How To Make Black Lives Matter

Thesis:

Making black lives matter can only happen when our definition and understanding of justice begins with the submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and obedience to His word as revealed in the Old and New Testaments.

Introduction

Black lives matter has become a significant movement in the United States. You cannot drive far without seeing a BLM sign posted in the front yard of America's lawn. I've seen them in the most affluent, to some of the poorest neighborhoods in Connecticut. The people who post them are of all colors, creeds, and socio-economic statuses. People are horrified at the blatant acts of violence against the black community and want to do their part.

Since I don't have a front yard, I thought I would do my part by showing how to truly make black lives matter. I will argue that BLM's underlying principles only have meaning if understood from a Biblical worldview. Concepts such as human dignity, justice, and societal change are meaningless unless you start from the revelation God gave about Himself in the Old and New Testaments of the Holy Scriptures. I contend that the Black Lives Matter movement, while well-intentioned, cannot sustain their cause unless and until they work toward change by beginning with the conversion of individuals and nations to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

The Foundation of Human Worth

Created in God's Imagine

There is only one Book that proclaims the truth about humanity. In Genesis 1:26+27 Bible boldly states:

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:26&27

The Bible does not say some human beings are better than others. It doesn't say one gender or ethnicity has less value than another. All human beings are created in God's image, starting with the original humans, Adam and Eve. Being made in God's image includes people with greater or lesser amounts of melanin in their skin. 

Because of this claim, all human beings have infinite value. We have worth because God created us in His image. No one has the authority to claim intrinsic superiority over another human being. To start from any other religious, theological, philosophical, or theoretical basis, other than the Scripture creates racism, classism, sexism, and every other negative "ism" there is. Take the God of the Bible out of the equation, and you have humans competing against humans. In other words, "survival of the fittest." 

The Folly of Evolution

Contrary to popular opinion, Evolution is not based upon science. At best, it is a theory and not a very coherent one at that. Science is based upon observable events that can be repeated for verification. While we can observe selective breeding, we do not see amebas transitioning into higher and more complex life forms. Simple single-celled amebas do not gain complexity and information through natural selection. The very thought of it is not only unscientific; it is illogical. Yet, so many believe in Evolution, and it is taught in public schools as if it is science.

If Evolution is true, what basis does anyone have to say one life matters over another? If all humanity is, are sophisticated animals, what does it matter if the stronger kills the weaker? Instead of repudiating this, people should be celebrating the advancement of Evolution in motion. The very thought is ludicrous.

The only viable alternative to faith in Evolution is the truth, as revealed by God in the Bible. Acts 17:26 says we all are of "one blood." We are one blood because God created our original parents, Adam and Eve. Human beings are made in the image of God regardless of the color of their skin, their socio-economic circumstance, where they live, or how they live.

The Cross and Human Value

Even more significant than the creation of humanity in God's image is the revelation of the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. The Bible reveals that the second Person of the Trinity became a Man to provide a way to be made right with God. God the Father sent His only-begotten Son to be crucified on the cross as a substitute atonement for sin. 

Nothing gives humanity more meaning and dignity than God becoming a human being and willingly laying down His life for sinners. Jesus Christ didn't die for sophisticated animals. He died for fallen human beings made in the image of God. The Bible says 

For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:13)

The invitation is given to all humanity, regardless of skin color. Jesus told His disciples to "go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." (Mark 16:15) The "whole creation" refers to all humanity from the indigenous tribes in South America to the super-rich of Silicon Valley. 

Why do black lives matter? They matter because black people are children of Adam and Eve just as much as blond and blue-eyed people are. They count because Jesus Christ died for the sins of all who believe and trust in Him. They matter because God is our Creator, and in Him, all human beings are worthy of dignity.

How We Know That Justice is Just

Let's move to the concept of justice. Justice only has meaning because of who God is in and of Himself. No higher authority or standard determines what is just or unjust other than the self-existing Trinity; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Without this, human beings have no objective standard to determine whether an action is just or unjust. Without God's revelation, Man is the ultimate authority, and the survival of the fittest holds sway. The stronger determines what is just in the same way a lion prevails over the weaker. No one faults an animal feeding upon the more vulnerable. No hungry animal is tried for murder because it is bigger, stronger, or faster than its prey.

Self-Law, God's Law, and the Meaning of Justice

How do we know that justice is good? Good is good because God is good. He defines what is right by His very nature. Anything that does not conform to His heart is evil. Eve's first temptation in the garden was to determine good and evil for herself rather than by who God is and the Law He gave. (Genesis 3) The word "autonomous" literally means self law (auto = self and nomous = law). As soon as human beings become autonomous, that is a law unto themselves, there is no ultimate standard for goodness, justice, or truth.

In short, without Biblical revelation, justice has no meaning. It has no ultimate standard when individuals, organizations, and governments reject God and His Law. Murder is wrong because it goes against God's revealed Law. On this basis alone, those who do wrong should be punished, and it is by this standard alone lawbreakers are found guilty. 

The Bible reveals that injustice, racism, and murder is wrong. (injustice - Proverbs 17:15, racism - Romans 10:12, murder - Exodus 20:13) Each is wrong because they go against the character of God. 

Outrage Against Injustice Testifies to Biblical Truth

If people don't know the Bible or if they reject the special revelation given in Scripture, their outrage towards injustice testifies that the Law of God is written in the very fabric of creation:

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:19-21

The fact that people who are not believers are outraged at injustice is proof that Christianity is true. The most evident proof that injustice is wrong is given in God's special Biblical revelation. Yet, even without special revelation, human beings have a sense of justice by observing creation and by the testimony of their hearts. 

How We Make Black Lives Matter

How do we make black lives matter? The answer is not through protests, nor by defunding the police. It is not by replacing one humanistic law with another man-based law. Racism will not change because the majority posts signs in their front lawn. Nor will it come through education or revolution. All these things may help, but they do not solve the root of the problem.

