A recent debate held at the University of Waterloo, sponsored by Campus Crusade for Christ and the Atheists, Agnostics and Free Thinkers Society of Waterloo.
Sent in by AmyI used to be a devout practicing Christian. It didn't take long before I realized that Christians are basically no different than anyone who isn't a Christian. People are still just people no matter what. The problem that I personally found in Christianity was that the people I had in my life who claimed Christianity took it to a whole different level. I found my life being controlled and manipulated all "in the name of God," and the pastor made decisions that directed how my life went while saying that he had been ordained by God to do so and that I would be going against the Lord if I refused to comply. It wasn't too long before I escaped that torturous environment.Now I'm out here on my own, and I've never felt so lonely. I stand here, wishing I could have the good things about Christianity in my life but not believing I am strong enough to chance the bad stuff. Walking into a new church is like walking on a field of land mines. You never know when somethings go
From L.E.B.I was only a Christian for a few years, of my own choosing, and I am glad my parents were a-religious. They didn't brainwash us to anything except treat other people nicely. I did the same with my own kids and though sometimes I worry they don't "fit in," they all know how to think logically. I don't hold a lot of animosity toward the ‘church,’ anymore. I was a Jesus-freak back in the day, mostly Four Square Gospel -- sister Amiee's church. I am, however, still pissed off that the pastor of my home church embezzled money to buy land for himself; I worked damn hard for the tithes I faithfully donated each payday. I had already left the church by the time they found out about that, so it wasn't like I had to face him or anything. It never ceases to amaze me that the people who profess the loudest about morals or whatever are the ones who end up in sleazy sex scandals or run off with the money from the poor box or molest children. Why is that? The main thing that finally t
When you begin to study social work or any other form of a therapeutic profession the first thing the professor tells you is that some of your clients will fall in love with you. What the teachers fail to mention is that this endearment can switch in a heart beat leading to a potentially dangerous situation.When a person starts to see a therapist they found a person who will listen to all of their problems without judgment, a person who appears to understand the thoughts that are racing through their head and a person who can truly empathize with the pain the client is feeling. This professional is perfect and is viewed in a light that is reserved for religious figures through the eyes of the client. This helper appears to be the key to their recovery and a much better life.The problem comes when the client does not get better for whatever the reason and the perception of the therapist changes. The client starts viewing the sessions as not progress but as of torture for bringing up
Saw this while sitting in the parking lot eating ice cream after a long day of work. Yes! I sometimes park and surf the web because I'm too tired to drive home. LOL!
Anyway!... Check it out,...
I am a vlogger, blogger, and iPhone owner and addict--sober from Apple five hours!
Dating, in love and Christian:
By KARAN MINNIS,Guardian Lifestyles Reporter -
Nassau, Bahamas:
Every day we hear of marriages disintegrating, because people did not take the time to get to know each other during their dating period. Rather than focusing on getting to know each other, most allowed physical attraction to steer the relationship's course. When the novelty wore off, their was nothing to sustain the relationship, and it was no more.
In life many people find it hard to maintain a steady relationship that reflects their personal values and their faith, and for practicing Christians who are dating it is twice as hard, as they have to get to know each other, and live by God's ordinance. However becoming successful in this quest may become a lot easier if you have someone to look up to.
The Nassau Guardian spoke to two Christian couples who are traversing the perils of dating, but under the guidance of God. Elethera Scavella, 21, a teacher, and her boyfriend of three-and-
It's a high of -5 today. The boy scout moms were sponsoring a tubing party for the boy scouts. I had signed up to help. Against all odds I was hoping that it would get postponed. But as of noon today, we thought it was still on and we were scrambling to get there on time with all the gear to keep the boys who were going warm enough for tubing.But I got home and found an email in my box that it had been postponed. And once again, I remembered, there is a God. And I am grateful to not have to go serve snacks to freezing boys scouts today.
Just thought I'd let you all know I have a review of Darkness of the God by Amber Hayward here. Check it out!(Don't click the read more, there isn't any more after this!)
