If you are aware of a person's intent to come into your home and attack you family, your children -- what would you do to prevent this type of "home invasion"? Would you defend your family? Well, it is time to take a stand to defend your family, your family values, and your Christian values.
ABC television's upcoming Prime Time show "Good Christian Bitches" is in the works today. And, the show features the tagline: “For Heaven’s sake, don’t let God get in the way of a good story!”
Critics Slam ABC Pilot "Good Christian Bitches": http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2011/03/04/critics-slam-abc-pilot-good-christian-bitches-inappropriate-damaging-title/print
Can you imagine the world uproar if their show was named "Good Muslim Bitches" or "Good Jewish Bitches" or even "Good Buddhist Bitches"? Then, why shouldn't the Christian world be in an uproar demanding the same respect for our Christian faith?
Many years ago, I loved the show "The Flying Nun" starring Sally Field, who also starred in the family friendly television series "Gidget." Yes, for many years, Sally Field was a role model for family friendly values on television. Then, in 2007, at the Emmy Awards, while accepting her award -- Sally Field, on world-wide television -- cursed the name of God. Since then, I cannot stand to see her on television. If even a commercial comes on featuring Sally Field, I will change the channel.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Fox Explains Censorship Of Actors At Emmys: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/18/arts/television/18emmy.html
Ms. Field used an expletive in saying that if mothers ruled the world, there would be no wars. She won the Emmy for her performance as Nora Walker, a liberal matriarch whose son is headed to Iraq for combat duty, on the ABC drama “Brothers & Sisters.”
Backstage after her acceptance, Ms. Field said she “would have liked to say more four-letter words up there.”
But she added that she “probably shouldn’t have said” the word that was censored. “If they bleep it, oh well, I’ll just say it somewhere else,” she said.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kathy Griffin's Jesus Remark Cut From Emmy Show: http://www.reuters.com/article/2007/09/11/us-griffin-emmys-idUSN1144512920070911
In 2007, comedienne Kathy Griffin, in her Emmy Award acceptance speech declared, "A lot of people come up here and thank Jesus for this award. I want you to know that no one had less to do with this award than Jesus," an exultant Griffin said, holding up her statuette. "Suck it, Jesus. This award is my god now."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
This was so offensive that the secular Emmy Awards Show producers edited it out of the taped version. But, unfortunately, not before millions had seen it on television. Today, I will not watch any show, period, on which this woman appears. I would rather go to a barn and shovel manure -- than to see her on any venue.
Personally, I boycott any and all shows which include Sally Field or Kathy Griffin. Does my boycott cause them any loss of money or fame? No, but, it most certainly allows me to respect myself -- and, I personally feel that it pleases God.
But, just imagine if ALL CHRISTIAN believers are offended and personally boycott all shows and commercials featuring these two ladies -- what an impact that would have on these ladies and on all businesses who advertise on shows which feature these ladies.
Yes, my Christian brothers and sisters, we CAN impact who and which "home invasions" enter our homes via the television. Are you willing to do it, to protect your family, for you own personal self-respect, and to please the God we serve?
Another more immediate thing YOU can do, right now, is to visit the "American Family Association Action Alert" web page and sign their petition. I have. Will you join me?
A Petition To ABC And Parent Company Disney http://secure.afa.net/afa/activism/signpetition.asp?id=1920
This message is my plea for all Christians, world-wide, to join me in telling the secular television and media "money worshiping" bosses, "We Christians demand the same respect you give to Muslims, Buddhists, Atheists, Secularists, and all other world religions. Stop defaming our God and our faith!"
It is time that we stand and tell the secular world, "We are tired of your attacks on our Christian faith -- and we won't take it anymore!"
If you agree with me, please share this with ALL your Friends, Relatives, Associates, and Neighbors -- all your FRANs. Let's all stand tall in our Christian faith
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill
Showing posts with label Prayer in schools. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prayer in schools. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Why Do Non-believers Post So Zealously
On The Religion Forum?
On The Religion Forum?
Do atheists and secularist really believe there is no God? Or, is that their desired belief? While I do understand that there are people who can commit heinous crimes, murder, rape, child abuse, etc., with no apparent feelings of guilt, i.e., with no guilty conscience -- I suppose I want to believe those are the exceptions, the human anomalies, and not the norm.
So, when a large number of people tell me that they do not believe God exists -- I have to wonder how many of these are the anomalies, and how many only want to deny God exists, because they do not want to allow Him to be master of their lives?
Once again, I want to believe that the majority are in the latter group -- and there is still a chance to bring them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Maybe I am naive; but, I know that my God exists -- and I know that He can save even the most stubborn and hopeless people. He proved that with the apostle, Paul, in Acts, chapter 9.
If you agree, share this with your Friends, Relatives, Associates, and Neighbors -- all your FRANs. Let's keep telling the world about the love of God; about His Word, written just for them; and the Gospel of Jesus Christ who wants all to be saved. Let's keep telling them all -- until He returns.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill Gray
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hi to all my Forum Friends,
In the discussion titled "So Does God Decide Who Goes To Hell?" begun by our new Forum Friend, or an old Friend with a new posting name, Everlasting Godstopper (what does this posting name tell you?) -- there has been a running dialogue between Jan, a declared atheist, and Peter, a Christian believer.
As usual, Jan, and all of our atheist Friends, are comparing our belief in God to children's belief in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy. She tells Peter, "A child believes in a Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, right? However, when they grow up most put those kinds of fairy tales behind them and realized that they are not real. Some kids apparently only grow out of certain fairy tales and hold on to others. You seem to be one of those kids that held on to the biggest one of all.
So, because some of us other kids grew up and read a science book or two, we got past all those childhood falsehoods. Including your scary god figure that knows when we are sleeping, that knows when we're a wake, who knows if we've been bad or good. Oh for goodness sake!
And, Peter responds to Jan, "(Since) you think of God in the same way you think of Santa -- why are you wasting your time on a Forum about God?
