This, my friends, is inspired.
Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.
“I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe.
(John 14: 23-29)
You quite often hear women say that men are too impatient and arrogant to ever read instructions. It doesn't matter if it is a piece of Ikea furniture or a new television or even a ready meal from Sainsburys, women insist that men will never take the time to read how to put things together. In stead, they say, men just dive in and try to assemble the thing without any reference to the paperwork whatsoever. Invariably, this leads to the end scenario of the man standing next to a rickety cupboard surrounded by various screws and bits and pieces that were mysteriously, as far as the man is concerned, left over after their do it yourself do it yourself.
Well, I'm not going to own up to the arrogance bit, but the accusation of impatience is a fair cop. I, for one, am certainly guilty of rushing into things without reading the instructions first. When I buy a new toy, an electrical gadget maybe or something for my computer, I want to get it home quickly and I want to be able to take it out of the box and play with it straight away. I absolutely hate having to read booklets and fiddle around with wires and stuff first. Sometimes, I will leave things untouched for months rather than buck up the courage to work out how to use them. For example, I left a mobile phone, I was given as a Christmas present, for so long that when I finally did try to ring somebody I discovered I had been cut off from the network.
What really annoys me, is computer software, the programmes you can buy so you can do specific tasks on your computer which usually come on compact discs. For a start, they can take a long time to download onto the computer. And then, when it is all downloaded, so that the producers of the discs can stop their customers just passing on the disc to somebody else, without them paying for it, you usually have to register your software. You do this online over the internet. You have to fill in loads of details about yourself and then you are asked for the serial number of the disc you are registering. Finding the serial number is something I always have problems doing and it's not unusual for me to discover that I threw it out with the originally packaging. Of course, they can never just stick it on the disc itself. Oh, no. That would be far too sensible and convenient.
Anyway, if you eventually manage to get everything you need downloaded and you manage to find the serial number and get your software registered, you then have to learn how to use the software and, for a man, that is the most infuriating part of the whole exercise. I expect a lot of blokes are like me and try to work out how to use the software by trial and error without going all through the instructions. And like me I expect most blokes end up never knowing the full potential of their software. Never knowing everything it can actually do.
I think, when you read the gospel stories about the disciples, you have to come to the conclusion that the twelve men who accompanied Jesus, were, very much, typical men, especially in their inability to be patient. They wanted everything straight away. They wanted to understand everything straight away. And their failure to take their time and listen to the instructions Jesus gave them often led to them getting completely the wrong end of the stick about why Jesus was there and what Jesus being there meant. Actually, to be honest, I don't believe Jesus chose the twelve men in question because of their talents or intelligence. I suspect he chose them because they were so ordinary. So typically stupid, So macho, in fact. And people nowadays who go on about only men being able to be priests because the original disciples were men, should bear that fact in mind. The women mentioned in the gospels appear far more intelligent and capable than the men mentioned in the gospels. Perhaps Jesus chose men because the women he lived among were just far too overqualified and far too sharp for the job.
Whatever, the fact is that it is obvious that Jesus knew from the beginning that his disciples would never understand fully his message and the reasons for his actions within the three years he had to spend with them.
But that, of course, was never going to be a problem, other than for Judas Iscariot. In fact, their ignorance was an important and necessary component within God's plan. This is because, central as the incarnation of Jesus Christ as a human being was to the redemption of humankind, Jesus was only one of the divine actors in the drama of our salvation. Jesus himself, throughout his ministry, makes sure everybody knows that the lead role in the drama very much belongs to God the Father. In our reading today Jesus states, "the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me." Over and over again, Jesus points away from himself and towards the Father. Yes, Christ is the instrument of our salvation but it is the Father who uses the instrument to bring about our salvation. Jesus doesn't raise himself from the dead, it is the Father who brings about that great miracle.
But, even so, we have still not listed the full cast in this divine tragi-comedy. There is one more actor to walk onto the stage.
Jesus says to his disciples, “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you."
And here, Jesus is not just talking to the people standing, or sitting, in front of him. He is talking to every person who will, over the next two millennia and in every part of the world, decide to find out what it was that Jesus was talking about as he walked among his people.
Anybody who says that the Bible speaks plainly is uttering a great blasphemy. We cannot just look at the words in the Bible, even the words of Jesus, and say that we understand them. For a start, the Bible is a written human record of divine actions, and human language is incapable of containing the full meaning of such actions. Jesus knew this. The Father knew this. That is why the Holy Spirit has to take over where Jesus left off to continue of our education. It is like moving from primary school to high school.
This fact has always been central to the doctrine of the Anglican Communion. We have never trusted just the tradition of the church. We have never trusted just the words of the Bible. We believe in God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and we trust in the Holy Spirit to guide us in our understanding of the divine action.
I have a question. Why didn't the Holy Spirit just come to earth along with Jesus and the two of them wrap the whole thing up together and then ascend together back to the Father?
I think the answer to that is obvious. The world changes. People die, people are born. And people are different to each other. They live in different cultures. They speak different languages and these cultures and languages contain words and concepts that do not translate into the words of the languages of other cultures.
If there is one aspect of God's being, that the incarnation of Jesus Christ revealed to us above all others, it is that God is dynamic. God is active and God is reactive. The Incarnation, the sending of God's Son to our world was a reaction by God to our actions. God adapts his actions to fit his remedy to each situation that requires it.
The Holy Spirit, our Advocate, our Teacher, came from heaven to be with us for all time, because although the message of the gospel is constant it is infinitely adaptable and the Holy Spirit is the agent of God who works out the application of the Gospel for each generation, for each situation. To think otherwise is to believe that God is containable and static and God is most certainly not.
If you have a question to ask of God, do read the Bible, do ask the elders in your church. You may receive part of the answer from both or either. But you will not receive the full answer until you have asked the Holy Spirit.
Of course, the obvious question is, how do we know that it is the Holy Spirit who answers our questions and not just the voice of our own desires and prejudices? That's a difficult question and I don't have a full answer for it. But I can tell you this with complete certainty. The Father, the Son and the Spirit are one and they will never, because they ontologically cannot, contradict each other. Jesus never taught anything that didn't come from the Father and the Holy Spirit will never lead you into beliefs and/or actions that would contradict the teachings of Jesus Christ. God is love, grace and mercy. God is forgiving. The Holy Spirit will never instruct us to act in a way that is hateful, ungracious, unforgiving or without mercy. God gives us hope. The Holy Spirit will never instruct us to take righteous hope away from another person.
God the Father, he's the hard drive, that enables the computer to work. Jesus is the software, the programme that brings the computer to life and gives it a reason for existence. The Holy Spirit is the serial number that unlocks the software so that we can access it and the Spirit is also the instructions that shows us how to get the most out of the computer.
It's no good just sitting there and staring at a blank screen hoping something will just happen. It's no good just shoving the CD into the computer believing that will be the end of the story. We have to actively take part in the process. We have to be prepared to read the instructions and then, when we understand what the computer and the software are fully capable of, then we take over using the hard drive, the software and our knowledge of the computer's capability to create and discover new things.
God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. Three in one. Don't settle for less!
COMMENT: This will be the last sermon I deliver to the full Sunday congregation at St. Francis. I'm preaching on Ascension Day but, after that, our readers are down to preach until the end of the month.
God is good.
Saturday, 8 May 2010
"WOULD YOU LIKE ME BETTER IF I WERE A GIRL?" *
Well, well, well...
Looks like a certain gentleman has been wrestling with his sexual identity for some time.
THIS LINK will take you to a revealing article by a blogger who is most definitely not anonymous.
* From "Faggot" by CHAZONATOR.
Looks like a certain gentleman has been wrestling with his sexual identity for some time.
THIS LINK will take you to a revealing article by a blogger who is most definitely not anonymous.
* From "Faggot" by CHAZONATOR.
OMG! SHE NEARLY KILLED JESUS.
From WBZ NEWS RADIO:
Police say a Pittsfield woman has been cited for running down Lord Jesus Christ as he crossed the street in Northampton. Officers responding to Tuesday's incident checked the 50-year-old Belchertown man's ID and discovered that, indeed, Lord Jesus Christ is his legal name. He was taken to the hospital for treatment of minor facial injuries.
Police say 20-year-old Brittany Cantarella was cited for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk
Jesus has probably forgiven her already. However, it doesn't look like the police are going to.
Thanks to Weary Pilgrim for sending
this news item into MadPriest Towers.
Police say a Pittsfield woman has been cited for running down Lord Jesus Christ as he crossed the street in Northampton. Officers responding to Tuesday's incident checked the 50-year-old Belchertown man's ID and discovered that, indeed, Lord Jesus Christ is his legal name. He was taken to the hospital for treatment of minor facial injuries.
Police say 20-year-old Brittany Cantarella was cited for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk
Jesus has probably forgiven her already. However, it doesn't look like the police are going to.
Thanks to Weary Pilgrim for sending
this news item into MadPriest Towers.
CAPTION COMPETITION
Thanks to Mark for sending this photo into MadPriest Towers.
Give it your best shot...
Give it your best shot...
Friday, 7 May 2010
THE MIDNIGHT JUKEBOX
It's brand new and I only bought it today. So, I haven't had a chance to listen to it more than once and their albums do tend to be growers. My initial, and very much provisional verdict, is that The Hold Steady have released slightly better albums but not many bands around at the moment have.
The Hold Steady WEBSITE.
PURCHASE VIA MADPRIEST'S AMAZON STORE
EMBARRASSED FACES AT VATICAN FANCY DRESS PARTY WHEN ALL THE GUESTS TURN UP IN THE SAME COSTUME
One for the boys, methinks.
AND THE FOURTH IS FROM OUTER SPACE
I'm not too certain what is wrong with the following report, but having visited Lisbeth's blog nearly every day for over four years, I instinctively know something is. And whatever it is, I want you to know, I'm with you sisters!
From STANDARD NET LIVE:
From STANDARD NET LIVE:
THE WORRYING RISE OF THE FAR RIGHT
IN NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE EAST
These are the stats for the constituency in which I live and vote.
