This quote is from a recent letter sent to me, " I am appalled at some of the things you said in the article... (Feb 13). A man who claims to be a teacher of God’s word and yet shows a lack of knowledge of the Bible is appalling. I am going to be nice and take a Priscilla and Aquila approach rather than exposing you publicly to your readers and parishioners by writing to the Editor. In case you don’t know who Priscilla and Aquila are, you can read about them in Acts 18:24-26."
I am guessing that the writer assumes he is Apollos for me. Apollos was an influential member of the early church. 1st Corinthians is our primary source on Apollos. Paul wrote it after a significant personal association with Apollos. Apollos apparently was an important member of one of the four parties in the Corinthian church. Yes, even in the beginning there were differences of opinion. And it appears that Apollos was trained by Paul and that is why he carried much influence. I am not sure who trained my modern day Apollos, but his letter seems to reflect a great deal of confidence of his knowledge. Evidently that is why he feels more than qualified to correct me.
How did my Apollos correct me? First he took exception to my statement, "John’s baptism was for people, converting to Judaism." My Apollos wrote that John preached to Jews not to Gentiles. If a teacher’s only resource for study is a Bible written in English, he might be correct.
But, how did I come up with that statement? First, all Jews are Israelis, but all Israelis are not Jews. The nation of Israel under Saul, David, and Solomon was split in two sections. The northern kingdom was called Israel and it was composed of 9 ½ tribes of the original Israel. The capital was Samaria (yes, the good Samaritan was an Israelis). The southern kingdom was called Judah and it was composed of 2 ½ tribes. Its capital was Jerusalem.
Both nations eventually fell and in the approximate two hundred years before Christ there were many factions trying to restore the Kingdom of Israel (not Judah) and throw off the Roman yoke. Within the territory surrounding Jerusalem the movement gained much speed and there were many movements and several so called messiahs. The Dead Sea scrolls have revealed much about this zealous movement. Men like John the Baptist were warning of the coming of the messiah over this same period. And some Jewish leaders, who had gained power under the Roman yoke, were apposed to these wilderness preachers.
Who was the target audience of these evangelist? All of the children of Israel, which did include those descendants of the southern kingdom, whom were called Jews, and the descendants of the northern kingdom called Israelis. Yes, historically many have referred to them as the lost tribes of Israel, but history has proven they weren’t really lost after all, just diffused.
My modern day Apollos said that Jesus came to tear down the wall that separated the Jews and Gentiles. On the other hand I, Dennis Bennett, have come to understand that Jesus came to fulfill the covenant of Abraham, which predates the nation of Israel. Jesus made mockery of the religious leaders and the religious laws, because he taught the kingdom of God is at hand, as it is in every generation. In other words, just as God said to Abraham, follow me in faith, Jesus is saying for us to be like him and follow God in faith, forsaking all others.
How could Jesus say for his people to avoid the Gentiles and go only for the lost sheep of Israel, if the Jews and Israelis (Gentiles) were all children of the nation of Israel? Scripture has never answered that question for me. Yes, Mr. Apollos I do study Scripture. But, I also study other writings from that era and throughout Christian history. In them I have discovered a more dynamic story than what is confined to the Bible. Jesus and his followers were fantastic men and women with great spiritual strength. And from the very beginning of time the followers of Christ have been challenged by the religious lovers of the law.
Again I must also challenge my friend Apollos of today, when he advocates that only certain people are empowered by the Holy Spirit. That brand of theology leads to the power of the church being held in the hands of a select few. That was one of the primary things Jesus opposed. The Holy Spirit empowers every follower of Christ Jesus. Scripture says that no one can confess Jesus Christ as Lord without the Holy Spirit. Jesus also taught we the church (And no Mr. Apollos, you were way off when you said you assume I meant buildings when I say "Church.") In the Greek the followers of Christ were labeled Koinia or community of believers or Body of Christ or Church of Christ. It is empowered people of God, who have chosen Jesus to be their Lord as well as the way, truth, and life for them in their attempt to worship God and be Christ like in this life.
