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A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted!
I chose this principle out of God’s word today because it is so fitting for this blog entry. When I was offered the opportunity to do “BIBLE TALK” by the Trib, I was excited about the opportunity to create some neat dialogue about why people believe the way they do. The success of “BIBLE TALK” has surpassed without question, the expectations for a religious blog. Yes- it was a time to plant a new approach to talking about our differences of religious beliefs. I am so proud of each of you for contributing to the dialogue. You, the readers are the true success story! You’re ability to share so openly, sometimes to the point of being vulnerable was indeed touching. To each of you-I say “THANK YOU”
Which brings me to the later part of King Solomon’s wisdom- because of time constraints and other obligations; it is time to pluck up BIBLE TALK. Today is my final blog entry for the Waco Tribune Herald. I am so thankful to the editors of the paper for the opportunity to take this spiritual journey with my fellow bloggers. I am a much better minister and Pastor today because of Bible Talk and the blog journey we took together. So to all involved in making this blog the #1 community blog on Wacotrib.com, I say THANK YOU AND GOOD BYE from the bottom of my heart!
God Bless!
Pastor Joe A. Carbajal
Senior Pastor
Mighty Wind Worship Center
{Where worship Is not a ritual- but something you experience!}
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Could the bible be confirmed in Court if put on trial?
Fellow blogger Jeff asks us all the following questions: “If the Bible was put on trial, by the same argument standards as any other litigation, would it be confirmed or denied by an unbiased judge? I would suggest before everyone ways in, that you look at how many centuries have been put into studying this, from the inspection at the tomb, to the discovery of Noah’s Ark. Is there enough supporting evidence even to say it’s historically accurate, for which it should be argued that at least it should be taught in schools as history. Also, how do you discredit the millions of drastically changed lives by adhering to its principles?”
If I were the attorney, I would call all the “witnesses” of the bible to share their testimony. I would then show the discovery channel’s story that verifies that Jesus tomb was indeed found and verified by DNA evidence. I would also have the ARP {Ark Research Project} tell the court that Noah’s Ark has been located and exists in the ice fields on Ararat. I personally believe that the bible has been the most scrutinized and studied book on the planet. It has been studied to prove its accuracies and has been studied to disprove its facts. With all this research, surely it should be taught in schools from a historical perspective.
Obviously, you know by now that I am playing along with this idea of trying to confirm all the stories of the bible. I will share with you my true feelings as the dialogue goes forth. So tell me fellow bloggers-could the bible be confirmed in Court if put on trial?
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Is God of love also a God of Judgment?
Last week Fred stated in one of our blogs: “Don’t terrify children with (Hell and Damn-nation) religious teaching. Teach God’s love….not judgment. Simply teach them right and wrong.” DKF added: “First and foremost, God is love, and that is what Jesus always preached. “For God so loved the world”, “love the Lord your God, love thy neighbor”, etc. No one should be terrified of God. Just love him and respect His judgment. He is Truth.”
It seems as though people today want to talk about God’s love, peace, joy, and blessings but do not want to know the other side of God- the God who judges us according to the principles of his word. If I remember correctly, God said: “I lay before you life and death, blessings and a curse- CHOOSE LIFE! This principle would lead one to believe that God indeed will stand in judgment of our choices according to this principle stated in his word. The bible also teaches us that we should: “train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old, they will not depart from it.” Would we fail in our training if we were to teach children that God was a God of love, without ever teaching that child that there is another side to God? Even the Apostle Paul said: “Since grace abounds-should sin abound more? GOD FORBID! Not to be left out, even Jesus stood in judgment of the Pharisees when he called them: “cups that were clean on the outside, but dirty on the inside”. That sounds to me like he judged their christianity!
So, let’s have some lively discussion! What do you fellow bloggers think? Should we teach the entire word and not just the parts we like to our children when they are of appropriate age? If not, why not? If so, what would be the appropriate age?
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Job outsourcing good or bad from a biblical perspective?
KDF suggested last week that we chat today about how the “U.S. continues to “outsource” jobs, benefiting no one in this country”. KDF quoted Jesus when he said to “pay unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, pay unto God which is his.” And then said: “it seems as though our Caesar now lives overseas”.