The good news is that the Tories were well stuffed as usual. The incredibly bad news is that the British National Party received more than twice as many votes as those nice Green people. But then, I did warn them. If you don't let ordinary people voice their concerns in a mainstream environment then they are going to express them by voting for, or even fully supporting, the extremists. And, of course, this does not just apply to white people. If you ask a militant Islamist youth in England why he or she became an extremist, part of the answer you are given will always include a complaint about not being listened to and not being taken seriously. The Grand Tufti actually advised the political parties that they shouldn't allow immigration to be discussed in the run up to the elections. What he should be doing is taking a leaf out of Bishop Tutu's book and organising safe places where the worries of the people, whatever their ethnic or cultural background, can be expressed freely and without fear of censure by the left wing and liberal controlling elite.
LOUD FRIDAY
I don't know. What is the world coming to? How come the loudest, most exciting rock bands around at the moment are all Latin types? Perhaps they have more to be angry about. One thing is for certain, Northern European types can't rock for toffee anymore. I blame Paul Hewson and the Yankee dollar .
Triangulo De Amor Bizarro's MYSPACE PAGE.
BISHOPS CALL FOR END OF DISCRIMINATION
AGAINST TRANSGENDER FOLK
April 30, 2010
The Hon. Deval L. Patrick
Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
State House,
Room 360 Boston, MA 02108
Dear Governor Patrick,
We write to express our strong support for an act to add gender expression and identity to our Commonwealth's antidiscrimination and hate crimes laws, and to ask you to work to ensure its passage.
As bishops of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, our eyes are open to the realities of transgender people and their families. Many of them serve faithfully in the congregations and ministries of our diocese, as lay people, as deacons and as priests. They are dedicated and loving parents, children, siblings, friends and community leaders. Again and again, we hear how they have struggled against incredible odds and pressures to be true to their identity as beloved children of God, made in the image of God.
It pains us that even as transgender people claim their identities and step into newness of life, they face discrimination and violence that undermines their human dignity. A November 2009 survey by the National Center for Transgender Equality and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force found that 97 percent of respondents had been harassed or mistreated on the job, and 26 percent had been fired for being transgender. You will recall that in November 1998, an Allston transgender woman, Rita Hester, was murdered and her killer never found. This local tragedy led to an annual Nov. 20 international Transgender Day of Remembrance, for transgender people who have died, especially those who have been killed or taken their own lives. It is fitting that our state should model amendment of life and hope for a future that is better than this sad past.
Adding gender identity and expression to the state's nondiscrimination and hate crimes laws is no isolated concern of a special interest group. The disproportionate suffering of transgender people should grieve the hearts of all who love justice and liberty. Both the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts and the General Convention of the Episcopal Church are on record in support of full equality for transgender people (resolutions attached).
So many of the arguments against the full inclusion of transgender people in our society are driven by unfounded fear. Transgender people are simply seeking the removal of barriers that prevent them from flourishing as full members of and contributors to society. One need not fully comprehend what it is like to walk in their shoes to provide them with the protections every citizen-every person-is due. Please act to ensure their rights.
Faithfully,
The Rt. Rev. M. Thomas Shaw, SSJE Bishop
The Rt. Rev. Bud Cederholm Bishop Suffragan
The Hon. Deval L. Patrick
Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
State House,
Room 360 Boston, MA 02108
Dear Governor Patrick,
We write to express our strong support for an act to add gender expression and identity to our Commonwealth's antidiscrimination and hate crimes laws, and to ask you to work to ensure its passage.
As bishops of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, our eyes are open to the realities of transgender people and their families. Many of them serve faithfully in the congregations and ministries of our diocese, as lay people, as deacons and as priests. They are dedicated and loving parents, children, siblings, friends and community leaders. Again and again, we hear how they have struggled against incredible odds and pressures to be true to their identity as beloved children of God, made in the image of God.
It pains us that even as transgender people claim their identities and step into newness of life, they face discrimination and violence that undermines their human dignity. A November 2009 survey by the National Center for Transgender Equality and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force found that 97 percent of respondents had been harassed or mistreated on the job, and 26 percent had been fired for being transgender. You will recall that in November 1998, an Allston transgender woman, Rita Hester, was murdered and her killer never found. This local tragedy led to an annual Nov. 20 international Transgender Day of Remembrance, for transgender people who have died, especially those who have been killed or taken their own lives. It is fitting that our state should model amendment of life and hope for a future that is better than this sad past.
Adding gender identity and expression to the state's nondiscrimination and hate crimes laws is no isolated concern of a special interest group. The disproportionate suffering of transgender people should grieve the hearts of all who love justice and liberty. Both the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts and the General Convention of the Episcopal Church are on record in support of full equality for transgender people (resolutions attached).
So many of the arguments against the full inclusion of transgender people in our society are driven by unfounded fear. Transgender people are simply seeking the removal of barriers that prevent them from flourishing as full members of and contributors to society. One need not fully comprehend what it is like to walk in their shoes to provide them with the protections every citizen-every person-is due. Please act to ensure their rights.
Faithfully,
The Rt. Rev. M. Thomas Shaw, SSJE Bishop
The Rt. Rev. Bud Cederholm Bishop Suffragan
ANGLICAN MAINSTREAM LAUNCH
GREENBELT FESTIVAL 2010
ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN
I think the Greenbelt Festival management team must get a bit worried about ticket sales at this time every year. Fortunately, they have their friends at Anglican Mainstream who are always willing to give them a helping hand with a few soundbites of predictable bigotry which are guaranteed to get every right thinking Christian in the UK picking up the plastic and reaching for the phone.
From The Church of England Newspaper:
Dr Lisa Nolland (has written) an open letter to the (Greenbelt) festival organisers complaining about “the further gayification of Greenbelt,” following the invitation of the gay rights campaigner, which she saw as compounding damage done by inviting the Bishop of New Hampshire, the Rt Rev Gene Robinson, to speak last year.
Dr Nolland wrote: “We are very concerned and alarmed. We would like to meet with you because we believe this is damaging to both Christian witness and the health of the nation. “Both Gene Robinson and Peter Tatchell are bad news for the church and for Greenbelt. Greenbelt does much that is good and even excellent. Why spoil it with such as this? “In the light of the above, I would very much appreciate an explanation of your invitation to Peter Tatchell for 2010, given your invitation to Gene Robinson in 2009. “You will recall the specific concerns we raised about ensuring that equal airtime was given to orthodox Christian perspectives. On the face of it seems that our concerns have fallen on deaf ears.”
Dr Nolland (further stated that) not only did she decry the absence of a speaker who could present “the orthodox Biblical position on sexual ethics,” she also suspected that the liberal campaigners were denying the voice of less palatable sexualities who might taint their case. She said: “If Greenbelt actually wanted to have a really open honest discussion about all this, I’d have a far easier time with it. But instead – they talk about how they include and accept all and all are welcomed etc — that’s rubbish. There are all sorts of orientations out there who say ‘look, LGBT people are doing to us what straight people did to them for centuries’."
Once the campaigners are accepted, they will then start leading Christians further astray, Dr Nolland fears.
COMMENT: I am intrigued by all these "less palatable sexualities" that are obviously acceptable to Anglican Mainstream. Publicly, they have always been so "missionary" in their position on sexual diversity. My guess is that Dr. Nolland is referring to the wonderful world of BDSM. All that bondage and leather would fit in so well with their perverted, puritanical theology.
From The Church of England Newspaper:
Dr Lisa Nolland (has written) an open letter to the (Greenbelt) festival organisers complaining about “the further gayification of Greenbelt,” following the invitation of the gay rights campaigner, which she saw as compounding damage done by inviting the Bishop of New Hampshire, the Rt Rev Gene Robinson, to speak last year.
Dr Nolland wrote: “We are very concerned and alarmed. We would like to meet with you because we believe this is damaging to both Christian witness and the health of the nation. “Both Gene Robinson and Peter Tatchell are bad news for the church and for Greenbelt. Greenbelt does much that is good and even excellent. Why spoil it with such as this? “In the light of the above, I would very much appreciate an explanation of your invitation to Peter Tatchell for 2010, given your invitation to Gene Robinson in 2009. “You will recall the specific concerns we raised about ensuring that equal airtime was given to orthodox Christian perspectives. On the face of it seems that our concerns have fallen on deaf ears.”
Dr Nolland (further stated that) not only did she decry the absence of a speaker who could present “the orthodox Biblical position on sexual ethics,” she also suspected that the liberal campaigners were denying the voice of less palatable sexualities who might taint their case. She said: “If Greenbelt actually wanted to have a really open honest discussion about all this, I’d have a far easier time with it. But instead – they talk about how they include and accept all and all are welcomed etc — that’s rubbish. There are all sorts of orientations out there who say ‘look, LGBT people are doing to us what straight people did to them for centuries’."
Once the campaigners are accepted, they will then start leading Christians further astray, Dr Nolland fears.
COMMENT: I am intrigued by all these "less palatable sexualities" that are obviously acceptable to Anglican Mainstream. Publicly, they have always been so "missionary" in their position on sexual diversity. My guess is that Dr. Nolland is referring to the wonderful world of BDSM. All that bondage and leather would fit in so well with their perverted, puritanical theology.
AUSTRALIANS TO BE FREED FROM PELLIGAMY
This would be great news for Australian Roman Catholics but incredibly bad news for Roman Catholicism in general. To appoint probably the most reactionary, dictatorial, arrogant (and, intellectually, downright daft) bishop in the English speaking world to such an influential post at this time of crisis for the church is as wrongheaded as giving the job of Secretary-General of the United Nations to Kim Il-sung.
From THE AUSTRALIAN:
Speculation that Australia's Cardinal George Pell is about to be appointed to a senior Vatican post has strengthened in Rome with high-ranking priests now regarding the move as a done deal. And Cardinal Pell's forthcoming book-launch tour of three states is increasingly thought to be a farewell tour, according to prominent Catholic blogs in Europe and Australia.