In short, my article that you opposed and used to declared me appalling had a simple message. It was to inform every follower of Christ, that they are empowered with the same Spirit that Christ was empowered with, so it is not unreasonable of God to ask us to be Christ like. For being Christ like is what draws people to become members of the community of believers.
So to my modern day Apollos I say thank you for being kind enough to express your opinion. And as to you exposing me to the public and my parishioners, I think after ten years they are pretty sure of who I am as a teacher. They know that I welcome many points of view. After all the more facets a diamond has the more valuable and brilliant it is to us.
There is a lot that I don’t know, but one thing I know for sure I never play fast and loose with my role as a teacher. You can accuse me of coming to a different conclusion that you, but not twisting of the truth. I know that three years with Bill Bright’s studies, eight years of college, studies in Hebrew and Greek, living in Greece and the Middle East, passing a doctoral written and oral exam on the Bible, are only a scratch to what is to be educated, but I think it does give me the right to ask you not to call me ignorant about my faith.
If you really want to help me, why not help me start an ecumenical Bible study with people (men and women) from every facet of the Christian Church, regardless if we agree with their theology or not? Waiting to hear from you. Stop by for coffee and we can have fun debating the unknown realm of God. Blessings to you Apollos.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Holiness vs Fanaticism
Question: Where to draw the line between dedication to holiness and religious fanaticism (in light of the cowardly terrorist activity since 9/11?
What is holiness? What is religious fanaticism?
Holiness is a measurement of a person’s divine nature. How godly a person are they? Understanding what holiness is, requires an understanding of what divine identity is defined. If the divine being is a loving identity, holiness is a measurement of one’s loving nature. If the divine being is a wrathful God, who will destroy any opposition, then holiness is a measurement of one’s triumphs over any opposing ideas or definitions.
Religious fanaticism is an intolerance of any religious beliefs that do not fully align with our own. This covers every religious belief from the far left to the far right, if the person is avidly intolerant of any religious belief, other than their own.
In ancient times this was only a problem when two religious ideas crossed paths. The world’s societies or cultures were divided by religious beliefs. A person’s neighbors were of the same faith as they. As populations grew and humanity became more mobile and urban, people found themselves with neighbors of different religious views.
These new neighborhoods of mixed views taxed the concept of holiness. If a person’s holiness was a measure of their love of their fellow beings, they would never attack anyone else’s beliefs. They would always forgive, while turning the other cheek. The classic example of this was killed by his neighbors. Any person who truly follows this way of holiness will always end up in some form of crucifixion, not triumph, on this Earth.
If a person’s holiness is to prove here on Earth that their religion or understanding of the divine is the one and only true one, they will always attack the beliefs of others. They will live by the sword and die by the sword. Their earthly triumphs are never permanent, because someone always eventually attacks and defeats them.
So is it futile? Where can we draw the line, so each can survive as neighbors? I am not sure any longer. I thought we could exist side by side, but the attackers don’t like to heard disagreeing ideas, no matter how philosophical it might be. So, may be we are headed back to the dark ages, when neighborhoods were divided over religious differences.
Perhaps we could let each group build a wall around their cities and allow no one but true believers into their particular neighborhood. Let them all sign a treaty that says they will keep their noses out of the business of the other cities and neighborhoods. I think its called isolationism.
Wait a minute, isn’t that what they are doing with the Gaza strip? North Korea? Saudi Arabia? and other places? It is even close to home, with the blossoming congregations in several religions. These growing groups are against anyone with different views. The people inside these movements usually don’t really know for sure what their religion is in truth, but they love the comfort of being surrounded with fellow believers. Just like living in a village around the castle with a king protecting you.
I guess the line to draw between dedication to holiness and religious fanaticism is a circle and allow in only people like me - And to Hell with the rest. Or forget any line at all and respect my fellow human beings and their beliefs - And be fanatical about it.
What is holiness? What is religious fanaticism?
Holiness is a measurement of a person’s divine nature. How godly a person are they? Understanding what holiness is, requires an understanding of what divine identity is defined. If the divine being is a loving identity, holiness is a measurement of one’s loving nature. If the divine being is a wrathful God, who will destroy any opposition, then holiness is a measurement of one’s triumphs over any opposing ideas or definitions.