The problem is in the fallen human heart. It doesn't mean we shouldn't protest or work toward reforming the police or try to influence legislation or let people know where we stand or try to educate or even revolt against an unjust and corrupt government. 

They do not go far enough. It is like putting a bandaid on a festering wound. None deal with the root of the problem. God shows us the hard truth concerning humanity and the human heart:

As it is written: "None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together, they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one." "Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive. "The venom of asps is under their lips." "Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness." "Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known." "There is no fear of God before their eyes." (Romans 3:10-18)

Or 

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9)

What is the answer? Again, the Bible reveals the solution. God calls for each individual to repent and believe in Jesus Christ. The human heart is changed as it is "crucified with Christ." (Galatians 2:20) Romans 6 tells us that when we are in Christ, we cannot continue to live in sin. When we are in Christ, we have the power to walk in the newness of life. The Bible promises that we will be filled with the Holy Spirit and have the ability to not only live according to God's standards of holiness, but change society to be empowered to live according to God's Law. (2 Corinthians 5)

The Role of the Government in Making Black Lives Matter

The government's primary job is to enforce God's Law by punishing evildoers and commending those who do right. (Romans 13:1-5) As we submit to Christ, we have the objective standard by which our government can enact and enforce Law. This Law is not based upon human opinion, majority rule, the survival of the fittest, or any other social standard. The Law is based upon the revealed character of God both in Biblical revelation and general revelation. When this happens, the government will appropriately punish systemic injustice, prejudice, or racism and pass laws to curb these behaviors. A godly government will justly punish all lawbreakers not submitted to the one and only Living God.

The Steps to Make Black Lives Matter

• First, the leadership of Black Matter needs to submit to the authority and Lordship of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:10-11)

• Second, the leadership needs to renounce any associations with the godless philosophies of Evolution, Marxism, and Atheism. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6)

• Third, BLM needs to focus on the conversion of individuals and nations to Jesus Christ (Romans 10:14-17) 

• Fourth, BLM needs to root concepts of injustice, racism, and truth in the character of God as revealed in the Bible (2 Thessalonians 1:6-8)

• Fifth, BLM needs to work to establish God's Law as the foundation of our legal system (Romans 3:31)

Who Am I To Speak

Some may criticize me for speaking about Black Lives Matter as a white man. What right do I have to say anything? I think the answer to this lies in that most of the BLM signs are posted on the lawns middle-class white people in suburban America. While my take is different from most white Americans, I believe that if those in the BLM movement welcome their forms of expression, I too have the same right.

I believe I have a duty to speak, considering the racist education I received in my public school "education." I have written elsewhere that the Evolutionary indoctrination that is perpetrated in public schools is inherently racist. It is time for Christians, and all seeking justice for that matter, to speak out against racism as it is taught in public schools.

Finally, I cannot sit idly by as false solutions are given to a severe problem. The teachings of Evolutionary Marxism begets revolution. I believe our country is in the midst of the most significant cultural revolution in our nation's history. This revolution's unifying factor is the rejection of Biblical Christianity and the foundation of God's Law in our justice system. Humanistic law prevails, and as such, we are caught in the Evolutionary trap that change can and will come only through revolution. Here we are back to the survival of the fittest. It is a false answer that will result in a bloody end. 

The answer to all humanity's problems is found in the simple phrase in the Lord's prayer,

"Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

It is only in Christ that Black Lives Matter. The sooner we learn this, the sooner justice will come!

Even so, Come Lord Jesus!

Welcome to The New Church of the USSA

(All the items listed below are a combination of mandates that are listed on different church websites in Connecticut and throughout the United States of America or are legal truths of incorporated churches)

In the New Church: 

• Since we are an incorporated “church” we must comply with the Secretary of State who is our sovereign head.

• You must obey your governmental leaders.

• You must obey your church leaders who obey your governmental leaders

• You have to register online before you attend.

• You have to receive confirmation before you show up.

• If too many are registered, you will be put on a waiting list.

• We practice contact tracing on behalf of the State so please inform us if you are sick or have tested positive for COVID-19.

• If you receive confirmation to attend, you must wear a mask.

• Wear gloves if you have to touch anything or anybody.

• Hand sanitizer is distributed all throughout the sanctuary.

• You have to maintain at least 6 feet social distancing.

• To not touch anyone!

• Do not hug!

• To not greet anyone with a” holy kiss”!

• To not extend the “right hand of fellowship”!

• No praising God through the singing of hymns, songs, or songs of the Spirit.

• Offering will no longer be part of the service. Buckets are placed at the entrance for your safety.

• Do not come to the altar for prayer!

• If you are sick, stay home! We will not pray for you in person. There will be no laying on of hands.

• There will be no communion.

• There will be no baptisms.

Failure to comply with any or all of the listed mandates can and will result in excommunication and/or expulsion from our church.

And don’t forget to enjoy the liberty to worship we enjoy here in the United States of America.

Final note:

God has not called me to lead a church at this time, but if there are Christians who want to gather as a non-incorporated, non-statist, non-comforming church, please let me know. I would lead such a church as this. Or if there is such a church meeting here in Connecticut, please let me know. It would be refreshing to worship with dangerous Christians.

God have mercy on us!

A Pastoral Prayer 7/22/2020

Heavenly Father, I come before You in humble prayer and adoration. To You alone belongs honor and praise and fear and worship.

And yet, I live among people who honor the military over Your holiness, who praise politicians over Jesus Christ, who fear COVID-19 more than You, and who worship the unholy trinity of money, sex, and power over the Holy Trinity of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Just as Your judgment has fallen upon all nations of the past who forsook You and Your holy Law, Your divine judgment has fallen upon my country. You have sent the fear of a deadly pestilence. Instead of repenting and crying out to You, we turn to unholy and ungodly leaders to save us. I know this furthers Your anger towards us, and it is well deserved.

We seek cleansing through the washing of hands, the wearing of masks, and by distancing ourselves from our neighbor rather than through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. We trust more in what experts say more than what Your word says. We turn to humanistic solutions rather than to the means of grace You have given us. We seek to force, shame, and manipulation to control others rather than practice self-governance.

