Non-Biased Social Issues, Politics, and Religion

Reply to Some Dude

2007-09-02T02:39:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I found this angry guy on Zach Lind's blog, and I had to email him. So, here it is.

Well, I am having one of those nights. A night where I am restless with curiosity about what is going on in the theological world, evangelical world, just the world in general. Like always, I was skimming websites in search of words from new thinkers, curious bloggers and serious theologians. I came across your website and was offended. I must say, your website is well put together, the content however, poor. Poor, un-researched, narrow minded, ancient nonsense. I say this not to offend you, not to start a war of words and offenses. I say this to simply tell you that there is an, educated, growing group of believers who feel that hate speech like yours, and that of John Macarthur, is a silly waste of time. i am no Rob Bell fanatic, and I don't know Zach Lind from a hole in the ground. However, I am a reader, and Theology student, hence I spend a lot of time reading about the Christian world. Furthermore, after spending some ample time studying your work, along with reading many excerpts from Zach Lind's and Dan Kimbal's blogs (two men whom you believe to be emergent heretics, I have to say both Lind and Kimbal seem to have a MUCH greater understanding of the Kingdom of God than you. Not to mention they are both doing much more constructive things with their time. I have also heard many of Rob Bell's sermons, clearly you have not. You don't seem to have any idea what you are talking about when it comes to the emerging church. Lower your weapons and open your ears. Bell is doing beautiful things for the church and the kingdom. You seem to just sit around and write a lot of hateful blogs. Might I ask what good do you think you are doing? The Emergent movement is rolling like a freight train and it can not be stopped! The Emergent movement brings love and a real understanding of scripture. It says, "hay, let us get out there and put Jesus' teachings into actions, let us be the sermon on the mount and not just memorize it and call ourselves good Christians. Let us not waste our time by sitting around and writing 200 angry blogs about how much we hate Rob Bell".
That last one was a reference to you, in case you missed it. Give it up man, your uneducated rants are false, and they are doing...more harm than good.

What To Do, What To Do.

2007-03-17T17:35:00.000-07:00

Over 2, 900 American soldiers killed in Iraq
Over 100,000 injuries in Iraq
About 55, 000 Iraqi civilians have died in the war
This may be as high as 200,000, but the Iraqi Government will not release the official numbers

1.2 Billion people live on .23 cents a day
1 billion people live on less than $2 dollars a day
The 3 wealthiest people alive today have more than all the worlds poorest countries combined
12% of the worlds population uses 85% of the worlds water
1 billion people in the world are without clean drinking water
Americans consume 26 billion liters of bottled water each year (bottled water)
Every 16 seconds someone dies of starvation.
2/3 of American are considered overweight
The U.S. is 4% of the worlds population
The U.S. G.D.P. is 21.4% of the worlds capital
Every year the U.S. spends more money on trash bags than half the world spends on combined goods.
80% of the world lives in what is called sub-standard conditions
2 billion people live without electricity
Last year 22 million people died of preventable diseases
10 million of those were children
Americans consume 20 million barrels of oil a day
the Next largest oil consumer is China...5.6 million barrels a day.

Currently the war in Iraq has cost U.S. taxpayers 349 billion dollars (you and I)
It has cost the Pentagon over 300 billion dollars
Government experts say that by the time the war ends it will have cost a total of 1 trillion dollars.......

JUST IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING

It would cost 6 billion people to educate the whole planet(not trillion, billion)
9 billion to give basic water sanitation to the whole planet
12 billion for global reproductive health (go ahead and look at how many babies die or contract aids during birth in Africa alone.
13 billion for food and nutritional needs for all the world
.......Last year America spent 9 billion dollars for gifts on Black Friday (that day after Thanksgiving, where everybody rushes out to get the sales that start at 6 am)
What do you do with this?.......

I love the country I live in, I have not been opposed to the war, and I am not a Bush hater. I am not pro war or a Bush lover. Today, I am just another confused American trying to figure out what to do with all this. I am not trying to make you loathe our great country or the war, I guess this is just some stuff I can't get off my mind. Stuff we should all be thinking about. These are all accurate facts in Government reports. You can find them all in a Library or legitamate website.

God Bless America, and everyone else too.