Religious fanaticism is an intolerance of any religious beliefs that do not fully align with our own. This covers every religious belief from the far left to the far right, if the person is avidly intolerant of any religious belief, other than their own.
In ancient times this was only a problem when two religious ideas crossed paths. The world’s societies or cultures were divided by religious beliefs. A person’s neighbors were of the same faith as they. As populations grew and humanity became more mobile and urban, people found themselves with neighbors of different religious views.
These new neighborhoods of mixed views taxed the concept of holiness. If a person’s holiness was a measure of their love of their fellow beings, they would never attack anyone else’s beliefs. They would always forgive, while turning the other cheek. The classic example of this was killed by his neighbors. Any person who truly follows this way of holiness will always end up in some form of crucifixion, not triumph, on this Earth.
If a person’s holiness is to prove here on Earth that their religion or understanding of the divine is the one and only true one, they will always attack the beliefs of others. They will live by the sword and die by the sword. Their earthly triumphs are never permanent, because someone always eventually attacks and defeats them.
So is it futile? Where can we draw the line, so each can survive as neighbors? I am not sure any longer. I thought we could exist side by side, but the attackers don’t like to heard disagreeing ideas, no matter how philosophical it might be. So, may be we are headed back to the dark ages, when neighborhoods were divided over religious differences.
Perhaps we could let each group build a wall around their cities and allow no one but true believers into their particular neighborhood. Let them all sign a treaty that says they will keep their noses out of the business of the other cities and neighborhoods. I think its called isolationism.
Wait a minute, isn’t that what they are doing with the Gaza strip? North Korea? Saudi Arabia? and other places? It is even close to home, with the blossoming congregations in several religions. These growing groups are against anyone with different views. The people inside these movements usually don’t really know for sure what their religion is in truth, but they love the comfort of being surrounded with fellow believers. Just like living in a village around the castle with a king protecting you.
I guess the line to draw between dedication to holiness and religious fanaticism is a circle and allow in only people like me - And to Hell with the rest. Or forget any line at all and respect my fellow human beings and their beliefs - And be fanatical about it.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Crossing the Rubicon
The phrase "Crossing the Rubicon" stems from Julius Ceasar’s crossing the Rubicon River on Jan 11, 49 BC. The act of crossing the river was considered an act of war by Ceasar against Pompey and the Roman Senate. He acknowledge that his act was an irrevocable one, when he uttered the phrase, "The die is cast."
Great changes came about in the Roman Empire that extended its grand world position an extra three or four hundred years. It was in rapid decline with leaders, heroes, entertainers, businessmen, and priest acting utterly acting out of self-interest. The nobility of being concern with the welfare of the people was lost in the drive to nab power in any which way you could.
On November 6, 2012 I wonder if our great nation is facing another Rubicon Crossing. Since the 1960's we have been approaching the banks of our Rubicon and I believe we have arrived. It is time not for change but renewal of the Founding Father’s original intent - Freedom for the individual with responsibility for the whole. This was a unique conception, and when Washington made his river crossing, "the die was cast’ and a unique Constitutional Freedom evolved.
That original intent built a nation where immigrants were proud to come in through the front door; where wealthy individuals were philanthropic toward educational, medical, and social endeavors; heroes were modest and remembered their roots; politicians were not career people; religious leaders were more interested in souls than their own image and wealth; businessmen looked upon their employees as their personal responsibility in terms of financial survival; and the individual citizenry voted for principles and not images.
When did we lose our responsibility for the whole? I believe my generation planted it and those following developed it into what we see today - fewer and fewer wealthy philanthropic acts; breast beating heroes with lifestyles that belong in a pigsty; lifetime politicians who stay beyond their usefulness; religious leaders who represent violence in words and deeds; greedy businessmen are more the norm than not; and citizenry who don’t vote, but will never fail to complain when they don’t get their share of the Pork Barrel.
Everybody is calling for change, but it is time for renewal more than change. We need to go back to the basics with changed ideas. When Washington cast the die at that river it was for basically an all white male, liberal Christian society that honored the working man. His Rubicon Crossing brought a simple social system to this group that for the first time in modern history - a nation where all were concerned with freedom for the individual with responsibility for the whole.