Yesterday a leading Italian newspaper, Il Giornale, speculated that just days ago, after Cardinal Pell had met Pope Benedict XVI, he had spent an hour with Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re - the current prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. The report by journalist Andrea Tornielli - who has accurately predicted several developments during this pontificate - suggested that the meeting was to discuss Cardinal Pell taking over from 76-year-old Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who has been prefect for 10 years. It also said Cardinal Pell had been "officially nominated" as Cardinal Battista Re's successor by the Pope.
The Congregation for Bishops oversees the selection of new bishops around the world.
From THE AUSTRALIAN:
Yesterday a leading Italian newspaper, Il Giornale, speculated that just days ago, after Cardinal Pell had met Pope Benedict XVI, he had spent an hour with Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re - the current prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. The report by journalist Andrea Tornielli - who has accurately predicted several developments during this pontificate - suggested that the meeting was to discuss Cardinal Pell taking over from 76-year-old Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who has been prefect for 10 years. It also said Cardinal Pell had been "officially nominated" as Cardinal Battista Re's successor by the Pope.
The Congregation for Bishops oversees the selection of new bishops around the world.
Thursday, 6 May 2010
FREE ADVERTISEMENT
SCM - CANTERBURY PRESS are having a really good warehouse clearance sale in the UK. There are some excellent discounts and quite a few of the books on offer are actually useful, especially if you are involved in worship at your church or if you teach religious education at school.
The biggest bargains are the three volumes of the "Celebrating The Christian Year" series by Alan Griffiths." They are down from £25.00 to £3.75 (in fact, just £2.50 for the "Advent, Christmas and Epiphany" volume). I use these books two or three times a week, sometimes more. For any minister who gets bored of the same words week in week out these are a godsend and a must. Do check them out. I cannot recommend them highly enough.
The biggest bargains are the three volumes of the "Celebrating The Christian Year" series by Alan Griffiths." They are down from £25.00 to £3.75 (in fact, just £2.50 for the "Advent, Christmas and Epiphany" volume). I use these books two or three times a week, sometimes more. For any minister who gets bored of the same words week in week out these are a godsend and a must. Do check them out. I cannot recommend them highly enough.
CAPTION COMPETITION
There's a topical bent to this caption competition as the photograph was taken today outside a polling station in Hyde Park, London. The exit polls are saying that there will be a hung parliament with the Tories having the most seats. I'm all for a hung parliament. Hang the lot of 'em! That's what I say.
MUMBI JUMBI
From TIMES OF ZAMBIA:
Zambia Anglican Council presiding Bishop Robert Mumbi says homosexuality is against African traditional way of life and Christian values. He said it was the Christian and traditional values that defined Zambia and set it apart from other countries and a lot of work needed to be done in the wake of strong gay rights campaigns and unchristian activities.
He said there should be political awareness, especially to do with certain human rights charters that the Government endorsed, saying some of them actually perpetuated some people championing homosexual activities. The Church would not compromise on Christian values and it would challenge wrongdoing regardless of whether people were championing human rights or not.
Bishop Mumbi said it was unfortunate that some people were championing gay activities but expressed confidence that no one would openly support homosexual activities.
He said there should be political awareness, especially to do with certain human rights charters that the Government endorsed, saying some of them actually perpetuated some people championing homosexual activities. The Church would not compromise on Christian values and it would challenge wrongdoing regardless of whether people were championing human rights or not.
Bishop Mumbi said it was unfortunate that some people were championing gay activities but expressed confidence that no one would openly support homosexual activities.
YES!
From NEWSOXY:
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chicago announced Tuesday that the Rev. Bradley Schmeling and the Rev. Darin Easler, removed in 2007 for having a same-relationship, will be reinstated to their congregations
Rev. Bradley Schmeling was the pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Atlanta before he was removed in 2007. The congregation voted to have Schmeling remain at the church as a pastor without portfolio.
The Lutheran denomination recently made modifications to its ministry policy. It allows individuals such as Schmeling and Easler eligible to serve as clergy in the church.
YOU ARE ALL CHILD ABUSING MONSTERS
AND IT'S ALL THE FAULT OF TEH GAYS
From ABC NEWS:
Monsignor Dadeus Grings, the archbishop of the southern Brazilian city of Porto Alegre, told a Brazilian bishops' annual conference he believed paedophilia was on its way to becoming as accepted as homosexuality in society at large.
"Society today is paedophile, that is the problem. So people easily fall into it. The fact it is being denounced is a positive sign," he told the gathering on Tuesday.
Archbishop Grings, a 73-year-old priest with conservative views, said the gradual acceptance of homosexuality by the public was a precursor to a possible broad acceptance of paedophilia.
"When sexuality is banalised it is clear that that can have an effect on all cases. Homosexuality is one case. Before, no one spoke of the homosexual. He was discriminated against," he said.
"When we start to say that they [homosexuals] have rights, rights to publicly demonstrate, in a short time paedophilia will also have rights."
Archbishop Grings stressed that he condemned the sexual abuse alleged to have been perpetrated by priests against children, saying they were crimes that must be punished.
But he also said the church had difficulty in denouncing such cases.
"For the church to accuse its own, that is a little strange," he said.
COMMENT: A little strange?
Thank God God didn't make me Roman Catholic. It's bad enough having to put up with the weird logic that informs the Grand Tufti's actions against his fellow Christians. But compared to the logic employed by some of these Roman Catholic big wigs he makes more sense than Mr Spock, Captain.
Monsignor Dadeus Grings, the archbishop of the southern Brazilian city of Porto Alegre, told a Brazilian bishops' annual conference he believed paedophilia was on its way to becoming as accepted as homosexuality in society at large.
"Society today is paedophile, that is the problem. So people easily fall into it. The fact it is being denounced is a positive sign," he told the gathering on Tuesday.
Archbishop Grings, a 73-year-old priest with conservative views, said the gradual acceptance of homosexuality by the public was a precursor to a possible broad acceptance of paedophilia.
"When sexuality is banalised it is clear that that can have an effect on all cases. Homosexuality is one case. Before, no one spoke of the homosexual. He was discriminated against," he said.
"When we start to say that they [homosexuals] have rights, rights to publicly demonstrate, in a short time paedophilia will also have rights."
Archbishop Grings stressed that he condemned the sexual abuse alleged to have been perpetrated by priests against children, saying they were crimes that must be punished.
But he also said the church had difficulty in denouncing such cases.
"For the church to accuse its own, that is a little strange," he said.
COMMENT: A little strange?
Thank God God didn't make me Roman Catholic. It's bad enough having to put up with the weird logic that informs the Grand Tufti's actions against his fellow Christians. But compared to the logic employed by some of these Roman Catholic big wigs he makes more sense than Mr Spock, Captain.
SATAN TEMPTS WEE FREES
From THE TIMES:
For more than a hundred years the Free Church of Scotland has been governed by a strict Calvinist tradition — the singing of hymns has been prohibited. The austere but hauntingly beautiful sound of unaccompanied psalms has been the only music permitted in a Church which believes in maintaining the sanctity of the Sabbath.
Now, in a move which could divide its congregations, the Church — known as the Wee Frees — is considering overturning the ban in a belated bid to move with the times. Not only might hymns be sung, it is suggested, but they could even be allowed a musical accompaniment. A report is due to be published in the next few days, which will then be discussed at the Church’s General Assembly later this month.
COMMENT: Ah, the slippery slope to having sex with animals in public. Have the righteous of the Free Church of Scotland learned nothing from the evil revisionist experiments of those evil Episcopalians in America. The time has come for a new John Knox to be raised from the ranks of Scottish gnosticism to take on the Great Satan of hymn singing. I suggest Father Kelvin of St. Mary's Cathedral, Glasgow, is the man for the job.
For more than a hundred years the Free Church of Scotland has been governed by a strict Calvinist tradition — the singing of hymns has been prohibited. The austere but hauntingly beautiful sound of unaccompanied psalms has been the only music permitted in a Church which believes in maintaining the sanctity of the Sabbath.
Now, in a move which could divide its congregations, the Church — known as the Wee Frees — is considering overturning the ban in a belated bid to move with the times. Not only might hymns be sung, it is suggested, but they could even be allowed a musical accompaniment. A report is due to be published in the next few days, which will then be discussed at the Church’s General Assembly later this month.
COMMENT: Ah, the slippery slope to having sex with animals in public. Have the righteous of the Free Church of Scotland learned nothing from the evil revisionist experiments of those evil Episcopalians in America. The time has come for a new John Knox to be raised from the ranks of Scottish gnosticism to take on the Great Satan of hymn singing. I suggest Father Kelvin of St. Mary's Cathedral, Glasgow, is the man for the job.
AND NOW SOME HOPEFUL NEWS
From THE DAILY NEWS AND ECONOMIC REVIEW:
More than 3,000 European Jews, including prominent intellectuals, have signed a petition speaking out against Israeli settlement policies and warning that systematic support for the Israeli government is dangerous.
The petition's signatories include French philosophers Bernard-Henri Levy and Alain Finkielkraut as well as Daniel Cohn-Bendit, a Greens leader in the European Parliament.
"We are speaking as friends of Israel and we are saying: You are going to make a mistake. You have to decide how to behave, not us," David Chemla, head of the group, known as JCall, told the Israeli daily Haaretz newspaper on Monday. "But as friends, as Jews, we want to tell you that you are going down a wrong path," said Chemla, who moved to France after living in Israel for 10 years and serving in the IDF.
Supporters hope to build a European movement that is both "committed to the state of Israel and critical of the current choices of its government."
COMMENT: A fact that is probably not known by the majority of people is that ultra-orthodox Jews are also against the Zionist policies that are being attacked by the liberal Jews who made the above mentioned statement. The stereotype of the pigheaded, arrogant militarist is, in no way, applicable to all Jews. Unfortunately, if you happen to be non-Jewish in the Middle east, that's the stereotype that interferes in everything you do, every moment of your life.
