Friends II

Miles away from home

From the friends I love,

Thro’ Your love

Thro’ praying to You

The gap is closed

And we’re linked together

All living in You

All as one. 

August 1989, Camp Tecumseh, NJ, USA.

-Richard

I have really gotten tired of politics.   I never thought I'd say that, but, after the election and all the hateful rhetoric enough is enough.   Yet, on it goes where both parties, and especially the right wing show time and time again that they do not care about the people only their own agenda.   What I've seen is facts and common sense do not matter.   Be it health care, the "fiscal cliff", guns and any other subject facts just do not matter.   It's only spin, fear mongering, mis-representation, lies, special interests etc.. etc...     I am not going to argue or debate anything here, but, just plead for common sense to actually cross the aisles and cut through ideology, donors, special interests, bigotry and just take care of he people.  All people!!

Just after Sandy Hook I wrote the poem below.   It's not complete, but, I felt now a few weeks on it's time to post.  

From pulpit to pulpit

Across the vast plains

Over the Mountains to the sea

The word of God is proclaimed

Preaching and condemning

The sin and sinner alike 

In a broken world

The redeemed are saved

Worshiping the One true God

As long as He is nicely

Wrapped into a gift box

To be opened when they want

Or want to hear.

They worship their land

They worship their politicians

They worship their belongings

They worship their money

They worship their their guns

They worship their power

They worship that gift wrapped box.

They hear a baby crying

Where is the sound coming from?

It doesn't matter

It's not their problem

"We are Saved and ok

Let it help itself".

But, can it be coming from that box?

One person doesn't sit and watch

They go over to the box

Undo the ribbons 

Remove the shiny paper 

And opens the box

To their surprise their is no baby

But, a huge blinding light.

Worship me not your land

Worship me not your politicians

Worship me not your belongings

Worship me not your money

Worship me not your guns

Worship me not your power

"Lord"', they screamed

"When did we worship our Land?"

"When you put your Country

Before me and your flag above mine,

Made yourselves above all others.

I am here for all people 

Not just the powerful or elite".

"Lord", they cried

"When did worship our politicians?"

"When you put your political agenda

Ahead of mine distorting it

For your own gain.

I am here for all people

Not just the powerful or elite"

"Lord", asking more quietly

"When did we worship our belongings and money?"

"What you did not do for the least

There are homeless in the streets

 Children are starving.."

Emboldened they interrupted

"We can't share the wealth because

Everyone has to contribute....."

"Silence..." He shouts.

I died and suffered 

I shared and gave my life 

When no one was worthy

You bunch of hypocrites 

Make the Pharisees look good!"

Trembling they ask

"What to you want us to do?"

"Love, love, love. Everyone

Make peace amongst the nations

Take care of the sick, poor and hungry

Show all men me and not your greed.

The world is still broken for now.

I'll return soon, but, until then..."

They all looked at the box

Ignoring what was being said

And started to argue

About what to do about guns 

And who should get to see a doctor

And who should get married

And how many weapons...

One person tried to talk.

"Did you not hear what He said?

Do you not understand?

They laughed at them

Attacked them and threw them out.

" We are saved and God's chosen

Be gone you false prophet."

The lid on the box

Closed very, very slowly 

And as it did

A baby was heard crying

But, this time no one heard.

-Richard

Why I'm voting for President Obama - Pro-Life Part I

Wow, what divisive topic here in the US, especially during the election over here.  Out of all the topics it is the one that creates the most absolute hate.  I can't even count the number of times I have been attacked for saying I am supporting The President AND being a Christian.  So, I guess the question is why?

However, first some background to my personal views.  Back when I was in College I was very active in campaigning against abortion.  In fact at one Student Union meeting I was almost kicked out because how dare I as a man speak on this subject even though it was perfectly acceptable for man who was pro-abortion to speak up.   Over the years my views have been slightly moderated.  This is not flip flopping, or giving a politically expedient answer like Romney does.  I am still pro-life and absolutely am against abortion being used as a form of contraception.  A foetus is a life.  However, where I've moderated my opinion slightly is that life is not black and white.  There are huge grey areas.  Having known woman who have been raped and what that can do, or trying to imagine if a member of my family was put in that position, or if the life of my wife was a stake I think my final actions or opinions may change in that situation.   Therefore,  I think in the fallen world we live in there are situations where it  should definitely be allowed.   So, why vote for The President?   There are three reasons:

1:  There is no compassion, or, understanding coming from the right wing.  Just a lot of vitriol and hate.  So much is contrary to the teaching of Christ about forgiveness, love and compassion.  A pharasitical hypocrisy that Jesus hated.