Even those who are called by Your name have fallen prey to fear. Your holy Bride has prostituted herself to the state by becoming a corporation rather than the Body of Christ. Even Your shepherds have bent their knee to the god of this world. Your shepherds shut the doors of Your Church without a fight. Now they defy Your standards of worship by demanding people cover their faces in fear, by forbidding them to greet one another with a holy kiss or by extending their right hand of fellowship. Your pastors forbid the signing of psalms, hymns, and songs of the Spirit. We have broken covenant with You by banning baptism. We have withheld bread and wine and fed Your people individually wrapped pellets and watered down grape juice. Our sermons comfort and coddle rather than call Your people to repentance for wrapping ourselves in our flags rather than Christ's righteousness.

Forgive us for our hypocrisy of trying to protect those who might get sick while turning a blind eye and a deaf ear to the silent screams of millions of innocent babies who have been sacrificed on the altar of ease and convenience.

Forgive us for our militaristic society that honors soldiers over missionaries that weeps at the national anthem over Amazing Grace, that evangelizes our youth to thinking that dying for their country is the same as dying for the sake of the gospel, that love is ministered through might rather than the preaching of the gospel and feeding the hungry.

LORD, pour out Your Spirit upon our broken, sinful, and rebellious world. Pour out the Spirit of repentance first upon Your Church. Pour out the Spirit of Truth and write Your Law upon our hearts so that Your justice will prevail rather than the arbitrary and anemic humanistic justice of disobedient rebels who fear no one, including You.

My country is burning out.

I pray You would wake up the remnant from their sleep and from their sin. I pray for a mighty move of Your Spirit.

And finally, I pray for the wisdom of how I can preach and proclaim Your message in love.

I confess I often react out of my flesh and pride more than out of love. But You know my heart and my passion for truth. I pray for more brothers and sisters to come alongside me, who will pray and proclaim Your message.

In the Holy Name of Jesus I pray,

Amen

Three Words I Hate to Hear Most

The three words I hate to hear most are, "You were right!" It means that at some time in the past I said something at that time that nobody believed and ridiculed me for saying. I pray to God my most ardent critics are right and can laugh in my face and tell me just how wrong I was. Those moments bring me more joy than I can express.

Of Mask, Beekeeping, And Bad Arguments

This is another example of the dumbass, distorted, and deceptive propaganda circulating about masks. I've been in beehives without a veil countless times in my life. The one who gets stung up without one is the person who goes in a beehive without a veil and who lets fear take over. I swear, bees can smell your fear.

If we want to be accurate, let's picture some damn fool wearing full bee protection wherever he goes; the store, a restaurant, to church, driving his car, walking out in nature, all because he is terrified that there might be a bee out there somewhere. And he requires everyone else around him to wear a full bee suit because they might have one around them too.

The best thing for those afraid of bees is to stay out of beehives. In other words, if you are so afraid, stay home!

So much for their so-called "experts".

Of Superstition, Magical Masks, and Someone to Blame

There's a letter circulating social media (see below) addressed simply to "Dear restaurant goer." An unidentified restaurant owner wrote it. I do not know if the owner is a man, but for the sake of convenience, I will be referring to the owner as "he." Besides, it has the tone more of a man than a woman, but I could be wrong.

In this letter, the owner states that he requires patrons to wear a mask for a mere 5 seconds as you go to your table or the bathroom. He believes these 5 seconds protect the livelihood of his business, prevent governmental goons from shutting him down if a case of COVID-19 is "traced" to his restaurant, and prevent the death of his employees and his family. You jeopardize and disrespect him if you don't wear your mask for 5 seconds.

Think about how absurd this is. According to a Cornell University study, the average diner takes 81.6 minutes to eat in a restaurant. That adds up to 1 hour and 21 minutes. That is a total of 4,860 seconds a person remains unmasked in his restaurant. For this owner, 5 seconds symbolize respect, protection, security, and safety.

Let's look at the math. This owner requires people to wear a mask .1% of the time while being okay with them being unmasked for 99.99%. And what are people doing during this 99.99% of the time? They are breathing, chewing, laughing, sneezing, coughing, and talking, perhaps with their mouth full, which people tend to do. Who knows how much particulate is expelled into the atmosphere during these 4,860 seconds.

This must be disturbing for hypochondriacs, but being a human being is a messy business. No matter how much you try, you and your fellow human beings are contaminating the environment with their germs, bacteria, sicknesses, and perhaps even their deadly viruses. They certainly are doing a lot more damage in 4,860 seconds than what a person could do in 5. But this owner needs someone to blame, so let's go with the disrespectful sign-ignoring unmasked jerk.

Talk about putting someone at risk. This owner requires his restaurant employees to "pick up your dishes. Your glassware. Your napkins." He makes the "clean that bathrooms after you use them." But everyone is safe because he requires a person to wear a mask for 5 seconds while at the same time allowing people to remain unmasked for 99.99% of the time doing an activity that causes far more damage than a 5-second walk.

Put on your magical mask for 5 seconds, and all will be well. If that's not superstition, I don't know what is. But at least we have someone to blame.

May I talk about these magical masks for a moment? The owner wrote, "A mask increases that safety. It doesn't guarantee it, but it makes your visit more safe for us" How much protection is being provided by masks that are worn for only .1% of the time? Most people are not wearing masks properly anyway, are they? Most people are wearing the same disgusting mask over and over again. Some wear them only over their mouth and not their nose, which kind of defeats the purpose.

Furthermore, the masks that most people wear allow droplets out the side or are cheap masks that do little to no good. Add to that; the people are now wearing bandanas or some sort of ineffective cloth covering. He is right in your belief that wearing a mask is not a "guarantee."

Magical masks indeed!

