So I had an epiphany a few years ago but I never really shared it with anyone because it only made sense in my head. So if the following confuses you, it’s completely my fault. But I digress.
The train of though that lead to the epiphany started with something Dr. Hovind said. He basically said that God is not stuck in time like we are. Then I stopped paying attention to him because my big brain started wondering around trying to figure out that statement.
We’re stuck I the present, reminiscing about the past and looking forward to (or dreading) the future. So, by definition, God should be able to see me as I will be and as I was all at the same time. Almost as if my life was a DVD and the first chapter is my birth and just before the credits is my death. (SIDE NOTE: I’d love to see the trailer for that movie; but I digress.) Except that God doesn’t need to see my life in any order or even just on one screen. He should be able to process every frame of my life simultaneously.
MATH (feel free to skip this part is it bores you)
The average US lifespan is 77.2 years.
That’s 28,178 days.
That’s 676,272 hours.
That’s 40,576,320 minutes.
That’s 2,434,579,200 seconds.
And as we all know movies are shown at 24 frames per second.
So that’s 58,429,900,800 frames of your life that can be processed by the Almighty at once. (DVD speed)
But that’s with movies; our eyes are capable of processing 70 frames per second.
So that’s 170,420,544,000 frames. (Human speed)
And you know that the Lord isn’t gonna settle for a regular screen.
He’s got ultra hi def with 360° surround sound, but I digress.
Then my mind wondered to the things I really wanted and worked hard to get and then when I got them I didn’t really use it. Among those things is my Nokia N-Gage QD. I got it, obsessed about it for a several weeks and then it was just my phone. The only game I had was Tony Hawke and I rarely played it.
Then I had the though that we all have too often. “If I knew then what I knew now …” There have been things that I have prayed for and never got and I thought that maybe God was just saving me from having to say it again “If I knew then what I knew now …”
Then I had a crazy idea. If I pray for something after I already got it, the prayer should have the same force and effect because God is not stuck in time. But that’s silly! Why would I pray for something I already have?
Me, being me, I decided to give it a shot. I got on my knees, closed my eyes, clasped my hands and prayed out loud: “Heavenly Father God: Thank y…” I stopped. I had the epiphany. I immediately opened my eyes and stud up.
I realized who God tends to listen to and which prayers he deems worthy of answering. If I pray for something that I will be truly grateful for long after I have received it, then I shall receive it. But if those post event gratitude is not to come, then neither is the event.
Now I could be way off about this, and it could be that I did a terrible job communicating this idea to you, but it makes sense to me and I believe it. I believe that the grateful receiver shall only receive more from He who is glad to give.
So I guess this epiphany is a message of Thanksgiving.
So be thankful, or else … nothing … will happen … to you.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
There is such a thing as too right
What I think happened is that I was always on the right, a conservative by every definition. Then the right moved further right and I chose not to follow them. I didn't go to the left, the right went righter.
I received an e-mail from a trusted and beloved friend listing the reasons why Christians should vote republican in the upcoming election. What follows is my reply to his e-mail, and my impression to the opposite.
I don't buy it.
Obama was handed an economy on life support.
Put there by a republican president with majorities in the house and the senate until, I think, 2006.
Bush abandoned the war everyone supported for the one that noone understood.
He relaxed regulations that would have saved us from the economic crisis (maybe even the oil disaster).
I might agree with the argument that Obama has increased the deficit and international debt with little to show for it.
But look at what he has to work with.
Every proposal he has supported, even if it was one championed by republicans just a few years ago, now filibustered by those same republicans.
Filibusters not for any understandable objections, but simply because they are being proposed by democrats.
Example
The democrats want to extend the Bush tax cuts for all except those who make over $250,000.00 a year.
The republicans want the to extend that cut for all.
Democrats don't think we can afford that.
To get what they want, republicans are threatening to let those tax breaks expire, giving the middle class a major tax hike.
To get what they want, they are holding the middle class hostage.
I'm not saying democrats are saints.
But it's clear by their tactics and policies that the republicans aren't looking out for the every-day American; or at least not anymore.
The way I seek it:
Democrats are well meaning cowards.
Republicans are boastful jerks.
I find one more attractive than the other.
Republicans boast as believers, but by their policies and behaviors, many of them fail as Christians.
Democrats shy away from their faith durring elections, but seem to be guided by their hearts in office.
Reminds me of the parable of the two brothers.
One said yes, but didn't follow through.
The other said no, but delivered in the end.
I find one more attractive than the other.
I may be wrong.
I received an e-mail from a trusted and beloved friend listing the reasons why Christians should vote republican in the upcoming election. What follows is my reply to his e-mail, and my impression to the opposite.
I don't buy it.
Obama was handed an economy on life support.
Put there by a republican president with majorities in the house and the senate until, I think, 2006.
Bush abandoned the war everyone supported for the one that noone understood.
He relaxed regulations that would have saved us from the economic crisis (maybe even the oil disaster).
I might agree with the argument that Obama has increased the deficit and international debt with little to show for it.
But look at what he has to work with.
Every proposal he has supported, even if it was one championed by republicans just a few years ago, now filibustered by those same republicans.
Filibusters not for any understandable objections, but simply because they are being proposed by democrats.
Example
The democrats want to extend the Bush tax cuts for all except those who make over $250,000.00 a year.
The republicans want the to extend that cut for all.
Democrats don't think we can afford that.
To get what they want, republicans are threatening to let those tax breaks expire, giving the middle class a major tax hike.
To get what they want, they are holding the middle class hostage.
I'm not saying democrats are saints.
But it's clear by their tactics and policies that the republicans aren't looking out for the every-day American; or at least not anymore.
The way I seek it:
Democrats are well meaning cowards.
Republicans are boastful jerks.
I find one more attractive than the other.
Republicans boast as believers, but by their policies and behaviors, many of them fail as Christians.
Democrats shy away from their faith durring elections, but seem to be guided by their hearts in office.
Reminds me of the parable of the two brothers.
One said yes, but didn't follow through.
The other said no, but delivered in the end.
I find one more attractive than the other.
I may be wrong.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Christians and Americans would not, by definition, oppose the so called Ground Zero Mosque
I'm under the impression that I have heard all the arguments on this issue, and my conclusions are thus:
- A Christian, a believer in the teachings of Jesus, by definition, has no objection to the so called Ground Zero Mosque.
- An American, one who embraces the Constitution, by definition, has no objection to the so called Ground Zero Mosque.
Not without abandoning some of the core beliefs that define them.
First the issue, as I have have come to understand it: A group of Muslims are seeking to purchase an abandoned Burlington Coat Factory which happens to be located 2 blocks from Ground Zero. They intend to build a community center which will likely contain a Mosque.
Opposed to them are several folks who feel that "the people who attached us" should not be allowed to build a Mosque near Ground Zero.
My point: an American or a Christian, by definition, would have no objection to the so called Ground Zero Mosque. I am being very careful with my words here. I'm not saying they should be in favor of the Mosque; that would be their own choice. What I am saying is that based on their faith in the Bible and/or the Constitution, they would have no objection to the Mosque.
