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END-TIME
CHURCH / PLURALISM
- GREETINGS
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- QUICK VIEW OF UPDATED INDEXES
http://cephas-updates.cephasministry.com
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-
Isaiah
54:10-17 For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed;
but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the
covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy
on thee. O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted,
behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy
foundations with sapphires. And I will make thy windows of agates,
and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant
stones. And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and
great shall be the peace of thy children. In righteousness shalt
thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou
shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.
Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever
shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake. Behold,
I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire,
and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have
created the waster to destroy. No weapon that is formed against
thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against
thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of
the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith
the LORD. (kjv)
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- : We believe every word in the KJV Bible and believe it is
the Word of God and that Jesus is the Christ, God Himself, who
spilled His blood on the cross for our sins and rose again to
prepare a place for those who repent and accept 'His' righteousness
as their righteousness. They are those who accept Jesus Christ
as their Lord and Savior, Jews first and then Gentiles. "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any
man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him,
and will sup with him, and he with me." We
invite you to take this opportunity to say 'yes' to Jesus and
commit your life to Him only by clicking on this link: Salvation
- Luke 12:20,21 "But
God said unto him, "Thou fool,
this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall
those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth
up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
We pray the Lord will bless you with a thirst for truth and a
desire to serve Him exclusively, in Christ Jesus, Cephas Ministry
/ Cephas Library.
- For the updated (red sparkles) main index go to http://www.cephasministry.com/index2.html
- -----
- We at Cephas Ministry cordially invite you to subscribe
to any of the following newsletters (free) for controversial
debates and news (Nicholas Stivers: Nicholas Scrolls),
News Updates (Rita Williams, Cephas News Pulse)
and Rapture Watch (Jamma Mokhriby) at
http://www.cephasministry.com/mail/
- If you have questions you might check out related websites:
- http://www.nicholas-scrolls.com
- http://rapturewatch.cephasministry.com
- http://rock-to-salt.cephasministry.com
- http://www.cephasministry.com/index_news.html
MORE GREETINGS to all and the newcomers to
this list. We'd like to introduce ourselves. George and Rita
Williams founded this ministry. We were Mormons (Temple Mormons)
for 20 years. We prayed to God in 1992 to allow us to do a ministry
speaking out against Scientology. Six months later God led us
to the truth: out of the cult of Mormonism. We did not know at
the time we were in a cult. No-one had witnessed to us in 20
years.
- The Holy Spirit brought us to information about all the cults
and the present development of the New World Order. We began
bringing our research to you. Because all the research was already
done, we decided to build a library within Cephas Ministry. Our
newsletters are not designed to provoke
anger or resistance to evil which is strictly prohibited in Scripture.
It is to shed light on activities by those who would deceive
the elect by devious methods and systematic plans.
- We are Bible students and have left all worldly organizations.
- The focus of these newsletters is to prove why we had
to leave the world system. We are called 'Watchmen on the
Wall' which God always had during the Old / New Testament Times.
- To understand what is happening, one has to know the Bible
to compare notes.
- The first section is about the church.
The news about churches is unedited unless indicated by Ednotes.
The church as we knew it, is undergoing disintegration. This
began on a fast track in the early nineteen sixties when the
Catholic Church produced liberal Vatican II to replace Vatican
I.
- The trend since then has been ecumenical which is truly what
the word 'Catholicism' means: a universal religion all
inclusive and multicultural. The Bible calls for a final church
which doesn't resemble what Jesus taught. The Word of God has
undergone many changes to fit the present mode. The Bible calls
for a falling away from the truth before Jesus
comes back for His Bride, the true believers are called 'Ekklesia.'
Our newsletters prove this fact and prove that the Bible is true
from beginning to end.
- The second section is about globalism
where we bring your attention to the social, political and global
trend, so called democratizing what is left. One third of the
world still remains to be taken over. It again proves that we
are moving to closure of the times of the Gentiles prophesied
in the Bible.
- The third section compliments End Time
teachings with what is happening in Israel. We describe and watch
for signs of the coming Tribulation to confirm that we are moving
into that space of time.
- Watchmen on the wall do not solicit memberships. We have
an email group that gets information when we upload new information
and a newsletter whenever it is possible time wise. We love the
Lord with all our hearts and minds and we love all people God
has created but especially those who love our Lord and Savior,
Jesus Christ. Our Statement of Faith is at http://www.cephasministry.com/statement_of_faith.html
- To email go to: http://www.email-cephas.com
- To subscribe or unsubscribe go to: http://www.cephasministry.com/mail/
- :
-
 TODAY'S Scripture Study: THE HOLY
SCRIPTURES
- O Give Thanks unto the Lord
The Holy Scriptures are the inspired Word of God, authoritative,
inerrant, and God-breathed
1 Th 5:18 (KJV) In every thing give thanks: for this is the will
of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
2 Sam 22:47-50 (KJV)
The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God
of the rock of my salvation.
{48} It is God that avengeth me, and that bringeth down the people
under me,
{49} And that bringeth me forth from mine enemies: thou also
hast lifted me up on high above them that rose up against me:
thou hast delivered me from the violent man.
{50} Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the
heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.
1 Chr 16:8-12 (KJV)
Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his
deeds among the people.
{9} Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous
works.
{10} Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice
that seek the LORD.
{11} Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.
{12} Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders,
and the judgments of his mouth;
1 Chr 16:34 (KJV)
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth
for ever.
Psa 18:46-49 (KJV)
The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my
salvation be exalted.
{47} It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under
me.
{48} He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me
up above those that rise up against me:
thou hast delivered me from the violent man.
{49} Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the
heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.
- For the whole devotion: http://www.cephas-library.com/bible_o_give_thank_to_the_lord.html
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- We wish you all a happy Holiday Season
with all that goes with it and hope you'll have good time in
spite of the news reports.
- My neighbors were decorating their house and so are many
others. In Florida where it is summer year around, people start
early to get in the mood. It is difficult when its sunny every
day and 80 degrees.
- We have a group who receive a hard copy letter used to be
monthly but now annual. If you would like to read it click on
the link:
- Dearly Beloved,
- Christmas 2006. Here we are another year
has passed and I hope you are all still on board and still believing
in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday,
today and forever. He is the creator God and our Melchizedek
Priest who will grant us eternal life in His presence forever.
- I'm writing early since I'm all packed
to drive up to Denver Colorado to begin the transition from Florida.
Yes, I'm moving back after ten years of daily sunshine. I know
I'm going to miss it.
- I want to wish you all a special Christmas
commemorating the Birth of Christ Jesus. You have most likely
decorated your homes to welcome friends and family for the Holidays.
My prayers are with you that all will travel in safety without
delays at the airports and that your tables will be covered with
all the goodies that usually come with special occasions like
this. A very merry Christmas and New Year 2007 with fun and happiness.
- This is my fifteenth year sharing the
Gospel and exposing the cults. It is the first year that I cannot
afford the usual newsletter. I had to take up a mortgage on my
home to move back home to Denver to get expenses down to fit
my pocketbook. The payment is over a thousand dollars a month
and my retirement doesn't reach anymore. The catastrophe in New
Orleans had an effect on Floridians. Insurance has gone up five
times what it used to be. My income increases 3.5 percent which
is not even close to what needs to happen.
- I know all of you are having a time of
it as well. We just have to learn to do things different to survive.
Last year the postage was $350 which is not an option today.
Even though the ministry gets two and a half million hits a month,
there are only two people who are helping, one a widow like myself
and the other a Bible teacher like myself who is fighting for
his life a year and a half already with lymphoma. God has been
merciful allowing him more time because he was supposed to be
home with the Lord a year and a half ago. Praise God, miracles
are still part of our lives if we keep the faith. For the whole
letter with an encouraging Scripture study:
- http://www.cephasministry.com/merry_christmas_letter_2006.html
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- THE DAY OF THE LORD (a thousand years) AND THE DAY OF CHRIST
(forever) are mutually exclusive.
- WHY WE NEED TO HEED GOD'S WARNINGS AND BUILD OUR HOUSE ON
THE ROCK (Matthew 7:24-25) John 14:26
"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father
will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and
bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said
unto you." The same old pre-Tribulation versus other interpretations
rocked the boat again rather severely this time because it was
a double dose. It is not the pre-Tribulation believers who cause
division, but those who believe otherwise. For some reason they
can't tolerate the truth and want us to get out of the way .
- The Book of Daniel was sealed until the latter days, it would
have been impossible to understand. Because of industrial progress
today the Book of Daniel is open to us and spells out what is
to come. I study the AMG Key Study Bible and so does Nicholas.
Spiros Zodhiates, Th.D., the editor of notes, is a Greek, who
chose Greek language as his major in college. He added a Greek
and Hebrew Lexical Aids, as well as Strong's Dictionaries and
Concordance to his study Bibles that are extremely useful. I'm
not going to go into details here why the pre tribulation resurrection
/ rapture (snatching up) applies to 1 Thessalonians 5:2 . We
have over 40 studies collected in the Bible studies. http://bible-studies.cephasministry.com/index2.html
- Nicholas and I went to Israel with South West Radio Church
in October of 2006. Nicholas made an appointment with an Israeli
in Jerusalem and we met at the hotel and talked for a few minutes.
The Israeli witnessed to us that he was a believer and believed
that the Rapture as we know it, does not exist, that it is dividing
Christians from Jews and that there is a second coming of Jesus
Christ at Armageddon and Jesus will begin to reign the world.
Nicholas apparently believed every word he heard because someone
had prophesied that Nicholas would have a change in his ministry.
Nicholas wrote to me that he was quickened when in the presence
of the Jewish fellow and when he got back to Tacoma, wrote what
he believes to be the true "First Resurrection." For
me it was nothing new since Cephas Ministry has had many attacks
on this subject and so far I have not met a Jew who believes
in pre-Tribulation Rapture. They are perfectly right because
God wrote that Jews are partially blinded until Jesus returns
to the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. Jesus will come back with
His Saints and give the Jews a new heart so they can accept Jesus
Christ's offer to forgive their sins.
- John 12:40 "He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened
their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand
with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them."
I had received an audio tape from Texe Marrs named "Exploding
the Israel Deception." I was shocked because this audio
revealed a 180 degree turn about from Texe's personal letter
to me in February of 2005 praising the great "Great Cephas
Newsletter" (his words) about his belief. I had warned him
about his anti Semitism he was teaching because people had complained
to me that I should remove Texe's material from our library.
In his words here are excerpts of what he wrote: "Now, because
I expose Jewish hatred of Christianity, Jewish greed, Jewish
conspiracy, the denizens of hell are angry… The devil is
making great headway today by deceiving the masses, if it were
possible the very, by mixing Christianity with the same false
religion that Jesus said is from hell - Judaism. And the devil is conquering the multitudes,
even causing many "Christians" to fall away (2 Thessalonians
2) by presenting the system and city God warns is "Sodom
and Egypt" spiritually - Jerusalem, in Revelation, as something
holy and desirable. … What the devil hates most is a man's
exposing of the Judaisers, the Jewish vices, and earthy Jerusalem
(Sodom & Egypt)".
