There are a multitude of folks in media whose sites are vibrant locales for shaping thoughts and preferences on anything you can think of, including religion. With people living such hurried lives, I’d guess that more young people use digital media to keep their lives going than tune in to TV anymore. Some even use pages on social networking sites in place of going to church now because of their overwhelming lives.
Even so, TV is still a major influence in contouring an audience’s values and beliefs, and those given a stage have an obligation to change lives in a positive way, especially if they call themselves followers of Christ. Those who come toe to toe with non-believers should never cower down and we are not called to have a knockdown, drag out fight with them, but I say, sound your battle cry if you have one!
I watched a recent show that featured a TV personality and a progressive evangelist. The TV host brought the reverend on to debate several things contained in the Bible, such as slavery, polygamy and the now seemingly never-ending topic of homosexuality.
Whatever the TV host asked this reverend, he kept coming back with, “Jesus said feed the poor.” He dodged every question asked by the host, who is atheist. What an excellent “pulpit” offered to this guest to reach this man and the multitudes, for that matter.
When questioned about homosexuality, the evangelist said Jesus did not talk about this subject. Well, yes He did. Also, the first miracle recorded in the Bible Jesus did at a wedding, and you can believe He attended a wedding between a man and a woman. God allowed polygamy but did not ordain it. David and Solomon were polygamists and look at how it affected their lives.
I was a bit ashamed for the reverend because he did not defend our Lord or His Word. The Bible says “be prepared to give an answer” and he was not. Know that there is a big difference in carrying a Bible and understanding what it says.
“All paths leading to God are equally good.” – Mahatma Gandhi
I was sitting across from a young man not too long ago who is Muslim and his words prompted me to write this article.
Folks who live in an idealistic world think that just as long as they are “good” sincere, loving and kind; they will end up in Heaven one day. They have a mindset, as the quote seems to suggest, that all religions blend nicely together and there are many ways to get into Heaven.
Since world religions do not all teach the same thing, I wonder how this could be? And just why are there so many religions with their varied beliefs? Perhaps it is because there are those who have rejected the one, true God and are seeking salvation their own way. After all, for some, it is easier to pick and choose how to live because of the personal freedoms allowed. As we have said before, some opt to choose the broad way in lieu of the narrow gate.
Muslims believe in a God who is unknowable and that one’s works will determine if they get in Heaven or not. Buddhists do not believe in any deity, try to avoid suffering and hope for reincarnation. Hindus believe in multiple gods and in reincarnation. Universalism is a belief that all religions are equally good and therefore, all will lead to Heaven.
Satan must be having a good chuckle at our expense. He knows that all this confusion about God will ultimately defeat many who otherwise think they are going to Heaven.
Heads up: all roads may lead to God but they do not lead to Heaven. We will stand before God one day to be judged but as Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” Those that reject Him will not enter into Heaven no matter what spin they put on it.
I believe what I believe because the truth is in me. I cannot really understand with clarity why those who have been exposed to the truth reject it, but I keep them in my prayers every day.
I am utterly at a loss for words when I hear things come out of people’s mouths and their utterances are diametrically opposed to who and what they say they are.
For this article’s purposes, I am specifically talking about a professor of religious studies at a prestigious university who launched a recent diatribe against God, whom she called a white racist. Not only does she have an illustrious job, but God blessed her with intelligence; she has a Masters in theology and a PhD in religion.
On the heels of the Zimmerman trial, she posted a blog and did a video where she said, “God ain’t good all the time. In fact, sometimes, God is not for us.” She also stated that when she was in seminary, she came across a book called, Is God a White Racist? and now she understands its message.
In her mind’s eye, Christianity is a proponent of racism and she said that she thinks God is a white racist god with a problem who carries a gun and stalks young black men. She wanted to make sure her readers understood her by saying she was not a blasphemer and that she was talking about God in a comprehensive way; she claimed to be writing and talking about god, not God. She explains that most of us do not understand what she is saying because we do not have the “theological thinking” she has. Glad you cleared that up; I now considered myself schooled.
Anyone who teaches religion is bound to talk about God (big G, not little g) along the way; it is inevitable. However, anyone who smears the name of the Creator by saying He is racist and carries a gun stalking folks does not know God Almighty at all and should not be writing or talking about Him.
There will be a time when we all stand before Him and have to explain what we meant in reference to the things we said and did. We have all made preposterous statements, to be sure. May He extend His greatest mercy on you, professor, and to each one of us.
Loss of life by violence is always tragic; more so it seems when that life is cut short at a young age, not having had a chance to operate in or see its full potential and promise… or so it might seem to some.
Whether you watched the Trayvon Martin case from start to finish or not and think you know the right answer for guilt or innocence here, the only three who know exactly what happened that February night in 2012 are God, Zimmerman and Martin.