I'm glad that more prominent people are beginning to voice concern about the way Israel behaves, especially in respect of its land grabbing policy. They evoke the past and the attacks on them in the present to claim the moral high ground. But it simply will not wash as long as they are being so obviously unjust in their own actions. As usual, Desmond Tutu is right. Israel is the big guy with the big guns so it is up to them to make all the moves towards peace initially. Their first move should be to get the hell out of the lands that don't belong to them. Their second move should be to tear down that obscene bloody wall. It's like something the Nazis or Stalinists would come up with.
More than 3,000 European Jews, including prominent intellectuals, have signed a petition speaking out against Israeli settlement policies and warning that systematic support for the Israeli government is dangerous.
The petition's signatories include French philosophers Bernard-Henri Levy and Alain Finkielkraut as well as Daniel Cohn-Bendit, a Greens leader in the European Parliament.
"We are speaking as friends of Israel and we are saying: You are going to make a mistake. You have to decide how to behave, not us," David Chemla, head of the group, known as JCall, told the Israeli daily Haaretz newspaper on Monday. "But as friends, as Jews, we want to tell you that you are going down a wrong path," said Chemla, who moved to France after living in Israel for 10 years and serving in the IDF.
Supporters hope to build a European movement that is both "committed to the state of Israel and critical of the current choices of its government."
COMMENT: A fact that is probably not known by the majority of people is that ultra-orthodox Jews are also against the Zionist policies that are being attacked by the liberal Jews who made the above mentioned statement. The stereotype of the pigheaded, arrogant militarist is, in no way, applicable to all Jews. Unfortunately, if you happen to be non-Jewish in the Middle east, that's the stereotype that interferes in everything you do, every moment of your life.
I'm glad that more prominent people are beginning to voice concern about the way Israel behaves, especially in respect of its land grabbing policy. They evoke the past and the attacks on them in the present to claim the moral high ground. But it simply will not wash as long as they are being so obviously unjust in their own actions. As usual, Desmond Tutu is right. Israel is the big guy with the big guns so it is up to them to make all the moves towards peace initially. Their first move should be to get the hell out of the lands that don't belong to them. Their second move should be to tear down that obscene bloody wall. It's like something the Nazis or Stalinists would come up with.
THE DEBATE CONTINUES
From Jean-François Copé's article, "Tearing Away the Veil," posted by THE NEW YORK TIMES:
Momentum is building in Europe for laws forbidding the wearing of garments that cover the face, like the Islamic burqa and niqab, in public. Just last week, the lower house of the Belgian Parliament overwhelmingly passed a ban on face coverings. And next week, the French Assembly will most likely approve a resolution that my party, the Union for a Popular Movement, has introduced condemning such garments as against our republican principles, a step toward a similar ban.
Amnesty International condemned the Belgian law as “an attack on religious freedom,” while other critics have asserted that by prohibiting the burqa, France would impinge upon individual liberties and stigmatize Muslims, thereby aiding extremists worldwide.
This criticism is unjust. The debate on the full veil is complicated, and as one of the most prominent advocates in France of a ban on the burqa, I would like to explain why it is both a legitimate measure for public safety and a reaffirmation of our ideals of liberty and fraternity.
First, the freedom to dress the way one wants is not what’s at stake here. Our debate is not about a type of attire or the Islamic head scarf that covers the hair and forehead. The latter is obviously allowed in France. The ban would apply to the full-body veil known as the burqa or niqab. This is not an article of clothing — it is a mask, a mask worn at all times, making identification or participation in economic and social life virtually impossible.
Let’s take one example: The fact that people are prohibited from strolling down Fifth Avenue in the nude does not constitute an attack on the fundamental rights of nudists. Likewise, wearing headgear that fully covers the face does not constitute a fundamental liberty. To the contrary, it is an insurmountable obstacle to the affirmation of a political community that unites citizens without regard to differences in sex, origin or religious faith. How can you establish a relationship with a person who, by hiding a smile or a glance — those universal signs of our common humanity — refuses to exist in the eyes of others?
Finally, in both France and the United States, we recognize that individual liberties cannot exist without individual responsibilities. This acknowledgment is the basis of all our political rights. We are free as long as we are responsible individuals who can be held accountable for our actions before our peers. But the niqab and burqa represent a refusal to exist as a person in the eyes of others. The person who wears one is no longer identifiable; she is a shadow among others, lacking individuality, avoiding responsibility.
From this standpoint, banning the veil in the street is aimed at no particular religion and stigmatizes no particular community. Indeed, French Muslim leaders have noted that the Koran does not instruct women to cover their faces, while in Tunisia and Turkey, it is forbidden in public buildings; it is even prohibited during the pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims are the first to suffer from the confusions engendered by this practice, which is a blow against the dignity of women.
Jean-François Copé is the majority leader in the French National Assembly and the mayor of Meaux.
COMMENT: Long time readers of OCICBW... will know that I'm 100% in favour of banning any covering of the face in public illegal (other than what may be required for medical reasons). This includes the burqua, but, if I had my way, it would also include motor cycle helmets when the person wearing one is not on a motorbike.
There are two reasons that they should be banned. Firstly, anybody who is a member of, or a guest of, a community that has agreed to a set of laws to govern their lives, has to be recognisable in public, so that if they break any law they can be identified easily. Secondly, in Western culture, at least, the covering of the face is extreme bad manners. And manners maketh women as much as they maketh man.
Do go read the rest of this article. Copé writes well and puts forward an intelligent and logical argument.
From BIG NEWS NETWORK:
A political row has erupted in the northern Italian city of Novara after police fined a Muslim woman 500 euros for refusing to remove her full-face covering burqa.
According to details released by police, the Tunisian woman, Amel Salah, and her husband, Ben Salah, were stopped by police Friday. Amel was asked to remove her veil, but her husband refused to allow her to expose her face on the grounds that such an act would violate their Muslim beliefs.
'I cannot take off my veil in front of you, because you are two men. I am sorry,' she reportedly told police.
This was Italy's first such fine and made possible after Novara introduced a controversial by-law in January banning clothing which prevented immediate identification in public.
Italy's largest Muslim organisation, the Union of Italian Islamic Communities and Organisations (UCOII), said women should be free to choose. However, the body's president did not support wearing the full burqa.
Momentum is building in Europe for laws forbidding the wearing of garments that cover the face, like the Islamic burqa and niqab, in public. Just last week, the lower house of the Belgian Parliament overwhelmingly passed a ban on face coverings. And next week, the French Assembly will most likely approve a resolution that my party, the Union for a Popular Movement, has introduced condemning such garments as against our republican principles, a step toward a similar ban.
Amnesty International condemned the Belgian law as “an attack on religious freedom,” while other critics have asserted that by prohibiting the burqa, France would impinge upon individual liberties and stigmatize Muslims, thereby aiding extremists worldwide.
This criticism is unjust. The debate on the full veil is complicated, and as one of the most prominent advocates in France of a ban on the burqa, I would like to explain why it is both a legitimate measure for public safety and a reaffirmation of our ideals of liberty and fraternity.
First, the freedom to dress the way one wants is not what’s at stake here. Our debate is not about a type of attire or the Islamic head scarf that covers the hair and forehead. The latter is obviously allowed in France. The ban would apply to the full-body veil known as the burqa or niqab. This is not an article of clothing — it is a mask, a mask worn at all times, making identification or participation in economic and social life virtually impossible.
Let’s take one example: The fact that people are prohibited from strolling down Fifth Avenue in the nude does not constitute an attack on the fundamental rights of nudists. Likewise, wearing headgear that fully covers the face does not constitute a fundamental liberty. To the contrary, it is an insurmountable obstacle to the affirmation of a political community that unites citizens without regard to differences in sex, origin or religious faith. How can you establish a relationship with a person who, by hiding a smile or a glance — those universal signs of our common humanity — refuses to exist in the eyes of others?
Finally, in both France and the United States, we recognize that individual liberties cannot exist without individual responsibilities. This acknowledgment is the basis of all our political rights. We are free as long as we are responsible individuals who can be held accountable for our actions before our peers. But the niqab and burqa represent a refusal to exist as a person in the eyes of others. The person who wears one is no longer identifiable; she is a shadow among others, lacking individuality, avoiding responsibility.
From this standpoint, banning the veil in the street is aimed at no particular religion and stigmatizes no particular community. Indeed, French Muslim leaders have noted that the Koran does not instruct women to cover their faces, while in Tunisia and Turkey, it is forbidden in public buildings; it is even prohibited during the pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims are the first to suffer from the confusions engendered by this practice, which is a blow against the dignity of women.
Jean-François Copé is the majority leader in the French National Assembly and the mayor of Meaux.
COMMENT: Long time readers of OCICBW... will know that I'm 100% in favour of banning any covering of the face in public illegal (other than what may be required for medical reasons). This includes the burqua, but, if I had my way, it would also include motor cycle helmets when the person wearing one is not on a motorbike.
There are two reasons that they should be banned. Firstly, anybody who is a member of, or a guest of, a community that has agreed to a set of laws to govern their lives, has to be recognisable in public, so that if they break any law they can be identified easily. Secondly, in Western culture, at least, the covering of the face is extreme bad manners. And manners maketh women as much as they maketh man.
Do go read the rest of this article. Copé writes well and puts forward an intelligent and logical argument.
A political row has erupted in the northern Italian city of Novara after police fined a Muslim woman 500 euros for refusing to remove her full-face covering burqa.
According to details released by police, the Tunisian woman, Amel Salah, and her husband, Ben Salah, were stopped by police Friday. Amel was asked to remove her veil, but her husband refused to allow her to expose her face on the grounds that such an act would violate their Muslim beliefs.
'I cannot take off my veil in front of you, because you are two men. I am sorry,' she reportedly told police.
This was Italy's first such fine and made possible after Novara introduced a controversial by-law in January banning clothing which prevented immediate identification in public.
Italy's largest Muslim organisation, the Union of Italian Islamic Communities and Organisations (UCOII), said women should be free to choose. However, the body's president did not support wearing the full burqa.
