It's Got to Stop

I posted the following on Facebook earlier today.  I read one too many articles about our National Debt combined with one more "It's their fault" statement from a politician and I was convicted.

"Reduction of the national debt will take sacrifice from ALL of us. Across the board cuts in ALL government programs, a likely raising of taxes, and doing it with a humble and giving spirit. ALL THREE, NO LESS. We can't keep GIVING money that we are BORROWING. That's what we're doing. Every dollar we spend on any program while we still owe almost $18 trillion and counting rapidly is irresponsible and cruel to our children's children. We MUST step up in a bi-partisan way. No more finger-pointing, just problem solving."

This country has gotten to a point where, if it's not a crisis ... if people's heads aren't falling off ... then we don't dedicate ourselves to solving a given problem.  Or maybe it's the "old football injury" scenario, where it's been an issue so long and we've heard it too many times that we now think it's normal.  Maybe it's because the majority of American's just aren't educated in economics and financial matters and have no idea the deep hole in which we now find ourselves.

We are in a crisis situation.  We now have more debt than we produce as a country.  This term is GDP (Gross Domestic Product).  And it's what a nation produces in a given year.  We owe MORE than that.  

Yet we give like we're made of money.  Aww, isn't that nice of us.  To give other people's money away as though it were ours.  Such a nice country we are.  This must stop.  This must be reversed.  

No more blaming the other guys.  No more stalling.  No more raising the debt ceiling - I think most people don't even know what that means.  Raising the debt ceiling?  That's like taking a spoiled rotten teenager who's been spending uncontrollably on shoes and cars, and partying, and jewelry ... never paying the credit card companies for the purchases year after year after year, then saying, "You don't have any money left?  No problem, here are three more credit cards.  Go crazy."  It's insanity, but days, months and years pass and we haven't done anything about it.

And if I hear, "Well, we reduced the budget deficit" one more time, I'll flip out.  Translation:  We are still spending way more money than we are bringing in, but we're spending less than we were before this month.  Woopety-doo.  So, the spoiled teenager only bought 5 new pairs of shoes this month instead of 6, when there was no money for shoes at all.  And we should celebrate that?  What have we become?

Some think everything is fine because it FEELS fine.  But that is an artificial euphoria they feel.  The truth:  We are floating around on the comfort of someone else's money.  And just like it will be for the spoiled teenager, the party will come to an end for us, too.  In fact it should have ended a few times, but we keep adding to it, driving faster and faster PAST the point of no return.  

So why should we care if we're ALREADY past the point of no return?  Answer:  Responsibility, integrity, and reality.  Equally important - other countries will NOT forgive our debt.  And if we can't pay with money, we will pay with property, land, our freedoms, etc.

We must stop, take a look at where we are fiscally, then create a plan, KNOWING it will be hard - VERY hard.  KNOWING that we will all have to sacrifice - more sacrifice than we've ever seen.  KNOWING it will take 10-20 years, and persevering to the end no matter how much it hurts.  But KNOWING we will be doing it for our children and children's children.  And THAT is what matters.  Time to get off our comfy American futon and face the real world.  We are spoiled.  Spoiled rotten.

Easy to point out the problem.  Harder to solve the problem.  So, here is a "straw man" proposal for eliminating the debt in 20 years and getting us on a balanced budget.  It will be modeled after the Dave Ramsey approach to PERSONAL budgeting (i.e. Financial Peace University), combined with simple biblical principles of tithing, as Dr. Ben Carson has suggested in his book, One Nation:  What We Can All Do to Save America's Future.  These ideas are not hard and fast - they are a first pass set of suggestions to start the conversation.  But we've got to get to a set plan fast, then begin executing on it a.s.a.p.  Before the end of 2015, so we are out of debt with a balanced budget by 2035.  As Dave Ramsey says, "We must begin living like no one else, so that one day we can live and give like no one else."

We must begin living like no one else, so that one day our progeny can live and give like no one else.

Here's how it would work:

1. The Debt Snowball.  Pay off the highest interest debts (or the most threatening debt, for whatever reason) first.  Pay the most we can per month for all debts.  Let's say, $1 billion per month per debt.  Once one is paid off, put that payment toward the next smallest, but also continue to pay the current $1 billion per month (so $2 billion/month).  Then the next at $3 billion per month.  And so on.  I was too lazy to work out the math here, but that monthly amount to start with likely needs to be substantially more.  But keep doing this until all debt is paid off.  If we accomplish this before 2035, let's have a nice party.  I'll bring the Funyuns.
2. The Incredibly Shrinking Programs.  Starting in 2016, 10% reduction of ALL government programs - no exceptions (this is another Ben Carson special).  Then an incremental 10% the following year.  Then a third incremental 10% reduction in 2018.  Maybe we space it out a bit more, but you get the idea.  At the end of this 1-2-3 punch, we have reduced overall spending by 27.1%.  Then we sustain that through 2035.  No increases to budgets except maybe for normal inflation (3-4%).  
3. Tax Adjustment (medium term).  25% flat tax starting in 2016.  We've got to cut deep, but it needs to be fair and balanced.  No more taking advantage of the financially challenged in our country.  What I mean is, everyone pays their fair share and no more "they make more, so they should pay a bigger percentage" nonsense.  As Dr. Carson states in his book, if someone makes $100 billion per year, they will pay $25 billion.  No more complex tax systems where loopholes exist.  Just pay your share.  Tax form has two simple questions:  "How much did you make?", then "What is 25% of that?"  Insert check.  Mail.  For someone who makes $10,000 per year, you pay $1,000.  Same tax form.
4. Tax Adjustment (long term).  10% starting in 2035.  Once we're to the goal line (a.k.a. zero debt), we can let up ... but maintain 10%.  Why 10%?  Why not?  God thought it made sense for tithing.  Why not for us?

