California’s Proposition 8 Overturned

Posted on August 4, 2010 by Daniel Silas

In a land of freedom and liberty, people should be able to do what they want. Live how you want, do what you want as long as it doesn’t hurt other people.

The issue I have is I don’t want Homosexuals to try to force me or my family to think its right or acceptable. They will never be able to do that. I don’t want my right to say that its wrong to be infringed anymore than they want their rights to do it infringed. Homosexuality is condemned as sin in the Bible, and it is wrong. That will never change.

They should have civil unions, but they shouldn’t call it “marriage.” Marriage is a religious institution created by God for a man and a woman. That will never change either.

Amy: Dan, I don’t know you, but I felt compelled to respond. Based on your first paragraph, anyone should be able to marry anyone else.

Legalizing gay marriage will not take away you or your family’s right to say it is wrong. Smoking is legal but I think it is wrong. No one can stop me from thinking or saying that. Or even from running down the street waving signs about it. Also, the Constitution isn’t based on the Bible. That will never change.

As for your last paragraph, I’m guessing that about 60 years ago, that statement read: “Marriage is a religious institution created by God for a white man and a white woman.” Things do change.

Daniel: Hi Amy. I welcome your response and I think its wonderful that we can have a respectful and beneficial discussion over controversial subjects in our beautiful nation.

I believe we have the freedom to live our lives the way we want and the liberty to follow whatever path we wish. I think homosexuals should be able to form civil relationships with the exact same civil rights of heterosexuals who are married. I may not agree with the choices others make, but people should be able to have the freedom to do as they wish as long as they don’t hurt other people. The scope of that extends well beyond homosexuals, but no reason to open that discussion at this time.

I’m simply saying that the term marriage is a religious institution simply recognized by the State, and that institution was setup by God for a man and a woman. Where a man will leave his parents, merge with his wife physically, and become one flesh (children being one definition). It is a monogamous life long committment only ended by death. There are only two reasons God allows divorce, which is adultery and abandonment of one partner by another over their Christian faith. Reconciliation being preferred even for those two issues.

Why do homosexuals need the term “marriage” when they can have a civil “union” with the exact same civil rights as the other? There would be no difference other that the term that describes it. Marriage is a religious term, and the same religions condemn homosexuality as evil. That is the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faiths. Christianity is not the only world religion that is opposed to the homosexual lifestyle.

My issue is with the homosexual political agenda working toward forcing everyone to accept homosexuality as being a normal lifestyle. The agenda wants to make me and my family think its ok. They want my children to be educated to accept it as right. They want to infringe on our freedom of thought. Also, they want to take away our freedom of speech in expressing our views on homosexuality being sin. They call it hate speech, when its simply freedom of speech and freedom of religion. Part of that agenda is taking the term “Marriage” and redefining it, stripping it of any relgious significance, and making it mean something it doesn’t.

Racism is a sin and is wrong. Laws forbidding marriage between a man and woman is wrong. Race is a man made category to begin with, and in my opinion a terrible tool of division. We all were born of Adam and Eve in the beginning, so we are simply human. The laws that hindered marriage based on “race” were rightfully removed. I don’t appreciate you implying that I’m a racist, or that I don’t have the ability to have freedom of thought outside of a group mindset.

You are right, the Constitution was not based on the Bible directly. But it was based on the principles of Judeo/Christian thought and practice. Not saying that it was exclusively. That will not change despite the progressive, liberal political agenda to try to erase that fact from history.

A huge number of our founders were very much Christian, and if it wasn’t for Christian thought we wouldn’t have the freedoms we currently enjoy in this great nation. You should be thankful for the Christian principle of, “they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” found in the DoI. Its my opinion that the current state of government has already infringed on our liberty at all levels well beyond the founder’s intentions.

Other comments I made to other responses from contributors to the discussion:

A) “Reads to me like someone is itching to hit the gay bars! I think they have Bible studies at those…”

Yup, a favorite tactic by opponents to imply people who disagree with homosexuality are actually homosexual. It is an attempt to belittle a person and their views. Might as well say “stupid’ and “racist” too.

The actual relevant text of the 1st amendment, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;” The government will not establish a religion as a state religion, nor will they interfere with the practice of religion in a person’s life.

I will say, that I agree with the idea of separation of church and state. As long as flawed, corrupt, sinful human beings are in government, I don’t want them exercising power in regard to any religion. When it comes to morality and law, as long as what a person does isn’t hurting other people have at it. Do to yourself whatever you want.

Funny, you set up flawed argumentation. Did you even read what I wrote with any depth of attention? I said that people can do what they wish including Homosexual behavior. That is their right as free individuals. I have no problem with what people choose to do in their own lives.

The principle that God granted us rights that were not given to us by the State and can not be taken away by the State is a Judeo/Christian principle. I didn’t say that the founders wrote the founding documents excluding everything else outside Christianity. But Christian thought played a huge role in their foundation. Never said there weren’t other sources. And please give me an example of a follower of Zeus or other Greco/Roman religions among our founders. I would love to know so I can correct my viewpoint.

I don’t expect you or anyone else to believe like I believe. Never thought that you or anyone else would jump on board and agree with me. But the homosexual political agenda is impacting all of us, and in a free society I will stand up for what I believe.

B) I’m not real sure why atheists want to call their civil union a marriage either, being that marriage is a religious term and institution. Might as well call it a civil union as well, as a atheistic marriage is not governed by any religious principles.