As these kinds of cases always seem to do, it has further deeply divided our country over race relations just as the enemy intended and we fall into his trap every time. To support this stance, I offer to you some chilling responses made after the verdict was announced. One professional athlete said the jury should go home and hang themselves for their decision. Others chanted, “No justice, no peace.” Organizers of an online protest encouraged listeners to “call in angry” and “to call in crazy.” Responses by some on Facebook and Twitter were filled with the same hatred and vengeance. Many feel that just because the verdict did not go their way, justice did not prevail.
When we encourage each other to act negatively and bitterly, we are being our own worst enemy. It never seems to fail that when a case like this has an undesired result, revenge is what some try to exact. Will we ever learn? It was Einstein who said, “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” He was not wrong.
But what if Martin’s life was lived start to finish, as God planned. Perhaps his life and the way he died was somehow meant to instill in others ways to think differently and slowly help a nation to heal old wounds. Perhaps outlandish laws like “stand your ground” will be looked at again and repealed. I am convinced that there is more here than meets the eye.
Just remember the Lord’s promise: “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.”
Loss of life by violence is always tragic; more so it seems when that life is cut short at a young age, not having had a chance to operate in or see its full potential and promise… or so it might seem to some.
Whether you watched the Trayvon Martin case from start to finish or not and think you know the right answer for guilt or innocence here, the only three who know exactly what happened that February night in 2012 are God, Zimmerman and Martin.
As these kinds of cases always seem to do, it has further deeply divided our country over race relations just as the enemy intended and we fall into his trap every time. To support this stance, I offer to you some chilling responses made after the verdict was announced. One professional athlete said the jury should go home and hang themselves for their decision. Others chanted, “No justice, no peace.” Organizers of an online protest encouraged listeners to “call in angry” and “to call in crazy.” Responses by some on Facebook and Twitter were filled with the same hatred and vengeance. Many feel that just because the verdict did not go their way, justice did not prevail.
When we encourage each other to act negatively and bitterly, we are being our own worst enemy. It never seems to fail that when a case like this has an undesired result, revenge is what some try to exact. Will we ever learn? It was Einstein who said, “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” He was not wrong.
But what if Martin’s life was lived start to finish, as God planned. Perhaps his life and the way he died was somehow meant to instill in others ways to think differently and slowly help a nation to heal old wounds. Perhaps outlandish laws like “stand your ground” will be looked at again and repealed. I am convinced that there is more here than meets the eye.
Just remember the Lord’s promise: “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.”
I grew up in an environment where discriminatory and derogatory terms were freely bantered about. I did not know why at the time, but my skinned crawled at times when I heard these terms used toward others. I daresay that there are few of us who grew up in the South and before the Sixties who are unaware of the racial slurs I am talking about.
We all know by now that Paula Deen’s world has imploded due to her admission of using a racial epithet twenty five years ago. While it was of her free will that she made this admission (instead of lying) during a deposition, she is being roasted alive and brought to ruin for telling the truth. She has been fired from a network and multiple sponsors have dropped her like a hot potato.
I do not condone the expression she used and though I doubt it was the one and only time she used this word, who without sin cast the first stone at her? And then how easily others followed suit, knowing in their hearts they have at some time in their lives also used the same word toward others.
I wonder when enough is enough. Her image and career have been destroyed. She has apologized, though some think insincerely.
How complex the human heart is and how quick we are to judge others when there is sin in our hearts and minds as well. Does this ill treatment of others somehow ease our own minds for the prejudices we have held onto or had once in our own lives? How can we not identify with others for the same things we have thought or said? Are those hurling the stones somehow soothing their own consciences? If so, I really do not see how that balances out.
There have been others that have publicly used ugly words and have landed back on their feet. So who gets to decide who becomes a pariah and who does not?
I think it is time to draw the line in the sand and exhibit the mercy that was and is extended to us.
Katie
Posted by: Molly Painter AT 10:33 am
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One of the first things I can remember developing an affinity for when I was young was music. Like nothing else, it has always affected my spirit deeply. But one particular genre I have never been able to stomach is rap. It’s angry, degrading lyrically and downright vulgar. The “artists” do not seem to care who they offend either. Its appeal to the masses thoroughly escapes my thought processes because I just cannot put reason or value behind it. I believe that if one is gifted in any way and given a platform in which to display those gifts, then they are obligated to use those gifts and talents to influence the masses in positive ways.
Kanye West is a rapper and to hear him talk, has always incorporated faith in his music… to the point of comparing himself to Christ.
In 2006, he appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone with his face bloodied, wearing crown of thorns. The title of the RS article was “The Passion of Kayne West.” In a 2009 interview, he stated he did not “feel the responsibility of putting his life on Jesus,” and that he needed to be the one solely responsible for his own life’s successes and failures.”
His latest album, titled “Yeezus,” contains a track called “I Am a God.” In the song, West includes lyrics where Jesus is asking him, “What up, Yeezus?” West’s answer to Jesus is something vulgar and that he’s just “trying to stack these millions.”