A Christian:
Kindergarten logic would dictate "Good for you, bad for me." In other words, if it is good for Islam, it is bad for Christianity.
I am a Christian; been one since October 14, 2001. By definition, I am to "Go [...] and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (The Great Commission, Matthew 28:19, KJV). My mission is to convert others to Christianity.
By any means necessary? No. I don't think anyone would be in favor of another inquisition. And besides, forcing others to accept Christianity is ... well, unchristian. I mean, what would Jesus do? His approach was simply to say "follow me." He would speak and he would teach, and people were free to follow Him or ignore Him. The most violent thing Jesus did was turning over the tables at the Temple. Wall Street? No, I'm not getting into that now. Need to stay on topic.
I am commissioned to convert others to Christianity. Other religions and belief systems, understandably, also seek to convert others to themselves: Muslims, Hindus, Vegetarians, Communists, Team Edward, etc.
Back to the Mosque, kindergarten logic says that as a Christian with a mission to convert others to Christianity, my job would be easier with one less Mosque in the world, especially if it is at Ground Zero. But like I said, what methods, what tactics did Jesus use? Do we know more than Jesus, that we feel comfortable abandoning "follow me" for more forceful methods to obstruct their worship?
My weapon is The Word. My tactics are example and debate. Anything beyond that is outside of Christ.
An American:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." (The First Amendment to the Constitution to the United States - As if you didn't know)
They are a region. They wish to exorcise their right to worship. They wish to peaceably assemble. And they have a right not to be prohibited to do so. Unless you are in favor of repealing the Fist Amendment. Good luck with that.
And even if they don't stick to the "peaceably assemble," we have laws and forces tasked with dealing with such issues. Or do we not trust our laws and police?
Again, kindergarten logic says "they attached us, so they shouldn't build a Mosque here."
One of two things is true:
(1) the 9/11 hijackers have embraced a distorted and false teaching based on the words of the prophet. They are not true Muslims. They stand apart from them Muslims that wish to build the Mosque. So what's the problem?
(2) the 9/11 hijackers have correctly followed the teachings of the prophet and died as good Muslims. The folks who wish to build the Mosque are watered down Muslims. They stand apart from the crazy dangerous Muslim hijackers. So what's the problem?
My point is, the Muslims who wish to build the Mosque are not the ones we need to worry about. And if they are, they'll get arrested.
Some might say that extremists would see the Mosque as a victory. I say, stopping the Mosque will only serve as another example of "western oppression." Damned if you do, damned if you don't. They wont like you no matter what you do. You can't beat an extremist movement by force or logic. But you can starve them of new recruits that might say, among other things, "Hold on now. I think those Americans are meddlesome too, but look, they allowed a Mosque near Ground Zero."
Some might say that it could become a headquarters for future attacks. I say again, we have laws against such conspiracies and forces tasked to deal with it. Besides it might be a great place to gather intelligence from.
Some might say that the money to build the Mosque might be coming from extremists. I say good; follow the money and get those guys.
Some say that we'll allow a Mosque at Ground Zero when they allow a Church is Saudi Arabia. You want to be like Saudi Arabia? You have at it! I believe the United States is different, and better, than Saudi Arabia in this respect. I don't want to be like them. I want to be like us.
Some might say that New York is tolerant enough and this Mosque goes too far. As if the presence of a Mosque has adverse effects on the community. I am more offended by a strip club, a liquor store, or Starbucks, than I am of a Mosque. As much as I don't believe in Islam, I'm under the impression that they don't abuse their bodies, numb their senses, and/or jack up their prices to take advantage of your unhealthy addiction like those businesses do.
Some might say that the families of the victims would feel offended. Now this argument sways me a bit. What happened was a terrible tragedy. It was an event that effected us all. An event we should never forget. But again, the people to knocked down the towers are not the people who wish to build this temple. They are in the unfortunate circumstance that there are crazy people out there who do things in the name of their god, and they often suffer retaliatory attacks for it. Many so called Christians have done many unchristian things in the name of Christ. Should the recent child molestation problems in the Catholic church serve as an example of the failure of Christian morals? I don't think so.
This is a tremendous opportunity for us to stand together as a nation to say that the extremists do not own Islam. That we will not allow their actions to dictate our behavior. That we can see the difference between the extremists and our Muslims brothers, who are as American as we are. And that while we may not believe what they believe, in this great nation, there is always room for respect.
In the end, I hope my opinion is moot. Because as I see it, this deal is between the seller, the buyer, and any agencies regulating the transaction. "The rest is silence." (Hamlet, by William Shakespeare)
God forgive me if I am wrong.
- A Christian, a believer in the teachings of Jesus, by definition, has no objection to the so called Ground Zero Mosque.
- An American, one who embraces the Constitution, by definition, has no objection to the so called Ground Zero Mosque.
Not without abandoning some of the core beliefs that define them.
First the issue, as I have have come to understand it: A group of Muslims are seeking to purchase an abandoned Burlington Coat Factory which happens to be located 2 blocks from Ground Zero. They intend to build a community center which will likely contain a Mosque.
Opposed to them are several folks who feel that "the people who attached us" should not be allowed to build a Mosque near Ground Zero.
My point: an American or a Christian, by definition, would have no objection to the so called Ground Zero Mosque. I am being very careful with my words here. I'm not saying they should be in favor of the Mosque; that would be their own choice. What I am saying is that based on their faith in the Bible and/or the Constitution, they would have no objection to the Mosque.
A Christian:
Kindergarten logic would dictate "Good for you, bad for me." In other words, if it is good for Islam, it is bad for Christianity.
I am a Christian; been one since October 14, 2001. By definition, I am to "Go [...] and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (The Great Commission, Matthew 28:19, KJV). My mission is to convert others to Christianity.
By any means necessary? No. I don't think anyone would be in favor of another inquisition. And besides, forcing others to accept Christianity is ... well, unchristian. I mean, what would Jesus do? His approach was simply to say "follow me." He would speak and he would teach, and people were free to follow Him or ignore Him. The most violent thing Jesus did was turning over the tables at the Temple. Wall Street? No, I'm not getting into that now. Need to stay on topic.
I am commissioned to convert others to Christianity. Other religions and belief systems, understandably, also seek to convert others to themselves: Muslims, Hindus, Vegetarians, Communists, Team Edward, etc.
Back to the Mosque, kindergarten logic says that as a Christian with a mission to convert others to Christianity, my job would be easier with one less Mosque in the world, especially if it is at Ground Zero. But like I said, what methods, what tactics did Jesus use? Do we know more than Jesus, that we feel comfortable abandoning "follow me" for more forceful methods to obstruct their worship?
My weapon is The Word. My tactics are example and debate. Anything beyond that is outside of Christ.
An American:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." (The First Amendment to the Constitution to the United States - As if you didn't know)
They are a region. They wish to exorcise their right to worship. They wish to peaceably assemble. And they have a right not to be prohibited to do so. Unless you are in favor of repealing the Fist Amendment. Good luck with that.