But does “outsourcing” really hurt America? Read a portion of an article from the National Center for Policy Analysis: “Contrary to popular belief, abundant evidence shows that American consumers, workers and businesses are benefiting from outsourcing”. Increase in Product Availability. An Institute for International Economics study by Catherine Mann notes that globalization of computer hardware manufacturing led to a 10 to 30 percent decline in prices, making such equipment more affordable and leading to a far greater increase in jobs in the long run. Stronger U.S. Job Demand. Mann believes globalization of Information Technology (IT) services “will yield even stronger job demand in the United States for workers with IT proficiency and skills.” Indeed, she notes that overall employment in job classifications most affected by IT service outsourcing is rising, not falling. Competitive Gains for Small Businesses. Researchers have also found that small firms and new startups gain more from outsourcing than large corporations. The latter have managerial structures that hinder their ability to take full advantage of outsourcing’s benefits. Smaller and younger companies can easily organize themselves to utilize outsourcing, thereby gaining sales and competing better in today’s global marketplace. Rising Standards of Living. Indians now doing jobs outsourced from America are seeing a rapid rise in their wages and standard of living. In the process, they are becoming more like Americans, which is translating into demand for American goods and lifestyles. Thus, according to the McKinsey Global Institute, for every $1 outsourced, the economic gain to the United States as a whole is $1.12 to $1.14; whereas the country to which a job is outsourced gains just 33 cents. {Bruce Bartlett/National Center for Policy Analysis}
So, sounds to me like “outsourcing” will be good for all nations as we progress forward. So- what biblical principles do you think speak to this issue? Anyone want to take a stab at this topic from a biblical perspective? Anyone agree or disagree with the above assessment?
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Does religious participation as a child instill a work ethic that is driven by religious training, beliefs and practices?
Researchers at the University of Georgia found that women who had attended religious services frequently (at least once a week) during childhood work about 80 additional hours per year when they are older. This effect is roughly equivalent to the impact on labor supply of an additional year of labor market experience. Among Protestant women, the effect on annual hours worked of frequent religious participation when young is almost twice that amount. Economics prof Ron Warren of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, who conducted the study along with colleague Chris Cornwell and Terry alumna Karen Tinsley, a researcher in UGA’s Housing and Demographics Research Center, speculates that religious observance when young may give women a direction or “calling” to their personal conduct as adults, including a greater focus on market work. “Religious participation in childhood may instill a work ethic that is driven by early religious training, beliefs, or practice”. {Time.com}
The bible has numerous biblical principles that when applied, can and should make a personal difference in how we live our lives on a daily basis. The Apostle Paul said that we should do: “all things as unto the Lord”. This principle teaches that our work is just an extension of our ministry to God. The idea is that believers should not look at their work as “just a job”, but something we do as if we are actually working for God. One understands and openly admits that it is the Lord who gives us the strength and knowledge to do that job; therefore we do it as unto the Lord giving him honor and glory through our work ethic. So yes, I believe there very well may be a correlation between religious participation and work ethic.
So the question for today is- does religious observance give people a direction or calling as it pertains to their work habits? Is there a greater focus on market work if one is motivated by their beliefs? Does religious participation as a child instill a work ethic that is driven by religious training, beliefs and practices?
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Will U.S. embrace Pope’s visit and teachings?
Next up for Pope Benedict XVI, a welcoming nation that wants to get to know him! Benedict’s first trip to the United States as pope begins Tuesday — a five-day visit to Washington and New York, including a speech at the United Nations. Anyone expecting strident speeches from the man once called “God’s rottweiler” for his role defending Roman Catholic doctrine will be disappointed. Benedict will deliver an unwavering message that society needs religious values. In recently receiving the new U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, Harvard law professor Mary Ann Glendon, Benedict welcomed what he called the American people’s “historic” appreciation of the role of religion in shaping public policy. He used the occasion to condemn abortion, euthanasia and gay marriage, praising “the efforts of so many of your fellow citizens and government leaders to ensure legal protection for God’s gift of life from conception to natural death.” {Associated Press}
Catholics and non-Catholics alike are excited about the Pontiff’s visit to America Tuesday. The Pope is one of God’s most revered servants in the world and requires the highest security of any head of state. It has been stated that he has a fondness for America and New York because of the “spiritual potential” they represent. A March poll by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press found nearly three-quarters of U.S. Catholics viewed Benedict positively. Among the U.S. public at large, 52 percent viewed the pope favorably.