UNCEREMONIAL SEND OFF
LIMERICK COMPETITION
From THE LOCAL (Sweden):
A Swedish firm of funeral directors has agreed to pay 15,000 kronor to two sisters. The sisters sued the firm after the funeral, which took place in February 2008, left them appalled and claiming that a number of the undertakers were clearly drunk while in charge of their father's coffin. The undertakers had been closed to dropping the man's coffin on a number of occasions during the service but the ungraceful dumping of their father into his final resting place proved the final straw for the mourning siblings.
As the pallbearers approached the grave they are reported to have lost their grip which resulted in a heavy fall into the ground with the coffin landing on its side.
“Both daughters were in shock and ran away in tears from the cemetery. They didn’t dare to look in the grave as they were convinced the coffin had opened and their dead father had fallen out,” their lawyer Michael Abejon wrote in their submission to Södertörn District Court.
COMMENT: Of course, this story is not in the slightest bit funny. But I'm sure you lot can remedy that with your poetic imaginations. Off you go, then!
A Swedish firm of funeral directors has agreed to pay 15,000 kronor to two sisters. The sisters sued the firm after the funeral, which took place in February 2008, left them appalled and claiming that a number of the undertakers were clearly drunk while in charge of their father's coffin. The undertakers had been closed to dropping the man's coffin on a number of occasions during the service but the ungraceful dumping of their father into his final resting place proved the final straw for the mourning siblings.
As the pallbearers approached the grave they are reported to have lost their grip which resulted in a heavy fall into the ground with the coffin landing on its side.
“Both daughters were in shock and ran away in tears from the cemetery. They didn’t dare to look in the grave as they were convinced the coffin had opened and their dead father had fallen out,” their lawyer Michael Abejon wrote in their submission to Södertörn District Court.
COMMENT: Of course, this story is not in the slightest bit funny. But I'm sure you lot can remedy that with your poetic imaginations. Off you go, then!
IS IT TIME TO DARE TO HOPE?
The archbishop handed the secretary general a copy of a joint statement that he and Bishop Atsumi Misue of Hiroshima issued last February calling on world leaders "to take a courageous step toward the total abolition of nuclear weapons and the realisation of a world without wars".
A separate report by the Catholic News Agency cited Pope Benedict calling for the "complete elimination" of nuclear weapons, urging all participating delegations at the UN meeting to make an effort to "weave a political and economic web of peace".
"Peace, in fact, rests on trust and on respect for promises made, not only on the balance of power," the pontiff noted. "In this spirit I encourage the initiatives that seek progressive disarmament and areas free of nuclear weapons, with a view to their complete elimination from the planet."
COMMENT: My ridiculous optimism is beginning to kick in again. With pretty much every denomination now calling, in earnest, for a nuclear free world, with Obama's moves towards this scenario and with the UN Secretary General's name being "Ban," I think we may be moving from "impossible" to "just a faint chance." And when that movement happens in any campaign it is time for people of goodwill to put their cynicism aside and to start to talk up that which they had previously only dreamt of. Prophesy is not about the foreseeing of the future. Prophesy is either the logical discernment of the future from the evidence of the present or, in its true Christian outworking, it is making what you want to happen actually happen by doing something about the future in the present in stead of just caring only for yourself and the here and now.
BLOG NOTICE
I have unilaterally taken the decision to go back to the pop-up window style for your comments. I thought about putting it to the vote but I feared that might result in people getting cross with each other and I am so used to you getting cross with me that's it just water off a ducks back for me when I am the subject of your scorn.
The reason for my decision is the following email from JCF. Nobody has come up with an argument against the pop-up style more, or even equally, convincing than JCF's argument for it. So, it is logical for me to cave in to his request. However, along with victory, JCF also takes the post of "person who is responsible for everything that goes wrong in the world" off Cathy, and puts it onto his own shoulders.
May I be serious for *One* minute?
As many of you know, I am poor.
Dial-up internet is all I can afford.
When it becomes instinct to open the thread w/ a simple click, it takes me away from the OCICBW mainpage . . . which then takes forever to reload (and sometimes, even crashes the system---fortunately, not nearly as often as when MP was in his gawdawful PINK phase! }-p)
This, THIS---and not MERELY to be irrascible---is why I want, nay adore the Pop-Up format.
Yes, he's a right drama queen, but we love him.
The reason for my decision is the following email from JCF. Nobody has come up with an argument against the pop-up style more, or even equally, convincing than JCF's argument for it. So, it is logical for me to cave in to his request. However, along with victory, JCF also takes the post of "person who is responsible for everything that goes wrong in the world" off Cathy, and puts it onto his own shoulders.
May I be serious for *One* minute?
As many of you know, I am poor.
Dial-up internet is all I can afford.
When it becomes instinct to open the thread w/ a simple click, it takes me away from the OCICBW mainpage . . . which then takes forever to reload (and sometimes, even crashes the system---fortunately, not nearly as often as when MP was in his gawdawful PINK phase! }-p)
This, THIS---and not MERELY to be irrascible---is why I want, nay adore the Pop-Up format.
Yes, he's a right drama queen, but we love him.
OH BOY! IT'S ANOTHER BOYCOTT
For an excellent article on the call for a boycott
of the next meeting of TEC's House of Bishops
in Phoenix, including a Louie Crew soundbite,
check out the lovely Lisa's latest post at
MY MANNER OF LIFE.
of the next meeting of TEC's House of Bishops
in Phoenix, including a Louie Crew soundbite,
check out the lovely Lisa's latest post at
MY MANNER OF LIFE.
THE PRAYER LIST
Posted by Jay at BAILEY'S BUDDY:
Good news! Dan’s ventilation tube was removed (intentionally) at about 10:15 this morning – and the feeding tube from his nose (unintentionally, getting caught up with the vent tubes and tapes) at the same time, giving him much relief. He nodded his head in response to questions, squeezed hands, and wiggled feet. Before you know it, he’ll be doing the Hokey Pokey!
He’s off all meds except the final day of the antibiotic to treat the pneumonia, and that seems to be about cleared away.
Please join our prayers of thanksgiving – with continuing supplication for full recovery, of course. Also, we’ve shared experiences with others along the way, while here, and have collected other prayer requests. I can’t name them – God knows the names. Just please add “and for all those for whom Dan’s family has been asked to pray” before your “amen.” Thanks again, and many blessings. Victoria
***
Posted by Grandmère Mimi at WOUNDED BIRD:
Prayers please for Katherine, a member of my church who died suddenly last Sunday. Katherine was the matriarch and heart of her family. Her husband, John, to whom she was married for many years, will miss her terribly, as will their three children, Mary Katharine, Grace, and Carolyn, her 7 grandchildren, and her great-grandchild.
Also, people, it is at this time of year that Mimi is particularly reminded of her sister, Gayle, who died four years ago. So keep our friend in your prayers for a while.
***
Posted by Peter at SANTOS WOODCARVING POPSICLES:
My prayers go out to the entire University of Virginia community as they mourn the murder of Yeardley Love and also cope with the reality that another student was her killer.
My heart is heavy and my compassion goes out to Yeardley's family and friends in this horrible time. So tragic, so sad.
***
Posted by Margaret at
LEAVE IT LAY WHERE JESUS FLANG IT:
Please pray for my friend N. She and her beloved--expecting a baby, and then when it was time for the baby to be delivered, she and baby were rushed off to the hospital. Baby Thomas was delivered needing heart surgery. N is the priest I walked on a pilgrimage with between Richmond and DC.
***
Posted by Kate at WHEN I WAS A BOY:
This will be brief and disjointed. I am broken. Devastated.
I realized that I could not be happy with sharing Tim...that I needed to be with him, or over him. That, as I told him, he had to choose. Deep in the depths of despair, asking God to let him avoid this cup, he chose me...and then, three days later, rescinded his choice. Now all three of us are hurt -- Ray isn't sure he wants Tim back, Tim know he's hurt both of us, and I am...broken, devastated. How can this be okay? How can the three of us, trying to do the best we could, have hurt each other and ourselves so very much?
***
Posted by SCG at WAKE UP AND LIVE:
Word from the land of the Gators is that Terry's surgery went fine. A little too much excitement with a blockage at the "left branch bundle" of her heart. According to words flying about in emails, such a thing is NOT atypical and indicates a heart rhythm issue. She was kept at Shands overnight, and we're hoping she'll be released and on her way home soon.
Dona's mother Glo is also making a turn toward recovery, although has been in some pain from the operation and the after effects with nausea. The good news is that her kidneys are functioning well.
Keep the prayers going and the candles lit!
***
Posted by Joan Lucia-Treese at MY TWO CENTS WORTH:
Last night I won my first political race and was the top vote getter! I am a director-elect for the Colorado Centre Metropolitan District. I will be sworn into my 4 year term on May 27, 2010.
***
From PETTY WITTER:
Just to let you know that Neal , THEMETHATISME, is in hospital. A flare up of his Crohns, his small bowel has become inflamed. On steroids for the next few days, they will then decide if surgery is needed.
Anyway if you could let people know we would both be grateful. I'll keep in touch and let you know how he's doing and there will be regular updates on my blog.
***
Posted by Crystal at PERSPECTIVE:
Today when I went out to mow the lawn, I sadly found a dead squirrel in the yard. At least I assumed he was dead - I hate that about not being able to see very well - I wasn't sure if he was just paralyzed :( So I put him on a piece of cardborad in the shade and waited until my sister dropped by later. She pronounced him dead and we buried him under the walnut tree. I wonder if he was the gray squirrel I took this above photo of months ago.
Money raised so far for charity = $11.50.
Don't forget it is up to you to give your part of this to the charity of your own choice whenever you feel like doing so.
Please note: The charity bit is purely voluntary. Do continue to click in the first box even if the second box is not relevant to you.
Good news! Dan’s ventilation tube was removed (intentionally) at about 10:15 this morning – and the feeding tube from his nose (unintentionally, getting caught up with the vent tubes and tapes) at the same time, giving him much relief. He nodded his head in response to questions, squeezed hands, and wiggled feet. Before you know it, he’ll be doing the Hokey Pokey!
He’s off all meds except the final day of the antibiotic to treat the pneumonia, and that seems to be about cleared away.