A little Privilege

2006-12-15T12:11:00.000-08:00

I don't have any children yet, and I wont any time soon, but when I do, you can bet it will be planned for. Not just physically, but financially, spiritually, socially and well, all the other things I have not thought about yet. This is because I believe we ought to bring life into this world only when we are capable to provide the best care we can.
I was listening to a radio show today when the host was reading an article about government funding for children. The writer was opposed because she believed if people cannot afford to have children than they shouldn't. And furthermore it is not our problem to pay for their kids. Now, I don't agree with what this women said. Unfortunately, people who are unfit to parent do bring kids into the world, rather by accident or by choice. It is not the childs fault they have unfit parents and clearly, helpless children should never be neglected.
I will say however, I strongly agree with the message this writer was trying to convey.
In our current societal structure children are seen as many things; a way to become a legal resident, a way to receive government funding. Currently in Hollywood they are seen as the perfect accessory (chihauhaus are so last year). Sadly, it is not as often as it should be that children are seen for what they really are, a privilege and a gift. When you are responsible for the life of an individual creation, you have a duty that goes far beyond changing diapers.

I wish we could implement a system that made people go through screening before they could have a child. I mean, not just anyone gets to adopt a child, it's a long difficult process, so why does just anyone get to bare one? Many say that it's our God given right to have children, some even say it's their job (go therefourth and multiply). But with the least disrespect I can say this with, some people simply are not cut out to be parents. Sadley, it is too easy to get pregnant or get someone pregnant and our world is filled with too many irresponsible people, and as a product of this, more children will be born to unfit parents. I wish there was someway we could prevent certain people from parenting, or at least make sure only people who could provide adequate care get to be parents. But that will probably never happen, so thank God for families who help the unfit, because no one likes to see a child un-loved.

Picks For 06'

2006-11-03T14:24:00.000-08:00

Well my fellow Californians, it has come to my attention recently that most people, even the educated ones are unaware of everthing that is on the ballot ths year. Don't feel bad if you are completely clueless to what we are voting for next week. You are voting aren't you? Most of us don't have the time to read the original bills and make decisions on the 13 pieces of legislature. Most of us. Lucky for you, my lack of social life has allowed me to do the research for you. Now, these are my picks, you don't have to agree with me, I'm no professional politician. However, if you are interested, here are the students picks for 06'

Proposition 1A : NO- Why do we need our gas tax to only go to road improvements? We need something to regulate where our gas tax goes, but only having tax go to road projects is not that helpful. It just simply does not seem that productive. It also does not provide flexibility for local government in case funds need go elsewhere.

Proposition 1B: YES- Opponents think this is not a wise way to spend money we don't have, but better security at our shipping ports is necessary, public transit would be beneficial, and CA-epecially So. Cal, needs some help with the pollution. There is strict regulations, and it will not raise taxes.

Proposiion1C: YES- Overall, this may not be the best way to go about creating better low income housing, and larger families may take the bulk of the responsibiblity. But for the most part we would just be barrowing money we can't afford to pay back. There are a few subtleties that are questionable, but we must do something for our seniors and orphans, and abused women need a place to go and feel safe.

Proposition 1D: NO- I don't want to neglect our schools and I have seen a fair amount of schools that need the help. However, 10 billion dollars in debt and no garuntee on where the money will go makes me weary. There are many schools who are not promised anything and there is no regulation on what the money will go to. This prop is just too shady, and seemingly not supported by the Ca. Teachers Association.

Proposition 1E: No- This is basically a 4 billion dollar patch job. We cannot aford higher taxes to "kind of" fix our levee system and not provide and drinking water in the process. Rebuilding CA. is a good thing but this is not the best solution, let's get back to the drawing board.

Proposition 83: NO- Nobody despises child predators more than me, but this prop. is shabby and we need to take a stand a demand something better. 500 million to track misdameanor and non-violent offenders? (WHAT?) We need a serious solution to our predator problem, and this does not make punishment more severe. This same system has failed at other state levels and we need to take a stand. Maybe by rejecting inadequate state attempts we can force congress to do something at a national level. That is what we really need, a major national regulation of sex offenders, Not house arrest for streakers.