Seriously! I don't care if you think of Him as a sky fairy. That's your choice. And, if I'm correct in my beliefs, you will have to deal with that choice one day. But why do you continue to scream from the mountain tops that the 'sky fairy' isn't real? Do you do that about Santa, the Tooth Fairy, or the Easter Bunny? NO? Didn't think so. God is so irrelevant to you, (yet) you sure do seem to spend a ton of time and energy discussing Him."
Peter, as long as the atheists can close their eyes (spiritual eyes) and keep repeating, "He is not real! He is not real! He is not real!" -- they can pretend, and, I imagine, even to some degree, convince themselves that He is not real.
I am reminded of a time when my brother and I were young boys in Sheffield. One evening, we were home alone and in bed -- when we heard someone opening a window and coming into our home. So, we did the intelligent thing -- we pulled the blanket over our heads! Hey, if we could not see him -- surely he could not see us! Right? Wrong!
When I was a young adult, believe it or not, I was, not necessarily afraid -- but, very nervous in the dark. I suppose I was imagining all the things lurking in the dark which could jump out and grab me. But, there I was -- a young adult -- and, basically afraid of the dark.
Then, I read a book by John Steinbeck, "Travels With Charlie." Steinbeck, who came from the mid-California Monterey area, had written about America for years and decided it was time to get on the road and see America again. He had a camper put on his pickup truck -- and, with his large poodle, Charlie, set out to see America.
Normally, he stopped at camp grounds so that he could interact with people. But, one evening there was no camp ground available; so, he pulled off the highway and parked for the night. In the middle of the night, he began to hear all sorts of night noises. He became nervous, got his gun, and went outside to see what was up. As it turned out, it was just that -- night noises and noises from the camper settling. So, once he had assured himself that all was well, he slept well.
Reading this, I thought to myself, "Self, if a manly man such as John Steinbeck can be afraid of the dark -- then, why are you so worried about this silly fear?" And, believe it or not -- from that moment I have never been nervous in the dark. As a matter of fact, I cannot sleep well unless it is very dark. If there is light seeping into the room where I am sleeping, I have to get a night mask to prevent the light from keeping me awake. Quite a reversal.
And, I sense that our atheist Friends fear that same kind of spiritual reversal, i.e, if they acknowledge God -- they will be accountable to God. Then, they could not be "masters of their own world" -- they could not be their own gods. So, the more this idea of a true God of the Bible tends to seep in through the cracks -- the bigger their night mask must be to keep Him out.
How can this dilemma -- this fear that there could be a real God and that He would take control of our lives and we would be His slaves -- be prevented? Well, I would suggest that we begin by teaching our children about God and His love when they are very young. Then, they can grow up understanding, feeling, and growing in the love of God -- rather than in fear of God.
Let me give you a good example; once again using my brother and me, and our childhood. When we were young -- 9, 10, 11, 12 -- we were both tall and skinny. Even though he is three years older, we were always about the same size. Yet, when we did things -- he was always the best, he always won. When we went into PeeWee Football, he was always the first string player -- and I was his second string backup. With the young ladies -- even those I had a crush on, always seemed to like my brother better.
Needless to say, I grew up feeling second best. How could this have been prevented? If only my mom, or some other adult in the family, would have set me down and explained that Bob is three years older and should be stronger and more mature; very likely things would have been different. No one ever did this and consequently I grew up feeling second best.
We even carried this silent competition into high school. Bob was the star of our Sheffield High track team. He was, with no doubt, the best 440 Dash runner in the state of Alabama at that time -- and was offered a scholarship to the University of Alabama. And, I have no doubt that, had he pursued this, he would have gone to the Olympics. Instead, he got married while still in high school.
Yet, this I will declare, again with absolute certainty, his wife for 56 years, Mary, is a far greater prize than any Olympic gold medal.
In high school, I played varsity basketball. I would go to Bob's track meets and cheer my head off for him; but, no way would I allow him to know this. In the same way, he would cheer for me at our Sheffield basketball games. But, in person -- you suck!
My point in this personal excursion into the past is that, if some adult had set me and Bob down as young boys and explained to us about our bodies, how he was supposed to be stronger and more mature because he was three years older -- very likely we would not have developed that competitive sibling rivalry which carried over into our adult lives. Today, praise God, that feeling is totally dead. But, I mourn the lost sibling camaraderie of those young years.
In the same way, if parents and grandparents are Christian believers, if children are raised in Godly Christian homes and environments -- they will grow up loving God and not fearing Him. That should be the goal of all parents and grandparents. But, of course, the parents and grandparents need to be Christian believers -- before they can raise the children to love God.
Assuring that all children will have this kind of Christian home environment in which to grow in God's love -- by witnessing to and evangelizing non-believing adults who are parents and grandparents, and young adult who will become parents -- should be our highest priority for all Christian believers. We can help plant the "seeds of salvation" which can turn a secular home into a Christian home -- and into a Christian environment in which children can grow into God loving, God worshiping, young adults. Can you think of a more effective way of assuring the eternal happiness of our children?
Of course, our atheist Friends will answer that last question by replying, "Yes! Just leave them alone and let them develop their own ideas and morality." That, my Friends, is called Moral Relativism and is the rallying call of all atheists and secularist -- and was the driving motivation for Madelyn Murray O'Hair and the ACLU in 1963 when they had God and prayer evicted from our pubic schools.
We all have witnessed the happy results of that 1963 decision by the Supreme Court: an explosion of drive-by shootings and teenage crimes; runaway teen pregnancy; rampant drug use among young children; children in elementary schools now routinely having sex; and, the highlight of the secular world view -- the "politically correct" teaching and indoctrination of homosexuality and same-sex marriage in our public schools, beginning in Kindergarten.
How has America and our families benefited from the secular Moral Relativism? How has America and our families benefited from God and prayer being evicted from our schools? In absolutely no way! Since 1963, it has been all down hill.