For me, any minister who can lead people closer to God and can use their influence to bring people to faith is a cool person in my books. I just don’t know if America is ready to receive his words of faith? To me, America is saturated with the word of God, yet as we have seen even on this blog, while confessing Jesus Christ as their Lord,many choose to believe what they want in spite of what God’s word says.
So, is this a match made in heaven? Will Benedict like what he sees in America? Will America receive with open ears, the message he will deliver to the nation? How about you personally-what do you think of the bishop? Extraordinary guy, or just another man like you trying to find his way to God?
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Are the 7 Aphorisms same as the 10 Commandments?
Last week, the Supreme Court agreed to hear another Ten Commandments-related case. A federal appeals court ruled that Pleasant Grove, Utah, which displays a privately donated Ten Commandments monument at a city park (on a patch of land ceded to a private party), must also make room for the Seven Aphorisms of Summum, the principles of a faith that was founded by a former Mormon and is headquartered in Utah. Thanks in part to the late Charlton Heston, the Ten Commandments are familiar to most Americans; not so the Seven Aphorisms:
- SUMMUM is MIND, thought; the universe is a mental creation.
- As above, so below; as below, so above.
- Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates.
- Everything is dual; everything has an opposing point; everything has its pair of opposites; like and unlike are the same; opposites are identical in nature, but different in degree; extremes bond; all truths are but partial truths; all paradoxes may be reconciled.
- Everything flows out and in; everything has its season; all things rise and fall; the pendulum swing expresses itself in everything; the measure of the swing to the right is the measure of the swing to the left; rhythm compensates.
- Every cause has its effect; every effect has its cause; everything happens according to Law; Chance is just a name for Law not recognized; there are many fields of causation, but nothing escapes the Law of Destiny.
- Gender is in everything; everything has its masculine and feminine principles; Gender manifests on all levels. {L.A. Times}
As you might assume, I like the 10 commandments-they seem to make more sense to me. I thought some of you deep debater’s might like to debate this on a Monday Morning? So, are there any theologians out that would be willing to tell me if this lines up with bible scripture? Anyone out there who ran across the Seven Aphorisms while searching for truth on your spiritual journey who checked these out and are willing to enlighten Pastor J on this?
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Is Jesus just a state of mind???
Deepak Chopra at 61, the physician and best-selling author hopes to extend conventional thought again — even more controversially — in “The Third Jesus: The Christ We Cannot Ignore.” Chopra challenges Christian doctrine while presenting an alternative: Jesus as a state of mind, rather than the historical rabbi of Nazareth, or son of God-more guide than man. The third perspective which Chopra calls “a cosmic Christ,” looks at Jesus as a spiritual guide whose teaching embraces all humanity, not just the church built in his name. {Associated Press}
I’ve heard Jesus called many things during my spiritual journey-but a state of mind? Come on folks, did this guy get dropped on his head when he was a baby, or has he been doing way too much peyote? Either this guy has done lost it, or either he’s had a personal encounter with Jesus and just don’t know it yet!! I pray it’s the latter!
I have a real and personal relationship with Jesus that is so real, it reminds me of that old gospel hymn that states: “and he walks with me and he talks with me and he tells me I am his own”. Now I know this not the “politically correct” thing to say in today’s society because they send the little men with the white suit after people like that-BUT IT’S TRUE! Jesus is as real to me as my wife is and please don’t try and convince me that she’s “a state of mind” too!
I am reminded of a quote from C.S Lewis: “I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: ‘I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept His claim to be God.’ That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to. - Mere Christianity, pages 40-41.
So is Chopra showing us “ANOTHER” way to Jesus? Can Jesus really be a figment of our imagination- is he really just a state of mind? Anybody out there ever experienced Jesus in this way?
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Should child abuse be allowed in the name of religion?