Proposition 84: NO- 5.4 billion for clean drinking water? What are we Mexico? Come on, this prop. has no written plan on where the money will go

Proposition 85: Yes- I don't think I have to explain. If you think it's a bad idea that minors should be required to get parental consent to get an abortion, you probably should not vote anyway. This measure does not criminalize abortion, neither am I, it is just logical that Doctors should be allowed to contact minors seeking abortions. Do you want your 14 year old getting an abortion without telling you? I didn't think so.

Proposition 86: NO: This Prop says it will save 700, 000 kids from becomming adult smokers and prevent 300, 000 smoking related deaths. However, it's very loose explanation and shady plans make it look like a $2.60 tax on cigarettes will just cushion the pockets of medical buracracies. I don't know, it looks shady, and I'm not buying it.

Proposition 87: NO- Prop 87 Taxes oil production to create money for alternative energy research. Alternative energy is good, we need it, but everytime oil companies get taxed more they raise gas prices to compensate. The prop. says that it gives gas companies incentives to persue alternative energy. However, I think it just gives them reason to hike gas prices. This requires no results from oil companies and seems to be an energy burearcracy'a dream come true.

Proposition 88: NO- California has enough property taxes already! If they want to give more to schools, than rebudget, but Californians already pay enough property taxes. If you want details, email me and I'll give them to you. But the truth is this money will be regulated by the wrong people and while most schools won't get any money, others will continue to be forced to move out of California because they can't afford the soaring taxes. How many states have higher property taxes than mortgage rates?

Proposition 89: NO!- This proposition taxes financial instituions and corporations totalling about 200 million annualy to fund political campaigns.- While this may help everyday American run in elections, it may also just give politicians more money for their negative campaigns. It would be nice for the teachers and and nurses to run for public office but there is no promise that greedy politicians won't see any of the money, and that is likely to happen-Politicians getting more of OUR money to run their corrupt campaigns.

Proposition 90: ? This is a difficult and confusing prop. There are so many unkown variables and there is so much at stake. Many have said this prop, was written to not be understood by the general public. It is hard to understand because there are so many details they leave out. As of right now I am not voting on this Prop. However, if I change my mind I will let you know.

Ha Ha Ha

2006-10-16T12:41:00.000-07:00

Well it looks as if Hugo Chavez has been denied a position on the UN Security council. Honestly, it's kinda funny that Chavez thought his recent antics would in any way merrit him enough respect to get a spot on the council. However, it turns out we all still think he is just a crazy jack ass with lots of oil. I still believe that he should never be allowed in our country again, and please, please, never by Citgo gas again, it is your civic duty. Seriously though, the way global politics have been going lately I would not have been suprised if Chavez had gotten his wish. Not to mention the UN have not been making te greatest decisions in the past few years, however, they have seemingly redeemed themselves in a one week time period. First, they approve sanctions on North Korea and then they say no go to Hugo.
Speaking of North Korea, it was confirmed this week that their test bomb was nuclear. We can only pray that this information will lead to tougher sanctions and eventual diplomacy. However, for now we can just laugh at Kim Jong Ill and Hugo Chavez and rub in the fact that their silly antics only got them in trouble. Let's hope they learned their lesson.

Pent Up

2006-10-14T15:24:00.000-07:00

Well, I am sorry I have been absent for a while. Every now and then, the news gets to the point where it upsets me and I have to take a break from the world so I don't go crazy. However, about a week is all I can stand, then being disconnected makes me go crazy...I know I have some issues I need to work out. Keeping on the subject of my issues, I have a few things I have read about lately that I need to get off my chest, non of them are positive or nice. I am sorry, it's purely coincedence.
Anyways, first I must retract a previous post of mine about Mel Gibson. In a article called "Poor old Mel", I said I believed he was recieving harsh treatment by the media and that everyone should let his drunken rants go and move on. However, as the last few months have unfolded I have recieved some new revelations. In all the interviews I have seen Gibson in and all the occasions in which he has publically spoke, he has done nothing but support the accusations made by his critics. Now, I am not saying that I now beleive him to be a Jewish hating Nazi with plans for world domination. However, I do feel like his explanations of what happened in Malibu and his defense of his fathers anti-Jewish past have been anything but sincere or honest. I could be wrong but as of late he really does not appear to be that regretful of what he said and he always avoids his fathers similar lifestyle of anti-Jewish connections.
Is his almost sorrowful attitude just a front to get people to forgive him enough to go see Apacalypto?
Also, what ever happened to that crazy psyco women that pushed her husband off a Princess cruise ship. I feel stupid for not remembering her name but, whatever, it's been a while. It just popped in my head today. Remember when it was all over the news, all the evidence was against her and she was playing victim. She said the cruise line treated her like an animal and left her in some foreign land. Well, guess what psyco, that what happens to crazy chicks that murder their husbands, stop trying to excuse your murderous tendencies. Ok, sorry, I don't know where that came from. My point is, last I heard they were investigating, she said she didn't do it, but the physical evidence said she was OJ. So, I want to know, what happened?
Ok, I was also going to say some things about John Mayer and Kirk Mayfield, but I am too bothered right now, so I will cool down and write it later so nobody gets their feelings hurt.

