Eating Chinese Food at the Beach

She calls this one...


Eating Chinese Food at the Beach



minus a chopstick... which can be tricky

(smile)

Suffer her to live, continued

May 21, 2008

NYAKEO, Kenya (AFP) - A rampaging mob in western Kenya burnt 15 women accused of witchcraft to death, a local official and villagers told AFP Wednesday.

(story link)

Suffer her to live

I keep running across this list of 10 Books that Screwed Up The World, books "that have done more harm than good."

I don't know if it's good or bad that I've never read most of them; but, shortly after browsing the list, which included Malleus Maleficarum, a book believed responsible for launching centuries of witch-hunts in Europe, I came across the artwork that follows.


A little from the artist, Nicolay Bessonov:

"I worked at series about witchcraft for more then 15 years. As every history-painter, I collected an infotmation about the epoch. It is not a secret that my predecessors of XIX century made many mistakes in details. So a world of my pictures contained a visual information, found in museums or in ancient engravings. I tried to restore a dress, interiors, coiffures and tortutre instruments as it was. My art-work went with work of a writer."


























There are more images at his online gallery here.

unfit and unworthy

So, I finally remembered what I planned to blog about yesterday. I wanted to sort out my thoughts on the story about the 53-year-old Connecticut woman who has just pleaded guilty to stealing more than 150 paintings after God told her the end of the world is near.

According to court documents, Diane Catalani told a psychologist that she hoarded what she stole to show God before the Apocalypse that there are still good people in the world.

The prosecutor says it's clear that Catalani was suffering from mental illness at the time she stole the paintings.

She's to be sentenced June 13 to 2 1/2 years in prison.

The article doesn't elaborate as to why it's "clear" that this woman is suffering from mental illness. Given that most Americans (according to recent polls) believe that we're living in the Last Days, I honestly don't see what qualifies this woman as "mentally ill." Unless this nice family is also mentally ill...



Actually, unlike this very nice family who are waiting eagerly for the End, this woman was actually moved by her conscience to do something honorable about the up-coming blood bath. Better than the god that she serves, Ms. Catalani was collecting paintings to show to God in an attempt to talk him out of His barbaric plans. To be honest, I was a little touched. By her humanity.

Her story reminded me of the one from the Bible about "Abraham Bargaining with God."

Remember? God wanted to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah? But, Abraham (being better than the god that he served) tried to talk God into sparing the lives of the people that lived there.


Genesis 18 (KJV, King James Version)

Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?

If there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?

That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.

And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the LORD, which am but dust and ashes:

(How about) lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it.


(BMTTCV, BoreMeToTears Condensed Version)

Abraham: How about forty?
LORD GOD: Okay.
Abraham: How about thirty?
LORD GOD: Okay.
Abraham: How about twenty?
LORD GOD: Okay
Abraham: How about ten?
LORD GOD: Okay.
And the LORD went his way... and destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah...


This story seems like another good illustration of Robert Ingersoll's suggestion that most religious people are better than the gods that they serve.

Instead? Excuses, excuses. People are always trying to excuse away the barbarity.

I recently read an article which hints at the real reason that Sodom and Gomorrah may have been destroyed:

Abraham quits asking before God quits granting...

What if Abraham had bargained even harder and asked that the cities be spared for the sake of one righteous person, his nephew Lot? Was God, so quick to concede each point, actually looking for an advocate, a human being bold enough to express God's own deepest instinct of mercy?

This interpretation is a bit of a stretch for me (now that I'm no longer an ant aspiring to understand the internet).



Call me inflexible but... are you kidding?? Abraham was trying to s-a-v-e the people. From his bloodthirsty, UN-merciful god.

Bottom line?

Abraham and the woman from Connecticut are better than the god that they serve.

I have a story for you, Dear Ones

I had a serious point I wanted to make, but I've forgotten what it was.