Sect leaders at a polygamist compound in West Texas refused Saturday to let authorities search a temple for a teenage girl whose report of abuse led to the raid, and authorities said they were preparing “for the worst.” Authorities say more than 400 children have been taken from a polygamist compound and placed in state custody as they continue to investigate whether one of them had been an underage bride. A search warrant authorized troopers to enter the retreat, run by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They are looking for evidence of a marriage between the girl and a 50-year-old man. Court documents the girl had a baby eight months ago, when she was 15. Under Texas law, girls younger than 16 cannot marry, even with parental approval. The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints broke away from the Mormon Church after the latter disavowed polygamy more than a century ago. “In my opinion, this is the largest endeavor we’ve ever been involved in the state of Texas,” said Children’s Protective Services spokesman Marleigh Meisner, who said the agency was also involved in the 1993 siege of the Branch Davidian compound in Waco. {Associated Press}
One has to wonder how folks can get so messed up in their beliefs. Am I old fashion in thinking that it’s morally wrong for a child be forced to marry a 50 year old man? Do my fellow bloggers not see any problem with what has been going on in this compound in the name of Religion?
But I shouldn’t be surprised, it happened at the Davidian compound too right? But does that make it right? I should also remember that II Timothy 4:3 states that there would come a time when people would not endure “SOUND DOCTRINE” and would look for teachers to scratch their itching ears.
So- is there anybody out there that thinks these folks have gotten away from sound doctrine? Anyone out there think that child abuse should be allowed in the name of religion?
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MLK- visionary or trouble maker?
Four decades after the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. fell to an assassin’s bullet, colleagues and biographers offer many answers to the question: What if he had lived? Of all the “might be’s” and “what if’s,” Martin Luther King III feels sure of one thing. Had his father lived, the country would be closer to realizing the “beloved community” he’d envisioned. Still, he feels his father’s guiding force pulling us inexorably in that direction. “From my perspective, his light still shines,” he says. “His voice, his message, we’re living every day. We’re embracing more and more. We’re not as close to it as I would like to see us, but we’re still living it. We’re still moving toward it.” The Rev. Joseph Lowery, who co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference with King and marched alongside him, doesn’t think time would have changed his friend’s mind. “I think Martin was a preacher, and I doubt very much if he would have wanted to subject himself to the need to compromise and play certain games that are requisite to political candidacy,” says Lowery. “I think he would have preferred to do what he did best, and that was point out to ALL candidates and ALL officials … `Thus sayeth the Lord.’” {Associated Press}
To me, Martin Luther King Jr. was a man possessed by the gospel of Jesus Christ! As I’ve done research on his “DREAM” for America, it’s amazing how he often referred to bible scripture as a point of basis for his beliefs which resulted in action. I’ve always believed that this Preacher turned civil rights leader received a vision for our nation- took it to his church, then to his nation!
As we commemorate his 40 year assassination, let’s chat about what you personally think about this preacher? Was he a man of God driven by purpose, or a trouble maker? In your mind, was his message and actions based on biblical principles, or his own ideas? Was his vision for the nation for all people, or just black people?
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Is there only one way to the only true God?
Many of my beloved bloggers last week had a rather nice thought- that the many different religions around the world may all be just different ways of getting to God. This idea is “nice” because it means that everyone can be right, and there’s no need to criticize other peoples’ beliefs. But when it comes to a faith in the God of the Bible and Jesus, one must consider what the foundation of that faith is? This foundation from my perspective, is a belief in what is said in the Bible coming of a living God. Consider these scriptures:
John 3:36 “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” This passage is quite clear that there are two options available: having life or having the judgment of God. The distinction between the two is entirely based on believing in the Son, who is Jesus. Understand that the wrath spoken of here is the result and choices of the person, and not that of an angry God.
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” In terms of coming to the Father, the implication is that the Father is God, and so Jesus lays claim on the fact that he is the only way to God.
John 17:3 “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent”
In this scripture, it is quite clear in saying that there was no other way to salvation apart from through Jesus. It doesn’t matter if you are Jewish, Christian, Roman or an Eskimo, there was only one way to be saved. In view of the above scriptures, it is pointless to consider that the Bible just shows one of many “right” ways.