Inadequate

2006-10-08T23:33:00.000-07:00

For all of my California friends I must warn you that we have a major problem on our hands. This problem is the possibility of Phil Angelides being our next govorner. I honestly don't think he has a chance to win (especially after how fooolish he made himself sound in the debates this last week) but the fact there as any likelyhood frightens me. Just for the record, I am not a huge Arnold fan but I have no doubts he is a safer choice for California. If you watched the debates last week you would have heard Angelides creepily avoid ever explaining how he would make California better if elected and you would never have heard him speak intelligently about any political issues surrounding our state right now. All Angelides did the entire debate was try to make Arnold look bad by attacking his character and abilities. Where I come from we call this insecurity. This is when a person has no qualities of there own to boast of so they attack other people in hopes that they will look better. To be honest, I don't know if Phil Angelides has any idea what he will do if elected, I don't even know if he is aware of the real issues that need to be adressed. I do think he hoped to make Arnold look so bad that he might fool people into thinking he is a qualified gubernatorial candidate. However, his tactics failed and he fooled nobody (I wonder if he is related to John Kerry).
Suprisingly, Arnold remained calm and polite the entire debate. Despite the attacks by his opponent, Arnold responded to Angelides maturely and then proceded to talk about the real issues. He may be a bad actor, but he is not a bad public official, and I get the feeling Arnold really cares about California.
I don't know, If you don't like Arnold than fine, don't vote for him, but I hope you realize that everybody else running is....inadequate.

A Response to 2 Wise Men

2006-09-13T17:04:00.000-07:00

In response to comments by Justin and Jon, I am obligated to further simplify the facts so everyone understands our situation. First of all, Justin and Jon both seem like very intelligent and Godly men, both of who are worthy of respect. However, it seems as if they are both not completely educated on our situation in the Middle East. I however, spend a great deal of time with Middle Eastern politics and am therefore compelled to correct these misunderstandings. No hard feelings, the politics of the Jihadists is very complex.
First of all Justin, You said that agree that Iran should not have nukes. This means you promote the United States prohibiting Iran from formulating a nuclear program. Yet, you say that we should not take military action. The only other resort is to try and negotiate with Iran, which we have tried to do. However, Iran refuses to discuss this issue with us and furthermore refuses to stop enriching Uranium. This is a problem. Listen, I agree that as Christians we have no need to fear Radical Islam or Death. I do not fear death and I know you and Jon don’t either, praise God for this. However, I was not at all saying that we should destroy Iran to stay safe and keep our peace of mind. The leadership of our country has a major obligation to protect and defend the American people. So, when faced with the decision to protect the Nation or to roll over and die, I want leadership who will protect its people. I am not afraid to die, but I do fear for the innocent children and people not yet reconciled to God. I believe God’s plan is to reconcile all people to Him, but if millions of them are killed because the leadership He appointed did not protect them, then what? There is a difference between bombing another Nation because we fear or dislike them, and bombing them because it is our LAST line of defense. That was the exact point; I don’t think the Democrats would protect us if they had to. I don’t think they would use their last line of defense. They just want to talk, even though that has already failed.
Also, I did not say that an Iranian Nuclear missile program would lead to the conversion of the entire world to Muslim. I did say that if Radical Islam had major nuclear capabilities they could and probably would terminate our entire country. Don’t forget, to men like Bin Laden and Ahmedinejad, world domination is the plan. They believe Ala wants them to spread Islam and wipe out all the “infidel”.
I also, realize that there are many brave men and women who put their lives in danger to spread the love of God, and I deeply admire them for doing this. However, these are grown adults who choose to put their life in harms way because God calls them to. That is much different than millions of innocent people who could die for absolutely no good reason.
Lastly, I agree there is more Christians can worry about. But we should not be ignorant of the world’s issues and run away from politics like so many Christians do. Why should we worry? Nobody’s worrying; we are just aware of our surroundings and prepared for the worst, but hopeful of the best. And that is the dream, to make peace with our enemies and not have Nuclear capabilities even be an issue. Thank you so much for response Justin. As for you Jon, I love you man, but I am disappointed with your cliché overly hopeful comment. However, I will see you tomorrow in class and will correct there. You are so much smarter than me, I expected more out of you. Isn’t this fun?