It had something to do with the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, but I couldn't remember all the details, so off a-googling I went. That's how I found out about All True Bible Stories, a site recording the Biblical lessons passed from one mother (Eve) to daughter (Beth), then retold to biographer (Martin).

To Eve, scripture was the end-all and be-all of spiritual guidance, morality, and practical wisdom. Like her mother before her, Eve turned to her Bible whenever she was faced with a dilemma, and she never failed to find a solution in those holy words...

Atheists may find (the stories) humorous, some Christians may find them confusing, but it is devoutly hoped that all will find enlightenment therein...

Intriguing, I thought.

So, forget my original post (I have) and, here you go....


The Story of Lot's Daughters
Genesis 19:30-38

When her family was at a restaurant one night, Beth heard two young girls at the next table talking. One girl was saying that a young man had taken her to a party and, after convincing her to drink a huge big bunch of "booze," put his penis in her. Now the woman had a baby growing in her tummy. That made Beth think of a question. Later, when they were away from others who might be embarrassed, Beth asked her mother a question. "Mother," she asked, "isn't it wrong to get someone drunk so that you can have sex with them?" Beth's mother was surprised by the question, but when Beth explained what she had overheard in the restaurant, her mother understood. To answer the question, her mother told a story, and this is the story she told:

One day, Lot and his two daughters moved out of Zoar to live in the mountains, because he was afraid to live in town. One night, the older daughter said to the younger one, "Our father is old and there are no men around to put their penises in us. Let's get our father drunk so that we can get him to put his penis in us and make babies grow in our tummies." So they got their father to drink wine until he was drunk. Then the older daughter went into their father's cave and had sex with him, although he didn't notice.

"He didn't notice?" Beth asked, surprised. "Lot was very drunk, Dear One," said her mother.

On the next night, the older said to the youngest, "I got our father to put his penis in me last night. Tonight, it's your turn to get him drunk." So they made their father drink wine and get drunk again. When they were done, the younger daughter went into their father's cave and had sex with him. Lot didn't notice that the second daughter had had sex with him either. Babies started to grow in both of the daughters' tummies. The first daughter made a son named Moab, and the second daughter made a son named Benammi. Both of the sons grew up to become great men.

"To God," Beth's mother told her, "children are the most important thing. It doesn't matter how a baby starts growing in a woman's tummy. Having sex when one of the people is drunk is much better than never having a baby grow in a woman at all." Beth thought about this for a moment. Then she smiled and hugged her mother. All her questions had been answered.

Click here for more stories. (You're welcome.)

Who's writing your child's public school Bible curriculum?

Gosh, I hope I didn't worry folks in my last post about Chuck Norris sitting on the board at NCBCPS, playing a key role in the production and promotion of Bible curriculum being taught to thousands of public school students.

Again,

The curriculum for the program shows a concern to convey the content of the Bible as compared to literature and history. The program is concerned with education rather than indoctrination of students. The central approach of the class is simply to study the Bible as a foundation document of society, and that approach is altogether appropriate in a comprehensive program of secular education.

In fact, NCBCS (National Council on Bible Curriculum in Public School) is so committed to education, not indoctrination, they have assembled a top-notch board of advisers who will be ever-so vigilant about keeping sectarian dogma out of your child's curriculum.

To further allay fears, here is a sample of NCBCPS' Advisory Board:




David Barton,Wall Builders
WallBuilders is an organization dedicated to presenting America's forgotten history and heroes, with an emphasis on the moral, religious, and constitutional foundation on which America was built-a foundation which, in recent years, has been seriously attacked and undermined. In accord with what was so accurately stated by George Washington, we believe that "the propitious [favorable] smiles of heaven can never be expected on a nation which disregards the eternal rules of order and right which heaven itself has ordained."




Steve Crampton, Attorney, Liberty Counsel
Restoring the Culture One Case at a Time by Advancing Religious Freedom, the Sanctity of Human Life and the Traditional Family




D. James Kennedy, President, Coral Ridge Ministries
Proclaiming Truths That Transform the World

(Note: D. James Kennedy has recently gone on to his Reward, but his work at Coral Ridge continues.)