Please join our prayers of thanksgiving – with continuing supplication for full recovery, of course. Also, we’ve shared experiences with others along the way, while here, and have collected other prayer requests. I can’t name them – God knows the names. Just please add “and for all those for whom Dan’s family has been asked to pray” before your “amen.” Thanks again, and many blessings. Victoria
***
Posted by Grandmère Mimi at WOUNDED BIRD:
Also, people, it is at this time of year that Mimi is particularly reminded of her sister, Gayle, who died four years ago. So keep our friend in your prayers for a while.
***
Posted by Peter at SANTOS WOODCARVING POPSICLES:
My prayers go out to the entire University of Virginia community as they mourn the murder of Yeardley Love and also cope with the reality that another student was her killer.
My heart is heavy and my compassion goes out to Yeardley's family and friends in this horrible time. So tragic, so sad.
***
Posted by Margaret at
LEAVE IT LAY WHERE JESUS FLANG IT:
Please pray for my friend N. She and her beloved--expecting a baby, and then when it was time for the baby to be delivered, she and baby were rushed off to the hospital. Baby Thomas was delivered needing heart surgery. N is the priest I walked on a pilgrimage with between Richmond and DC.
***
Posted by Kate at WHEN I WAS A BOY:
This will be brief and disjointed. I am broken. Devastated.
I realized that I could not be happy with sharing Tim...that I needed to be with him, or over him. That, as I told him, he had to choose. Deep in the depths of despair, asking God to let him avoid this cup, he chose me...and then, three days later, rescinded his choice. Now all three of us are hurt -- Ray isn't sure he wants Tim back, Tim know he's hurt both of us, and I am...broken, devastated. How can this be okay? How can the three of us, trying to do the best we could, have hurt each other and ourselves so very much?
***
Posted by SCG at WAKE UP AND LIVE:
Word from the land of the Gators is that Terry's surgery went fine. A little too much excitement with a blockage at the "left branch bundle" of her heart. According to words flying about in emails, such a thing is NOT atypical and indicates a heart rhythm issue. She was kept at Shands overnight, and we're hoping she'll be released and on her way home soon.
Dona's mother Glo is also making a turn toward recovery, although has been in some pain from the operation and the after effects with nausea. The good news is that her kidneys are functioning well.
Keep the prayers going and the candles lit!
***
Posted by Joan Lucia-Treese at MY TWO CENTS WORTH:
Last night I won my first political race and was the top vote getter! I am a director-elect for the Colorado Centre Metropolitan District. I will be sworn into my 4 year term on May 27, 2010.
***
From PETTY WITTER:
Just to let you know that Neal , THEMETHATISME, is in hospital. A flare up of his Crohns, his small bowel has become inflamed. On steroids for the next few days, they will then decide if surgery is needed.
Anyway if you could let people know we would both be grateful. I'll keep in touch and let you know how he's doing and there will be regular updates on my blog.
***
Posted by Crystal at PERSPECTIVE:
Money raised so far for charity = $11.50.
Don't forget it is up to you to give your part of this to the charity of your own choice whenever you feel like doing so.
Please note: The charity bit is purely voluntary. Do continue to click in the first box even if the second box is not relevant to you.
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
ALL MEN ARE BASTARDS (CONTD.)
The following comment was dropped into the thread of a long forgotten post on LISBETH'S SITE, earlier today.
I have a question (and it's a serious one and not meant as a wind up).
Do women really believe that men don't have to put up with exactly the same as women? That men don't think that women are only interested in Coke advert men and george Clooney lookalikes? Do women really think that men don't look at their fat guts in the mirror and wish they never had to go out in public again? Do they think men don't notice how geeky looking and unattractive men are used as stereotypes in film and on television programmes? Do they think men don't have their self-confidence knocked by the constant idolising of the jock body in the media and the "girls together" jokes about screwing blokes who "work out" in pretty much every American TV programme nowadays?
Okay, I admit, we don't talk about it as much as women talk about their sexual objectification. But that's probably only because we are men and we think that women think that whinging is unmanly and, therefore, would lead to us having even less chance of getting laid - even by a fat girl.
I have a question (and it's a serious one and not meant as a wind up).
Do women really believe that men don't have to put up with exactly the same as women? That men don't think that women are only interested in Coke advert men and george Clooney lookalikes? Do women really think that men don't look at their fat guts in the mirror and wish they never had to go out in public again? Do they think men don't notice how geeky looking and unattractive men are used as stereotypes in film and on television programmes? Do they think men don't have their self-confidence knocked by the constant idolising of the jock body in the media and the "girls together" jokes about screwing blokes who "work out" in pretty much every American TV programme nowadays?
Okay, I admit, we don't talk about it as much as women talk about their sexual objectification. But that's probably only because we are men and we think that women think that whinging is unmanly and, therefore, would lead to us having even less chance of getting laid - even by a fat girl.
HOMOPHOBIC BAPTIST PREACHER
IN BOOT ON OTHER FOOT SCENARIO
From THE TELEGRAPH:
Dale McAlpine was charged with causing “harassment, alarm or distress” after a police community support officer overheard him reciting a number of “sins” referred to in the Bible, including blasphemy, drunkenness and same sex relationships. The 42-year-old Baptist, who has preached Christianity in Workington, Cumbria for years, said he did not mention homosexuality while delivering a sermon from the top of a stepladder, but admitted telling a passing shopper that he believed it went against the word of God.
Police officers are alleging that he made the remark in a voice loud enough to be overheard by others and have charged him with using abusive or insulting language, contrary to the Public Order Act.
Mr McAlpine, who was taken to the police station in the back of a marked van and locked in a cell for seven hours on April 20, said the incident was among the worst experiences of his life.
“I felt deeply shocked and humiliated that I had been arrested in my own town and treated like a common criminal in front of people I know," he said.
COMMENT: Well, Mr McAlpine, you reap what you sow and God has one wickedly ironic sense of humour. But, really, you didn't have to go through all that to find out what it's like to be victimised by the authorities and made to look a criminal in your own community. You could have just gone down your local gay bar and asked the lads. I'm sure they would have been more than happy to explain to you how shit awful their lives can be because of homophobic, Bible-perverting people such as your good self.
Thanks to Paul (A) for sending this one in. And, no mate, I hadn't come across it myself. I've been too busy today having major dental work and then sleeping it off. So, once again, thank you.
Dale McAlpine was charged with causing “harassment, alarm or distress” after a police community support officer overheard him reciting a number of “sins” referred to in the Bible, including blasphemy, drunkenness and same sex relationships. The 42-year-old Baptist, who has preached Christianity in Workington, Cumbria for years, said he did not mention homosexuality while delivering a sermon from the top of a stepladder, but admitted telling a passing shopper that he believed it went against the word of God.
Police officers are alleging that he made the remark in a voice loud enough to be overheard by others and have charged him with using abusive or insulting language, contrary to the Public Order Act.
Mr McAlpine, who was taken to the police station in the back of a marked van and locked in a cell for seven hours on April 20, said the incident was among the worst experiences of his life.
“I felt deeply shocked and humiliated that I had been arrested in my own town and treated like a common criminal in front of people I know," he said.
COMMENT: Well, Mr McAlpine, you reap what you sow and God has one wickedly ironic sense of humour. But, really, you didn't have to go through all that to find out what it's like to be victimised by the authorities and made to look a criminal in your own community. You could have just gone down your local gay bar and asked the lads. I'm sure they would have been more than happy to explain to you how shit awful their lives can be because of homophobic, Bible-perverting people such as your good self.
Thanks to Paul (A) for sending this one in. And, no mate, I hadn't come across it myself. I've been too busy today having major dental work and then sleeping it off. So, once again, thank you.
HOMOPHOBIC CHIC
Am I being hypersensitive or is the advert really, like I suspect, a load of sexist tosh. You see, I'm certainly getting - two lesbians see good looking stud and are immediately cured. But surely a major perfume company wouldn't be selling that misogynist twaddle in this day and age.
ASK PROFESSOR GEORGE -
HE'LL ALWAYS GIVE IT TO YOU STRAIGHT
From PROFESSOR GEORGE.COM:
***MISLEADING INTERNET REPORTS ABOUT PROFESSOR GEORGE REKERS***
A recent article in an alternative newspaper cleverly gave false impressions of inappropriate behavior because of its misleading innuendo, incorrectly implying that Professor George Rekers used the Rentboy website to hire a prostitute to accompany him on a recent trip. Contrary to Internet stories based on this slanderous article, following medical advice Professor George Rekers requires an assistant to lift his luggage in his travels because of an ongoing condition following surgery. His family, local friends, and even another university professor colleague have offered to accompany him on trips to lift luggage. Professor Rekers was not involved in any illegal or sexual behavior with his travel assistant.
Oh, I'm not so sure...
The above graphic is a spoof and has never appeared on George Rekers' website.
Thanks to KJ for sending details of Professor Rekers' perfectly plausible excuse into MadPriest Towers.
***MISLEADING INTERNET REPORTS ABOUT PROFESSOR GEORGE REKERS***
A recent article in an alternative newspaper cleverly gave false impressions of inappropriate behavior because of its misleading innuendo, incorrectly implying that Professor George Rekers used the Rentboy website to hire a prostitute to accompany him on a recent trip. Contrary to Internet stories based on this slanderous article, following medical advice Professor George Rekers requires an assistant to lift his luggage in his travels because of an ongoing condition following surgery. His family, local friends, and even another university professor colleague have offered to accompany him on trips to lift luggage. Professor Rekers was not involved in any illegal or sexual behavior with his travel assistant.
Oh, I'm not so sure...
Thanks to KJ for sending details of Professor Rekers' perfectly plausible excuse into MadPriest Towers.
NOW THANK WE ALL OUR DOGS
From THE BOSTON HERALD:
Calvary Episcopal Church, in Danvers, will offer, later this month, its first "Perfect Paws Pet Ministry" aimed at giving area pooches and their owners improved odds at getting canines into heaven. The service, on the third Sunday of every month, will come complete with communion for the humans and special blessings for pets. Dogs will get special treats.