Well Deserved Academy Winner

2006-09-10T22:35:00.000-07:00

WOW- I just watched Crash, and it blew my mind.........Your thoughts.

This Is Me, Rolling My Eyes

2006-09-09T01:14:00.000-07:00

Ok, I cannot stand the stupidity anymore. I really give it my best to avoid bad-mouthing any particular political party. One may consider me more of a conservative than a liberal however, I am a registered Independent and refuse to support a bi-partisan system and furthermore, give allegiance to one dominating political party over the other. In lay terms, I am an issues man, not a party man. Thus being said, I will not say this country would be better off with the Democrats in office, but I will also not say I am praying that the Republicans hold their post.
This conundrum aside, there is one particular area I must where side with elephants. National security. Just accept it my Demy friends you have no idea where to start when it comes to defending the country. Here is why I am on my knees praying that we do not have a democrat in office in 2008.
Our current republican leader may have not done the best job in Iraq. And he may or may not handling the North Korea or Iran situations that well. However, Radical Islam has not attacked our country since 2001 and Iran and North Korea have not yet lauched at us either. In all honesty, I think we all all have been wondering when the Islamo-Fascists or the North Koreans bomb is going to hit. I think we have been nervous about the impending danger of Iran’s impending nuke. Listen, I am not a man of war. I do not like war. I hope we never have another war again. However, if turning Iran into a multi-level parking garage keeps our children safe and it keeps Islam from being the global religion, than so be it. You may be angry with me by this point but if you think that's impossible than you don't know your facts.
South Korea had clearly explained to us that Kim Jong Ill, President of North Korea, has a WMD and probably intends to use it. He refuses to talk to us and we remain in the dark about his intent. Mohmoud Ahmadinejad has plainly said his purpose is to wipe Israel off the map along with America. He has also said that if he had the power to give up half the landmass of Iran (Although he is president, these major decisions are made by the Grand Ayatollah) to destroy Israel, he would. Osama Bin Laden and Aymen al-Zawarhiri have devoted their lives to killing Americans and Jews because they think Muslims are the only true race and all other non-Muslims deserve to die. I don't think these men are wrong because they are anti-America and America is the only place to be. America is no more special than Korea or Iran. I think they are wrong because they are seeking the deaths of millions of innocent people just because they are not Muslim. These men hate America, they hate you and they want to kill you. They want Islam to be the only world religion and they want Arabs to be the only world inhabitants. As for Kim Jong Ill, he is just another crazy dictator seeking global domination. Hello, can you say Hitler numbers two and three at the same time. Imagine what would have happened if there would have been two Hitlers during the Holocaust. Well, there are two now, and all they need is more power, more resources and more time. And that is what the Democrats will give them, more time. Case in point, right now the whole of the Democratic party is shouting to the world, "Elect us in 2008 we will handle the terror situation better". Well, how are you going to do that we ask. "By talking", they say. Yes, that's it. That is their big heal-the-world strategy? As of now every democratic Presidential candidate says they will fix international relations by talking. Apparently, they are going to sit down with Ahmadinejad over coffee and ask him to lay off the nuke program. I am sure he will apologize for his irrational behavior, become Protestant, and immediately terminate Iran's development of Nuclear missiles. Are you kidding me? Talk...You Dem's want to talk?
The fact of the matter is that we have three major extremists seeking ways to end our existence. It is not because they are upset with us for buying African coffee instead of Arabic, it is because they have a conviction deep inside them that religiously obligates them to destroy us. The only solution is to capture or kill the two Hitlers and Bin Laden or a man named Mohmoud or Kim will rule America. They do not want to talk and they will not talk. Meanwhile Hillary and rest of the Democrats are trying to convince us that if the Democrats win in 2008 they will bring all Dictators and terrorists to the negotiation table and thus begin world peace. Are you rolling your eyes yet?

