Did the world learn from the terrorists attacks on September 11, 2001

The terrorists attacks on September 11, 2001 changed the world forever. But I have to wonder if the world really learned what is screaming to be learned and understood. That is that no matter what you think, no matter how politically correct you are, no matter how much you love your neighbor, there are those who are actively seeking to end your life and the lives of your family simply because you do not submit to Islam.

It is NOT what it is NOT

I do not hate Muslims. I do not hate anyone, and I even do my best not to dislike anyone, trying to empathize with other people and their particular circumstances in life. However, I have noticed that when anyone takes a stand for something these days, other people misinterpret that stand. Some misinterpret it honestly while others misinterpret it intentionally, purposefully distorting others' statements or actions in order to manipulate other people and to "recruit" them to a cause or idea which they themselves espouse.

Notice that in the opening paragraph, I did not state that all Muslims are seeking to end your life and the lives of your family simply because you do not submit to Islam. I guarantee though, that some people read that line and misinterpreted that to be anti-Muslim.

Why?

If you are one of those, then I ask you to ask yourself, "Why?" If I had said there are those that seek to steal from you simply because of the neighborhood you live in, would that suggest to you that I am against anyone who does not live in your neighborhood, or that all others who do not live in your neighborhood seek to steal from you? Of course not!

What really made me think about all of this is that last night I posted this picture on facebook:

A friend of mine and good man took exception, stating among many other things:

I guess it just doesn't come across as very loving/respectful of the "religion" of Islam et al.

I began defending my post of the picture and of the statement. Then I realized that there really is nothing to defend about this. I love my friend, and really I am sorry that he misinterpreted what I meant, but I just can't be responsible for everyone's misinterpretations. For me, this is a positive statement of my conviction to Christianity which just happens to be contrary to what is deemed acceptable to some, and specifically warranting death by many (again, did not say all) who embrace Islam.

These truths are in the evidence

All one has to do is look at the evidence around the world, the latest in Nigeria, to understand that I have said nothing that is untruthful here. In fact, when I look at said evidence, I feel somewhat convicted for not doing more to expose the plight of Christians, namely those being brutalized and massacred for their refusal to "submit to Islam".

Today, Michelle Malkin writes

Remembrance is worthless without resolve. Resolve is useless without action.

So, did we really learn? Or as with so many other issues these days, are we walking with blinders on our eyes and fingers in our ears? Those who wish to practice Islam are free to do so without fear of me, but that does not mean that I will not keep my eyes and ears open and attentive.

Silence of the Flock?: 40 Days Before Hurricane Katrina

I just posted about my evacuation from Louisiana during Hurricane Katrina,

Well, I recently discussed with a couple of friends that not long before that, I got mad about an atheistic movie playing in my home town.  In fact, I wrote a letter and with the approval of my pastor, delivered it to about 50 local churches.  I went to as many Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, non-denominational, etc churches that I could find.  I asked them to post it or to read it to their parishioners, congregation, etc.

I'm guessing that some of you are thinking I was being my normal out-of-control self, or maybe just rolling your eyes, but it is what it is.

Ironically (or NOT), 40 days later, I was finishing up preparations to evacuate.  I find the whole thing very interesting, if nothing else, now.  Even though the movie is no longer of significance, I think the question raised in the letter is still (and maybe more so) relevant.  See what you think.

Here's the transcript of the letter:

Silence of the Flock?

“Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient.” (Ephesians 5: 6) 

Last Friday morning, I was having breakfast with a friend, when he shoved an article from the Lagniappe section of the Times Picayune in my face saying, “Can you believe this!!?” The article was a piece on “The God Who Wasn’t There”, listed first as a “documentary” and then a “movie” which “merits a PG-13 rating”.

The movie portrays Jesus as a “myth, another hero tale modeled on a classic paradigm”, and the theater  Chalmette Movies 9, proudly claims “partnership” with the New Orleans Secular Humanist Association.

I have to say that I was very upset that this movie was playing at the theater in our own community. How did we let this happen? Are we that silent in our community that this movie is not only being shown (for nine days), but is proudly touted on the theater's “movie line” as the top billing? In case you haven’t noticed, a large majority of this theater's patrons are our children (and grandchildren).