Marriage, a religious term and institution, is recognized by the State in civil law. I believe its simply the culture that the term was applied to a man and woman with non-religious significance who choose to be bound together.

Maybe atheist and non-religious people should throw off the burden of religion in all its forms including the use of any religous terminology for civil unions.

C) The Homosexual agenda is attempting to infringe on my right to freedom of thought and speech. They want me to believe their life style choices are acceptable and normal. They want me to shut up about it being sin and wrong. That is why I’m voicing my opinion because they are doing so at the government level that impacts my life. We have a right in this country to be active politically for what we think is right.

I’m not persecuting anyone. As I said, let whoever do whatever they want. We are all free to do so.

I’m protecting my religious beliefs by opposing a group taking a religious belief I hold to and strip it of any religous meaning and pervert it into something it isn’t. It could be any one or any group, I would still oppose them.

I never said homosexuals are less of a human being. They are just as much of a human being as anyone else.

I support equality, civil freedom, and liberties for Homosexuals.

I oppose their use of a religous term and a faith based institution. Especially because the life style choice they make is condemned by the root faith the term originates.

I did not say, “…just don’t expect me to give them the same freedoms I have…” I support that they have the same exact civil liberities I have, I don’t support their use of a religious term for their sinful behavior.

I don’t have a problem sitting next to homosexuals at the front of a bus, or eating in the same restaraunts, drinking from the same water fountains, or living next door to them. I’ve had plenty of friends that have been homosexual, I would tell them exactly what I am writing here if we were to have the discussion.

I haven’t referenced Hinduism, Taoist, or Bhuddist teachings. It would be interesting to find out what those religions have to say. Just because they outnumber us don’t make their religions superior or right.

If you want to begin a discussion on Christianity versus other religions… well, all I have to say is what Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).

Just because the founders used the political construction of Greco/Roman institutions, doesn’t mean the statement from the Declaration of Independence is devoid of any Judeo/Christian meaning. I never said they excluded other sources. I’ve read the Republic.

And in regard to Greco/Roman principles, the idea that all people were created equal or had equal status, was not something they adhered to.

Amy: There’s no way I can address everything that’s been discussed in my absence, as I only have an hour long lunch break. But here’s a response to a few things that stood out to me:

First of all, you say you have homosexual friends and that you would say everything you have typed here to their faces? I’m sorry, but if I were homosexual and your friend and you sat there telling me, over and over again, that I’m a sinner and can’t go to heaven because I don’t believe in Jesus, we wouldn’t be friends anymore.

Second, no one is trying to limit your freedom of speech in any capacity. You can still teach your children that being gay is wrong, even if gay marriage is legalized. Just like you can still teach your children that evolution is a ridiculous made up theory.

Third, referring to marriage you said: “I oppose their use of a religious term and a faith based institution.” I hate to break it to you, but marriage is not a religious and faith based institution for everyone. It might be for you, but it certainly is not for everyone. Who are you (or anyone else for that matter) to tell Dana and her husband or me and my husband that because we didn’t get married in a church we aren’t actually “married”?

Daniel:

1. Everyone is a sinner, including me. Homosexuality is the same as any other sin. Without Christ a person will be judged and held accountable for their sin. That applies to all my friends and family whether they are homosexual or not.

I’m happy to discuss my views with everyone, but I don’t beat them over the head with my beliefs every time I interact with them. I share when I can, but of course most non-believing people I know don’t want to discuss it. I dont’ force anyone. Christianity can’t be forced on anyone. People can take it or leave it.

But, because I love my friends, family, and fellow human beings, I share with them because I don’t want them to be lost. Jesus commanded those who follow Him to share the truth with everyone. Its not a hateful thing, its something we do because we love, care, and are obedient.

2. Politically, the homosexual agenda is to gag anyone who would disagree with their life style. They want to force people to think their choice of life style is normal. Its happening in other western countries as well. Therefore, I have to oppose that agenda.

So you are saying you think Evolution is a ridiculous made up theory? Or are you implying I think that?

I would say that I disagree with macro evolution, and based on my research and studies I would say it would take more faith for me to believe in macro evolution that it would for me to believe in an intelligent designer. And the scientific fraud, out right deception, and oppression of opposing views is on the criminal level in the science community when it comes to the “theory” of evolution. No wonder we had such fraud and deception in the UN Climate Change scientific group. Appears to be common practice among some “scientists.”

3. I didn’t say that Dana and her husband or you and your husband are not “married” because you weren’t married in a church or attach any significant religious meaning to your marriages. If you are an athiest like Dana.

What I did say is atheist should consider abandoning any religious practice or terminology and embrace a “Civil Union” idea. That way atheist are free from any kind of “ridiculous” religious chains in their atheistic lives.

I also said that a non-religious man and woman can get married because it is a culture thing in our society. Maybe the society should abandon the idea of “marriage” and leave that to us religious people. We can all have a Civil Union and be equal. Then everyone is the same, no differences, and we are all happy.

Other comments I made:

D) Yup, we will all believe what we choose to believe. Live and let live, be happy and enjoy. To each there own.

Yup, I believe the Bible.

Whether you want to recognize there are active political groups out there fighting for their agendas is up tp you. In the USA, we have the right to take part in the government that will impact our lives. Since you live in Canada, American politics won’t have much of an impact on you.

I’m not trying to drag down anyone. I support equal civil rights for all people.

