Noah's Blog

Audist Hysteria

noreply@blogger.com (Noah Buchholz) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 04:14:00 +0000

An infamous Salem Witchcraft Trials put fourteen women and five men to death after the widespread of blaming. The Second Red Scare, McCarthyism, greatly oppressed the freedom of speech and caused many people to lose their jobs . Now, are we, the Deaf, creating another tragic event by labeling many hearing people as audists without educating them how they can be improved? The term "Audism" is not for us to use to blame, but to define our long-time oppression and mourn at its existence. Blaming hearing people that way would make them afraid of getting themselves more immersed in our culture. Put away your pointy finger and let them to fight with us for our freedom.

My Testimony: Wheaton College

noreply@blogger.com (Noah Buchholz) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:18:00 +0000

This video shows all undergraduate Wheaton students (more than 2,000 students) singing "How Great is our God" together in ASL (there was no voice or music for the last two choruses, all remaining silent expect with signing). This is one of many things that are happening on the campus with educating hearing students and faculty about the Deaf culture. I hope this will inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and start educating hearing people locally.

My testimony on how God led me to Wheaton College and has been blessing me with a lot of opportunities to educate hearing people about the Deaf culture.

A Text Version of My Testimony:
Last year I applied and was accepted to several colleges such as the University of Edinburg and the University of Aberdeen. I was thrilled especially because Aberdeen was my first choice. After my mom decided to let me to study aboard, far away from the home, I knew God must be telling me that Aberdeen is the best place for me to study. But, my brother later convinced me to apply to Wheaton College after telling me that one of his classmates almost went there. When I found out that I was on the waiting list for Wheaton College, I was determined that God was leading me to Aberdeen... or so I thought. One day in my office at the church, I felt as if God were throwing a lasso around my neck, and with an incredible strength, was drawing me toward Wheaton College, even though I fully understood that I was on the waiting list. I was not sure whether these feelings were from God or from me. So, I prayed about fervently and talked to the people I trust the most, yet I was not fully convinced. But, it got more and more clear. Next two nights I dreamed I felt something completely immoral, decadent, and horrifying while moving into a dorm room at Aberdeen. Next day after working in my office at church, I drove to a gas station and reached for the gas card that my father had given me that morning, but it had disappeared. I was completely perplexed because I remembered checking for it in my pocket an hour before, and it would have been impossible for it to accidentally fall ot of my pocket because my pocket was so tight. Afraid of it having been stolen, I looked everywhere around my car at the station, called my dad to cancel the card, and then drove back to the church to see if it had fallen out of my pocket somewhere around my office. It was not there, so I decided to check around the copy machine. A hearing church secretary was there—I decided to inform her what I was looking for because I didn't want to look stupid walking around. True enough, she had my gas card. At the moment she handed me the card, she asked me about colleges, and I told her that I was probably going to the University of Aberdeen, but I felt that God was leading me toward Wheaton College, but I was on their waiting list. Next day I found that she called Wheaton College on her own accord and one of the admission counselors told her to inform me to e-mail him. So, I e-mailed him and he responded, explaining that with over 300 students on their waiting list they pulled 30-40 students off the list last year; the previous year, they brought in only 3. The counselor also told me that I may not hear from them until August. During that time I continued to e-mail him updates of my test scores, accomplishments, and etc. The fourth week of May I opened the letter from Wheaton College and found the letter saying that I was accepted to there. I was full with joy since I cannot deny that God really wanted me to go there. Looking back, I now see why God led me to Wheaton college. Upon arriving the college, I was hoping that there would be several people who already know how to sign before, but it was not the case. However, I met right people and already there is an ASL community on the campus with more than 10 people who are able to converse in ASL fluently. We established ASL club and offered beginner and intermediate ASL classes last semester. There were more than 60 students in the beginner class and 15 students in the intermediate class; it was such inspiration to witness many people being motivated to learn more about the Deaf culture. I hope my testimony will encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and start educating hearing people locally about the Deaf culture. Because God is answering the cries of the Deaf, please start accepting blessings from God and He will help you to touch hearing people's hearts that they will recognize our culture and language and together we will stop the oppression.