Well-mannered, leashed dogs are invited. People can submit a paper prayer if their pets are sick, not good around other dogs or deceased. Prayers can also be offered for other types of pets.
Rev. Thea Keith-Lucas says dogs will have a say during service because barking won’t be banned.
COMMENT: Oh, yes. Here we go again. More blatant speciesism. Notice how the dogs always get treats but nobody ever gives the priest one. It certainly is a dog's life - but only if you are a dog.
Calvary Episcopal Church, in Danvers, will offer, later this month, its first "Perfect Paws Pet Ministry" aimed at giving area pooches and their owners improved odds at getting canines into heaven. The service, on the third Sunday of every month, will come complete with communion for the humans and special blessings for pets. Dogs will get special treats.
Well-mannered, leashed dogs are invited. People can submit a paper prayer if their pets are sick, not good around other dogs or deceased. Prayers can also be offered for other types of pets.
Rev. Thea Keith-Lucas says dogs will have a say during service because barking won’t be banned.COMMENT: Oh, yes. Here we go again. More blatant speciesism. Notice how the dogs always get treats but nobody ever gives the priest one. It certainly is a dog's life - but only if you are a dog.
OCICBW... - BETTER THAN THE YELLOW PAGES
KJ has left a new comment on your post "GEORGE ALAN REKERS PAYS TO HAVE HIS LUGGAGE HANDLED...":
"I had surgery," Rekers said, "and I can't lift luggage. That's why I hired him."
I had no idea that rent boys could be so handy. What was I thinking last weekend, cleaning out the gutters all by myself?
Maybe this is the sort of "service" you are looking for, KJ.
"I had surgery," Rekers said, "and I can't lift luggage. That's why I hired him."
I had no idea that rent boys could be so handy. What was I thinking last weekend, cleaning out the gutters all by myself?
Maybe this is the sort of "service" you are looking for, KJ.
ACTING ON CHRIST'S TEACHING DEEMED "INAPPROPRIATE BY BLOOMINGTON CITY OFFICIALS
From FOX 59:
City officials have told a Bloomington advocate for the homeless that he can't keep letting about a dozen people spend the night in tents he's set up in his backyard. What will happen with those people remains uncertain as city community resources director Pete Giordano says a suggestion of allowing a homeless camp at an old railroad switchyard was rejected.
Retired Episcopalian priest Hal Taylor erected the tents a couple weeks ago and has since faced complaints about the camp being inappropriate for the neighborhood. Taylor says the homeless living in the tents "realize they are dealing with a system that would like them to die or go away."
Mayor Mark Kruzan says the tents represent a shelter and are violating city code.
City officials have told a Bloomington advocate for the homeless that he can't keep letting about a dozen people spend the night in tents he's set up in his backyard. What will happen with those people remains uncertain as city community resources director Pete Giordano says a suggestion of allowing a homeless camp at an old railroad switchyard was rejected.
Retired Episcopalian priest Hal Taylor erected the tents a couple weeks ago and has since faced complaints about the camp being inappropriate for the neighborhood. Taylor says the homeless living in the tents "realize they are dealing with a system that would like them to die or go away."
Mayor Mark Kruzan says the tents represent a shelter and are violating city code.
WHAT GOES UP, MUST COME DOWN
I know that California is renowned for its "bear" community but its very rare to see them up trees.
From THE LOS ANGELES TIMES:
Police, firefighters and wildlife officials were in a standoff with a 200-pound black bear on the loose early Tuesday in a residential area of Oxnard.
Residents first spotted the bear running around the residential area on Vineyard Avenue about 2:15 a.m. Officers arrived on the scene and kept track of the bear as it ran through the neighborhood. The animal ran into Santa Clara Cemetery a few blocks away and climbed a tree next to a condominium complex. The bear descended and ran for a while longer before scaling another tree in the cemetery, where it found a perch about 25 feet above the ground.
Wardens from the state Department of Fish and Game shot the animal with tranquilizer darts, hoping to capture it and release it into a remote area. By 8 a.m., three wardens were on the scene and firefighters climbed a ladder and worked to hoist the sedated animal into a harness and lower it from the tree without injuring it.
Authorities are at a loss for how the bear, a rare sight in any residential area, made its way to a heavily populated part of the coastal city of Oxnard, just a few blocks from the 101 Freeway. The most likely scenario is that it wandered down from the hills during the night, crossing fields filled with inviting strawberries in blossom.
Thanks to IT for sending this
story into MadPriest Towers.
From THE LOS ANGELES TIMES:
Police, firefighters and wildlife officials were in a standoff with a 200-pound black bear on the loose early Tuesday in a residential area of Oxnard.
Residents first spotted the bear running around the residential area on Vineyard Avenue about 2:15 a.m. Officers arrived on the scene and kept track of the bear as it ran through the neighborhood. The animal ran into Santa Clara Cemetery a few blocks away and climbed a tree next to a condominium complex. The bear descended and ran for a while longer before scaling another tree in the cemetery, where it found a perch about 25 feet above the ground.
Wardens from the state Department of Fish and Game shot the animal with tranquilizer darts, hoping to capture it and release it into a remote area. By 8 a.m., three wardens were on the scene and firefighters climbed a ladder and worked to hoist the sedated animal into a harness and lower it from the tree without injuring it.
Authorities are at a loss for how the bear, a rare sight in any residential area, made its way to a heavily populated part of the coastal city of Oxnard, just a few blocks from the 101 Freeway. The most likely scenario is that it wandered down from the hills during the night, crossing fields filled with inviting strawberries in blossom.
Thanks to IT for sending this
story into MadPriest Towers.
GEORGE ALAN REKERS PAYS TO HAVE HIS
LUGGAGE HANDLED BY GAY PROSTITUTE
From THE MIAMI NEW TIMES:
The pictures on the Rentboy.com profile show a shirtless young man with delicate features, guileless eyes, and sun-kissed, hairless skin. The profile touts his "smooth, sweet, tight ass" and "perfectly built 8 inch cock (uncut)" and explains he is "sensual," "wild," and "up for anything" — as long you ask first. And as long as you pay.
On April 13, the "rent boy" (whom we'll call Lucien) arrived at Miami International Airport on Iberian Airlines Flight 6123, after a ten-day, fully subsidized trip to Europe. He was soon followed out of customs by an old man with an atavistic mustache and a desperate blond comb-over, pushing an overburdened baggage cart. That man was George Alan Rekers, of North Miami — the callboy's client and, as it happens, one of America's most prominent anti-gay activists. Rekers, a Baptist minister who is a leading scholar for the Christian right, left the terminal with his gay escort, looking a bit discomfited when a picture of the two was snapped with a hot-pink digital camera.
Reached by New Times before a trip to Bermuda, Rekers said he learned Lucien was a prostitute only midway through their vacation. "I had surgery," Rekers said, "and I can't lift luggage. That's why I hired him."
At the small western Miami townhome he shares with a roommate, a nervous Lucien expressed surprise when we told him that Rekers denied knowing about his line of work from the beginning. "He should've been able to tell you that," he said, fidgeting and fixing his eyes on his knees. "But that's up to him."
For decades, George Alan Rekers has been a general in the culture wars, though his work has often been behind the scenes. In 1983, he and James Dobson, America's best-known homophobe, formed the Family Research Council, a D.C.-based, rabidly Christian, and vehemently anti-gay lobbying group that has become a standard-bearer of the nation's extreme right wing.
He has also influenced American government, serving in advisory roles with Congress, the White House, and the Department of Health and Human Services and testifying as a state's witness in favor of Florida's gay adoption ban. A former research fellow at Harvard University and a distinguished professor of neuropsychiatry at the University of South Carolina, Rekers has published papers and books by the hundreds, with titles like Who Am I? Lord and Growing Up Straight: What Families Should Know About Homosexuality.
"While he keeps a low public profile, his fingerprints are on almost every anti-gay effort to demean and dehumanize LGBT people," says Wayne Besen, a gay rights advocate in New York City and the executive director of Truth Wins Out, which investigates the anti-gay movement. "His work is ubiquitously cited by lobby groups that work to deny equality to LGBT Americans. Rekers has caused a great deal of harm to gay and lesbian individuals."
COMMENT: Oh dear. This is going to so inconvenience OCICBW...'s anonymous homophobic correspondents. Poor old Anal Troll is probably having to burn pretty much all of his extensive library of quack statistics.
I know this story is all over the American blogosphere. But, you have to admit, it was crying out for some English "humour" in the headline department.
Thanks to all of you who sent through the link to this article.
On April 13, the "rent boy" (whom we'll call Lucien) arrived at Miami International Airport on Iberian Airlines Flight 6123, after a ten-day, fully subsidized trip to Europe. He was soon followed out of customs by an old man with an atavistic mustache and a desperate blond comb-over, pushing an overburdened baggage cart. That man was George Alan Rekers, of North Miami — the callboy's client and, as it happens, one of America's most prominent anti-gay activists. Rekers, a Baptist minister who is a leading scholar for the Christian right, left the terminal with his gay escort, looking a bit discomfited when a picture of the two was snapped with a hot-pink digital camera.
Reached by New Times before a trip to Bermuda, Rekers said he learned Lucien was a prostitute only midway through their vacation. "I had surgery," Rekers said, "and I can't lift luggage. That's why I hired him."
At the small western Miami townhome he shares with a roommate, a nervous Lucien expressed surprise when we told him that Rekers denied knowing about his line of work from the beginning. "He should've been able to tell you that," he said, fidgeting and fixing his eyes on his knees. "But that's up to him."
For decades, George Alan Rekers has been a general in the culture wars, though his work has often been behind the scenes. In 1983, he and James Dobson, America's best-known homophobe, formed the Family Research Council, a D.C.-based, rabidly Christian, and vehemently anti-gay lobbying group that has become a standard-bearer of the nation's extreme right wing.