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- DEFENDING OUR CONVICTIONS FROM THE KJV SCRIPTURES
- 'Exploding the Israel Deception' is in its 6th printing supposedly,
Amazon only carries it in the third party section. The book is
a Paperback by Steve Wohlberg of 128 pages - Publisher: Texas
Media Center (August 25, 1996) ISBN: 0972223304. It was printed
1996.
 Texe Marrs of 'Power of Prophecy'
Minisitry has recently offered an audio tape called: "Exploding
the Israel Deception." and to my dismay and amazement agreed
with the message from Steve Wohlberg. Texe and Steve ridicule
Christians who believe in the Blessed Hope. We have communicated
with Texe about his Biblical lectures and the damage he is doing
in causing confusion and division but it is getting worse instead
of better.
- Jesus said that He came to divide relative to believers versus
non-believers in Luke 12:51 "Suppose ye that I am come to
give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:"
He didn't come to tear up His Body of believers.
- The Apostle Paul was appointed to teach the Gentiles and
he taught Thessalonians 4 which describes the 'snatching up'
event in detail. Paul defends himself in Galatians 1:6-8 "I
marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into
the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not
another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert
the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven,
preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached
unto you, let him be accursed."
- This broadcast [audio tape] used Galatians against believers
when Paul was defending himself against Jews who did not take
to Paul lightly. Seems to me we are still dealing with the same
issue today.
-
- The Apostle Paul stated in Galatians 2:20-21 "I am crucified
with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth
in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the
faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come
by the law, then Christ is dead in vain."
- The parable of the ten virgins explains the matter and should
leave no doubt about the door suddenly opening and closing and
those who have empty lamps will miss going through the door that
opens to believers in Matthew 25.
- In verse:10 it confirms: "And while they went to buy
[oil], the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went
in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut."
- Believers are crucified with Christ and they are to put on
Christ Jesus and become new creatures. See 2 Corinthians
5:17 "Therefore if any man be in
Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold,
all things are become new." Galatians 6:15 "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision
availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature."
Why would believers still have to be tested whether they would
take the mark or not?
- Click on this link to read Texe Marrs' letter to us
and the discussion on the audio tape "Exploding the Israel
Deception".
- A PRO AND CON BOOK REVIEW OF 'EXPLODING THE ISRAEL DECEPTION'
- http://www.cephas-library.com/believers_abraham_a_gentile_is_the_father_of_israel_and_gentiles.html
- See our collection of 46 'Catching Up' [Rapture Studies]
- http://bible-studies.cephasministry.com/index2.html#anchor408
- David Cloud's Advance Prophecy Course on the Rapture
- -----
- HOW THE EU TAKES WORLD CONTROL
- The New World Order or one world government headed by the
European Union (EU) in the furture:
- Stan Bowman Jr. Ontario, Canada - September 10, 2006
writes: Since the Rapture occurs before the future 7 year Treaty
is signed, I won't be around to have the actual Treaty signing
but until then this site is dedicated to the beginnings of the
Israeli / Arab Peace Process and as close to the 7 Year signing
that we get before the Rapture (the snatching up) of the saved
to heaven until we meet Jesus in the clouds bodily, and come
to earth 7 years later.
HOW THE EU TAKES WORLD CONTROL
THE NEW WORLD ORDER OR ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT HEADED BY THE EUROPEAN
UNION (EU) IN THE FUTURE.
- DANIEL 9:26-27
26 And after threescore and two weeks(62X7=434 YEARS+7X7=49 YEARS=TOTAL
OF 69 WEEKS OR 483 YRS) shall Messiah be cut off, but not for
himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy
the city and the sanctuary;(ROMAN LEADERS DESTROYED THE 2ND TEMPLE)
and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of
the war desolations are determined.(THERE HAS TO BE 70 WEEKS
OR 490 YRS TO FUFILL THE VISION AND PROPHECY OF DAN 9:24).(THE
NEXT VERSE IS THAT 7 YR WEEK OR (70TH FINAL WEEK).
27 And he( THE ROMAN,EU PRESIDENT) shall confirm the covenant
with many for one week:(1X7=7 YEARS) and in the midst of the
week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease,(3
1/2 yrs in TEMPLE SACRIFICES STOPPED) and for the overspreading
of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation,
and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
- THE EUROPEAN UNION DAN CHAPTERS 2 + 7
- Only 7 World Empires in History REV 17: 9-10,
9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are
seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.(VATICAN , ROME)
10 And there are seven kings:(7) five are fallen,(5 HAVE RULED
ALREADY) and one is,(1 IN POWER AT THIS TIME #6 ROME) and the
other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a
short space.(THE 7TH IS REVIVED ROME IN THE FUTURE FOR 3 1/2
years of the future 7 YR TREATY).As they say all roads lead to
ROME.
- This just gives us proof that The EU or REVIVED ROME will
control the whole World. With the VATICAN playing a major role
or it would not mention the 7 Hills which the VATICAN IS BUILT
ON. Oviously The EU will ride to power through the VATICAN and
control the world that way. How better to decieve the WORLD through
RELIGION, JUST LIKE ISLAM DECIEVES THEIR PEOPLE THROUGH RELIGION
INTO THINKING BLOW YOUR SELVES UP AND GET TO HEAVEN. WHEN IN
REALITY THEY ARE GOING TO HELL FOR MURDERING. NO 72 VIRGINS IN
HELL I CAN GUARENTEE.
- In This same way the EU will decieve the WORLD into some
kind of nonsence, and the world will believe it. And since beheadings
will be a normal happening, Islam is oviously involved in some
way. Maybe the next Pope by the name of Peter will be a Muslim,
this could account for the take over of Islam at the Vatican,
and if he would be a JEWISH Muslim, this could bring ISRAEL real
close to the VATICAN in relations. Since this future Dictator
does come from the Occult, and Islam is a cult of MURDER AND
WORLD DOMINATION.
- We will see how GOD lets it play out in the future, since
hes in control of everything (thank goodness), no man on Earth.
- DANIEL 7:23-24
23 Thus he said, The fourth beast(THE EU,REVIVED ROME) shall
be the fourth kingdom upon earth,(7TH WORLD EMPIRE) which shall
be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth,
and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.(TRADING BLOCKS)
24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall
arise:(10 NATIONS) and another shall rise after them;(#11 SPAIN)
and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three
kings.(BE HEAD OF 3 KINGS OR NATIONS).
- OK SO WE ESTABLISHED BY THESE SCRIPTURES, THE NEW WORLD ORDER
WILL BE CONTROLED BY THE ROMANS , THE REVIVED ROMAN EMPIRE OF
TODAY IS THE EU.
http://israndjer.blogspot.com/2006/09/how-eu-takes-world-control.html
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- THE POST-MODERN CHRISTIAN ERA - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READING!
- Ron and Karen Schwartz - November 18, 2006 - Excerpt: "...
Genesis 3:4-5 KJV
4 "And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not
surely die: 5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof,
then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing
good and evil."
- We are the children of the post-“modern” era. We
have grown up in a culture that has learned to mistrust everything.
Traditional values are held suspect. Religion, science, and economics
are no longer the great truths they once were. And nowhere is
this more true than in contemporary Christianity. The explosion
of modern Bible translations and Christian books point to the
fact that people no longer trust the Bible. They search
and search through reference material, ever searching for
that elusive truth. The success of the “Da Vinci Code”
movie is a testament to this fact. Many Christians are willing
to accept conspiracy theory as truth rather than long-held
biblical truth because even an unfounded conspiracy theory has
more legitimacy in today’s society than traditional values.
Christians are suspicious of any truth and therefore continually
search until they come up with their own personal truth.
Post-modern ideology tells us that truth must be what we have
discovered, not that which is given or passed down to us....
" for the whole article: http://www.cephas-library.com/post_modern_christian_era.html
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- THE DEATH THROES OF EVANGELICALISM
- October 5, 2006 - The following is by David Norris of England.
Norris, the editor of Dayspring Magazine in the United Kingdom,
published an unequivocal defense of the KJV and its underlying
Hebrew and Greek texts in 2004 under the title of The Big Picture:
The Authority and Integrity of the Authentic Word of God (Authentic
Word, P.O. Box 22, Cannock, Staffordshire, England, U.K. WS12
4HR, http://www.authenticword.co.uk/).
- "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that
called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which
is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would
pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from
heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have
preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so
say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you
than that ye have received, let him be accursed." (Galatians
1:6-9)
- I have been suggesting for some years that historical evangelicalism
is now dead or dying. Many are not sorry, but welcome the changes
and talk of a need to move on. Others, of whom I am but one,
see it as an abandonment of biblical teaching and a drift to
another Gospel that is not another. I have also said publicly
that unless there is a change of direction--of which at present
there is no sign--I believe that within a generation all vestiges
of Gospel truth will be gone from many churches once founded
upon it. Let me just mention three areas, there are others such
as the widespread compromise with the discredited evolutionary
theories of Charles Darwin, but this I have dealt with elsewhere.
For whole article: http://www.cephas-library.com/prophecy_the_death_throes_of_evangelism.html
- -----
- WORLD'S BAHA'I CONNECT WITH PAST IN ISRAEL
- HAIFA, Israel (Reuters) By Jonathan Saul - Some pilgrims
stand in silence. Others prostrate themselves and offer fragrant
petals. There is no clergy, no sermons, no pressing throngs of
faithful. The hushed Baha'i pilgrimage to the Holy Land focuses
on personal prayer and meditation, and is like no other in a
region long torn between religions struggling -- often noisily
and sometimes violently -- for hearts, minds and land. "It
was a spiritual journey for me," said Mutale Salimu Hobbs,
30, from Zambia in southern Africa. "It was a great experience,
with people coming together as one," she said on Mount Carmel,
the world headquarters of the Baha'i movement above the busy
Israeli port city of Haifa. Founded in the 19th century by a
Persian nobleman, Baha'i is considered by some scholars to be
an offshoot of Islam. The faith sees itself as an independent
religion and its 5 million followers are spread across more than
190 countries. Baha'is say their religion is among the fastest
growing in the world, despite a ban on proselytizing.
- Believers are expected to share their faith with others,
but would-be members are welcomed only if they are convinced
through their own investigation and study that it is right for
them to become a Baha'i. "Baha'is take a middle approach
and see the role of religion not to insist on blind adherence,"
said Douglas Moore, director of the Baha'i office of public information.
A central tenet is that people should work to build a global
society which calls for an end to prejudice, full sexual equality
and the eradication of extremes of poverty and wealth.
- The Baha'i headquarters are located close to the center of
the intractable Middle East conflict.
- Earlier this year, Haifa became a prime target for rockets
fired by Hezbollah guerrillas in southern Lebanon, some falling
close to the lush Baha'i gardens and its holy sites. "During
the war, I felt I would rather be here than anywhere else,"
said Anja Nicke, a 33-year-old volunteer from Germany. "It
was very comforting to pray at the holy shrines."