And even if they don't stick to the "peaceably assemble," we have laws and forces tasked with dealing with such issues. Or do we not trust our laws and police?
Again, kindergarten logic says "they attached us, so they shouldn't build a Mosque here."
One of two things is true:
(1) the 9/11 hijackers have embraced a distorted and false teaching based on the words of the prophet. They are not true Muslims. They stand apart from them Muslims that wish to build the Mosque. So what's the problem?
(2) the 9/11 hijackers have correctly followed the teachings of the prophet and died as good Muslims. The folks who wish to build the Mosque are watered down Muslims. They stand apart from the crazy dangerous Muslim hijackers. So what's the problem?
My point is, the Muslims who wish to build the Mosque are not the ones we need to worry about. And if they are, they'll get arrested.
Some might say that extremists would see the Mosque as a victory. I say, stopping the Mosque will only serve as another example of "western oppression." Damned if you do, damned if you don't. They wont like you no matter what you do. You can't beat an extremist movement by force or logic. But you can starve them of new recruits that might say, among other things, "Hold on now. I think those Americans are meddlesome too, but look, they allowed a Mosque near Ground Zero."
Some might say that it could become a headquarters for future attacks. I say again, we have laws against such conspiracies and forces tasked to deal with it. Besides it might be a great place to gather intelligence from.
Some might say that the money to build the Mosque might be coming from extremists. I say good; follow the money and get those guys.
Some say that we'll allow a Mosque at Ground Zero when they allow a Church is Saudi Arabia. You want to be like Saudi Arabia? You have at it! I believe the United States is different, and better, than Saudi Arabia in this respect. I don't want to be like them. I want to be like us.
Some might say that New York is tolerant enough and this Mosque goes too far. As if the presence of a Mosque has adverse effects on the community. I am more offended by a strip club, a liquor store, or Starbucks, than I am of a Mosque. As much as I don't believe in Islam, I'm under the impression that they don't abuse their bodies, numb their senses, and/or jack up their prices to take advantage of your unhealthy addiction like those businesses do.
Some might say that the families of the victims would feel offended. Now this argument sways me a bit. What happened was a terrible tragedy. It was an event that effected us all. An event we should never forget. But again, the people to knocked down the towers are not the people who wish to build this temple. They are in the unfortunate circumstance that there are crazy people out there who do things in the name of their god, and they often suffer retaliatory attacks for it. Many so called Christians have done many unchristian things in the name of Christ. Should the recent child molestation problems in the Catholic church serve as an example of the failure of Christian morals? I don't think so.
This is a tremendous opportunity for us to stand together as a nation to say that the extremists do not own Islam. That we will not allow their actions to dictate our behavior. That we can see the difference between the extremists and our Muslims brothers, who are as American as we are. And that while we may not believe what they believe, in this great nation, there is always room for respect.
In the end, I hope my opinion is moot. Because as I see it, this deal is between the seller, the buyer, and any agencies regulating the transaction. "The rest is silence." (Hamlet, by William Shakespeare)
God forgive me if I am wrong.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
We take Everything on Faith
In the end, we take everything on faith. Some beliefs seem more certain than others, but when you really look at it, what have you got?
What you "know" is a conclusion you've drawn from your seances, your experiences, your intuition, and/or the testimony of others.
Consider your sources:
- You ever been wrong about anything you saw, heard, smelled, tasted, or felt?
- You ever said to yourself "I used to think that way, but not anymore"?
- You ever think "this isn't going the way I thought"?
- You ever regret taking someone's word for it?
The High Aldwin said it best "Forget what you know, or think you know." - Willow (1988).
The lunatic extreme would say "We're not really here. We just think we are." I don't agree but what could I possible say to the contrary? I am here? I am real?
"What is real? How do you define real? If real is what you can feel, smell, taste and see, then 'real' is simply electrical signals interpreted by your brain." - Morpheus, The Matrix (1999).
For the sake of my point, I have made up the following definition.
Certainty:
a) the belief we are most comfortable with;
b) the only possibility we are aware of.
I will call on Othello a thousand times as the perfect example for this. From Othello's point of view, the evidence was clear that his wife was unfaithful:
- He hears from a trusted friend that she is unfaithful,
- He sees her with Cassio (the suspected lover) all the time,
- She constantly pleads for Cassio to be reinstated as Lieutenant after he was demoted due to his involvement in a drunken brawl,
- She refuses to produce the handkerchief (his first gift to her),
- He hears Cassio boast his conquest of her, and
- (the smoking gun) He sees Cassio holding the handkerchief.
The point Shakespeare was trying to make was that jealousy (possibly other emotions) can warp your perception of events. I agree. But look at that list again. A sober jury would say that the evidence is beyond a reasonable doubt; she is guilty of adultery. And yet all of it is untrue. All of it orchestrated by one man with evil intentions. Othello got played.
We take everything on faith. I am relatively sure I am real. I can never be sure any of you are real. Are you as real as I am? Do you still exist after I leave the room? If I am not there to hear it, did the tree really fall? Is the world being loaded and rendered around me like a video game? Is that why my vision is so low? So that I don't notice anomalies and even if I do I conclude that "I must have seen that wrong"?
After I get over the existence of others, questions arise about what "I know." Was George Washington the first president of the United States? I only know what I have been taught. But why would anybody lie about that?
Not even the scientific method is immune. The second step is the hypothesis: what we believe may happen. You really have no idea what will happen until you flip the switch, push the button, run the program. Hume taught that past experience has no effect on the future; what we expect to happen might not.
We take everything on faith.
We take EVERYTHING on faith.
We believe in the future, so we plan and execute.
We believe the cars behind us will also stop, so we decelerate when the light turns red.
We believe our messages will be delivered, so we type them up and hit Send.
We believe, so we do.
I believe I was build by a benevolent creator.
I believe he was given me a mind to perceive and free will to choose.
I believe Jesus chose to die for my sins.
I believe that act grants me an invitation into his kingdom.
I believe that until his kingdom comes, am I to follow his example.
I believe I must make His kingdom known to others as it was made known to me.
I believe you are capable of making the same choice.
I believe that for as long as the door is open, that choice is up to you, and you alone.
That, among many other things, is what I believe ... and I could be wrong.
I could be wrong.
I could be very wrong.
I could be dead fucking wrong!
But that is the nature of faith.
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1).
You don't have to believe what I believe, although I wish you would. But at least consider what I said. We take everything on faith.
What you "know" is a conclusion you've drawn from your seances, your experiences, your intuition, and/or the testimony of others.
Consider your sources:
- You ever been wrong about anything you saw, heard, smelled, tasted, or felt?
- You ever said to yourself "I used to think that way, but not anymore"?
- You ever think "this isn't going the way I thought"?
- You ever regret taking someone's word for it?
The High Aldwin said it best "Forget what you know, or think you know." - Willow (1988).
The lunatic extreme would say "We're not really here. We just think we are." I don't agree but what could I possible say to the contrary? I am here? I am real?