This was still weighing on my mind when I got home, so I decided to visit the theater to voice my disappointment. I spoke with a lady who identified herself as “one of” the managers of the theater. I (calmly and politely) expressed to her that I was not pleased that the theater chose to play this movie in our hometown, telling her that while they had a right to play what they wanted to, that neither I nor my children would frequent the theatre in the future as my only recourse in protesting their decision.

She proceeded to tell me, “We’re showing the movie because another group asked us to play it. We’ll play anything here. Last week, we played a Mormon movie. We’ll play Christian movies too.” I told her that I appreciated her honesty, but the fact that they would play “anything” really didn't make me feel better about the situation, and that I would urge others who thought as I do to also stop frequenting the theater.

So here we are…I am asking you to consider taking 5 minutes of your time to go to this theater (there is not a phone number to call that will allow you to speak with anyone or to leave a message.) and in a Christian-like manner, politely inform them that you too are not pleased with their decision to play the movie.

“For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens.” (Ephesians 6: 12)

The Weighting Is The Hardest Part

I've been writing about examining all candidates with a prayerful and properly formed conscience and keeping faith and morals in the political discussions.

There can be such a will of some people to defeat a particular candidate that they don't even want to hear or read anything, and I mean anything, that might cause them or others to do anything but march on in a robotic trance, with blinders on their eyes and fingers in their ears.

As Christians, we have a greater responsibility and allegiance to God than to any politician, political party, and even to our country.  Of course our country is important, but as Christians we are responsible to cooperate with God in our witness to others first, hopefully transforming the country through God's Grace.

The most common responses I have received so far have been:

Romney "is pro-life".

-Well, there's more to being pro-life than being anti-abortion.  And Romney is not always anti-abortion. And even when he is, I do not see such conviction that I believe that he will actually do anything other than say he is pro-life. There's more on this, but you can do a little research on your own right? (Of course we know Obama is definitely pro-abortion and even pro-infanticide so do not misinterpret or distort what I am saying.)

What " if your vote results in dramatic worsening of the situation for pretty much everything you care about (a bigger evil staying in power)?" and "A vote for a third party candidate is a vote for Obama."

-That is part of the discernment that one needs to consider. But it's a part and needs to be taken to prayer and considered in the whole of the process. When our conscience is clear, we will proceed with assurance and peace, not fear. The Lord does not give us a Spirit of fear.

"I know Romney is not perfect. He was not my first nor second choice in the primaries but he he is better than Obama."
-My intention is to get people to think about the weight of their vote on their souls before the weight of politics. Honestly, it's not for me to judge someone who wrestles with the full grasp of facts and takes that (hopefully with prayer) into the voting booth.

I was going to rant on a bit more about this, but Lisa beat me to it.  (Ah, good for me and for you.)

No, it's not easy, but it is your responsibility.  And although Tom Petty's song "The Waiting" was definitely composed with a different end in mind, the chorus of that song reminds me of this process.  Here it is (with my changing of that one word <2x>):

The weighting is the hardest part
Every day you see one more card
You take it on faith, you take it to the heart
The weighting is the hardest part
(The Waiting, by Tom Petty - with editorial liberty)

So try not to get angry about any of this, just think and pray and discern until you truly feel at peace that you have taken into account all of the information. Soon, the weighting will be over.

Your Money or Your Life?

Have you ever watched a "western" film where the highwaymen overtake the coach and demand of the driver or passengers, "Your money or your life?"  In reality, the phrase is known to date back to the 17th century at least, and generally followed the demand, "Stand and deliver!"  The victims, surprised and stunned, almost always handed over their possessions in order to preserve their lives.

In 1948, comedian Jack Benny presented what would arguably become his most famous "joke" using the line.  Benny is accosted by a mugger who first asks for a match to light a cigarette.  The mugger then demands, "Don't make a move, this is a stickup. Now, come on. Your money or your life."  There's a pause. Benny says nothing.  The agitated mugger now exclaims, "Look, bud! I said your money or your life!"  As soon as the words are out of the mugger's mouth, Benny quips back, "I'm thinking it over!"

I see the same thing happening in our country today.  Only, we are the victims, and the highwaymen and muggers are much more difficult to detect because we don't always see them for what and who they are.