- SACRED SITES
- Believers regard the faith's founder, Baha'u'llah, as the
latest in a line of prophets including Abraham, Moses, Buddha,
Jesus and Mohammad. His shrine near the Israeli coastal city
of Acre is considered the religion's holiest site and a focal
point for pilgrims. Baha'u'llah, Arabic for the "glory of
God," and his followers were exiled to Acre after being
banished from his native Persia, now Iran, for his beliefs.
- Haifa's skyline is dominated by another Baha'i site -- the
bronze dome above the tomb of the Bab, a Persian merchant considered
by the Baha'is to be the forerunner to Baha'u'llah. Baha'u'llah
was a disciple of the Bab.
- The whole story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061127/lf_nm/israel_bahai_dc_1
- -----
- BENEDICT XVI's 3 OBJECTIVES IN TURKEY - PASTORAL, ECUMENICAL
AND INTERRELIGIOUS
- VATICAN CITY, NOVEMBER. 28, 2006 (Zenit) - Benedict XVI's
apostolic journey to Turkey has three objectives: one pastoral,
another ecumenical, and a third that includes the fostering of
dialogue with Islam.
- As with all his apostolic visits, the Pope is going to Turkey
in order to confirm the Catholic community in the faith. That
small community includes various rites: Latin, Armenian Catholic,
Syrian Catholic and Chaldean.
- According to the Holy See's Statistical Yearbook, in this
country of approximately 72 million inhabitants, 99% are Muslims.
Catholics number about 32,000, or 0.04% of the population.
- They have 47 parishes, and are assisted by six bishops, 13
diocesan priests, 55 religious-order priests, four permanent
deacons, 12 men religious (not priests), 86 nuns, eight lay missionaries
and 28 catechists. In Turkey, the Catholic Church does not have
juridical recognition.
- The Holy Father will preside at two Eucharistic celebrations
with the country's Catholic faithful.
- The first will take place on Wednesday at the national Marian
shrine of Meyem Ana Evi, that is, the house of Jesus' Mother
Mary, in Ephesus, the city in which the council of 431 proclaimed
her divine maternity.
- The second Mass will be celebrated in Istanbul on Friday,
the last day of the visit, at the Cathedral Church of the Holy
Spirit. Full story:. http://www.catholic.org/featured/headline.php?ID=3841
- -----
- WOMEN PROTEST SHEIKH'S COMMENTS WITH BIKINI MARCH
Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Australia - November 27,
2006 Transcript, The World Today - Sandra Lane, Reporter - www.abc.net.au
-ELEANOR HALL: Organisers of a protest march against Sheikh Taj
El Din Al Hilali’s comments on women and rape say they’re
confident their demonstration won’t be hijacked by white
supremacists.
- ‘The Great Australian Bikini March’ is planned
for December the 9th, with organisers encouraging participants
to put on “beachwear” and march to a Melbourne mosque.
But police are warning that the protest may be infiltrated by
extremists. Sabra Lane compiled this report.
- SABRA LANE: March organiser, Christine Hawkins, describes
herself as a Melbourne grandmother. She says she was outraged
by recent comments made by Sydney Sheikh Taj El Din Al Hilali,
comparing scantily clad women to uncovered meat.
- CHRISTINE HAWKINS: We’re encouraging people to wear
beachwear. The reason for that… we’ve called it the
‘The Great Australian Bikini March’ because it’s
got an interesting, iconic image for Australians that most Australians,
you know, even from their childhoods remember summer holidays
with great fondness, of going down to the beach, sitting in the
sun, warm, swimming, lots of nice memories. And that we’re
actually identified all the world for our beach culture, so it’s
a statement about maintaining our way of life through using the
icon of beach culture. What the goofball said Warning: Offensive
comments by an Australian Muslim leader
- And there’s a bikini because of the comments made about
“uncovered meat”. So, basically what we’re saying
is look, we’re not changing, we’re Aussies. We’re
not going to be covering up to avoid rape.
- SABRA LANE: It’s a very provocative protest.
- CHRISTINE HAWKINS: It’s an honest protest. We’ve
been… I don’t know… one of the things that people
haven’t heard of… look, the uncovered meat statement
is bad enough, but some of the other stuff he’s said is
absolutely outrageous.
- SABRA LANE: The march will start at a park, and end at the
Islamic Information and Support Centre in Brunswick in Melbourne.
Ms Hawkins says she doesn’t know how many people will turn
up to the event.
- CHRISTINE HAWKINS: We’re actually going to be calling
on the Government to bring in new citizenship legislation, so
that extremists can be weeded out either coming into the country,
or if they’re here, get rid of them.
- We don’t need this in our country, we’ve got a
beautiful country, people come from all over the world to settle
in Australia because they want freedom.
- SABRA LANE: You’re not worried that your event is going
to be infiltrated by white supremacists? They’ve already
sabotaged part of your website.
- CHRISTINE HAWKINS: I realise that, yes, I realise that. Of
course, we want that to happen, but we’re hoping that by
asking everybody else to come, okay? By saying, “listen,
don’t let the white supremacists be the only ones that turn
up, everybody come.” And that way they will be very much
a minority, and we’re going to be working very closely with
the police. And let me tell you that we will be working so closely
with the police, if there’s any trouble from anyone, we’ll
be handing them over.
- SABRA LANE: December 9 is the first anniversary of the Cronulla
race riots in Sydney. White supremacists have already hacked
the protest’s website, there are also reports that police
are concerned the event will be infiltrated by extremists.
- CHRISTINE HAWKINS: Melbourne is not a particularly violent
place. Look, most of… look, there were those anarchists
that turned up at the last demonstration. It was at the, what
do they call it, G-20. But look, as far as I know, they were
mostly from outside. Melbourne is not known for a lot of violence.
- SABRA LANE: Christine, what’s your own background?
- CHRISTINE HAWKINS: I won’t go into that. Look, you can
understand that there may be some loose cannons out there, so
I don’t really want to give you too much about that because
I don’t really want to… but I’m a grandmother
of two. Full story: http://www.religionnewsblog.com/16650/women-protest-sheikhs-comments-with-bikini-march
- -----
- RICK WARREN'S SPIRITUAL SPIN DOCTOR
The Orange County Register, via TheState.com, USA - November
19, 2006 - Gwendolyn Driscoll -
http://www.thestate.com - LAKE FOREST, Calif. - On a small stage
freckled with the flashes of camera bulbs, Saddleback Church
Pastor Rick Warren opens his mouth to admit a small, white swab.
Steps away - far enough to be out of the camera’s glare
- a lanky, white-haired Dallas native named A. Larry Ross watches
with admiration and professional respect. Respect because Warren
is doing something that is supposed to be Ross’ job: melding
a personality to a powerful cause in the most public of venues,
a press conference. On this stage, however, the student may
be the master. “The AIDS test was his idea,” Ross recalls,
of Warren’s decision to take an orally administered HIV
test - perhaps the first major evangelical Christian leader to
do so publicly - at a Saddleback- organized conference on AIDS
last November. “Rick intuitively knows how to deal with
the media.” Ross should know. The 6-foot-8-inch Texan towers
above most of his peers in the growing field of Christian public
relations. Ross’ client list includes Mel Gibson
(Ross helped publicize “The Passion of the Christ”),
Pentecostal preacher T.D. Jakes and, most notably, the
Rev. Billy Graham. In Warren he may have found a Graham-like
talent - a master of both ministry and marketing with an appealing
communication style, a best-selling book and an ambitious evangelistic
and humanitarian endeavor: the PEACE plan.
- http://www.religionnewsblog.com/16597/rick-warrens-spiritual-spin-doctor
- -----
- EXCUSES, EXCUSES
 November 17, 2006
- While Rick Warren is making
all the excuses in the world why it was ok for him to go
to Syria, he is leaving out one important and often neglected
element ... Israel. What about Israel? In the video clip by YouTube.com
(which was quickly removed yesterday as Rick Warren got wind
that "bloggers" were criticizing him for his trip to
Syria and alleged comments he made while there), Warren said
that Christians and Muslims lived peacefully together in Syria.
He added, and I quote: "The official government role [in
Syria] and position is to not allow any extremism of any kind."
But what about Syria's extremism against Israel? Nor did Warren
mention any co-existence between Muslims and Jews in Syria. And
he did not mention Syria's hostility towards Israel and threats,
that if ever carried out, Israel would be no more.
- Mr. Warren, going to Syria, an enemy to Israel, to tell them
about your peace plan, which doesn't seem to include Israel by
the way (except perhaps a carved up version of Israel?), is a
horrible slap in the face (or may prove to be a shot in the back)
to Israel. Did you happen to tell the Grand Mufti when you were
sitting there in his presence that the God of the Bible made
a covenant with Israel and promised never to break it? And while
God longs that none should perish but rather all would come to
repentance (2 Peter 3:9, John 3:16), and while He promised to
give eternal life to those who believe on His Son, Jesus Christ
(John 3:36), saving them from the wrath of God, Israel still
holds a special place in God's heart. Did you mention these things?
Or was your own ecumenical peace plan foremost on your mind?
Sorry Mr. Warren, not this time. You make excuses for everything
you do ... and you say you will do "whatever
it takes" to accomplish your goal of bringing in a second
reformation that will include all religions. By going to Syria,
I think you have proven your point. http://www.lighthousetrails.com/
- Related Information:
- AUDIO CLIP: Rick Warren Praises Syria
- The following is the one minute audio clip of Rick Warren
during his recent trip to the Middle East. This clip was originally
a video clip on YouTube but was removed. Bruce
DeLay from Talk Radio 1170 KFAQ sent us the clip this morning.
We are grateful for that, and wanted to share it with you:
- Rick Warren in Syria AUDIO
CLIP
(Courtesy Bruce DeLay)
- Rick Warren's 2 Reformation
- The P.E.A.C.E. Plan
- The Emerging Global Church
- -----
- MEGA PASTOR WARREN DENIES PRAISING SYRIA
- 'I said nothing of the sort,' he says: 'I don't pretend to
be a diplomat'
November 16, 2006 © 2006 WorldNetDaily.com - Syria's Grand
Mufti Sheik Badr al-Din Hassoun and Rick Warren - WASHINGTON
– Megachurch Pastor Rich Warren is adamantly denying he
praised Syria on his recent trip, which he describes as a favor
to his Muslim next-door neighbor. - Warren, author of the best-selling
"The Purpose-Driven Life," visited Syria this week
and was quoted by official Syrian news agencies as saying the
U.S. should have been holding dialogues with Damascus, that Syrian
Muslims and Christians co-exist peacefully and the Syrian leadership
is responsible for the nation's tolerance and stability. In an
e-mail to WND Editor Joseph Farah, who blasted Warren today in
his daily column, Warren writes: "Joseph, why didn't you
contact me first and discover the fact I said nothing of the
sort? The trip was a favor to my next-door neighbor, had nothing
to do with policy, and was done with the State Department's knowledge."