"What is real? How do you define real? If real is what you can feel, smell, taste and see, then 'real' is simply electrical signals interpreted by your brain." - Morpheus, The Matrix (1999).
For the sake of my point, I have made up the following definition.
Certainty:
a) the belief we are most comfortable with;
b) the only possibility we are aware of.
I will call on Othello a thousand times as the perfect example for this. From Othello's point of view, the evidence was clear that his wife was unfaithful:
- He hears from a trusted friend that she is unfaithful,
- He sees her with Cassio (the suspected lover) all the time,
- She constantly pleads for Cassio to be reinstated as Lieutenant after he was demoted due to his involvement in a drunken brawl,
- She refuses to produce the handkerchief (his first gift to her),
- He hears Cassio boast his conquest of her, and
- (the smoking gun) He sees Cassio holding the handkerchief.
The point Shakespeare was trying to make was that jealousy (possibly other emotions) can warp your perception of events. I agree. But look at that list again. A sober jury would say that the evidence is beyond a reasonable doubt; she is guilty of adultery. And yet all of it is untrue. All of it orchestrated by one man with evil intentions. Othello got played.
We take everything on faith. I am relatively sure I am real. I can never be sure any of you are real. Are you as real as I am? Do you still exist after I leave the room? If I am not there to hear it, did the tree really fall? Is the world being loaded and rendered around me like a video game? Is that why my vision is so low? So that I don't notice anomalies and even if I do I conclude that "I must have seen that wrong"?
After I get over the existence of others, questions arise about what "I know." Was George Washington the first president of the United States? I only know what I have been taught. But why would anybody lie about that?
Not even the scientific method is immune. The second step is the hypothesis: what we believe may happen. You really have no idea what will happen until you flip the switch, push the button, run the program. Hume taught that past experience has no effect on the future; what we expect to happen might not.
We take everything on faith.
We take EVERYTHING on faith.
We believe in the future, so we plan and execute.
We believe the cars behind us will also stop, so we decelerate when the light turns red.
We believe our messages will be delivered, so we type them up and hit Send.
We believe, so we do.
I believe I was build by a benevolent creator.
I believe he was given me a mind to perceive and free will to choose.
I believe Jesus chose to die for my sins.
I believe that act grants me an invitation into his kingdom.
I believe that until his kingdom comes, am I to follow his example.
I believe I must make His kingdom known to others as it was made known to me.
I believe you are capable of making the same choice.
I believe that for as long as the door is open, that choice is up to you, and you alone.
That, among many other things, is what I believe ... and I could be wrong.
I could be wrong.
I could be very wrong.
I could be dead fucking wrong!
But that is the nature of faith.
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1).
You don't have to believe what I believe, although I wish you would. But at least consider what I said. We take everything on faith.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Be Wrong on the Other Side
The other title we could give this rule is "Don't rush me when I'm naked."
At 07:46 I called one of my sister in Christ for two reasons:
1. This week I was tasked with preparing the slide show for today's service at 10:00. I wanted to confirm that the songs on the slide show were in the proper order and to get the name of the last song which she was supposed to e-mail me, but never did.
2. I asked her what time she was leaving her house, as she would be my ride to church. She said 09:20.
That gives me an hour and a half to do a few errands around the house, have breakfast at the diner down the street, come back and shower before pickup.
I admit that breakfast took longer than I would have preferred to be served. But it was delicious and I still had time. I walked back home, jumped in the shower and started scrubbing away.
At 09:06 the sister calls me to say she's downstairs waiting for me. Yes, I took my phone into the bathroom with me. It goes where I go. Get over it.
Let's take a moment to reflect: I am in the shower. I am naked. I am wet. I have shampoo in my hair. I am the furthest thing from ready there is. And now I have to rush so as not to keep the sister waiting.
Now, because I am a simple man, I was dressed and in her car at 09:13. But now I'm praying to God I didn't forget anything, that I didn't leave something behind. In her mind, she is late. In my mind, I am unprepared.
All of this could be avoided with a simple approach. Be wrong on the other side. If she said 09:00 and showed up at 09:06 there is no harm done. I'm make sure to be ready by 09:00 and wait 6 minutes. No harm done. But showing up 14 minutes before expected, forces me to rush, or to make her wait. It is bad for everybody.
All of that said, I thank the sister for her assistance, as other modes of transport in this city are inconvenient and expensive.
At 07:46 I called one of my sister in Christ for two reasons:
1. This week I was tasked with preparing the slide show for today's service at 10:00. I wanted to confirm that the songs on the slide show were in the proper order and to get the name of the last song which she was supposed to e-mail me, but never did.
2. I asked her what time she was leaving her house, as she would be my ride to church. She said 09:20.
That gives me an hour and a half to do a few errands around the house, have breakfast at the diner down the street, come back and shower before pickup.
I admit that breakfast took longer than I would have preferred to be served. But it was delicious and I still had time. I walked back home, jumped in the shower and started scrubbing away.
At 09:06 the sister calls me to say she's downstairs waiting for me. Yes, I took my phone into the bathroom with me. It goes where I go. Get over it.
Let's take a moment to reflect: I am in the shower. I am naked. I am wet. I have shampoo in my hair. I am the furthest thing from ready there is. And now I have to rush so as not to keep the sister waiting.
Now, because I am a simple man, I was dressed and in her car at 09:13. But now I'm praying to God I didn't forget anything, that I didn't leave something behind. In her mind, she is late. In my mind, I am unprepared.
All of this could be avoided with a simple approach. Be wrong on the other side. If she said 09:00 and showed up at 09:06 there is no harm done. I'm make sure to be ready by 09:00 and wait 6 minutes. No harm done. But showing up 14 minutes before expected, forces me to rush, or to make her wait. It is bad for everybody.
All of that said, I thank the sister for her assistance, as other modes of transport in this city are inconvenient and expensive.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Be Prepared
Today saw the resurrection of our translation program at the church. On most Sundays I would come into church and setup the transmitter and put out the receivers for our English-only brothers. I translate the entire service in real time from Spanish to English.
A few weeks ago, my services become unnecessary as the brothers had opted to attend to attend an English speaking church from now on. This is their right and God bless and prosper them wherever they go.
I received instructions via wisper-down-the-lane, presumably from the Pastor, to put the transmitter away. I ignored these instructions for several reasons:
(1) The day will come when someone else visits us that needs translation, and I would have to scramble to unpack and setup the transmitter and receivers over again. We're talking about 20 minutes of finding a suitable corner, with an available outlets, plugging everything in, testing the transmitter and receivers, and swapping batteries as needed. God forbid I have to go to the pharmacy and buy more batteries. And when that day comes, I will be informed of the needed translation minutes before the start of the service.
(2) The transmitter and receivers themselves are already tucked in a corner, plugged in, ready to use as needed, and out of anyones way.
(3) If the orders did come from the Pastor, I will soon hear it from him directly; especially if I am ignoring him.