We've got to bite the bullet.  We're like the chronic smoker or drinker or eater that feels the pains, knows the facts, but keeps on smoking, drinking and eating.  That person will die - horribly.  

For my kids, your kids, and their kids, let's jump on this NOW.  Each day that passes is another 100 feet deeper we're digging into the hole.  Let's stop digging and start climbing out.

God bless America.  Land that I love.

Our Childlike View of the Universe

Agreed.  However, ignorance plays a major role, too.

Often, I tell those who purport to be Atheist (they're more likely Agnostic, though) not to neglect studying ALL the data before coming to a conclusion.  If I study half of the data, I can come to some pretty crazy conclusions.  By the way, I tell Christians the same - study all the data.  To that point ...

I just finished watching Did God Create the Universe? a film by Steven Hawking.  First off - very cool.  I learned a few things.  I also heard a few of the same things I learned when the Big Bang Theory first emerged.  I like the theory - it is a very strong guess at what exactly happened based on the natural observations we can make today via physics, astronomy, and quantum theory.  I recall giving a talk on the Big Bang when I was in 5th grade.  See - I was a skeptic even at that age, seeking the truth.  Through my efforts to take in ALL data points, I eventually found that truth at age 38, about 5 years ago.  For more on that, feel free to read "A Skeptic's Epiphany".  Back to Mr. Hawking's film ...

While I did not come to the same conclusions as to what Mr. Hawking was proposing at the conclusion of the film, I did learn a lot about how the Atheist argument is contrived (and I learned more about this incredible universe God created - amazing stuff).  The film makes a salient argument from our limited human grasp of reality, but disregards certain data points (I think both intentionally and unintentionally) to strengthen its argument.  I agree on a number of points.   

• A "Big Bang" of sorts seems pretty logical - at least as far as my brain can fathom.  How that bang happened is up for discussion, but I can't think of anything better using only natural causes.
• The concept of time slowing to a stop within a black hole seems logical, as well, and echos likely how it was prior to the Big Bang, in theory.  No time, no space ... nothing material.

A few observations, however:

1. It says, in conclusion, that the Universe could not have been created by a God because time did not exist before the Big Bang.  There was no “time” to create it, and nothing existed before time.  This assumes God is within the constraints of time and space, which He is not.  This is an assumption based on a desire to remove God from the equation, not a logical conclusion.
2. The film rightfully notes many historical fallacies created by humans in order to  highlight how many supernatural beliefs of the past were explained away through the continued pursuit of science.  Thank goodness for this pursuit, as we would likely still have people who believe that Thor (the god of lightning) struck down some guy's house because he displeased him.  The conclusion, however, was intended to lead the viewer to an impression that “this too” (belief in God) is just another fallacy that science can explain away.  But it doesn’t - not even close.  Because one is untrue does not mean the other is untrue, especially considering actual evidence that God exists and is involved in our lives minute by minute.  That said, here are a few points the film doesn't even mention:
• The Universe creating the Universe assumes that there was an infinitesimally dense, infinitesimally small dot where all the ingredients existed.  It was in a primordial black hole where time had not started.  Interesting theory, but this creates other questions:  “Where did this stuff come from?  And where did the black hole come from?”
• This film in no way touches on life.  Even simple single-cell life, not to mention complex, sentient life.  Did life create life?  Matter into life?  Alchemists have tried making gold from lead and failed.  How can life come from matter?  A "chemical reaction" is a stretch and is equivalent to saying a software application came from two microchips in a saucer of milk.  This is grasping-at-straws logic
• Where did DNA come from?  The complex code that is DNA in one molecule is enough to fill a stack of books that would extend to the moon multiple times over.  Where did this intelligent, non-radom data come from?
• And consciousness?  How can we even think about this?  How is Steven’s brain even working in this way?  What would be the natural purpose?
3. If you were hiking in the most remote areas of one of the great forests, and came across a device that was assembled in such a way that it accurately told time, fit on your wrist and had writing on it that spelled out Rolex, would you even consider a theory that nature created it?  Or would the simple explanation be that a watch designer create it?

