Tag Archives: Public Questions

Three dangers, no four

Posted on by

There are three or four dangers here.

  • The danger of listening to reason and ignoring the suppositions behind it. It one supposes there is no need to invoke the deity — G_d is not on the playing field — the Bible is mere supersition, and is treated with contempt.
  • The Danger of listening overmuch to authority. I am responsible for my walk next to G_d (which is very intermittent). I cannot rely on the life of any pastor, any saint.
  • The Danger of ritual and tradition, no matter how beautiful, obscuring the need to rely on Jesus. This is the danger of religion, and it is real: If I keep Kosher, do not use a computer, live as a Mennonite… I am holy. (I am not holy. Only G_d is holy. I stumble towards my aspirations.) Our salvation relies on the cross.
  • There is a fourth problem. We can take on the rituals and prohibitions of the world. We can become too Green, to concerned with Social Justice — in the end because we think we can manage that which we cannot (I am speaking of the climate, on abolishing evil and inequality). We should do good, but the rituals of atonement such as carbon credits — add little, and, like the indulgences in Luther’s time, need to be condemned.

Colossians 2:8-23

8See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ. 9For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10and you have come to fullness in him, who is the head of every ruler and authority.

16Therefore do not let anyone condemn you in matters of food and drink or of observing festivals, new moons, or sabbaths. 17These are only a shadow of what is to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. 18Do not let anyone disqualify you, insisting on self-abasement and worship of angels, dwelling on visions, puffed up without cause by a human way of thinking, 19and not holding fast to the head, from whom the whole body, nourished and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows with a growth that is from God.

via PC(USA) – Devotions – Daily readings for Friday, April 23, 2010.

Shame, anger, Galifornia.

Posted on by

It appears that some radicals have invaded churches, because california passed proposition 8, which amends the California state constitution so that a marriage is defined as between a man and a woman.

WorldNet reports:

Decisions by voters in Florida, Arizona and California to join residents of 27 other states with constitutional protections for traditional marriage
have prompted threats of violence against Christians and their churches.

“Burn their f—ing churches to the ground, and then tax the charred timbers,” wrote “World O Jeff” on the JoeMyGod blogspot today within hours of California officials declaring Proposition 8 had been approved by a margin of 52 percent to 48 percent. Confirmation on voter approval of amendments in Florida and Arizona came earlier.

The amendments in all three states essentially limit marriage to one man and one woman. In California, the measure states the only marriages “valid and recognized” in the state are those between one man and one woman.

Thirty states now have adopted marriage amendments. However, in California, the vitriol appeared especially high since the state Supreme Court in May created same-sex marriage for homosexuals. Proposition 8 overruled the court decision, readopting the marriage definition California votersadopted in 2000.

Now the logic is that this is lobbying, which cannot be done by charities, which is bullshyt. Reformed churhc es attempt to influence the secular government: this is the reason for a” public questions committee”. From Huffington

Some pro-Proposition 8 folks may come to regret their not so private support of hate. And were you thinking about skiing in Utah this year? Hmmm, Colorado’s looking pretty appealing these days.

Yet somehow an economic boycott doesn’t feel direct enough; those who team up against gay people must learn that there are consequences.

That’s why we are seeking to strip the Mormon church of its status as a religious organization. According to IRS law, “no organization, including a church, may qualify for IRC section 501(c)(3) status if a substantial part of its activities is attempting to influence legislation (commonly known as lobbying).” [Emphasis added.]

Please join our efforts and show the world that gay people — and their friends and families — know how to hit back

I’m no Mormon. But they first came for the Mormons…
Now when the Church stands up as it should and says to our Muslim friends ““Brother, do not kill your son because he loves a boy. Pray for him, love him”

From today's lectionary:

For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. 19Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things.

I find I struggle with the attraction of the Belly — and there is a whole industry that sets my mind on earthly things. What the radicals do is glory in their shame. Maywe be ashamed ot that which is shameful, as this is the first step to repentence.

Hat tip Michell Malkin