The Wright Explanation for Godless Teachings

As a Christian who sees the Holy Bible as the complete word of God, I have been racking my brain to try to figure out how a pastor could take the Holy Bible and twist it to support separatism, racism and some of the other downright Godless beliefs adopted to by Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and The Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, IL. The problem was that I was not looking past the authority the Church claims to use.

Ryan Lizza wrote an article about Barack Obama's unlikely political education for the New Republic last year that gave insight to the spiritual past and education of the group.

After many lectures like this, Obama decided to take a second look at Wright's church. Older pastors warned him that Trinity was for "Buppies"--black urban professionals--and didn't have enough street cred. But Wright was a former Muslim and black nationalist who had studied at Howard and Chicago, and Trinity's guiding principles--what the church calls the "Black Value System"--included a "Disavowal of the Pursuit of 'Middleclassness.'"

The Holy Bible teaches that in order to become a Christian one is to leave their past misconceptions behind and find truth through the teachings of Christ. Apparently this is a practice that Wright, Obama and the Trinity Church has never put into action.

Instead of accepting the bible as full authority, they have brought forth the teachings of the Islamic religion and the beliefs of a "black nationalist" to form their own hybrid religion.

--------------------------------------------------
Hat tip and additional analysis: Infidels Are Cool

Reverends Gone Wild-The Ongoing Pastor Saga In America

For years I have been trying to determine how people who call themselves Christians can justifiably vote for a candidate who represents a down right evil platform. A liberal’s support for such abominations as gay marriage, abortion and other issues are repulsive to and are directly in defiance to the word of God. I could never understand how a person can sit in church on Sunday morning and then go out the very next day to rally around a candidate or become a candidate who not only supports such issues but fights to promote them as well.

Although I myself am a sinner who often falls short of the glory of God, my vote against such evil practices are a no-brainer to me. I had previously theorized that the problem lies with the misconception of many that one only has to attend a church or believe that Jesus exists to be a Christian. While it is true we are not saved by works, this is a misconception that falls far short of true salvation and can lead to a path of damnation.

If the 2008 primary has taught me anything, it is this. The problem with political support for evil ideas is far greater than misconception in the pew, it can also be traced directly to the pulpit.

Continue reading.

Ron Paul Deals Low Blow To Huckabee On Shared Faith?

Newsday.Com is reporting that Ron Paul took a cheap shot at Mike Huckabee on Fox News on Tuesday morning, December 18.

Below is an excerpt covering Dr. Paul's response to Mike Huckabee's video wishing people in America a Merry Christmas.

On Fox News Tuesday morning, Paul was asked his opinion of the spot. The Texas congressman declared: "It reminds me of what Sinclair Lewis once said. He says, 'When fascism comes to this country, it will be wrapped in the flag, carrying a cross.'"

Then, Paul caught himself a little: "Now I don't know whether that's a fair assessment or not, but you wonder about using a cross, like he is the only Christian or implying that subtly."

It's hard to know if Huckabee was pitching his Christianity. But it's easy to know that Paul smeared Huckabee.

This report may leave me with what most likely is a unique opinion that will differ from most.

Do I believe that Dr. Paul delivered an unwarranted low blow on Mike Huckabee? Absolutely. Do I think Dr. Paul is anti-Christianity as some? No I do not.

I have had the opportunity to meet both Dr. Paul and Mike Huckabee and have studied and considered both men on the issues of faith.

I have read and wrote about Dr. Paul's testimony in Christ and I believe it to be true.
See related story: "Why I Owe Ron Paul An Apology".

I believe that Mike Huckabee was simpily wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. I am also very thankful that Mike Huckabee is not afraid to stand for what I believe is his genuine faith in Christ. This along with his stance on other issues is why I plan to give my vote to him in the South Carolina primary.

Nonetheless, It is very disappointing to see Dr. Paul let the political game get in the way of his faith and cause him to pass quick and poor judgment upon another. This was obviously a weak moment for him. I think his second quote referenced from the article above proves that deep down in the spirit he may realize that as well.

Yet, to err is human, to forgive is divine. In the past, I've done the same thing to Ron Paul in my heart. I apologized. Now it's Ron Paul's turn to apologize. However it is not to me that an apology is due.
ref: http://www.newsday.com/news/columnists/ny-oppink5508038dec20,0,7299879.column

Does Huckabee's Church Truly Oppress Women?