Mike Johnson, Attorney, Alliance Defense Fund
A legal alliance defending the right to hear and speak the Truth





Howard Phillips, Chairman, The Conservative Caucus
The Conservative Activist's Toolbox for Restoring Constitutional Government





Janet Folger, Faith 2 Action
Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead





Dr. Charles Stanley, In Touch Ministries
Our mission is to lead people worldwide into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and to strengthen the local church. Every activity of In Touch must support this mission.




Joyce Meyer, Joyce Meyer Ministries
Joyce Meyer Ministries has a God-ordained mandate to impact the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our goal is to reach every nation, every city, every day.



The full list is here. (Includes members of Congress, ret. military personnel, judges, etc.)

The doctor will tattoo your forehead now

Last weekend, Chuck Norris received an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Liberty University (before giving the commencement address). If you've been reading this blog, you know I have a thang for Chuck ooops I mean Doctor Norris ever since he recently quipped that, "if elected President," his first order of business would be to "tattoo an American Flag and 'In God We Trust' on the forehead of every atheist." You may remember the resulting public outcry suggestion by some that his choice of words had been unfortunate. Apparently, he meant it as a joke. He was kid-ding. Geeez. Atheists have no sense of humor; if they knew Jesus, they woulda seen the humor...

But, I'm digressing.

I really just wanted to post a reminder that he and his wife still sit on the board over at NCBCPS, National Council on Bible Curriculum in Public School, a program "to serve the public through educational efforts concerning a First Amendment right and religious freedom issue (and) bring a state certified Bible course (elective) into the public high schools nationwide." Actually, the Norris' were invited to join the board because the couple are well-known experts in the field of... uh, history.... or, is it literature... Well, I'm not really sure why they were selected; maybe a trip to the group's website will offer clues...


It's Back - and It's Our Constitutional Right!

From the NCBCPS President:

The curriculum for the program shows a concern to convey the content of the Bible as compared to literature and history. The program is concerned with education rather than indoctrination of students. The central approach of the class is simply to study the Bible as a foundation document of society, and that approach is altogether appropriate in a comprehensive program of secular education.

The world is watching to see if we will be motivated to impact our culture, to deal with the moral crises in our society, and reclaim our families and children.

Please help us to restore our religious and civil liberties in this nation.

Oh, my. Sloppy, sloppy, sloppy. You can't talk about "moral crises" and "reclaiming our families and children" -- in the homepage intro! And, immediately following your claim that the program is compatible with secular education?! Will somebody from the Discovery Insititute contact these people asap and teach them how it's done?

Oooh, oooh! Can I have a turn?

KNOCK KNOCK!

Who's there?

Cheese.

Cheese who?

Cheesus Love Me, Too!



link

Gotta love a bargain!

These people are darn lucky that I have a sense of humor! Other moms might've been miffed to receive a damaged Mothers' Day gift -- even though they did walk away with this treasure for a song; just 15 bucks, to be exact, for an item that normally goes for $55.00. So, the handle bars broke off at some point; it's a planter and the jagged edges can be easily concealed by selecting the right plant.

I think they left the price tag attached in order to impress me with their clever shopping; filling the basket with chocolate truffles also helped.

The Path of Righteousness

Remember the story about the Ohio middle-school science teacher who is being persecuted for his religious beliefs and denied academic freedom for burning crosses onto students’ arms using an electrostatic device? He has also been "teaching the controversy" in his science class, proselytizing to students, and committing other church-state violations, such as posting the Ten Commandments and displaying a Bible on his desk. (See Pharyngula for background if the story is new to you.)

Since the story broke, there has been an outpouring of support for "Mr. Freshwater."

You’re either for Mr. Freshwater or you’re against Mr. Freshwater. There’s no in between,” (one parent) said. “In the kids’ minds, I think, it is just the Bible issue. And who is going to go against the Bible? Nobody. But it seems like the ‘Christians’ are using that as an excuse to gang up on the ‘atheists.’