As predicted, I was informed of needed translation at 09:48; the service starts at 10:00. The late notice is of course no ones fault. The nature of a church is to welcome anyone who wishes to enter, so there is really no telling when translation may be needed on any given day.
No problem, I thought, everything is already ready already. Apparently not. Recently the church had collected clothes and toys go give out at an event we had yesterday. The room where I keep the transmitter was used for storage. The transmitter and microphone where inexplicably unplugged and separated.
I was able to locate everything and setup before the service started, but I didn't have time to test the transmission or get a Pepsi from the pharmacy.
I should explain the Pepsi. During the length of the service (2.5 hours at least) about four different people take the microphone and preform their respective duties. I translate for all of them. Every spoken word is instantly translated by me. I try to match the speaker's tone, cadence and inflection. If they scream, I scream. So I need a tasty drink that is cool (to sooth my throat) and loaded with caffein (to keep me going).
I ran into the kitchen looking for a replacement. I knew we had plenty of soda cans left over from yesterday's event. Unfortunately, there were no cans left in the fridge. I located the sodas but all the boxes where still closed. I felt kind of guilty opening a box of twelve just to get one. I decided to grab one of the two Diet Coke's on the shelf, the only cans not in a box.
It was only after the service stared that I realized that the warm (strike one) diet (two) coke that I had was also decaffeinated (somebody kill me).
The drink was unpleasant but it did help me maintain my voice. As uncomfortable as I was this morning, I am still honored by the privilege of translating the service, especially God's Word. "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." (Psalm 139:14)
In as much as I think I was sabotaged by others, the moral is still true: be prepared!
A few weeks ago, my services become unnecessary as the brothers had opted to attend to attend an English speaking church from now on. This is their right and God bless and prosper them wherever they go.
I received instructions via wisper-down-the-lane, presumably from the Pastor, to put the transmitter away. I ignored these instructions for several reasons:
(1) The day will come when someone else visits us that needs translation, and I would have to scramble to unpack and setup the transmitter and receivers over again. We're talking about 20 minutes of finding a suitable corner, with an available outlets, plugging everything in, testing the transmitter and receivers, and swapping batteries as needed. God forbid I have to go to the pharmacy and buy more batteries. And when that day comes, I will be informed of the needed translation minutes before the start of the service.
(2) The transmitter and receivers themselves are already tucked in a corner, plugged in, ready to use as needed, and out of anyones way.
(3) If the orders did come from the Pastor, I will soon hear it from him directly; especially if I am ignoring him.
As predicted, I was informed of needed translation at 09:48; the service starts at 10:00. The late notice is of course no ones fault. The nature of a church is to welcome anyone who wishes to enter, so there is really no telling when translation may be needed on any given day.
No problem, I thought, everything is already ready already. Apparently not. Recently the church had collected clothes and toys go give out at an event we had yesterday. The room where I keep the transmitter was used for storage. The transmitter and microphone where inexplicably unplugged and separated.
I was able to locate everything and setup before the service started, but I didn't have time to test the transmission or get a Pepsi from the pharmacy.
I should explain the Pepsi. During the length of the service (2.5 hours at least) about four different people take the microphone and preform their respective duties. I translate for all of them. Every spoken word is instantly translated by me. I try to match the speaker's tone, cadence and inflection. If they scream, I scream. So I need a tasty drink that is cool (to sooth my throat) and loaded with caffein (to keep me going).
I ran into the kitchen looking for a replacement. I knew we had plenty of soda cans left over from yesterday's event. Unfortunately, there were no cans left in the fridge. I located the sodas but all the boxes where still closed. I felt kind of guilty opening a box of twelve just to get one. I decided to grab one of the two Diet Coke's on the shelf, the only cans not in a box.
It was only after the service stared that I realized that the warm (strike one) diet (two) coke that I had was also decaffeinated (somebody kill me).
The drink was unpleasant but it did help me maintain my voice. As uncomfortable as I was this morning, I am still honored by the privilege of translating the service, especially God's Word. "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." (Psalm 139:14)
In as much as I think I was sabotaged by others, the moral is still true: be prepared!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Don't Make a Cop Call In a Tow for You
The Plan:
Meet up at the Church and depart at 10:00 to Woodstock, NH, for our annual camping trip; ETA 13:00.
The Revised Plan:
Josean is my ride, and he did't get the day off work. We would not make the convoy.
He would pick me up at 18:00; ETA 21:00.
Time to Burn:
Rather than go to work, now that I was available for it, I took advantage of this opportunity and had Lama drive me to the DMV. Needed to renew my ID. Expired in February and I never got off my but to renew it. After that, Lama took me to Pito's on Broad St.; delicious.
But I digress, He brought me back home and I started packing. Josean was latter than he thought, actual pickup was 19:30; ETA 22:30.
Actual Events:
At around 19:50, Josean gets a call from the Pastora (already at camp): Chris had car trouble and is marooned at a weigh station 1 mile north of Exit 3 I-93 North in Salem New Hampshire. He was a little past the half way mark. Massiel was with him. Everyone else was at the camp. We just got on the highway and have Maria following us. The pastors are trying to figure out wether they will have the car towed to Woodstock, NH or back to Providence, RI.
At 20:21 I called 611 for details of my roadside assistance coverage via AT&T. I wanted to let the Pastors know their options. They have AAA but we were closer and already in route. They will change a tire, gas it up to 3 gallons, or pay $50 of towing.
While in route I also looked up and forwarded contact info for AutoZones near Chris and near the camp site to the Pastors. They decided to use assistance through AT&T and have it towed to an AutoZone near Chris.
I made the call when we reached Chris at 21:03. Was on with them for 16 minutes describing situation and location. Apparently 2 out of 4 on the nuts holding the front right tire burst off while on the highway. Chris noticed it and stopped at the weigh station to take a look. Most of my time with Linda (the woman who answered at roadside assistance, I was on hold while she tried hunting down a local tower and repair shop. I could have done that, but they are baying $50 for the tow so we do it their way. She couldn't find anyone right away and said she'd call me back.
21:33 Linda called back to tell me she couldn't find anyone and asked if she could call the police as they always have someone on standby. WARNING: They may or may not accept their method of payment so the cost of the tow ma be entirely on us. What am I going to say, no?
21:39 Linda calls back and says she was able to reach the police and that a "wrecker" was being dispatched.
So we waited. Started watching Percy Jackson on my MacBook. Pastors called asking about when we could expect the tow to arrive. We didn't have an answer, and frankly, I didn't think Linda had one either. While on the phone with her she let slip that "Google is running slow today." Ok so your methods are literally the same as mine.
Around this time, Chris gave his GPS to Maria, Massiel joined her, punched in directions to the camp and left. No need for them to keep waiting with us. I had to stay because the coverage was through me. Josean had to stay because he would be our ride.
22:20 I called roadside assistance to see if they could give us an ETA. One dropped call and 12 minutes latter I got a, we can't confirm, "you'll need to call the local police." Why am I paying you at this point?
