Mormon Q & A

I was pointed to the following link that attempts to answer charges against Mormonism: http://www.foxnews.com/printer_friendly_story/0,3566,317272,00.html. It does little to answer some questions that I still have. The article says:

"Many of these questions are typically found on anti-Mormon blogs or Web sites which aim to misrepresent or distort Mormon doctrines," the Church said in a statement. "Several of these questions do not represent ... any serious attempt to depict the core values and beliefs of its members."

What follows are questions and answers is black normal font, with my questions and comments following in red font.

Here are the questions and how the Church responded:

Q: Why do some call the Church a cult?

A: For the most part, this seems to stem from a lack of understanding about the Church and its core doctrines and beliefs. Under those circumstances it is too easy to label a religion or other organization that is not well-known with an inflammatory term like 'cult.' Famed scholar of religion Martin Marty has said a cult means a church you don't personally happen to like. We don't believe any organization should be subjected to a label that has come to be as pejorative as that one.

While I have to agree that no one wants to be labeled a "cult", the word does not historically mean "a religion that I don't like." It has been watered down culturally because no one cares about truth much anymore. I would define "cult" in this context:

a religion or sect considered to be false, unorthodox, or extremist, with members often living outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader.

Basically, leaving aside the question of if Mormomism matches this definition for minute I'm sure most people would agree that The "Charles Mansion Family", "Jim Jones' People Temple", and "David Koresh's Branch Davidians" all fit the definition I'm using. These were all false, living outside of conventional society under a charismatic leader. I'd rather not get into if Mormonism if false in the writing, but I'd like to use this definition to answer the question because the Church didn't answer the question in this article. I invite anyone to tell me where I can find a a better answer to this question.

Q: Does the Mormon Church believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God?

A: Mormons believe Jesus Christ is literally the Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer, who died for the sins of humankind and rose from the dead on the third day with an immortal body. God, the Father, also has an immortal body.

The problem I have is with the words "literally" and "God, the Father, also has an immortal body." Does this mean that Mormons believe in Jesus' virgin birth, as Christians have preached for 2000 years? Or do they believe that Jesus was conceived in a sex-act between God, the Father, and Mary? If so, where do they have proof for that? Where is the proof that God, the Father, has an immortal body? Can you show that from the Bible? John 4 :24 says

God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.

Q: Does the Church believe in the divinity of Jesus?

A: Mormons believe Jesus Christ is literally the Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer, who died for the sins of humankind and rose from the dead on the third day with an immortal body. God, the Father, also has an immortal body.

Same comments as above. This answer does not answer the question. Is Jesus God made flesh or not? Is it true that Mormons believe that Jesus is Lucifer's older spirit brother? If so where do find that in the Bible?

Q: Does the Church believe that God is a physical being?

A: Mormons believe Jesus Christ is literally the Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer, who died for the sins of humankind and rose from the dead on the third day with an immortal body. God, the Father, also has an immortal body.

I'll take that as a "yes". So where do Mormons find that information in the Bible?

Q: If so, does the Church believe that God lives on a planet named Kolob?

A: 'Kolob' is a term found in ancient records translated by Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith did not provide a full description or explanation of Kolob nor did he assign the idea particular significance in relation to the Church’s core doctrines.

Q: Where is the planet Kolob? What significance does the planet have to Mormons?

A: 'Kolob' is a term found in ancient records translated by Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith did not provide a full description or explanation of Kolob nor did he assign the idea particular significance in relation to the Church’s core doctrines.

I'll take that as "no comment"? What is Kolob? In my research it's either a star or a planet. The only mention I can find of it is in Abr. 3: 3-4, 9, 16; Abr. 5: 13. So What is it?

Q: Does the Mormon Church believe that God and Mary had physical sex to conceive Jesus?

A: The Church does not claim to know how Jesus was conceived but believes the Bible and Book of Mormon references to Jesus being born of the Virgin Mary.

Funny Apostle Bruce R. McConkie seemed to think he knew how Jesus was conceived. Doe this mean that Mormons no longer believe this?

Apostle Bruce R. McConkie explained:

God the Father is a perfected, glorified, holy Man, an immortal Personage. And Christ was born into the world as the literal Son of this Holy Being; he was born in the same personal, real, and literal sense that any mortal son is born to a mortal father. There is nothing figurative about his paternity; he was begotten, conceived and born in the normal and natural course of events, for he is the Son of God, and that designation means what it says. (Mormon Doctrine, by Bruce McConkie, p. 742)

Q: Does the Mormon Church believe Jesus appeared in North America after his crucifixion and resurrection?

A: The appearance of Jesus in the Western Hemisphere shortly after his resurrection is described in the Book of Mormon. Mormons believe that when Christ told his disciples in the Bible He had other 'sheep' who should receive his message he was referring to those people in the Western Hemisphere.

Q: If so, when did this happen? And under what circumstances?

A: The appearance of Jesus in the Western Hemisphere shortly after his resurrection is described in the Book of Mormon. Mormons believe that when Christ told his disciples in the Bible He had other 'sheep' who should receive his message he was referring to those people in the Western Hemisphere.

What proof is there that the Book of Mormon is reliable?

Q: Does the Mormon Church believe its followers can become "gods and goddesses" after death?

A: We believe that the apostle Peter’s biblical reference to partaking of the divine nature and the apostle Paul’s reference to being 'joint heirs with Christ' reflect the intent that children of God should strive to emulate their Heavenly Father in every way. Throughout the eternities, Mormons believe, they will reverence and worship God the Father and Jesus Christ. The goal is not to equal them or to achieve parity with them but to imitate and someday acquire their perfect goodness, love and other divine attributes.

Does this mean that Mormons no longer believe that:

Joseph Fielding Smith Jr., Doctrines of Salvation, Vol.2, p.48:

The Father has promised us that through our faithfulness we shall be blessed with the fulness of his kingdom. In other words we will have the privilege of becoming like him. To become like him we must have all the powers of godhood; thus a man and his wife when glorified will have spirit children who eventually will go on an earth like this one we are on and pass through the same kind of experiences, being subject to mortal conditions, and if faithful, then they also will receive the fulness of exaltation and partake of the same blessings. There is no end to this development; it will go on forever. We will become gods and have jurisdiction over worlds, and these worlds will be peopled by our own offspring. We will have an endless eternity for this.