I don’t believe that God created people as homosexuals. I believe it is a personal choice.

If homosexuals don’t want to be my friend because I believe the way I do, there are plenty of other people they can be friends with. It would make me sad, but if that is what they want. I don’t sever my friendship with them because they live a certain way. I’m just defending a term and institution that are religious and in that realm of my consideration.

E) As to the validity of scientific research and genetic disposition of homosexuality, I haven’t seen anything conclusive/concrete one way or the other. If you are privy to actual scientific studies and research projects that have been verified by outside scientists/sources and they “prove” homosexuality is genetic please pass on some links to the research.

I have never known a “pure” homosexual person. Everyone I have ever known has had relationships with members of the opposite sex. So from a practical stand point I’ve only met/known bi-sexuals.

Comments by James White on this issue.

Posted in Gay Marriage, Government, Homosexuality | Leave a comment

Islam

Posted on August 4, 2010 by Daniel Silas

Some thoughts from a recent discussion I had on Islam

In Islam, they teach a completely different Jesus of course (a false Jesus), but they consider Him a prophet and the Messiah (means something way different than what Jews/Christians think of). My question is, why don’t they defend the Islamic Jesus as vehemently as they do Mohammed? The entire South Park censorship fiasco is a prime example.

In the Judeo/Christian realm of prophets, there is a fullness of truth centered on Christ. From Genesis to Revelation, there is a progressive revelation of Christ and the truth about God. It encompasses the beginning of human life to the completion of all things God has planned for us, and it records the historical interaction of God with His creation.

The canon, or the “measure” on which books were included in the Christian Bible and were considered authoritative (God breathed and inspired) were based on a few factors. They were the writings of the direct followers of Jesus and their close companions. Of course the Jewish canon was included as part of our belief system as Jesus confirmed it. If a writing did not line up or were in conflict with the known books, they were rejected. So as you said, consistency is important. And you are right in saying that Jesus is the center of prophetic writings.

So, I am not 100% sure why Islam doesn’t defend the other prophets as they do Mohammed. Though the key may be understanding their views on Mohammed. According to Islam, the Old Testament points to Mohammed rather than Jesus. For example, Mohammed is “The Prophet” that Moses wrote about. Though we Christians know that it is Jesus, Moses wrote about. Also, according to Islam, the good news that Jesus brought was that Mohammed was going to come (Koran, Surah 61:6). So in the Islamic mind, Mohammed is the supreme prophet and everything points to him including the OT and Jesus’ message in the NT. Of course, they say the OT and NT have been corrupted and only the Koran is the true Word of God.

Sadly, Mohammed set himself up as the supreme prophet and that his revelation was the true revelation. He taught a completely different Jesus. Islam even denies that Jesus died on the cross and was resurrected. According to Mohammed, there is no salvation in Christ, rather salvation is in Mohammed’s message. Its a works based salvation outside of God’s grace. Of course, Mohammed had special privileges above and beyond the normal Muslim, as all false prophets seem to do.

The standard in the Bible on prophets is what they say is true 100% of the time. If they are wrong even once, they are false prophets. The penalty in ancient Israel for a false prophet was death.

Jesus and those who followed Him, warned us of all the false prophets that would come after them. If a “prophet” is wrong even once about Jesus, that prophet is false. If they preach a different Jesus than the one we received they are false and should be rejected. If they preach a different Spirit or a different Gospel they are false and should be rejected. (Matthew 24:11, John 10:1-6, 2 Cor 11:4, 2 Peter 2:1).

That is the standard by which every religion or prophet should be measured by us Christians.

On the OT and the Law

The OT Scriptures includes all kinds of information, including a historical record that gives an account of wicked behavior. It reveals the failings of many. That does not mean that God supports said behavior just because it was recorded by the writers. That which was written was done so to teach the generations that came after and to point us to Christ (Romans 15:4, Galatians 3:24).

The law was meant to reveal sin (Romans 7:7) and the inability of those who received it to keep it (Romans 7:13-15). It points us to Christ and the grace of God. It was a light that God added to the light of creation, the light of the knowledge of good and evil, and the light of conscience (Genesis 3:7, Romans 1:19-20, 2:14-15). And it will be one of the tools of judgement for those who received it and who rejected Christ (Romans 2:12). And those outside of the law who violate their own conscience will perish because that is a law in itself. So the only hope for humanity is the grace of God found in Christ Jesus. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

On Religious Freedom and Building a Mosque near Ground Zero in NY

Oppression, persecution, and tyrrany are wrong, no matter the source of said evil. Whether its a secular state or a religious state. We don’t want our freedom of worship infringed, nor does any one else who practices their own faith. So building a Mosque where they want to build one should be supported. And as you said [to the OP], I think it is a bad choice as well to build a “monumental” mosque near ground zero.

On Islamic Scholarship

Islamic followers and scholars attack the Jewish and Christian scriptures (claiming they are corrupt), but do not apply their methods of attack (the most liberal scholarship out there) to their own religious writings.

On Islam being a violent religion

I think the difference between the two [jihadist v moderates] are the Muslims who read, believe, and practice the entire Koran. It is a violent religion and spread by the sword. The non-believers are given a chance to submit to Allah willingly. If they do not submit, then they are given another chance at the point of a sword. There is no question to that truth. Yes, I have read the entire Koran.

If Islam had its way, we people of the “Book” would all be Dhimmis. Second class citizens, subjegated, oppressed, and persecuted. The rest of the infidels would be dead.