22:34 I call 911, they patch me through to state police. They confirmed situation and location, so they were aware of us, good. The trooper assigned to us was called away on another emergency, will get to us when he can, bad. A trooper? Where is the flatbed? Dispatcher gave me a few numbers for "wreckers" they use.
22:42 called the "wrecker." He'll send one of his drivers right out. ETA 20 minutes.
22:51 State Trooper arrives, sees us approach him, he gets on the speaker and instructs us to wait by the cars. Cautiously unnecessary, but then again, I am not in his shoes, I don't know procedure, and I imagine he didn't take kindly to being approached by 3 spics in a now darkened weigh station. Chris told him we called in a tow already. Trooper said we were all set, returned to his car, ran Chris' plates and left.
BY THE WAY: Had Chris not indicated that we had already called a tower, the trooper would have called one in. Adding an extra $50.00 for the tow because the State makes them do so much paperwork.
23:14 called the "wrecker" again. Where are you guys? They were just around the corner. Towed it to a local Pep Boys parking lot. They were, of course, closed. The plan was to come back in the morning.
00:20 we got some grub at Wendy's and struggled to stay awake for the rest of the trip. Josean had a full day of work, so did Chris and I was still hurting from the DMV. I gave them my last two peaces of gum. I started slipping in and out of consciousness. I quoted movies to try and stay awake.
02:30 made to the camp. Josean an Chris slipped into the already constructed youth tent. Thank you brothers. I however prefer to sleep in my own tent. This isn't some homophobe thing. This is a "I brought my tent and I intend to use it" thing. So I started pitching my tent in the dark, as quietly as I could so as not to wake the brothers who were snoring like polar bears.
03:13 I am in my tent and ready for bed.
Moral:
Hope for the best.
Be ready for the worst.
Do what you can at every instance.
And never let the cops call in a tow for you.
Meet up at the Church and depart at 10:00 to Woodstock, NH, for our annual camping trip; ETA 13:00.
The Revised Plan:
Josean is my ride, and he did't get the day off work. We would not make the convoy.
He would pick me up at 18:00; ETA 21:00.
Time to Burn:
Rather than go to work, now that I was available for it, I took advantage of this opportunity and had Lama drive me to the DMV. Needed to renew my ID. Expired in February and I never got off my but to renew it. After that, Lama took me to Pito's on Broad St.; delicious.
But I digress, He brought me back home and I started packing. Josean was latter than he thought, actual pickup was 19:30; ETA 22:30.
Actual Events:
At around 19:50, Josean gets a call from the Pastora (already at camp): Chris had car trouble and is marooned at a weigh station 1 mile north of Exit 3 I-93 North in Salem New Hampshire. He was a little past the half way mark. Massiel was with him. Everyone else was at the camp. We just got on the highway and have Maria following us. The pastors are trying to figure out wether they will have the car towed to Woodstock, NH or back to Providence, RI.
At 20:21 I called 611 for details of my roadside assistance coverage via AT&T. I wanted to let the Pastors know their options. They have AAA but we were closer and already in route. They will change a tire, gas it up to 3 gallons, or pay $50 of towing.
While in route I also looked up and forwarded contact info for AutoZones near Chris and near the camp site to the Pastors. They decided to use assistance through AT&T and have it towed to an AutoZone near Chris.
I made the call when we reached Chris at 21:03. Was on with them for 16 minutes describing situation and location. Apparently 2 out of 4 on the nuts holding the front right tire burst off while on the highway. Chris noticed it and stopped at the weigh station to take a look. Most of my time with Linda (the woman who answered at roadside assistance, I was on hold while she tried hunting down a local tower and repair shop. I could have done that, but they are baying $50 for the tow so we do it their way. She couldn't find anyone right away and said she'd call me back.
21:33 Linda called back to tell me she couldn't find anyone and asked if she could call the police as they always have someone on standby. WARNING: They may or may not accept their method of payment so the cost of the tow ma be entirely on us. What am I going to say, no?
21:39 Linda calls back and says she was able to reach the police and that a "wrecker" was being dispatched.
So we waited. Started watching Percy Jackson on my MacBook. Pastors called asking about when we could expect the tow to arrive. We didn't have an answer, and frankly, I didn't think Linda had one either. While on the phone with her she let slip that "Google is running slow today." Ok so your methods are literally the same as mine.
Around this time, Chris gave his GPS to Maria, Massiel joined her, punched in directions to the camp and left. No need for them to keep waiting with us. I had to stay because the coverage was through me. Josean had to stay because he would be our ride.
22:20 I called roadside assistance to see if they could give us an ETA. One dropped call and 12 minutes latter I got a, we can't confirm, "you'll need to call the local police." Why am I paying you at this point?
22:34 I call 911, they patch me through to state police. They confirmed situation and location, so they were aware of us, good. The trooper assigned to us was called away on another emergency, will get to us when he can, bad. A trooper? Where is the flatbed? Dispatcher gave me a few numbers for "wreckers" they use.
22:42 called the "wrecker." He'll send one of his drivers right out. ETA 20 minutes.
22:51 State Trooper arrives, sees us approach him, he gets on the speaker and instructs us to wait by the cars. Cautiously unnecessary, but then again, I am not in his shoes, I don't know procedure, and I imagine he didn't take kindly to being approached by 3 spics in a now darkened weigh station. Chris told him we called in a tow already. Trooper said we were all set, returned to his car, ran Chris' plates and left.
BY THE WAY: Had Chris not indicated that we had already called a tower, the trooper would have called one in. Adding an extra $50.00 for the tow because the State makes them do so much paperwork.
23:14 called the "wrecker" again. Where are you guys? They were just around the corner. Towed it to a local Pep Boys parking lot. They were, of course, closed. The plan was to come back in the morning.
00:20 we got some grub at Wendy's and struggled to stay awake for the rest of the trip. Josean had a full day of work, so did Chris and I was still hurting from the DMV. I gave them my last two peaces of gum. I started slipping in and out of consciousness. I quoted movies to try and stay awake.
02:30 made to the camp. Josean an Chris slipped into the already constructed youth tent. Thank you brothers. I however prefer to sleep in my own tent. This isn't some homophobe thing. This is a "I brought my tent and I intend to use it" thing. So I started pitching my tent in the dark, as quietly as I could so as not to wake the brothers who were snoring like polar bears.
03:13 I am in my tent and ready for bed.
Moral:
Hope for the best.
Be ready for the worst.
Do what you can at every instance.
And never let the cops call in a tow for you.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Guns: Handle With Care
"The second you don't respect this, it kills you." - FBI Special Agent Stanley Goodspeed in The Rock (1996), played by Nicholas Cage.
Last night I was at party (yeah, lets call it that) with some friends (yeah, lets cal them that) setting off some fireworks. They apparently became legal in Rhode Island recently. Lama (yeah, lets call him that) was, shall we say, the chief contributor of explosives. We haven't set off fireworks together since 1997, I think. So I wonder if he was trying to make up for lost time.