2:  Political reasons.  The Constitution clearly States separation of Church and State and religious tolerance.  Also, the right don't want to the Government to interfere in their lives - unless it's something they agree with or want.  Again hypocrisy. 

3:  Last the main reason.   The Republicans have not offered any solutions apart from making it illegal.  A way to reduce these innocent deaths is allowing the State to help.  Support the future mothers so they know they can afford to support the child, give them healthcare, financial aid, education etc..etc..  For those that don't want to keep the child make adoption in this Country easier and more affordable and give the birth mother the necessary emotional support.  Oh, I forgot.  This sounds like Socialism so we can't do that.  Look at the facts.  Other Western, developed Countries all have a lower abortion rate than the US, even Holland with the most Liberal abortion laws have a much lower abortion rate.  Why? They simply give a positive way out.  A way of life and not death.  If you want to label it as an "ism" you disagree with I say Hypocrite!  You condemn the death and yet are part of the problem.  

This the reason I am voting the way I am. The President gives a way to reduce the problem saving lives not just a empty ideology condemning more to death.

" but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal".   1 Cor 13:1

- Richard

Just ignore it?

Something I struggle with, and I posted earlier about this, is what is the role of Religion in politics and how you vote.   I think it has to be involved to a certain degree.   For example voting for an extremist in any religion would be a bad idea as that really would compromise the Constitution and freedoms.

So, why I am I posting about this again now?   Something was said to me this week that made me really think.   As a Christian it is no brainer not to vote for President Obama slightly paraphrasing.   Looking at the issues and making a decision on policy is one thing.   Voting for either candidate because you agree with x, y, z issues and they are important to you is what it should be about.   However, saying I am Christian and therefore......  leaves a lot of questions.   I will be talking about different issues and my opinion over the next few days so not now,  Where am I going with this?

The Religion of Governor Romney.  If you are saying you are voting for, or, against a person because you a Christian, surely this has to come into it.   In recent days there has been a sanitisation of this faith because it is convenient only because Romney is against Obama, or, is a Republican against a Democrat.   Is this a great deception?   The Bible speaks of false prophets who will deceive and move the flock away.   I am no where near a good enough Bible scholar to pretend to know or understand this, but, when organisations such as Billy Grahams start changing their stance because it is convenient then I see red flags.    Here are just some examples of how the Mormon faith is completely away from the Christian Doctrine.

• The book of Mormon is more correct than the Bible, (History of the Church, 4:461).
• Jesus and Satan are spirit brothers and we were all born as siblings in heaven to them both, (Mormon Doctrine, p. 163)
• God used to be a man on another planet, (Mormon Doctrine, p. 321; Joseph Smith, Times and Seasons, vol. 5, p. 613-614; Orson Pratt, Journal of Discourses, vol. 2, p. 345; Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, vol. 7, p. 333).
• God resides near a star called Kolob, (Pearl of Great Price, p. 34-35; Mormon Doctrine, p. 428).
• After you become a good Mormon, you have the potential of becoming a god, (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 345-347, 354.)
• There are many gods, (Mormon Doctrine, p. 163)
• "Christ Not Begotten of Holy Ghost ...Christ was begotten of God. He was not born without the aid of Man, and that Man was God!" (Doctrines of Salvation, by Joseph Fielding Smith, 1954, 1:18).
• "One of the most fallacious doctrines originated by Satan and propounded by man is that man is saved alone by the grace of God; that belief in Jesus Christ alone is all that is needed for salvation," (Miracle of Forgiveness, Spencer W. Kimball, p. 206).
• The trinity is three separate Gods: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. "That these three are separate individuals, physically distinct from each other, is demonstrated by the accepted records of divine dealings with man," (Articles of Faith, by James Talmage, p. 35.)
• "...and he that confesseth not that Jesus has come in the flesh and sent Joseph Smith with the fullness of the Gospel to this generation, is not of God, but is Antichrist," (Journal of Discourses, vol. 9, p. 312).
• "Now if any of you will deny the plurality of wives, and continue to do so, I promise that you will be damned," (Journal of Discourses, vol. 3, p. 266). Also, "The only men who become Gods, even the Sons of God, are those who enter into polygamy," (Journal of Discourses, vol. 11, p. 269).