Playing In the Waves I Make

2006-08-30T03:01:00.000-07:00

So, one of my readers left me a comment yesterday about being, "So Controversial". Funny, I never saw my self that way. I think Michael Savage is controversial, Derek Webb is controversial, Brian Mclaren is Controversial. Oh, and I think it would be safe to say that JESUS was controversial...Sorry I had to. So, thanks Jon, I suppose I am honored. This is the way I see it; Some people were born to to go with the flow and just accept things the way they are. Others were born to say what needs to be said and do what needs to be done, even if it's painful for all of us. Controversy promotes discoarse, productive discoarse. This dialogue envokes emotion which leads to action. Hopefully postive action. Thus, controversy must be good. And I am sorry, but I can simply not stand around and keep my mouth shut while the pandemic of wrongdoing takes over. More and more people are catching stupidity (it's tends to be contagious) and this leads them to un-educated action. I guess what I am saying is; some people just need help. They need those controversial people to tell them how things really are. Because after all, isn't that what most controversy comes from, honesty. Yes the truth is controversial, so thank you again Jon, thanks for expressing your opinion as me being the deliverer of truth. I call em like I see em my friend, I am just a student of the facts.

Confusion and Insanity

2006-08-24T01:38:00.000-07:00

Alright, I promised myself I would stay away from the JonBenet Ramsey case because it does not need to be talked about anymore than it already has. This is something I like to call beating a dead horse. However, something came to my mind the other night and I had to share it with the world. I am a little confused as to why this case is getting so much publicity. I mean, I guess I really know why, because our media will cling to whatever gives them ratings. But better said; why are we giving this case so much attention. I believe we are doing thousands of innocent children an injustice by watching or listening to any program (which is basically all) that is overplaying this case. Listen, what happened to Ramsey was a horrific, tragic occurrence. It saddens me deep to the center on my being. Furthermore, I hope whoever tortured and killed that innocent child is drug out in the street and..... well, you know. However, there are thousands upon thousands of pure innocent children that die everyday. Some from malnourishment in Africa. Some from child prostitution in Thailand and Cambodia. In parts of Asia, some are killed just for being born female. Not to mention the several children that are abandoned and abused everyday right here in America. Hence, I see the coverage of the JonBenet Ramsey case insane. Over the past ten years, she has been on the cover of every major magazine and newspaper in the country, twice. Meanwhile, other innocent children are abused and tortured and nobody does anything to help them, mainly because they are all sitting around their houses like bums getting their latest update on the JonBenet Ramsey case. Seriously, I sincerely hope this little girl’s killer is brought to justice. But next time your heart dies when you are reminded of what happened to her, remind yourself of what happens to the others every day. Let's not forget them and let's not let them remain nameless. God rest JonBenet, and God rest all the others too.