We impatiently waited for dark and set off small rockets and poppers to pass the time. But when night finally fell, Lama broke out and big rockets, the mortars, the smiley faces (they all exploded upside down), and others ones with names like "Too Hot to Handel," "Heavy Heavy Fuel," "The Guns of Navarone," and others who's names I don't remember. I have a healthy fear of fire but even I lit off a few mortars.
Our friend (who shall remain nameless) gave us all quite a scare three times when unintentionally/on purpose he dropped mortars into overused tubes. The way Lama explained it was that after too much use the cardboard tube begins to flake and narrow if used in rapid succession. So what ended up happening was:
Another friend (who shall also remain nameless) decided to make a final contribution to the nights festivities. I was about fifteen feet away but even in dark I could see him brandish his pistol, pick a hemisphere, and fire three rounds into the air.
Several things when through my mind during this:
I started walking away. I stopped near Lama's car. He was my ride back. I took a moment to imagine a round going through my head, the mess that it would make, and wondering how hard it would be to clean up. I am satisfied with m life so far, so I guess I was all set there, but the mess!
No one was hurt, nothing was damaged, but this event did give me pause, and a deeper respect for firearms. In many ways I guess I was naive and desensitized by what I see in movies and video games. I'll clean up the mess right after I re-spawn.
I should also make note that last night I failed as a Christian. I didn't make a single occasion to talk about God, invite anyone to my church, or even actively identify myself as a believer. What would Jesus do when he saw the gun? I'm certain I failed there too.
Even after last night there are parts of me that still want to buy a P-90. But after sensing just part of a gun's the destructive power I'm not sure I could ever bring myself about to using one.
Bottom line: fun times and no one was hurt, but I have a lot to think about. I'd appreciate any comments.
Last night I was at party (yeah, lets call it that) with some friends (yeah, lets cal them that) setting off some fireworks. They apparently became legal in Rhode Island recently. Lama (yeah, lets call him that) was, shall we say, the chief contributor of explosives. We haven't set off fireworks together since 1997, I think. So I wonder if he was trying to make up for lost time.
We impatiently waited for dark and set off small rockets and poppers to pass the time. But when night finally fell, Lama broke out and big rockets, the mortars, the smiley faces (they all exploded upside down), and others ones with names like "Too Hot to Handel," "Heavy Heavy Fuel," "The Guns of Navarone," and others who's names I don't remember. I have a healthy fear of fire but even I lit off a few mortars.
Our friend (who shall remain nameless) gave us all quite a scare three times when unintentionally/on purpose he dropped mortars into overused tubes. The way Lama explained it was that after too much use the cardboard tube begins to flake and narrow if used in rapid succession. So what ended up happening was:
- The mortars would jam in the tune.
- The initial explosion meant to launch the mortar into the air goes off but is not strong enough to dislodge the mortar from the tube.
- The second explosion meant to create a colorful star in the heavens instead detonates on the ground, sending colorful fireballs in every direction.
Another friend (who shall also remain nameless) decided to make a final contribution to the nights festivities. I was about fifteen feet away but even in dark I could see him brandish his pistol, pick a hemisphere, and fire three rounds into the air.
Several things when through my mind during this:
- When I saw the firearm I was fascinated by it. Earlier that day I had held a bee-bee gun that seemed real enough. Everyone had backed away from him so i assumed this was the real deal. I was exited for him pull the trigger, and then he did.
- The first blast was laud, but muted when compared to the previous explosions. But I became aware of its power. Seeing him compensate against the kickback.
- With the second blast I saw the mussel flash. I felt the vibration of the air. My excitement gave way to a frightening realization that should have been obvious: someone could be hurt or killed.
- When the third round fired I remember that alcohol was served at this party. While I did not partake, I wasn't sure about our friend and his state of inebriation.
I started walking away. I stopped near Lama's car. He was my ride back. I took a moment to imagine a round going through my head, the mess that it would make, and wondering how hard it would be to clean up. I am satisfied with m life so far, so I guess I was all set there, but the mess!
No one was hurt, nothing was damaged, but this event did give me pause, and a deeper respect for firearms. In many ways I guess I was naive and desensitized by what I see in movies and video games. I'll clean up the mess right after I re-spawn.
I should also make note that last night I failed as a Christian. I didn't make a single occasion to talk about God, invite anyone to my church, or even actively identify myself as a believer. What would Jesus do when he saw the gun? I'm certain I failed there too.
Even after last night there are parts of me that still want to buy a P-90. But after sensing just part of a gun's the destructive power I'm not sure I could ever bring myself about to using one.
Bottom line: fun times and no one was hurt, but I have a lot to think about. I'd appreciate any comments.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Any Effort to Prohibit Behavior Beyond Debate is Undue Force
Rule:
Any effort to prohibit the behavior of (1) an adult, or (2) between consenting adults, beyond debate or demonstration is undue force.
In other words:
You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink.
But If you had the power, should you?
God respects my choices, why can't you?
Exceptions:
Analysis:
What would this mean for suicide, drug use, and active homosexuals?
I am a Practicing Christian. It means that I read The Book and try to abide by it's teachings. I often attend church services as my formal and public act of worshiping God; but most importantly, I go to hear God's word. I often receive food for thought listening to someone else go into detail about a verse that I may have overlooked, or didn't consider under a certain light. As I sit there and listen, I ponder each point being made and apply them to my own understanding. Do they match what I already believe? Or do they clash? Do they shed new light? Or do they challenge my beliefs? Generally I agree with most of the ideas, I am persuaded by some others, and (quite rarely) I deny a few.
Here is where we get to the meat of the issue. As far as the rejected ideas go, should I be forced to accept them? Of course not.
Should I be persuaded? Sure, by anyone who wishes to take on the task. My ideas need to be challenged by argument. If my ides are right, they stand firm; if they are wrong, the challenge will expose and debunk hem. And it would behoove me to abandon them.
Now, what methods are fair game? The rule says debate and demonstration. That's it! But as we all know, some feel comfortable using threats, name calling, force, doctrine, or even our laws as methods of persuasion.
A man wants to kill himself.
I am against suicide as an option. I am inclined to dissuade anyone with that intent from doing so. You've got a lot to live for. Don't loose hope. God wants you to live, and dammit so do I. If my arguments have no effect, I'd probably try again. But at some point, my authority ends. Do I stop talking and restrain him physically for his own safety? This is probably the weakest part of my argument so why not make it the first. The rest is downhill from here.
How comfortable do I feel, essentially deciding that this person is now a child and needs me to make decisions for him to the point that I must stop him by force? Not very comfortable at all. You may feel differently.
This is my body. As an adult, I reserve the right to workout, eat healthy, and watch Oprah. Those of you that know me, know that I don't do any of those things; but I reserve that right. By that same logic I reserve the right to put a needle through my finger, a knife through my arm or a bullet through my head. Those of you that know me, know that I would never do any of those things; but I reserve that right.
If any self destructive action I take does not adversely effect or unreasonably inconvenience any of you, none of you have any right to restrain me from taking it, beyond for you argument, persuasion, and/or demonstration. Make me want to live. And if I believe that for myself, I have to treat others in the same light.