Lately there has been jibber jabber on blogs about Mike Huckabee and his church's so-called oppressive view of women.

I'm a married member of a Southern Baptist Convention affiliated church and the liberal view of my oppression is news to me.

The offender of feminist everywhere appears to be the mention of the word "submit" in regards to a wife to her husband. However many fail to read past that one word and opt to base their total opinion upon it.

The origin of the church's entire doctrine is the Holy Bible. Below is an applicable verse along with some of the surrounding text.

"Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord." (Ephesians 5:22, NIV)

"Husbands, love your wife just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." (Ephesians 5:25, NIV)

As a woman you should be willing to live for him and he die for you? Call me a hopeless romantic, but this sounds like a marriage made in heaven. However I must say us women may be getting the better end of the deal.

The final verse of the chapter pretty much sums up the entire text.

"However each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." (Ephesians 5:33, NIV)

I'm yet to see how respecting someone who is willing to love me as much as himself equates oppression.

Most also totally overlook the fact that the Southern Baptist Convention and the Bible specifically states that both men and women are equal in the eyes of the Lord.

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28

The Bible also gives men this wise tip on marriage.

"Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife." (Proverbs 21:9-9, NIV)

Mike Huckabee has been married for quite some time now. I'm sure he has found the wisdom in that one as well.

ref:http://i.l.cnn.net/cnn/2007/POLITICS/09/11/brides.decide/art.huckabee.jpg, http://www.crosswalk.com, http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfm2000.asp, Holy Bible New International Version,Zondervan Publishing House

Is Mormonism A Cult and Are They Christians?

When I was seven years old my father died. His father became my father and through him my examples for life and faith were set.

My Grandfather was a very wise and loving man. In his last days his knees hurt so badly he could hardly climb stairs. Nonetheless, he got down on them each night to pray to his God. He was a servant to Jesus Christ to the day he died. It was through him that I found that unconditional love was possible and I too accepted Jesus as my savior.

This wonderful man was also Native American.

According to my research the Mormon church believes that Native Americans and African Americans are cursed and hence they have dark skin.

I would like to say that my Jesus, my God judges people as Dr. Martin Luther King said "not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character"-in other words, through a man's heart.

This teaching along with other teachings of The LDS Church makes it far different from any bible-based Christian church I have ever encountered.

I strongly encourage to do your own research on this topic and decide for yourself.



Click Here If You Have Trouble Viewing This Video

Why I Owe Ron Paul An Apology.

Today when cleaning out the family garbage truck, a.k.a the minivan, I noticed something had fell on the ground during my numerous trips to the garbage can. Annoyed and short on time, I simply escorted it back to the vehicle, where out of curiosity I decided to see what had refused to go to the place of no return. The offender had Testimonial written in big letters at the top and underneath was the name Hon. Ron Paul. "Great! This really needed to go to the trash!" However for some reason I decided to read it and boy I was shocked.

I need to admit something before I go any farther. Up until this moment, I am ashamed to admit that I had pretty much written Ron Paul off as a total fruit cake in need of services from a good mental institution. While I am friends with some Ron Paul supporters, others have scared me with their almost cult-like devotion to the man whom I feel disgraced America when he once implied in a national debate that we were in some way responsible for the demonic attacks that hit our country on 9-11. Although publicly I have been respectful of Ron Paul and his supporters, I now realize that I was guilty in my heart of passing judgment on his.

The Bible, which I know as the written word of God, has this to say in regards to judging others:

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
Matthew 7:1-6
NIV

Upon further inspection of the item, I realized that it appeared to truly be a testimony. When reading the excerpt below, I received a glimpse of Ron Paul's heart and become fully aware of the plank in my own eye.

"I have never been one who is comfortable talking about my faith in the political arena. In fact, the pandering that typically occurs in the election season I find to be distasteful. But for those who have asked, I freely confess that Jesus Christ is my personal Savior, and that I seek His guidance in all that I do. I know, as you do, that our freedoms come not from man, but from God. My record of public service reflect my reverence for the Natural Rights with which we have been endowed by a loving Creator".

The word of God also has this to say:

"By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?"
Matthew 7:16

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart;..."
Jeremiah 1:5

"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, "Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgement."
Matthew 5:21

Keep this in mind when reading the next excerpt from the Ron Paul material.