He states that the easiest explanation is that this all just "happened" - negative energy (like a hole being dug) creating positive energy (like a mound of dirt), balancing things out perfectly.  He states that God does not need to exist for this and that, likely, heaven and hell or any afterlife does not exist.  "This is the easiest explanation", he says.  Not so.  The easier, more elegant explanation comes with God at the center.  

There is a dog on this earth that is the smartest dog in history.  I believe that.  That dog is probably capable of thinking beyond the capabilities of other dogs … but he is still a dog.  His mental capability can only expand so far, then it stops.  Therefore, there are MANY things outside of his grasp (literally and figuratively since he has no opposable thumbs).  He doesn’t think so, but we know so.  If he could speak our language, he would likely argue that point with you, though.  Steven Hawking is no different.  Everything he’s discovered (along with history’s other great scientists) is incredible.  An achievement worthy of appreciation, admiration and study.  But it is not AGAINST God.  Quite to the contrary - it is a deeper glimpse into God’s creation.  That is the beauty of real science - we can figure out how things work - things God created and put in motion.  But we're in a 5 million foot deep pool, swimming around in the wading area, coming to lackluster conclusions because we don't want to believe God exists and might care what we do with our lives.

Sometimes we are just silly ... arrogant and self-aggrandizing.  We believe that the very intelligence given to us by God is somehow a way to prove He doesn’t exist, instead of His gift to allow us to understand Him better.  Steven - you are far more intelligent than I am in many ways, but common sense is not one of your greatest traits.  At least this film makes it seem like that's the case.  I love what you do - keep doing it.  But also, consider (do not preclude) the supernatural as well as the natural.  

Most concepts discovered by science were already in the Bible.  PEOPLE got this wrong in history, yes, but the Bible always had it right.  People - not the Bibles they read - are flawed.  Steven, you are climbing a mountain to Truth, but when you reach the top, you will find Theologians sitting there holding a Bible.  Please don't stop climbing though.  What you are learning about God’s creation is fascinating and important and I want to know it.  I thank you for this.  But to use it as a way to disprove the very Creator that gave you the ability to climb?  Childlike in its innocence, but beautiful and worthwhile nonetheless.

Many parents - including Steven Hawking's, I imagine - have used the phrase, "Because I said so."  This phrase is either a lazy response or, more often, it's an acknowledgement by the parent that the concept the toddler is asking "but why?" about is simply beyond the toddler's mental capability.  For now, it's best to just tell the toddler, "I'll explain when you get older."  In case my analogy wasn't clear, God is the parent ... we are the toddler.  

And the toddler should most definitely keep asking, "but why?".

For more on this topic, see No Steven Hawking, God Did Create the Universe >>

P.S. The archaic definition of "science" is, simply, "knowledge".  As long as science is the pursuit of knowledge, without precluding data we'd prefer not to consider from the beginning, ending at the most logical conclusions ... I am a huge fan of science.  It is our limited ability to understand that which God - our Creator - has made so.  It's a beautiful pursuit and I am open to any logical conclusions.

The Real Obama - Some things you need to know whether you're Right-wing or Left-wing or Independent

First and foremost:  Obama means well.  But that - I believe - is precisely the problem.

Before I begin, let me make a few things clear:

• He is not inept.  He is very bright and highly strategic.
• He is not likely a Muslim - this perception comes from the seemingly odd way he sometimes deals with Muslim-based nations.  I don't believe he is in any way a Christian, either.  Either way - does not matter for the purposes of this blog.
• He is not a "standard" liberal as both Democrats and Republicans seem to think he is.
• He WAS born in Hawaii, making him a US citizen.  Let's get past that.
• He is in no way what you think he is, whether you're on the right or left.  No, I'm not going to tell you I think he's an alien from some distant planet. 

The way-right seems to think he is a way-left liberal, a tree-hugger ;), a potential Muslim or at least a terrorist supporter, an immigrant who says he was born here, etc.  This is not correct.

The Left seems to think he is a speaker for the less-fortunate American, a great environmentalist, a supporter of women's "rights", and a model Democrat.  This is not correct either, although that is what he's lead you to fully believe.

Allow me to explain ...

No one seems to ever discuss his past, the distinct influences from his formative years, and the seemingly random things he does that sometimes make no sense.  But they DO make sense - to him.  He came on the scene from - it seems - nowhere.  Sharp dressed, big smile, handsome, calm demeanor, great with a speech ... saying some "pretty" things that, at a high level, people could get behind.  Albeit there were never absolute specifics - more nice-sounding platitudes.  But no one REALLY knew him.

I learned before the 2008 election, then again in 2012 that people get swept up in ideas - the ideas that sound great.  Hope.  Progress.  Who can argue?  Even I got swept up a bit.  And that is exactly how Obama ran his campaign - with these vague and idealistic messages ... the ideas that people wanted to hear, in general.  And he knew that's what they wanted to hear.  However, it has been said - by the Rev Jeremiah Wright, amongst many others - that Obama tells the public what he wants them to believe, to distract them from what he's actually doing.  It's genius and maniacal all at once.