I’d like to see how you would be treated if you actually went to a Muslim country. Sure, you will be treated with respect and not be in danger in a country where you are protected by the law. Its like what a Muslim told another missionary I knew, “In my country you would be in prison or dead.”

I’m not saying that all Muslims are Jihadist or anything like that. But there are simple facts about Islam you can read for yourself in the Koran. The history of Islam and its spread from Arabia is also very enlightening.

I don’t base my belief (about Islam) on what I want to believe. Its what the Koran says and the history of Islam. Practice wise I have known some Muslims as well that have been very nice, respectful, and pleasant. Doesn’t change the Koran or why there are Muslims who practice the war verses from the Koran.

The history of Christianity and the history of Islam both have their negative sides, no doubt. But the big difference between the two is Jesus and Mohammed. Compare their lives and you will see a huge difference. Compare the first 300 years of Christian history and the first 300 years of Islamic history. You will see a huge difference. The problem is when religion is controlled at the state level.

There are many sects and differences of opinion in Islam, just like anything else. You have just as many varieties of Muslim as you do Christians.

I simply don’t agree that we should all accept the view point forced on us by the media and our politicians that Islam is an entirely peaceful religion when the Koran, its source text, is far from it.

People act outside of the tenants of their faith all the time That is true in history and in our day. People fail and are imperfect. I know I fail. We all agree on that. Nor should we judge a religion by those who violate their own faith. I agree that you can’t categorize and label people. That is foolishness to do so.

I agree, you can’t claim that the evil actions of the followers of a faith are “Christian,” “Islam,” “Buddhist,” or any other religion. If those actions go against the source teachings, then it is not represenative of that faith.

Christianity should be judged by Jesus and the New Testament. Islam should be judged by Mohammed and the Koran. As is true of any faith. You go to the source, not the followers. That is my opinion.

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The United States of America (2010)

Posted on July 4, 2010 by Daniel Silas

I love the United States of America. It is the greatest nation in the world. I traveled outside the country on a mission trip once, and when I returned I was so happy to be home. Getting down on my hands and knees and kissing the earth beneath my feet would describe how I felt. We have something great here, and I am passionate about it. I believe, most Americans that travel outside of our country feel the same.

The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are documents that I love. It is because of our Founders and the foundations they laid for us, that we have such a great country. Drawing on history, the enlightenment, and their Judeo Christian faith, God granted them the wisdom to build a nation such as ours. A nation that is the beacon of liberty and light to a dark world.

Ronald Reagan said, “…we as Americans have the capacity now, as we’ve had in the past, to do whatever needs to be done to preserve this last and greatest bastion of freedom.”

The United States of America is great because of our principles and moral foundation. Those principles and morals are deeply rooted in the Christian faith. Among these, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, life, liberty, hard work, enjoying the fruit of our labor, and the pursuit of happiness are rights given to us by our Creator. They are not granted to us by the government, and no government can take them away from us. We as a people grant our government the power they have, and they have forgotten that.

Wherever men walk, corruption follows. The selfish corruption that has crept into our country is astounding. Government at all levels including home owners associations, our local municipalities, county, state, and national, are out of control. Corporate America is out of control. And all of this corruption is due to the break down of our morality and forgetting our foundations and founders of our nation. Our nation has not failed. Human beings have failed.

Love for our brothers and sisters, and the respect for human life has grown cold and callused. People do not care for one another. Our faith has not failed. Human beings have failed.

I remember the aftermath of 9-11. As a people, we were struck to the heart individually and as a nation. Thousands of our brothers’ and sisters’ lives were destroyed. Not only those who lost their lives, but the countless lives who lost family and friends. We suffered as a people, and in that suffering, millions of Americans cried out to God. Our national identity lifted itself from the dust, and we clung to one another through those dark days. Sadly, it was a mere spark that died out and cooled.

Do I believe what I have described applies to all Americans? I say “no” emphatically. There is still an American spirit left in many of us. Many of us love and are overwhelmed with concern for our nation. And as one we are waking up. We are rising up, and we are saying with one voice, “enough is enough.”

Democracy has a long history and it is not perfect, but it is the best government ever implemented for and by people. Democracy with checks and balances of power is the best form of democracy. A history of oppression and tyranny is what birthed our country. And if we are not careful, it will be what destroys our nation.

Big government is not what our founders had in mind. Government exists to protect us from each other and external threats, when government infringes on individual liberty it becomes oppression and tyranny. When those elected to power forget why they govern and who gave them the ability to govern, they grow corrupt, greedy, and selfish. Its not democracy that has failed, its human beings that have failed.

Capitalism isn’t a perfect economy, but it is the best economy ever implemented for a free people. Socialism and Communism will do nothing but destroy as history has shown in Europe, Russia, and else where. The economic problems we have now are due to socialist programs, laziness, corrupt, selfish, uncaring politicians, and out of control, immoral business practices. Its not capitalism that has failed, its human beings that have failed.

History proves that a free people and a free economy can change the world. The United States economy changed the known world, and will continue to do so if it is revived. We are the ones who developed the light bulb and telephone. We are the ones who developed the refrigerator and microwave. We are the developers of television and computer systems. It is our rockets that carried men to the moon, and it is American ingenuity and creative freedom that developed the internet. And it will be Americans who continue carrying the human civilization forward. If it is not destroyed.