The renewal is needed today with a few changes in concept. Substitute the phrase white male for all humans; add basic respect of all beliefs and individuals for liberal Christian; and expand the concept of honor to mean respect, educate, and enable individuals to fulfill their destinies in life and to accept their own responsibilities for self and the whole equally.
Now, all I have to do is find another Caesar or Washington to lead us across today’s Rubicon.
Great changes came about in the Roman Empire that extended its grand world position an extra three or four hundred years. It was in rapid decline with leaders, heroes, entertainers, businessmen, and priest acting utterly acting out of self-interest. The nobility of being concern with the welfare of the people was lost in the drive to nab power in any which way you could.
On November 6, 2012 I wonder if our great nation is facing another Rubicon Crossing. Since the 1960's we have been approaching the banks of our Rubicon and I believe we have arrived. It is time not for change but renewal of the Founding Father’s original intent - Freedom for the individual with responsibility for the whole. This was a unique conception, and when Washington made his river crossing, "the die was cast’ and a unique Constitutional Freedom evolved.
That original intent built a nation where immigrants were proud to come in through the front door; where wealthy individuals were philanthropic toward educational, medical, and social endeavors; heroes were modest and remembered their roots; politicians were not career people; religious leaders were more interested in souls than their own image and wealth; businessmen looked upon their employees as their personal responsibility in terms of financial survival; and the individual citizenry voted for principles and not images.
When did we lose our responsibility for the whole? I believe my generation planted it and those following developed it into what we see today - fewer and fewer wealthy philanthropic acts; breast beating heroes with lifestyles that belong in a pigsty; lifetime politicians who stay beyond their usefulness; religious leaders who represent violence in words and deeds; greedy businessmen are more the norm than not; and citizenry who don’t vote, but will never fail to complain when they don’t get their share of the Pork Barrel.
Everybody is calling for change, but it is time for renewal more than change. We need to go back to the basics with changed ideas. When Washington cast the die at that river it was for basically an all white male, liberal Christian society that honored the working man. His Rubicon Crossing brought a simple social system to this group that for the first time in modern history - a nation where all were concerned with freedom for the individual with responsibility for the whole.
The renewal is needed today with a few changes in concept. Substitute the phrase white male for all humans; add basic respect of all beliefs and individuals for liberal Christian; and expand the concept of honor to mean respect, educate, and enable individuals to fulfill their destinies in life and to accept their own responsibilities for self and the whole equally.
Now, all I have to do is find another Caesar or Washington to lead us across today’s Rubicon.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
God's True Judgement
Tired of reading about what is bad with people? Did you know God only judges on our holiness? There are no heavenly scales that weigh our good acts against our bad. God addresses solely the goodness in our lives at the judgement seat.
This seat as identified in Scripture in the Book of Revelation is just for those people, who have successfully finished a race. They come and stand in front of the judgement seat to receive their awards for performance.
In the Christian faith the only people, who finish the race are the ones, who have eternal life and citizenship in the Kingdom of Light (Kingdom of God). In the gospels, they are the ones, who have been born from above ("born again" is an inappropriate translation). They are the ones, according to Jesus, who love God above all things and their neighbor as themselves. Jesus understood the Holy Spirit is needed to do those two things. The same Spirit that gives eternal life.
At judgement, God will judge us as to how much of our lives we have turned over to the control of the Spirit. In other words, how holy are we? Which is truly good news, when compared with the works concept which balances good against the bad. Oh, I know there are people, who believe their good works out weigh their bad works. In the Spiritual realm they are immature beings, who actually believe they can gain eternal life on their own faith. They totally ignore the essential place of God’s Spirit in the great scheme of things.
Whenever we pray believing and ask God to forgive us, God is just and forgives us. Now comes the tremendous news of God’s grace. When God forgives a person, it is forgotten about for all eternity. It is gone! It is out of my life! This constant cleansing allows God’s people to work more on their goodness, instead of agonizing over their badness. That’s the basic good news I find in Christ Jesus, who God used to make this extra-ordinary formula work.