- In fact, Saddleback Church declined repeated requests to
respond to WND's questions yesterday.
- Warren added that the State Department had warned him "to
expect exactly what Syria did – a PT blast. I don't pretend
to be a diplomat. I'm a pastor who just gets invited places."
However, in a video posted on YouTube but removed today, titled
"Building Bridges," Warren is shown walking down a
Damascus street commenting on political and social life in Syria,
saying Christians and Muslims get along with each other. "It's
a moderate country, and the official government role and postion
is to not allow any extremism of any kind," Warren says.
The reports from the official Syrian news agency included statements
that: "Pastor Warren hailed the religious coexistence, tolerance
and stability that the Syrian society is enjoying due to the
wise leadership of President al-Assad, asserting that he will
convey the true image about Syria to the American people."
"Syria wants peace, and Muslims and Christians live in this
country jointly and peacefully since more than a thousand years,
and this is not new for Syria." Warren told Syria's Islamic
grand mufti there could be no peace in the region without Syria
and 80 percent of Americans reject the U.S. administration's
policies and actions in Iraq. The comments attributed to Warren
contradict documentation by the International Counter Terrorism
organization and U.S. State Department of Syria's extensive use
of terrorism for its political goals. The ICT said "frequent
use of the 'terror weapon' has been made by Syria against Lebanon,
Jordan and the Palestinians" in an attempt "to impose
Syrian hegemony over them and bring them into line with Syrian
policy."
- "The main Lebanese leaders killed by Syrian proxies
were: Bashir Gemayel (who was accused by Syrian propaganda of
being a 'Zionist proxy'); and Kamal Jumblatt (accused of being
a 'traitor' and an 'American agent.')," the ICT said.
- Saddleback Church, with 30,000 members, was begun by Rick
and Kay Warren in 1979 and now has more than 200 ministries in
the Orange County area. His popular book, which has sold about
12 million copies, focuses on worship, fellowship, discipleship,
ministry and evangelism. It tells readers the life is "not
about you," and shows how God can enable each one to live
for His purposes. Warren is scheduled to preach in North Korea
next year.
- In a letter to his congregation, Warren explained in more
detail why he went to Syria, referring to his international "PEACE
plan" ministry. http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=52986
- -----
- MEGAPASTOR RICK WARREN'S DAMASCUS ROAD EXPERIENCE
- November 20, 2006 - By Joseph Farah - © 2006 - WASHINGTON
– Rick Warren, the superstar mega-church pastor and bestselling
author of ''The Purpose Driven Life,'' had a Damascus Road experience
last week – and like Saul of Tarsus, one of the after-effects
appears to be blindness. Warren went to Syria and could find
no persecution of Christians. He could find no persecution of
Jews. He could find no evidence of extremism. He could find no
evidence of the sponsorship of terrorism. Despite the temporary
loss of vision that prevented him from seeing any evil in the
totalitarian police state, Warren's hearing was apparently not
affected – for his ears were tickled by what he heard and
apparently accepted lock, stock and barrel from the second-generation
dictator, Bashar Assad, and his state-approved mufti. (Column
continues below) But that's not the story Warren is telling –
at least not in the official press releases he is sending out
from Rwanda in response to my confrontations with him last week
in which I accused him of betraying his own country in a hostile
foreign land and of being a propaganda tool of the Islamo-fascist
regime in Damascus. In fact, after I called him out last week
in my column
Whole story: http://wnd.com/news/printer-friendly.asp?ARTICLE_ID=53030
- -----
- NEW AGE LEADER COMES TO RICK WARREN'S DEFENSE
"Meditation" is Common Ground - Tuesday, in an article
in the Detroit
News, something happened that doesn't happen every day. In
fact, it may never have happened before. The headline read, "Faith
leaders deserve a shot at creating peace on earth." The
author of the article was defending Rick Warren. Well, that's
not too unusual -- many Christian leaders, pastors and teachers
have done that consistently since the release of The Purpose
Driven Life. That would hardly be newsworthy. But this article
was written by someone who does not defend conservative Christians.
On the contrary, she stands for beliefs that are opposed to biblical
Christianity. Her name is Marianne Williamson. 
- Many of you may be familiar with Williamson, but for those
who are not, she is a major figure in the New Age movement. She
is currently part of a growing effort in Washington DC to convince
the US government to open a Department
of Peace. Respected figures like Walter Cronkite work with
Marianne Williamson in this effort, and New Age leader Barbara
Marx Hubbard is a co-visionary of Williamson's peace plan. Williamson
became popular, largely through the Oprah show, when Williamson
wrote a book, Return to Love, (based on the New Age classic A
Course in Miracles), and Oprah brought Williamson onto her show
-- the book became an overnight success. A Course in Miracles
could be referred to as the New Ager's bible. Former New Age
follower Warren Smith wrote about Williamson in his book, Reinventing
Jesus Christ : For full story:
- http://www.cephas-library.com/purpose_driven_new_age_leader_comes_to_rick_warrens_defense.html
 City Councils across
the U.S. are acknowledging the practical impact a Dept. of Peace
will have at reducing violence in our nation and abroad. Eighteen
cities have endorsed so far, representing a collective population
of over 6.5 million people, including: Atlanta, Chicago, Cleveland,
Detroit, Minneapolis, Oakland, San Jose and more. From Chicago:
Left to right, Dr. Chris Stout, Scott Roos, Jeannette Kravitz,
and City Council Members Shirley Coleman & Bill Ocasio. http://www.thepeacealliance.org/
-
- -----
- SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH TAKES LEGAL ACTION AGAINST EX-SDA
WEBSITES
- Truth or Fables, USA - Oct. 30, 2006 - www.truthorfables.com
- The Seventh-day Adventist Church presents itself as a Christian
denomination. However, its doctrines includes so much material
that ranges from aberrant to heretical that many Christian apologists
consider the SDA church to be, theologically, a cult of Christianity.
- It should be noted that Seventh-day Adventism is divided
by much internal conflict over its teachings. Some factions within
the SDA Church continue to deny key Christian doctrines. Others
have become more evangelical in their beliefs. Large sections
are somewhere in the middle, adhering to an odd mixture of distinctive
SDA doctrines and Biblical orthodoxy.Many people, including pastors,
have left the Seventh-day Adventist church. Some have set up
effective online ministries that expose the theological errors
of Seventh-day Adventism. These websites have not gone unnoticed,
and some have been the subject of legal action:
- Friends of LAM Publications, LLC
From: Dale Ratzlaff - October 27, 2006 - The SDA church is doing
everything it can in its power, including using legal means,
to keep SDA members from finding out the full story of Adventist
teachings. They tried to purchase www.ellenwhite.org (http://www.ellenwhite.org)
but Dirk Anderson would not sell it to them. Then they tried
to shut it down by legal means. The owner of this site retained
the serves of one of the best Internet Domain attorneys in the
country. After one exchange between the SDA (Catholic) attorney
and the attorney referenced above, the SDA attorney has not responded.
We do not know what the SDA church plans to do about this in
the future.
- The SDA church used legal action to make Mark Martin give
up SDAOutreach.org. I confirmed this with the Calvary Community
Office this morning. I would ask that you pray for all of us
on the front lines: The whole story:
- http://www.cephas-library.com/7th_day_adventist_church_takes_legal_action_against_former_sdas.html
- -----
- IN 2006 WE HAVE PERMISSION FROM WAL-MART
TO HAVE CHRISTMAS "hallelujia"
 Last year they lost a whole lot
of money, not only did they boycott Wal Mart but without Christmas
there is no reason to shop. Today we have the green light for
a "Merry Christmas" from Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart has made
public its permission, given to employees, to wish holiday shoppers,
"Merry Christmas" and its intention of including the
greeting on its products. While I do not think secularism is
made any more complete by the supposedly neutral substitute,
"Happy Holidays" (which nevertheless includes the religiously
charged phrase "holy days"), it's interesting that
the story hits the press two days after the Democrats took over
Congress.
- But look we are not done yet!
-
- -----
- CHRISTMAS WARS BEGIN. UK POSTAL SERVICE BANS
CHRIST STAMPS, WAL-MART OKs "MERRY CHRISTMAS"
-
-
- LONDON, November 10, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) by John-Henry
Westen - The UK Royal Mail unveiled its new Christmas stamps
this week to a chorus of disapproval from the Church of England
and several Christian leaders. Not one of the six new stamps
carried any religious symbolism identifying 'the reason for the
season'.
- A Church of England spokesman told the UK Daily Express:
"Last year they came up with some very innovative designs
which reminded people of the true meaning of Christmas, so we
welcomed it. "We regret that they haven't carried on. I
am sure lots of Christians will regret that they haven't carried
on in the same way as well."
- Tory MP David Burrowes told the Express: "It is a great
shame that they are treating it as just another secular festival,
because we have enough of those throughout the year. "Christmas
is about celebrating the birth of Christ and it makes sense that
the Royal Mail does likewise."
- Meanwhile in the United States, retail giant Wal-Mart has
finally admitted that censoring Christmas is not a good idea.
After experiencing a backlash last Christmas season from unhappy
customers and facing frustrated employees, some of whom turned
to Liberty Counsel, a public interest law firm, for help, Wal-Mart
retreated from its use of "Happy Holidays" and will
let employees greet shoppers with "Merry Christmas."
"We, quite frankly, have learned a lesson from last year,"
said spokeswoman Linda Blakely of Wal-Mart in an interview with
USA Today news. Blakely claims Wal-Mart will say "Merry
Christmas" early and often. Wal-Mart will be playing Christmas
carols now through the end of the year. [How
lucky can we get!]
- The world's largest retailer told its associates at a recent
conference that it will bring back the Christmas pitch in an
attempt to be the leader in this year's sales. Wal-Mart's advertising
will announce "Christmas" and its decorations department
will change from "The Holiday Shop" to "The Christmas
Shop."
- Liberty Counsel, a nationwide, public interest civil liberties
law firm, launched its fourth annual "Friend or Foe Christmas
Campaign" this year and is already receiving many consumer
complaints about stores refusing to recognize the Christmas holiday.
On its web site, http://www.LC.org, Liberty Counsel offers a
Help Save Christmas™ action pack, which includes educational
legal memoranda to educate government officials, teachers, parents,
students, private businesses, employees and others that it is
legal to celebrate Christmas. The action pack also includes a
very popular "I LOVE CHRISTmas™" button. http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/nov/06111001.html
- -----
- WAL-MART REVIVES CHRISTMAS EMPHASIS IN HOLIDAY MARKETING
The Associated Press - November 10, 2006 - This holiday season,
Wal-Mart isn't trumpeting big bargains only. It's also bringing
"Christmas" back into its marketing, after several
years of playing down the term. Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s Christmas
cheer seems to be a hot trend this season, as several other retailers,
including Kohl's Corp. and Macy's, a division of Federated Department
Stores Inc., are also stepping up their Christmas marketing.