He is careful not to blame the real bullies in this equation. He fears COVID-19 will be "traced" back to his restaurant. Who's doing contact tracing? How can you possibly prove the virus originated at your restaurant all because a person failed to wear a mask for 5 seconds? He is scared, but he's fear is misplaced. The real bullies are the power-hungry political fear-mongers who have the power to destroy this man's business, not the unmasked patron.

Not only has the government struck fear into this man's heart, but it has also taken away many people's incentive to return to work. The owner almost gets it when he refers to the "sky-high unemployment benefits" with which he competes. Good old socialism, that age-old destroyer of incentive to work. But we mustn't blame socialism. We must condemn the disrespectful unmasked villain.

I honestly feel sorry for this restaurant owner. I do not doubt that he is telling the truth about how difficult it is to maneuver meeting the almost impossible requirements of an incompetent and oppressive governmental system. I believe him when he says that he puts his "entire being" into this restaurant. I understand that he is doing the best he can in a challenging situation.

Sadly it's worse than he knows. He doesn't seem to be aware that the Executive Order he is so desperately trying to obey contains a caveat that could get him into a lot of trouble. Our esteemed Governor placed within his Executive Order No. 7BB a lovely caveat that states:

"Nothing in this order shall require the use of a mask or cloth face covering by anyone for whom doing so would be contrary to his or her health or safety because of a medical condition, a child in a child care setting, anyone under the age of 2 years, or an older child if the parent, guardian or person responsible for the child is unable to place the mask safely on the child's face. If a person declines to wear a mask or face covering because of a medical condition as described above, such person shall not be required to produce medical documentation verifying the stated condition. This order shall supersede and preempt any current or future municipal order."

In other words, all a person has to do is calmly inform the host that they are declining to wear a mask because of a medical condition. Furthermore, they do not have to prove it. He just has to take their word for it. If this poor restaurant owner denies access, he will violate the Governor's Executive Order. Not only that, if he denies access, he may also be violating the Americans with Disability Act, which could open him to litigation. It'd be difficult to win, especially when "such person shall not be required to produce medical documentation verifying the stated condition."

Our society is scared, and perhaps angry, about all that is happening because of COVID-19. Dysfunctional societies need a scapegoat, be it white men, Jews, blacks, the police, democrats, FOX news, those who don't wear masks, Donald Trump, you name it. I blame power-hungry corrupt government officials who are in bed with crony capitalist corporations. They scare me more than anyone else because only they have the legal right to use political power against those who have done no harm. I also blame people who won't use logic, reason, or science. Oh, that people would genuinely use real science and not the politicized form we hear machine-gunned from the media day and night.

I believe we are at a crossroads in the United States. What will tip the scale, in my opinion, is where the mob goes. If they go on the side of blaming those who do not conform to the official narrative, we are doomed. If people such as this restaurant owner wake up, start using real science, and start standing up to the real bullies, there is hope. In the meantime, I implore you to carefully examine what people are saying and believing and try to use logic, reason, and sound science to open their eyes.

***
Dear restaurant goer:

You don’t want to wear a mask. Ok. I don’t blame you. I don’t either. That’s why we set it up so you only have to wear it for the five seconds between the host stand and your table, and during your trip(s) to the bathroom. Still have a problem?

Consider this.

It was indescribably difficult for our restaurant to survive the shutdown. It devastated our savings and permanently eroded consumer confidence in dining out. Now we finally have a chance to open, and all the relevant governing bodies instruct us to require a mask for admittance.

Still have a problem?

Please also be aware that it’s also our staff preference.

Why?

First, if there is a case of COVID traced back to our restaurant, we have to test all staff and close (again) for an indeterminate amount of days. This puts an at-risk operation at even graver risk. Every day and every dollar counts more than I can describe.

Second, the employees you see in the restaurant right now opted to come back of their own volition. With sky high unemployment benefits to compete with, we have worked hard to build a workplace they want to come back to—one that offers fair compensation, above-average safety protocols and most of all, management and ownership that has their best interest in mind.

When you see a restaurant employee at work, it is usually because of some degree of loyalty or respect for the ownership, as well as faith in the safety measures they have put in place. These things took a great deal of time, effort and personal care to build. I now know that demonstrating love for my team is the most important part of my job. More than ever, I recognize how hard I have to fight for them.

If you are infected (either symptomatically or asymptomatically), you put THEM at risk, first and foremost. After all, they’re the ones that pick up your dishes. Your glassware. Your napkins. They're the ones that clean the bathrooms after you use them. DO NOT disrespect them.

On top of the terrifying work environment they have returned to, the new challenge of arguing with guests about masks is hurtful and unnecessarily punitive. Walking past a half dozen signs saying masks are required and then acting surprised about it—even when we offer to give you one at our cost—is inexcusable. And berating a host does not make you a patriot or a constitutional scholar. It makes you a bully, and it affirms the growing realization that the customer isn’t always right.

You may question the lawfulness of Executive Orders. It’s your prerogative. But one thing you can’t question is that as a guest, our safety is in your hands. A mask increases that safety. It doesn’t guarantee it, but it makes your visit more safe for us. It’s that simple.

I have put my entire being into my restaurants. It is my life’s work. Do not—DO NOT—DARE to put it and our loyal team members at risk unnecessarily. When you do so, you disrespect my wife, my daughter and son, and the life we’ve built. Not to mention the livelihood (and possibly lives) of the nearly 15 people we employ.

Bottom line: we’re trying to survive. Your concern about wearing a mask for mere seconds pales in comparison to what's at stake.

A Prophetic Nightmare?

I'm having a recurring nightmare where everyone takes off their masks and their mouths are gone.

COVID-19 AND PRIVILEGE

I translated this commentary I found on the Facebook feed of a friend of mine in Mexico. It really hit me as I read it and saw the picture of the poor Mexican family crammed in a shack. As I traveled throughout Mexico, I saw countless shabby shanties in the country and neighborhoods filled with cinderblock "houses" strewn around the cities. More than you can imagine.