“My daughter... told me about a Jewish child who brought his Torah to school when other students brought Bibles in support of Freshwater,” she continued. “He thought he was supporting freedom of religious expression, and the other kids just ripped him apart. ‘What are you doing?’ they asked. ‘You can’t support Mr. Freshwater, you’re Jewish.’ So they don’t get it.

“I don’t think people realize the depth of what’s going on between the students. It’s a mob mentality right now. It’s peer pressure. To not wear a T-shirt and to not bring your Bible when they say bring your Bible and wear a T-shirt, you’re asking for trouble.”

...

“This whole thing has divided the community,” (another parent) added. “I think a lot of kids who don’t blindly support Freshwater have decided, ‘Boy, friends that we thought we had, are not friends.’ It’s even coming out on the soccer field...

HT: Dispatches from the Culture Wars


Some have remarked that this is a curious development as religious tolerance should not be a one-way street. You’re either for Mr. Freshwater or you’re against Mr. Freshwater?? Where could these kids be learning such small-minded, divisive ideas? Especially since religious intolerance clearly goes against the teachings of Jesus and the Bible:

He who is not with me is against me. (Jesus, Luke 11:23)

Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division. (Luke 12:51)

Penalties are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools. (Proverbs 19:29)

The fool says in his heart,
"There is no God."
They are corrupt, their deeds are vile;
there is no one who does good. (Psalm 14:1)

I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh;
they will be drunk on their own blood, as with wine.
Then all mankind will know
that I, the LORD, am your Savior,
your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob." (Isaiah 49:26)

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? (2 Cor 6:14)

The arrogant cannot stand in your presence;
you hate all who do wrong.

You destroy those who tell lies;
bloodthirsty and deceitful men
the LORD abhors. (Psalm 5:5-6)

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. (Romans 1:18-19)

Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword (Matthew 10:24)

And I will lay the dead carcases of the children of Israel before their idols; and I will scatter your bones round about your altars. (Ezekiel 6:5)

For you have upheld my right and my cause;
you have sat on your throne, judging righteously.And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. (2 Thessalonians 3:14)

A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject. (Titus 3:10)

You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked;
you have blotted out their name for ever and ever. (Psalm 9:4-5)

And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. (Acts 3:23)

Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. (Psalm 73:27)

If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. (John 15:6)

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry
and you be destroyed in your way,
for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him. (Psalm 2:12)

Therefore, as tongues of fire lick up straw
and as dry grass sinks down in the flames,
so their roots will decay
and their flowers blow away like dust;
for they have rejected the law of the LORD Almighty
and spurned the word of the Holy One of Israel.

Therefore the LORD's anger burns against his people;
his hand is raised and he strikes them down.
The mountains shake,
and the dead bodies are like refuse in the streets.
Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away,
his hand is still upraised. (Isaiah 5:24-25)

I will pronounce my judgments on my people
because of their wickedness in forsaking me,
in burning incense to other gods
and in worshiping what their hands have made. (Jeremiah 1:16)

Hear, O earth:
I am bringing disaster on this people,
the fruit of their schemes,
because they have not listened to my words
and have rejected my law. (Jeremiah 6:19)

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. (Ephesians 5:6-7)

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. (Romans 16:18)

You live in the midst of deception;
in their deceit they refuse to acknowledge me,"
declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:6)

Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn
a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law -
a man's enemies will be the members of his own household. (Matthew 10:34-36)

The peoples will be burned as if to lime;
like cut thornbushes they will be set ablaze. (Isaiah 33:12)

The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 13:41-42)

If anyone does not love the Lord, a curse be on him. Come, O Lord (1 Cor 16:22)

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. (2 Corinthians 6:17)

Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. (James 4:4)

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him. (John 3:36)

If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. (John 15:6)

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. (Ephesians 5:11)

If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. (2 John 1:10)

Well, you get the drift. (We could be here all day.)