Since 1963, the only bastion for Positive Moral Values, i.e., Christian Values -- are our Christian homes, our Christian churches, and our Christian schools where children can escape the indoctrination of the secular schools -- and grow in the love of God and Godly families.
What is next on the secular/atheist agenda? What is the next move in their attempts to deny God?
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill
So, when a large number of people tell me that they do not believe God exists -- I have to wonder how many of these are the anomalies, and how many only want to deny God exists, because they do not want to allow Him to be master of their lives?
Once again, I want to believe that the majority are in the latter group -- and there is still a chance to bring them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Maybe I am naive; but, I know that my God exists -- and I know that He can save even the most stubborn and hopeless people. He proved that with the apostle, Paul, in Acts, chapter 9.
If you agree, share this with your Friends, Relatives, Associates, and Neighbors -- all your FRANs. Let's keep telling the world about the love of God; about His Word, written just for them; and the Gospel of Jesus Christ who wants all to be saved. Let's keep telling them all -- until He returns.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill Gray
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hi to all my Forum Friends,
In the discussion titled "So Does God Decide Who Goes To Hell?" begun by our new Forum Friend, or an old Friend with a new posting name, Everlasting Godstopper (what does this posting name tell you?) -- there has been a running dialogue between Jan, a declared atheist, and Peter, a Christian believer.
As usual, Jan, and all of our atheist Friends, are comparing our belief in God to children's belief in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy. She tells Peter, "A child believes in a Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, right? However, when they grow up most put those kinds of fairy tales behind them and realized that they are not real. Some kids apparently only grow out of certain fairy tales and hold on to others. You seem to be one of those kids that held on to the biggest one of all.
So, because some of us other kids grew up and read a science book or two, we got past all those childhood falsehoods. Including your scary god figure that knows when we are sleeping, that knows when we're a wake, who knows if we've been bad or good. Oh for goodness sake!
And, Peter responds to Jan, "(Since) you think of God in the same way you think of Santa -- why are you wasting your time on a Forum about God?
Seriously! I don't care if you think of Him as a sky fairy. That's your choice. And, if I'm correct in my beliefs, you will have to deal with that choice one day. But why do you continue to scream from the mountain tops that the 'sky fairy' isn't real? Do you do that about Santa, the Tooth Fairy, or the Easter Bunny? NO? Didn't think so. God is so irrelevant to you, (yet) you sure do seem to spend a ton of time and energy discussing Him."
Peter, as long as the atheists can close their eyes (spiritual eyes) and keep repeating, "He is not real! He is not real! He is not real!" -- they can pretend, and, I imagine, even to some degree, convince themselves that He is not real.
I am reminded of a time when my brother and I were young boys in Sheffield. One evening, we were home alone and in bed -- when we heard someone opening a window and coming into our home. So, we did the intelligent thing -- we pulled the blanket over our heads! Hey, if we could not see him -- surely he could not see us! Right? Wrong!
When I was a young adult, believe it or not, I was, not necessarily afraid -- but, very nervous in the dark. I suppose I was imagining all the things lurking in the dark which could jump out and grab me. But, there I was -- a young adult -- and, basically afraid of the dark.
Then, I read a book by John Steinbeck, "Travels With Charlie." Steinbeck, who came from the mid-California Monterey area, had written about America for years and decided it was time to get on the road and see America again. He had a camper put on his pickup truck -- and, with his large poodle, Charlie, set out to see America.
Normally, he stopped at camp grounds so that he could interact with people. But, one evening there was no camp ground available; so, he pulled off the highway and parked for the night. In the middle of the night, he began to hear all sorts of night noises. He became nervous, got his gun, and went outside to see what was up. As it turned out, it was just that -- night noises and noises from the camper settling. So, once he had assured himself that all was well, he slept well.
Reading this, I thought to myself, "Self, if a manly man such as John Steinbeck can be afraid of the dark -- then, why are you so worried about this silly fear?" And, believe it or not -- from that moment I have never been nervous in the dark. As a matter of fact, I cannot sleep well unless it is very dark. If there is light seeping into the room where I am sleeping, I have to get a night mask to prevent the light from keeping me awake. Quite a reversal.
And, I sense that our atheist Friends fear that same kind of spiritual reversal, i.e, if they acknowledge God -- they will be accountable to God. Then, they could not be "masters of their own world" -- they could not be their own gods. So, the more this idea of a true God of the Bible tends to seep in through the cracks -- the bigger their night mask must be to keep Him out.
How can this dilemma -- this fear that there could be a real God and that He would take control of our lives and we would be His slaves -- be prevented? Well, I would suggest that we begin by teaching our children about God and His love when they are very young. Then, they can grow up understanding, feeling, and growing in the love of God -- rather than in fear of God.
Let me give you a good example; once again using my brother and me, and our childhood. When we were young -- 9, 10, 11, 12 -- we were both tall and skinny. Even though he is three years older, we were always about the same size. Yet, when we did things -- he was always the best, he always won. When we went into PeeWee Football, he was always the first string player -- and I was his second string backup. With the young ladies -- even those I had a crush on, always seemed to like my brother better.
Needless to say, I grew up feeling second best. How could this have been prevented? If only my mom, or some other adult in the family, would have set me down and explained that Bob is three years older and should be stronger and more mature; very likely things would have been different. No one ever did this and consequently I grew up feeling second best.
We even carried this silent competition into high school. Bob was the star of our Sheffield High track team. He was, with no doubt, the best 440 Dash runner in the state of Alabama at that time -- and was offered a scholarship to the University of Alabama. And, I have no doubt that, had he pursued this, he would have gone to the Olympics. Instead, he got married while still in high school.
Yet, this I will declare, again with absolute certainty, his wife for 56 years, Mary, is a far greater prize than any Olympic gold medal.
In high school, I played varsity basketball. I would go to Bob's track meets and cheer my head off for him; but, no way would I allow him to know this. In the same way, he would cheer for me at our Sheffield basketball games. But, in person -- you suck!