God’s will, God’s time, God’s answerto our prayers, to our petitions,that is the hard part, the part where faith matterswhen life becomes difficult, when the struggle continuessometimes for generations, that is the test of faithour lives, of service, of fidelity to God, the Father,the Creator, Sustainer, the one of steadfast loveGod’s answer to our prayers, in the ways of God,not of man, in the ways of the divine, not the humanfor God’s purposes, unknown to usrevealing in ways we cannot comprehendThis is the challenge of faith, in long-term faithin the unknown, the unseen, the unfathomabletrusting in the steadfast love of God, a Godwho sustained the people, who gave us a Savior,to reconcile our sinfulness, who wiped away that stain;a Spirit to support us in our trials;a God who will bring us all home to Himin His time, in His ways, in answers to prayerFebruary 9, 2008
This happened this morning - a teacher's husband ran into her schoolroom and apparently stabbed and shot her to death in front of her students, then fled.
How would we know God if we met Him or Her? Would we know? Would our heart or our mind tell us? Would we believe someone else if they told us that they had met God?There are many kinds of knowledge, most of it derivative. However, if we are given knowledge by another, do we know it in the same way as when we personally experience it? I may learn all about being a mother by reading about it or hearing someone speak of it, but can I ever really know what it means to be a mother without raising a child myself?We may say that we know about God because we have read and heard about Him or Her. We may have prayed or called out or sung to Him or Her. We may have had a profound experience that has given us faith. Alternatively, we may have decide that God either doesn't exist or that any traditional concept of God is not for us. Whatever our opinion is, how do we know?
Congressional Quarterly is reporting that the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has asked the FBI to investigate looting from inside the organization. The NRCC is the funding-arm for the GOP, politicians who sit down together and strategize which Congressional and/or US Senatorial races need a boost during election cycles. I suspect solving the [...]
It takes every ounce of fiber in you to refrain from intervening. You must be willing to let go of her as she self-destructs because it's what she wants. Out of love for her, you behave in the very manner that is so repugnant to you: you do nothing. For eighteen years it has been your responsibility to do: with her, for her, because of her. Your duty, as you perceived it, was to stay involved in her life. Your duty, now, as she perceives it, is to stay out of her life.When did it all begin to change? When did she suddenly decide that she didn't need the very mother to whom she used to cling? That child that would rather die than hurt her mother-- where is she now?You wonder if you held her too closely. You doubt your judgment in telling her how special she was: maybe it was too much for her to live up to. Loneliness covers you like gauze as you wonder who it is she tells her secret dreams to. You hope she still has dreams.You think you must have felt it coming: that time when you would
I have not met anyone who has not experienced violence or loss within their family tree. And yet the tree survives! This poem is dedicated to all those family members who keep on loving, helping, and praying for their members. God will grow your tree! 1994 Winner of Inspirational Poetry Award from Texas Poets Society (Dallas)Our Battered Family Tree How wide our tree, how deep its roots! We have known neglect, drought, floods, tornado's efforts to uproot us, steel blades' attempts to chop us down, and still, we stand! Long ago--whether deliberate or accidental, I do not know--we were planted in the soil, warmed and scorched by the sun, refreshed by God's rains. Birds built nests of life in our branches. Critters brought seeds from other trees and dropped them in our soil. Branches were grafted in, adding to our divergent foliage, while others, damaged, fell to the ground. Soon we bore not only nuts and berries, but succulent fruits and prickly co
I'll get a post or 3 up sometime today, but my PC has been infuriatingly extra cranky the last few days. I had some speed issues yesterday, which I thought were figured out. Then this morning, my PC decided that I wasn't going to get online.First I had trouble getting both IE and Firefox to connect to the web, though my connection was working just fine. If that didn't piss me off enough, my wireless desktop went all wonky, and froze up.5 reboots, a spyware scan, a virus scan and a system restore later, I think the old girl running correctly again. Knock on wood.Anyway, I'll be back...