So there you go! I’ve shared what I believe and what I base my beliefs on which is the inspired written words of the one and only true God. Anybody want to share what they base their beliefs on?
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How can woman forgive Son in the killing of her parents and sister?
The mother of a teenager accused of stabbing to death four people, including the mother’s parents, said she has forgiven her son and knows her parents would, too. “I told my son I love him,” Kathy Jack, 41, told The Associated Press on Thursday as she watched police officers place the bodies of her father and her sister into hearses parked outside the home where they were killed. “I always will, no matter what he’s done. No matter what happens, I love him. “My parents would feel the same if one of them was here. They would forgive and forget. And that’s how our family was,” Jack said. Jack’s son, 18-year-old Jason Alex Abbott, has been charged with four counts of murder and one count of attempted murder in the Tuesday attacks. “I know my son needs a lot of prayer,” she said. “I’ve been asking people to pray. I love my son. I know there are problems.” {Associated Press}
I can only imagine how hard it must have been for this woman to forgive someone who killed her family members-even if it was her own son! I designated this past Sunday’s service in our church to pray for those incarcerated. During the week prior, I received a few hateful emails scolding me for having the audacity to set aside a special service to pray for those Murderers, rapists, and pedophiles! So I know what a sticky subject forgiveness can be. So how does one do it?
To me, one can only forgive with the help of God. One must first, have a genuine relationship with God because the bible teaches that our righteousness is as filthy rags which tells me we don’t know how to forgive at this level by ourselves. Then one must have an understanding that the bible teaches that we must forgive because with the same measure we forgive, we will be forgiven by our heaven Father.
So what are your thoughts on forgiving such grave wrongs done to love ones? Do we as human beings on our own have the ability to forgive at this level? Can just a “GOOD” person honestly forgive and forget without some divine help?
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Did parents take their faith too far?
The three siblings of a girl who died of diabetes that went untreated as her parents prayed instead of taking her to a doctor have been removed from the home during an investigation, police said Friday. Everest Metro Police Chief Dan Vergin said. The children are staying with other relatives, though they were not in danger, he said. “There is no physical evidence of abuse or neglect,” he said. “There is no intent. They didn’t want their child to die. They thought what they were doing was the right thing,” he said. “They believed up to the time she stopped breathing she was going to get better. They just thought it was a spiritual attack. They believed if they prayed enough she would get through it.” Madeline Neumann, 11, died Sunday the Weston home of an undiagnosed but treatable form of diabetes as her parents, Dale and Leilani Neumann, prayed for her to get better. Her mother said she never expected her daughter, whom she called Kara, to die. The family believes in the Bible, which says healing comes from God, Leilani Neumann said. {Associated Press}
The bible teaches that without faith, it is impossible to please God. In fact, Jesus even told his disciples when he caught them trying to keep some children from coming to him that unless we can become like one of those children, we couldn’t enter the kingdom of God obviously challenging us to have child like faith.
Did these parents do anything wrong? According to the report, it sounds like they just thought their daughter was just under the weather, possibly a 24 hour bug, and how many parents have not taken their child to the doctor under those same circumstances? Was this a case of fanatical Christians taking their faith too far, or was it a wrong decision that they will forever suffer the consequences?
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Isn’t it time we allowed woman to teach and preach in local churches?
A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit by a female professor who claimed officials at a prominent Southern Baptist seminary told her to leave because women are biblically forbidden from teaching men. Sheri Klouda was the only female professor teaching at the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s School of Theology when officials decided not to renew her contract in 2006. Seminary officials said her contract wasn’t renewed based on ecclesiastical decisions protected under the First Amendment’s religion clauses. A judge agreed, ruling in their favor Wednesday. {Associated Press}
While I agree with the judge that a religious organization should be allowed to determine their doctrine, and that privledge is something protected under the first amendment’s religion clause, I’m not so sure I agree with the stand that women should not teach or pastor in a local church? Many use the Apostle Paul’s comment about women being silent in services and if they have any questions, they should ask their husbands at home. But upon close study, one can find that during that time, there was a big conversion of prostitutes who were used to being rebellious and Paul made this rule to keep order in the local church. Others use the fact that only men were called to be disciples, but another close study of the New Testament gospels reveals several names of women who Paul called “helpers” which should be interpreted “disciple” in the original context. But the really nasty people say that a woman is suppose to submit to the man, so how is it that a women has any business teaching and preaching to men? But do Woman anointed to teach and lead by God’s precious Holy Spirit really go against this principle? Who can deny that there are many instances in the bible where woman did greater and more courageous things than any man in the bible? Was it not mainly women at the foot of the cross when Jesus was dying for our sins?