My point in this personal excursion into the past is that, if some adult had set me and Bob down as young boys and explained to us about our bodies, how he was supposed to be stronger and more mature because he was three years older -- very likely we would not have developed that competitive sibling rivalry which carried over into our adult lives. Today, praise God, that feeling is totally dead. But, I mourn the lost sibling camaraderie of those young years.
In the same way, if parents and grandparents are Christian believers, if children are raised in Godly Christian homes and environments -- they will grow up loving God and not fearing Him. That should be the goal of all parents and grandparents. But, of course, the parents and grandparents need to be Christian believers -- before they can raise the children to love God.
Assuring that all children will have this kind of Christian home environment in which to grow in God's love -- by witnessing to and evangelizing non-believing adults who are parents and grandparents, and young adult who will become parents -- should be our highest priority for all Christian believers. We can help plant the "seeds of salvation" which can turn a secular home into a Christian home -- and into a Christian environment in which children can grow into God loving, God worshiping, young adults. Can you think of a more effective way of assuring the eternal happiness of our children?
Of course, our atheist Friends will answer that last question by replying, "Yes! Just leave them alone and let them develop their own ideas and morality." That, my Friends, is called Moral Relativism and is the rallying call of all atheists and secularist -- and was the driving motivation for Madelyn Murray O'Hair and the ACLU in 1963 when they had God and prayer evicted from our pubic schools.
We all have witnessed the happy results of that 1963 decision by the Supreme Court: an explosion of drive-by shootings and teenage crimes; runaway teen pregnancy; rampant drug use among young children; children in elementary schools now routinely having sex; and, the highlight of the secular world view -- the "politically correct" teaching and indoctrination of homosexuality and same-sex marriage in our public schools, beginning in Kindergarten.
How has America and our families benefited from the secular Moral Relativism? How has America and our families benefited from God and prayer being evicted from our schools? In absolutely no way! Since 1963, it has been all down hill.
Since 1963, the only bastion for Positive Moral Values, i.e., Christian Values -- are our Christian homes, our Christian churches, and our Christian schools where children can escape the indoctrination of the secular schools -- and grow in the love of God and Godly families.
What is next on the secular/atheist agenda? What is the next move in their attempts to deny God?
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill
Monday, September 6, 2010
No Mosque Near Ground Zero!
It has been sixteen years since my mother went home to be with the Lord; yet, her memory is still very fresh and very precious to me. It has been nine years since the Massacre at the World Trade Center; yet, the memory of lost loved ones and of lost fellow Americans is still very fresh and very precious to the families and friends of all those lost on September 11, 2001 -- and to all Americans. These memories not only should be honored, they MUST be honored -- if America is to remain the beacon of hope for the poor and persecuted of the world.
The article below is not written from a Christian's point of view; for Charles Krauthammer of the Washington Post is not a Christian believer. It is written from the point of view of a sensitive, sincere, conservative American who tells us to honor our dead and to not allow their memory to be desecrated.
Read this article, form you own opinion, and then be sure to let your elected leaders, and Mayor Bloomberg, know how you feel.
The White House: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact
Find your Senators: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
Find your Congressman: http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW_by_State.shtml
Mayor Bloomberg: http://www.nyc.gov/html/mail/html/mayor.html
Please share this with ALL your Friends, Relatives, Associates, and Neighbors -- all your FRANs. Just as we honor and protect the memory of Gettysburg, Pearl Harbor, Auschwitz, etc. -- let us continue to honor and protect the memory of those lost on September 11, 2001.
No Mosque Near Ground Zero!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
WHY A MOSQUE DOES NOT BELONG NEAR GROUND ZERO
Charles Krauthammer, The Washington Post Writers Group
Published: August 17. 2010 4:00AM PST
http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100817/NEWS0107/8170332
A place is made sacred by a widespread belief that it was visited by the miraculous or the transcendent (Lourdes, the Temple Mount), by the presence there once of great nobility and sacrifice (Gettysburg), or by the blood of martyrs and the indescribable suffering of the innocent (Auschwitz).
When we speak of ground zero as hallowed ground, what we mean is that it belongs to those who suffered and died there — and that such ownership obliges us, the living, to preserve the dignity and memory of the place, never allowing it to be forgotten, trivialized, or misappropriated.
That's why Disney's early-'90s proposal to build an American history theme park near Manassas Battlefield was defeated by a broad coalition fearing vulgarization of the Civil War. (The coalition was wiser than me. At the time I obtusely saw little harm in the venture.) It's why the commercial viewing tower built right on the border of Gettysburg was taken down by the Park Service. It's why, while no one objects to Japanese cultural centers, the idea of putting one up at Pearl Harbor would be offensive.
And why Pope John Paul II ordered Carmelite nuns to leave the convent they had established at Auschwitz. He was in no way devaluing their heartfelt mission to pray for the souls of the dead. He was teaching them a lesson in respect: This is not your place, it belongs to others. However pure your voice, better to let silence reign.
Even New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who denounced opponents of the proposed 15-story mosque and Islamic center near ground zero as tramplers on religious freedom, asked the mosque organizers "to show some special sensitivity to the situation."
Yet, as columnist Rich Lowry pointedly noted, the government has no business telling churches how to conduct their business, shape their message, or show "special sensitivity" to anyone about anything. Bloomberg was thereby "inadvertently" conceding the claim of those he excoriates for opposing the mosque, namely, that ground zero is indeed unlike any other place and therefore unique criteria govern what can be done there.
Bloomberg's implication is clear: If the proposed mosque were controlled by "insensitive" Islamist radicals either excusing or celebrating 9/11, he would not support its construction.
But then, why not? By the mayor's own expansive view of religious freedom, by what right do we dictate the message of any mosque? Moreover, as a practical matter, there's no guarantee this couldn't happen in the future. Religious institutions in this country are autonomous. Who is to say the mosque won't one day hire an Anwar al-Aulaqi — spiritual mentor to the Fort Hood shooter and the Christmas Day bomber, and onetime imam at the Virginia mosque attended by two of the 9/11 terrorists?