- The moves respond to mounting criticism from religious groups
that staged boycotts of Wal-Mart and other merchants after they
eliminated or de-emphasized Christmas in their advertising. "We
learned a lesson from that. Merry Christmas is now part of the
vocabulary here at Wal-Mart," said Linda Blakley, a Wal-Mart
spokeswoman.
- Wal-Mart said Thursday that it will launch its first Christmas-specific
television ad in several years, feature Christmas shops, previously
called Holiday Shops, and increase the number of seasonal merchandise
labelled "Christmas" instead of "holiday"
by 60 per cent. U.S. department store Macy's is also adding Christmas
signage in all of its department stores, and Kohl's is playing
up Christmas this year in its television, print and radio advertising,
according to Vicki Shamion, a Kohl's spokeswoman. http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2006/11/10/walmart-christmas.html#skip300x250
- -----
- LEST WE FORGET: REMEMBER THE HOLIDAY BLUES OF YESTER YEAR
2005?
Wal-Mart faces boycott for 'banning' Christmas - Top retailer
accused of discrimination while promoting Kwanzaa, Hanukkah
 November 10, 2005 - By Joe Kovacs
- © 2005 WorldNetDaily.com
- A Catholic advocacy group has launched a national boycott
against Wal-Mart, claiming the world's No. 1 retailer has in
effect "banned" Christmas, while promoting other seasonal
holidays such as Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.
- But Wal-Mart tells WorldNetDaily it has "absolutely
not" banned Christmas, but is just "trying to serve
all our customers for the holiday season."
- According to the New York-based Catholic League for Religious
and Civil Rights, the controversy was sparked when a woman recently
complained to Wal-Mart that the store was replacing its "Merry
Christmas" greeting with "Happy Holidays." http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=47330
-
- -----
- DEMOCRATS WIN BIGGER SHARE OF RELIGIOUS VOTE
- PARTIES DISAGREE ON WHY THE GAP HAS NARROWED - WASHINGTON
- Nov 11, 2006 - By Alan Cooperman - As the results of the midterm
elections sank in this week, religious leaders across the ideological
spectrum found something they could agree on: The "God gap"
in American politics has narrowed substantially. Religious liberals
contended that a concerted effort by Democrats since 2004 to
appeal to people of faith had worked minor wonders, if not electoral
miracles, in races across the country. Religious conservatives
disagreed, arguing that the Republican Party lost religious voters
rather than the Democrats winning them. Either way, the national
exit polls told a dramatic story of changing views in the pews:
Democrats recaptured the Catholic vote they had lost two years
ago. They sliced the GOP's advantage among weekly churchgoers
to 12 percentage points, down from 18 points in 2004 congressional
races and 22 points in the 2004 presidential contest. Democrats
even siphoned off a portion of the Republican Party's most loyal
base, white evangelical Protestants.
- "The God gap definitely didn't disappear, but it did
narrow. And it narrowed in part because evangelical voters had
major questions about the direction of the country," argued
Democratic pollster Celinda Lake. Shift in evangelical vote In
House races in 2004, 74 percent of white evangelicals voted for
Republicans and 25 percent for Democrats, a 49-point spread,
according to exit polls. This year, Republicans received 70 percent
of the white evangelical vote and Democrats got 28 percent, a
42-point spread.
- http://www.cephas-library.com/church_n_state_democrats
win bigger share of religious vote.html
- -----
- WAL-MART BOYCOTT OVER GAYS CALLED OFF
Group pleased with statement, retailer says diversity issues
still important
AP November 21, 2006 - NEW YORK - A conservative group that had
called on supporters to boycott Wal-Mart’s post-Thanksgiving
day sales to protest the retailer’s support of gay-rights
groups withdrew its objections Tuesday, saying the company had
agreed to stay away from controversial causes. The American Family
Association, which had been asking supporters to stay away from
Wal-Mart on Friday and Saturday — two of the busiest shopping
days of the year — said it was pleased by a statement the
company issued Tuesday. While stressing its commitment to diversity
and equality, Wal-Mart said in its statement that it “will
not make corporate contributions to support or oppose highly
controversial issues unless they directly relate to our ability
to serve our customers.” The whole story: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15835445/
- -----
- OPRAH WINFREY PUBLICLY DENOUNCES CHRISTIANITY
- Oprah has for a long time been recognized for her New Age
beliefs, but some have thought she may have recently repented.
Check out this Google video to hear what Oprah (at least in the
past) has had to say about the Gospel
of Jesus Christ. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-402722174889524119&q=oprah+new+age
- More articles on Abortion on demand, euthenasia
at http://www.adullamfilms.com/NewsUpdateNov22.html
- -----
- FOR U.S. CHARITIES, A CRISIS OF TRUST
- "Scandals, accountability problems combine to undermine
public support
- NBC News Nov 21, 2006 : Mark Wilson / AP file - William J.
Aramony, a former United Way of America chief who pilfered hundreds
of thousands of dollars from the charity, is shown in a March
6, 1995, file photo.
- Americans’ charitable spirit peaks during the holiday
season, but this year the urge to give is battling a strong contrarian
tide – a crisis of trust born from public disenchantment
with a philanthropic system that many consider disorganized,
under-regulated and tainted by scandal.
- A poll by Harris Interactive released this summer found only
one in 10 Americans strongly believes charities are "honest
and ethical" in their use of donated funds. And nearly one
in three believes nonprofits have "pretty seriously gotten
off in the wrong direction," it found."
- William J. Aramony, a former United Way of America chief
who pilfered hundreds of thousands of dollars from the charity,
is shown in a March 6, 1995.
-
- Continued: The public believed we would make things better,"
said Robert Egger, founder of the D.C. Central Kitchen food recycling
and distribution center, speaking of the broad charitable sector.
"Now they’re saying, ‘I’ve been giving for
40 years. … We’ve invested huge amounts of coin and
soul into this sector; what are (we) getting in return?’
What they get is more and more dire predictions, more people
asking for help."
The doubts matter, because average Americans are just as critical
to the health of U.S. philanthropy as Warren Buffett and Bill
Gates. Whole story: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15753760/
- -----
- SENATOR HARRY REID LEADS MORMONS IN D.C. MAINSTREAM
The Salt Lake Tribune, USA - Nov. 19, 2006 - Thomas Burr - www.sltrib.com
- U.S. senator, D-Nev., will be highest-ranking elected Mormon
ever when he becomes the majority leader WASHINGTON - The day
after it was clear the Democrats would rule the U.S. Senate,
President Bush invited its top two leaders to the White House
for conversation and coffee. It’s a good bet that Sen. Harry
Reid didn’t partake of the latter. The Nevada Democrat,
a faithful Mormon, won’t touch coffee, tea or alcohol. “He
doesn’t even drink soda. I’m sure it was orange juice”
Reid sipped during the presidential chat, joked Tessa Hafen,
Reid’s former spokeswoman. It’s a small but important
detail to note for Reid, who was elected last week to lead the
Senate when Democrats take over in January. He’ll assume
the role of majority leader and take his place in history as
the highest-ranking elected Mormon in U.S. history.
- Observers say that shows that Mormonism, long a religion
seen outside Utah as peculiar, is becoming more mainstream.
- “It’s an important symbol,” says John Green,
a senior fellow at the Washington-based Pew Forum on Religion
and Public Life. “That has always been a mark of religious
groups in American society, that in some important sense the
group has become part of the mainstream.” Mormons already
hold several key positions in Washington. Former Utah Gov. Mike
Leavitt is secretary of Health and Human Services; two federal
departments have Mormon chiefs of staff; and five senators and
about a dozen representatives are Latter-day Saints. But Reid
has gone further than any of them.
- IS MORMONISM CHRISTIAN?
- By Richard John Neuhaus - Born in a small mining town in
Nevada, Reid now attends services at a wardhouse a block outside
the District of Columbia every Sunday he is in town. He always
finishes his home teaching - where members check on a few families
to ensure they’re well - and once taught a gospel doctrine
class. There’s a copy of the Book of Mormon on his office
bookshelf. “He’s always looking after other people,”
says his bishop, Michael Seay, the lay leader of his ward. “He’s
very much loved by the members.”
- And while he doesn’t push issues simply because of his
faith, friends say Reid’s religion and his stands as a senator
are inseparable. Reid, the father of five boys, is anti-abortion,
pro-death penalty and opposes same-sex marriage and gun control.
But he’s no Republican-lite; he takes liberal-to-moderate
stands on issues such as education.
- “His faith clearly affects who he is,” says Kai
Anderson, Reid’s former deputy chief of staff. “It’s
a big part of what makes him a decent, kind, loving man. But
he doesn’t legislate it.” Unlike many other Mormon
politicians, Reid is not often identified by his religion. Many
news outlets across the country noted his faith only after he
was elected majority leader. It does not appear to be an issue
in the Senate. “It’s a historical milestone that I’m
sure LDS scholars will note,” says Sen. Bob Bennett, a Mormon
Republican from Utah. “Interestingly, in the Senate no one
seems to care.”
- Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., wasn’t aware that Reid would
be the highest-ranking elected Mormon, and it didn’t seem
to matter to him. Full story: http://www.religionnewsblog.com/16587/senator-harry-reid-leads-mormons-into-dc-mainstream
- -----
- ANDERSON COOPER INSIDE JONESTOWN
CNN, USA - November 21, 2006 Transcript - Anderson Cooper 360
edition.cnn.com -
- JOHN ROBERTS, CNN ANCHOR: Whatever Warren Jeffs may turn
out to be, whatever happens to his followers, nothing, thank
goodness, compares to what we know and what we’re still
learning about another religious leader, the Reverend Jim Jones
and his cult of death. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
- At YouTube: http://www.religionnewsblog.com/16613/anderson-cooper-inside-jonestown
- ANNOUNCER: Seduced by a madman, they lined up to die.
- STANLEY CLAYTON, FORMER PEOPLES TEMPLE MEMBER: And she went
up to that Kool-Aid, to that death barrel, and she just didn’t
hesitate. And she died in my arms.
- ANNOUNCER: Mass suicide, or was it mass murder? More than
900 dead — new research and new details, a terrifying look
at what turned Jonestown into a killing ground. [..]
- ANNOUNCER: Across the country and around the world, this
is ANDERSON COOPER 360.
- Sitting in for Anderson and reporting from the CNN studios
in New York, here’s John Roberts. But, first, a new and
revealing take on one of the most enduring mysteries of our time.
Twenty-eight years ago today, Americans were trying to absorb
— absorb gruesome reports of a mass killing in a far-off
jungle. The dead were Americans who had followed man named Jim
Jones to a tiny South American nation. Most of them never came
home. Were they the victims of mass murder or mass suicide? A
new documentary tries to answer that question. It’s a fascinating
film — in a moment, my interview with the filmmaker and
Jim Jones Jr.
- Full transcript: http://www.cephas-library.com/jonestown_anderson_cooper_inside_jonestown.html
- -----
- WITNESS: 14-YEAR-OLD'S WEDDING NEWS WAS "SHOCKING AND
HORRIFIC."