So let’s have some dialogue- should woman be allowed to teach, preach and pastor in a local church? Anybody attend a church that has a woman teacher or Pastor? Is it really much different ministry than a when a man hold’s those positions? What are your theological thoughts and what scriptures do you base your beliefs on?
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When’s the last time you enjoyed the happiness of giving rather than receiving?
The Bible counsels misers that it’s better to give than to receive. Science agrees. People who made gifts to others or to charities reported they were happier than folks who didn’t share, according to a report in Friday’s issue of the Journal Science. “This work suggests that even making small alterations in how we spend money on a daily basis can make a difference in happiness,” said lead researcher Elizabeth W. Dunn, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia. “That doesn’t mean go get a high paying job so you can spend tons of money on others. The message is, given what you have, how can you make little alterations to do something for others,” she said. And, she added, “there’s nothing special about money,” giving can involve time or special skills to help other people. {Associated Press}
This topic doesn’t even need any scripture backing seeing as most everyone knows and can quote Jesus Famous words: “When you done it to the least of these, you’ve done it unto me” {Mathew 25:25} This scripture easily points to the fact that when we reach out to others, it not only makes us feel better, it makes us feel better about our relationship with Christ. And seeing that we make up the body of Christ {The local church}, it should bear witness to you, that this is one of the purposes God ordained the local church to exist! God built us with a hunger to share what we have with others. Oh, we may be a little selfish and greedy at times, but we all remember when we felt better after sharing right?
So I’m not even going to ask you if it is more blessed to give than to receive because I think all of us understand that it is. So the question for today is: “Are you a giving person?” Do you go out of your way to meet the needs of others around you, or are you selfish and greedy? Tell me about an instance where you felt to share but didn’t? Share a story with your fellow bloggers about a time when you actually did something nice for someone.
I’ll begin the discussion: I have to admit my sin before you-the other day, I was at the pretzel place in the Richland mall. A woman with about four children was in line in front of me and only ordered one pretzel dog and a drink. I felt compelled to offer to buy the children their own pretzel but thought: “maybe she’s punishing the kids in some way and I should say nothing”. But after I saw them all trying to eat and drink from that one Pretzel dog and drink, I knew that I had missed an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus to this family.
There- I did it- now how about you??????
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Should bible classes be offered in local schools?
Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott recently asked Attorney General Gregg Abbout for an opinion about whether public high schools must offer a Bible course if requested by at least 15 students. Lawmakers passed the bill adopting the measure provided the class would focus on the history and literature of the bible and not proselytize any faith. {Associated Press}
I can hear the naysayers already: “Look at them radical conservative Christians wanting to turn our public schools into an extension of their Sunday school classes!” But all one has to do is look at all the possibilities of how a bible course approved by the measure might benefit the students. We’re talking about the #1 most selling book ever written folks! It could easily be taught from a historical or social-political perspective, or it could be taught by looking how Judeo-Christian values have influenced our government, its policies as well as our politics. What better way to analyze and make the connections to one of the greatest books ever written than from a literary viewpoint?
To all the naysayers who say it will never work, just consider that schools in South Carolina have been teaching these courses for years. And Texas is not the only state to approve such a course. Lawmakers in Alabama, Missouri and Tennessee are all considering similar plans. Deuteronomy 6:7 states that the bible is to be taught every where- could that not include our schools? And no one is expecting teachers to be theologians to teach this class, only that they know it literary value.
So, what do my fellow bloggers think? Is it a bad idea or a good idea? Can it work if we all gave it a chance?