The same goes for SOME drug users. As I said, each of us has the right to self destruction. None of us has the right to harm others. So if you want to take drugs and drink booze to cloud your mind and help with your troubles (but please don't), that is your right. However it is not your right to endanger me with your second hand smoking, unchecked temper or inebriated driving.
The same goes for our brothers who choose to be active as homosexuals. I don't pretend to KNOW for certain that people are born as homosexuals, or if they are turned during their upbringing. As for myself, I had no interest in the fairer sex until I hit puberty, then they had plenty of my attention. And I'm not sure how much of a choice I had as to my preference.
Here is what I do know:
All of that said, the act of homosexuality takes place between consenting adults, and it has no obvious ill effects on society. So while I would point to the authorities listed above in trying to convince a homosexual to convert, or at least abstain from what they believe is a natural desire, my methods of persuasion must end at debate. Anything beyond that is undue force.
God has granted each of us free will. Each of us is capable to chose one thing over another. "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (I Corinthians 10:13). In other words our temptations, desires, weaknesses, vices are not stronger than we are. God has provided the exit and the capacity to chose it. If I chose not to take the exit, to ignore his word and do what I want, God respects that choice.
How many arms did Jesus twist? How many were forced into conversion by the Apostles? None, according to the Bible. What did Jesus do? He spoke God's word and asked people to accept it, chose it, obey it. He didn't twist any arms, He didn't threaten, He didn't lobby the Romans to pass laws against other groups.
Jesus healed the blind, lame, and the sick. He even brought people back from the dead. He did not "heal" anyone from their weakness. When all her accusers where gone, Jesus turned to the woman who was caught in the act of adultery and said "go, and sin no more." (John 8:11). He gave her a second chance and said take it. You have the ability to get it right from now on. Or you can chose to sin again, and I won't stop you because I respect your free will. I will not exorcise undue force.
Any effort to prohibit the behavior of (1) an adult, or (2) between consenting adults, beyond debate or demonstration is undue force.
In other words:
You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink.
But If you had the power, should you?
God respects my choices, why can't you?
Exceptions:
- I say adults, as I subscribe to the idea that children should be subject to their parents (or those acting in their stead) to listen and obey.
- Although not specifically stated, it is certainly implied, that the behavior only involves those that wish to partake, and that there would be no adverse effects (or unreasonable inconvenience) to those who don't partake.
Analysis:
What would this mean for suicide, drug use, and active homosexuals?
I am a Practicing Christian. It means that I read The Book and try to abide by it's teachings. I often attend church services as my formal and public act of worshiping God; but most importantly, I go to hear God's word. I often receive food for thought listening to someone else go into detail about a verse that I may have overlooked, or didn't consider under a certain light. As I sit there and listen, I ponder each point being made and apply them to my own understanding. Do they match what I already believe? Or do they clash? Do they shed new light? Or do they challenge my beliefs? Generally I agree with most of the ideas, I am persuaded by some others, and (quite rarely) I deny a few.
Here is where we get to the meat of the issue. As far as the rejected ideas go, should I be forced to accept them? Of course not.
Should I be persuaded? Sure, by anyone who wishes to take on the task. My ideas need to be challenged by argument. If my ides are right, they stand firm; if they are wrong, the challenge will expose and debunk hem. And it would behoove me to abandon them.
Now, what methods are fair game? The rule says debate and demonstration. That's it! But as we all know, some feel comfortable using threats, name calling, force, doctrine, or even our laws as methods of persuasion.
A man wants to kill himself.
I am against suicide as an option. I am inclined to dissuade anyone with that intent from doing so. You've got a lot to live for. Don't loose hope. God wants you to live, and dammit so do I. If my arguments have no effect, I'd probably try again. But at some point, my authority ends. Do I stop talking and restrain him physically for his own safety? This is probably the weakest part of my argument so why not make it the first. The rest is downhill from here.
How comfortable do I feel, essentially deciding that this person is now a child and needs me to make decisions for him to the point that I must stop him by force? Not very comfortable at all. You may feel differently.
This is my body. As an adult, I reserve the right to workout, eat healthy, and watch Oprah. Those of you that know me, know that I don't do any of those things; but I reserve that right. By that same logic I reserve the right to put a needle through my finger, a knife through my arm or a bullet through my head. Those of you that know me, know that I would never do any of those things; but I reserve that right.
If any self destructive action I take does not adversely effect or unreasonably inconvenience any of you, none of you have any right to restrain me from taking it, beyond for you argument, persuasion, and/or demonstration. Make me want to live. And if I believe that for myself, I have to treat others in the same light.
The same goes for SOME drug users. As I said, each of us has the right to self destruction. None of us has the right to harm others. So if you want to take drugs and drink booze to cloud your mind and help with your troubles (but please don't), that is your right. However it is not your right to endanger me with your second hand smoking, unchecked temper or inebriated driving.
The same goes for our brothers who choose to be active as homosexuals. I don't pretend to KNOW for certain that people are born as homosexuals, or if they are turned during their upbringing. As for myself, I had no interest in the fairer sex until I hit puberty, then they had plenty of my attention. And I'm not sure how much of a choice I had as to my preference.
Here is what I do know:
- The equipment seems to have a purpose under the heterosexual model and not the homosexual one. The peaces seem to fit and each of us is evidence of it's function. Every homosexual that ever existed (so far) was born from a woman and with genetic material of a man.
- Since my interest in women, I have yet to have sex. I am 29. I am unmarried. I am a virgin. This means one of two things: (1) I am mutt ugly and physical incapable of attracting a female, or (2) I have made a choice to abstain from sex until marriage. (Maybe a combination of both.)
- The Bible is plenty clear. Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination (Leviticus 18:22). It is interesting to note that the New Testament says nothing on this subject.
All of that said, the act of homosexuality takes place between consenting adults, and it has no obvious ill effects on society. So while I would point to the authorities listed above in trying to convince a homosexual to convert, or at least abstain from what they believe is a natural desire, my methods of persuasion must end at debate. Anything beyond that is undue force.
God has granted each of us free will. Each of us is capable to chose one thing over another. "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (I Corinthians 10:13). In other words our temptations, desires, weaknesses, vices are not stronger than we are. God has provided the exit and the capacity to chose it. If I chose not to take the exit, to ignore his word and do what I want, God respects that choice.
How many arms did Jesus twist? How many were forced into conversion by the Apostles? None, according to the Bible. What did Jesus do? He spoke God's word and asked people to accept it, chose it, obey it. He didn't twist any arms, He didn't threaten, He didn't lobby the Romans to pass laws against other groups.
Jesus healed the blind, lame, and the sick. He even brought people back from the dead. He did not "heal" anyone from their weakness. When all her accusers where gone, Jesus turned to the woman who was caught in the act of adultery and said "go, and sin no more." (John 8:11). He gave her a second chance and said take it. You have the ability to get it right from now on. Or you can chose to sin again, and I won't stop you because I respect your free will. I will not exorcise undue force.
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