Deaf People Can Do Everything, EVEN Hear

noreply@blogger.com (Noah Buchholz) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 21:31:00 +0000

I'm trying not to be too romantic or realistic with this. The argument the Deaf uses against the audists, "Deaf people can do everything, expect hear", seems weak to me. I believe that Deaf people can hear, but simply in a different way than how hearing people hear.

My Thoughts on Sweet Nothing In My Ear

noreply@blogger.com (Noah Buchholz) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:58:00 +0000

Correction: "To Thine Own Self Be True"

Also, I forgot to add that Deaf people should realize that not only hearing parents refuse to accept that their Deaf children cannot hear in the same way they hear, but also Deaf parents with their hard-of-hearing or hearing children. On the bottom of line, all parents, both Deaf and hearing, ought to accept who their children truly are.

Double, Double Toil and Trouble in Milwaukee!

noreply@blogger.com (Noah Buchholz) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 22:52:00 +0000

We need to discuss more about what exactly is the big vision we want to achieve for the future of our deaf children. One particular thing nobody can deny that it is capable of shattering our vision very easily is the infection AG Bell Association and other audist organizations are spreading all over the country.

A Response to Carl Schroeder's "Residential School for the Deaf..."

noreply@blogger.com (Noah Buchholz) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 22:56:00 +0000

My two concerns about residential school for the deaf focus on family relationship and what most deaf schools have to offer.

Carl Schroeder's "Residential School for the Deaf..."

DBC: College Students

noreply@blogger.com (Noah Buchholz) — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 04:49:00 +0000

We need to consider hearing college students as DBC's one of the most important(perhaps THE most) targets.

ASL Poem: The Old Man

noreply@blogger.com (Noah Buchholz) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 04:28:00 +0000

ASL Poem (A to Z and vice versa)

I tell the story. You decide its meaning.
Feel free to share what you think the story is about.

Deafness Separates Us from People... Your Choice

noreply@blogger.com (Noah Buchholz) — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 19:42:00 +0000

Does deafness separates us from people? It is truly your choice, gentlemen and ladies.

Please do not hesitate to discuss your opinion here.

I want to make clear that this message focuses on the Deaf, not blind people. Let them sepak for themselves. I do not intend to make any message about them. If you want to express your opinion about "blindness separates us from things", please feel free to do so!

ASL Storytelling: The Unlucky Man

noreply@blogger.com (Noah Buchholz) — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 02:39:00 +0000

Once there was a man who lived in a beautiful log cabin. He seemed to have everything but...

Finally, I'm back. I have been so busy with finals, graduating from high school, and preparing for my trip to Romania and Moldova. I hope to update my blog more often this time. God bless!

The Lux Forum: My Answers to Anonymous #2

noreply@blogger.com (Noah Buchholz) — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 01:58:00 +0000

Anonymous #2 Questions
1.) What do you think of creationism? Evolution?

2.) Have you ever read a book called "The God Delusion?" This book is intellectually stimulating and eye-opening. Keep your mind open if you haven't read this book.

3.) Can you tell me why the Bible consists of selected accounts and writings? What about the rest? I think this explains why fundamentalists (I know there are moderates and the likes) who believe in it literally interpret all accounts to be accurately true in the sense of the flesh. Without the rest of the accounts, the accounts are open to a wide variety of interpretations and manipulation, some deadly and some not.

4.) Why are all Bible authors male? This reeks of something wrong. I suppose the monopoly was reflective of that era in which the male dominated the landscape.

5.) Is the Bible accurate? The reason why I ask is because the Bible was written several centuries later after Jesus was crucified. Accounts and writings are passed from one generation to another generation and so on. A sentence or a phrase is naturally altered when it is passed on to next person. You heard of Chinese Whispers? This may explain a ton of glaring discrepancies and illogicity in the Bible. Faith can't sweep them under the rug.