An Aulaqi preaching in Virginia is a security problem. An Aulaqi preaching at ground zero is a sacrilege.
Location matters. Especially this location. Ground zero is the site of the greatest mass murder in American history — perpetrated by Muslims of a particular Islamist orthodoxy in whose cause they died and in whose name they killed.
Of course, that strain represents only a minority of Muslims. Islam is no more intrinsically Islamist than present-day Germany is Nazi — yet despite contemporary Germany's innocence, no German of good will would even think of proposing a German cultural center at, say, Treblinka.
Which makes you wonder about the good will behind Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf's proposal. This is a man who has called U.S. policy "an accessory to the crime" of 9/11 and, when recently asked whether Hamas is a terrorist organization, replied, "I'm not a politician. ... The issue of terrorism is a very complex question."
America is a free country where you can build whatever you want — but not anywhere. That's why we have zoning laws. No liquor store near a school, no strip malls where they offend local sensibilities, and, if your house doesn't meet community architectural codes, you cannot build at all.
These restrictions are for reasons of aesthetics. Others are for more profound reasons of common decency and respect for the sacred. No commercial tower over Gettysburg, no convent at Auschwitz — and no mosque at ground zero.
Build it anywhere but there.
The governor of New York offered to help find land to build the mosque elsewhere. A mosque really seeking to build bridges, Rauf's ostensible hope for the structure, would accept the offer.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Think about it! Pray about it! Then, do something, contact your leaders!
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill Gray
The article below is not written from a Christian's point of view; for Charles Krauthammer of the Washington Post is not a Christian believer. It is written from the point of view of a sensitive, sincere, conservative American who tells us to honor our dead and to not allow their memory to be desecrated.
Read this article, form you own opinion, and then be sure to let your elected leaders, and Mayor Bloomberg, know how you feel.
The White House: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact
Find your Senators: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
Find your Congressman: http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW_by_State.shtml
Mayor Bloomberg: http://www.nyc.gov/html/mail/html/mayor.html
Please share this with ALL your Friends, Relatives, Associates, and Neighbors -- all your FRANs. Just as we honor and protect the memory of Gettysburg, Pearl Harbor, Auschwitz, etc. -- let us continue to honor and protect the memory of those lost on September 11, 2001.
No Mosque Near Ground Zero!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
WHY A MOSQUE DOES NOT BELONG NEAR GROUND ZERO
Charles Krauthammer, The Washington Post Writers Group
Published: August 17. 2010 4:00AM PST
http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100817/NEWS0107/8170332
A place is made sacred by a widespread belief that it was visited by the miraculous or the transcendent (Lourdes, the Temple Mount), by the presence there once of great nobility and sacrifice (Gettysburg), or by the blood of martyrs and the indescribable suffering of the innocent (Auschwitz).
When we speak of ground zero as hallowed ground, what we mean is that it belongs to those who suffered and died there — and that such ownership obliges us, the living, to preserve the dignity and memory of the place, never allowing it to be forgotten, trivialized, or misappropriated.
That's why Disney's early-'90s proposal to build an American history theme park near Manassas Battlefield was defeated by a broad coalition fearing vulgarization of the Civil War. (The coalition was wiser than me. At the time I obtusely saw little harm in the venture.) It's why the commercial viewing tower built right on the border of Gettysburg was taken down by the Park Service. It's why, while no one objects to Japanese cultural centers, the idea of putting one up at Pearl Harbor would be offensive.
And why Pope John Paul II ordered Carmelite nuns to leave the convent they had established at Auschwitz. He was in no way devaluing their heartfelt mission to pray for the souls of the dead. He was teaching them a lesson in respect: This is not your place, it belongs to others. However pure your voice, better to let silence reign.
Even New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who denounced opponents of the proposed 15-story mosque and Islamic center near ground zero as tramplers on religious freedom, asked the mosque organizers "to show some special sensitivity to the situation."
Yet, as columnist Rich Lowry pointedly noted, the government has no business telling churches how to conduct their business, shape their message, or show "special sensitivity" to anyone about anything. Bloomberg was thereby "inadvertently" conceding the claim of those he excoriates for opposing the mosque, namely, that ground zero is indeed unlike any other place and therefore unique criteria govern what can be done there.
Bloomberg's implication is clear: If the proposed mosque were controlled by "insensitive" Islamist radicals either excusing or celebrating 9/11, he would not support its construction.
But then, why not? By the mayor's own expansive view of religious freedom, by what right do we dictate the message of any mosque? Moreover, as a practical matter, there's no guarantee this couldn't happen in the future. Religious institutions in this country are autonomous. Who is to say the mosque won't one day hire an Anwar al-Aulaqi — spiritual mentor to the Fort Hood shooter and the Christmas Day bomber, and onetime imam at the Virginia mosque attended by two of the 9/11 terrorists?
An Aulaqi preaching in Virginia is a security problem. An Aulaqi preaching at ground zero is a sacrilege.
Location matters. Especially this location. Ground zero is the site of the greatest mass murder in American history — perpetrated by Muslims of a particular Islamist orthodoxy in whose cause they died and in whose name they killed.
Of course, that strain represents only a minority of Muslims. Islam is no more intrinsically Islamist than present-day Germany is Nazi — yet despite contemporary Germany's innocence, no German of good will would even think of proposing a German cultural center at, say, Treblinka.
Which makes you wonder about the good will behind Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf's proposal. This is a man who has called U.S. policy "an accessory to the crime" of 9/11 and, when recently asked whether Hamas is a terrorist organization, replied, "I'm not a politician. ... The issue of terrorism is a very complex question."
America is a free country where you can build whatever you want — but not anywhere. That's why we have zoning laws. No liquor store near a school, no strip malls where they offend local sensibilities, and, if your house doesn't meet community architectural codes, you cannot build at all.
These restrictions are for reasons of aesthetics. Others are for more profound reasons of common decency and respect for the sacred. No commercial tower over Gettysburg, no convent at Auschwitz — and no mosque at ground zero.