"I have worked tirelessly to defend and restore those rights for all Americans, born and unborn alike. The right of an innocent, unborn child to life is at the heart of the American ideal of liberty. My professional and legislative record demonstrates my strong commitment to this pro-life principle.

In 40 years of medical practice, I never once considered performing an abortion, nor did I ever find abortion necessary to save the life of a pregnant woman. In Congress, I have authored legislation that seeks to define life as beginning at conception, H.R. 1094. I have also authored H.R. 1095, which prevents federal funds to be used for so-called "population control." Many talk about being pro-life. I have taken and will continue to advocate direct action to restore protection for the unborn."

The words of Ron Paul convicted me today. Not only do I owe my savior an apology but Ron Paul himself.

While many politicians claim allegiance to a nameless "God", few acknowledge the one way to the true creator-Jesus Christ as Ron Paul has done. This happens even though the words of Jesus is written:

I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God.
Luke 12:8
NIV

Many politicians proudly title themselves "pro-life", yet they sit on the sidelines and accept a form of legalized murder. However it appears Dr. Paul has taken the intuitive to not only stand for what is right but to take action as well.

While Ron Paul may not my first choice for president, he has now become a politician I admire more than most. The world is a better place because of him and for that I am thankful.

My Story-Part 3

If you are reading a part of "My Story" for the first time please view Part 1 & 2 under the "My Story" Label prior to continuing. This is the last of posting of this series of a true story. Thanks and hope you enjoy!

At age 18 I was out on my own and not by my choosing. Through my late teens and mid twenties life hit me hard and fast. I struggled through one horrible relationship after the other including a failed marriage, served in the military, attended college and continually struggled to find my place in this world. In response I went through the same pattern as before. I either called out to God for help and tried to take control or became rebellious and mad. The issues I faced during this time is a testimony in itself however in lieu of writing a novel I'm going to cut to my true defining moment.

One day in my mid twenties I found myself in the company of some one that was at a crossroads in his life and did not know which way to turn. He was struggling with depression and felt that he had nothing to live for. I had grown up in church my whole life and knew that God had protected and had bailed me out of bad situations many more times than I deserved. These situations included feeling exactly the way he did at that moment. I knew exactly what he needed. He needed the same thing that gave me hope. He needed Jesus. So I spoke to him and told him some of the true things that I had been through in my life and how it was The Lord that carried me through it. I was able to see him turn his life over to Christ and never look back . This was a wonderful and life changing experience for him and myself as well.

After this experience I laid on my bed and thought about all the struggles that had taken place throughout my life. I thought about how things always seemed to blow up in my face no matter how hard I tried. What was I doing wrong? I had always tried so hard at everything I had ever done yet nothing ever worked out for me. How could I get control of my life and live the kind of life God wanted once and for all? How could I finally find some thing secure in my life? Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. Control!! That was the one thing I had never turned over. I had always tried to make things work out perfect all on my own. Then I uttered the simple yet heart felt sentences to the Lord that changed my life and its direction forever. I said, "God all my life I have been trying to do this on my own and I can't do it anymore. I can't do anything right without you. You have seen that time and time again. I need you to take control my life because I can't do anything without you".

On that day I realized that even though I had loved the Lord, had asked him to come into my heart, repented and had tried to turn away from sin I had never truly given him control over my life. I had never truly surrendered to his will and his direction. It had always been: "What can I do?" It had never been: "What can the Lord do through me?" I realized that it was only through God that I could I accomplish any thing and that it was only through God's will that happiness truly came. It was truly my defining moment and life has not been the same since.

It was not long later that the Lord gave me a wisdom and understanding about what was really going on with my Mother when my father passed. He taught me that I was not unlike my Mom in heart when my father died. I simply had different ways that I tried to handle the situation on my own. She like me had given her heart to the Lord a long time ago and because of that he simply carried her through that time and waited for the moment when she would allow him to handle it for her. She was hurt, lashing out and rebelling because of pain. This knowledge not only opened up the door of understanding and forgiveness but also help to repair our relationship as well. If only I had dug deeper into the verse that he had given me so long ago:

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.
Psalms 68:5

This answer had not been not only for me but my mother as well.