At this point, you're thinking I'm some kind of conspiracy theorist.  You're partially right.  I haven't said anything until now because I hadn't seen the theory fully play out until more recently.  And it has played out, but the most recent verdict is - Obama is inept.  But this is not true.  He is brilliant.   But I do not mean this to be a complement, but an observation.

The theory I'm communicating below was first posited by Dinesh D'Souza who has written a few books on the subject.  Problem is, the people that need to read the books - those who think they know Obama, and voted for him - aren't reading the books or seeing the movies.  Also, the media is not talking about it.  Odd.  Or is it odd?  Does the media know?  Or are they just as fooled?

The first book I read from Dinesh D'Souza was called "Obama's America:  Unmaking the American Dream" and was followed up by a movie that was in all the theatres called "2016:  Obama's America".  Unfortunately, only those who don't support Obama saw it.  The folks who think they know Obama and support who they believe he is did not see the movie or read the books.  The book and the movie were very fair, and posited a very educated and well-researched theory about what Obama's actual goals are.  I'll repeat - I believe Obama means well.  He believes what he is doing is what's best for America.  And he comes from a perspective where the ends justify the means - whatever means necessary.  And that includes telling the public (including his supporters) one thing, then doing something else entirely, confusing everyone.  

From the books, you'll learn his influences.  I didn't know most of these people before reading about them, so I don't expect you to (although you can learn about them in the books, just as I did).  He was a student of many extreme radicals (e.g. Saul Olinsky, et al) who learned that you can't be an effective radical if you look like a radical.  You must always look respectable, speak with a calm and soothing voice, and "tell them what they want to hear" while you're accomplishing your goals.  So, to be more specific, here is what he is actually up to:

1. He is an anti-colonialist, just like his birth Dad, Barack Obama, Sr.  What is an anti-colonialist?  I didn't know either, because we don't really use that term over here.  You see, to 3rd world countries, WE are the colonialists.  In their minds, we were built 100% by stealing from them.  We came in and took their stuff.  The only fair thing - in the mind of an anti-colonialist is to make things right by re-dispensing the wealth created back to the 3rd world countries.  The "1%" he's always talking about "paying their fair share"?  He's talking on a global level - so not just Americans.  While we think he means those who make $150-200K or more, HE means anyone earning $30K per year or more.  THAT'S the 1% - that's YOU.  
2. Based on the above worldview (anti-colonialism), his father wrote papers about instituting a 100% income tax (not a joke - and he was quite serious) and providing all services through the Federal government.  You may say, "Barack Jr is not Barack Sr."  True, but HE is the one who wrote, "Dreams From My Father:  A Story of Race and Inheritance".  Have you read it?  Much of Dinesh D'Souza's book focuses on what Obama clearly says in his own book.  He's hiding in plain site.  And notice, the title is not "Dreams OF My Father".  The key word - from. Again - it is explained quite a bit in his own words, by our President.  In fact, Obama does the reading of his own book, so the movie has many lengthy narratives, unedited (so his words are not twisted), in Barack Obama's words - his own voice.  The dreams are FROM his father, and he is living them out since his father could not.  
3. You may have heard of the term, "White Guilt".  Coming from a white guy, I know this is chancy, but I learned this term from Dinesh D'Souza who is Indian, so I guess since his skin tone is darker, it's okay for him to say (sarcasm).  I love the PC world we live in.  Anyway, White Guilt is what white people feel for the absolutely atrocious way our ancestors treated Black people's anestors in the early days of our country.  To be clear, it's not bad for us to feel some guilt there - even some Christians used the Bible to justify slavery (which is not in the Bible - although it discusses slavery and gives advice to those enslaved).  Shameful.  I - for one - have felt the white guilt, so it's real.  I've seen it.  That said, my point is that Obama has masterfully capitalized on this.  He was taught by people like Saul Olinsky that being an "Angry Black Man" may be effective in the short term to get what you want, but not being angry - being calm and collected and seemingly forgiving in nature - is far more effective.  Those with White Guilt feel relieved to meet a sharp, intelligent man of color ... someone who is not angry at them, who does not make them feel like a racist.  And they are thankful.  They are relieved.  Voting for Obama, in many cases was a statement:  "See?  I'm not a racist.  I voted for our first Black President!"  
4. He believes in a specific America and - as mentioned - he believes that vision of America is what's best for both America and the world.  That America is a significantly lesser America.  Dinesh uses an analogy to explain:  It's like he became the coach of the Lakers, who keep winning and have become pompous.  That's not fair to the other teams.  He believes what would be best for the Lakers would be to ensure they lose.  That would give others a chance to win, even the playing field, and it would humble the Lakers, making them better people.  So, to do so, he coaches in a way that they lose every game and come in last, or at least at a much lower standing in the league.  The key is, he'd never last as a coach if anyone figured out this was his goal.  So he conveys a different goal:  "We are going to Rebuild the Lakers!  Yes we can!  Si se puede!"
5. Based on the previous point, how can he make this happen?
• Drive us over the fiscal cliff.  We are now $17.5 trillion in debt, growing (not paying off, but continuing to spend MORE) so rapidly it's mind boggling.  That is more than $150,000.00 per tax payer to pay that off.  Bush made it jump with the initial bail outs, but Obama took the reigns and hit the gas pedal ... up $6.666 trillion more since 2008 after he took office.  That is almost 40% (38%+) of the total national debt, all created by one President - Barack Obama.  
• Federal government take-over of key industries.  Automotive, financial ... healthcare.  And so on.  This has already happened.  To control the people, you must control what the people need.
• Quieting the public from speaking out.  Our 1st Amendment provides us with Freedom of Speech - to criticize our government, for instance.  There is legislation being pushed through right now that would limit our ability to voice disapproval of our government.  Check it out for yourself.
• Take the guns.  To government to fully control, we can't be able to fight back.  That would ruin everything.  So, the guns must be taken.  This is exactly why that specific component was included in the U.S. Constitution - for personal protection, but also for use in a militia, in case the government attempts to overs-step its power.  I heard something funny the other day:  "Make gun ownership illegal to stop gun violence.  It works for drugs, right?"
• And so on.
6. Hold back advances here while funding those same things in 3rd world countries.  The oil industry is a great example - we all know he's taken significant action to slow or stop growth in this industry, especially exploration.  And while that is noble to care about the environment, etc., that is not his purpose.  While he's holding American companies back, he is significantly funding other countries - billions and billions of American tax payer dollars for other countries to explore, drill, refine, etc.  
7. Lessening our military power while supporting the strengthening of military powers elsewhere, specifically those who are not America-friendly.  Lots of discrepancies in our dealings with countries in the middle east - taking action with some, standing back with others.  Seemingly random, until you apply this theory.  Then they all make perfect sense.  And, nuclear disarmament for America, but no demand for other countries to lessen theirs.  Hmm.
8. I would like to go on, but you've read enough.  