Build it anywhere but there.
The governor of New York offered to help find land to build the mosque elsewhere. A mosque really seeking to build bridges, Rauf's ostensible hope for the structure, would accept the offer.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Think about it! Pray about it! Then, do something, contact your leaders!
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill Gray
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Are We "Dumbing Down" Our Young People?
Hi to my Forum Friends,
If you ask your children, or grandchildren, to tell you the meaning of the Fourth of July -- what will they tell you? If you tell them it was the American War of Independence -- will they know who we fought for our independence? According to this report; most of them cannot answer either question.
On the PBS NewsHour show last night with news anchor, Judy Woodruff, during the Political Wrap session, a weekly session of political analysis with syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks -- they discussed an alarming fact about the American education system today.
The following is a transcript of that portion of the show which really caught my attention -- 25% of Americans polled (40% of those 19-29 years old) -- DID NOT know who American fought to win our Independence. Tomorrow is our Independence Day, July 4th -- and one fourth to almost one half of Americans do now know what we really celebrate:
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
JUDY WOODRUFF: Speaking of the Fourth of July, a poll I noticed today -- Marist College in New York did a poll which showed that a fourth of Americans, when you ask them from what country did the United States win its independence, one-fourth of Americans said they weren't sure or they didn't know. And 40 percent of 18-to-29-year-olds in this country said they didn't know or weren't sure.
What does that say?
DAVID BROOKS: Yes. I think it is an insult to Abraham Lincoln's leadership of the Revolutionary War. (He was making a joke!)
DAVID BROOKS: No. To me, the substance of it is that we have traded history for social studies in schools, that we don't do the ABCs, here is what happened when.
And I notice this when I talk to kids, including sometimes my own kids. They just don't get the dates. They don't get the dates. They don't have the scaffolding of history. And they do a lot more social structure. They do cultures. They do this. They do that.
But they don't have the basic -- the facts and lineage of what happened when. And, so, those basic facts if, you don't have the scaffolding, you are not going to remember. You're not going to know how to organize it and put it all together into some sort of theory.
MARK SHIELDS: We're a lot more sensitive, but we're a lot less informed.
What is rather terrifying is the figure you cited about 40 percent of the people under the age of 29. And 80 percent, close to, over -- those over 45 do know. There was something going on in schools. The people, the older people are less likely to have gone to college than are the younger ones.
And the idea that somebody is going through college and graduating and not knowing a fundamental fact like that is terrifying and it's depressing. And...
JUDY WOODRUFF: I mean, when I saw the poll, I looked at it and looked at it again, and checked the validity, checked it with another pollster, and they said, these are real numbers.
MARK SHIELDS: Yes. It's not good news.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Now, contrast that with Naturalized Americans -- those who are born in another country, then immigrate to America -- and, on a very proud day years later; become American Citizens! I am proud to say my wife is one of these Naturalized American Citizens.
But, they do not just raise their hands, swear allegiance, and then are handed a certificate. No, they have to pass a test to become an American Citizen. I wonder, if we who were so fortunate to be born in America -- if we had to take this same test to affirm and keep our American Citizenship; how many could pass the test?
A major part of that test is about American History and the American Government. Right now, I am looking at one of the books my wife, Dory, had to study for her citizenship. The title is "Our American Government" -- not a pamphlet; no, this book is a text book, one inch thick.
We have to take our hats off to the Naturalized American Citizens -- for they most likely know more about America, our history and our government, than most young Americans who have graduated from college in the last few decades.
As news anchor, Judy Woodruff, asks us, "What does that say?" Yes, what does that say about the American Education System? It tells me that we have traded our American Heritage, our American History -- for a Liberal Social Agenda.
This tells me that we in America are "dumbing down" our young people and getting them into "lock step" with a Liberal Socialist Agenda. We have begun to emulate China as we systematically "dumb down" the American citizenry.
Wake up! America! It is time for a rebirth of the America which was born on July 4th, 1776!
Our Pledge of Allegiance tells us:I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
True, the phraseone nation under God was not in the Pledge of Allegiance until 1954, when it was incorporated by an act of Congress. The original Pledge was written by Francis Bellamy (1855 - 1931), a Baptist minister -- who was also a Socialist.
As chairman a committee of state superintendents of education in the National Education Association, he prepared the program for the public schools' quadricentennial celebration for Columbus Day in 1892. He structured this public school program around a flag raising ceremony and a flag salute, for which he wrote his "Pledge of Allegiance."
But, being a Christian who was also a Socialist; he left God out of the picture. In 1891, he was pressured into leaving his church because of his socialist sermons.
However, praise God, our national leaders in Congress were led, in 1954, to acknowledge what God has done in raising up America as a freedom loving nation and a beacon to oppressed people from around the world.
Yes, we have had our dark moments, such as that shadow cast upon our nation by the institution of slavery. That is a sign of our human weaknesses; while still serving under our omnipotent God. Being a Christian nation, we eventually drove that institution of darkness, slavery followed by segregation -- out of our American society.
But, unfortunately, in 1963, our Supreme Court also evicted God from much of America. In 1963, the Supreme Court held hands with the ACLU in evicting God from our schools -- and progressively, systematically, the ACLU has been working to evict God and the Ten Commandments from all aspects of the American society.
Maybe, if our Pledge of Allegiance had included God back in 1892 -- the Supreme Court emboldened ACLU attacks upon our Christian heritage and God would not be occurring.
Continue to pray for our nation, for our Christian American society, and for our American leaders. But, remember all of this when you vote in November.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill Gray
If you ask your children, or grandchildren, to tell you the meaning of the Fourth of July -- what will they tell you? If you tell them it was the American War of Independence -- will they know who we fought for our independence? According to this report; most of them cannot answer either question.
On the PBS NewsHour show last night with news anchor, Judy Woodruff, during the Political Wrap session, a weekly session of political analysis with syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks -- they discussed an alarming fact about the American education system today.