To say my life has changed since that day is an understatement. I look back and regret at all of the years I wasted trying to go it alone by only asking for his help in what I thought needed to be done. I am also thankful that he carried me through it all and patiently waited for the moment that I would allow him to take control. I am also thankful that God in his mercy gave me the wisdom to understand what I needed to do to make a true difference with my situation in life. He has opened doors that I could have only dreamed of and it continues to this day. Yet not one thing I have I experienced or accomplished since that day that is good has anything to do with me or anything that I have done. It is all about him and what he has done through me. To him be the glory forever and ever amen.

God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
Hebrews 11:40 NIV

Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
Psalms 37: 4-6 NIV

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13 NKJV

Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.
Psalm 40:5 NIV

I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.
Job 41:2 NIV

My Story-Part 2

This is part two of a true story. If you have not already done so I ask you to please read part one prior to reading this post. Thanks!

She looked at her husband and back to me. Then she dropped the bomb. "Daddy died last night. He had a heart attack".

I am sure there are many ways to react to finding out about the death of a loved one. However my first reaction was anger. That anger was unfortunately focused at that moment on my sister. I wanted to lash out at her because this was a situation that had already been resolved in my mind the night before and now she was trying to tell me that was not the case. I despised her for telling me what I thought was a lie. It took until I actually viewed his body at the mortuary before I would actually believe and forgive her.

What was originally planned as a one night sleepover became an extended visit to my sister's. I did not see my mother until the actual funeral service. When I finally saw her she had only a few words to say to me. As the service came to a close and I watched dirt being covered over my father's coffin, my mother briefly approached. Following along was a male that I had never seen before. She told me his name and informed me that he was moving into our home regardless of what I thought about it. That was the first indication that not only had I lost my father but my mother as well.

I began to cry and could not stop. One night, I again called out to God before falling asleep. In my dream that night, my sister and I went to a store to get gasoline for her car. As she pumped the gasoline I asked her if she would allow me to go in and pay for it. She agreed. As I approached the store my father pulled up in a car with his bags packed into the back. He got out of the car and held open his arms. I immediately ran and jumped into them. I told him that I knew that he wasn't gone. He said that he had come to tell me that he was OK. At that moment I noticed that he looked so healthy and happy. He then told me that he had to go away. He said that he would be gone for a long, long time but that I would see him again. He said that at times it would seem like forever but that it was not. He told me that he wanted me to stop crying and that he didn't want me to be sad. He told me that he wanted me to be happy and asked me to promise that I would always remember that. I promised and after hugs and kisses he got into the car and drove away. The next morning I woke up with tears of joy. When my sister inquired about the change I simply told her that I had promised Dad that I would not cry any more. She gave me a puzzled look and did not ask questions. To this day I still remember what it felt like to have his arms wrapped around me.

When I finally returned home I found growing up with my "new" mother a big challenge. What was at once was a dedicated single mother had became a continuously dating stranger of which I reminded of a past best forgotten. I quickly became the target of a great deal of mental abuse and resentment. That is when I decided I was going to be as perfect as I could be. If I could be perfect enough, maybe she and others would see me as worth loving. I went to church and tried to avoid sin. I made good grades and took on as many extra curricular activities as possible in attempt to be a model student. However things never quite worked out the way I intended. The only time she seemed to care was during the brief periods in which there was no man in her life. During those times she made me promise that I would never leave her.

On a particular nasty day in my teen years I sat on my bed and raged at God. How could he do this? If my father had not died I would not be in this horrible situation. He would never allow me to live the way that I was living. It was God's fault because I had to grow up with out a father. He didn't care either. I had to grow up alone and with out anyone to take care of me or care about me. It was all his fault. At the end of my tirade I happened to look down at my bed where I had tossed my bible in disgust. A single verse on the open page caught my eye:

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.
Psalms 68:5

At that very moment I realized that my relationship with God was personal. It was not like my prayers along with those of others simply went into some general printout summary that he read everyday as an informational briefing. He spoke to me directly through his word and it was personal. He heard and dealt me personally. I was not alone and had never once been without a father. He had made a direct promise to be mine. I wished I would have dug farther into that message at the time. It took me years to realize that it held even more of an explanation of what was really going on.

This concludes part two of my story. I will finish up this story with a third and final posting as soon as possible. Please be sure to check back soon.