One thought that harasses me as contemplate this article is how racist the virus is, perhaps how racist we all are. I stay at home with my wife in a beautiful apartment in West Hartford, Connecticut debating with others on our computers while millions, perhaps billions of poor people crowd in tiny rooms, many in sweltering climates south of the border, living in fear of the virus, of hunger, of the marauding military, bullying people to stay home.

I honestly don't know what to think as I, and most of my friends, read this in the comfort of our quarantine.

I don’t have the link. If anyone has it, please let me know so I can point to it. Here's the article.

****

Stay at Home

That’s the premise, the slogan.

Stay at home, says the sports star hugging his wife while his children run around the 1200 square foot home. Stay at home, says the politician, while he chooses which of his properties he will spend the quarantine on.

People don't understand how serious the virus is, says someone else, as they unload the crate of fruit and vegetables he bought online and paid for with his card at his door. And what about those who stocked their groceries in the big stores to get through the quarantine.

But on the fringes are the invisible neighborhoods, the 12x12 "houses", made of sheet metal and cardboard, where the cold is COLD and the heat unbearable. What about those houses filled with families where what they earned yesterday is today's food, where, if you didn't earn yesterday, there is no food today, where the safety measures are mandated but are impossible to comply? They are afraid of the virus too but don’t have the ability to protect themselves!

They just try to live, to be safe, and survive day by day.

The virus doesn't make us equal. The virus highlights, even more, the intolerance, the apathy with which the privileged sector of this society looks at those who have less.

-Stay at home to take care of us all: those who can’t are accused and questioned.

Outside the virus, inside the hunger on the faces of their children filled with disappointment, uncertainty, hopelessness.

Do we really take care of each other?

And what about the refugees outside countries waiting for asylum?

No, we're not in the same boat. We are in the same sea...
some on a luxury yacht, some in a fancy boat, while others have only life jackets or can only try to swim to survive!

I wonder if, in the end, we will learn anything new and actually do something positive to change what is happening in the world beyond the virus.

Quédate En Casa
Es la premisa, el eslogan.
Quédate en casa, dice el futbolista, abrazado a su esposa mientras sus hijos corren por los 400 metros cuadrados de su hogar.
Quédate en casa, dice el político, mientras elige en cuál de sus propiedades pasará la cuarentena.
La gente no entiende, dice alguien más, mientras descargan en su puerta el cajón de fruta y verdura que compró online y pagó con su tarjeta.
Y qué decir de aquellos que surtieron sus despensas en las grandes tiendas para pasar la cuarentena.
Pero al margen, los barrios invisibles las "casas" 4x4, de chapa y cartón, donde el frío es FRÍO y el calor abraza y marea.
Esas casas llenas de familias, donde lo que ganaste ayer, es la comida de hoy.
Donde, si no ganaste ayer, no hay comida hoy.
Donde se conocen las medidas sanitarias, pero es imposible cumplirlas.
¡Tienen miedo, pero sin medios!
Sólo se intenta vivir, resistir, sobrevivir día a día.

El virus no nos hace iguales.
El virus pone en evidencia, aún más, la intolerancia, la apatía con que el sector privilegiado de esta sociedad mira a los que menos tienen.

-Quédate en tu casa, para cuidarnos entre todos: Se los acusa e interpela.

Afuera el virus, adentro el hambre...las caras de sus hijos, la decepción, la incertidumbre, la desesperanza.

¿Realmente nos cuidamos entre todos?

Y los refugiados fuera de países esperando asilo?

No, no estamos en el mismo barco,
Estamos en el mismo mar...
Unos en yate, otros en lancha, otros en salvavidas y otros nadando con ¡todas sus fuerzas! .

Me pregunto si al final tendremos un aprendizaje y haremos algo positivo para cambiar lo que se está haciendo mal en el mundo.

The Origen of Systemic Racism

𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑢𝑒:

𝐹𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑠𝑒𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑡, 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑐𝑟𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝐼 𝑎𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑚 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑃𝑎𝑢𝑙 𝑤𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑠 17:26, "𝐺𝑜𝑑 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑚𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑑 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡ℎ." 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐺𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑘 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟 "𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑑" 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑑 "ἔθνος" (𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑛𝑜𝑠). 𝐼𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑑 "𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑛𝑖𝑐," 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 "𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑒," "𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒," 𝑜𝑟 "𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛." 𝐼 𝑎𝑙𝑠𝑜 𝑎𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡 𝑖𝑛 𝐺𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑠. 𝐼 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑣𝑒 𝑤𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝐴𝑑𝑎𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐸𝑣𝑒. 𝐴𝑠 𝑎 𝐶ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑛, 𝐼 𝑎𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑙𝑙 ℎ𝑢𝑚𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝐺𝑜𝑑'𝑠 𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑏𝑦 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒. 𝐼 𝑎𝑙𝑠𝑜 𝑎𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑚𝑠 𝑤𝑒 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑡𝑜𝑑𝑎𝑦 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑖𝑡𝑠 𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑡 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑛 𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 ℎ𝑢𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑦, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑒𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑙 𝑜𝑓 𝐽𝑒𝑠𝑢𝑠 𝐶ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑠ℎ𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝐺𝑜𝑑'𝑠 𝑙𝑎𝑤.

I have been thinking a lot about racism. As a Bible-believing Christian, I have no problem with the toppling of idols and graven images or exposing the racist hypocrisy of many of our ancestors and founding "fathers." The United States was built upon the ungodly domination, subjugation, and extermination of a nation that pre-existed long before my Pilgrim ancestors arrived on the scene, not to mention slavery. And paintings of Jesus? Well, I never liked them, especially white Jesus, that hippy type looking dude with long hair and a beard who looks more like the guy on a Zig Zag blunt wrap package than anyone else.

However, I'm still waiting for modern social iconoclasts to focus on one of the biggest racists idols in history. This guy is responsible for more racist attitudes than anyone else I know. Of course, the man I am referring to is Charles Darwin, you know, that guy who coined the phrase "survival of the fittest"?