Most of the issues currently being debated in our country are being done so within the realm of politics.  And in my opinion that is exactly what presents a problem for many Christians.  We have been "caught up" into this cloud of going "all in" for one group because of the danger we see in another.  What happens is that we allow others to shape the debate.  Usually that means money.  Oh, it's an important issue, but is it the most important issue for Christians?

"George, morality and religious freedom have been at the forefront of political discussions recently.  What in the world are you talking about?"

In the past few days, I have seen a "flood" of political discussion. Unscientifically, it's been about 95% about money.  And then there's this from Mary K. Ham at Hot Air (emphasis mine):

"the debate should no longer be about contraception and the deferred cancer-causing capabilities of Bain investments. It will be about the budget and the $16-trillion debt, the unsustainable trajectory of the federal government and the promises it’s already breaking to generations to come. It will be about Simpson-Bowles and a federal government that hasn’t even bothered to pass a budget since before the iPad existed. It will be about how four years of grossly increased spending has stimulated us into the worst recovery in American history, unless you happen to be an Obama donor or crony. It will be about how creating new entitlement programs cannot possibly fix the ones that are already broken. And, it will be about whether we value an ever more dependent society or an ever more successful one." (Mary K. Ham)

These are important issues, but it scares me to think that they will become the most important or worse, the only ones in the debate.  We have a duty to help others think about whether it will be "money or life".  We need to keep the issues of morality, religious freedom, and the protection of unborn children from abortion (Hello America!) in this debate.  We need to have honest discussions about how to care for those who truly need help.  We need to have honest discussions about what our country's role is around the world and domestically with regards to the dignity of persons.

Yes, we need to talk about money, but it better be about more than money friends.

The demand has been presented, "Your money or your life!"  The victims of the highwaymen were quick to protect their lives.  Will you be as quick to protect the lives of others and your eternal life?

Will our witness "stand and deliver" the Truth of the Gospel, helping others to at least pause and say, "I'm thinking it over"?

God bless.

* Thanks to Lisa at Catholic Bandita for calling attention to the article mentioned in this post.

The Voices In My Head - Part 1

How do I know if it is God speaking to me or if it is "all in my head"?

This is a great question, and one that should be especially considered by one who professes to be a Christian.  Let's face it.  There is no shortage of conflicting thoughts among Christians on just about anything, but especially with regards to faith and morals.

Today, our world is full of noise and "busyness".  Add in the fact that decades of media and political slants have been rather successful at diluting at best and manipulating at worse the "messages" we receive, and it is a little more clear why it has become more difficult for us to discern the "voice" of God in our "hearts".

This is a good place to start.  To be able to recognize God's "voice", we must first understand that He speaks to the "heart", the depths of one's being.  It is where God has already written His law.  (Romans 2:14-15)  It is in the heart that "conscience" must delve to seek out God's true voice.

For when the Gentiles who do not have the law by nature observe the prescriptions of the law, they are a law for themselves even though they do not have the law. They show that the demands of the law are written in their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even defend them.  Romans 2:14-15

Conscience is the judgement or reason by which one weighs the moral merits of one's actions.  The Christian understands it as something more though.  Cardinal Newman described conscience as a "messenger" of God, which "speaks to us behind a veil".

[Conscience] is a messenger of him, who, both in nature and in grace, speaks to us behind a veil, and teaches and rules us by his representatives. Conscience is the aboriginal Vicar of Christ. John Henry Cardinal Newman, "Letter to the Duke of Norfolk," V, in Certain Difficulties felt by Anglicans in Catholic Teaching II (London: Longmans Green, 1885) 

So God speaks to us in our hearts where He has written His law and gives us conscience as a messenger to "interpret" for us so that we are equipped to always do right, right?  Equipped, yes, but owning (or being equipped with) high priced power tools doesn't make you a master carpenter.  There's training involved, lots and lots of training.

In fact, continuing with the carpentry theme, the Christian recognizes that while one's "skills" (or ability to recognize God's voice) increases, his or her stint as a "journeyman" is truly a lifelong apprenticeship.

Next time, I will begin to address this training of or the "formation" of conscience.