Now that we're halfway through Obama's second term, Dinesh D'Souza has followed up with another book and movie showing how his educated and well-researched theory has come to pass.  The book is called, "America:  Imagine a World Without Her".  I suggest picking up a copy (I have already ordered it from Amazon) and/or see the movie by the same name (here is the trailer).  

So, I'm not passing judgement in this blog.  He's already in and can not run for another term - so this is not political.  I am simply informing you of who Barack Obama really is.  If the above is what YOU think is what's best for America, then good for you - we should be "lessened" very soon, especially once the economy crashes.  But don't be fooled that he is the man you THINK he was when you voted for him or against him, whether you're a lefty or a righty.  

Please study up on this.  If you vote and you have no idea about the candidates for whom you vote, you're hurting yourself, your family, and your neighbors.  At least see the movies and discern for yourself.  This is all stated by Obama himself (in his voice, in his own words - that's the majority of the last film).  The balance is filled in by his family in Africa and from understanding his influences - the people he studied under (not just met or vaguely knew, but STUDIED under).

Hope this was helpful.  It certainly helped me.

Judgement Defined

Terms like "judgement", "intolerance", "bigotry", "hateful", and so forth get tossed around these days like beads at Mardi Gras.  I think it's time to discuss just one of those terms to "stop the insanity" shown by the uber-PC crowd who inappropriately throw the Judgement Card.  

So, from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

Judgement (noun) - a formal utterance of an authoritative opinion; a formal decision given by a court; an obligation (as a debt) created by the decree of a court; a certificate evidencing such a decree; the final judging of humankind by God.

Now, a word from my sponsor:

You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth.  So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment?  Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?     Romans 2:1-4

In summary:  Don't judge.  Before pointing out the splinter in your brother's eye, remove the plank from yours.  He who is without sin, feel free to cast the first stone.  And so on.  100% truth.

But let's handle this like a Q&A.  Here we go ...

Who gets to judge?

The Creator of our universe, the Creator of this world, the Creator of us.  a.k.a. God.  The Creator gave us laws just like we as parents (assuming you, the reader, are a parent) provide boundaries and instructions that we expect our children to follow.  If they do not, there are repercussions.  This is out of love, to protect, to sculpt them into the men or women they're intended to be.  In this light, judgement IS love, when it comes from a good parent.  

Is telling someone the truth really judgement?