I was thoroughly indoctrinated by his racist view in my biology class in high school. I remember looking at the amoeba-to-man illustration in the text, wondering where I, as a white-boy, fit into the scheme of things. I wasn't taught that all human beings, regardless of the color of their skin, were made in the image of God. No, I was taught that human beings of various races are just one step in a long line of evolutionary transition. It wasn't said, but implicitly, my classmates and I were being indoctrinated with the racist belief that white people were further along in the evolutionary process than black and brown-skinned people.

Along with evolution, I was taught the "scientific" principle of the "survival of the fittest." It was more than just the process of natural selection. Natural selection made sense and is a scientific fact. We can observe it and repeat it. What we cannot observe and repeat are the supposed evolutionary leaps that happened over millions of years. It wasn't until I studied logic that I saw the inherent flaw of evolution. We start with a single-cell creature that, through natural selection, end up a human being. Going from simplicity to complexity, using the means of atrophy is absurdity.

I was taught that biologically some entities are further along on the evolutionary process than others and, as such, dominate the lower developed entities because of a superiority of intellect and adaptability. In other words, those who hold power deserve to be on top because of their superior biological evolution. It's all about "survival of the fittest." And if you are superior, you must not only grab the power, you must consciously and intentionally dominate and subjugate anything inferior. If you lose control, it is your own fault. Perhaps you weren't as "fit" as you thought you were. Wealthy white Europeans loved Darwin. He gave them a "scientific" justification for imperialism and Manifest Destiny.

So, I'm waiting for the Darwin god to fall. I'm waiting for those heinous symbols of racism, the Darwin fish with legs, to be ripped off of car bumpers and thrown into the gutter. I'm waiting for those fighting against systemic racism to direct their furor against our governmental socialist indoctrination centers that disseminate this inherent racist propaganda to innocent, vulnerable, and unsuspecting children. And I'm hoping and praying those fighting against racism will submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the Law of God and fight for the only way racism, and all sin for that matter, can and will be overthrown. "Even so, come Lord Jesus!"

Sincere Questions of a Mask Skeptic

I have some sincere questions. I don’t think I am the only one with these questions. I am honestly seeking answers. If you cannot answer thoughtfully and respectfully, please move along. Feel free to answer any or all. My intent is not to argue and I promise to consider all thoughtful replies.

The reason you insist on everyone wearing a mask is that wearing a mask keeps us safe from COVID-19. It stops the spread, both of infecting others and being infected. This is the reasoning, is it not?

Doesn’t this mean that those who are wearing a mask are safe from both giving and receiving the virus?

And if you are safe, why are you worried and upset by those who do not wear a mask? Aren’t the mask wearers safe in spite of the unsafe practices of people who do not wear masks?

If you are not safe, in other words, if wearing a mask doesn’t really work, then why do you wear one?

Either it works or it doesn’t, no?

Are the masks people are wearing adequate to prevent the intrusion or expulsion of the virus? What about wearing a bandana or a form of woven cloth? Are most people wearing face protection that is woefully inadequate to both keep out and keep in COVID-19? If these homemade and inadequate masks do not work, why do you feel comfortable with people wearing these inadequate masks? Why don't you insist they put on a "real" mask? Are the masks you are wearing yourself sufficient to protect you and others from the virus? If not, why are you wearing it?

And if we are just dealing with probabilities of preventing the spread of COVID-19, “wearing a mask cuts down the chances of giving or receiving the virus”, then why are you only concerned with deaths caused by COVID-19? If life is so precious to you, why only limit your concern to the virus? Isn’t life filled with risk? This is why, I think, anti-mask wearers feel the pro-mask wearers are inconsistent or selective. Is death by COVID-19 somehow worse than death by an automobile accident, or having another type of flu, or lung cancer from smoking, or heart disease or the multitude of way people die statistically more than by COVID-19? Why be so concerned about stopping the spread of COVID-19 and ignore all the other ways people suffer and die? Why not be equally concerned with other ways people die and do all you can to prevent these deaths with the same passion and ardor?

If practicing social distancing, that is staying at least 6 feet apart, hinders or prevents the giving and receiving of the virus, then why do you insist everyone wears a mask and practice social distance?

If social distancing doesn’t prevent the spread of the virus, then why insist upon it? And if wearing a mask keeps you safe, then why bother practicing and insisting that everyone have a safe social distance?

If wearing a mask keeps the mask wearers safe, aren’t the only people who are at-risk the people who don’t wear a mask? Why can’t the non-mask wearers hijack the mantra of pro-choice advocates and claim, “My body, my choice?”

Do you honestly believe those who do not wear masks are mentally ill, stupid, selfish, or rebellious?

Why aren't basic hygiene practices adequate such as covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze?

Is there really no health risks to wearing a mask for extended periods of time or during strenuous exercise?

I'm notice many people have a mask hanging from their rear view mirror. I assume these are being used over and over again. Isn't it dangerous to continue to use a mask over and over again that has the presence of germs that you have pulled into it or breathe out to it? Don't health professionals change their masks each time they use one? Why are you not more adamant against multiple mask user violations?

I also want to know why people insist masks should be worn outside, in the fresh air and sunshine and open water such as a lake, river, or ocean? Is COVID-19 so powerful that it can live and spread under these conditions?

Why advocate to close down the beaches or insist people wear a mask on a beach?

Why do people wear masks in their car?

Why do people wear masks out on a walk with little to no one around? I see this a lot while driving.

Why do they close parking in places like Elizabeth Park in Hartford and make people park on the street? How does that help stop the spread? People just park on the street and walk into the park. What has that solved?

If you are just going to insult, name-call, be sarcastic, I will delete what you write. I am asking for thoughtful, intelligent, and mature pro-mask people to respond. I think more and more people are asking these types of questions. I know I am.

(A Very) Thin Blue Line

God helps us if the only thing that keeps the USA from sinking into chaos is a Thin Blue Line. I am not taking a crack at the police here. A nation that does not fear God and cannot practice self-governance is as close to collapse as you can get and the police can't stop it. The only thing that holds us from total destruction is the mercy of God. Only the gospel of Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit writing His Law upon our hearts will transform this world. The transformation must come from within and that can only come through faith in Christ and establishing the law of liberty (James 2:12).