For this reason God challenges us to love one another. By this God means not judge, which means no evaluation or concern for my negative side, because that is between me and God. Instead we accept people for the goodness they have, no matter what level it has obtained.
What a wonderful world! A place where we only see good in people! Children will no longer tease others for their imperfections. Adults will not go to war to prove others wrong. People of God will join hands and let their light outshine all the darkness of this world. Yeah, I like that idea. We only deal with the good, just like God does it.
This seat as identified in Scripture in the Book of Revelation is just for those people, who have successfully finished a race. They come and stand in front of the judgement seat to receive their awards for performance.
In the Christian faith the only people, who finish the race are the ones, who have eternal life and citizenship in the Kingdom of Light (Kingdom of God). In the gospels, they are the ones, who have been born from above ("born again" is an inappropriate translation). They are the ones, according to Jesus, who love God above all things and their neighbor as themselves. Jesus understood the Holy Spirit is needed to do those two things. The same Spirit that gives eternal life.
At judgement, God will judge us as to how much of our lives we have turned over to the control of the Spirit. In other words, how holy are we? Which is truly good news, when compared with the works concept which balances good against the bad. Oh, I know there are people, who believe their good works out weigh their bad works. In the Spiritual realm they are immature beings, who actually believe they can gain eternal life on their own faith. They totally ignore the essential place of God’s Spirit in the great scheme of things.
Whenever we pray believing and ask God to forgive us, God is just and forgives us. Now comes the tremendous news of God’s grace. When God forgives a person, it is forgotten about for all eternity. It is gone! It is out of my life! This constant cleansing allows God’s people to work more on their goodness, instead of agonizing over their badness. That’s the basic good news I find in Christ Jesus, who God used to make this extra-ordinary formula work.
For this reason God challenges us to love one another. By this God means not judge, which means no evaluation or concern for my negative side, because that is between me and God. Instead we accept people for the goodness they have, no matter what level it has obtained.
What a wonderful world! A place where we only see good in people! Children will no longer tease others for their imperfections. Adults will not go to war to prove others wrong. People of God will join hands and let their light outshine all the darkness of this world. Yeah, I like that idea. We only deal with the good, just like God does it.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Stargazers and Navelgazers this Memorial Day and Pentecost
Memorial Day and Pentecost
Two people were looking at their town, where they had both spent their entire lives. Then one asked, "If you were all-powerful, what would you do?" The other replied, "I'd build walls around the entire town, so great that nothing would endanger this beautiful city."
The first old friend pushed his lips together and responded, "I'd lift the town high above all danger."
We humans seem to build walls of full of laws and controls around our communities and churches believing they will hold back the flow of evil.
But God lifts a person up by the Spirit, far above the reach of humanity’s destructive forces.
Prior to Pentecost God would reach down to one person or group and lifted them above the tides of destruction, as needed.
At Pentecost God let the Spirit loose for every child of God. No longer do we need to be over run with evil. The Spirit will always lifts us higher.
Our dock in the river is a platform, and the buoyant force beneath it, keeps it afloat.
We (Church) are like that dock. The outer area is where we enjoy, care for and expand our lives. God gives us, the church, a buoyant force - Holy Spirit. Thru the Spirit we ar able to rise above the common level of life. We are able to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong. We can live high above the troubled waters of life.
Paraphrasing Gal 5:19-26, The acts of human nature are obvious: sexual transgression; love of idols and mysticism; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissension, gangs, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, etc..
But the Holy Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. To live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Let us not be conceited, provoking and envying each other.
A sunken dock has no life. It is no fun!
A Church without the Spirit has no life. It has no fun!
A spiritual church is more powerful than a religious church.
A patriotic nation is more powerful than an oppressor nation.
Citizens who want a free lunch and have a sheep like attitude are the backbone of an oppressor nation.
Patriotic soldiers who give their lives (physically and emotionally) in the defense of freedom are the backbone of a truly patriotic nation.
Legalistic (my way or the highway) worshipers of laws are the greedy self-centered backbone of a religious church.
Spirit filled people who put God above all things are the backbone of a spiritual church.
Religiosity and Oppression cost you everything.