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What changes would you like to see to Trib’s Saturday’s religion page?
One of the reasons I agreed to do Bible Talk for the Tribune Herald was to give a voice to a segment of our community [Those wanting to be challenged in their relationship with God] that for whatever reason has always been either taken for granted, or underrepresented. All one has to do is blink their eyes while reading Saturday’s newspaper to miss the religion page. But upon closer examination, one will quickly note that the page has turned into church advertisements and a few national articles that have no relevance to our community.
The reason given by the newspaper is simply that the religion page had become something less than desired. In defense of the Trib, they did seek input and suggestions from several local clergy as to what they thought could make the page more desirable. I thought to myself: “Why not ask people with a vested interest what they think?” People such as yourself who pay hard earned money for a subscription to the newspaper and who faithfully read and enjoy participating in this blog.
Yes- that’s right, I’m empowering little old you to make a difference in OUR local paper by offering suggestions on how to make our religion page better than ever! I’ve already given the editors of this paper my suggestions-now, it’s your turn!
If you could have the perfect religion page, what would it look like? What content would you like to see covered? More local stories? Possibly excerpts from this blog on the religion page? The balls in your court-you know the old saying: “It’s the squeaky wheel that gets the oil. If you don’t tell us your ideas, we may have to settle for what we’re getting now! The Trib editors read this blog often, so let them hear what you think about the present religion page. Here’s your chance to have your voice heard- let’s brainstorm a beautiful vision for our local religion page!
Can Science and Religion prove each other?
Parade magazine recently ran an article that suggested that religion and science, can in fact compliment one another. “People have been seeking healing through prayer since Paleolithic times” note Dr. Herbert Benson, founder of the Benson-Henry Institute for mind body medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. The fast expanding field of psychoneuroimmunology, which examines how the neurotically and immune systems interact, is providing new clinical evidence of the connection between thoughts and health. There is growing clinical evidence that imagery is beneficial in treating skin disease, diabetes, breast cancer, arthritis, headaches, and severe burns.
But is that not what scriptures have declared to us? Psalms 27:7 says: “For as he thinks within himself, so he is”. That’s what happened when David stood before Goliath. He remembered How God had delivered him from the bear and lion and thought: “If God delivered me from those animals, surely he can deliver me from this giant. Even Jesus in the form of man, overcame the sins of the world because he not only thought, but was convinced and knew that he was the savior of the world. These examples and the above article only confirm the same thing- which is; my thinking determines the outcome of my situation.
So the question for the day is this: “Can science and religion prove each other? Is it so far fetched to believe that the bible that was written over the ages, can teach the same thing as science?
Should Obama have turned his back on his pastor of many years?
Early Doss beat me to this discussion with his last comment to one of last weeks blog, but I thought the subject is worthy of our discussion.{Thanks Early!}
Barack Obama on Friday condemned inflammatory remarks by his pastor, who has accused U.S. leaders of bringing on the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks by fomenting terrorism. “I categorically denounce any statement that disparages our great country,” Obama wrote in a blog on the Huffington Post. Obama called the statements appearing on television and the Internet “completely unacceptable and inexcusable” in a Fox News interview and said they did not reflect the kinds of sermons he had heard from the Rev. Jeremiah Wright while attending services at Chicago’s Trinity United Church of Christ. Obama wrote that he has looked to Wright for spiritual advice, not political guidance, and he is been pained and angered to learn of some of his pastor’s comments for which he had not been present. “I categorically denounce any statement that disparages our great country or serves to divide us from our allies,” Obama said in his blog posting. “I also believe that words that degrade individuals have no place in our public dialogue, whether it’s on the campaign stump or in the pulpit. {The Associated Press}
Last Monday’s Bible Talk blog entry began the discussion on if a pastor of a church should endorse a political candidate? But in the past week, the national discussion moved to the role a spiritual leader plays in the political life of a candidate. Barack Obama has not only had to separate himself from a minute part of his pastor’s sermon, but also had to defend why he continued as a member of his family’s church!
