The Watchman

Genetically Modified Salmon? Really?!

2010-09-22T09:57:00.000-05:00

In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. One God. Amen.

Recently, the FDA paved the way for genetically modified salmon to hit the market. Now, further we tumble into the rabbit hole.

Genetically Modified Salmon? Really?!

The fish, apparently live in a solution containing a growth hormone. Now, is it not interesting that fish growth hormone to grow a bigger fish faster for production’s sake is looked at so much differently from a human growth hormone to grow bigger athletes faster for production’s sake? Hmmm.....

Moreover, we tell our children (in the wake of the HGH “explosion” in professional sports) that human growth hormone is bad for their bodies. But, now we are telling society-at-large that it is safe for their bodies, to eat a modified fish treated with growth hormones?

On the one hand, our Government is investigating and chastising growth hormone in professional as bad thing. On the other hand, our Government is paving the way for food raised in growth hormone to be served to us as a good thing. How can this be?

Genetically Modified Salmon? Really?!

We are a funny people...peculiar actually. For, we are the ones who by into the soap opera of real life.

Maybe it is because modified fish seems so remote...so distant...so far removed from us that our “leaders” are willing to sacrifice us - the ones they should be serving - as guinea pigs for AquaBounty’s gain? Maybe we all have lost our conscience? Truly, humanity sicut deus rules the day!

Can our greed be so much that we must deny the fullness of creation? I wonder, do we think of the theological implications of our actions?

Genetically Modified Salmon? Really?!

In Genesis 1:31, our God looks at creation and sees that indeed everything was very good. Did He not create the fish of the sea and ordain how many ought to be? Must we genetically modify them, to produce more than He ordained...faster than He ordained? Is His Divine Providence not enough? Is that not what we say?

Yes, our over-fishing may have caused limited quantities, and this act is your effort to bring balance. But are not both acts being done to the same side of the equation: that of the fish? How can it be that after subtracting from the side of the fish, nothing be subtracted from our side? And, what mathematics exist where balance can be found when multiple acts are performed on one side of the equation? It seems as though many of us are afflicted by fuzzy mathematics! We must come into balance with creation.

Deeper than the public debate will go, this act of genetically modification says that God’s creation was lacking. It says that the Divine Architect who designed the heavens and the earth, and all that are in both, was short-sighted! Heaven Forbid!

For, if we believed God to be our Creator, would we find ways to circumvent His Providence? Or, would we conform our productive and consumptive desires to His Image (humanity in the Imago Dei) and Likeness?

On the Redistribution of Wealth

2010-08-05T21:27:00.000-05:00

The recent development of Tea Parties across the United States has re-injected various forms of the ideal of Liberty into the debate in American politics. This is something to be commended. Those who sow seeds in the Cause of Liberty and tend to its soil have an opportunity to harvest her accorded blessings. I pray that this fervor continues. My hope in this writing as that the soil might be tilled a little more so that those seeds might be planted at the appropriate depths yielding a more full harvest. May God bless us in this endeavor.

A major issue that has sparked your Tea Party has been that of taxes, and moreso the redistribution of wealth. In taxes and the governments prerogative of redistribution, you take offense. You find it a sort of tyranny. You who pursue Liberty appeal to that noble Cause which protects the individual from tyranny. You believe that God, Himself, has ordained that humanity and the individual are endowed with such inalienable rights that guards against any ruler placing limitations on your free will.

Tyranny indeed is an evil that imprisons the individual and prevents persons within humanity from achieving their full potential. Such an evil ought to be fought, so you are right to fight for the protection of your lot in life: for the protection of your Liberty.

Your love for Christ is indeed professed. And, it is the Liberty granted by Christ through His salvation on the Cross that you appeal. I too appeal to the same Christ and His same salvation: freely given that we might freely give (Matt. 10:8).

I write this because of your concern for what you perceive those who “lord it over you” to be taking away from you. You are concerned about taxes and the increase of taxes. Moreover, you are concerned about how those tax dollars are being used. In fact you are concerned that the wealth you have acquired is being redistributed to assist others you feel undeserving.

You ought to be concerned about what is taken from you and denied you. It is a great start. From this foundation, I implore you to think of what you are denying yourselves. Yet, your wealth is more than your money. And this too must be considered. What else has tyranny denied you? What else ought Providence compel you to redistribute? In this vein, we must speak on the redistribution of wealth and its purpose in salvation.

Here we will discuss the Master’s teaching on how those of us who appear to be righteous and to do good are still lacking something necessary for salvation. To expose this truth, I point us to our Lord’s encounter with the “Rich Young Ruler” in Luke 18:18-23. That “one thing” lacked was the rich man’s willing redistribution of his wealth. It was the one thing that would prevent him from entering the Kingdom of God.

Yes, I know some of you will point to Romans 10:9; I will not argue. For, it is true: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” But, what is the true confession if not to obey the Voice of the Master?

In the Holy Gospel of St. Luke, chapter 18, verses 18-23 we see a very rich man approach the Lord, in search of salvation. He honors the Teacher calling Him “Good.” The rich man stands before the Lord, justified in his righteousness. But, he leaves the Master’s presence dejected, unable to share his wealth with the less fortunate. Here is the text that reveals certain answers to our present problem:

Now a certain ruler asked Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’” And he said, “All these things I have kept from my youth.” So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich.

Clearly, the rich man knew the Lord. He knew Jesus not simply as a teacher, but moreso as the Good Teacher, Who alone is God. Acknowledging Jesus as the Good Teacher is thus akin to acknowledging Him as Lord. To acknowledge Him as Lord and as God is to believe in His eternal nature: professed to us Christians in His “risenness.”

The rich man knew the commandments and was able to stand boldly before the Good Teacher and profess that he had obeyed the commandments. Our Lord, Who is all-knowing, did not dispute this point with the rich man, leaving us to believe that he was telling the truth to have said: “all these things I have kept from my youth.”

Knowing to Whom he was speaking and knowing he, himself, to be righteous, we see that on the surface this rich man knew Jesus to be Lord and knew that Jesus was the eternal One. We might ask then: “why would this man still need to ask about his salvation? Why would he still be unsure if he would inherit eternal life?”

The answer could be none other than vainglory, the mother of pride and a multitude of vices. In The Ladder of Divine Ascent, St. John Climacus says this of vainglory: “A vainglorious man is a believing idolater. Apparently honoring God, he actually is out to please not God but men.”

The rich man encountering the Good Teacher was a believing idolater. He believed; he had knowledge of the faith; he obeyed the commandments. But, was his purpose truly to seek salvation?

He was given the key ingredient missing from his seemingly well-lived life. But, he was unable to add that ingredient to his life. Instead, he walked away: unable to shed his wealth.

Moreover, this rich man was unable to shed his cloak of righteousness. He was unable to shed his social standing. He was “very rich,” and enjoyed a high rank in society. He had either earned or inherited his wealth; why should he have to share that wealth with those others who had no share in its acquisition?

These must have been the questions on the mind of this rich man as he encountered the Good Teacher. “Salvation should be simple,” he must have thought to himself. Can you not hear his thoughts: “but I have done all that I was told. I have obeyed the Law. I recognize you as the Good Teacher. Why must I do more? Why must I share my wealth with the poor? Is this my reward for my lifetime of righteousness?”

This was the source of the rich man’s dejection: his vainglory, his pride. Rather than actually seeking eternal life, he sought after the approval of the Good Teacher as a badge of honor allowing him to boast of his salvation. Had our Lord approved of the rich man, he would have been able to publicly proclaim that he had been assured of his salvation. This then would add to his wealth and prestige. Our Lord knew this; that is why He required the rich man to humble himself by sharing with others who the man believed less than himself. Yet while he had obeyed the other commandments from his youth, the rich man was unable to please God and keep this command to humble himself. Truly the rich man was a “believing idolater…out to please not God but men.”

So what has this to do with wealth redistribution? Well, that is a simple question. When coming to Christ to seek his salvation, the self-approved rich man felt assured that he had already been saved. Yet, when faced with the prospect of shedding his wealth the rich man was unable to bear such perceived hardship. Rather than distribute his wealth among the poor, he preferred to appearance of wealth to its truth.

As he walked away from the Good Teacher, our Lord was grieved. In Luke 18:24 & 24 He said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

And a camel does not pass through the eye of a needle without great difficulty. Yes, beloved, it can indeed pass through the needle’s eye. Yet, in order to do so, the tradesman must unload all of the cargo from the camel. Then the camel must be coerced to kneel down. Once on its knees, that camel must then scoot itself through the tiny passageway. It is a feat done only with great care!

Nevertheless, the Good Teacher says that the work required for a camel to do this is easier than it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God! Why would the Master say this? How could it be that riches would burden a person so?

Wealth and riches strengthens vainglory and pride. He wanted the rich man to understand that he needed to: “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” The rich young ruler came asking the Good Teacher how he might find the true life that is eternal. And, the vices of vainglory and pride are too much for anyone to carry through the “narrow gate.” Do you see what a heavy burden riches are?

But we know that it cannot simply be the man’s riches that prevent his entrance into the kingdom of God, for Solomon, David, Abraham and others of the Old Testament were rich. No, what prevented this man was his inability to share his wealth with the poor and needy. For if he gave his wealth to the poor, he felt he would loose his own life: the things that were his own. Did not the Good Teacher tell us: “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it” (Matt. 16:25). The rich young ruler desired to maintain his present social stature more than his eternal stature. He was more interested in protecting his wealth from those others who he found undeserving of his bounty.

The rich man was called upon to redistribute his wealth in order to cure him of his vainglory and pride. He was infected with a sinful desire to be “the Jones” with whom others must keep pace. He needed to have the accouterments of wealth, success and prestige so as to be praised by his family, friends, neighbors - indeed by society. Had he redistributed his wealth to the poor as the Good Teacher had commanded, he would no longer be a member of high society. He would loose his social stature; those who presumably hang around to share in his lavish living would shun him.

Our Lord commanded the rich man to give to the poor not so much for the benefit of the poor (although they would definitely benefit). He commanded the rich man to redistribute his wealth because that wealth had become his god. That wealth had become more important than salvation. Rather than being the height of wealth, salvation had become a mere trinket, an addition to the man’s wealth.

The Good Teacher commanded the rich young ruler to redistribute his wealth to the poor so that the man would acquire the blessing of being cured from his vainglory and idolatry. Do you see how the Great Physician knows the medicine needed for our health and wellness? Oh, that we who are in need of His prescriptions would willing accept our treatment!

Had the rich young ruler accepted the treatment of the Great Physician, and given his wealth to the poor he would have seen himself cured of those things preventing his salvation. He would not have left the Good Teacher’s presence dejected. Rather, he would have remained with his Master.
By willingly and mercifully redistributing his wealth to the poor, the rich young ruler would have been likened to the good and faithful servant in Matthew 25; he would have heard it said unto him: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” In in the joy of our Lord, this small time ruler would have found himself ruling over greater territory. But, he could only see passing things; this man had no vision for those things that are eternal. So, he walked away from the Good Teacher and His teaching in order to hang onto his earthly life. What a shame!

You would do well to think of this rich young ruler and the redistribution of wealth. I do not say this to you simply for the sake of others, but for your own sakes as well. Do not allow vainglory and pride to prevent you from entering the narrow gate. And, I warn you further not to allow pride to tell you that you are free from this problem.

Vainglory comes upon us all unawares. St. John Climacus again bears witness of this when he says, “What I mean is this: I fast, and turn vainglorious. I stop fasting so that I will draw no attention to myself, and I become vainglorious over my prudence. I dress well or badly, and am vainglorious in either case. I talk or I remain silent, and each time I am defeated. No matter how I shed this prickly thing, a spike remains to stand up against me.”

We should be swift to give thanks to God for this lesson and reap its benefits. Let us not think ourselves justified; let us not boast of our salvation. Rather, let us humble ourselves and heed our Lord’s command. Let us shun doing things that might win us praise from other people instead of praise from the One Who is Good. Let us accept the Master’s medicine that we might be healed. May we continue to study the redistribution of wealth and it’s efficacy for our souls, so that we might find ourselves in the eternal joy of our Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom with the Father and the Holy Spirit be all glory and praise, forever. Amen.

Against The Wisdom of Fools

2010-07-15T23:34:00.002-05:00

I read with dismay Glen Beck’s article entitled, “Liberation Theology and Social Justice.” Upon reading it, my vision of holistic reparations was clarified. And, Glenn Beck is certainly in need of reparations!

In his article, Mr. Beck railed against Liberation Theology and the concept of social justice. It is irresponsible for him to give the impression that his is an educated opinion that has been well-thought and is sound in formation. And with millions of listeners following his program, his inflammatory remarks are nothing short of reckless.

Worse is his misconception of Liberation Theology and tragic is his inability to reconcile social justice with the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Worse still is his misappropriation of theology. Think of the spiritual damage done to his listeners. And, while he stands before his chalkboard presuming to instruct the masses, I am reminded of what St. James said: “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly (3:1).”

Herein lies my hope that Glenn Beck “gets his reparations!” For as I have said and believe, “Reparations is an expression of Christian love.” Reparations might consist of some sort of recompense. Yet, that is not important. Rather, our plea for Reparations is one of compassion; one of love for mankind. For our God does not delight in the death of the sinner but that he should repent and live.

The sin here is that Glenn Beck presumes to be a teacher, and has failed to educate himself on the matters of which he speaks. One may take issue with Liberation Theology, yes. One may take issue with Dr. James H. Cone. And although I understand the climate in which it was birthed, I myself, have some disagreements with Black Theology.

Glenn Beck and his article “Liberation Theology and Social Justice” presents a perfect opportunity to explain my disagreement with Dr. Cone and Black Theology. I do not believe there should be a Black Theology. Christ prayed that we (humanity) would be one as He and His Father are One. That entails a symbiotic relationship (a perichoresis) in which all persons within humanity are interdependent. To that end, there should be ONE Christian Theology. A so-called “Black Theology” allows the fallacy of Western (European/White) Theology to pass for authentic Christian Theology when the theologies of the Western (“civilized”) World has been complicit and/or encouraging in the ecological and anthropological crises of the world.

I am tired of seeing the Gospel trampled underfoot and the Lord being used to serve the selfish and inhumane ways of man. Mr. Beck’s article is theologically inaccurate at best and intentionally disingenuous at worse.

Mr. Beck asks, “how does a white person get salvation in that system” and takes issue with Dr. Cone suggesting that in order to be Christian (to be saved) one must be willing to give up their wealth and privilege. Certainly Glenn Beck also disagrees with Christ. When asked by the Rich Young Ruler in Luke 18:18-23 what one must do to be saved, our Lord told him that he must keep all of the commandments. In other words, Christ instructed him to obey the (societal) law. Yet, this man felt justified in his conduct and confident that he was thus “saved.” Ultimately our Lord told him: “There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me. (vs. 22)”

Isn’t it ironic? While White people were “masters” they sold the people they had enslaved a theology of obedience to masters, enduring injustice now for the “great reward” in heaven. Yet, I am sure many will attempt some form of intellectual gymnastics to circumvent the command given by our Lord in Luke 18:22.

Glenn Beck’s primary argument against this is that the concept is devoid of “merit.” He then attempts to juxtapose the concept of merit with that of grace. However, the Christian concept of grace is in direct conflict with that of merit.

Merit is defined as: “something that deserves or justifies a reward or commendation.” Yet, in Matthew 10:8 our Lord exemplifies His grace when He says: “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” St. Paul goes further in Romans 5:8 and says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Merit indicates something earned or deserved. The Christian concept of grace indicates something unearned and not deserved. The grace we have received from Christ should not harden our hearts to the sufferings and injustices of humanity. Rather, the grace given to us sinners through our Lords compassion should compel us to freely share our grace with others...giving them what they have not earned and do not deserve. Certainly, we should be compelled to give what they have earned and do deserve!

The fallacies continue with Mr. Beck’s views on salvation. And I must include Dr. Richard Land since Glenn Beck says he consulted him on this position. (I can only hope Glenn Beck took Dr. Land's comment out of context.) Mr. Beck says that, “salvation is an individual relationship between a person and God through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross...I can't be saved for someone else and they can't be saved by me.”

Wow! I wonder if we think of the theological implications of the stuff we pass off as authentic Christian witness?! What would that statement mean, if it were true?

Well first, if it is true that others cannot “be saved by me” as Beck suggests then that completely negates the “White Man’s Burden,” and flies in the face of Western Christian (premillennial) thought that has justified Western society’s quest to subdue the earth and resulted in the enslavement of Africans, colonization of people across the world and displacement of indigenous people. The excuse had been that Europeans were doing a service to the “backwards people of the world” by oppressing them and bringing them to Christianity so they can be saved.

Second, if we are not saved for others as Glenn Beck suggests, then how does our Lord’s individual sacrifice have any collective efficacy, even for the collective of individuals? We have been commissioned to continue His work on earth. And if His work on the Cross was for others, should not our labors be for others as well? Again St. Paul said it well, “Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools.” This is not Black Theology...it is not White Theology. This is Christian Theology, and something to which all who proclaim their allegiance to the Cross must submit.

May we not follow those who are foolish, that we might not die for want of wisdom! And, may the foolish amend their ways and conform to the image and likeness of Christ!

The Reasons for the Recent Oil Spill

2010-05-11T17:06:00.000-05:00

People are searching high and low for the reasons behind the oil spill in the Gulf. There are investigations, questions, defenses, etc. Yet, the answer was given long before the spill ever happened. In 1985, Jürgen Moltmann wrote God in Creation. In it, he dealt with what he called the "Ecological Crisis." The insights he offers has much to say regarding the cause of the recent oil spill and other ecological disasters.

The ecological crisis of the modern world has its starting point in the modern industrial countries. These grew up in the midst of civilizations which had been shaped by Christianity...
The crisis of the modern world is not due merely to the technologies for the exploitation of nature; nor can we put it down to the sciences which made human beings the lords of nature. It is based much more profoundly on the striving of human beings for power and domination...Unbridled striving for power was to make human beings like their God, 'the Almighty'; so these human beings invoked God's almighty power in order to furnish a religious justification for their own. The Christian belief in creation as it has been maintained in the European and American Christianity of the Western churches is therefore not guiltless of the crisis in the world today.

In other words, Moltmann asserts that the Western church's acquiescence to industrialization and "progress" as opposed to obeying God has caused this inconvenient truth. So, did the Western Church - by its apathy - cause the oil spill? Has the Western Church, through neglect, caused global warming? Is the Western Church responsible for the crisis that has led to the "ecological crisis?"

Everyone is trying to pin the blame on someone else. Democrats place it on Republicans. Republicans place it on Democrats. BP and Big Oil place blame on the Government. The Government places the blame on Big Oil. The people do not know who to blame. The reality is that no one is blaming themselves, and everyone should...for all of us has bought into the theology that the earth is ours to rape and pillage. It is no longer God's, on loan to us. God has been robbed of His creation and we abuse it, looking over our shoulders hoping He does not return.

The answer to this crisis lies in our return to God. No stricter environmental regulations will save the earth. Rethinking offshore drilling is not what's most important. The most important thing is that we correct our relationship to God. For, if that relationship is right then we will be able to see God in creation, and respect the earth and environment as His creation.

The Marriage Debate Resolved

2008-11-06T13:19:00.001-05:00

I start thus: I am an Orthodox Christian who believes that marriage is a religious sacrament ordained by God, as a bond between a man and a woman. But, to those who support gay rights, don't be turned off yet. And, to those who are against this initiative, don't rest easy. I will not say what you think.

In Christianity the bond of marriage is between one man and one woman. For other faiths, there may be an allowance for multiple wives. Yet, that bond is still between male and female.

So, where does an Orthodox (and thus, conservative) Christian fall in this debate? On the side of religion of course. But, what does that mean?

Many are up in arms about Proposition 8 in California. This ballot item was dubbed as an effort to "protect marriage." The so-called "defense of marriage has been a heated debate. Here's a clip of the protests:

There is no reason for this argument. Marriage is a Sacrament of Religion...not of the State. If we truly want to "protect" marriage we would keep it out of the State and leave it in religion where it belongs. It is not homosexuality that is destroying marriage. It is the State, and the fact that we have abdicated that right to the State, that destroys marriage.

What is the solution? Abolish all marriage in the eyes of the State. Change everything to Civil Unions. There is the equality: heterosexuals would have Civil Unions and homosexuals would have Civil Unions. Transgenders would be entitled to Civil Unions.

Then leave marriage to the respective faiths. Let the individual religious sects and/or denominations decide who will and will not be granted a marriage. This way, everyone can enjoy Liberty - which is the promise of America, without violating any religious doctrine.

We do not need to be divided by this issue - regardless of our religious (or a religious) beliefs. We must allow people to respect religion, but we must also allow people to have no religion. If we disagree with their stance, we should pray for their hearts to be changed - not force them. But, that's my opinion...what's yours?

I'm keeping my eyes open. May the Lord keep the city, that my watching be not in vain.

Proposition 8

3 Years After Katrina...Already a Distant Memory

2008-08-30T15:31:00.003-05:00

On Aug. 29, 2005, the Gulf Coast - and New Orleans in particular - was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina. The low death toll estimate is 1800 people. The high estimate is 4081. It may not be that high...but, I doubt it is as low as the government states. Why would they want us to know how many people perished because of their neglect and ineptitude?

The Jewish Mantra has been - "Never Forget." But, for some reason we (Black people) are quick to forget those atrocities inflicted upon our people. How many TV specials have you seen this week, remembering Hurricane Katrina and her victims? If not for Hurricane Gustav, do you think they would be any talk about Katrina?
Every September 11th, we are reminded of the atrocities of that day. We remember those whose lives were taken on that day. We are encouraged to remain vigilant against those things that led to (and caused) that day.

How many people died on that day? 2752.

2752 is only 952 more than the 1800 low estimate of Katrina deaths. And, 2752 is 1329 less than the 4081 high estimate of Katrina deaths.

The deaths caused by September 11th seemingly came from without. The deaths caused by Katrina - majority of them anyway - seemingly came from within. Against what should we be most vigilant?

Many have said: every great society is destroyed from the inside. Christ said: "it's not that which goes into the body which defileth a man, but that which flows out of the body." In other words, it's not that which attacks us that will destroy us. It's that which we do to ourselves.

And, because of our forgetfulness the Lord has sent Gustav as a reminder. 3 years after Katrina, we are still focused on the speck in our brothers' eye - ignoring the log in our own. Our infrastructure still crumbles, yet we're arguing over how best to strengthen the infrastructure of others. Will it take another 4000 lives?

Wake up - America - before it's too late. I'm keeping my eyes open. May the Lord keep the city, that my watching be not in vain.

Americans: Where are Your Priorities?

2007-09-29T13:59:00.000-05:00

After six months of fundraising, the candidates for president in 2008 have already raised more than $265 million. No presidential money chase has ever started so quickly. By some predictions, the eventual nominees will need to raise $500 million apiece to compete--a record sum. To find out where all this money is coming from, explore the options to the left. The next campaign finance reports are due to the Federal Election Commission by October 15, covering July through September. (See Here)

It's funny that we can raise hundreds of millions - and billions - of dollars for the presidential elections, and cannot find the money to provide healthcare, defeat poverty, end homelessness or solve any of the other social ills plaguing this Country and the world at large. What would really be impressive is if these candidates would accept public funding for their election and turn over all of their private funding to community based organizations.

It begs the question: what are our priorities? Will we feed the hungry, care for the orphans, and shelter the homeless? Or, will we give our money to politicians so they can be elected and ignore the needs of the needy?

I - myself - have given to elections before, but I have to question whether I should be giving in the future. I am compelled to remind you of the words of our Lord:

"...the King will turn to those on the left and say, 'Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his demons! For I was hungry, and you didn't feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn't give me anything to drink. I was a stranger, and you didn't invite me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me no clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn't visit me.'" (Matt. 25:41-43)

We are the cursed ones, focused on supporting a political system that denies access to those who cannot afford to participate, while we ignore the needs of the needy. $265 million is an outrageous sum of money! We could have done much good with that money. Every homeless person in the Country could have at least one weeks worth of clothing and food for the week. We could have provided healthcare for countless numbers of the uninsured.

We must reset our priorities before it is too late! I'm keeping my eyes open. May the Lord keep the city, that my watching be not in vain.

The Log in Our Own Eye - Pt. II

2007-09-25T16:41:00.000-05:00

We - Americans - are so busy trying to vilify Iran that we fail to see how we suffer from the same and/or similar ills.

For instance, we debate the issue of homosexuality in Iran - and the persecution of homosexuals. Do we not persecute them here, in America? We accuse Iran of having an environment where homosexuals are forced to live lives of secrecy, or face abuse. Are not homosexuals in America abused? Do they not face a "don't ask, don't tell" policy, which forces those in the military to live lives of secrecy? Did we not just have to extend hate crime protections to cover crimes against homosexuals?

At the U.N. General Assembly today, President Bush spoke of the need of other countries to honor the U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Yet, the same declaration requires all nations to promote self-government in its non self-governing territories. In the U.S., non self-governing territories would include the District of Columbia (where the vote was just denied), the U.S. Virgin Islands (where a federal case to assert the full U.S. citizenship rights of Virgin Islanders is being blocked by the Federal Government), Puerto Rico (where numerous assertions for equity have been suppressed), the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and Guam. So, how can we insist that other nations honor the Universal Declaration of Human Rights when we - ourselves - do no honor that declaration?

My brothers and sisters, the Word of God says "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, tells us to first remove the log from our own eye, then we will see clear to remove the speck from our brother. In other words, we are not without fault. When the Jews accused Mary Magdeline of sin, Christ stepped in an admonished them: "he who is without sin, let him cast the first stone." The adage of old still holds true: if you live in a glass house, you should not throw stones.

America, my beloved Country, we are in danger of toppling. It may be disguised as terror or epidemic, yet we will come to learn - as did the ancient Egyptians - that the hand of our Almighty God is against us. It pains me so, to see my Country blinded by such selfishness, disrespect and hate - May the Lord have mercy upon us!

I'm keeping my eyes open. May the Lord keep the city, that my watching be not in vain.

Are True Christians Filled with Hatred?

2007-09-24T14:06:00.000-05:00

I watched and listened to the speech by President Ahmadenejad today. This posting has nothing to do with the content of his speech at Columbia University. It deals with us - Americans - and our character.

I saw with horror, the "angry crowds" (CNN description) of protesters. And, was terrified to see the the association of people who claim to be Christians so charged with anger. Is it the Christian way to be judgmental, or angry, or hateful? Does Christ command us to be full of pride, to be arrogant? Does the Gospel permit us to be rude?

We are the bearers of God's peace. We are the new Israel, the new Jerusalem. We are the Lord's chosen people. What kind of example do we set? Christ said, in Matthew 5:43-48:

"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

We must be tax collectors, because we only love those who we know love us. We hate those who we think hate us. We say it is fine to disrespect the President of Iran because of allegations and/or facts about the Iranian regime. As we were told as children, "two wrongs do not make a right."

We must be careful. I'm reading a book by Dr. R.C. Sproul: The Holiness of God. Dr. Sproul speaks of divine justice. In our arrogance, we forget that God demands that we be humble. We are absorbed in our way of life and flirt with danger. We are so arrogant that we forget God's justice. When God shows forth His justice and we reap His wrath, Dr. Sproul reminds us: "It is as if He (God) were saying, 'Be careful. While you enjoy the benefits of my grace, don't forget my justice."

In dealing with the speech of President Ahmadenejad, we must regard it through the lens of Christ; we must first remove the log from our own eye. We reprimand him because of various alleged abuses, yet our Nation has also committed such abuses. We debate over whether the President says that the Holocaust does not exist, yet President Bush could not - and will not - call the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade a crime against humanity. We accuse Iran of preventing all of its citizens from enjoying the benefits of freedom and democracy, yet Washington, D.C., the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and other U.S. Colonies do not enjoy those benefits.

So, I ask: are we pure enough to judge another?

The media asks: what did his speech today accomplish? I ask: what does our hate accomplish? Where does our tone lead us - if not to war? With the stance we take, do we really expect another result?

The Lord is not smiling at us. We misrepresent the cause of Christ, and He will not tolerate being vilified. We are attempting to pull His Holy Name down to our level, when we should be striving to climb up the ladder of divine ascent. Repent, for the days are short.

I'm keeping my eyes open. May the Lord keep the city, that my watching be not in vain.

President Bush: I agree - "to Destroy Human Life, in order to Preserve Human Life is Unethical"

2007-06-20T13:45:00.001-05:00

In your speech Mr. President, explaining your veto of the stem cell research enhancement bill, you stated that "to destroy human life, in order to preserve human life is unethical." You further stated that it was in fact "immoral." I agree with that statement, and applaud your stance in the face of such opposition.

I hope that in prayer you will see the merits of your statement. For, we destroy human life in Iraq - justifying it by stating that we must do so in order to preserve our lives - our freedom - here in America and in the land of our allies. As you said, "to destroy human life, in order to preserve human life is unethical." Indeed, it is immoral. Your own words convict you and compel you to change course.

I'm keeping my eyes open. May the Lord keep the city, that my watching be not in vain.

President Bush: Do Not Pardon Scooter Libby; Accept Responsibility for Your Actions

2007-06-19T10:36:00.000-05:00

Anyone with reason knows that Scooter Libby is the fall guy in this whole Valarie Plame scandal. And, we know where the buck stops. True, there is nothing we can do if President Bush and Vice President Cheney decide to shift the blame. Yet, we know that they will be held accountable by the Lord. For the sake of their souls, the President should confront his Vice President and direct him to hold himself accountable.

If indeed we are Christian, we must strive to lead by example. Yes, we will fall and do wrong things. Yet, we must confess our sins and change our ways. Mr. President, Mr. Vice President, the Lord has mercy enough for you. Even if the people are upset when you reveal the truth, God will be pleased. In the Grand Scheme, that's all that should matter.

Should Scooter Libby be pardoned? That depends. Does he realize that he was wrong? Is the sentence "too excessive?" That depends. Only God knows how long it will take him to repent. The important thing is that he repent. If Libby is released too early, he may miss his chance to repent and thus miss his blessing. I am more concerned that we all have a chance to enjoy our lives in eternity than enjoyment in this temporal life.

I'm keeping my eyes open. May the Lord keep the city, that my watching be not in vain.

Honor Your Mother and Your Father

2007-06-15T15:39:00.000-05:00

Your mother and your father are not simply the ones who gave you birth.

Today, I hear news of another elder care facility here in Washington, DC that is applying to close its doors. With that closure, the City's capacity to take care of its elderly residents would be less than 8%. "They" will cite many reasons to explain and justify this. But, it's quite telling and fits with the theme of gentrification...out with the old, in with the new.

I see the plans to change the demographic of this City. It has been majority Black for too long. So, now the push is to bring in younger and Whiter residents. If we cannot tend to our elders, we'll have to move out to PG County, Maryland (Montgomery County, MD and Northern Virginia are already too expensive). Once that move has occurred, it will make the City more attractive for White folks. The crime will be in PG County.

But, the Lord said to "honor your mother and your father, and it will go well for you." City leadership - whichever ones of you this applies to - your plans are deceptive, and you may profit in the short run, but it will not go well for you. He sees and knows, and He will hold you accountable...if not today, then at the day of your judgment. I'm keeping my eyes open. May the Lord keep the city, that my watching be not in vain.

Faith and Politics Forum: Is it really sincere?

2007-06-13T12:52:00.000-05:00

Now, faith is indeed an important thing. And, I do believe that our leaders should - themselves - be led by God, Who is superior to them. Yet, I cannot help but ask: is it sincere if you have to plan a forum where your spirituality is discussed?

Recently, the Democratic front-runners (Clinton, Obama & Edwards) participated in a forum where there were asked about their prayer life, Bible reading, Church going, other matters of faith and how those played into their political decisions. To me it appears a bit contrived. If my faith is sincere, it should speak to you without a special forum. Wherever I am, about whatever I speak, you should be able to conclude that I am a man of faith.

People - do not be deceived - the Democrats have a strategy to demonstrate that the Republicans are not the only Party that goes to Church. Because President Bush wore his faith on his sleeve and that appealed to Bible Belt voters, the Democrats are now working to expose their faith. Many people can say many things, but we shall know them by their fruits. I'm keeping my eyes open. May the Lord keep the city, that my watching be not in vain.

Are we strong enough to be Christians?

2006-03-17T23:59:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 16:13 & 14 (NLT) states: "Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love."

Fellow Americans, are we strong enough to be Christians? Many of us profess that we are, but how many of us really are? The Word of the Lord says: "Who can command things to happen without the Lord's permission? Does not the Most High send both calamity and good? Then why should we, mere humans, complain when we are punished for our sins? Instead let us examine our ways. Let us turn back to the Lord."

Indeed, "all our enemies have spoken out against us. We are filled with fear, for we are trapped, devasteated and ruined."

So we ask ourselves, are we strong enough to be Christians? As we face "global terrorism" and we try to understand "why they hate us," the more important question is how have we offended Thee, our Lord and our God."

Could it be our strategy of preemptive strike that has caused offense? Oh that man would remember the Word of God. For it is written: "I will take revenge; I will pay them back. In due time their feet will slip. Their day of disaster will arrive, and their destiny will overtake them."

Is there even one amongst you who will repent, that America might be saved? Is there anyone amongst you who is strong enough to be Christian?

Where are the ones who will "wait CONFIDENTLY for God to save" them? Who will trust that our God will certainly hear our prayers?

Mr. President, as St. Paul states in Romans 13:1, you are indeed placed in your capacity by God. And you, Sir carry a great responsibility. And while opinion polls may appear to matter, the greater approval is that of our Lord. You will face judgment not only for your personal life, but also for how you led the lives of His people. As the leader of the "free world" that entails not only America, but all people who aspire to freedom.

What is freedom? Freedom is not democracy. But, "He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins." It is with the blood of Christ - it is with His love and self-sacrifice that we won our freedom. It is with the self-sacrifice of those who follow Him, that others will be brought to freedom.

May the Holy Spirit touch your heart that you conform to the likeness of Christ. For how do you dare profane the Name of Christ, by stating your love for preemption. Are we Christians or are we Jews?

It is the Jew who believes in "An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth." But since Love came to the world, revealed to us by our Lord Jesus Christ, this is not so. For He has commanded that we "do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also." We ought to "make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace."

Our Lord did not command us to make preemptive stikes and to take matters into our own hands! Rather He said, "love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For He gives His sunlight to both the evil and the good, and He sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that?...If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect."

So, are we strong enough to be Christians? Or will all remain in darkness? We who proclaim the name of Christ know that our God is love, and that He commands love. We are not like the world who loves only those who love them first. We are like our God, Who "showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."

He with Whom we were at war, first love us. And, it is because of that, that we love Him. Likewise, whomever be at war with us, will come to love us only if we first love them. My heart pours out for you, America to the God of our fathers, the saints and the martyrs who gladly shed their blood for the faith. May He continue to be gracious unto us. May He continue to spare us from His wrath. May He come speadily unto us and save us from our sin. Amen.

The Log in our own eye...

2006-03-15T00:46:00.000-05:00

The Gospel of St. Matthew Chapter 7, vs 1-5 read: 1 "Do not judge, so that you won't be judged. 2 For with the judgment you use, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but don't notice the log in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and look, there's a log in your eye? 5 Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

What is the message here for our country, and for us as Americans? This is the question we must ask. This is the question we will study in this blog. In our endeavor to live His Word, and perform His will, this must be our purpose. Brothers and Sisters, we cannot be decieved by the devil to believe that this principles only apply to church, or some "spiritual realm" that is separate from this world in which we live everyday. I say to you that these worlds are entertwined. Each has an affect on the other. God has indeed blessed our country. Yet, to whom much is given, much shall be required.

What is it that's required? Our thanksgiving to God...our service to Him, and to mankind. We are right to believe that God demands much from us. I believe we are right to believe we have a duty to those less fortunate. Yet, Christ explicitly forbids us from judging.

You call yourselves Christian, yet you call others lunatics. The Lord tells us that "Vengence is (His)," yet you feel justified to take matters into our own hands. Christ tells us to "do unto others as you would have them do unto you," yet you disrespect other nations in arrogance.

Time and again, the Lord has rebuked you to stop. Yet, you continue down your path of destruction. When will you repent? God is waiting. God is watching. And His Watchman is on guard.