Today I am thinking about Joseph, one of my favorite characters in the Bible. Just like Jesus, Joseph was so much like his father, Jacob. And the similarities between Joseph and Jesus are amazing to me. In fact, most scholars believe Joseph is an archetype of Jesus.Joseph occupies a very important place in Rabbinical literature, and no patriarch was the subject of so many Midrashic narratives. Rachel, his mother was visited by the Lord on Rosh ha-Shanah (Talmud). Joseph is represented as a perfectly righteous man (tzadik gamur) and as the counterpart of his father; not only did Joseph resemble his father in appearance and in having been born circumcised, but the main incidents of their lives were parallel.Both were born after their mothers had been barren for a long time; and both were hated by their brothers; both were met by angels at various times. Joseph is extolled by the Rabbis for being well versed in the Torah, for being a prophet, and for supporting his brothers. According to
Michael Lohan is on the warpath against a drug dealer who wants to blab to the tabs about Lindsay's habit."I've been looking for the people who've been selling my daughter and these other kids the drugs," ex-convict Michael said. "And come hell or high water, one day I'm going to expose them. God is going to get even with this guy."I see. So Michael isn't merely trying to shut this pusher up to keep him from destroying what's left of Lindsay's career - he's actually on a righteous crusade against the guy. A crusade that has been mandated by the almighty.Sounds to me like Michael's the one who's been associating with drug dealers, and more importantly their products.(source)
By Bill Jeffreys As I said in my previous article, it's very difficult to leave the cult of Christianity once you're vested. The shift in thinking that needs to occur is not an off / on switch. It's more like a fluid event driven type of change. Certain things have to fall into place before we are able to look outside the box of Christianity or any other religion.In my experience, some type of cognitive dissonance needs to occur first. Some type of internal conflict, predicated by an external event, like a child dying or a major conflict at church, or a failed Christian marriage has to happen in the life of the religious person. Some form of "emotion verses belief conflict".Christianity teaches that with God all things are possible. It makes very clear statements that if you do these things, or ask in Jesus' name it will be done. I could list multiple verses to support this, but why waste my time.The problem starts when the Christian has to put these "truths" to the test for themselves
Strengthen and develop a relationship with God:
By KARAN MINNIS,Guardian Lifestyles Reporter -
Nassau, Bahamas:
A relationship is defined as a linkage between two elements, and the bond that connects us all. They can be good, bad, or even neutral, and all need work — even your relationship with God.
"We believe that communication through prayer is the best way to strengthen any relationship with God," says Father Crosely Walkine of St. Anne's Anglican Church, Fox Hill. Additionally, studying the word of God to find out what he has for you to do is also important. But you have to be open to finding God and to connecting with him before any deep connection is possible.
"Everyone has to have a relationship with God, but developing it is a personal thing. Christianity is a community religion, it's one that has to be developed through attending church, reading the Bible and speaking to God. No one can force you to develop your relationship with Him, however. It's something that yo
By Bill JeffreysI was thinking about god recently. I was wondering why Christians, like I use to be, don't see the hate, genocide, rape, murder, contradictions, false writings, and so forth in the bible? Why don't they look at the origins of the bible and see how messed up the process was, or how many other gospels and thousands of spiritual writings were circulating before the council of Nicaea, under Constantine who authorized the New Testament, or how the gospels weren't even heard of by ancient people for hundreds of years after the supposed death of Christ, or how the Apostle Paul never cites the gospels in his letters to the churches.I used to think of Jesus as loving and forgiving and my personal best friend. I never looked at his anger, or his killing and damnation of unbelievers. Just look at the book of revelation. Jesus comes back with a sword and plagues to murder people and send them to hell forever. He tells his disciples that they must hate their parents if they are to
Apparently clean and lovin' it - or clean enough to fool Spin magazine, anyway, Pete Doherty reveals that there's a nightmare for all of us that's followed him from his drug days: A novel:“It’s a sizzling gypsy tale, a rambling, shambling, melody of a novel that came about when I was still on the old fighting juice. It’s fascinating stuff."We suppose he means "fascinating stuff" in the way that he believed those awful, drug-addled journals were in some way interesting to anyone other than himself and armchair psychologists.Without the drugs, without Kate, and without Carl, Doherty's starting to look more and more like a long-lost Chuckle Brother.
Photo courtesy of here.
In light of my introduction to ”Wholesome Wear,” my head has been spinning for a few days since finding out about Armor of God PJs. I’ve met Christian Jihadists who would love to make a fashion statement like this, but would that be going overboard in an attempt to align with interpretations of Christianity?