Q: Does the Mormon Church believe that women can only gain access to heaven with a special pass or codewords?

A: No.

According to Mary Ettie Smith, a former Mormon,

The priesthood, in some form, is understood to be necessary to the salvation of a male, or at least, to his exaltation; and a female cannot be saved without being "sealed" to some male who is a Priest. Hence all true Mormons are Priests, and women really do not amount to much in themselves, . . . Hence women are often "sealed," that is married to men, when they do not intend to live with them as an earthly wife, but merely that they may be saved by them: in that case they are "sealed" for eternity, as it termed. But when they are married for the natural purposes of a wife, i.e. to have children, they are then said to be "sealed" for time; and they may be "sealed" for one alone, or for both [Thus they can be married for time only, for time and eternity or for just eternity.] If a woman's husband is dead, she need not be sealed again, unless she chooses, and when she does marry again, she is "sealed" only for time, as when she dies, her first husband will "resurrect," i.e. save her; and she will be his in the next world. (Mormonism: Its Rise, Progress, and Present Condition, p. 154 )

Q: Does the Mormon Church believe that women must serve men on both Earth and in heaven?

A: Absolutely not. Mormons believe that women and men are complete equals before God and in relation to the blessings available in the Church.

Please see above.

Q: Is there such a thing as Mormon "underwear"? if so, are all Mormons required to wear it? What does it symbolize?

A: Like members of many religious faiths, Latter-day Saints wear religious clothing. But members of other faiths — typically those involved in permanent pastoral ministries or religious services — usually wear religious garments as outer ceremonial vestments or symbols of recognition. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, garments are worn beneath street clothing as a personal and private reminder of commitments to God.

Garments are considered sacred by Church members and are not regarded as a topic for casual conversation.

Not crucial.

Q: Does the Mormon Church believe in the existence of another physical planet or planets, where Mormons will "rule" after their death and ascension?

A: No.

So, does this mean that Joseph Smith was wrong? He said in

Joseph Fielding Smith Jr., Doctrines of Salvation, Vol.2, p.48:

The Father has promised us that through our faithfulness we shall be blessed with the fulness of his kingdom. In other words we will have the privilege of becoming like him. To become like him we must have all the powers of godhood; thus a man and his wife when glorified will have spirit children who eventually will go on an earth like this one we are on and pass through the same kind of experiences, being subject to mortal conditions, and if faithful, then they also will receive the fulness of exaltation and partake of the same blessings. There is no end to this development; it will go on forever. We will become gods and have jurisdiction over worlds, and these worlds will be peopled by our own offspring. We will have an endless eternity for this.

Q: What specifically does the Mormon Church say about African-Americans and Native Americans?

A: Mormons believe that all mankind are sons and daughters of God and should be loved and respected as such. The blessings of the gospel are available to all.

So, does this mean that the Mormon prophet Bringham Young was wrong when he said:

Now then in the kingdom of God on the earth, a man who has has the African blood in him cannot hold one jot nor tittle of preisthood; Why? because they are the true eternal principals the Lord Almighty has ordained, and who can help it, men cannot. the angels cannot, and all the powers of earth and hell cannot take it off, but thus saith the Eternal I am, what I am, I take it off at my pleasure, and not one partical of power can that posterity of Cain have, until the time comes the says he will have it taken away. That time will come when they will have the privilege of all we have the privelege of and more. In the kingdom of God on the earth the Affricans cannot hold one partical of power in Government. The the subjects, the rightfull servants of the resedue of the children of Adam, and the resedue of the children through the benign influence of the Spirit of the Lord have the privilege of seeing to the posterity of Cain; inasmuch as it is the Lords will they should receive the spirit of God by Baptism; and that is the end of their privilege; and there is not power on earth to give them any more power.

Q: What are or were the "Golden Plates"?

A: The Book of Mormon was translated by Joseph Smith from records made on plates of gold, similar to metal plates that have been found in other ancient cultures. It contained a history of peoples in the Western Hemisphere including an appearance by the Savior to them. As such, the Book of Mormon is considered a second testimony of Jesus Christ.

Where are they?

Q: Are consumption of alcohol and tobacco prohibited or simply discouraged?

A: It is against the teachings of the Church to use alcohol and tobacco or to drink tea and coffee.

Nothing wrong with teaching that. But it is not a salvation issue.

Q: Does the Church also ban the consumption of "hot drinks"? And does that apply specifically to caffeinated drinks?

A: It is against the teachings of the Church to use alcohol and tobacco or to drink tea and coffee.

Nothing wrong with teaching that. But it is not a salvation issue.

Q: Why do Mormons go from door to door?

A: Christ admonished his disciples to take the gospel to the world. The Church follows that admonition and sends missionaries throughout the world.

Jesus did say that. The question is when we go...do we say what he taught us to say?

Q: What do the Mormons believe about the family?

A: Mormons believe that the family is the foundation for this life and the life to come.

I agree that the family is important! The question is about the life to come. Jesus said
in Matthew 22:30

At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.

This means no marriage in heaven. How do Mormons understand this verse.

Q: Can someone who may never marry in life have eternal marriage?

A: God will not withhold blessings from any of his children who may not have the opportunity to marry in this life.

If a woman does not have a husband, who will raise her up? What does mormonism say about that?

One last question, do Mormons believe that the Bible is the infallible Word of God? If the Bible and the Book of Mormon conflict, which do you follow?

James White Vs Dan Barker

Last week, April 30, 2009, Dr. James White debated Dan Barker. I wish I had heard all of it. The topic was Does the Triune God Exist. Dr. White has been kind enough to comment on the debate and he posted about 25 minutes of it on YouTube. Dan Barker is an apostate and an atheist. So he set himself up against God. Here is the video.






Here are the comments Dr. White had to say about this debate.