He has also influenced American government, serving in advisory roles with Congress, the White House, and the Department of Health and Human Services and testifying as a state's witness in favor of Florida's gay adoption ban. A former research fellow at Harvard University and a distinguished professor of neuropsychiatry at the University of South Carolina, Rekers has published papers and books by the hundreds, with titles like Who Am I? Lord and Growing Up Straight: What Families Should Know About Homosexuality.
"While he keeps a low public profile, his fingerprints are on almost every anti-gay effort to demean and dehumanize LGBT people," says Wayne Besen, a gay rights advocate in New York City and the executive director of Truth Wins Out, which investigates the anti-gay movement. "His work is ubiquitously cited by lobby groups that work to deny equality to LGBT Americans. Rekers has caused a great deal of harm to gay and lesbian individuals."
COMMENT: Oh dear. This is going to so inconvenience OCICBW...'s anonymous homophobic correspondents. Poor old Anal Troll is probably having to burn pretty much all of his extensive library of quack statistics.
I know this story is all over the American blogosphere. But, you have to admit, it was crying out for some English "humour" in the headline department.
Thanks to all of you who sent through the link to this article.
WHERE DOES HE FIND THEM?
AN "OH, NO! NOT ANOTHER SINGING PRIEST" SPECIAL
From THE COURIER MAIL (Australia):
A Roman Catholic priest who admits he is a frustrated musician is becoming a YouTube sensation with a selection of songs he has written, sung and filmed himself.
FATHER PAUL KELLY is even being compared with 1960s Belgian songstress Sister Luc Gabriel who became famous as The Singing Nun for her rendition of "Dominique."
A Roman Catholic priest who admits he is a frustrated musician is becoming a YouTube sensation with a selection of songs he has written, sung and filmed himself.
FATHER PAUL KELLY is even being compared with 1960s Belgian songstress Sister Luc Gabriel who became famous as The Singing Nun for her rendition of "Dominique."
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
BLOG NOTICE
If you have a complaint about the new style comment box, please direct them at Cathy. I've changed it to make it easier for her, as she is a Dizzy Sheila and couldn't quite get the hang of the old style.
SURPRISE AND SHOCK THROUGHOUT WORLD AS
NEWS COMES IN THAT SUPREME COURT OF ZIMBABWE
HAS FOUND IN FAVOUR OF FRIEND OF MUGABE
IN LONG RUNNING CHURCH DISPUTE
The Supreme Court (of Zimbabwe) has declared Bishop Nolbert Kunonga and his board of trustees legitimate and granted them control over all properties belonging to the Anglican Diocese of Harare. Deputy Chief Justice Luke Malaba yesterday upheld an application by the Diocesan Trustees for the Diocese of Harare led by Bishop Kunonga. The trustees sought to nullify an appeal by the Church of the Province of Central Africa challenging a High Court decision by Justice Ben Hlatshwayo to declare the board legitimate. Bishop Kunonga and the trustees argued that Justice Hlatshwayo’s July 24, 2009 order should be operational.
Full report of proceedings at THE HERALD
(a Mugabe controlled newspaper).
Full report of proceedings at THE HERALD
(a Mugabe controlled newspaper).
SURPRISE AND SHOCK THROUGHOUT WORLD
AS NEWS COMES IN THAT DISCOVERY
OF NOAH'S ARK MAY BE A HOAX
From THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR:
A Chinese-Turkish team from Noah's Ark Ministries International held a press conference April 25 in Hong Kong to present their findings and say they were “99 percent sure” that pieces of wood found on Mount Arafat above the 12,000-feet elevation and dated as 4,800 years old were from the biblical Noah’s ark.
But Dr. Randall Price, an evangelical Christian and former member of the Chinese-led team that announced this week’s finding, says the latest purported finding may not withstand closer scrutiny.
"If the world wants to think this is a wonderful discovery, that’s fine. My problem is that, in the end, proper analysis may show this to be a hoax and negatively reflect how gullible Christians can be," he says.
A leaked email from Price – which he confirms that he wrote – shows that he has reason to believe that a group of local Kurdish men trucked wood up to the mountain and staged an elaborate hoax for the Chinese team.
A Chinese-Turkish team from Noah's Ark Ministries International held a press conference April 25 in Hong Kong to present their findings and say they were “99 percent sure” that pieces of wood found on Mount Arafat above the 12,000-feet elevation and dated as 4,800 years old were from the biblical Noah’s ark.
But Dr. Randall Price, an evangelical Christian and former member of the Chinese-led team that announced this week’s finding, says the latest purported finding may not withstand closer scrutiny.
"If the world wants to think this is a wonderful discovery, that’s fine. My problem is that, in the end, proper analysis may show this to be a hoax and negatively reflect how gullible Christians can be," he says.
A leaked email from Price – which he confirms that he wrote – shows that he has reason to believe that a group of local Kurdish men trucked wood up to the mountain and staged an elaborate hoax for the Chinese team.
SON OF GOD ATTEMPTS TO
SWING VOTE IN PHILIPPINES' ELECTION
From THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD:
A self-proclaimed "son of God" in The Philippines has thrown his influential support behind outgoing President Gloria Arroyo's chosen successor in next week's election. Television evangelist Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, whose Kingdom of Jesus Christ sect boasts six million followers, endorsed ex-defence secretary Gilbert Teodoro during the group's annual thanksgiving concert on Sunday night.
"Tonight let it be known, and to all Filipinos, that the Almighty Father has appointed the president for this nation. He is no other than Gilbert 'Gibo' Teodoro," Quiboloy said.
Quiboloy, and leaders of other sects, instruct their followers to vote as a bloc, ensuring that politicians respect them. He was to have originally announced his decision on his 60th birthday on April 25 but deferred it to Sunday, saying God had yet to give him an answer. A statement from his sect said Quiboloy finally arrived at his choice after sleepless nights of praying to God.
"Tonight let it be known, and to all Filipinos, that the Almighty Father has appointed the president for this nation. He is no other than Gilbert 'Gibo' Teodoro," Quiboloy said.
Quiboloy, and leaders of other sects, instruct their followers to vote as a bloc, ensuring that politicians respect them. He was to have originally announced his decision on his 60th birthday on April 25 but deferred it to Sunday, saying God had yet to give him an answer. A statement from his sect said Quiboloy finally arrived at his choice after sleepless nights of praying to God.
DIFFERENT FROM US
From THE VANGUARD (Nigeria):
Akinola’s tenure also coincided with the period of intense political and economic distress to which the country was exposed. This trend tasked the patience and integrity of prominent Nigerian Christian leaders because of the role they are expected to play in nation-building. I must say that Akinola played his role well in this regard. He also played an excellent role in shielding the Anglican Church in Nigeria from the satanic injury of sodommy which the Whites inflicted on the body of Christ with impunity.
Today, Gene Robinson, the openly gay American bishop whose consecration in 2003 plunged The Anglican Church into crisis, is living with Mark Andrew, a fellow man with whom he “wedded” in a New Hampshire church. According to The Economist magazine, the ceremony was said to be “absolutely joyful”. The Anglican Church in Africa, under Akinlola’s leadership, dissociated itself from this handiwork of Satan.
COMMENT: Are you absolutely certain I can't use the "n" word - not even ironically?
Akinola’s tenure also coincided with the period of intense political and economic distress to which the country was exposed. This trend tasked the patience and integrity of prominent Nigerian Christian leaders because of the role they are expected to play in nation-building. I must say that Akinola played his role well in this regard. He also played an excellent role in shielding the Anglican Church in Nigeria from the satanic injury of sodommy which the Whites inflicted on the body of Christ with impunity.
Today, Gene Robinson, the openly gay American bishop whose consecration in 2003 plunged The Anglican Church into crisis, is living with Mark Andrew, a fellow man with whom he “wedded” in a New Hampshire church. According to The Economist magazine, the ceremony was said to be “absolutely joyful”. The Anglican Church in Africa, under Akinlola’s leadership, dissociated itself from this handiwork of Satan.
COMMENT: Are you absolutely certain I can't use the "n" word - not even ironically?
"Life is a reality, you can't always run away"
"Our beloved mother Lynn Rachel passed away peacefully after a seven-year journey with breast cancer," her children said on Monday.
She was first treated for breast cancer in 2003.
Full story at THE BBC.
COMMENT: Lynn, although often overshadowed by her sister, Vanessa, even within her own family, was by far the most attractive of the Redgrave clan in both looks and personality. Vanessa's acting could make you want to slit your wrists. Lynn's acting could make you want to live.
Monday, 3 May 2010
WHERE DOES HE FIND THEM?
This is so wrong in so many ways.
500 days off purgatory for getting all the way
through it. 2000 days if you are female.
STUPID IS WHAT STUPID DOES
The sheer unintelligence of trolls never fails to amaze me.
You don't get to read their comments because I intercept them. But even after all these months of comment moderation the same trolls keep sending in the same comments over and over again.
There's one troll who keeps commenting that religion makes no sense (that's all he writes). He is wasting goodness knows how much time and how much emotional energy sending this statement to OCICBW... and goodness knows how many other blogs, knowing full well that they will never be published and that there is as much chance of him getting me to embrace his bitterness as I have of getting him to embrace Christianity by sending him an email with just the words, "Jesus is Lord," typed on it.
So, basically, he is doing something that makes no sense whatsoever because he thinks religion is a bad thing because it makes no sense whatsoever.
Go figure! One thing is for certain, Mr Troll obviously isn't going to.
You don't get to read their comments because I intercept them. But even after all these months of comment moderation the same trolls keep sending in the same comments over and over again.
There's one troll who keeps commenting that religion makes no sense (that's all he writes). He is wasting goodness knows how much time and how much emotional energy sending this statement to OCICBW... and goodness knows how many other blogs, knowing full well that they will never be published and that there is as much chance of him getting me to embrace his bitterness as I have of getting him to embrace Christianity by sending him an email with just the words, "Jesus is Lord," typed on it.
So, basically, he is doing something that makes no sense whatsoever because he thinks religion is a bad thing because it makes no sense whatsoever.
Go figure! One thing is for certain, Mr Troll obviously isn't going to.
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