- [Warren S. Jeff's trial postponed to December 14, 2006] -
Testimony Begins in Warren S. Jeffs’ Preliminary Hearing
in St. George The Salt Lake Tribune, USAS - November. 21, 2006
- Brooke Adams - www.sltrib.com - St. George - The older sister
of a woman who claims polygamous sect leader Warren S. Jeffs
forced her into marriage testified today that in 2001, her sister
called, crying, and said she was to be wed.
- “It was shocking and horrific,” the older sister
said. “She was 14.” The testimony came during a preliminary
hearing for Jeffs, who is charged with two first-degree felony
counts of being an accomplice to rape for officiating in an arranged
marriage between the girl and a 19-year-old man. During the hearing,
5th District Judge James L. Shumate will decide whether there
is sufficient evidence to order Jeffs to stand trial.
- The identities of both are being withheld for the young woman’s
protection, and The Salt Lake Tribune is not reporting the older
sister’s name for the same reason. Shumate has issued strict
prohibitions against photographing her or her family members
or releasing any information that might identify her.
- Jane Doe IV, as the young woman is being called, will testify
against Jeffs sometime today.
- Under questioning by Washington County Deputy Attorney Ryan
Shaum, the older sister spent much of the morning describing
Warren Jeffs’ teachings at Alta Academy, a school once operated
by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
in the Salt Lake Valley. The school closed when the FLDS members
moved en masse to Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Ariz. The
full story: http://www.cephas-library.com/polygamy_14_year_year_olds_wedding_news_horrific.html
- -----
- CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY WOOING LONDON POLICE
- Police officers accepted gifts from Church of Scientology
- This is London, UK - November 22, 2006 - http://www.thisislondon.co.uk
- Dozens of police officers have accepted film premiere tickets,
banquet invitations and the use of a jazz band from the controversial
Church of Scientology, it has emerged. The wealthy religious
movement has spent thousands of pounds cultivating contacts in
the City of London police. Officers have received sought-after
free invitations to film premieres and £500-a-head charity
dinners where the guest of honour is Hollywood superstar and
renowned Scientologist, Tom Cruise.
- They have even been provided with the free use of a £5,000-a-night
jazz band to play for officers and guests at a police station
function. As a result of the revelations, an internal review
of the force’s hospitality policy has been launched. The
officers who have accepted freebies from the church - which has
been accused of “brainwashing” their converts - range
in rank from constable to chief superintendent. It is understood
they include a member of the force’s Special Branch. Whole
story: http://www.religionnewsblog.com/16605/police-officers-accepted-gifts-from-church-of-scientology
- -----
- SCHOOL ASSISTANCE WHO WOULD NOT COMPROMISE OVER VEIL IS SACKED
The Guardian, UK - November. 25, 2006 - Martin Wainwright - www.guardian.co.uk
- Aishah Azmi, 24, lost a discrimination and harassment case
at an employment tribunal last month, and saw support collapse
among parents at Headfield Church of England junior school in
Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, over what was seen as an uncompromising
stand. Mrs Azmi, who was awarded £1,000 by the tribunal
in Leeds because of mishandled disciplinary processes, was dismissed
yesterday after a hearing at the school. She started work a year
ago but was suspended in the spring when she refused a male teacher’s
request that she remove the veil when helping children in her
role as a bilingual support assistant. The case added to the
controversy which followed Jack Straw’s request to veiled
women to uncover their faces during constituency surgeries in
Blackburn. He warned that the use of the full veil, or niqab,
by a growing number of women was damaging community relations.
Mrs Azmi, who made her stand after taking advice from an imam
in Dewsbury, was urged to compromise last month by the local
Labour MP Shahid Malik.
- He said yesterday: “I’m disappointed that a compromise
could not be reached. But while I would absolutely defend her
right to wear the veil in society, it’s very clear that
her wearing it in the classroom setting inhibits her ability
to support children. This is not about religion.” Mrs Azmi’s
claim was brought as a test case under rules set out in the Employment
Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2004. She is considering
an appeal. See live interview on
- YouTube http://www.religionnewsblog.com/16628/school-assistant-who-would-not-compromise-over-veil-is-sacked
- -----
- EXPECTING LDS 'BRIDE TO BE' WISKED AWAY FROM THE TEMPLE EVENT
PARENTS MAY END UP 15 YEARS IN PRISON FOR KIDNAPPING THEIR DAUGHTER
The Redds told their 21-year-old daughter they were taking her
on a shopping trip Aug. 4 and then drove 240 miles from Provo
to Grand Junction, Colo., according to Provo police Capt. Rick
Healey. Myers, 23, called police when his bride didn’t attend
a pre-wedding dinner with his parents that night. The Redds spent
the night in Colorado and drove back to Provo, about 40 miles
south of Salt Lake City, the next day, Healey said. They arrived
after the young couple was supposed to have been married in a
ceremony that day at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints Temple in Salt Lake City.
The couple, both students at Brigham Young University, were married
in the temple on Aug. 8, Myers said. They are expecting their
first child in May. The Redds didn’t want their daughter
to get married, but the bride has been reluctant to say what
happened on the drive. Myers said he and his wife were not discussing
details of the car ride but said her parents’ objections
were not about him. “It really has nothing to do a lot with
me. It really is some issues with the family,” he said.
Bryson said after reviewing the police investigation it was clear
a crime was committed. Charges were filed Friday. Lemuel, 59,
and Julia Redd, 56, are scheduled to make an initial court appearance
Oct. 26. If convicted, the Redds could face one to 15 years in
prison. A call made to a listing for Lemuel H. Redd at the address
in Monticello, Utah, listed in court documents went unanswered
Tuesday. No attorney for the Redds is listed in court documents
and it couldn’t immediately be determined if they had legal
representation.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15122704/
- -----
- PASTOR OF AMERICA'S LARGEST CHURCH SAYS HIS CALLING IS NOT
TO CONDEMN HOMOSEXUALITY (Friday Church News Notes, September
29, 2006, www.wayoflife.org ) - At a recent book signing in Boston,
Joel Osteen, pastor of America's largest church, said he doesn't
believe it is his calling to condemn homosexuality and homosexual
marriage. When Osteen, the pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston,
Texas, was asked his opinion about "gay marriage,"
he gave the following vapid reply: "I never feel like homosexuality
is God's best. I don't feel like that's my thrust ... you know,
some of the issues that divide us, and I'm here to let people
know that God is for them and He's on their side" ("Osteen's
Answer to 'Gay Marriage' Question Less Than Direct," Baptist
Press, Sept. 22, 2006). Osteen's Christianity is a fulfillment
of 2 Timothy 4:3-4 -- "For the time will come when they
will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall
they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they
shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned
unto fables." He is the king of positivism. His Christ wears
a smiley face. His God never judges sin. His gospel has no repentance,
but he is wrong. God, in fact, is only on the side of the sinner
who repents.
- -----
- KENT HOVIND TRIAL DELAYED AGAIN
Pensacola News Journal, USA - October 24, 2006 - www.pensacolanewsjournal.com
- For the second time this week, illness has delayed the trial
of Pensacola evangelist Kent Hovind and his wife, Jo Hovind.
The trial, which began last week, was scheduled to resume Monday
but was delayed because Jo Hovind’s attorney, Jerry Barringer,
was ill. Court officials said Tuesday morning the trial was delayed
again. The trial could resume Wednesday.
- Kent Hovind, who travels the world preaching against evolution,
is facing 58 federal charges of failing to pay more than $473,000
in employee-related taxes at his creationist-theme park on North
Palafox Street, Dinosaur Adventure Land. Hovind and his wife
are also charged with 44 counts of evading bank-reporting requirements.
- -----
- BAPTIST 'EXIT STRATEGY' MEANS GET KIDS OUT OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS
- Groundswell of support building in 16 million member group
for homeschooling - October 20, 2006 - By Bob Unruh
WorldNetDaily.com - If you like sexually transmitted diseases,
shootings and high teen pregnancy rates, by all means, send your
children to public schools. That's the word from a leader in
the fast-growing movement within the 16 million-member Southern
Baptist Convention for parents to pull their children from those
schools in favor of homeschooling.
- Pastor Wiley Drake - The program is called Exit Strategy
and Pastor Wiley Drake, whose home state of California has done
some things especially offensive to Christians this year, is
a leading promoter. In an interview with WND, he said that those
problems and others are prevalent in public schools, and some
Christian leaders even have said it could be considered child
abuse just to register children in such a facility. That's why
resolutions encouraging members of the nation's largest Protestant
church organization to exit public schools have been submitted
in every SBC state and regional convention in the U.S., he said.
"Basically, (the education system) has been saying, 'You
have to let us teach your kids anything we want,'" said
Wiley, citing some of the pro-homosexual material being required
in public education. "Well, we don't like it and we're not
going to put up with it," he said.
- The "Exit Strategy Resolution" is based on Albert
Mohler's recommendation in 2005 that, in light of the "spiritual,
moral, and academic decay in the government schools, Southern
Baptists develop an exit strategy from the public schools."
It also coordinates with work done by ExodusMandate.org, which
works to have parents move children to Christian teaching. http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=52533
- -----
- TO HELL AND BACK - CARLTON PEARSON DENIES THE EXISTENCE OF
HELL - WOULD GOD CHANGE THE 'WORD OF GOD' TO FULFILL PEARSON'S
DREAM?
Dateline Sunday, Aug. 13, 2006 - Keith Morrison - Correspondent
- Hell: It’s a dreadful thought — horrific frightening
place to which many of us may well be bound. Or is it a place
at all? You’re about to meet a man who came face to face
with his own hell and though he lived to tell his tale. His name
is Carlton Pearson — an American success story if there
ever was one. Carlton climbed so high it felt he had the ear
of God and more temporal commanders, too. Carlton Pearson dreamed
of greatness... and found it. He was loved and respected by tens
of thousands of people -- a preacher loaded with charm, charisma
and an honest commitment to his God and his people. And then
he lost it all. It all started when he got a new idea..Carlton
Pearson dreamed of greatness... and found it. He was loved and
respected by tens of thousands of people -- a preacher loaded
with charm, charisma and an honest commitment to his God and
his people. And then he lost it all. - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14337492
- -----
- FOURTH CATHOLIC DIOCESE IN AMERICA FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY
- October 20, 2006, www.wayoflife.org - On October 10 the Roman
Catholic diocese of Davenport, Iowa, became the fourth American
diocese to file for bankruptcy protection from lawsuits pertaining
to abusive priests. Priestly sexual abuse cost the Roman Catholic
Church in America at least $467 million in 2005. That is the
finding of an audit released by the Conference of Catholic Bishops.