Just a quick note to thank everyone who made tonight such a wonderful success. A group of "channel rats" pitched in to do a lot of work in getting the debate video taped, including ENielsen, Dale, Algo, and brigand. We also had DaveHewitt and Celticman and wonky in attendance, too (and SN was there....in command of it all). Thanks to all who helped! I even got to meet one of the folks who has helped encourage me so much by supporting us through the Ministry Resource list.
I am working on importing video and the like, so I should have at least one section posted to YouTube tomorrow morning. It is processing too slowly to get anything up tonight.
Basically, once again, I did all the homework, my opponent had not, as far as I could tell, even Googled my name. He went through the exact same notes he had used in the Kyle Butts debate, including the exact same alleged contradictions, in the exact same order. Yes, the very items I had covered, in depth, on the DL over the past few weeks. There was not a single surprise from Dan Barker. Everything was exactly as I had expected it to be. Which means my opening presentation was zeroed in exactly where it needed to be, and I could not have been more pleased with the outcome. I have the video recording with me (the one from our professional camera), so we should have audio and video fairly quickly.
Again, thanks to everyone who made this a great evening!

I have had a chance to hear Dan Barker debate a few times. The problem is that Dr. White is right in his comments. I have never heard him do anything different. He always uses the same arguments. Arguments that have already been thoroughly and completely rebutted and defeated. In the video, Dr. White referred to one of Dan Barker's previous debates against Dr. Douglas Wilson. Barker lost that one too. You will see what Dr. White means if you listen to that debate. I will hopefully do a post in the future where I can post on how to get the full debate and make comments.

I just found out that the debate is for sale in audio format by going to http://www.aomin.org/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=873. Video will be released soon.

Priest Scandal

I read an article talking about a famous Roman Catholic priest caught fondling and caressing a woman on a Miami priest. Father Alberto Cutié was caught with a woman with both in bathing suit. Catholic priests take a vow of celibacy and so people are up in arms about his "inappropriate" behavior. This is why I don't think that the catholic priesthood is a good idea. If a man can't keep his hands off of a woman, he should marry her. If a woman wants a man she should marry him. Being alone does not make one closer to God.

Embedded video from CNN Video

Father Cutié did release the following statement:
"Before God -- full of love and mercy -- I ask for the forgiveness of those who may be hurt or saddened by my actions. Since I entered the seminary at the age of 18, the priesthood has brought me great joy. The commitment that I made to serve God will remain intact. I am grateful for the love and support I have received today from so many in our community, especially my parishioners and the supporters of the radio stations who have demonstrated great compassion and understanding toward me as a human being. I ask for your continued prayers and support."

Are You Smarter Than A Two Year Old?

Trust me, I was not doing this when I was two.

Pushing Homosexuality In California Schools

My sister-in-law sent me an e-mail today that really hit home for me today. I'm the father of two now and my children will be entering into California public schools soon and I have now heard of a SB 572 which is a law that may possibly pass in California. Here is the contents of the e-mail.

For those we don't like the read all the info. The main issue in this:

California parents don't want and children don't need "Harvey Milk Day." There's a big difference between a movie and school "exercises." People voluntarily go to a movie, perhaps even to see "Milk" starring Sean Penn. Yet under SB 572, children CANNOT be excused and it will be MANDATORY for them to participate in pro-homosexuality, bisexuality, transsexuality "exercises" under SB 572. For there is no explicit parental opt-out in the bill. For this reason alone , SB 572 should be defeated.

Here is the article:

If you do not wish to receive our email, remove yourself from this list.

Protect children from "Harvey Milk Day" in California public schools
Action Alert: Oppose the pro-gay "commemorative exercises" of SB 572

Children are already being indoctrinated into the homosexual lifestyle in government schools, but a new bill in the California Legislature would make things much worse.

SB 572 by homosexual activist state senator Mark Leno of San Francisco, a Democrat, would create an official "gay day" called Harvey Milk Day. It would be pushed on every California government school, affecting children as young as kindergarten.

TAKE ACTION NOW

1. EMAIL: Use SaveCalifornia.com's Email Lobbying System right now to send a pre-written message opposing SB 572 to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and your California state legislators.

2. PHONE: All day Tuesday, call the 6 Democrats and 3 Republicans on the Senate Education Committee to urge them to oppose SB 572. The committee will hear and vote on SB 572 this Wednesday, May 6 at 9:30 a.m. in Room 4203 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

Six Democrats who all support the homosexual agenda
Gloria Romero of East Los Angeles (916) 651-4024
Elaine Alquist of San Jose / Gilroy (916) 651-4013
Loni Hancock of Alameda County (916) 651-4009
Carol Liu of Pasadena / Glendale / San Gabriel Valley (916) 651-4021
Alex Padilla of L.A.'s San Fernando Valley (916) 651-4020
Joe Simitian of Palo Alto / Santa Cruz (916) 651-4011

Three Republicans who generally vote pro-family
Bob Huff of Glendora / Yorba Linda (916) 651-4029
Abel Maldonado of Santa Maria / San Jose (916) 651-4015
Mark Wyland of20Carlsbad / San Juan Capistrano (916) 651-4038

California's liberal "Republican" Governor
Call Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to urge him to veto SB 572 if it reaches his desk. Tell him, "I want you to oppose Harvey Milk Gay Day in public schools like you did last year. This bill takes away from academics, parents don't want it, and children don't need it. Veto SB 572." Call the Governor to leave a message at (916) 445-2841.

ABOUT SB 572

SB 572 pressures public schools -- from kindergarten on up -- to perform "suitable commemorative exercises" promoting what homosexual activist Harvey Milk believed in: the entire homosexual, bisexual, and transsexual agenda and anti-religious values.

Unfortunately, there is no definition or limit to the "exercises" the bill would make students do every May 22, which SB 572 would label "Harvey Milk Day."

If SB 572 becomes law, schoolchildren would have positively portrayed to them homosexual experimentation, homosexual "marriages," sex-change operations, and anything else that's "in the closet." Like he did last year, Governor Schwarzenegger should veto this very inappropriate bill, which has nothing to do with academic excellence.

The text of20SB 572 states that "On Harvey Milk Day, exercises remembering the life of Harvey Milk and recognizing his accomplishments as well as the contributions he made to this state" should be conducted; specifically, "all public schools and educational institutions are encouraged to observe...and to conduct suitable commemorative exercises."

How will children in government schools be taught and how will children's minds be "exercised" under SB 572? The answer is children will be taught to remember, recognize and commemorate whatever Harvey Milk believed or is said to have believed, such as:

• Religion is DANGEROUS: "More people have been slaughtered in the name of religion than for any other single reason. That, my friends, that is true perversion." (Harvey Milk, speaking at a homosexual rally in 1978.)
• All doors of sexual experimentation MUST be opened: "If a bullet should go through my head let that bullet go through every closet door." (Harvey Milk quote)
• If you think you might be homosexual, you MUST declare yourself gay or lesbian: "Milk believed strongly that coming out was the responsibility of every gay man and woman." (Source)
• Gay and lesbian "marriages" are good and natural: "So much of the spirit represented with the Supreme Court's decision last week is the spirit of Harvey Milk and his legacy manifesting today in real change." (San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom on the unveiling of a bust of Harvey Milk at city hall, May 28, 2008. (Source)

Harvey Milk may be popular in San Francisco and West Hollywood, but he is not popular or admired by most California parents who want healthy sexual boundaries for their children and don't want the tearing down of every sexual boundary and standard like Harvey Milk did. Children belong to their parents, not to the state!

California parents don't want and children don't need "Harvey Milk Day." There's a big difference between a movie and school "exercises." People voluntarily go to a movie, perhaps even to see "Milk" starring Sean Penn. Yet under SB 572, children CANNOT be excused and it will be MANDATORY for them to participate in pro-homosexuality, bisexuality, transsexuality "exercises" under SB 572. For there is no explicit parental opt-out in the bill. For this reason alone , SB 572 should be defeated.

But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Matthew 18:6 NIV

Okay, in light of how I am sure that it's politically incorrect to criticize the pro-homosexual agenda rampant in our culture today without offending people, let me be clear: I don't care. Right is right. Wrong is wrong. I admit that on anatomical and Biblical grounds, I disagree with Homosexuality as a life-style and I am offended at this transparent attempt to socialize my children to think that homosexuality is a viable life-style. For that is what SB 572 is: a blatant attempt to force acceptance of homosexuality. Get the children, and you can turn all pf society. Telling me that my children have to learn about the homosexual lifestyle is not right. Why does a child need to learn about that? Mine don't. As their father, I should have a say of when they learn about sex. Forcing that on my family and Californian families is wrong and we can't let that happen. We are not even being given the option to VOTE on this. They are going to try to force it down our throats. I urge everyone to send e-mails and make phone calls our representatives to tell them we do not want this.

Truthbomb Apologetics

God has truly blessed all of us. We have no excuse for being uninformed. We have access to so many resources. I learned from Apologetics 315 about another blog called TruthBomb. I've had a chance to look it up. It's an excellent site. You can learn a lot from TruthBomb. One of the best series there are articles that spotlight individual apologists and a resource list for each apologist. It's really cool. There are many great articles. Here is how the Blog's contents are summarized:

Welcome! It's been wisely stated that the way one answers the question, "Is there a God?" defines a life. Here at Truth Bomb Apologetics we analyze philosophical, theological, historical, ethical, and scientific claims as they relate to God. We also strive to offer apologetics resources to encourage and challenge both believer and unbeliever. Critical thinking is strongly encouraged, reason is a must, and all are welcomed!

James White - Introduction To Reformed Theology

This post is a sequel to a recent post I made concerning RC Sproul and Norman Geisler teaching on the topic of human free will and God's sovereign will and power. I have recently come across a video on YouTube where a recording of Dr. James White lectures on the same topic. He gives a great talk on the subject and his style is different from Sproul's but they agree with one another. Here is the video.

Atheism is Dead: From Zeitgeist to Poltergeist, Part 6 of 13

This post is the sixth in Mariano's series of articles discussing Hitler's relationship to Christianity and Atheism. Check it out!

Atheism is Dead: From Zeitgeist to Poltergeist, Part 6 of 13

James White Critiques Dan Barker's Debates - Apologetics 315

One of the things that makes Dr. James White such a brilliant debater is the fact that he takes the time to truly read and disect the ideas and opinions of his opponents before he goes into the ring. He even goes as far in sharing his preparation with those who listen to his twice-weekly podcasts called the Dividing Line. There is a summary posting all of his Dividing Line podcasts in a single place. It's very interesting.
James White Critiques Dan Barker's Debates - Apologetics 315

Muhammad - Legacy of a Prophet

This is a video of a documentary of Muhammad the Prophet. This is pro-Muhammad video. One day I will do a more full post about the other side. Just a few comments for now.

There is one questions that come up for me (I'll give one for now).
Muhammad's theophany does not match the Judaeo-Christian examples.
He could not breathe and was terrified. In the Bible, God always told the people He met with not to be afraid. Why didn't the thing Muhammad's experienced matched people like Moses' and Isaiah's experiences?

Atheism is Dead: From Zeitgeist to Poltergeist, Part 5 of 13

This post is the fifth in Mariano's series of articles discussing Hitler's relationship to Christianity and Atheism. Check it out!

Atheism is Dead: From Zeitgeist to Poltergeist, Part 5 of 13

S.M. Lockridge's Famous Message - "That's My King"

Dr. Shadrach Meshach Lockridge was a minister of the Gospel for years. He was born March 7, 1913 and died April 4, 2000. He was an evangelist and a pastor. Please read more about him on Wikipedia. He preach a famous message called "That's My King" in Detroit, MI in 1976. In this message explain who Jesus is. It's awesome. If you have not heard it there have been several videos made out of it on YouTube. Here is a playlist containing my favorite versions!

Hamas' Rhetoric

This video is scary? Do members of Hamas really believe that Jews control the world. Judaism has the Torah at its basis. I don't agree with everything the modern nation of Israel does, but you can't blame all Jews or think that they are trying to take over the world. Extreme Muslims tell us that they are trying to take over the world and force everyone to worship Allah their way or die.

Couple of Videos Taken April 29, 2009

April 29, 2009 was a big day. My son, Matthias, was born. Literally a few minutes after he was stabilized and pronounced healthy, my in-laws brought my daughter Makayla in to the room to see us. Always happy to be the center of attention, Makayla did a song a dance right in the labor and delivery room.





Here is our boy at 10 pounds and 4 ounces just as he had been weighted...counted...and found perfect! Matthias lives up to the meaning of his name: "Gift of God".

Matthias - First Few Hours!

Mathias' first few hours.

Makayla - 04-25-09

This is a couple of pictures of what Makayla was doing during the time a friend's bridal shower was going on. I took her to the park.

A Documentary about Islam

This is a well made video showing Muslims following the violence prescribed in the Koran along with the verses demanding such behavior!



Fitna - Documentary about Islam - Watch more Funny Videos

Atheism is Dead: From Zeitgeist to Poltergeist, Part 4 of 13

This post is the fourth in Mariano's series of articles discussing Hitler's relationship to Christianity and Atheism. Check it out!

Atheism is Dead: From Zeitgeist to Poltergeist, Part 4 of 13

Condoleeza Rice Sets the Record Straight

Towards the end of the Bush Administration I had not heard much from Condolezza Rice in general or about the allegations of torture in particular. Yesterday a student, named Reyna Garcia, uploaded a video of YouTube she recorded of Condolezza Rice making an appearance as a guest speaker at Stanford. She answers a question posed by another student challenging the Bush Adminstration concerning torture. Here is the video.






Ms Reyna Garcia was also interviewed concerning the video. Here is what she had to say.





I think Rice took the question very personally. As if the student cursed her to her face. "Defensive" is an understatement. I can see why the Bush Administration seemed to keep her underwraps to keep her from being labeled as an "angry black woman". I'm not sure if I agree with her conclusions. I mean it seemed like to me what she said was "Well that depends on what torture means. No law or treaty was broken." She was not willing to call "water-boarding" torture, but I would. I think more human, but just as effective would be making them watching bad television and movies. Something like the the live-action Street Fighter films.

William Lane Craig vs. James Robert Brown MP3 Audio - Does God Exist? - Apologetics 315

I have found another great debate between William Lane Craig and James Robert Brown over at Apologetics 315!
William Lane Craig vs. James Robert Brown MP3 Audio - Does God Exist? - Apologetics 315

Heroes Webisodes "Nowhere Man" Part 2 of 4

The latest Heroes webisode series, Nowhere Man" just started. Here is part 2 called "Statement of Character". The series follows the character Doyle whom has the power to make anyone do what he wants. He attempts to go straight after already been shown to be a villain. Lots of luck there.

Obama the Christ? Naah!

On Wednesday, 29 April 2009, there was scheduled to be an unveiling of a painting depicting Barack Hussein Obama as the Christ Messiah.

The painting audaciously entitled, “The Truth” done by artist Michael D’Antuono is a 30” x 54” acrylic painting with Obama appearing much like Jesus Christ did on the Cross of Calvary.

Fortunately, this farce has been avoided. The artist had decided to stop the public unveiling of the painting under the pressure of public outcry. It's part of a trend dubbed as "Obama Worship". I have never heard of an American President getting this type of honor or reverence ever before. It kind of scares me. There is only one Messiah...one Christ. It's not Barack Obama. I'd like to see President Obama weigh in and say something about this trend. Unless of course he is comfortable with being viewed this way. I hope he isn't. You can read a great article called
Obama Worship Goes Into Overdrive as 100-Day Mark Approaches.

Islam: Scientific Miracles in the Koran

I came across the following video that alleges that the Koran must be the word of God because it contains knowledge and facts that have only been confirmed relatively recently by science. The video is top notch. I even agree with the science explained in the video. I know of nothing that proves any of that wrong. This same argument has been used to substantiate the Bible. I will attempt to demonstrate in this post that the Bible has a better claim to this line of argumentation because it predates the Koran by about 500 years. I will concede the following points:

1. The Koran was revealed 1400 years ago
2. Although it may be argued that the scientific interpretation that was imposed on the Koran is by hindsight, we'll accept that with the stipulation that argument is off-limits against the Bible.

Here is the video.





Let's take a few of the points the video raises.

The Earth's sky is suspended and supported by nothing

The Koran says:

"God raised up the Heavens without any support"
Surah ar-Rad, 2

The video is right most ancient cultures believed that the earth was flat and was supported by something. The Bible even goes further. It states that the whole earth is not supported by anything.

The Bible says:

He spreads out the northern skies over empty space; he suspends the earth over nothing. - Job 26:7

The Book of Job is at least 2000 years older than the Koran. It's not correct to say that the Koran reveals this information first.

The universe was created out of nothing.

The Koran says:

"He is the originator of the heavens and earth!"
Surah al-An'am, 101

The Bible says:

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. - Genesis 1:1

Everyone agrees that Genesis is much older than the Koran! The Koran is not the first place this information has been revealed!

Heavenly bodies move in orbits

The Koran says:

It is He who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. They swim along each in an orbrit. - Surah al-anbiya, 33

"And the sun runs to its resting place. That is the decree of the Almighty, the All-knowing;" - Surah Ya'sin, 38

"By the sky full of paths and orbits." - Surah adh-Dhariyat, 7

The Bible says:

Judges 5:20 - They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera.

Explains that there are different layers in the atmosphere

The Koran says:

"By Heaven with its cyclical systems and the earth, bursting forth with plants!" - Surah at-Tariq, 11,12

"It is He Who created everything on the earth for you and then directed His attention up to heaven and arranged it into seven regular heavens. He has knowledge of all things." - Surah al-Baqarah, 29

"In two days He determined them as seven heavens and reveals, in every heaven, its own mandate. - Surah Fussilat, 11-12"

The Bible does not give the total number of heavens there are. We can see that the Bible does at times refer to heavens (plural). Ali Sina wrote a post showing what the Koran really says. Not everyone thinks that the Koran is referring to the the layers in the atmosphere.

Mountains keep continents in place

The Koran says:

"Have We not made the earth as a bed and the mountains its pegs?" - Surah an-Naba, 6-7

The Bible does not say anything like this because this is not good science. Here is an article by Syed Kamran Mirza called “Koran on Mountain”: Rebuttal to Islamic hypocrisy.

Continental Drift

The Koran says:

"You will see the mountains you reckoned to be solid going past like clouds. Such is the artistry of God, Who disposes of things in perfect order; surly He is Aware of what you do." - Surah an-Naml, 88

The Bible says:

The Bible actually records when the event of when the super continent began to break apart into the seven continents we see today. See this link.

Water Cycle - Water goes from liquid to gas and back to liquid in a balanced cycle

The Koran says:

"And We send the fecundating winds, then cause water to descend from the sky, therewith providing you with water in abundance." - Surah al-Hijr, 22

"It is He Who sends down water in due measure from the sky by which We bring a dead land back to life. That is how you too will be raised (from the dead)." - Surah az-Zukhruf, 11

The Bible says:

Here are some verses from the Bible that show that there is a hydrological cycle:

Ecclesiastes 1:7 - All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.

Psalms 104:8 - They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys unto the place which thou hast founded for them

Deuteronomy 11:11 - But the land, whither ye go to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven:

2 Samuel 21:10 - And Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth, and spread it for her upon the rock, from the beginning of harvest until water dropped upon them out of heaven, and suffered neither the birds of the air to rest on them by day, nor the beasts of the field by night.

Because of surface tension, neighboring seas do not mix

The Koran says:

"He has let loose the two seas, converging together, with a barrier between them they do not break through." - Surah ar-Rahman, 19-20

The Bible says:

"Who shut up the sea behind doors
when it burst forth from the womb,

when I made the clouds its garment
and wrapped it in thick darkness,

when I fixed limits for it
and set its doors and bars in place,

when I said, 'This far you may come and no farther;
here is where your proud waves halt'?

- Job 38:8-11

The Bible clearly says that God sets the limits for how far seas go so that they are separate from land and from each other.

Man determines the sex of children due to he gives an X or Y chromosome

The Koran says:

"That he created pairs - male and female - out of a drop of sperm as it is poured forth." - Surah an-Najm, 45-46

The Bible Says:

Then the word of the LORD came to him: "This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir." Genesis 15:4

Abraham is told that he will have a son coming from his own body. I think this shows that Isaac's gender is coming from Abraham

Atheism is Dead: From Zeitgeist to Poltergeist, Part 3 of 13

This post is the third in Mariano's series of articles discussing Hitler's relationship to Christianity and Atheism. Check it out!

Atheism is Dead: From Zeitgeist to Poltergeist, Part 3 of 13

Who Knew Twitter Was Useful?

I just read an article from G4TV's blog and it contains a new interesting use for Google Maps and Twitter.

Outbreak 2.0: Tracking Swine Flu Through Google Maps And Twitter

from G4 TV - TheFeed

Can't get enough swine-flu excitement? Who can?!? Thankfully the Internet has evolved to the point where everyone can track their favorite diseases and outbreaks like never before. First up is a Google Map that pinpoints every reported case of swine flu around the world. From Mexico to America to Spain to New Zealand, you can follow swine flu victims across the globe.

Speaking of follow, your day isn't complete unless you've received Twitter updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Busting out emergency updates one tweet at a time, CDC's Twitter page gives you up-to-the-second information on the latest swine flu conference calls, respirator suggestions, and recommended antiviral drugs.

Now if I may be serious for a moment (channeling Lance Storm), it's pretty amazing that the Internet has evolved to the point where millions of people can easily get updates on a disease outbreak. While some will check out the information simply because it's there (Wikipedia syndrome?), others will use it to keep their family and friends safer. It's truly amazing.

Source

Steve Harvey: Stick To What You Know

I was shocked to find out that Steve Harvey has written a book about male/female relationships. After picking my Jaw off the floor, I realized that I have no reason at all to take his advice. I happen to have the book as a PDF. Take a look at the book

Open publication - Free publishing - More steve harvey

Harvey's book is called "Act Like A Lady; Think Likeex A Man". I think fundamentally this is bad advice. He is right when he says that women can't expect men to act and think like women. Unfortunately, he doesn't seem to mention from what I read that men can't expect women to think like us either. The fundamental problem is that Harvey's advice conflicts with the Bible. I think he's right many men are driven by:

his title (who he is), how he gets that title (what he does), and the reward he gets for the effort (how much he makes)

The question I have is this: Is this the right motivation we should have?
According to our creator...no. Our motivations should be centered to follow Jesus.
I also wanted to point out that although Harvey has gone on record saying that he has not turned his life over to Christ. He at least has that much sense. I would argue that he has a "head" knowledge of who Jesus is because no way he could say what he does in the following video unless he knew something about Jesus.

Norman Geisler vs RC Sproul - Free Will vs God's Sovereignty

I do not agree with everything Dr. Geisler says in this video but I know it's worth sharing. It's interesting. I read his book Chosen But Free but he was unable to convince me that humans have complete total free will when it comes to accepting salvation. I used to think that. I used to think that a person who chooses to reject Christ is just just more stupid than I. This is not true. I can't believe I was ever so stupid to think that. Geisler's book is a response to Dr. RC Sproul's book Chosen By God (which I still need to read). I did read Dr. James White's book The Potter's Freedom. I'm planning to write a more substantial post detailing what I've learned. For now here is Dr. Geisler lecturing on Calvinism.

Here is RC Sproul lecturing on the material he presented in Chosen By God




Here is the lecture by Norman Geisler on the material in which he used in Chosen But Free and it's call "Why I am not a 5 point Calvinist".




I really wish Dr Geisler would either debate Dr White or Dr Sproul on this subject.

Too Much Time?

I have seen a video on YouTube where someone made a life-size (and I assume working) Batmobile! I'm torn in opinion. On one hand, I think that dude had too much time on his hands! On the other, I think it's really, really cool!

What?!! The Earth Is Flat?

Many Atheist criticize Christianity because of the persecutions of Galileo and other scientists during the Renaissance for announcing that the earth is round. They tell us that the Bible is unreliable and stifles science because the religious leaders who considered the idea of a round earth being an anathema based on what the Bible says. No where in the entire Bible does it say that the earth is flat! Those people said that because of their own cultural biases. They did not want to admit that they were wrong. Today, I don't think that you will be able to find a Christian try to assert a flat earth. What about Islam? James White has posted a video from YouTube where a Muslim scholar defends the Islamic teaching of a flat earth! I'm shocked. The man is from a school of interpreting the Koran in such a way that it cannot be wrong! Even if it is wrong compared to everyone else you know to be true. That's scary!

Atheism is Dead: Dan Barker - Scriptural Misinterpretations and Misapplications, part 14 of 14

Check out the conclusion of Mariano's series dealing Dan Barker's rhetoric serious and unsurmountable blows!
Atheism is Dead: Dan Barker - Scriptural Misinterpretations and Misapplications, part 14 of 14

In Memory of Thuy Trang

I know that this is not new news. Unfortunately, it has not be widely reported. She was a great actress and I enjoyed her on Power Rangers. She was the first yellow ranger. She died in 2001 but I only recently came across the news report.

Powerpoint Tool Showcasing Makayla

Okay, I have found a really cool tool for sharing powerpoint presentation. You can present them online live. You can embed them in blog/website or convert them into YouTube videos. Best part: It's free. This is a powerpoint that Mitsouky put together of our daughter using pictures from the first few weeks of her life.



Uploaded on authorSTREAM by mmcelhaney

Announcement: New Features

I have added a couple of new things to this blog, What Had Happen' Was:
1. Search Engine for searching for keywords in each of my three blogs using Google's technology.
2. Answer.com feature for looking up the meaning of words in the blogs. Just double click the word.

Homeland Security Labels Bible Prophecy Students Terrorists

Come'on! Is anyone truly surprised? I love this article that I read on this particular blog. It's really well-written and I think everyone should read it. (I'll paste it below because it's hard to read on the original source blog).

By Nathan Jones
LighthousePrayerLine.org


Are you a student of Bible prophecy who has discovered that the Bible teaches the planet will soon be under the control of the one-world government of the Antichrist before Jesus comes and institutes His one-world government? Do you believe the Bible teaches murdering our children is wrong and homosexuality destroys lives and that we should speak out against them? Do you feel the increasing immorality is fueling increasing crime, and wish to defend your children with a firearm? Do you love America and want to see it obey its own Constitution limiting federal power and enforcing its own immigration laws? Are you a military veteran who has bled for the freedom of your country?


If you can answer "yes" to just one of these, then you are now considered by America's own Department of Homeland Security to be a "domestic rightwing terrorists."

The Document

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office of Intelligence and Analysis, Extremism and Radicalization Branch, in coordination with the FBI, released their ten page Homeland Environment Threat Analysis on April 7, 2009, titled "Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment." The purpose of this "one of a series" of threat analysis is "to facilitate a greater understanding of the phenomenon of violent radicalization in the United States" so that all "law enforcement officials... may effectively deter, prevent, preempt, or respond to terrorist attacks against the United States."

While the document declares the Threat Analysis must be made in an "overt and transparent manner," the document also commands that "no portion of the LES information should be released to the media, the general public, or over non-secure Internet servers."

The Threat Analysis reports that "domestic rightwing terrorists" are energized by a series of current political and social factors: the economic downturn, the election of an African-American president, the possible passage of new restrictions on firearms, immigration and citizenship, the expansion of social programs to minorities, anti-Semitism directed by a perceived "cabal of Jewish 'financial elites,'" the rise of a "New World Order," and the large numbers of returning "military veterans facing significant challenges reintegrating into their communities."

In response to these factors, the DHS claims "domestic rightwing terrorists" are recruiting veterans for paramilitary training and purchasing and stockpiling weapons and ammunition. They are teaching "their children specifically xenophobia and antidemocratic ideals." And, they are using "the Internet and other information age technologies" for the purposes of planning and implementing "violent extremist attack" upon the government.

The document claims such violence has already begun "in two instances in the run-up to the election" when "extremists appeared to be in the early planning stages of some threatening activity targeting the Democratic nominee, but law enforcement interceded." It also cites the Oklahoma City Bombing by since-executed Timothy McVeigh.

The document parallels today's conditions with 1990, stating "prominent among these themes were the militia movement’s opposition to gun control efforts, criticism of free trade agreements (particularly those with Mexico), and highlighting perceived government infringement on civil liberties as well as white supremacists’ longstanding exploitation of social issues such as abortion, inter-racial crimes, and same-sex marriage."

For people who are concerned about an impending collapse of the United States, the Threat Assessment warns that "historically, domestic rightwing extremists have feared, predicted, and anticipated a cataclysmic economic collapse in the United States." Those who believe this may happen are "conspiracy theorists" who fear "declarations of martial law, impending civil strife or racial conflict, suspension of the U.S. Constitution, and the creation of citizen detention camps."

That concern, the document claims, is fueled by those who believe in "'end times' prophecies." The document says end-time Bible prophecy teachings "have been linked with the radicalization of domestic extremist individuals and groups in the past, such as violent Christian Identity organizations and extremist members of the militia movement."

On a brighter note for all Americans involved, the Threat Assessment reports it "has no specific information that domestic rightwing terrorists... [are] currently planning acts of violence." Also, it shares the view that "both rightwing extremists and law-abiding citizens share a belief that rising crime rates attributed to a slumping economy make the purchase of legitimate firearms a wise move at this time."

The DHS/I&A "will be working with its state and local partners over the next several months to ascertain with greater regional specificity the rise in rightwing extremist activity in the United States, with a particular emphasis on the political, economic, and social factors that drive rightwing extremist radicalization."

The Response

In only the few days since what must have been its leak to The Washington Times newspaper, the DHS Threat Assessment has created a clamor of angry responses. Americans who love their country, its laws and the Bible feel insulted and betrayed that our own government would label over 50% of the population "domestic rightwing terrorists."