Depends on how you convey it.   Depends on your intentions, too.  But providing someone information that is intended to help them - that they clearly don't know - is kindness, not judgement.  However, this information ... this truth ... MUST be delivered in love.  Softly.  Sometimes truth is very hard to hear, so we must be gentle and caring.  But NOT providing this information is not a good option.  It is simply irresponsible and uncaring.  To avoid delivery of that critical information out of awkwardness, fear of someone calling you names (e.g. "intolerant", "bigot") or otherwise ridiculing you, or fear of "hurting someone's feelings" is not loving.  In fact, it's cowardice and it's laziness.  It's the equivalent of watching someone walk toward a cliff, knowing they will fall over it, and saying, "Oh well - don't want to offend them.  They probably know there is a cliff there."    

If it feels like judgement (hate, bigotry, etc.) but intentions aren't to judge but to inform or help, is it still judgement?

I once had a good friend state, "If something feels hateful, it is hateful."  But, I think we can all agree that our emotions can not be trusted to guide our lives or to make decisions.  Not emotions alone, at least.  Using the parent-child analogy again, how do you think a child feels when her parent says "No!" to something the child REALLY wants to do?  Have you been to a grocery store, especially on the cereal aisle?  This is where beatings begin ;)  Should a parent back down when the child erupts in a full-out tantrum?  

Please say 'no'.  We're in reality, not in Dr. Spok land. 

Bottom line, we know better than our children.  What is good for them and what is horrible for them.  And God knows infinitely more than our tiny brains can fathom.  Sometimes we DO feel like God is picking on us.  I know I have at times.  But that is because - at moments like that - we think we know better than God.  Let's say that again and let it sink in ...

We think we know better than God.  

Pure silliness.  Just like the kid who packs up his legos, some candy, and a picture of Mom, and runs away, only to learn that he can't make it without his parents.  That they have not thought it all through.  That there are simply some things they don't understand, that we - the parents - do.  

The definition of 'judgement' has been altered over time and is sometimes seen as hateful when it's not.  Of course, sometimes it is hateful and a demonstration of full on bigotry.  If so, cut it out.  You're not the judge.  God is.

Why are we all here?  Really?  I believe what Jesus tells me:  Love God.  Love People.  (I'm paraphrasing of course from 1 John 4:9-11.)  Sometimes that love comes with salt, not sugar.  But that love must be given, despite the potential short-term repercussions.  The long term repercussions are EXPONENTIALLY worse.

Love to you all.  

A blog entry from the future ...

WARNING:  This is a prediction-based fake entry, one that you might see in 25 years given our "progressive" trajectory.  Progressive ... such an interesting word.  You can progress toward anything, even toward and ultimately over a cliff.  If this entry shocks anyone - good.  It's where we are heading.

Senator Sarah Silverman
New Babylon (formerly Washington D.C.)

Re:  A letter requesting your "tolerance" and asking for further "equality":

Your Luminatory Eminence,

I am a 35 year old man living in this current year of 2039, a modern-thinking world where old, tired ideas like capitalism, faith-based thinking, and objective morality are a thing of the past.  When I ponder that the founders of America tried to press upon us Christian values through their oppressive laws and "Bill of Rights" (ha!) almost 300 years ago, I get queasy.  I'm so glad we got past that.  20 or so years ago, we finally got past this "same sex marriage" issue and, as a result ... since it's now legal ... it's now assumed to be completely normal ... as it should be.  Just like drug use, stealing when "necessary", and same-day divorce.  Also, we can now do great things like terminate babies post-birth (up to 3 years post-birth - thank you so much for signing that into law - it really is the parents' decision), a man can marry one or more other men or women or a combination thereof, and our great government takes care of us all with our 80% income tax and "Don't You Worry About a Thing - We've Got Your Back" platform.  Thank Hawking for our indefinite President, Chelsea Clinton.  She's done great things in the 10 years she's been our Grand Imperial President.  Here's to 10+ more years!

But I'm writing in the spirit of further "progress".  I am in love with someone, but everywhere we go we are looked upon with judgement, especially by his overbearing parents.  How dare they judge me and my 10 year old boyfriend.  They say it is not "judgement", but rather they are simply conveying truth about what is right and wrong.  What a silly idea.  Again, old and tired thinking.  Truth is different for everyone.  They say things like, "Well, Hitler had his ideas on right and wrong that were subjective, too", but I just ignore them.  Not sure who this Hitler is, really, anyway.  They probably made him up.

Anyway, my relationship with Timmy is fully consensual, he returns my love, and we wish to be married.  Why can't we?  Who are the lawmakers to define marriage in such a narrow way?  They can't say it's based on anything solid - I mean, that went out the window when Hillary Clinton FINALLY federalized gay marriage back in 2017, making it legal across our great country, The United States of Chinerica (now 51% owned by our great mother country, China).

As a lawyer, I know that - once precedence is set - the doors are swung open for other steps of progress, like anti-age gap marriage legislation as I'm discussing here.

I am asking for you to vote "yea" for the Freedom of Marriage Act coming through the Senate this month for your vote, Ms. Silverman.  It will open up such freedoms I am requesting, as well as Same-Immediate-Family Marriage, and Human-Pet Marriage that are LONG overdue.