Patriotism and Pentecost cost you nothing.
Religiosity and Oppression are the Hallmarks of Navelgazers.
Patriotism and Pentecost are the Hallmarks of Stargazers.
Are you self centered or God centered? This Sunday let the Spirit of God fill you at worship and then Monday celebrate Memorial Day and fill your thanks for all of patriotic men and women who gave their lives in defense of freedom. It is time for the Stargazers to be lifted up in our churches and our nation!
Two people were looking at their town, where they had both spent their entire lives. Then one asked, "If you were all-powerful, what would you do?" The other replied, "I'd build walls around the entire town, so great that nothing would endanger this beautiful city."
The first old friend pushed his lips together and responded, "I'd lift the town high above all danger."
We humans seem to build walls of full of laws and controls around our communities and churches believing they will hold back the flow of evil.
But God lifts a person up by the Spirit, far above the reach of humanity’s destructive forces.
Prior to Pentecost God would reach down to one person or group and lifted them above the tides of destruction, as needed.
At Pentecost God let the Spirit loose for every child of God. No longer do we need to be over run with evil. The Spirit will always lifts us higher.
Our dock in the river is a platform, and the buoyant force beneath it, keeps it afloat.
We (Church) are like that dock. The outer area is where we enjoy, care for and expand our lives. God gives us, the church, a buoyant force - Holy Spirit. Thru the Spirit we ar able to rise above the common level of life. We are able to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong. We can live high above the troubled waters of life.
Paraphrasing Gal 5:19-26, The acts of human nature are obvious: sexual transgression; love of idols and mysticism; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissension, gangs, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, etc..
But the Holy Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. To live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Let us not be conceited, provoking and envying each other.
A sunken dock has no life. It is no fun!
A Church without the Spirit has no life. It has no fun!
A spiritual church is more powerful than a religious church.
A patriotic nation is more powerful than an oppressor nation.
Citizens who want a free lunch and have a sheep like attitude are the backbone of an oppressor nation.
Patriotic soldiers who give their lives (physically and emotionally) in the defense of freedom are the backbone of a truly patriotic nation.
Legalistic (my way or the highway) worshipers of laws are the greedy self-centered backbone of a religious church.
Spirit filled people who put God above all things are the backbone of a spiritual church.
Religiosity and Oppression cost you everything.
Patriotism and Pentecost cost you nothing.
Religiosity and Oppression are the Hallmarks of Navelgazers.
Patriotism and Pentecost are the Hallmarks of Stargazers.
Are you self centered or God centered? This Sunday let the Spirit of God fill you at worship and then Monday celebrate Memorial Day and fill your thanks for all of patriotic men and women who gave their lives in defense of freedom. It is time for the Stargazers to be lifted up in our churches and our nation!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Law Day and Reason
The United States of America is out of step with much of the world. Today many people around this old planet celebrate May Day on May 1. In a land were freedom reigns we celebrate Law Day on May 1. Some how our news media and public seemed to miss that special day this year. Law Day, established in 1958 by President Eisenhower, is dedicated to the traditional American concept of respect for the law. Our law is established in a philosophy of freedom for the individual with common threads of decency required to live together in peace and harmony. The system is far from perfect, but it is the best yet devised for a government of laws and not men.
Unfortunately, poison vines have silently crept into every facet of our law. The vines of selfish interest and greed are entangled in every level of the mechanism of our law, which we call government. Remember the government is the law, not the elected or appointed officials. Our Law is an accumulation of modifications to the original foundation of law. Changes made by individuals approved by the electorate.
This poison crept slowly into our lives over the years. Will it take years to remove it? Not really. It doesn't even require throwing out the elected and appointed officials or even destroying the established government. A simple return of their focus to what's good for us and not what's good for them.
On Law Day, if those in power or with the ability to vote could have resolved to defend the law, our problems would be solved in a short span of time. For instance it takes millions of dollars and months to elect one representative to defend the law and define government. What happens if we establish one day on the calendar to hold primary elections across the land? Setting aside appointed TV times when each candidate for various positions could present their positions. After the primary election set five TV periods for presenting their positions in greater detail.