There were 783 "new and credible allegations of sexual abuse
by clergy" last year, down from 1,092 in 2004. The total
number of accusations of sex abuse since 1950 is 12,000 ("Abuse
Cost Churches," Boston Globe, March 31, 2006), and the cost
has exceeded $1.2 billion. A conservative Catholic organization
documented this wretched business in the fall/winter 2002 issue
of the magazine Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, observing: "Š
the overwhelming majority of sexual abuse cases in the Catholic
Church--about 90%--involve homosexual priests preying on teenage
boys. The major media and the U.S. culture at large want to deny
or spin the homosexual factor out of the scandal." We would
also comment that the judicial system in America is nearly as
corrupt as these child-abusing Catholic priests. If a "minister"
is guilty of a heinous crime, that minister should be held liable
and should pay for his crime, and if a fellow "clergyman"
is found to have contributed to the crime by trying to cover
it up, then he, too, should be made to pay. But an entire group
of churches should not be bankrupted by greedy lawyers as the
present system unjustly allows. The American judicial system
is no longer about justice for those who have been wronged; it
is about money, which it drains from every victim that falls
into its uncaring clutches.
- -----
- MUSLIMS LOOKING FOR "PERFECT MAN OF PEACE"
- October 20, 2006, www.wayoflife.org - Many Muslims are looking
for the "Imam Madhi" or "Saviour of Times"
who will be a perfect man of peace to usher in a new society.
In his speech before the United Nations last month Iranian president
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad concluded with these words: "I emphatically
declare that today's world, more than ever before, longs for
just and righteous people with love for all humanity; and above
all longs for THE PERFECT RIGHTEOUS HUMAN BEING AND THE REAL
SAVIOR who has been promised to all peoples and WHO WILL ESTABLISH
JUSTICE, PEACE AND BROTHERHOOD ON THE PLANET. Oh, Almighty God
... [b]estow upon humanity that thirsts for justice, THE PERFECT
HUMAN BEING promised to all by you, and make us among his followers
and among those who strive for his return and his cause"("Iran
Leader's U.N. Finale Reveals Apocalyptic View," WorldNetDaily,
Sept. 21, 2006). Ahmadinejad claimed that he was bathed in a
green light from heaven during the speech. According to the Bible,
the Antichrist will come on the scene with a breathtaking peace
program and a promise of brotherhood for all men. An impressive
and brilliant man, he will appear to have solved the Middle East
crisis, but after three and a half years he will break his covenant
and will rule the world with an iron fist for a short period
before the real Prince of Peace, the Lord Jesus Christ, returns
to establish His righteous kingdom on earth. "For the mystery
of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let,
until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked
be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his
mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even
him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power
and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness
in them that perish; because they received not the love of the
truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall
send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That
they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had
pleasure in unrighteousness" (2 Thessalonians 2:7-12).
- -----
- PRINCE CHARLES SHOULD NOT HAVE MULTI-FAITH CORONATION CHURCH
GROUP
October 22,2006 - LONDON (AFP) - Prince Charles, heir to the
throne, should continue the tradition of taking the title of
defender of the Christian faith at his coronation -- and not
encompass other faiths. The prince, 57, has always taken a keen
interest in other religions and in 1994 he told his biographer
that he wanted to be known as "Defender of Faith" rather
than "Defender of the Faith", a report by an evangelical
group to be published Monday has said.
But the Evangelical Alliance, a charitable organisation which
claims to represent over one million evangelical Christians in
Britain, called for his coronation not to become an "inter-faith"
ceremony. They said, however, it should feature guests from other
religions. The Latin title fidei defensor (defender of the faith)
has been one of the subsidiary titles of the English monarchs
since it was granted by pope Leo X in 1521 to Henry VIII.
Queen Elizabeth II's full title in Britain is "Elizabeth
the Second, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms and Territories
Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith."
Fidei defensor appears on all British coins as F. D. Only Protestants
may inherit the British crown and the sovereign holds the title
of Supreme Governor of the established Church of England. The
Evangelical Alliance's report, "Faith and Nation",
makes 100 recommendations on areas as diverse as religious liberty,
the environment and constitutional affairs. "The report
offers Christians, people of other faiths, and those of no faith,
resources for engagement, discussion and action on a wide range
of contemporary issues," said David Muir, the alliance's
public policy director.
"We hope the report will help people understand the continued
importance of the Christian faith in 21st century Britain."
http://www.sermonaudio.com/new_details.asp?ID=22468
- -----
- CHRISTIANS ASK IF FORCE IS NEEDED TO PROTECT THEIR RELIGIOUS
VALUES A leading church group which represents more than a million
Christians in England has raised the prospect of civil unrest
and even "violent revolution" to protect their religious
freedoms. In much the same tone that some Dominionists have used,
church goers are now saying they are willing to fight flesh and
blood to protect their concept of religious freedom! It is funny
that this is what the radical Islamic population in England also
says. In a startling warning to the Government, senior church
and political figures have backed a report advocating force to
protest against policies that are "unbiblical" and
"inimical to the Christian faith". Muslims said they
became radical when they felt, 'under siege." England's
Evangelical Alliance says "violent revolution" should
be regarded as a viable response if government legislation encroaches
further on basic religious rights. Shouldn't Christians remember
the gospel at some point in time? Turn the other cheek? Remember
Jesus said that His kingdom was not of this world? Has a spirit
of Judas infested the evangelical church? (Judas wanted to physically
fight Rome to place Jesus as a military victor.) Open Seal HOLLIS
CARAVETTA Holliscar@aol.com
- -----
- CHRISTIANS ASK IF FORCE IS NEEDED TO PROTECT THEIR RELIGIOUS
VALUES A leading church group which represents more than a million
Christians in England has raised the prospect of civil unrest
and even "violent revolution" to protect their religious
freedoms. In much the same tone that some Dominionists have used,
church goers are now saying they are willing to fight flesh and
blood to protect their concept of religious freedom! It is funny
that this is what the radical Islamic population in England also
says. In a startling warning to the Government, senior church
and political figures have backed a report advocating force to
protest against policies that are "unbiblical" and
"inimical to the Christian faith". Muslims said they
became radical when they felt, 'under siege." England's
Evangelical Alliance says "violent revolution" should
be regarded as a viable response if government legislation encroaches
further on basic religious rights. Shouldn't Christians remember
the gospel at some point in time? Turn the other cheek? Remember
Jesus said that His kingdom was not of this world? Has a spirit
of Judas infested the evangelical church? (Judas wanted to physically
fight Rome to place Jesus as a military victor.) Open Seal HOLLIS
CARAVETTA Holliscar@aol.com
- -----
- FOX NEWS TEACHING WITCHCRAFT
- November 29, 2006 Fox News - 10:00 PM I know a lot of Christians
are watching Fox News and think it is safe because they are supposedly
conservative. Well think again. I happen to have it on tonight
and a lady on the news, a reporter for the day spoke about dreams,
that they can solve your problems. She said if you visualize
the solution before you go to sleep that your dream may come
up with the answer to your problem. Visualizing is witchcraft.
GLOBAL / LOCAL
POLITICS
- CCB STARTS CHIP CREDIT CARDS
23 November 2006 - Sofia. As of November 24th CCB (Central Cooperative
Bank) starts issuing the first MasterCard chip cards in Bulgaria,
thus becoming the first bank on the local market to offer both
MasterCard and Visa cards with chip implants, Trud Daily reports.
Chips are designed to store and process information, allowing
the bank to further plan and introduce bonus programs for its
loyal clients. CCB has been working with chip cards at its 225
ATMs countrywide as of early 2006. http://www.focus-fen.net/index.php?id=n100212
- ----
- ANNAN SAYS U.S. IS 'TRAPPED IN IRAQ'
U.N. chief also cites failure to stop war in Iraq as his biggest
regret -NBC NEWS - Nov 21, 2006 - GENEVA - U.N. Secretary-General
Kofi Annan said Tuesday that the United States was “trapped
in Iraq,” and urged Washington to carefully consider when
would be the best time to pull out of the country so the withdrawal
does not lead to a further deterioration of security. “The
United States in a way is trapped in Iraq,” Annan said.
“It cannot stay and it cannot leave. There are those who
maintain that its presence is a problem and there are those who
say that if it leaves precipitously, the situation will get worse.”
- Annan said the departure of U.S. troops from Iraq “should
not lead to a further deterioration of the situation.” The
goal should be to leave when Iraqi authorities can ensure a “reasonable,
secure environment,” he said.
- Annan, whose term ends at the head of the global body ends
Jan. 1, said the war in Iraq, and the failure of the U.N. Security
Council to prevent the invasion by U.S.-led forces, was the biggest
regret he had from his 10-year tenure.
- “I firmly believe that the war could have been avoided,”
he told reporters at the United Nations in Geneva. “The
inspectors should have had a bit more time.”
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15827976/
- -----
-
- TWO UN SUMMITS - ONE MILLENNIUM GOAL:
 Conforming
Humanity to Socialist Solidarity by Berit Kjos, November 2000
- The Millennium World Peace Summit sought a spiritual foundation
for a global ethic of socialist rights and duties.
- The UN Millennium Summit sought approval for a world government
that would manage natural, human, and social resources around
the world by consensus.
- "For the first time in history religious and spiritual
leaders from the major religious traditions and from all regions
of the world met at the United Nations to pledge themselves to
work for peace. They signed this 'Commitment to Global Peace'
and resolved to join together to address the pressing problems
of conflict, poverty and the environment." Commitment to
Global Peace
- "...there have been well meaning and sometimes eloquent
calls for world government; calls which pointed to the unfairness,
inequality and injustice of the present distributions of wealth,
power and policy making.... If only we could work as one world,
then we could solve the world's problems together." Introduction
to The Charter for Global Democracy signed at the Millennium
Summit.
- "We pledge to move expeditiously to endow the UN with
resources -- both operational and financial -- commensurate to
the tasks it faces in its peacekeeping activities worldwide....
As Permanent Members of the Security Council, we will continue
to fulfill our obligations under the Charter and commit to making
UN organization stronger and more effective." Presidents
Clinton (USA), Putin (Russia), Zeming (China) and Chirac (France)
and Prime Minister Blair (UK), September 7, 2000. Statement by
the P-5 on the Millennium Summit.
- The two UN summits fit together. As in Nazi Germany, political
success calls for cooperating churches and compromising spiritual
leaders.[1] Both Summits agreed to build a more "efficient"
United Nations. They wanted a standing UN army and a "reformed"
Security Council -- one unencumbered by the "gridlock"
of a veto. Canadian master-strategist Maurice Strong, who led
the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development, serves
their joint goal well. Mr. Strong, who now heads the UN's University
of Peace -- a vital partner to the World Peace Summit -- is also
in charge of UN "reforms". His view of the needed reforms
is no secret, for his leadership on the strategic Commission
on Global Governance exposed some sobering plans. Its 1995 report,
Our Global Neighborhood, outlined the agenda:
- "Governments are understandably reluctant to commit
troops rapidly for UN action, particularly in civil wars and
internal conflicts.. ..
- "This underlines the need for a highly trained UN Volunteer
Force that is willing, if necessary, to take combat risks....