The following is a transcript of that portion of the show which really caught my attention -- 25% of Americans polled (40% of those 19-29 years old) -- DID NOT know who American fought to win our Independence. Tomorrow is our Independence Day, July 4th -- and one fourth to almost one half of Americans do now know what we really celebrate:
JUDY WOODRUFF: Speaking of the Fourth of July, a poll I noticed today -- Marist College in New York did a poll which showed that a fourth of Americans, when you ask them from what country did the United States win its independence, one-fourth of Americans said they weren't sure or they didn't know. And 40 percent of 18-to-29-year-olds in this country said they didn't know or weren't sure.
What does that say?
DAVID BROOKS: Yes. I think it is an insult to Abraham Lincoln's leadership of the Revolutionary War. (He was making a joke!)
DAVID BROOKS: No. To me, the substance of it is that we have traded history for social studies in schools, that we don't do the ABCs, here is what happened when.
And I notice this when I talk to kids, including sometimes my own kids. They just don't get the dates. They don't get the dates. They don't have the scaffolding of history. And they do a lot more social structure. They do cultures. They do this. They do that.
But they don't have the basic -- the facts and lineage of what happened when. And, so, those basic facts if, you don't have the scaffolding, you are not going to remember. You're not going to know how to organize it and put it all together into some sort of theory.
MARK SHIELDS: We're a lot more sensitive, but we're a lot less informed.
What is rather terrifying is the figure you cited about 40 percent of the people under the age of 29. And 80 percent, close to, over -- those over 45 do know. There was something going on in schools. The people, the older people are less likely to have gone to college than are the younger ones.
And the idea that somebody is going through college and graduating and not knowing a fundamental fact like that is terrifying and it's depressing. And...
JUDY WOODRUFF: I mean, when I saw the poll, I looked at it and looked at it again, and checked the validity, checked it with another pollster, and they said, these are real numbers.
MARK SHIELDS: Yes. It's not good news.
Now, contrast that with Naturalized Americans -- those who are born in another country, then immigrate to America -- and, on a very proud day years later; become American Citizens! I am proud to say my wife is one of these Naturalized American Citizens.
But, they do not just raise their hands, swear allegiance, and then are handed a certificate. No, they have to pass a test to become an American Citizen. I wonder, if we who were so fortunate to be born in America -- if we had to take this same test to affirm and keep our American Citizenship; how many could pass the test?
A major part of that test is about American History and the American Government. Right now, I am looking at one of the books my wife, Dory, had to study for her citizenship. The title is "Our American Government" -- not a pamphlet; no, this book is a text book, one inch thick.
We have to take our hats off to the Naturalized American Citizens -- for they most likely know more about America, our history and our government, than most young Americans who have graduated from college in the last few decades.
As news anchor, Judy Woodruff, asks us, "What does that say?" Yes, what does that say about the American Education System? It tells me that we have traded our American Heritage, our American History -- for a Liberal Social Agenda.
This tells me that we in America are "dumbing down" our young people and getting them into "lock step" with a Liberal Socialist Agenda. We have begun to emulate China as we systematically "dumb down" the American citizenry.
Wake up! America! It is time for a rebirth of the America which was born on July 4th, 1776!
Our Pledge of Allegiance tells us:
True, the phrase
As chairman a committee of state superintendents of education in the National Education Association, he prepared the program for the public schools' quadricentennial celebration for Columbus Day in 1892. He structured this public school program around a flag raising ceremony and a flag salute, for which he wrote his "Pledge of Allegiance."
But, being a Christian who was also a Socialist; he left God out of the picture. In 1891, he was pressured into leaving his church because of his socialist sermons.
However, praise God, our national leaders in Congress were led, in 1954, to acknowledge what God has done in raising up America as a freedom loving nation and a beacon to oppressed people from around the world.
Yes, we have had our dark moments, such as that shadow cast upon our nation by the institution of slavery. That is a sign of our human weaknesses; while still serving under our omnipotent God. Being a Christian nation, we eventually drove that institution of darkness, slavery followed by segregation -- out of our American society.
But, unfortunately, in 1963, our Supreme Court also evicted God from much of America. In 1963, the Supreme Court held hands with the ACLU in evicting God from our schools -- and progressively, systematically, the ACLU has been working to evict God and the Ten Commandments from all aspects of the American society.
Maybe, if our Pledge of Allegiance had included God back in 1892 -- the Supreme Court emboldened ACLU attacks upon our Christian heritage and God would not be occurring.
Continue to pray for our nation, for our Christian American society, and for our American leaders. But, remember all of this when you vote in November.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill Gray
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
LESSONS/HABITS LEARNED YOUNG -- LAST A LIFETIME!
On the TimesDaily (Florence, Alabama) News Forum, a Friend, Tommy, shared an article with us:
http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20100323/APN/1003231578
He made the observation,"Was prayer or Bible reading ever allowed over school intercoms? I attended public school and I don't remember it ever happening. This discussion has gotten way out of hand. Doesn't anyone possess a sense of balance anymore?"
Like Tommy, I do not recall ever hearing a prayer or Scripture reading over a school intercom or pubic address system. But, then, I do not recall if our elementary schools and high school in Sheffield even had an intercom or public address system. To the best of my knowledge, I do not recall ever hearing an intercom announcement. But, I was in elementary school in the 1940s and at Sheffield High from 1951 to 1955. Possibly, we did not even have an public address system at that time.
But, if we did have a public address system during those days -- I do not believe it would have been appropriate to have prayer and Scripture reading over the PA system. We were in school to be taught Reading-Riting-Rithmetic; not religion. However, I do recall, with very warm feelings, the weekly assembly meetings where we always had a local clergy speak with the student body. And, no one complained -- not even the non-believers such as I was then -- or even the atheists, if we had any.
Each week, a local clergy would come to speak with us. The local Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish clergy took turns. And, the one most memorable and most enjoyed by we students was very likely the Jewish rabbi. He had a great sense of humor -- telling us, since we could not pronounce his name, "Just call me Rabbi Rubber Band." His name sounded something like that -- so, he made it easy for us to remember him -- and his messages.