My Story-Part 1

It is very important that those of whom have a testimony to share it with others. On that note, I am going to attempt to begin to share mine. I will open it with this post and finish up in future posts. I hope to keep it as brief as possible without sacrificing any thing that should be told. I hope that it can possibly in someway help someone out there to seek out the real truth.

I never remember not knowing of Christ. In fact, one of my earliest memories involves lying alone in my father's former room at his parent's house and sincerely begging for Jesus to come into my heart. I wished that I could say that from that moment on my life totally focused on and revolved around him. However that would be a lie.

My life growing up was like riding one big roller coaster. It had all the hills, surprises, joy and pain of any coaster that one could imagine. I cannot remember my parents ever actually living together. They had divorced when I was two years old. However life for me was good. I lived with my Mom but stayed regularly with my Dad. My Mom stayed at home and was quick to give me attention. When I went to my Dad's I was the apple of his eye. I also had some awesome grandparents and doting older siblings. What more could a kid ask for? Then when I turned seven life changed as I had known it it my few short years.

I had went to stay with my Dad for a week and he made a big deal about clearing all his duties to concentrate fully on me. We had a lot of fun that week and on one of the later days my older sister called I answered the phone. She was a good bit older than me, married and had a child of her own. I loved going to her house and playing with my niece. I got an idea. Why not spend one night with her since I had so much time to spend with Dad? After all, she could bring me back the next day. She said that she would love to have me but that I would have to ask Dad for permission. I told her that I did not want to ask him and then handed the phone over to him.

After their phone conversation he entered the kitchen to which I had retreated. "Is there something you want to ask me?" he quizzed. I looked at my toes as he waited for the answer. When none was obviously forth coming he continued. "Your sister said you would like to spend the night with her. Is that what you want to do?" To this day it is hard to describe what I physically felt that day. Words cannot describe it. It was like there was something all around me and even though I could not see it, it was as real as the kitchen table in front of me. It was all I could do to raise my head to look at him. I felt like I was standing on a cliff and deciding if I should jump and knowing that if I did my life would never be the same. I had to force my head up to look at him. As I raised my head I managed a weak "yes". I will never forget the look in his eyes although I still to this day cannot understand exactly what he was thinking. It was like his gaze pierced straight through me. What was it that I saw in his eyes? Fear? Regret? Hurt? I don't know. Why was he so scared and hurting? Why was he so afraid for me to go? After all, I would come back tomorrow. My Dad was big, strong and funny. This was not like him at all. His voice was so small when he finally replied. "OK. I will drive you over."

On the way over I sat in the back seat still trying to figure out what in the world was going on. This was not an average visit to my sisters. I cried out to God to help me and a thought hit me like a ton of bricks. What if my Dad is dying? What if this was the last time I would see him? I remember I started to secretly cry and my tears soaked his interior. I again cried out to God. What can I do? How can I stop this?

When we arrived at my sister's home everything appeared and felt normal. However I could not shake the experience I had encountered moments before. As he talked to my sister my mind still whirled and tried to grasp a plan. As his visit with my sister wrapped up he started to say his goodbyes and I still did not have a plan. If I told him what I was feeling what good would it do? Would he believe me? Would my sister believe me? I finally came to decide that they would not. After all, I was only seven. After deciding this I went with the one plan that I knew that I could carry out. I could say good bye and know that I was given the opportunity to do so. I remember giving him the biggest hug I had ever given him. As he held me in his arms, I put my hands on each cheek, looked him straight in the eyes and said "I love you, Daddy". I will miss and always love you." He looked me back in the eyes and said that he loved me too and then he put me down and walked away.

That night I tried my best to forget all about it and did a pretty good job. I had a fun sleepover with my niece. All was fine until the next morning. I remember walking into the living room and seeing my brother-in-law lying on the sofa with his face in a pillow. I remember seeing a blank look on my sister's face that in my later years that I realized was shock. I asked what was wrong. She gently took me by the hand and sat me down. She told me that she had to tell me something very important. I told her to go ahead. She started with something similar to "Sometimes in our lives bad things happen and we don't understand why." My mind briefly flashed back to the night before. I tried to push it away and demanded for her to spit it out. At that moment my brother-in-law finally looked up. I noticed there was water in his eyes. "Just go ahead and tell her".