… and it’s not like peanut butter and chocolate, trust me.
Here’s footage of Mike Huckabee telling his supporters he wants to amend the Constitution to fit his idea of what God tells him the world should be:
If you don’t have video capabilities, here’s the text of Huckabee’s remarks, made on January 14, 2008 [...]
I ask you to imagine your young daughter, or granddaughter, anywhere from the age of 4 to 12, being held down on the ground by several women, her legs spread and stabilized as either a rusty knife or...
Dr. Rei Rolkram says, "I encourage all who are suffering the spiritual effects of abuse, divorce and depression to visit April's very insightful blog."
A couple of years ago I sat in a colleague’s office in the midst of yet another existential crisis (as you might surmise by the fact that I was sharing such a dilemma with a coworker, she is also a good friend). I was agonizing over whether I should enroll in a graduate program [...]
Hi there folks!
The last month of 2007 was like a hell. I spent a half of the month in hospital. That’s why there were no updates for so loooong time. But now it seems like everything goes well and I will continue posting my photos if you folks wouldn’t mind ;-).
As you could noticed my blog has new design now. Hope you like it. I take me a lot of time and patience to make it. More news? Here you are:
!!! ATTENTION!!! MY BLOG HAS NEW ADDRESS – WWW.KOVENKIN.COM – !!! ATTENTION!!!
So please update your bookmarks.
P.S. Boys and Girls, my dear friends, I REALLY APPRECIATE A LOT ALL OF YOUR COMMENTS HERE. I’m reading them, be sure. And if it is possible I’m trying to answer them. Thank you a lot, my friends.
Good year to you.
Best wishes,
Rodion K. Kovenkin
The technical team was gathered around Huyana’s corspse. John and Sam decided to leave the room to not to obstruct the team. In the hall also some of their team members were on the job. Dan, one of their team members was busy searching other rooms for possible evidences. Suddenly Dan’s mobile vibrated. Dan looked at the display, was not a known number. Dan pressed the red button, deciding not to
When Mike Huckabee’s fortunes were rising, he attributed his success to a prayer campaign by his supporters and the subsequent intercession of God on his behalf:
There’s only one explanation for it, and it’s not a human one. It’s the same power that helped a little boy with two fish and five loaves feed a crowd [...]
I just love how the Lord confirms things to us through many different people when we need encouragement the most! Last week I posted for my Thursday Thirteen post some resolutions for the new year and beyond. One of those resolutions was to move beyond my past sins that the Lord has forgiven and not let them hold me back. Even if they are brought up by others to not let it hinder my growth. This can be a very difficult thing to do at times. The very same day my dear friend Valerie, a blogging buddy who has been such a blessing to me, posted a great post entitled "Cleansed by Grace." Here is a snippet... “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleans us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9NKJ)When you step into a mud puddle, do you become mud or muddy? You become muddy. You don’t turn into the substance of mud. You simply get a little dirty. It’s nothing that a foot washing can’t cure.Likewise, once you and I have been cleansed from our past,
The threefold terror of love; a fallen flareThrough the hollow of an ear; Wings beating about the room; The terror of all terrors that I bore The Heavens in my womb. Had I not found content among the shows Every common woman knows, Chimney corner, garden walk, Or rocky cistern where we tread the clothes And gather all the talk? What is this flesh I purchased with my pains, This fallen star my milk sustains, This love that makes my heart's blood stop Or strikes a sudden chill into my bones And bids my hair stand up?