There are many enemies of a free people in the world. Some want to destroy our founders and founding principles, some want to destroy our faith, and some want to destroy our way of life. Some want to fundamentally transform American from what we are into a failed European model. Some want to oppress and force their culture and civilization on us. Some want to force their life style on everyone else instead of relishing the freedom to live as they choose. Some want to take away freedom and liberty. If they get their way, then the last light of human liberty and dignity in the world will be darkened.

I for one, will not let that happen. I’m calling on all freedom loving, moral people in the United States to not let that happen. Don’t let evil win by doing nothing. Educate yourselves and stand up for what is right.

With God’s grace and mercy, we will defend the fire of liberty and pass it on to our children and their children.

Ronald Reagan said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”

Posted in Capitalism, Charity, Faith, Freedom, Government, Liberty, Politics, The United States of America | Leave a comment

Hinduism/Reincarnation

Posted on June 25, 2010 by Daniel Silas

Setting aside all meritorious deeds (Dharma), just surrender completely to My will (with firm faith and loving contemplation). I shall liberate you from all sins. Do not fear.” from Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita (aka The Song of God)

My Question:

So set aside works, obedience to Krishna’s will. Krishna will liberate from sin. And what happens if you don’t submit to Krishna’s will?

Response:

In the Bhagavad Gita Krishna says that everyone can choose their own path, he says if you want to follow a Demi-God then you service to the Demi-God will hopefully favor you, but Krishna says you only have to follow him. He states there is no need for austerites that Bhakti Yoga (loving service and devotion) is the best form of Yoga for this age of… See More Kali-Yuga. If you don’t submit to Krishna – you will probably reincarnate again into this material world. Even Demi-Gods face the same fate. If you have lived a good life, but could not completely detach from the fetter of Maya (the material illusion) Krishna-Govinda will bless you with another Human birth – which is considered a blessing. Only Humans can contemplate where we came from. If you live an unsavorary life, you could reincarnate as an animal or be sent to another material world that can be more hellish…

My Comment:

Even though I don’t believe in reincarnation, I’ve studied it some. So even in Hinduism there is consequences for evil behavior. How does that work into your definition of compassion? (as this particular poster thinks God’s eternal justice against those who reject Jesus means God doesn’t have compassion).

Just speculating here. I’ve often wondered if reincarnation is a type of hell. And the worst part would be not knowing you were repeating the cycle. After all we live on a prison planet. In reincarnation the person forgets everything from their past lives. That is simply terrible in my opinion.

I prefer Chistian thought. God tells us directly what are problem is and directly tells us how to have an eternal, loving relationship with our Creator. He directly tells us how we can be with Him forever.

No questions, no quess work, no confusion, no murky waters.

Posted in Hinduism, Reincarnation | Leave a comment

False Religions and Magic

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Daniel Silas

Commenting on false Pagan religions and magic recently:

Want to know why the Judeo-Christian faiths think witchcraft and pagan religions are evil? I should have put “evil” in quotes, as I am quite aware there are “white” and “black” sides of the coin.

Response to my question:

I understand why the Judeo-Christian faiths believe that witchcraft and pagan religions are evil. But that is what the Church had to do to demonize pagan beliefs in order to convert people. Yet they could not completely euthanized the beliefs that people had passed on to for thousands of years though…and I am glad we have people out there willing to keep the older beliefs alive. It is all about caring for the Earth, to heal people, to do good works. There might be some who fall into the “black” of the coin, but in Hinduism it is believed that some people must acknowledge to dark side of humanity and keep a balance in the world.

My Answer:

I’m not really referring to what the “Church” has done in the past concerning pagan beliefs. The worst thing that ever happened to the Church was when Emperor Constantine in 313 AD announced toleration of Christianity in the Edict of Milan, which removed penalties for professing Christianity.

After that it became about power and wealth as the Church began to grow in political power, and evil men who never knew or loved Jesus got control. Thankfully we had the Reformation. But really that is a different subject.

In regard to witches, wiccans, and pagan religions, from a Biblical perspective, its very simple really.

People had a knowledge of God as they received it from our first father and mother, and after the flood, Noah and his family passed on the knowledge of God. People are evil and rejected God, they suppressed the knowledge of God, forgot about God, and made up false religions and mystical powers. They were lost in the darkness.

Magic is false, there is no such mystical power.

Pagan religions are false.

Therefore, magic and false religions are a lie.

One thing that God does not like are lies and false gods. I would feel the same if I was God and the beings I created went about worshiping false gods. Or practicing false magic.

If you look at pagan religions around the world, in ancient times, many included all kinds of evil practices such as child murder and sexual depravity. Probably one reason why people rejected those false faiths and followed Christ. There was a reason people did so.

The first 300 years of Christianity, most of the time it was a crime to be a Christian.

Many of the pagan religions persecuted Christianity first. All the disciples of Jesus were murdered for their faith, accept John. He died as an old man, but he was tortured for his testimony about Jesus.

Though, I do understand that modern witches, wiccans, and pagans make it what you said, caring about the earth, to heal people, to do good works etc. Its still a lie and rejecting God at the end of it all.

God had to reveal himself to human beings because in their rejection of Him, so many were ignorant of their Creator. There are two very specific events in the history of the world that are very powerful.

1) At Mt. Sinai when God revealed His commandments and laws to Moses and the children of Israel, He did so openly, audibly, and visibly to them. There were over a million people present to witness that.