Pre-election Idiocy

It’s amusing to watch each side poke fun at the other side’s candidate and then turn around and justify or ignore the idiocy, immorality, and corruption of their own.

A Reminder to the Remnant

Working to change individual and corporate sin without first addressing the root problem of original sin is like trying to purify the ocean by pouring fresh water into it. This is why the work and mission of the Church are absolutely vital. It is only through faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ that the human heart is transformed from being “desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9) to being “a pure heart” (Psalm 51:1). This is why the work of the Church 𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘭 for our nation to be changed. It is through worship and the preaching of the gospel (Romans 10:17) that hearts will be transformed.

The Kingdom of God is not an abstract concept. His Kingdom comes and His will is done as individuals and then nations submit themselves to the Kingship of Jesus our Lord. Calling individuals and nations to this is the essential work of the Church.

On Socialism by Someone Who Knows

From a man who saw the reality and application of socialism from the inside of the Soviet Gulag... where it wasn't a comfortable theory discussed over a glass of wine...

𝑆𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑚

𝐼𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑔𝑛𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑊𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑤𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑙𝑑 𝑎 𝑤𝑎𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑢𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑐 𝑑𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡, 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠 𝑖𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑦 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑏𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛. 𝐻𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟, 𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑊𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑠𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑠𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑡𝑦. 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑠𝑒 𝑖𝑡 𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑖𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑢𝑝 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑙 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑑. 𝐴 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑠 𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑚, 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑓𝑎𝑙𝑠𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑑𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡.

𝐼 ℎ𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝑜 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑠𝑢𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑜𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑦 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑠𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑊𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑛 𝑠𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑠𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑚 𝑎𝑠 𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑙𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒. 𝐻𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑚 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑦 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑑, 𝐼 𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑙𝑦 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑘 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑖𝑡. 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑙-𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑆𝑜𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑡 𝑚𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑛 𝑆ℎ𝑎𝑓𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑐ℎ, 𝑎 𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑆𝑜𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑡 𝐴𝑐𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑚𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑆𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒, ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑤𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑛 𝑎 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑙𝑒 𝑆𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑚; 𝑖𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑙𝑦𝑠𝑖𝑠 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑠𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑡𝑦𝑝𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑎 𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑢𝑚𝑎𝑛 𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑟𝑖𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑎 𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑜 𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑡ℎ. 𝑆ℎ𝑎𝑓𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑐ℎ'𝑠 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑝𝑢𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝐹𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑡𝑤𝑜 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠 𝑎𝑔𝑜 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑜 𝑓𝑎𝑟 𝑛𝑜 𝑜𝑛𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝑖𝑡. 𝐼𝑡 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑏𝑒 𝑝𝑢𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝐸𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑖𝑠ℎ 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑈𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑠.

The Constitutional Covenant

Remember this document? Government officials of all levels swear to uphold and protect it when they take office. It's the contract/covenant between the governed and those that govern. No one has the right or authority to violate the Constitution, both Federal and State. When they do, they are breaking the Law and the faith of the American People. And remember, the Federal government can only do what the Constitution allows them to do. Anything more is treason against the People.

The Consequences. of Taxing 501(c)3 “Churches”

Most "churches" in the USA destroyed the separation between Church and State by voluntarily filing with the State to become corporations created by the State. Because of the separation of Church and State, the Church is already non-taxable. Once a Church becomes a corporation, it now is a taxable entity created by the State. This newly formed taxable corporation then needs to apply for not-for-profit status under the 501(c)3 code of the IRS. And, yes, these not-for-profit corporations adopt a business model of operation offering their "services" in exchange for money. By the way, if you argue these not-for-profit corporations should pay taxes (essentially eliminating the 501(c)3 tax exemption line in the tax code), then you need to argue that all not-for-profit corporations should pay taxes as well.

As a side note, a “church” that registers with the State to become a corporation and later receives 501(c)3 status under the tax code is, by the nature of being a 501(c)3 corporation, limited to do only the certain functions listed in their By-laws. As 501(c)3 corporations, they also are forbidden from contributing to political campaigns, officially influence elections or legislation, and may only do a limited amount of lobbying. Finally, 501(c)3 corporations are open to public scrutiny, which the public can obtain copies of any non-for-profit’s tax returns, and can find out salaries and other expenditures.

So, if you argue for the taxation of these “churches”, you are saying you want these “churches” to do whatever they want for profit, have the ability, not only to contribute to political campaigns and speak about legislation, but have the right to do extensive lobbying, and have the right to be secretive about their finances, financial activities, salaries, and expenditures.

I’m not sure too many people are comfortable with “churches” having this much power, particularly in the political realm.

Personally, I believe pastors and churches compromise their true calling to be the Body of Christ and destroy the separation of Church and State when they sought legitimacy from the State by becoming a Corporation with not-for-profit status. I pastored a church for over 12 years that did not register with the State and maintained separation of Church and State. I hope someday "churches" will stop acting like business and start acting like the Church.

Why Christians Don’t Think Biblically

I wonder how many Christians believe the Bible to the most important book ever written, yet haven't taken the time to read it, either in part or in whole, and also do not make the Bible part of their daily study. Is it any wonder most Christians do not think Biblically?

A Critical Thinker’s Guide to COVID-19 Fallacies

There is a LOT of lousy reasoning going on these days. I highly recommend taking the time to study, review, and sharpen your critical thinking skills; otherwise, you can easily fall prey to propaganda, bad arguments, and weak reasoning.

I offer this general Guide to help you hone your critical thinking skills. The following list isn't meant to be definitive. Knowing the names of the fallacies is not essential. What is vital is to sharpen your skills to recognize flawed arguments when you encounter them and not make them yourself.

A fallacy is an error in thinking and reasoning. It happens when we draw conclusions based upon false information, an unsound argument, or faulty premises. Never forget that everyone is trying to convince you of something, be it this post, the news, a conspiracy theory, a link, a YouTube video, a government official, the CDC, or those near and dear to you. There is something within us that wants to bring others around to our point of view. We are all, everyone, evangelists and proselytizers.

I'll try to focus on the primary fallacies I am encountering consistently during this time. There are more fallacies than are listed here, but they all share one common trait - lazy thinking. For fun, I'm going to make up my own names based upon current affairs.

So here goes:

#1. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒖𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒘𝒆𝒃𝒔" 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒚:

"You shouldn't watch or read XYZ because it has been debunked. I know it's been debunked because I have 15 links to websites and YouTube videos that prove it is propaganda. You do not need to check out the evidence for yourself because the length of my links proves its refutation."

Truth: You have a right to examine information for yourself and make your own determination whether XYZ is garbage or not.

#2. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈" 𝒐𝒓 "𝒃𝒖𝒍𝒍𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈" 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒚:

"Shame on you for watching or reading or believing XYZ!" "Only stupid people believe that." "How could you be so gullible?" "I don't want to associate with you because you posted/believed/promoted XYZ."

Truth: Don't let people shame or bully you into closing your mind. Just because you are curious about XYZ and watch or read it, doesn't make you a bad person or mean you are going to believe it.

#3. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "𝑰𝒕'𝒔 𝒂 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒔𝒐 𝒊𝒕 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒔𝒆" 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒚:

This one is becoming more and more popular. There is something about this fallacy that has bite. It's a form of the shaming/bullying fallacy. No one wants to be thought of as stupid or gullible. The pressure to dismiss something or someone that has the label "conspiracy theory" is potent.

Truth: A theory is an attempt to explain all the facts. A theory is solid if it makes sense. If the facts do not support the idea, it is likely, the theory is not valid.

A conspiracy means "to breath together." It happens when two or more people make secret plans to do something harmful, unlawful, or illegal.

A conspiracy theory is an explanation of how a secret but influential organization is responsible for a circumstance or event.

A conspiracy theory can be conspiratorial and yet still be true. If it accounts for all or most of the facts, it might actually be true. Don’t let people convince you something is false because it has been categorized as a conspiracy theory.

#4. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "𝑰𝒕'𝒔 𝒂 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒔𝒐 𝒊𝒕 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒆" 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒚:

This is equally dangerous. For some, the more off-center something is, the more likely it is true.

Truth: Those of us who do not believe the mainstream narrative must be aware of our tendency to gravitate toward a theory just because it is not the official narrative.

#5. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔" 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒚:

"You are not an expert so be quiet. Your job is to listen, obey, and be quiet.”

Truth: You have the right to question authorities even if they have a "Dr." before their name or a "Ph.D. after. You should not just doubt authority automatically. There is good reason to believe an authority on any given subject, but they still could be wrong. It’s okay to be skeptical of the experts especially if they have something to gain such as political power, prestige, or money. It is wise to be aware of authorities, especially governmental officials, who may have a conflict of interest such as ownership in a Pharmaceutical company that stands to profit on COVID-19.

#6. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚" 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒚:

I've heard people say they unfriend anyone who even mentions a conspiracy theory. It reminds me of when I was a child. When someone was saying something we didn't like we would cover our ears and yell "ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" so we couldn't hear them. Are people so afraid of a controversial point of view that even hearing it will somehow contaminate them? My experience is that secure people are not afraid or intimidated by opposing points of view.

Truth: Keep an open mind. If someone advances an idea that rubs you the wrong way, investigate it for yourself. Even argue against it. Perhaps you might change someone's mind or change your mind. Narrow and close-mindedness accomplishes nothing.

#7. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒅 '𝑿𝒀𝒁'" 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒚:

This one scares me. I see a growing paranoia, even hostility against those who think differently. It is a form of "guilt by association" fallacy. I've been tacitly blamed for harassment of health care workers because I do not accept the official narrative. Some hint that because I ask questions or criticize, I am responsible for others getting sick. Some believe the blood of a COVID-19 victim is on your head if you disagree or question the status quo.

There are wackos out there. I doubt a Facebook post or several of them tips the scales of instability toward immoral behavior.

Truth: Each individual is responsible for his or her actions.

#8. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "𝑰 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒕-𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒕, 𝑰 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒕, 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒕" 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒚:

Be careful of fact-checking websites. Several I've been on lately do not impress me. Not only does the analysis appear biased, the articles often use links to other websites as "supporting evidence." I did find some helpful source documents, but that was about it.

Truth: Just because it is on a fact-checking site, does not make it true or definitively refute XYZ.

#9. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆-𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈" 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒚:

This one is an oldie but goodie. It is a variation of the "shaming/bullying" fallacy and the "it's a conspiracy theory, it's wrong" fallacy. It's one of the easiest to recognize, but I'm amazed by how influential it is. As soon as someone resorts to name-calling, you can be sure there is a fallacy.

Truth: I think of the quote from Socrates whenever someone starts calling me names, "When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the loser."

#10. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓'𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒖𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕," 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒚:

Can anyone say, straw man? This fallacy happens when someone rewords what you are saying into something you did not say. You say, "I question whether shutting businesses down is the best way to handle this epidemic," and they criticize you as saying, "You don't care about anyone but yourself and you don't care if people die." Don't let people get away with this.

Truth: Do unto others… don’t distort someone’s argument just to make someone else look foolish. But also be aware when this is being done to you.

Conspiracy Theory: From the NOD (Norman's Orthodox Dictionary)

Definition:

Conspiracy Theory -

1. An ad hominem applied to anyone a person wants to discredit without having to give a reason why

2. Any opinion that is contrary to what a person already believes to be true

3. What people call something they haven’t researched for themselves

4. Applied to all opinions contrary to what the government says during the COVID-19 crisis

5. For Liberals: everything reported on FOX

6. For Conservatives: everything reported on CNN

7. A justification given for governmental or societal censorship

Presumed Guilty

In a free society, individuals must be presumed innocent until proven guilty while at the same time, those in government must be presumed guilty until proven innocent. This is the only way to challenge the corrupting influence of political power.