't do.

The Prayer of Jabez and America

Bruce Wilkinson's book, "The Prayer of Jabez" is perfect for most who call themselves Christian in America.  It is an essential part of the "prosperity gospel" which has nothing to do with Jesus' gospel, but everything to do with America's gospel of making money at all costs.

Here is the description from Wikipedia--

"The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life" is an inspirational Bruce Wilkinson published in 2000 by Multnomah Books as the first book in the "BreakThrough" book series. It is based on the Old Testament passage--
 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, "I gave birth to him in pain." Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, saying, "Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request. (NIV)

 In the book, Wilkinson encourages Christians to invoke this prayer for themselves on a daily basis: I challenge you to make the Jabez prayer for blessing part of the daily fabric of your life. To do that, I encourage you to follow unwaveringly the plan outlined here for the next thirty days. By the end of that time, you'll be noticing significant changes in your life, and the prayer will be on its way to becoming a treasured, lifelong habit."

The book was endorsed by rightwing Christian "educator" James Dobson and became a New York Times bestseller and spawned offshoots for children, women and even had a musical companion.  In America, the devil doesn't have to work too hard.  Just gear something towards selfishness and money and it will become a bestseller and actually drive people away from the true gospel of Christ.

Here is how Jesus told us to pray from Matthew 6:5-15--

5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation,[a] but deliver us from the evil one.[b]’ 14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

So you have Jabez prayer which is basically "God do this for me" and you have Jesus prayer about honoring God, wanting God's Kingdom to come, provide for us daily, help us to forgive each other and help us from temptation and evil.  Since Jesus is the Son of God that is the prayer I support.  Yet, Jesus prayer isn't Americas prayer, Jabez prayer is America's prayer.  It is evident in many ways, especially those on Wall Street and most of the Republican Party supports greed and selfishness over forgiveness and caring for others.  No wonder Wilkinson's book was a big hit for conservative Christians.

I knew many people who loved Wilkinson's book when it came out in 2000.  One loved it so much, he bought me a copy and said "it would change my life".  Reading the book was like reading a cult manual, if you did certain things in a certain way, you were guaranteed the God would respond the way you wanted Him, too (which if you have any knowledge of the Bible, that is a major role reversal for God).  After reading the book, I did with it that most people should have--threw it in the trash where it belonged.

Another Poll proves Republicans and Christianity don't mix

Here is the latest Pew Center Research poll and political attitudes and polarization of American politics.


http://www.people-press.org/2012/06/04/section-4-values-about-government-and-the-social-safety-net/

What it shows is older white men with a higher income don't want the government to help out the poor and downtrodden.  It also shows that Republicans want the government to help less than Democrats or Independents by a large number.  But, you know who claims they are the biggest Christians?  Republicans.  I have heard the line that "churches should take care of the people" blahblahblah from Republicans and that is why government shouldn't help.

Hey--here is a reality check--rich Republicans never helped the people enough where they wouldn't be hungry, homeless or have a job.  Just check out the current Republican Party.  Prior to government intervention with Social Security and then Medicare, elderly people and disabled lived in squalor and misery.  Or the elderly tried to work until the died.  In the richest country in the world, we should be ashamed of ourselves.  Fortunately, FDR and then LBJ changed that.  But Christian Republicans hate it and want to dismantle these programs even though they don't have anything to replace them with and will never donate enough money to a church or charity where we wouldn't have poor, hungry and homeless in this nation.

Also, middle class Republicans for some reason think that buying a package of diapers for a poor person somehow alleviates the need for all the other diapers that poor person will need raising a child.  It is a bizarre disconnect, yet it makes them feel good about themselves while they attack the real help and that comes from the government.

Good and Bad Kings

You can look at our Presidents as either a "good" or "bad" King.  You can do it based on Biblical principles.  What they actually do, not what they say.  There are numerous passages in the Bible that we can evaluate our modern day kings, but going to James can provide us with good insight onto what a good or bad king might do.  It is interesting to me because many conservative Christians hate President Obama with various "reasons", but sorry conservatives your main reason is he is African American.  If Ronald Reagan did what he did (and Reagan seems to be more liberal than Obama) you would be praising Reagan as a demi-god.  So, don't tell me its Obama's policies, it's his skin color.