Note: the law and commandments are summed up as love God and love your neighbor.

2) The resurrection of Jesus. His resurrection proves everything He said is true.

Rebuttal Against:

Thanks for that perspective, I have nothing against Christianity – I just don’t like to judge anyone for the path they follow. I respect all religions and all sacred beliefs. I love to study them, and I see how when I pick up on Hindusim, my how all the pieces came together. The Indian philosophy makes sense to me. Of course the Hebrew God wouldn’t want any competition… but the Hebrews came out of Persia after being inslaved and so I believe that some of the Persian and Egyptian beliefs heavily influenced not only ppl in the old testament, but also in the new testament. Jesus was a wonderful man who was mystical and he perfomed miracles (these could also be seen as casting spells) for many pagans and witches do the same. Fasting is another form of magic, and speaking in tongues is definitely mystical. The Kabbla the Jews go by is mystical. Magic is real as long as we energy pumping through our veins. Anyway, why should anyone have to convert to another religion if the one they were following was their true inheritence from their loved ones. Past down passionately to generation to generation. Christianity is just not where some ppl find enlightenment. I feel it is too much dualism, believe in God, follow Jesus or you will be damned. What kind of God turns his back for eternity on certain souls when all souls belong and birthed from the Great Spirit that started all of creation. The God I follow is compassionate, and even if you mess up in this life, through reincarnation and the blessing of the human birth God – Govinda gives us hope, we may slip into a deeper darkness but the God I believe in never forgets one single soul. There is no hell except the ones humans create. Anyway that is IMHO.

My Answer:

1) you deleted our post? wow… didn’t know I would would get censored. guess what I wrote too inflammatory or something? How is that supposed to work for open minded people who respect all religions and enjoy the discussion?

I was just explaining why Christians think witches, wicca, and pagan religions are evil from a Biblical perspective. Don’t you think its important for the witches, wiccans, and pagans to know? After all, they don’t want us Christians to think they are evil.

2) The Hebrew God isn’t about “competition.” He doesn’t like people rejecting the truth and following false gods. gods who don’t exist and had no hand in creation or anything else.

3) The Hebrews were not enslaved in Persia. Abraham lived in Ur in Sumeria (Iraq near Persian gulf) before he traveled west to Canaan. Though, I’m sure he probably was familiar with all the local gods including those from the Persian side of the rivers.

4) Its not about “converting” from one religion to another.

You have to understand, the original sin was not believing God’s Word and disobeying Him. He is God, and its ok for Him to require that those He creates believe and obey Him.

The destruction of that first sin, destroyed the life of our first parents and they reproduced children in their own likeness. Spiritually dead and cursed.

All of us sinners are under the power of the evil one. Jesus said, that whoever you give yourself to obey becomes your master. Adam and Eve obeyed the word of the evil one rather than God. Therefore they and us became enslaved to him and sin. Naturally we reject and hate God.

Following Jesus is about being set free from the power of the evil one, set free from sin, and set free from rejecting and hating the true God.

For those who reject Jesus, being eternal creatures, God puts evil eternal creatures into an eternal prison.

We put criminals into prison? Why is it wrong for God to do so?

5) God doesn’t turn His back on souls. Those souls reject and turn their back on God.

What else can God do than create a way to have an eternal, loving relationship with God through Jesus forever?

There is nothing wrong with God. There is something wrong with those who reject Him.

6) This is an interesting text, “For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things?” 2 Corinthians 2:15-16

So those who are being saved, Paul and those who share the Good News of Jesus, Christians, are the aroma of life. To those who are perishing, the aroma of death.

7) The message of Christ is simple. Repent of sin, meaning to reject evil. Believe in Him to be saved. Saved from what? God’s wrath against those who hate and reject Him and eternal prison.

I don’t see how that can be so terrible when God has done everything to keep anyone out of Hell (to use the northern European term for the underworld) who doesn’t want to go there.

8) The God I follow is pure compassion. He is everything good and beautiful in life and in the universe.

Only those who hate, rebel, and reject Him can’t see that.

9) I will pray that He opens your eyes and heart. Its only because I see Jesus for who He really is, the wonderful, beautiful, Creator of all things, that I follow Him.

If He didn’t open my eyes and heart, I would never have followed Him.

Posted in Magic, Pagan, Wiccan, Witch | Leave a comment

Evolution: A Religion

Posted on June 22, 2010 by Daniel Silas

Commenting on Ben Stein’s Expelled recently:

I enjoyed the film, and I like Ben Stein.

Darwinian macro Evolution is bunk, its a cracked paradigm that only holds together because dogmatic scientists and evolution believers don’t have anything better to explain our existence/origins.

The proper thing to do would be to start the Dawinian Religion, it has about enough “proof” as the New Age space alien seeding earth religion.

Question: What is a better way to explain it?

Explanation? Well, the things NOT to do, in finding an explanation, is to commit fraud, manipulate facts and findings, distort analysis and intepretation of facts, have a closed mind, and persecute/mock dissenting opinions. Attacking other views with baseless claims and empty arguments too is something not to do. All examples of problems in the Evolution/Scientific community. Oh yeah, same in Climate Change science too.

Its really sad that the ones in power always do that, no matter who it is.

Posted in Evolution, Intelligent Design, Science | Leave a comment

A Father’s Legacy: I am dying…

Posted on June 20, 2010 by Daniel Silas

I am dying.