Eliminate matching funds for elections. Establish a standard of conduct in regards to all lobbyist. Forbid any and all candidates, elected officials or political parties from receiving monies from lobbyist or businesses. Make it socially unacceptable for any government official to be paid for making speeches to constituents. In short let the elected officials serve because they want to serve their nation and not their financial self interest.
Limit the smell of money and the foxes will lose interest in the hen house. The problem is not the government as those in the far left and right want us to believe. It is interference in decisions by individual self interest and greed.
Interestingly enough, self interest and greed are what elected officials believe they need to satisfy in the voters back home to stay in office. That's us folks! It is our turn to say we are more interested in what's good for the whole, not what's good for the few. Law Day is an opportune time to reestablish the law as our good friend not our foe.
The problem is not government or law. It's people. People who are bigots in regards to race, religion and creed - both to others and in favor of their own. People who refuse help to others in need. Lazy people who take handouts over hand ups. Over caring people who create systems that make laziness more rewarding than work. People who won't find a middle ground for the common good, in situations that demand our government or law intervene.
As the saying goes, "I have met the enemy and it is I!" And I want to do something about it. How? Urge these important changes. Encourage government to be responsible and do what's best for the whole of society. Support them while they are in office. Don't make them run for the next election the day they are sworn into office. Let them relax and lead. Be part of the solution not part of the problem.
Law Day reminds us that it is the Law that makes us free. Unselfish leaders created the Law we have today. God Bless the United States of America and the Law of the Land. Let the law of the Land and the Law of Reason return.
Unfortunately, poison vines have silently crept into every facet of our law. The vines of selfish interest and greed are entangled in every level of the mechanism of our law, which we call government. Remember the government is the law, not the elected or appointed officials. Our Law is an accumulation of modifications to the original foundation of law. Changes made by individuals approved by the electorate.
This poison crept slowly into our lives over the years. Will it take years to remove it? Not really. It doesn't even require throwing out the elected and appointed officials or even destroying the established government. A simple return of their focus to what's good for us and not what's good for them.
On Law Day, if those in power or with the ability to vote could have resolved to defend the law, our problems would be solved in a short span of time. For instance it takes millions of dollars and months to elect one representative to defend the law and define government. What happens if we establish one day on the calendar to hold primary elections across the land? Setting aside appointed TV times when each candidate for various positions could present their positions. After the primary election set five TV periods for presenting their positions in greater detail.
Eliminate matching funds for elections. Establish a standard of conduct in regards to all lobbyist. Forbid any and all candidates, elected officials or political parties from receiving monies from lobbyist or businesses. Make it socially unacceptable for any government official to be paid for making speeches to constituents. In short let the elected officials serve because they want to serve their nation and not their financial self interest.
Limit the smell of money and the foxes will lose interest in the hen house. The problem is not the government as those in the far left and right want us to believe. It is interference in decisions by individual self interest and greed.
Interestingly enough, self interest and greed are what elected officials believe they need to satisfy in the voters back home to stay in office. That's us folks! It is our turn to say we are more interested in what's good for the whole, not what's good for the few. Law Day is an opportune time to reestablish the law as our good friend not our foe.
The problem is not government or law. It's people. People who are bigots in regards to race, religion and creed - both to others and in favor of their own. People who refuse help to others in need. Lazy people who take handouts over hand ups. Over caring people who create systems that make laziness more rewarding than work. People who won't find a middle ground for the common good, in situations that demand our government or law intervene.
As the saying goes, "I have met the enemy and it is I!" And I want to do something about it. How? Urge these important changes. Encourage government to be responsible and do what's best for the whole of society. Support them while they are in office. Don't make them run for the next election the day they are sworn into office. Let them relax and lead. Be part of the solution not part of the problem.
Law Day reminds us that it is the Law that makes us free. Unselfish leaders created the Law we have today. God Bless the United States of America and the Law of the Land. Let the law of the Land and the Law of Reason return.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
International Peace Day? You are kidding! Right?
Did you know that there is a International Peace Day? Yep, September 19th is designated International Peace Day. It is either a forgotten day or a great joke on the world. One thing there is not today - international peace. Recently some publication reported forty-one wars being waged somewhere on this planet.