MySpace voters choose Obama/Paul as front-runners.With the Iowa caucuses looming, MySpace's count of more than 150,000 virtual votes showed Obama on top with 46 per cent of the vote, trailed by Hillary Clinton (31 per cent) and John Edwards (eight per cent).MySpace, which dubbed its own exercise "the Nation's First Presidential Primary", said Republicans picked Ron Paul with 37 per cent of ballots, followed by Rudy Giuliani (18 per cent) and Mike Huckabee (16 per cent).Tags: Iowa Caucus, 2008 Presidential Race, Obama, Ron Paul, Hillary Clinton, John Edwards Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, Fred Thompson
Mike Huckabee has said that he thinks that right wing extremist John Hagee is "one of the great Christian leaders of our nation." Hagee, in turn, has spoken quite freely about how Christian beliefs should be applied by the U.S. federal government. On the subject of international affairs, for example, Hagee says that the U.S. government ought to let terrorists organized by God dictate American foreign policy
I sang this hymn for the very first time a few weeks ago. I really enjoy it because it shows us some of the attributes of God that many have tried to forget or put on the back burner. It brings back the fear of the Lord that so many have neglected. God the all-terrible! King, who ordainest Great winds thy clarions, the lightnings thy sword, Show forth thy pity on high where thou reignest: Grant to us peace, O most merciful Lord. God the omnipotent! mighty avenger, Watching invisible, judging unheard, Doom us not now in the day our our danger: Grant to us peace, O most merciful Lord. God the all-merciful! earth has forsaken Thy ways of blessedness, slighted thy word; Bid not thy wrath in its terrors awaken: Grant to us peace, O most merciful Lord.God the
Something innovative and witty from youtube. Credit goes to ValorofMan for uploading the video.
This is a video cartoon that satires the God of War 2 lyrics. Yeah, it does sound like “Hold Devil’s Pot of Tea”.
Also, you might be wonderin’ why there’s a picture of Mulan here at this post. Well, you’ll know when you [...]
In their obedience,in their submitting their willto the will of Godthey became instruments of Godfather and mother to the kingthe Christ-child, Emmanuel,God with us in the fleshliving, serving, dying, risingbecause they were faithful,heard the call of the angelsand did the Master’s willright then and thereturning in an instantgiving themselves to GodDecember 23, 2007Matthew 1:18-25Luke 1:26-38
What with Cadbury's somewhat blase attitude to public health - demonstrated by the way they flogged salmonella-laced chocolates from a filthy factory - you might wonder who on earth would want to link their career to their products.Step forward Joss Stone, whose career has now stalled so badly she's going to take the job advertising Flake. Like Anthea Turner did in her twilight years.A Cadbury spokesman said the company has chosen Miss Stone because "she reflects the Flake girl's attitude to life".We're not quite sure what that attitude would be - moaning on about how people don't like her in Britain?Presumably Cadburys are hoping that the launch of the Stone ads might stop people noticing that their prices are going up in January. And not just because of Stone's fee.
Well, it’s all over folks. Jessica Alba is pregnant by Cash Warren, a guy who is apparently good at miscellaneous crew and self. [Ed note: If I had just knocked up a girl in the top 99 percentile of hotness, I wold definitely beef up my IMDB profile with shit about killing ninjas and magical [...]
We have posted pictures of Julian’s work before and it never ceases to amaze me. The “World” one below with the girl all the way back there and him in the front of the picture is just mind bottling. It is hard to even try to pick a favorite because they are all so amazing. [...]
Este es un fragmento de un post que escribí el 2 de noviembre: “desde hace varios meses, cada vez que entro a RollingStone.com hay una noticia, foto, comentario, review o lo que sea de Amy Winehouse, y en la revista impresa también, y en la edición nacional también!!”.
Hoy recibí este newsletter en mi casilla [...]
If you live in Minnesota, this is the best weekend to stay indoors and blog your narrow ass off. Which pretty well sums it up for me. (Except for the “narrow ass” part…because if you saw my ass, “narrow” isn’t an adjective you would use.)
First up: The former Arkansas governor <slash> Republican [...]
On Tuesday, November 13, Republican Governor Sonny Perdue of Georgia brought in hundreds of religious and political allies to pray with him for rain in a Christian-dominated official ceremony. Perdue adopted the role of minister as he intoned:
Our Father, as we come before you today, we acknowledge that we are needy people, and we [...]
Richard Roberts, the former president of Oral Roberts University, told students yesterday that he didn't want to resign as head of the scandal-plagued school but God insisted. So he did. It's the opposite of the Devil Made Me Do It defense.
This Saturday really got me thinking about God and my own spiritual life.
First there was church. It was unusual. We had over 30 people (big for us), due mostly to people visiting family for the Thanksgiving holiday. Eric was there so we did two sets of praise songs instead of one set of hymns and one set of praise songs using Brent and Carla's worship CD. Live music! Oh yeah! There was
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