Poor Old Mel

2006-08-10T17:02:00.000-07:00

Alright, since no one else is sympathizing with Mel Gibson, I must. I mean, for Pete's sake, every radio station, news show and magazine say the same thing, "Mel is a drunken bigot". It seems as if some people want his movies burned, his name forgotten and for him to be locked away. If you think I am exaggerating, you obviously don't listen to talk radio. Now, I have a huge problem with many facets of this situation, and here they are. First of all, everyone seems to be focusing on Gibson's comments about the Jews, and ignoring his DUI infraction. Listen, and listen closely, because someone will probably misconstrue my following words. I am a theology student; one of my favorite areas of study is Jewish history. I believe the Jews are God's original chosen people, and I love Jewish culture and history. I have many Jewish friends whom I love and respect. I am even often envious of Messianic Jews; they have the best of both worlds. However, Mel Gibson, is just another man, what he said was not even that destructive, and he has freedom of speech. Don't get me wrong, it is sad he feels that way, I disagree with him, but in America he can think and say what he wants. Furthermore, this has become such a big issue, because many people have called him racist since he made 'Passion of the Christ', now those people have confirmation of their beliefs. Here is what I think; Mel made the Passion as true to the Bible as he possibly could. The fact of the matter is that 'The Passion' was very Biblically accurate. It was Jewish religious leaders that pioneered Jesus' death and it was Jews who committed most of the apostolic persecution. But that was a long time ago and I don't know any Christians who hold any malice towards Jews because they did what they thought was right in the eyes of God..... Over two thousand years ago! Moreover, I think Gibson was trying to make a good movie and at the time had not a drop of anti Semitism in his blood. However, members of the Orthodox Jewish community have been tormenting Mel since his acclaimed movie was released. I don't care who you are, if you took the same amount of pressure from any community that Mel has taken from Orthodox Jews, you would eventually snap as well, especially if you were drunk. I am only speculating, but I think it is very far fetched to say that Gibson is an anti-Semite. He blamed the Jews for his situation, he did say that he hated them and that he would unite with Islamo-Fascists to eradicate them, although that seems to be how everyone portrays what he said. I would not be surprised if he has some sober as well as drunken bitterness towards some Jews, that does not make him a bigot. I have some bitterness towards aspects of the Christian Community, but I still love my Christian brothers and sisters and the church. So, please, get over it, Gibson is not a bigot, just a drunk. His comments towards the Jewish community did not threaten anyone’s life, however, his intoxicated driving did. By drinking and driving he put his own life and the lives of others in danger. That is what the media should really be focusing on. But sadly, high profile celebrities drive intoxicated all the time, but hey, that what the stars do right, they party, so nobody seems to care. Everyone does care however, the moment anyone says anything about a minority group, except Christians. Now, I am not trying to play the victim, I realize that's just the way it is. Christian bashing seems to bother very few people now a days. Dan Brown claims Jesus had sex with Mary Magdalene, and everyone finds it provocative. Gibson blames the Jews for his problems, and everyone finds it disgusting. Even more so, had Gibson blamed the Mexican illegal immigrants, or heaven forbid the Gay community, he would have been shot already... Just something to think about. Discrimination and hatred are terrible things, and I believe God loves the Jews, the Christians, the Immigrants, the Gays, and everybody else. So, may you forgive Mel Gibson, and may he recover from alcoholism and live in peace with the Jewish Community.

Who you callin' cracka ?

2006-07-25T01:51:00.000-07:00

Well, a troubling fact has recently came to my attention and I am just wondering if I am the only person who notices it. Nobody else has seemed to feel comfortable discussing reverse racism, so, as always I will try my best to make everyone uncomfortable, and discuss the topics everyone wants to ignore.
Okay, I will be honest, as a nerdy, un-hip, white male, I used to really enjoy the stand up comdey routines of guys like Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence and Dave Chappell. However, like almost every super famous black comedian, jokes about the differances between white and black culture became the center of their act, and it is hard to listen when all they talk about is how bad they are treated, while driving their Bently. Don't get me wrong, minor observances of how bad white people are at dancing and things of the like are funny. However, it gets to a point when the worst things being said about the black community are comming from...black actors, musicians, and comedians. It is difficult to understand what I am talking about unless you have heard what I am talking about, so I will do my best to explain. I strongly believe that the problem of discrimination in our country, would not be half as bad if spokespersons for the black community like comedians and actors, spent more time talking about our similarities and less time talking about differances. I think there are far more similarities than we observe, after all we were created in the image of the same God. I guess what I am trying to say is, I agree that slavery was a disgrace to mankind and a past activity that America should be ashamed of. Furthermore, the existence of slavery did hinder the progression of the black community. But that was a long time ago and there should be no diferances between us anymore. Sadly, this will never happen if certian celebrities don't stop trying to convince us all that they are still being held down.
Now, I live in Northern California, so maybe my outlook on this may be limited and I confess to be naive on how things work in other states, but where I am from, we are all the same.
Now, this came to my attention in full force when I heard a Sacramento area Pastor speak at my Saburban area church. Unfortunately, I had heard this pastor before and I really enjoyed his teaching, so what took place really disapointed me. This man is from downtown Sacramento, which is the similar to Oakland in many ways just....well, sorry but nicer. Non-the-less "South Sac" is considered by many to be the "ghetto" (although it's really nothing compared to Watts or Compton, it is actually a pretty cool part of the city. So, back to my main point. During this Pastors sermon he kept making jokes about our "cultural differances". For example, he would say something and then jokingly say, "Oh, let me re-phrase that for ya all, since you didn't get my language. Trippin' means you were going crazy". The first time I laughed but after the tenth time I was a bit offended. His attitude was kind of like, "You folks don't get me cuz' I'm from the ghetto I'll try a say things differntly so you understand". But I will tell you,I did not look at him any differntly until he kept reminding me that my neighborhood was composed of upper-middle class whites, and his was not. Some of my best friends are balck, some of my best friends and family membes are mexican. Our skin color and the history of our races is never an isssue in our relationships. I wish this was true for everyone. We are all loved by God and all completely equal in every way. If you disagree with me, I am sorry to offend you. I also know that comedians will do whatever they can to get a laugh. But for the love, please lay off race for a while and see where it takes us.