I don’t know the exact day or hour that I will transition from this life, no man does. It could be today. It could be tomorrow. It could be next week or the following. Perhaps it will be next month or the one after. Death may come a year from now, or it may be five years. Perhaps I will live to forty or even fifty. Maybe I will get so old, the face I look at in the mirror will be completely unfamiliar. I may get so old that I will not even be able to see the face I’ve known reflected in a pool of water.

One way or another, the time will come when this physical body is claimed by death. Whether old age, illness, accident, or something worse, this body will fall to the earth lifeless, just as all my fathers before me. It will return to the dust from which our father Adam was created. Every human being must come to terms with this truth, and in the end we will all know the truth personally. It is part of the cursed, natural human life cycle.

Once when I was in college, my mother had a little kitten that she had found and decided to take care of. She brought the kitty home and put it in a kennel she had built for other cats in the garage. She took care of it, fed it, and always made sure it had plenty of water. She loved that cat. One night, very late, I was awake watching television in the living room. My mother was asleep, and her husband was working nights. I don’t remember the exact time, but I felt a very powerful, presence come in through the front door into the house. It passed down the foyer and into the living room and seemed to pause. It was death, and it had come to my home, but not for me. I felt it pass into the kitchen and out into the garage. I heard that kitten cry out in long, loud wails. I decided to stay inside. The next morning my mother informed me the kitten had died. I didn’t tell her what I had felt.

One day, the shadow of death will not simply come by and pause to give its regards. It will come to release me from this cursed body. Many fear that moment of transition, but for those of us who believe in Jesus, there is no more fear. Death no longer has a sting because we have life in Christ forever. I am not afraid to pass into the presence of my Savior and King. In addition to eternal life in Christ, our bodies have also been bought and purchased by Jesus. They will one day be released from the curse of death and given eternal life just as our spirits. From the books of Daniel and Job we see these texts:

“‘But you [Daniel], go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days.'” Daniel 12:13 [NKJV]

“I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” Job 19:25-27 [NIV]

How I echo that yearning!

A Father’s Legacy

Today is Father’s Day, and I often think about my fathers who have come before me. I think about the legacy they have left. Which has been very little. A few generations back, and those men are complete strangers. How terrible it is, to not know anything about them. And its only been three or four generations. That includes my mothers.

Then I think of my son and the legacy I leave. To me, the most important part of my life I leave to my son is my trust, hope, and knowledge of Jesus Christ. All of the things I have learned and experienced need to be passed on to him. If that is the only thing that is remembered about me, then I am content. For Christ is the only aspect of my life that has value.

Passing that on to him, and not only to him, but to his children and their children. And passed on to every person those children’s lives have contact. How wonderful it would be to have had a father from past generations, who could have spoken intimately down through the generations about their lives and those things that have happened. To pass on what he had learned through the experiences of life.

How valuable if he could have passed on the experience and knowledge of Christ that is given to each generation, given by the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit of God. Not some stranger, but from a father whose love for their child drives them to do so, and the love for their child’s children, and the children of those children. The love I have for my child extends onward to every generation that comes after him, for they are all my children.

There are many reasons why God instituted marriage into the relationship of a man and woman. A man would leave his father and mother and cleave unto his wife, and they would become one flesh. There are a number of spiritual aspects to that truth, but we often over look that a man and woman do become one flesh, the child of that physical union.

Malachi 2:14-15, ” …yet she is your companion And your wife by covenant. But did He not make them one, Having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks godly offspring.” [NKJV]

Urgency

I feel an urgency deep within my heart to put down into writing everything I have learned and experienced. I’m not sure why. I feel driven to put pen to paper and share everything I have time to express. I know that most importantly for my child and those who come after, and also for all those who call on the name of the Lord to be saved.

Everything I am, and everything I know is because of and come from the grace and mercy of the living God. I am nothing, but because of His great love, He has blessed me like other believers with the knowledge of His truth.

He has opened my mind in part many times over the years to the writings of the prophets and apostles of the Bible. I still only see in part and still do not understand everything. But I will continue to seek in my life and share what I can with the time I have been given.

Each time He enlightens, its like my eyes have been open anew. And His great light illuminates the words of all those He moved to write down their experiences that we now have in the Bible. He inspired them to write for our learning (2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21; Romans 15:4). So that we would not be lost in the darkness of the vast lies that fill this world. His Word is a solid foundation, and a sword that cuts through the webs of darkness that attempt to trap us. So that we might have real hope in this cursed and wicked world.

Blessed is the name of the Lord, and His truth will reign forever.

Posted in Bible, Christianity, Father, Legacy | Leave a comment

Haiti Earthquake & Pat Robertson

Posted on January 14, 2010 by Daniel Silas

There has been an outcry against Pat Robertson concerning his comments on the possible cause of the earthquake that has devastated Haiti. I posted these comments on Facebook in response to a thread concerning this subject.

My Comments:

Everyone should think very carefully about what they say and do including Pat Robertson. We will all be held accountable for every action and word we utter in our lives.

Nor should we as Christians, pass judgement on who is or who is not a “true” Christian. Christ alone knows the hearts and minds of people, and He will judge.

After all, there are times in all of our lives when we can’t be distinguished from the unbelieving world. And we all say things we should not say.

And I would put forward, we need not pass judgement at all anyway, as Christ told us that we would know a tree by its fruit. Reject the bad fruit.

Nor should we as Christians offer verbal insults to others.