These are just a few of many examples that can by found in the Book of Mormon (which was actually re-written in 1981), Mormon Doctrine and writings of various leaders.   My point here is not to debate or judge anyone's faith, but, that if you are saying you are not voting for the President as "a Christian" be really careful of who you are voting for if this your main criteria.

So, is this not a big deal, just for political expediency or a great Satanic deception?

-Richard

Endorsement.

With short time to the Presidential election and as seems to be the wont at the moment I will join in and give my opinion who should be President.   Just for a reference in the elections I have lived in the States I have gone for Bush, Bush and Obama.   One thing I am very serious about is that I always look at the individual merits of each candidate without worrying about Party.  

This year my vote will go back to The President.   I must be perfectly honest I have been somewhat disappointed in his first term, but, we all have to remember that President is in many ways a figurehead as policy comes from the Congress.   They promise so much, when in reality how much can they really? What I do like from the President is that to he has to the best of his ability kept true to what he believes.   He inherited an awful economic and military situation.   I know we hear a lot from his opponents to stop going on about that and that we haven't seen a full recovery.   However, I do challenge them to see what they would have done.   Some difficult decisions were made and whether you agree with them or not they took guts to make.   I am happy the health care act was implemented, but, very disappointed that it did not go far enough.   This is a fundamental problem the US faces.   It constantly affect the economic welfare of the Country due to productivity drops from folks who are sick working inefficiently and spreading disease to the added burden placed on US companies who have to pay for health care adding to their overhead in comparison to their overseas competition.   What does this lead to?   Yes, outsourcing.   Overall I think he deserves four more years to try and complete his vision.    

This year is a first for me.   In my first paragraph I said I did not vote on party.   Not this time.   The Republican Party lost me during the primaries.   I have never heard such a divisive, hateful rhetoric coming from so many people.   At times it was almost like listening to Neo-Nazis.  It was all about me, me, me and nothing about the people.   Having said that if John Huntsman had stuck in and come out I may have made a different decision, but, alas he didn't fit the Ultra-right mold so had to drop out early.   Another thing I really hated about the GOP's primary is it was all about money.   The last thing I really hate is that so many of these people portray the faith I believe in and live by.   This really makes me sick, where does Jesus teach hate?  I actually believe others would have won, but, they all had one thing in common they did not have enough money to compete with Romney and every time he started losing he spend a ridiculous amount of money on hate ads (which he now complains that the Democrats are doing)   Seeing this campaign moving forward I am even more certain of my decision.   All Romney wants is power.  His message changes to what he perceives the audience want to hear.   He has no convictions accept to get the ultimate prize no matter who or what, including his track record and truth get in the way.  Normally at this point I would go through the issues and decide who has the most things I agree with.   This year I am so sick at Romney and the GOP I do not need to that.   I think I will still do this later.  What I don't understand and no has explained to me is how anyone who calls themselves a Conservative can vote for him at the Presidential election.   He has moved so far left it's not funny.   I also don't understand how a moderate Republican can vote for him after the Primary.   It is apparent that all the Republican's care about is power and how they get there, what ever flipping and lies it takes they will do it.   One of the reasons I could not vote for John Kerry was is lack on consistency.   Mitt Romney makes Kerry look like he never changed at all.  

It actually grieves me that I am making a decision on party, rather than the individuals.   I really hope the American people and the GOP realize how bad this party has become.   Therefore, my vote in the 2012 Presidential Election is going for President Barack Obama..

-Richard

More on hypocrisy....I guess I'm on a roll tonight.

I have posted before on this.   The subject of Marriage and what should and should not be legal.  The more I have thought about this and talked it through with Jenn I have a greater clarity on my thoughts.  

My bottom line is that the Government has zero place in "marriage".   A marriage is something that a Church has the right to ordain.   If the Government has to be involved, which I think for taxes, and to allow the rights of people to be fairly accounted for it probably does there should be another legal term.   Civil Union, sounds hokey, but, it is the best I can do.  

All the arguments we hear political are totally based on hypocrisy.   A marriage is between one man and one woman and that is all that should be legal, because that is how God created it.  Ok.   A Church can say that. the Government not (separation of Church and State for one.)

Now, looking into the issue deeper.   Those that espouse this "legal marriage, as I will describe it because that is how it is today claim that, as I said, the only marriage should be between a man and woman.  Ok.  But, and there is a very big but, you are going to use a legalized Scripture approach as your definition of a marriage the chances are there would be very few, if any marriages that would meet such high standards.   Why?   No sex before marriage, no lustful thoughts, no divorce (except abuse), no adultery, no sexual impurities, one sexual partner.   In the Old Testament many of these could lead to being cast out of society or even stoned to death.    If this was the criteria for marriage this would be mute point, because like I said so few, if any would qualify.   An even crazier situation is those who are Atheists or Satanists can get married and everyone is happy with that as long as they are the same sex.   Get the point?   Hypocrisy, hypocrisy, hypocrisy.

Now, some would say we are no longer doing this because we were "living in Sin" and because we got married we now aren't, or have repented.  All good.   Now, come to the New Testament and Jesus teaching.  He came to move a way from the legalistic establishment or a Jewish Country to teach on Love, forgiveness and peace, just to name three.   So, great you have repented of your sins (although going from a non-married sexual relationship to a married one seems to be a very weak justification) what about Christs love for everyone?   He loved the major sinners in His day, in fact spent his time with them not the religions elite.   Above all, what about the commandment not to judge unless you have no sin yourself?   Heck, I wish I was perfect and truly sanctified, but, alas I am not.   Also, who has the right to be God and say really what He wants?   It is simple really.   Love everyone, be peaceful, gentle, kind, patient displaying all the fruits of Christlike life.   Only God Himself has the right to judge and condemn.  This has got so lost in the modern day Church.  It makes me angry.  

I am not a theologian and may be Utopian, but, the hateful rhetoric of so many right-wing, Conservative Christians does not represent me or the teaching of Christ.  They have the right to their opinions and I try very hard every day not to judge and to love them, but, that is tough because of the misrepresentation of Jesus' life and as I have already stated make me very, very angry.   The best analogy I can come up with is what would you do if someone denigrates the person you love most in the World.  Yup, very, very angry.

-Richard

Does the religion of a candidate in an election matter?   In the United States General election it seems to, at least from one side.  

I have heard, read, seen posted time and time again how this Country needs to move back to God, Satan is in charge, The President is a Muslim, we need to move back to our Christian roots, the President is a false prophet or anti-Christ and on and on and on.   Unbelievable hate and ignorance.  

• The President claims to be a professing Christian.   That is not for I or any one else to judge.   If he was Muslim and followed the Constitution would it matter?  
• This Country was founded on the Separation of Church and State.   Many of the founding fathers were NOT Christian, certainly nor practicing, believing Christians.  
• Those that create the biggest noise on this are the so called right-wing evangelical Christians.  The Christ of the new Testament quite clearly time after time teaches not to judge, pay to Caesar (a secular Government) what is theirs to love and not hate and I can go on and on.   This group are the new Pharisees.
• Finally.... these folks who are so anti- the President and make these claims have a Candidate for President who is of course an Evangelical Christian.  NO!!   He is of the Mormon faith recognized by all major religious scholars and theologians to be a cult.   If they have a problem with Islam why not Mormons who have changed the Bible to their interpretation claiming it is Christian.   Islam have their own Holy Book, but, never made those claims.   If there is to be a false prophet or a great deception by Satan perhaps it could be argued that this acceptance of the Mormon faith to be mainstream could be it?   

Let's keep it real and say it as it is.   You hate the President because he is different, has a different political ideology and perhaps you just hate.   Stop misrepresenting my faith, my God and the Bible.   Have a different opinion I'm all for that, but, ignorance and fear is hypocrisy of the highest order.

For the record as Christian I would love a true Christ centered President, but, it is not essential by any means.   My vote will always go to those who stand for tolerance, peace, fairness and the people.  Whatever religion they claim to be, that, is Christlike policies.

-Richard