Let's progress together!  All Hail Clinton, and all Hail Imperial Mother China!

In Hawking,
Jack Bowers (although I go by Jackolyn from Thursday through Sunday)


Sidenote:  This is simply a prediction-based sattire.  I love all people, including those with homosexual inclinations.  I have inclinations of my own - different, but no less an issue.  Let's be clear:  Gay people are already equal in all ways.  They simply can't legally commit to one another and call it "marriage" since the only objective definition of marriage is, "Between one man and one woman."  That's marriage as defined by our Creator.  If two same sex individuals would like to commit to one another, another word must be chosen.  All of that said, once the doors are open to this word's definition, anything is fair game.  Just a thought worth considering, presented in a unique way.

Tele-Evangelism vs Actual Evangelism

You've seen them.  The over-the-top Televangelist on stage, with a sparkly suit and a chicklette grin, pa-raisin' Jeee-sus!  These "pitch men" are one of the reasons why I used to find the idea of Christianity repellent.  It kept the barrier up between Greg the "Comfortable Agnostic" and Greg the "Seeker of Truth".  I was talking to my Pastor the other day and he conveyed a story about a guy in Seminary with him who was not in any way an actual believer, but said he was a seminary because, "there is money in this religion thing."  Horrible, but not surprising given the world we live in ... and the greed-centric country we live in.  To use something pure and good for power and money is nothing new, though.  But that disgraceful reality needs to be separated from true "evangelism".

So, what is this "true evangelism" of which you speak, Greg?  Hey, thanks for asking, Greg.

Evangelism = Sharing incredible news to those who:

1. Are completely unaware of that news (there are so many, it's crazy),
2. Have a very watered-down or skewed version of that news in their head that they think is correct (even more of these)
3. Or to those who just need a reminder of the news (and there are a ton of these)

You say, "So what?  So, they don't know.  What's the big deal?"

It matters because it's actually the only reason we're here on this planet.  And if someone doesn't know, that's a problem on so many levels.

Imagine a stream of tubers.  By the way ... If you've not been down the Guadalupe River in a tube and you're now older than 25, I'm suggesting you cross that off your bucket list.  Gross.  Anyway, back to the stream, and YOU are one of the thousands of those tubers rushing down the river.   You make it to the side and pull yourself out of said stream to find what it's "really all about".   And you truly couldn't see it until you were out of the river.  You learn that your true purpose is over the horizon perpendicular to the river and the river you were in was actually taking you over a waterfall that will eventually drop into a bottomless pit.

What would you do then?  Would you start walking, leaving all those tubers in the river behind?  Or would you attempt to share what you know with them?  Do you care enough to turn around, face potential ridicule from the tubers who will call you crazy and to "get back in the river!"?  Do you let them rush by because, well, you don't want to bother them or make them feel uncomfortable or  be called "intolerant"?

God tells us something we already inherently know:  To care enough to share the good news, especially if it matters in eternity.

Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter   

Proverbs 24:11

For those who know the news, we've been loved and shown the light.  We were blind and now we see.  We are called, now, to love others.  To walk away from the stream without helping others out too because of fear of ridicule or out of some misguided, worldly pressure to be "tolerant", would be unloving and uncaring.

For those who don't know the news, be patient with us.  Hear us out.  We really do mean well and we care about you.  And - coming from someone who was blind just 5 years ago - we may have some data you need to hear and consider.  There really is a MUCH better life, there is hope, and there is so much more once our bodies are gone.  

I'll start with the "Actual Evangelism":  God created this Universe we enjoy.  He cares about us.  So much so that He sent His only son to show us the way to live and, ultimately, to die for us as a sacrifice for our sins - past, present and future.  He asks that you not blindly believe this, but look into it, think it through, then accept Jesus as your king - the one who saved you.  That's the first step.  He sent His only son so you won't ever die - not in spirit.  You'll have everlasting life.  I know as a non-believer, this sounds whacky and not at all what the world tells us every day.  But it's true.  100% true.  Please, look into it.  Swim to the bank of the river and let us help you out.

God bless.

Setting the Record Straight

There are some common misperceptions about the Christian faith that are propagated by BOTH non-Christians and people who claim to be Christians alike.  Before doing that, allow me to make a statement:

Christians are NOT Christianity.  Don't get me wrong - they should be, but many times they are not even in the same ballpark.  What I mean by that is, please don't confuse some of the flawed actions of some Christians throughout history, with Jesus or what Christ Himself asks of us.  Crazy and even evil things have been done in the name of the Christian God (think "Westborough Baptists" or the Crusades).  These things contradict what the Bible actually says.  They've been done by evil men who wanted power or wealth, and they used something that is pure and good and right to accomplish their goals.  Or - maybe worse - those actions have been done by ignorant people who didn't take the time to learn for themselves what the Gospel truly has to say.