I think what Pat Roberson said is interesting simply from the perspective of a historian. I didn’t know they had made a pact with the Devil to win their independence from France. I’d have to review his sources to confirm that as a fact or not. I simply do not know.

As to the cause of the earthquake, I won’t speculate on the spiritual causes if any. I think it probably occured because of normal techtonic activity. Though I have not studied the geological situation.

I will say that God is absolutely sovereign. Nothing happens outside of His will, knowledge, or control. God would have to tell me the reason He allowed this earthquake to happen. Until then I wouldn’t know, and we should simply do our best to assist our fellow brothers and sisters in Haiti and pray for them.

Posted in Earthquake, God, God's Sovereignty, Haiti, Pat Robertson | Leave a comment

Asaf Ramon

Posted on September 14, 2009 by Daniel Silas

ABC News: Asaf Ramon killed at 21

Jerusalem Post: Article / Video

Haaretz: Nation Mourns Asaf Ramon

Asaf Ramon was one of my students when I was a teacher back in 2003. I remember the day that the space shuttle Columbia broke up on reentry with his father onboard. My heart broke for this young man. He was a good student and a good boy. I was so happy to see the success he had attained, and my heart breaks over the tragic loss of his young life. I grieve deeply with his family and all of Israel.

I often became attached to my students because of the subject I taught, which allowed me the opportunity to really get to know my kids. Asaf was a happy young man, always had a smile on his face, exceled in my class, and we often talked about Israel and his father’s journey into space. Students like him made being a teacher and having a chance to make an impact on young lives worth while.

It was easy to mirror his excitement and enthusiasm about his father. I had worked in the space field prior to being a teacher, had grown up wanting to be an astronaut, loved everything about space exploration, and I love Israel. It was exciting to see that first hand. I remember talking with Asaf when he was leaving to fly to Florida with his family. And I saw him after that tragedy.

I knew that he would be a leader and excel in his life. I was so proud that he graduated at the top of his class and earned his wings. I wrote him a letter when he left to return to Israel encouraging him to reach for great things and be a blessing to his country.

I even had the opportunity to discuss Yeshua, the Messiah, with him.

Asaf grew from a boy into a good man from what I can see of his life, and an example for young people to follow. I had the opportunity as a teacher to be part of a young and promising life through the heights of joy and the fires of tragedy. I will always remember Asaf. He was a special young man.

Posted in Asaf Ramon, Israel, NASA, Space, Teaching, Yeshua | Leave a comment

Oklahoma to Texas

Posted on August 31, 2009 by Daniel Silas

Made the move from Tulsa, Oklahoma down to Houston, Texas. It was a long 8 days full of fun packing, loading, driving, unloading, and some minor injuries. My ankle is still recovering from the experience. haha Thankfully, I had a lot of good Christian brothers and sisters help me out at both ends of the trip. Indispensable help and I appreciate what they did for me beyond expression.

There will be a lot I will miss about Oklahoma. I will miss the rolling green hills, green pastures, small town community, and the four very defined seasons. It was very nice having a shorter summer with the occasional cool front in late July and August. I’ll miss Quick Trip and Taco Bueno. Of course, I will really miss my few family members and my friends that I made while living there.

I lived in the Houston area most of my life. A couple of years outside Ft. Worth as a kid with my Dad. Then the last five years in Tulsa. So now I’m back to the Houston area. I am glad I am in the Katy area now on the west side. I wouldn’t have wanted to move back to the east or south side of Houston.

In the Dragonlance Chronicles, the companions had gone their separate ways for five years. I went out on my own for the same amount of time. So now when I see friends and family here, I think about that meeting of friends from that beloved story that I enjoyed growing up. Now I understand.

God had a plan for me living in this area most of my life. He had a plan when I stayed with my Dad in Granbury those two years as a kid. He had a plan for my life in moving to Tulsa for five years. And I know He has a plan for my life bringing me back to the Houston area. He determines the times and the places we live (Acts 17:26-27). And we may plan in our heart where we want to go, but He directs our steps (Proverbs 16:9).

So I spent last week working and getting settled. This week I’m continueing the trend of working and unpacking. Getting acclamated to my surroundings and making sure everything is good to go.

My first Friday back in Texas, I attended a high school foot ball game. It was a sold out, standing room only event. Had to hike in from outside the stadium grounds for parking.

I watched Katy High School Tigers play against the Galena Park North Shore Mustangs. It was a great game and very close. Katy ultimatly won, breaking a 10 year winning streak by North Shore. They had won a consectuive 78 games or something in the regular season for a decade now. So the Mustangs now hold the state record by 6 games I believe.

The best part was getting to watch the game with my chosen brother. He is an administrator in the Galena Park district. So I had to cheer on the Mustangs this time. Been a long time since we have had the opportunity to have our families eat dinner and enjoy some entertainment.

This past Sunday I visited a church in my local area. It appears to be a good church, and we enjoyed the service. The best part is I found out that theologically, I am on the same page. Maybe this will be our new church home. As long as the congregation and the leadership love Jesus first, it will be a good place. Second, as long as the Word of God is taught in its entirety and believed, its a winner in my book. And it looks like I was even on the same page as the worship, genuine relationships, and church government.

I’m praying for a good place. I do find it interesting this just so happened to be the first place we visited. Especially since we didn’t know anything about it. We have a couple of friends that attend too.

Posted in Personal News | Leave a comment