6.) All religions have common denominators, similar elements birth of their respective cultures, and beliefs. How do you know which religion is right? Blindsided by faith, or by what feels right or makes sense? Not good enough for me.

7.) Do you know the stories in the Bible are very similar to polytheistic religions such as paganism? Even beliefs, practices, and symbols are similar. This may explain many origins in the Bible. Do you think this might explain the evolution of religion from polytheism to monotheism purely out of people's discontent and hunger for the truth. After all, people want certainty, but life does not offer it. They are scared of the unknown especially the afterlife so they create stories or myths to deal with the mysterious reality.

Debunking "The God Delusion" article
The History of the Bible

Corroborating Evidences
Tacitus (ca. 55-120)
Suetonius (early second century)
Josephus (ca. 37-97)
Thallus (mid first century)
Pliny (early second century)
The Talmud (A.D. 500)
Phlegon

I still strongly recommend people to read The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel.

The Mask of Benevolence: In Response to Jay's Vlog

noreply@blogger.com (Noah Buchholz) — Fri, 04 May 2007 12:57:00 +0000

Jay's vlog reminds me of the mask of benevolence and teaches us how it does not only apply to the relationship between the hearing and deaf, but also the relationships among the deaf and other minority groups.

Jay's Vlog

Changing Country Signs: Follow-Up

noreply@blogger.com (Noah Buchholz) — Tue, 01 May 2007 20:44:00 +0000

My response to Kim's vlog and some comments in regard to changing country signs.

Kim's Vlog
Aidan's Vlog
My response to Aidan

Additional References
The use of indigenous signs by interpreters
ASL Browser

Changing Signs for Countries: Good or Bad?

noreply@blogger.com (Noah Buchholz) — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 00:07:00 +0000

Should we change ASL signs for different countries in order to show our respect, or keep all original signs?

HOW DO I SIGN THIS?!?!: Follow-up

noreply@blogger.com (Noah Buchholz) — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 13:44:00 +0000

Noah suggests two theories in regard to how different regional signs were born.

HOW DO I SIGN THIS?!?!

noreply@blogger.com (Noah Buchholz) — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 11:50:00 +0000

My shortest vlog ever! I make it under unbelieveable two minutes! I'm getting better at it!

A Modest Proposal=A Meaningful Joke

noreply@blogger.com (Noah Buchholz) — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 11:41:00 +0000

In this vlog, Noah discusses how his previous vlog, "A Modest Proposal", is a meaningful joke.

John F. Egbert's Vlog
Joey Baer's Vlog
Aidan Mack's Vlog

A Modest Proposal

noreply@blogger.com (Noah Buchholz) — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 12:50:00 +0000

FOR PREVENTING THE DEAF POPULATION ALL OVER THE WORLD FROM BEING A BURDEN TO THE HEARING POPULATION, AND FOR MAKING THEM BENEFICIAL TO THE PUBLIC

IMPORANT NOTICE: It is a satirical prospal, not serious. Please review A Modest Proposal=A Meaingful Joke video, after viewing this video for your own good.

Jonathan Swift's A Modest Proposal

The Lux Forum: The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

noreply@blogger.com (Noah Buchholz) — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 12:44:00 +0000

Roger Kraft's Easter Vlog

Bibliography:
The Case for Christ
By: Less Strobel

THE EASTER STORY (in one handshape)

noreply@blogger.com (Noah Buchholz) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 13:03:00 +0000

Happy Easter!

Discrimination Against Deaf in Debate and Forensics

noreply@blogger.com (Noah Buchholz) — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 00:27:00 +0000

In this ASL vlog, Noah shares his personal experiences of people discriminating against him in debate and forensics.

Click here to see a debate about whether if a deaf student should be allowed to participate National Forensics League or not.

If you want to learn more about National Forensics League, click here.

The Lux Forum: Neither Male nor Female

noreply@blogger.com (Noah Buchholz) — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 00:18:00 +0000

Several people have been asking me whether if a woman can become a pastor or not. Here's my reponse :-)

If you disagree with me, then I surely hope that you continue to praise those women who work hard to serve our Lord. Without a doubt, He surely appreciates them.

Please take your time to review the footnotes of New International Version Life Application Study Bible for the two verses.

1 Corinthians 14:34, 35
Does this mean that women should not speak in church services today? It is clear from 11:5 that women prayed and prophesied in public worship. It is also clear in chapters 12-14 that women are given spiritual gifts and are encouraged to exercise them in the body of Christ. Women have much to contribute and can participate in worship services.
In the Corinthian culture women were not allowed to confront men in public. Apparently some of the women who had become Christians thought that their Christian freedom gave them the right to question the men in public worship. This was causing division in the church. In addition, women of that day did not receive formal religious education as did the men. Women may have been raising questions in the worship services that could have been answered at home without disrupting the services. Paul was asking the women not to flaunt their Christian freedom during worship. The purpose of Paul’s words was to promote unity, not to teach about women’s role in the church.

2 Timothy 2:9-15
To understand these verses, we must understand the situation in which Paul and Timothy worked. In first-century Jewish culture, women were not allowed to study. When Paul said that women should learn in quietness and full submission, he was offering them an amazing new opportunity. Paul did not want the Ephesian women to teach because they didn’t yet have enough knowledge or experience. The Ephesian church had a particular problem with false teachers. Evidently the women were especially susceptible to the false teachings (2 Timothy 3:1-9), because they did not yet have enough Biblical knowledge to discern the truth. In addition, some of the women were apparently flaunting their new found Christian freedom by wearing inappropriate clothing (2:9). Paul was telling Timothy not to put anyone (in this case, women) into a position of leadership who was not yet mature in the faith (see 5:22). The same principle applies to churches today (see the note on 3:6)

2 Timothy 2:12
Some interpret this passage to mean that women should never teach in the assembled church; however, commentators point out that Paul did not forbid women from ever teaching. Paul’s commended co-worker Priscilla, taught Apollos, the great preacher (Acts 18:24-26). In addition, Paul frequently mentioned other women who held positions of responsibility in the church. Phoebe worked in the church (Romans 16:1). Mary, Tryphena, and Tryphosa were the Lord’s workers (Romans 16:6, 12), as were Euodia and Syntyche (Philippians 4:2). Paul was very likely prohibiting the Ephesian women, not all women, from teaching (see the note on 2:9-15)

2 Timothy 2:12
In Paul’s reference to women being silent, the word silent expresses an attitude of quietness and composure. (A different Greek word is usually used to convey “complete silence.”) In addition, Paul himself acknowledges that women publicly prayed and prophesied (1 Corinthians 11:5). Apparently, however, the women in the Ephesian church were abusing their newly acquired Christian freedom. Because these women were new converts, they did not yet have the necessary experience, knowledge, or Christian maturity to teach those who already had extensive Scriptural education.

Links:
In Affirmation
In Negation
First Baptist Deaf Church Online Sermons

Another Irony in Deaf Education

noreply@blogger.com (Noah Buchholz) — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 14:41:00 +0000

Noah discusses another irony in Deaf Education in this ASL vlog.

The Lux Forum: Truth is One, but Falsehood Is Manifold

noreply@blogger.com (Noah Buchholz) — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 14:29:00 +0000

In this Lux vlog, I agrues that one cannot accept different truths. I strongly recommend you to find 18 minutes of your time to sit back with a cup of tea or coffee and view this video. I am sorry that I could not make this video shorter, because there are a lot things that need to be said. But, please do find some of your time to view this video.

Here's the link:
Rev. Jill Lestina's Vlog

Bibliography:
The Case for Faith
By: Lee Strobel

Letters From A Skeptic
By: Dr. Gregory A. Boyd and Edward K. Boyd

DeafRead Epic Movie

noreply@blogger.com (Noah Buchholz) — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 15:37:00 +0000

A comedic staire of DeafRead vlogs that are large in scope, reputation, and popularity.