Anyway, I digress.  Using Biblical principles, George W. Bush would be a bad king.  So would many other modern day Republicans.  Yet, these are the people that conservative Christians back and believe wholeheartedly.

We also should review John Boehner and Mitch McConnell and the Republican leadership in the House and Senate who are doing everything they can to prevent passing legislation that would help America grow economically and with jobs as well as attempting to cut as much as the social safety net as possible.  I don't see how that is Godly or Biblical.  But, it is political.   As evidence of this, here is a column that touches on policies that create jobs and the Republicans that prevent them.

http://www.uawfordcommunity.org/index.php/news/news-that-matters/political-news/item/165-joyfully-plotting-our-destruction

One last item, look at Governors, kings of their states.  Numerous Republican governors have attacked workers, the poor and seniors and have taken from them and given to the already wealthy in the form of tax cuts.  When people tell me we are under judgement because of gays and liberals, I think the truth is we are under judgement because those who claim they are Christian truly support what the Republicans are doing.  And they are the money changers that Jesus threw out of the temple.

God is an Environmentalist and you should be one, too

Rightwing, alleged "Christian", Bryan Fischer and guest, Cal Beisner of the Cornwall Alliance were making claims that environmentalism is a "religion".  Actually, if you read what they say that we have an Earth Day, ask people to recycle and have recycle bins and people talk about environmentalism and recycling that it is a "religion".

According to a report by Think Progress , the Cornwall Alliance is a front group for the shadowy James Partnership. Both the James Partnership and the Cornwall Alliance are closely linked to the Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow (CFACT), an anti-environmental group that is “funded by at least $542,000 from ExxonMobil, $60,500 from Chevron, and $1,280,000 from Scaife family foundations, which are rooted in wealth from Gulf Oil and steel interests.” CFACT is also part of a climate change denialist network funded by the ExxonMobil-financed Competitive Enterprise Institute. Beisner is a CFACT board member and an “adjunct fellow” of the Acton Institute , which is primarily funded by groups like ExxonMobil, the Scaife foundations and the Koch brothers. Beisner is also an adviser to the Atlas Economic Research Foundation, which is financed by the oil-backed Earthart Foundation , the Koch brothers, and ExxonMobil. In fact, Beisner is not a scientist and has no scientific credentials. Despite claiming to be an authority on energy and environmental issues, he received his Ph.D. in Scottish History.  It is amazing how corrupt these alleged Christians are.

It is odd, because environmentalism is what we should be doing as stewards of God's created Earth.  But, you wouldn't know it from Beisner, who is getting paid to be a front for rightwing corporations and Fischer, who just seems to be another person making money and getting notoriety off of Christianity.  Let's look at God's Word and what he wants us to do:

Genesis 1:26. Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth and over all the creatures that move along the ground."
Lev. 25:23-24. The land is mine and you are but aliens and my tenants. Throughout the country that you hold as a possession, you must provide for the redemption of the land.
Ezekiel 34:2-4. Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not the shepherds take care of the flock? You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you did not take care of the flock! You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally.
Ezekiel 34:10. 0 shepherds, hear the word of the Lord. This is what the sovereign Lord says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock.
Ezekiel 34:17-18. As for you, my flock... Is it not enough for you to feed on good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet?
Isaiah 24:4-6. The earth dries up and withers, the world languished and withers, the exalted of the earth languish. The earth lies under its inhabitants; for they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, and broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore a curse consumes the earth; its people must bear their guilt.
Jer. 2:7. I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and rich produce. But you came and defiled my land and you made my inheritance detestable.
Luke 16:2,10,13. And He called him and said to him, "What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward. He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous in much. You cannot serve both God and mammon.
James 5:5. You have lived luxuriously on the earth and led a life of wanton pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.
Mark 4:19. ...and the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word and it becomes unfruitful.
Revelation 11:18. The nations were angry and your wrath has come. The time has come for rewarding your servants the prophets and your saints and those who reverence your name, both small and great - and for destroying those who destroy the earth.

God wants His people to take care of the Earth and make sure it is useful for all His people, not just some.  And God definitely will deal with the rich who rape and abuse the Earth for profit such as the Koch Brothers and the leaders of the oil companies.  Those who lie on their behalf and deceive God's people will also have to deal with God.  I hope the enjoy there short time on Earth.  Because their afterlife will be a living hell.