But let's be clear.  That is not a "Christian thing".  This is true of ALL humans.  So it really has nothing to do with Christianity, but rather our flaws and imperfections as people - believers and unbelievers alike.  In short, don't blame Christ and the beauty and truth of Christianity for the actions of a percentage of people calling themselves Christian.

So, on to setting the record straight.  A few items to point out, in short:

1. Faith in Jesus is not a "blind" faith.  Not at all.  There is much to learn for someone who thinks this.  Unfortunately, that data has been removed from our schools.
2. Christians do not (or should not) hate those with homosexual tendencies.  Quite the opposite.  God loves everyone and so should every Christian.  Period.  Don't confuse the person with the action or temptation.
3. While there are many fairy tales from ancient times, the Judeo-Christian scriptures are NOT folklore.  They are historical, and this has been well proven and documented.
4. Science and Christianity do not conflict.  They support one another.  For example, at one point in the distant past, time and space began, perhaps through a brilliant flash of light we can easily call a "Big Bang".  And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.  Genesis 1:3.
5. On that subject, the Universe is a well-balanced, well-engineered, well-architected marvel.  It did not come from nothing - I don't have enough faith to believe something that ludicrous.  Everything but the uncreated Architect had a cause.  Dawkins will say, "Then who created God?"  Great question, but the answer is self-evident.  Something had to start it all that had no cause.  That something - or someone - had to be infinite, without beginning or end.
6. Christians are greater supporters of women and women's rights than any other organization on Earth, including misguided orgs like NOW.  Don't confuse this with the "Woman's Right to Choose" campaign ... that is another subject entirely, where the focus is on the life WITHIN the woman, not the woman herself.
7. There is only one way to God and to Heaven.  That is belief in His son, Jesus.  This sounds exclusionary, I know, but all truth claims are exclusionary in essence.  Even the truth claim that there is no truth (Is that claim true?).  That said, the offer is open to EVERYONE.
8. Religion ≠ Christianity.  If your view of Christianity and belief in Jesus is one of following rules and never doing anything fun, you're confusing it with religion.  Jesus came to eradicate religion and to pay our debt so that we could be brought back to square one.  Religion is man-made.  Christianity is God-sponsored.
9. Plus, they aren't rules anyway.  They are "laws".  Forget what you think about our man-made laws today and take God's laws for what they ACTUALLY are:  truths to keep us safe, give us true life and joy, and to please Him, our Father.  Think of the law of gravity, for instance.  You can try to break that law by jumping off a building, but you will die or be harmed somehow.  That's all the laws are - to keep us (His children) from harming ourselves.  Trust me, we need boundaries and guidance.  He is simply a good Father.
10. Clever platitudes and opinions - in the end - mean precisely squat.  Unless you are willing to study all the data with an open mind - both for and against Christianity and its historicity, its truth, and its importance in all our lives - you should keep your "well, I think" comments to yourself.  That includes me, all non-Christians, and all Christians.  Everybody.  Too many Christians think they know, but they don't.  They just grew up with it and never questioned it.  Too many non-Christians think they know, but they've never ACTUALLY looked into it fully with an open mind.  To both I say, "mark this as top priority".  If it matters (which I know now that it does), it means your eternity either in heaven, with Jesus and never-ending joy ... or it means your eternity in Hell (a.k.a. without God) and the agony, bitterness, and sadness that comes with it.  Keep in mind ... YOU are making that choice, not God.  It's called free will.

I'll keep it to ten, although I'd like to go on.  Too much misinformation has been passed around, and we all seem to suck it up readily without ever peering beneath the surface.  We are a "fast information" and "yeah, that sounds right" culture.  We are easily fooled - like lambs to the slaughter.  Unless we look up, look around, and look into it, we will continue to believe untruths.  

So let's cut to the chase.  Why am I telling you all of this?  It's to plant a seed.  It's to make you think, "Hmmm ... maybe I DON'T know everything I need to know."  

But know this:  God loves you, no matter what you've done or what you currently believe.  He just wants you.  He wants to love you and shape you into the person He created you to be.  He knows you're not perfect (or even close).  None of us are.  He wants you just as you are for now.  But he won't force you.  He wants it to be a real real relationship - and that takes free will.  It takes you making a choice to love Him back.  

It all starts with a statement like the following (assuming you believe what you're saying):

God, whether or not I think of myself as a "good" person by worldly standards, I'm not.  I am a sinner, and I can't do it alone.  I need help.  I need to be saved.  I acknowledge that Jesus came to die for my sins, and by believing in Him and accepting Him as my Lord (owner of my life) and Savior (my hero), I can be redeemed - made new.  The old man gone, the new man born.  I commit my life to following Jesus Christ, to turning away from my sins, to learning all I can about His Truth, then taking action on that Truth to the best of my abilities.  I am small in comparison to God, but I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.  From this point forward, He will increase in me, and I will decrease.  Amen.

I love you all.  God bless you and keep you.  I mean that.