Christianity vs. DaVinci Code Round 1.

2006-05-17T14:56:00.000-07:00

As ridiculous as that title sounds it is all too true. Fortunately, all the Christians that I know (which is a lot) do not have a problem with the book and they all plan on seeing the movie. I sure plan on seeing it. Opening day, as a matter of fact. So why is it everytime I open the paper or watch the News, I read about more Christians calling for a protest?
Seriously, for the sake of us all, please stop. You are an embarrassment. This morning I was listening to talk radio and a Christian came on the air and said that all Christians need to rally together and protest the movie. "We need to get it banned from the movie theaters" he said. Christians cannot possibly believe that they are going to get the most highly anticipated movie of the year, maybe the decade, banned from the theaters. It simply will not happen. Trust me, your protesting will not do any good. As a matter of fact, it will only do more harm than good.
I promise, Jesus would not have picketed a movie, or a book. He would probably get popcorn enjoy the show, and then patiently and respectfully explain to anyone who would listen, how the movie was historically and scientifically very inaccurate. I realize the claims made are very extreme and offensive. I know, I love Jesus too and find it sad that anybody might believe the non-sense in the movie. But don't forget, it's fiction. Fiction! Put your picket signs down, pick up a history book, we find these in a library, and you will actually find many historians from the first century wrote about Jesus. A lot about Jesus. There is a shocker, He is not just in the Bible. Once you educate yourself, read Dan Brown's book. Then you will be able to tell what was plausible and what was not. You will find, almost all of it is not.
It would probably be safe to say that all the people protesting the DaVinci Code are the same people who protested Harry Potter and said it was Satanic. Funny how nobody protested vigilante bats and spiders when I was a kid, but a wizard is of the Devil. (Right now I am rolling my eyes). Lets get this straight, Harry Potter is not a threat to Christianity, and neither is the DaVinci Code. I am really not trying to be an antagonist, but it's time for Christians to stop telling people what they don't do, and start showing people what they do. What they are supposed to do, is love and give. I promise there are much more productive things we could be doing with our time than protesting movies. If you don't want to see the movie, that's ok, but please stop embarrassing the rest of us with your fundamentalism. The Movement that Jesus started, what we call Christianity, was founded on sacrificing for others, loving others, forgiving others, and teaching others about the Savior of the world. As far as I can see, condemning other people for watching a movie does not fit in that Category. God loves Dan Brown just like He loves all you church goers. So, if you want to make a difference, educate people, love people- but shut up about the silly movie already.

coming soon

2006-05-16T16:03:00.000-07:00

Well, my friends, I look forward to our future together. If youare as puzzled as I am about our presidents decsions on immigration, why oil prices really are this high, than you found your new favoite blog. If you are tired of Republicans and Democrats fighting and wonder if we are ever going to have a non-partisan president, than come back....Maybe, you want to find out why Small groups of Christians are being so lame by protesting the DaVinci Code movie. I don't know, we'll talk about it all. As soon as I get my blog up and running there is no telling where we may go, as long as it leads to the world being a better place...or it just makes us laugh. Come back soon!