Even though I was not a Christian believer then; the teachings I learned in those assemblies have stuck with me over the years -- even when I did not notice. Christian teachings at this vulnerable stage of life for young people can change the future course of life for many young people.
This reminds me of a thought I had today -- of how habits learned at a young age, tend to stay with us throughout life. At the age of 17, I went into the Air Force. One thing we were taught in the Air Force was to consistently do things the right way, i.e., when we had clothing hung, it had to be done so neatly; when we had wash cloths and towels hung -- they had to be squared as they hung. Even to this day, when I see a wash cloth or a towel hung crookedly -- I cannot resist squaring it up, making it straight.
Another reaction learned from my high school days, which came to mind today: If I am home alone and have to go to the restroom; I will always check to see that the front door is locked first. It is a habit I cannot seem to break. Why do I have this form of insecurity? When I was a student at Sheffield High, there was a real "chip on the shoulder" attitude between the boys from Sheffield High and the boys from Coffee High. At that time the only high school in Florence was Coffee. So, this attitude of "we're tougher than you" existed between SHS and CHS boys.
One evening I was in Florence and before hitch-hiking back to Sheffield, stopped in the Youth Center which was on the east side of Court Street across from where the Holiday Inn hotel used to be. I went into the restroom -- and while sitting there, suddenly the door flew open and a Florence boy demanded that we go outside and fight. Feeling somewhat at a disadvantage as I sat there -- I asked if we could hold off until I had finished my paper work. He went outside to wait for me -- but, before I could exit, another Sheffield boy, my classmate, George Dixon, showed up and their fight took precedence over mine.
While I know it is silly -- even to this day, more that half a century later -- if I am home alone I cannot comfortably go into the restroom without first checking the front door. I guess mentally I can still see that Florence boy bursting into the room.
That is the negative side of learned reactions. Now, apply this to the positive side, learned reactions to the Word of God -- and you have a positive reason for having God brought back into our public school system. Learned habits last a lifetime; and learned positive lessons also last a lifetime. The time to start making sure our children learn the right positive lessons is today.
So, while I would resist prayer and Scripture reading over a public address system in schools -- I most certainly do pray for and earnestly desire to see God invited back into our public school system. He has been evicted far too long -- as rising incidences of teen pregnancies, STDs, drive-by shootings, and other forms of teen unrest will attest. Yes, our young people need to see and hear God in our public schools today.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill Gray
He made the observation,
Like Tommy, I do not recall ever hearing a prayer or Scripture reading over a school intercom or pubic address system. But, then, I do not recall if our elementary schools and high school in Sheffield even had an intercom or public address system. To the best of my knowledge, I do not recall ever hearing an intercom announcement. But, I was in elementary school in the 1940s and at Sheffield High from 1951 to 1955. Possibly, we did not even have an public address system at that time.
But, if we did have a public address system during those days -- I do not believe it would have been appropriate to have prayer and Scripture reading over the PA system. We were in school to be taught Reading-Riting-Rithmetic; not religion. However, I do recall, with very warm feelings, the weekly assembly meetings where we always had a local clergy speak with the student body. And, no one complained -- not even the non-believers such as I was then -- or even the atheists, if we had any.
Each week, a local clergy would come to speak with us. The local Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish clergy took turns. And, the one most memorable and most enjoyed by we students was very likely the Jewish rabbi. He had a great sense of humor -- telling us, since we could not pronounce his name, "Just call me Rabbi Rubber Band." His name sounded something like that -- so, he made it easy for us to remember him -- and his messages.
Even though I was not a Christian believer then; the teachings I learned in those assemblies have stuck with me over the years -- even when I did not notice. Christian teachings at this vulnerable stage of life for young people can change the future course of life for many young people.
This reminds me of a thought I had today -- of how habits learned at a young age, tend to stay with us throughout life. At the age of 17, I went into the Air Force. One thing we were taught in the Air Force was to consistently do things the right way, i.e., when we had clothing hung, it had to be done so neatly; when we had wash cloths and towels hung -- they had to be squared as they hung. Even to this day, when I see a wash cloth or a towel hung crookedly -- I cannot resist squaring it up, making it straight.
Another reaction learned from my high school days, which came to mind today: If I am home alone and have to go to the restroom; I will always check to see that the front door is locked first. It is a habit I cannot seem to break. Why do I have this form of insecurity? When I was a student at Sheffield High, there was a real "chip on the shoulder" attitude between the boys from Sheffield High and the boys from Coffee High. At that time the only high school in Florence was Coffee. So, this attitude of "we're tougher than you" existed between SHS and CHS boys.
One evening I was in Florence and before hitch-hiking back to Sheffield, stopped in the Youth Center which was on the east side of Court Street across from where the Holiday Inn hotel used to be. I went into the restroom -- and while sitting there, suddenly the door flew open and a Florence boy demanded that we go outside and fight. Feeling somewhat at a disadvantage as I sat there -- I asked if we could hold off until I had finished my paper work. He went outside to wait for me -- but, before I could exit, another Sheffield boy, my classmate, George Dixon, showed up and their fight took precedence over mine.
While I know it is silly -- even to this day, more that half a century later -- if I am home alone I cannot comfortably go into the restroom without first checking the front door. I guess mentally I can still see that Florence boy bursting into the room.
That is the negative side of learned reactions. Now, apply this to the positive side, learned reactions to the Word of God -- and you have a positive reason for having God brought back into our public school system. Learned habits last a lifetime; and learned positive lessons also last a lifetime. The time to start making sure our children learn the right positive lessons is today.
So, while I would resist prayer and Scripture reading over a public address system in schools -- I most certainly do pray for and earnestly desire to see God invited back into our public school system. He has been evicted far too long -- as rising incidences of teen pregnancies, STDs, drive-by shootings, and other forms of teen unrest will attest. Yes, our young people need to see and hear God in our public schools today.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill Gray
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