War and Peace are more than a great novel. They dominate our lives from the domestic violence in families and there resultant deaths to a world wide fear of terrorist. War is our oldest weakness. Peace is our oldest dream.
Story: An elderly cannibal sage and a missionary were comparing their philosophies. The cannibal reminisced about tribal wars he had fought, and how he had eaten his foes. The missionary said, "We fight wars for higher reasons - for truth, for defense of democracy, for freedom." "You must eat many, many people," said the cannibal. "Oh, no," said the missionary, "we don't eat human beings." "Then," said the cannibal sage,"you have no reason to kill each other."
No civilization yet created has been able to abolish war. In the last hundred years we have been in five significant conflicts. In the same period we have helped to establish two peace making bodies, the League of Nations and the United Nations to abolish war. This era also witnessed the greatest build up and development of armaments in world history. Humanity knows how to make war better than how to make peace. In the old days people went off to war. Today science and television can bring it right to you.
Story: Two pacifist were arguing about who was more idealistic. "I love peace so much," said one, "that I am willing to fight for it." "And I love peace so much," said the other, "that I am willing not to fight for it."
Peace is like an elusive butterfly. Beautiful to hunt and difficult to capture. Yet every group has begun with the ultimate goal of obtaining a peace. "To beat their swords into plowshares." Yet peace seems to be something humanity continues to fight over.
Franklin Roosevelt said, "Peace, like charity, begins at home." How right he was! Look at the religious wars in Ireland, Bosnia, India and other places. Then look at the religious wars at home. Roman Catholics against Protestants, Orthodox against Fundamentalist, "Saved" against "Unsaved" and so on and so forth.
Recently the front page of our paper had murder, suicide, domestic violence and murder trials all on the front page in one day! And we are arrogant enough to send missionaries to bring peace in the name of the Lord. If we could bottle the hate that many "Religious Coalitions" are generating, we would have enough to wage wars for the next hundred years.
Can’t we make every day International Peace Day? Can't we reach across our local boundaries and make peace in our own land. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God."
War and Peace are more than a great novel. They dominate our lives from the domestic violence in families and there resultant deaths to a world wide fear of terrorist. War is our oldest weakness. Peace is our oldest dream.
Story: An elderly cannibal sage and a missionary were comparing their philosophies. The cannibal reminisced about tribal wars he had fought, and how he had eaten his foes. The missionary said, "We fight wars for higher reasons - for truth, for defense of democracy, for freedom." "You must eat many, many people," said the cannibal. "Oh, no," said the missionary, "we don't eat human beings." "Then," said the cannibal sage,"you have no reason to kill each other."
No civilization yet created has been able to abolish war. In the last hundred years we have been in five significant conflicts. In the same period we have helped to establish two peace making bodies, the League of Nations and the United Nations to abolish war. This era also witnessed the greatest build up and development of armaments in world history. Humanity knows how to make war better than how to make peace. In the old days people went off to war. Today science and television can bring it right to you.
Story: Two pacifist were arguing about who was more idealistic. "I love peace so much," said one, "that I am willing to fight for it." "And I love peace so much," said the other, "that I am willing not to fight for it."
Peace is like an elusive butterfly. Beautiful to hunt and difficult to capture. Yet every group has begun with the ultimate goal of obtaining a peace. "To beat their swords into plowshares." Yet peace seems to be something humanity continues to fight over.
Franklin Roosevelt said, "Peace, like charity, begins at home." How right he was! Look at the religious wars in Ireland, Bosnia, India and other places. Then look at the religious wars at home. Roman Catholics against Protestants, Orthodox against Fundamentalist, "Saved" against "Unsaved" and so on and so forth.
Recently the front page of our paper had murder, suicide, domestic violence and murder trials all on the front page in one day! And we are arrogant enough to send missionaries to bring peace in the name of the Lord. If we could bottle the hate that many "Religious Coalitions" are generating, we would have enough to wage wars for the next hundred years.
Can’t we make every day International Peace Day? Can't we reach across our local boundaries and make peace in our own land. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God."
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