Aren’t we taking this endorsement thing a little too far? Should a candidate be held responsible for the things his pastor says in the context of a sermon? As a local pastor myself, I know too well about saying something that could be taken out of context. Should member’s change churches because of a slip of the tongue or an illustration gone badly? Was Obama wrong to turn his back on his pastor of many years? Was Obama right when he said that he went to his pastor for spiritual guidance and not about political advice?
Was America founded on Christian principles?
America is often referred to as a “Christian nation” not because it was founded as such, but because the Founding Fathers were either Christian or had been influenced throughout their lives by biblical principles that surrounded them. It has become popular for secularists and humanists to claim that our Founding Fathers were not Christian at all but were deists, atheists or secularists. This is simply not true! It is a matter of record that of the 55 men who wrote and signed the U.S. Constitution of 1787, all but three were orthodox members of one of the established Christian religions.
In my opinion, America’s key to greatness is in the fact that it was founded on more Biblical principles than any nation in history. These principles originally permeated our educational system, courts, public life, religious life and the economic system. In fact, anyone who takes an honest look at the original documents and letters will conclude that America was in fact created by Christians who were influenced by their deeply held Biblical beliefs and structured our national policies to provide maximum freedom to worship and practice their beliefs but also included tolerance and freedom for those who choose not to be Christian and not to worship. No-our forefathers never intended for our nation to be considered a “Christian Nation”, but evidence upon evidence, speaks loud and clear as to the influence biblical principles played in the founding of our nation.
So, what’s your view-do you believe this nation was founded on biblical principles? Dare you use a few forefathers to prove that the others weren’t influenced by biblical principles? What do we do with all the biblical principles written all over the buildings in Washington as well as our currency?
Was federal Judge right in prohibiting school vote on graduation prayers!
1 Timothy 2:8 (New International Version) I want men {Students} everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing. A federal Judge has prohibited the Round Rock school district from allowing students to vote on whether to have prayers at graduation. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks is included in an agreement reached Thursday by the school district and Americans United for Separation of Church and State. The Washington-based group sued the school district in August on behalf of six parents and a former student. The suit was prompted when a majority of seniors at McNeil, Round Rock and Stony Point high schools decided to have prayers at their graduations. {Austin American Statesman}
How did this happen to these young people? Student-led prayer in public schools has been hotly debated for years but recently, courts in Florida and Texas have ruled that voluntary student-led prayer at school events that does not involve school personnel is permissible and students in these school districts have been permitted to offer voluntary prayer at their school events.
Many communities in our state strongly support prayer and other forms of religious activities in their schools. Students should not have to shed their religious rights when they enter the schoolhouse doors. Student free speech cannot be banned unless it creates “material or substantial disruption” in the school. Students must be free to voluntarily express their religious views even though it may create personal discomfort for some.
Since this prayer vote was student initiated and student led, Did this judge blow it with his ruling? If the students voted to have graduation prayers, shouldn’t they have been allowed to exercise their free speech and religious expression? Were these students first amendment rights violated?
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Yes, I am related to the Nicholas, Rev. Joseph, and Rev. Facundus Carbajal. Nicholas Carbajal was my GreatGrand Father and my two Great Uncles. My Grandmother was Marie Carbajal Miramon. The Holy Angels In the Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church is my
... read the full comment by Bernard Miramon | Comment on MLK- visionary or trouble maker? Read MLK- visionary or trouble maker?
Yes I think it is very important to teach the Whole Word of God. If we teach it the way God says to then We don’t have to worry that our children wan’t understand. Some religions suger coat the Word of God and say ” Surely God is not a
... read the full comment by Max | Comment on Is God of love also a God of Judgment? Read Is God of love also a God of Judgment?
Dear Rev. Carbajal: Are you any relations to a Nicholas,Rev Joseph, and Rev. Facundus brothers from the early 1900’s? Thanks.
... read the full comment by Elaine | Comment on MLK- visionary or trouble maker? Read MLK- visionary or trouble maker?
I was unawear that the Blog was discontinued,but in regards of this matter.I would like to offer my services.Im not a pastor but the word of GOD is not something you just put down.Titles, Dialogs,Comments,all must have Bible Prinsaples and good speelers
... read the full comment by Charles R Rodriquez | Comment on A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted! Read A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted!