Easter Thoughts

Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen indeed!

The stone has been rolled away and the tomb is empty! Death’s power has been broken.

The story of Christ’s death and resurrection would make a glorious end to the story, but it is only the beginning. Christ died so that we all might live, so why do we not live as He taught us to?

Turn on the news any day or pick up the latest issue of any paper and you’ll find stories of death, destruction, and disease. Genocide and wars ravage nations around the globe, taking their tolls on local populations. People suffer from lack of food, clean water, and medicine while others have such abundance. The rights of others are infringed upon or crushed completely by those who claim superiority. Is this truly the world that Christ created?

It needn’t be this way and there is something we all can do about it. Christ has already died for our sins, now we must live by the laws he gave us.

1 – Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind.

2 – Love your neighbor as yourself.

If we follow these two simple rules, all else will follow accordingly. For what man who loves his neighbor would lie to them? What man would kill or steal from another when he loved them as he loved himself? Who would invoke the Lord’s name in vain when they loved God as completely as Christ calls us to?

We are not fit to serve as judge of our fellow man and yet we often lord ourselves over them, decrying their flaws while covering our own. Take, for example, the recent decisions in Iowa and Vermont regarding civil marriages for homosexual partners. I, for one, do not know what makes a person homosexual or heterosexual. I do not know if God has made them that way or if that is their choice. Do I have a right to cast judgement without evidence?

God is the final Judge of His Creation. He knows every being better than they know themselves. Only He is qualified to cast such judgement. We humans know paltry little about his creation, surely not enough to cast such a judgement.

While I do not claim to be an expert on the legal definitions of the situation surrounding the same-sex marriage debate, I can say that, by the very nature of our Constitution, there is a separation between Church and State. From all the discussions I have seen from both sides, I have seen that the debate has been about apples and oranges.

Those arguing in favor of same-sex marriage are seeking legal recognition that would allow them benefits such as visitation rights, property rights, and similar rights that are due every person. They argue that such a denial of rights is akin to the denial of rights based on gender (Women’s right to vote) or race (Civil Rights Movement).

Those arguing against same-sex marriage are claiming that it degrades the longstanding tradition of heterosexual marriage and that it is an attempt to impose limitations on the Church. They argue that homosexual couples would not be able to raise children responsibly or to maintain a wholesome union.

In essence, the two arguments are completely different, and intentionally so. Those arguing for same-sex marriage do not wish to impose their views on others; they only wish to secure that which is theirs by civil right. The latter of the groups (made up primarily of religious conservatives) seems to be arguing right past the actual topic at hand, whether intentionally or not. Where in Christ’s commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” do we find the commandment to persecute people who are different from us, whom we do not understand, and where do we find the commandment to restrict their civil rights?

Two thousand years ago, Christ died for us all, no matter whom or what we are. God created each and every one of us to be unique and He called us “good”. May Easter be a reminder to you of the love which caused Christ to sacrifice Himself on the cross, and which caused him to rise from the grave. Pass that love on to everyone you meet. Then we shall see the coming of God’s Kingdom on Earth.

Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen indeed!

Hey Bullhorn Guy! We Need to Talk…

You’ve all likely seen him in one form or another. I suppose, in a politically correct world, we would call them Bullhorn Person, because it can be a man or a woman, old or young. In any case, they are the ones who you hear calling for condemnation of your sin and telling you that you must repent, for you never know which day is your last. Sometimes it is with a bullhorn, sometimes pamphlets, sometimes from a pulpit.

The thing is, Bullhorn Guy, that’s not what we’re about…and it’s not what Jesus is about either. “God sent his Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” Christ came not to call out our sins and cast judgment, but to love us and show us how to live that love. At one point, Jesus comes to a town where the religious leaders have dragged a woman out in order to have her stoned for her sins. Jesus says to her, “I do not condemn you.”

One visit to the temple, Jesus was approached by the religious leaders, who were hoping to trip him up and thereby discredit him. They asked Jesus what the greatest of the Lord’s commandments was. He replied: “The greatest commandment is thus, that you should love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” But he didn’t stop there… “Second, you should love your neighbor as yourself.” These two commandments are the pegs from which all the Law and the Prophets hang, he told us.

Love, Christ tells us, is God’s message. The love that we show our neighbor is the same love that we show Him. There is no way to separate the two from each other, no way to love God and to hate our neighbor. So where are you getting this message of condemnation and wrath, Mr. Bullhorn Guy?

Sadly, there are a great many Christians who turn to the Old Testament over the message of the New Testament, choosing to quote the Law and the Prophets before the Word of Christ. One might say, “It’s all the Bible, what does it matter?” Well, the thing is that a lot of times, the scripture that is quoted is often lifted out of context and turned for the quoter’s own purposes.

A good example of this is the scripture I see quoted when denouncing homosexuality. Critics and naysayers quote the book of Leviticus, citing the passage that reads “If a man shall lie down with another man as he would a woman, it is an Abomination.” There are a number of flaws with this quotation, the first being context. If the person quoting the scripture were to understand the social context that women were property and thus, to treat another man as property was to degrade his rights and status. Also, I fail to see the same people abiding by the surrounding laws that state “If a child disobeys its parents, it shall be put to death.” and “If a man partakes of pork meat, he shall be put to death.” So if these are so easily cast aside, why follow this single law?

Christ came to show the world God’s message. His message, which we see in the New Testament, transcends the old. I often wonder why people ignore Christ’s simple message in favor of interpreting difficult religious law and prophetic wisdom. To me, this is why the book of Revelation, as it is commonly interpreted seems so off compared to the rest of the New Testament. The New Testament preaches of God’s love and forgiveness, His kindness and faithfulness, His grace and peace. Then we see a single story about a completely different God who is wrathful, vengeful, and unwavering in his judgment. Quite a turn from what Jesus was telling us. Christian means little Christ…shouldn’t we be more like Christ then?

But, back to Bullhorn Guy. Jesus told us to love our neighbors as ourselves, and so I love you Bullhorn Guy. I understand that you feel very deeply about your view on the faith and that you probably feel that you are doing these people a service, but please…put the bullhorn down. Your message is scaring people…and it’s casting doubt on the rest of us because we’re all “painted with the same brush”.

You hear the word Christian today and almost immediately, if not sooner, a host of negative connotations come to mind. Why is that? How is it that such a good and pure message could be taken so badly?

As a historian, I can readily point to historical events to find one part of the answer. Almost 400 years after Christ, the young Church was seized by the Roman Empire, transformed into an entity of government. When the empire fell, the Roman Catholic Church rose to fill the power vacuum, reigning nearly a thousand years without any form of opposition except by various princes. With the Reformation, the Church’s power began to erode and crumble, but it still held weight. Even today, the Vatican is viewed and treated as its own nation-state, taking full part in diplomatic endeavors around the world, dictating policy for its followers.

The separation of Church and State may be one of the most misunderstood ideas that the Founding Fathers had. Too often today, we believe that this was to protect the State from the horrors of the Church, but nothing could be farther from the truth. The idea of separating Church and State was to protect the Church. These people saw how State control had devastated organized religion and had corrupted it to its own purposes. A small group dictating the thoughts and ideas of the masses.

That’s the same problem we get here, Bullhorn Guy. You’re out there making a lot of noise, and people begin to think that your message is the only one. There are many who see Christianity as a religion of unattainable expectations, a listing of Thou Shalt Nots. The message of condemnation and wrathful judgment is driving them away, making them believe that there is no hope. Then, when they see that many Christians do not practice what they preach, the scorn grows all the more deep.

So I’m asking you, Bullhorn Guy…out of the love Christ asked us to live by…please put down the bullhorn. Let us work together as Christians, little Christs, to live the message that He taught us. Let us show love in our everyday life, even to those we consider our enemies, and an amazing thing will happen.

Thanks for listening, Bullhorn Guy.

What if God was one of us?

The question has been asked by many over the years and, what with all the 25 lists going around Facebook, I figured that they would make a perfect medium for this question. I know there are only 18, but that’s not the point…

1 ) Would we be able to hear Him past our cellphones?
2 ) Would we be able to see Him past our television and computer screens?
3 ) Would we be able to taste Him past all our processed foods?

4 ) Would we have time for Him in our busy schedules?
5 ) Would we be able to choose His bread over our Big Mac?
6 ) Would we choose His Word over our tabloid papers?
7 ) Would we choose His stories over our evening news?
8 ) Would we be able to accept his warm embrace in our distanced world?

9 ) Would He be welcome in our place of worship?
10 ) Would He be welcome in our home?
11 ) Would we pass Him by on the street?
12 ) Would we stop to listen to His Message?

13 ) Would we recognize Him if He came today?
14 ) Would we be able to hear His call above the noise?
15 ) Would He be happy of our job so far?

16 ) Are we ready?
17 ) Are we willing?
18 ) Are we able?

I don’t know…do you?

Check This Out!

A few links that would be worth your time…

Sheltered Reality – A group of youth and adults making a joyful noise on drums to spread their ministry and their mission.

The Story of Mary Griffith – Mary Griffith, mother of Bobby Griffith, is a well-known activist for the rights of gay and lesbian youth. The story of her son recently appeared on Lifetime network.

Prayers for Bobby – Lifetime’s movie adaptation of the story of Bobby Griffith, a young man who is gay and has to deal with his mother’s overbearing faith. It takes a great tragedy for her eyes to be opened so that she might understand.

Armageddon – The Human Myth

2012.  The Mayan calendar ends with the year 2012.  Predictions and prophecies detail a time of great unrest in the world.  Wars, disease, famine…

Today, our media has taught us to fear the “end times” and that they are very near at hand.  People live in fear of everyday events, seeing them as signs of gathering gloom.  There are those who believe that the War on Terror, Global Warming, and our current economic crisis all point to the advent of Armageddon.  General consensus points to an Apocalyptic ending such as was described by John in the book of Revelation.  But is this really what awaits us?

According to many, the book of Revelation, found at the very end of the canonical Bible, provides a detailed account of a vision given to John while in captivity regarding the end of the world and the Second Coming of Christ.  People describe great monsters, pools of fire, rivers of blood, the swallowing of the moon, and an event known as the Rapture as all being detailed in the book of Revelation.  Yet, such a destructive ending does not easily align with what has been revealed to us through Jesus Christ.

Why would the God of Love, the God who sent his own Son to die on our behalf, suddenly decide to destroy His own Creation?

I may not be a great Biblical scholar, nor an accomplished linguist, but I am a critical thinker and I think that the idea of an Apocalypse and the Second Arrival of Christ has been corrupted by the ideas of Man over time.

A growing community of scholars has been analyzing the writings of John, particularly the book of Revelation, and they have come up with another possibility.  Much in line with the view of the book of Genesis as a poetic interpretation of what could have been the creation of the world, the book of Revelation does not appear to be taken literally.  Given the fact that John had been imprisoned on an island by the Roman Empire for his faith, and the fact that the Christian movement, known as the Way, was still being persecuted, it is more likely that the book of Revelation was meant directly for the people of John’s own time.  This does not mean that there aren’t themes that still apply to us today (which I will address later), but we have to remember to take into account the context of this writing.

Around the same time, the Roman emperors, such as Nero, were hunting for the new churches that had begun to spring up everywhere withing the empire, despite their best efforts to remove them.  John knew that the Roman army was on its way to Asia Minor, the location of the Seven Churches.  He also knew that he needed some way to warn these people without attracting the attention of his Roman guards.  This was how he came to the idea of writing his message in a code that would simply appear to be the ravings of a madman.  His goal was to remind the churches that God was stronger than any earthly army and that, in the end, God would win, even if the Romans appeared to be the victors right at that moment.

For example, John speaks of the destruction of the great city of Babylon using the future tense.  Yet, archaeological evidence and historical reference has proven that Babylon had ceased to exist nearly 500 years before the time of Christ.  Being such a devout individual, why would John have made such an errant mistake?  The answer, some scholars argue, is that it was an intentional use of the symbol of Babylon.  In its time, Babylon was the greatest power in the known world.  In John’s time, Rome was the greatest power in the known world.  Therefore, the city of Babylon very well could have been a symbol for Rome.  True enough, the Roman empire fell, yet Christianity remained.

Apocalypse comes from a Greek word meaning a revealing.  When Jesus Christ comes again, we know that he will be coming to reveal God’s Kingdom on Earth.  There are those that say the world will end, but if we think about what the Kingdom of God is like, would it not be that the world <i>we</i> know would be over?  No more violence, no killing, no inequality…sounds like a drastically different world to me.

John wrote to show his fellow Christians that God is the greatest power and there is no power on Earth that can stand up to him.  Empires rise and fall, but Christ’s name out lasts them all.  This is a message that we can do well to remember.  So, what does this mean for us in the future?  Is 2012 to be the return of Christ?

I can’t answer that question with any certainty…I don’t know the answer.  What I do know is that if we spent as much time as we do worrying about the end of the world on things like feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, helping the lost and forsaken, living the moment…this would be a far better world.  We don’t need to wait for some mystical, all powerful moment to bring the Kingdom of God to earth.  If we live each day to its fullest, doing the work that God has given us, then we will be the stewards and ushers of God’s great Kingdom.

To me, that’s a far better outlook on the future than we’ve been led to believe…

Make This a Lemonade Year

A sermon made by my pastor with the same title inspired me to write my thoughts regarding the New Year. Every year is a new adventure, one full of new opportunities, new challenges, new pitfalls, and new accomplishments.

“When life hands you lemons…make lemonade.”

How often have we heard this old adage when we find ourselves in a sticky situation or feeling down? More often than not, it seems like a hard thing to do, especially in the heat of the moment. But the truth is that we have all the ingredients we need when we put our trust in the Lord.

Every New Year finds us making long-term goals and New Year’s resolutions. More often than not, within a month, most of our goals seem out of reach and our resolutions lie on dusty shelves, all but forgotten. When we put faith in our own strength, we are setting ourselves up to fail. Such pride in our own ability was often satirized and shown to be the “Achilles’ Heel” in many Greek myths. The Greeks call such destructive self-pride Hubris and it proved to be the downfall of many of the Greek heroes.

We choose to carry our heavy baggage with us through life, struggling under the strenuous load despite the opportunity to have it lifted for us. All we need do is to turn our burdens over to Christ Jesus and he will help us, no matter the size or importance in our own eyes. He knows our needs, but we must acknowledge them ourselves and bring them before the Lord.

Times have been tough and the world we live in seems to be getting worse every day. We hear constant cries about the world economic crisis. People are losing their jobs, their homes, and their livelihood. In Africa, border wars erupt without warning, food is scarce, and disease is rampant. The Middle East is rocked by fundamentalist violence. Israel invades the Gaza Strip. Our youth are so disturbed that they turn to violence and rebellion to satisfy themselves. Thus says the media…

Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast. It is not proud, it is not rude. It is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered; it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the Truth. Thus says the Lord…

So lay your burdens down at the feet of Jesus and he will lift you up. God cares for each and every one of us, regardless of any human labels we may put on ourselves. Life may hand us lemons, but through God’s help and the Lord Jesus Christ, we can turn it around. Go out and make 2009 a lemonade year.

A Merry Christmas from the USS Tethys

Title: Merry Christmas
Location: Captain Iluvar’s Quarters, USS Tethys
Time: Christmas Eve – December 24, 2384

ON:

Iluvar hummed busily to himself as he gently hung a small, metallic sphere amidst the branches of a small evergreen tree that stood in the middle of his quarters. Christmas was one Earth tradition that he had carried with him through his many years and this was his first chance to decorate a tree aboard ship…captain’s prerogative.

Earlond and Logan met at Iluvar’s door at the same time, and Earlond activated the chime. “Any idea what’s going on?” Earlond asked.

“Not the slightest clue.” Logan replied, a look of curiosity and confusion on his face.

“Enter,” Iluvar called, bending down to pull out a long strand of gold, metallic garland from the box sitting on the chair next to the tree. As he started to lay it gently on the lowest branches, he heard the doors hiss open.

“Decorating?” Logan said, a little puzzled.

“Why not,” Iluvar asked, “It is Christmas, afterall.”

“Sir, it is hardly practical to continue this tradition,” Earlond said. “Christmas stopped being a recognized holiday before First Contact with the Vulcans.”

Iluvar stretched his arm to wrap the garland around one last time and set it gently at the top of the tree. “Earlond, haven’t you ever heard the story of Christmas,” he asked, brushing the small strands of garland from his hands.

Earlond shrugged. “I’ve come across some references,” he said. “Isn’t it about some large old man that goes around giving people presents?”

“He stole their cookies and milk or something like that.” Logan added.

Iluvar had to chuckle as he retrieved a freshly replicated plate of cookies and a glass of milk from the dispenser in the wall. “The man’s name was Santa,” he explained, setting the food down on the table, “and he visits every house on Christmas night, leaving gifts for the good children. The Children usually left out cookies and milk for Santa and…aha! That’s what I forgot.”

“What did you forget?” Logan asked.

“The reindeer that pull Santa’s sleigh,” Iluvar replied, “usually they would be left carrots.”

“Reindeer?” Earlond asked. Though he was no expert on animals, he was certain he’d never heard of reindeer.

“A species native to Earth’s northern regions,” Iluvar explained, “They were herd animals, though natives used them to pull sleighs and perform other manual labor. These reindeer were special, though…they could fly.”

“And I’m the Queen of England.” Logan retorted. “Reindeer can’t fly, I’ve seen them before. It’s a myth.”

Iluvar shrugged. “Suit yourself,” he said, “But that’s the story. Still, it’s not the most important thing that happened at Christmas. Drinks anyone?” He was standing by the replicator again, looking over at Earlond and Banks.

“I don’t know,” Earlond said, feeling a little reckless. “Surprise me.”

“Would that be eggnog I smell?” Asked Logan.

Iluvar laughed. “I figured you’d find it interesting,” he said, handing a glass of eggnog to Logan and a mug of hot chocolate to Earlond. Finally, he took a mug of hot chocolate for himself, taking a sip of the steaming, creamy chocolate.

“What was that most important thing?” Earlond wondered as he sipped the delicious warm liquid.

Iluvar took a seat in his chair and smiled. “It is the most important thing of all…” he began.

———-

A long time ago…nearly 2400 years, according to the Earth calendar, the known world on Earth consisted of the Roman Empire surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. On the eastern coast of the Mediterranean lay a small province called Palestine. This is where the Jewish nation of Israel had existed and then been conquered by the Romans.

Anyway, the Jews believed in one God…something that was very different from the other civilizations at that time. Almost 500 years earlier, a prophet speaking for their God told them that a savior would be coming.

The people waited and waited, but they did not see their savior come. Many expected a great king, a warrior, or a politician…someone who could throw off the yolk of the mighty Roman Empire.

———-

“What single man could overthrow an empire?” Earlond wondered

“Hey, the Captain is trying to tell a story. Be QUIET!” Logan said.

“Thank you,” Iluvar said, taking a sip of cocoa, “Now…where was I? Oh yes…”

———-

During that time, Emperor Augustus, leader of the Roman Empire, ordered that a census be taken of the people. Every man had to return to his hometown to be registered for the census. There was, in a small town called Nazareth, a carpenter named Joseph and his fiancee, Mary.

Mary had been visited by an angel from God saying that she was going to have a child. In Jewish society, it was considered very bad to have a child before a couple was to be married…the woman would have been considered to be very low. But Joseph chose to stay with her despite all this.

The journey was very long, and by the time they reached Bethlehem (where Joseph was from), Mary was ready to give birth. Unfortunately, all the inn’s were full and they had to stay in a stable.

That very night, this poor, lowly baby was born…but this was no ordinary baby…it was the Son of God.

———

“Right,” Earlond said. “Why would the Son of God be a baby? Shouldn’t He be some all-powerful being?”

“I’m going have to take sides with Earlond on this…” Logan said.

“Even in the 24th Century, we don’t necessarily understand how everything works in the universe,” Iluvar said, “The Bajorans believe in the Prophets, the Vulcans in their logic…some of us still believe in Christianity. Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations. Hmm…perhaps I better finish the story…”

——–

Out in the fields outside of Bethlehem, shepherds stood watch over their flocks. Suddenly, an angel appeared to them. Naturally, they were all extremely frightened. But the angel said, “Do not be afraid. For see, I bring you good news of great joy to all the peoples. To you this day in Bethlehem is born a Savior who is Christ the Lord.”

Suddenly, a whole host of angels appeared in the sky singing. When they left, the shepherds decided to go to Bethlehem and see this thing that they had been told about. Sure enough, they found Joseph and Mary and Jesus, the Christ Child. Then they went and told everyone the great news.

Now, at that same time, wise men in the east who were studying the stars saw a new star, brighter than all the rest. They figured that it must signify the birth of a new king. So they packed up and followed the star across the desert. The trip took them a long time. Finally, the star stopped above the house where Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were living. The wisemen were overjoyed and they gave the young child gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

————

“So….Christmas is about a baby?” Earlond asked incredulously.

“Yes…and no,” Iluvar replied, “Christmas is about God’s gift to mankind…the gift of love. Over the years, we’ve seen how imperfect man can be. Just look at the three world wars we’ve gotten ourselves into. Even now, in the Federation, we still find people who are corrupt and we find ourselves fighting wars against other entities such as the Dominion. We have advanced…but not near far enough to be considered perfect.”

“And the baby…. what’s with that?” Logan asked.

“‘God sent His Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world, through Him, might be saved’,” Iluvar quoted from memory, “It’s a scripture from a book called the Bible. It tells us that God gave mankind his Son so that we would be saved from our own sins. That’s why people give gifts on Christmas Day and why St. Nick, or Santa Claus, comes on Christmas Eve with presents.”

Earlond nodded, finally seeing what Iluvar was saying. “Sounds like the greatest gift was this baby, then,” he said. “If it’s true…wow. That’s pretty amazing.”

Logan also nodded, agreeing with Earlond.

“Good, now that that’s through, I have some presents here,” Iluvar said, setting his mug on the table and reaching under the tree to pull out two square boxes wrapped in vibrant paper. One was labeled ‘To: Earlond’ and one ‘To: Logan’. He handed them to their respective owners. “Go ahead, open them,” Iluvar said, “You’re supposed to tear the paper.”

Despite Iluvar’s instructions, Earlond carefully removed the paper, conserving the paper in its entirety. Inside the box, he found a 22nd Century phase pistol – one that, according to the note enscribed in the lid, had belonged to Malcolm Reed of the Enterprise NX-01. Earlond knew a bit about Reed, and even saw a few similarities between them.

Logan opened his gift. “Hey, whada know, its a sextant. They used to use these for sailing on Earth back in the 16 century. I haven’t ever seen one in person, till now!”

“I’m glad that you enjoy your presents,” Iluvar said, a mischevious grin spreading across his face, “now there’s only one thing left to do. Computer, a selection of Christmas carols if you please.” The tones of the old Christmas hymn “Joy to the World” began to fill the room.

“I should have known there’d be singing,” Earlond grumbled good-naturedly, resigning himself to the joy of Christmas.

OFF

A Special Christmas Joint Post by:

Captain Iluvar
Commanding Officer – USS Tethys
Task Group Commanding Officer – Task Group 22-B “Pioneers”

Lieutenant Commander Earlond
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Tethys

and

Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Logan Banks
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Tethys

“Unwed homeless pregnant teen seeking shelter”

NEWS–

Recently released story from BNR Radio station:

“Unwed homeless pregnant teen seeking shelter from the winter cold with fiancée’ “

Isn’t it terrible how some teens just never seem to stay out of trouble? They “fool around” when they should abstain. It’s quite obvious; this teen was having premarital sex. Who knows if it was with her fiancée’? Or maybe some other man?

And look? She didn’t even consider whether she would have a job to support her family? She seems to be hallucinating as well! Seeing “spirits” and such! Probably on drugs! What a waste of her life!! Why should our government support such people? We should make them WORK hard for their food and housing. Don’t let them take a FREE ride! Make them see the errors of their ways!

Reports say that she and her fiancée’ won’t even be getting married till well after the child is born! How terrible… What if her fiancée’ decides to split on her? Who will be her child’s dad then? We need MORE education about teen pregnancy!! More committees should be formed to discuss what is WRONG with this world? That a TEEN mother… not even old enough to drive yet!!! Has a child that she will have to raise in poverty! Who does SHE think she is anyway??? A few moments of pleasure will cost this child their life… poverty, poor education, etc. And worse!!! They traveled from another STATE to HERE to take advantage of US!!!

Here at BNR radio, we STRONGLY protest the government’s willingness to support such BAD behaviour!!! Next thing you know, they will be trying to get free room in one of the local hotels or something? Like they think they DESERVE it?? These two come from families that are poor to begin with! Don’t they know their place? How sad is this?

Reported by:
Cris Mass
Bethlehem News Radio
December 17, 2008

The Right Stuff – A Simple Way to Change the World

In a society that claims equality and acceptance, we sure have an odd way of showing it. In 2002, over 132,000 American teens attempted suicide. That’s just in America, alone. Experts have tried to determine what groups are most at risk and the results confirm what one can see in everyday life. High-risk groups, according to one study, include teens with mental or physical disabilities, mental illness, depression, teens that are in a minority group or bullied by classmates or parents, and even teens with a different sexual preference. Sometimes, you can see it coming, other times…it happens without any warning.

Society is constantly telling us that we need to be faster, stronger, better looking, more popular, richer, more influential, and so on and so on. Nothing is ever good enough anymore. In fact, in many cases, it has gone so far in the opposite direction that the youth of our society are actually being taught to hate themselves for one reason or another. And people wonder why the teen suicide rate is so high…

You have the student who is so intent on getting that 4.0, not because they want it, but because their parents and teachers demand it. So often, teens start to demand perfection from themselves because society expects it…and then they want more. Teens with mental or physical disabilities are often marginalized or avoided by other, so called “normal” members of society. Admit it…haven’t you ever once decided not to sit at the lunch table because “Timmy” was sitting there and he was one of those “special needs” kids?

Then there are the teens who get bullied by classmates or parents. Often, they are convinced that they are the cause of the problem and that they deserve the treatment they are getting. They’re not good enough and that’s why their parents beat them…they’re not good enough to have any friends, but at least the bully at school pays attention to them.

More recently in the news and made public is the plight of teens who display different sexual preferences to what society would consider the norm. More often than not, fundamentalist religious groups (Christian or otherwise) as well as what many would call “conservative political views” rain down hatred and admonition upon these youth. Convinced that they are going to Hell and that there is no respite for them…it is no surprise that they react the way they do and turn their backs on faith and society.

So…I suppose you’re wondering “What can I do about it?”

The answer is simple: “Do a good turn daily.”

Wait, isn’t that a Boy Scout phrase? Sure it is…but that doesn’t mean it’s any less important. A simple Act of Random Kindness goes a long way and you don’t even need to go out of your way to do it. Something as simple as saying thank you when someone helps you can make their day. Choosing to sit with that person at lunch who is sitting all by themselves, just so they have someone to talk to, can do more good than you will ever know.

In Matthew, Jesus talks about reaching out to the marginalized…we don’t need to join a massive protest or write angry letters to our representatives to effect change. All we need to do is get out there and do the deeds that we have been called to do. Treating each and every person you meet as a fellow human being with the same respect and dignity that you would expect is enough to change the world, even if it’s just for that one person.

A man was walking down a beach one morning after a storm. All over the sand, he saw hundreds…thousands of dying starfish. Up ahead a bit further, he saw someone bending down, scooping something up, and throwing it toward the crashing waves. As he got closer he realized that it was a man and that he was picking up the starfish, one at a time, and throwing them back into the ocean, where they would live.

“You’re crazy,” he told the man, “There’s no way you’ll ever save all of them. Why do you even try? It won’t matter.”

The man bent down again, silently, and picked up another starfish, tossing it into the crashing surf. “It mattered to that one…”

Original Post:  December 4, 2008

Waiting – The Call of Advent

In today’s fast-paced world, it becomes harder and harder to wait for things. We are constantly inundated with advertisements telling us we need bigger, better stuff and we need it right now. Our society has become enslaved to the desire for instant gratification. Waiting only wastes time and resources that could be better spent elsewhere.

Yet, Advent symbolizes the most important period of waiting in human history…the waiting for a Savior. People waited their whole lives, hoping to see the promised Savior, but died unsatisfied. Even Simeon, who saw Jesus’ first visit to the temple, had been waiting. God had granted his wish to see the Christ child before he died. He died happy.

Waiting brings with it a longing desire. I often find that when I have to wait for something, I usually enjoy it more when I finally do get it. So it was for those who recognized Jesus’ birth for what it was…who He was. At Advent, we remember those who waited…who hoped for a sign. They desperately wished to see the arrival of their Savior.

But we also wait of our own accord. Before Jesus left, he told his disciples that he would return. Some have come to fear this day as a day of Apocalyptic ruin, but the return of Christ is to be a glorious day. I believe that this world will not be destroyed, rather it will be transformed by the coming of the Lord. We will finally see God’s Kingdom on Earth; the God of Love comes not to destroy, but to save.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16

Original Post: November 29, 2008