When I read his album described as “a solid piece,” and a “fascinating record,” chill bumps went up and down my arms. I am shocked and stunned by those who claim Christian roots and then claim to the world, “He’s the most high but I am a close high.”
He has a platform but so do I and I am here to remind Mr. West that Christ himself said, “And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
Do have mercy on others but be wise whom you listen to.
This word is new to me, not aesthetically pleasing to hear pronounced and means falsely ascribed religious texts.
I came across two recent stories that raised an eyebrow and thought I would share. I read articles written by a Professor of Religious Studies who argues that the Bible is “full of lies” and another by a prolific author of religious life and “biblical scholar” who claims the Bible is part truth, part fiction. At first, I thought their stances were paradoxical, considering how they make a living.
The first man states that many scholars engaged in teaching the New Testament hold the view that it is full of forgeries because some books were written by someone other than the true author. He further alleges that the reason some forged writings was to make a name for themselves and would then piggyback off that notoriety in order to sell the actual books they wrote. This professor states that he has written a book to back up his claims and if folks want to know what they are, they will just have to read his book for further explanation. Who’s trying to sell books now?
I understand the real reason he has chosen to criticize true authorship and call the Bible “full of lies” and that is because he does not believe God exists.
The next fellow says that sometimes, “believing the Bible means believing that a story did not happen.” He states that some stories in the Word happened and some did not. How can someone write and lecture about religion and not believe every single word in the Bible is true?
Some may think reasons presented by them for what they say are not worth protests. However, when you have prestigious, influential people speaking, others listen and it takes but the tiniest seed of doubt planted in the heart… the consequences of what they say could cause the unwitting to stumble.
Stay alert and help those who may have stumbled get back up; their eternity may be resting on that help.
Katie Altobellis
June 20, 2013 Class 6:30-7:30—Time Management, Prayer and You. Call (910) 228-5282 for directions.
For some time now it has been on my heart to write a blog giving credit to someone who really has not gotten the full attention they deserve in the way that needs to be given. This individual does a lot of behind the scenes writing of blogs, has edited The Stained Glass Window and generally makes this ministry look well researched and groomed in what is placed before the ‘public eye.’ As I have gone out into the public arena most recently and listened to comments made in regard to the blogs that are read I knew it was time to acknowledge this individual in a greater fashion.
The blogs that I write are a common sense type of ‘bringing heaven down to earth’ but the individual I am speaking of researches extensively on current world view subjects most of the time. She began to edit for the ministry a long time ago (when my skills as a writer were very juvenile). You see, all I ever wanted to do was preach the Gospel. But certainly I was forced (by the Holy Spirit) to become a more skilled writer and she has helped me to accomplish this goal.
Following Jesus is not just learning the bible and its scriptures it is applying it to everyday life and the understanding of a God who is still very much a ‘hands on’ Father. The ‘whys’ of why certain things are allowed to occur, in the society in which we live, desperately needs to be answered and she brings this type of knowledge to current events.
Remember everyone—always give credit where credit is due and don’t worry about it being too late. A pat on the back is always welcome when deserved all of the time. Thank you Katie Altobellis for what you do for our readers and those who have read The Stained Glass Window and for what you will write in the future—well done good and faithful servant!
It takes a lot of people and effort for this ministry to accomplish what it does and the following need to be thanked as well—Marjorie Ard, Susan Gahan and Dara Newberry. Well done!
I think it is interesting that when the government wants to start cutting programs, it is the poor who usually suffer…just as I know there will always be rancor between the haves and have-nots.
The Republicans and Democrats traded jabs recently over an approved legislation that would pare down SNAP (the food stamp program) by approximately 2.5 billion dollars and would result in about 2 million people being cut out of the program. A couple of congressional representatives were upset enough to bring Jesus and Matthew 25 up to point. They made it clear Jesus’ thoughts on feeding the poor. One said that Matthew 25 did not speak to the US government but he takes it to speak to the poor on individual terms. I disagree here; I think the government and its citizens fall under the umbrella of caring for the poor; we all carry the burden. We have addressed this issue before and I will not apologize for being repetitive.
Approximately 47 million people rely on food stamps and that program cost the government 80 million dollars in 2011. If this cut happens, about 200,000 children will no longer have access to free lunches. The children are not only those who will suffer but also the elderly and disabled.
I have said before and I will say it again instead of cutting these programs to the poor, there needs to be better checking on those fraudulently receiving help they do not need. Fraud is hard to measure but about 2-3% of recipients illegally receive benefits and it cost the government about 9-13 billion dollars a year. I will not address the government’s role in this waste, however.
Let me present some figures here and see what you can take in:
In 2011 nearly 13 million were jobless but we spent 359 billion on luxury items, 9 billion was spent on theater and movie tickets, we imported 201 million dollars worth of fireworks, 50 billion was spent on alcohol and 44 billion was spent on tobacco. Do you see any of your own frivolous spending here?
We should be ashamed. No citizen should go without.