Well known speakers like former President Ronald Reagan's son Michael have expressed their incredulity. And Jay Sekulow, chief counsel at the American Center for Law & Justice, is even "preparing a legal analysis and will be launching a nationwide campaign in the days ahead to demand that Homeland Security remove the references from its warning."

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano defended the report, saying that only the definition of right-wing extremism that was included in a footnote should be reworded to be more sensitive.

My Analysis

Concerning the DHS Threat Assessment document, I've read over the ten pages and have found it disturbing. Its claim that Americans who do not agree with the liberal bent of the current administration are paranoid, shows just how paranoid the current administration is.

In part, I can understand the racism element involved in the government's paranoia. Despicable white supremist groups do ooze out of their pits now and then and wouldn't mind taking a pot-shot at President Obama, or anyone else outside of their hometown for that matter. For these white supremist groups the Threat Assessment is certainly addressing, it is well-founded to keep an eye on such groups. But, that racism is somehow tied to the pro-life and pro-marriage movements is an outrageous inference.

As for the paranoia that conservative values equal terrorist values, that inference shows the highest and most unfounded levels of paranoia. The United States has been a nation composed of many ideologies and values throughout its history that for the most part have lived peaceably side-by-side. That the liberal ideology would believe it has to call competitive ideologies "terrorists," proves those who hold to that terminology must themselves be fearful bigots. Fearful bigotry produced the most dreadful event in American history - the Civil War. Is that what the current DHS guard is advocating?

As for Christians who believe in God's moral law and students of Bible prophecy, being seen as terrorists is a chilling thought. Christians only have to look at other large democracies like India to see that democracy doesn't protect its Christian citizens when the government would rather not have them around.

When did such a transition take place in the United States, that our "apple pie" Americans who love God and country such as myself would be seen as the enemy? The answer coincides when the values of the Bible were ejected from our society. A free and truly democratic society that values life and liberty cannot survive without those who hold to God's moral law. True freedom requires Jesus Christ, the Bible, and a foundation that rests firmly on what God calls right and wrong.

I do hope that every intelligence agent who is scouring my article to discern the thought and intents of my heart comes to understand this.

Your Response

Homeland Security gives addresses to its personnel for comments and questions. We, too, should also offer DHS our comments and questions in a civilized and loving fashion.

"For comments or questions related to the content or dissemination of [the Threat Analysis] document, please contact the DHS/I&A Production Branch at IA.PM@hq.dhs.gov, IA.PM@dhs.sgov.gov, or IA.PM@dhs.ic.gov."

Atheism is Dead: From Zeitgeist to Poltergeist, Part 2 of 12

This post is the second in Mariano's series of articles discussing Hitler's relationship to Christianity and Atheism. Check it out!

Atheism is Dead: From Zeitgeist to Poltergeist, Part 2 of 12

Pevensie15 | AJ's Blog: Cumulative Case for God's Existence

There is a young man who's blog is always very interesting. When I read this particular post I had to share it. You must check it. In this one post he does a great job of summarizing the 5 best arguments against atheism. These are the main points used by scholars such as William Lane Craig (his picture is on the right). The five points are:

1. The cosmological argument
2. The teleological argument
3. If God does not exist, then objective moral values do not exist (ontological argument).
4. Another argument is the historical evidence for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth from the dead.
5. Challenge: You can know that God exists wholly apart from any evidence. You can know He exists from personal experience.

Read AJ's blog for more extended discussion.
Pevensie15 | AJ's Blog: Cumulative Case for God's Existence

If I remember correctly, this line of argumentation for the existence of God is called the "Evidential" technique for the first 4 points and the last one is "Experiential". While I think that all these points are true and it does not require to argue for the infallibility of the Bible or the Deity of Christ or most Christian doctrine, I believe it has merit. The problem is that many atheists like Christopher Hitchens are able to point out that the argument can only get you to prove the existence of a god, not the God of the Bible if you use only points 1, 2, and 3. I believe that some people do come to Christ using this method. God does use this...no question. The bottom line is that it take the Holy Spirit to reconcile sinners (all of us) to God. You can't argue a man to salvation. I'm just thankful that these 5 points are just tools that God can use through us.

Apostle of Mormon Church Message From Easter 2009

On Saturday night, April 11, 2009 I was amazed to see a video from the head Apostle of the Mormon Church of Latter Day Saints. During my lifetime, Mormonism has changed much. Instead of the cult that Joseph Smith founded, many Mormons think of themselves as just another Protestant denomination of Christianity. Unless you have some familiarity with Mormon doctrine, it was almost impossible to distinguish this man from any other clergy of Christianity. As a matter of fact, I agreed with almost everything he had to say about Jesus and what he did. Take a look.





After seeing this, you may wonder why I'd bother to post about this if I agree with so much about what the man has said. Two reasons. One: It is important that we do not allow ourselves to be confused. Mormonism is not Christianity. Here is a videos that I think do a great job showing how different Mormon doctrine is.

Check out this video on Mormon Theology



And two: The talk about God the Father turning his back on Jesus while Jesus was on the cross. It's not damnable heresy. It preaches well, but it really sticks in my craw because it is saying something the Bible does not say. Many people who teach this viewpoint say that God turned His back on Jesus because God is too holy to look upon sin and all the sins of humanity were on Christ during His crucifixion. My problem is two fold. If God cannot look on sin, then He would not be able to look on any of us. And Jesus was not saying that His father had forsaken him when the Bible say in Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34:

About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

What I have learned that in the day and culture of Jesus on Earth, if you wanted to call attention to a passage in the Old Testament, all you had to is quote the first sentence and then everyone will know you are talking about the whole passage. You see Jesus was quoting Psalm 22. If you read the Psalm you will find a perfect description of everything Jesus experienced - written 1000 years earlier! And it you read that Psalm you will see that the one who is suffering is vindicated and triumphs! Truly powerful. I'm resisting the temptation to copy and paste the Psalm in this post. I will hotlink to it instead.