Such an international Volunteer Force would be under the exclusive
authority of the Security Council...." (page 110)
- What if the US Congress disagrees with UN decisions. Could
it simply press for a US veto on the Security Council? Not if
Strong implements his vision of reform. The United States, which
has been billed 25% of the huge UN budget, would be dismissed
from the Security Council:
- "We recommend that a new class of 'standing ' members
be established.... Of these new members, two should be drawn
from industrial countries and three from among the larger developing
countries. Of the two from industrial countries, presumably one
will be from Asia and one from Europe. Of the three from developing
countries, we would expect one each to be drawn from Asia, Africa,
and Latin America....
- "The new standing members will not possess a veto, and
we believe the aim should be for the power of the veto to be
phased out." (240-241) Many Americans refuse to believe
this could happen. Others -- who like my family in Norway, saw
nations shift from freedom to Nazi tyranny overnight during World
War II -- know well that massive social changes always have and
will be part of history. It's tempting to think that the United
Nations would save us from such devastations in the future. Instead,
we need to realize that the same human quest for power that drove
Lenin and Hitler to unthinkable ends, is now being centralized
in a single government ruled by ambitious, compromising national
leaders -- some in virtual bondage to the World Bank and IMF.
- Granting such powers to the UN would mean that countless
decisions affecting our lives and families will be made for us
by leaders who are not accountable to voters and cannot be removed
from office. So don't be deceived by the noble sentiments. In
spite of the grand promises, local control and "decentralization"
are outright lies! Everyone -- throughout the world -- would
have to live, think, participate and work according UN rules
and standards or face a potential intrusion by the UN-controlled
forces. And when that happens, you would have no place to hide.
(See Local Agenda 21) For whole story: http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/TwoSummits.htm
- -----
- SOVEREIGNTY AND GLOBALISATION
COUNCIL OF FOREIGN RELATIONS: Author: Richard N. Haass, President
- February 17, 2006 - Project Syndicate - The world’s 190-plus
states now co-exist with a larger number of powerful non-sovereign
and at least partly (and often largely) independent actors, ranging
from corporations to non-government organisations (NGOs), from
terrorist groups to drug cartels, from regional and global institutions
to banks and private equity funds. The sovereign state is influenced
by them (for better and for worse) as much as it is able to influence
them. The near monopoly of power once enjoyed by sovereign entities
is being eroded. As a result, new mechanisms are needed for regional
and global governance that include actors other than states.
This is not to argue that Microsoft, Amnesty International, or
Goldman Sachs be given seats in the United Nations General Assembly,
but it does mean including representatives of such organisations
in regional and global deliberations when they have the capacity
to affect whether and how regional and global challenges are
met. Moreover, states must be prepared to cede some sovereignty
to world bodies if the international system is to function.
- This is already taking place in the trade realm. Governments
agree to accept the rulings of the World Trade Organisation because
on balance they benefit from an international trading order,
even if a particular decision requires that they alter a practice
that is their sovereign right to carry out.
- Some governments are prepared to give up elements of sovereignty
to address the threat of global climate change. Under one such
arrangement, the Kyoto Protocol, which runs through 2012, signatories
agree to cap specific emissions. What is needed now is a successor
arrangement in which a larger number of governments, including
the United States, China and India, accept emission limits or
adopt common standards because they recognise that they would
be worse off if no country did. Whole article:
http://www.cfr.org/publication/9903/sovereignty_and_globalisation.html?breadcrumb=%2Fissue%2F109%2Fsovereignty
- -----
- DO ION RATIOS HAVE AN INFLUENCE ON THE ELECTION OR STOCKMARKET
MENTALITY?
- SuperForce.com has shown with a special ion ratio algorithm
capable of predicting these expected ion ratios months in advance
that ion ratios also have a major influence on stock market mentality
in that increased positive ion ratios generally reflect increased
stock markets, while increased negative ion ratios coincide with
decreasing markets. Positive ions cause irrational behavior (greed)
and negative ions lead to level headed decisions (caution).
- This storm peaked quickly but had not fully dissipated by
the end of the week, while negative ion ratios returned to normal
the positive ion ratios were still increased substantially from
normal.
- Then beginning on Monday Oct 1st, 2001 the storm returned
at precisely 9:30 AM (the same time the major U.S. stock Markets
open!) Positive ions increased while negative decreased! Two
extreme geomagnetic storms in two weeks that both started at
precisely the time the Stock Markets opened for the week, wow
what a coincidence. Full story and charts to prove their point:
http://www.superforce.com/email-releases/HAARP.htm
- -----
- CHURCH PUBLISHERS CRITICIZE OWN BOOK; AUTHOR SAYS BUSH PLANNED
9/11 TERROR
The Courier-Journal, USA - Nov. 18, 2006 - Peter Smith - www.courier-journal.com
- In an unusual criticism of its own product, the board of the
Louisville-based Presbyterian Publishing Corp. says a book fell
short of its editing standards with its “spurious”
claim that the Bush administration orchestrated the 9/11 terror
attacks.
- But the publisher will continue selling the controversial
book, “Christian Faith and the Truth Behind 9/11,”
by California theologian David Ray Griffin. The book stirred
controversy this summer when published by the corporation, which
is the official publishing house of the Louisville-based Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.).
- See interview of author live: http://www.religionnewsblog.com/16595/church-publishers-criticize-own-book
- Whole article: http://www.cephas-library.com/terror_church_publishers_critize_onw_book.html
- -----
- JUST IN CASE EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS, YOU MIGHT LIKE TO KNOW
ABOUT A ONE TIME TAX CREDIT IN 2006 - When it comes time to prepare
and file your 2006 tax return, make sure you don't overlook the
"federal excise tax refund credit." You claim the credit
on line 71 of your form 1040. A similar line will be available
if you file the short form 1040A. If you have family or friends
who no longer file a tax return AND they have their own land
phone in their home and have been paying a phone bill for years,
make sure they know about this form 1040EZ-T. What is this all
about? Well the federal excise tax has been charge to you on
your phone bill for years. It is an old tax that was assessed
on your toll calls based on how far the call was being made and
how much time you talked on that call. When phone companies began
to offer flat fee phone service, challenges to the excise tax
ended up in federal courts in several districts of the country.
The challenges pointed out that flat fee/rate phone service had
nothing to do with the distance and the length of the phone call.
Therefore, the excise tax should/could not be assessed. The IRS
has now conceded this argument. Phone companies have been given
notice to stop assessing the federal excise tax as of Aug 30,
2006. http://money.CNN.Com/2006/05/25/news/telephonetax_refund/index.htm
- -----
- SOME MORE GOOD ADVICE FROM A READER
- Subject: Re: Article Removal Request
Date: Nov 19, 2006 5:34 PM
Hi Rita, Thank you for your good wishes in the Lord. I have not
had difficulty that I know of, but I have been reading that if
you are looking for secular employment it is very important to
google yourself and see if there is anything questionable that
comes up, and if so have it removed. Again, I was so very blessed
and everything I said in that article is true, but the world
would not understand it and might judge me harshly because of
it.
- Thanks again for your note and your help. Yours, ....
- -----
- BREAST CANCER RISK LINKED TO RED MEAT: STUDY FINDS
Washington Post - By Rob Stein - November 14, 2006 - Younger
women who regularly eat red meat appear to face an increased
risk for a common form of breast cancer, according to a large,
well-known Harvard study of women's health. The study of more
than 90,000 women found that the more red meat the women consumed
in their 20s, 30s and 40s, the greater their risk for developing
breast cancer fueled by hormones in the next 12 years. Those
who consumed the most red meat had nearly twice the risk of those
who ate red meat infrequently.
Two months after beginning work on the book, "Why We Walk:
The Inspirational Journey Toward a Cure for Breast Cancer,"
photographer Paula Lerner was diagnosed with breast cancer. The
discovery thrust Lerner into a circle of struggling patients
and heroic survivors she had sought to chronicle from outside.
Here is some of Lerner's work from 2004. The study, published
yesterday in the Archives of Internal Medicine, is the first
to examine the relationship between consumption of red meat and
breast cancer in premenopausal women, and the first to examine
the question by type of breast cancer. Although more research
is needed to confirm the association and explore the possible
reasons for it, researchers said the findings provide another
motivation to limit consumption of red meat, which is already
known to increase the risk of colon cancer. "There are already
other reasons to minimize red meat intake," said Eunyoung
Cho, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School,
who led the study. "This just may give women another good
reason."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/13/AR2006111300824.html
- -----
- FIREFIGHTER DESCRIBES "MOLTEN METAL" AT GROUND
ZERO, LIKE A "FOUNDRY"
- Infowars.net - November 17, 2006 - Steve Watson - A video
of a firefighter describing seeing molten "steel" flowing
at ground zero after 9/11 has emerged on Google video. He states
that it was like a foundry or "lava in a volcano".
This is an extremely important piece of footage because it highlights
the fact that something other than jet fuel fires, or in the
case of building 7, office material fires, was responsible for
the collapse of the buildings.
- There are lots of accounts alleging that rescue workers encountered
molten steel. Debunkers have often asked the question whether
these witnesses know the difference between incandescent and
molten, i.e. the fact that glowing steel was pulled out of the
rubble doesn't mean it was molten.
- The firefighter in this video specifically says the steel
was flowing. See video and whole story:
- http://www.infowars.com/articles/sept11/firefighter_describes_molten_metal_ground_zero_like_foundry.htm
-----
- THERMITE IDENTIFIED AS CULPRIT OF WTC COLLAPSE
Evidence mounting that cause first identified on Alex Jones Show
led to towers' implosion. Paul Joseph Watson & Alex Jones/Prison
Planet.com | April 24 2006 - A new branch of 9/11 research claims
to have identified the cause of the collapse of the twin towers.
The photographic and video evidence makes a very strong case
for thermite being responsible for the unprecedented implosions
of steel framed reinforced buildings on September 11.
- This facet was first brought to light during a November 2005
appearance on The Alex Jones Show by Brigham Young University
physicist Professor Steven Jones. Jones said that white phosphorous
wasn't powerful enough to cause the implosion but that thermite
was the likely culprit. Alex Jones's 2005 release Martial Law
9/11 Rise of the Police State highlighted the physical evidence
that the towers and Building 7 were brought down with incendiary
devices. Brigham Young University physicist Professor Steven
Jones told peers at a Utah meeting that, "while almost no
fire, even one ignited by jet fuel, can cause structural steel
to fail, the combination of thermite and sulfur "slices
through steel like a hot knife through butter." Jones points
to a video (click here to watch) which shows a bright yellow
molten substance dripping from the south tower minutes before
its collapse. Government investigators claimed that this was
aluminum from Flight 175 but Jones is adamant that aluminum is
silvery in appearance and doesn't turn yellow. Whole story: http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/april2006/240406thermiteidentified.htm
- -----
- THE NAFTA SUPER HIGHWAY
- Aug 29, 2006 by Patrick J. Buchanan - This is a "mind-boggling
concept," exploded Lou Dobbs. It must cause Americans to
think our political and academic elites have "gone utterly
mad." What had detonated the mild-mannered CNN anchor? Dr.
Robert Pastor, vice chair of the Council on Foreign Relations
Task Force on North America, had just appeared before a panel
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