TIMES ONLINE: Pope Benedict XVI will sign his new encyclical on the global economy, poverty and the worldwide financial crisis on Monday but the text is unlikely to be published for another week, on the eve of the G8 summit at L'Aquila, according to Italian reports.
...The Pope recently said the document, Caritas in veritate (Charity in Truth), would outline the ethical values that the faithful must "tirelessly defend" to ensure "true freedom and solidarity". He said the global downturn demonstrated the need to "rethink economic and financial paradigms that have been dominant in recent years."
The encyclical - Benedict's third as pontiff - analyses the destructive effect on society of the pursuit of commercial or private interests without "social responsibility" or "conscience and honesty". It proposes an international agreement on globalisation based on "the principles of subsidiarity and solidarity" and "the values of charity and truth".
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Ethiopian church speaks out on Ark of the Covenant
From World Net Daily: Statement says Ten Commandments box won't be displayed
There was considerable confusion last week when the leader of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church apparently told an Italian news agency of an upcoming announcement about the possible public display of the Ark of the Covenant – the box holding the Ten Commandments – and then the prescribed time passed with no word.
However, there was no equivocation today in an e-mail received by WND from the webmaster of a church website in response to an inquiry about the truth of the matter.
"It is not going to happen so the world has to live with curiosity," said the statement, signed only "Webmaster" in response to the WND inquiry.
There was considerable confusion last week when the leader of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church apparently told an Italian news agency of an upcoming announcement about the possible public display of the Ark of the Covenant – the box holding the Ten Commandments – and then the prescribed time passed with no word.
However, there was no equivocation today in an e-mail received by WND from the webmaster of a church website in response to an inquiry about the truth of the matter.
"It is not going to happen so the world has to live with curiosity," said the statement, signed only "Webmaster" in response to the WND inquiry.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
US ON ALERT FOR N.KOREAN MISSILE ATTACK
"Washington and its allies watched for signs the regime will launch a series of missiles in the coming days."
"...Off China's coast, a U.S. destroyer was tailing a North Korean ship suspected of transporting illicit weapons to Myanmar in what could be the first test of U.N. sanctions passed to punish the nation for an underground nuclear test last month.
The new U.N. Security Council resolution requires member states to seek permission to inspect suspicious cargo. North Korea has said it would consider interception a declaration of war and on Wednesday accused the U.S. of seeking to provoke another Korean War.
"If the U.S. imperialists start another war, the army and people of Korea will ... wipe out the aggressors on the globe once and for all," the official Korean Central News Agency said.
The warning came on the eve of the 59th anniversary of the start of the three-year Korean War, which ended in a truce in 1953, not a peace treaty, leaving the peninsula in state of war."
See also N. Korea Warns of Nuclear 'Fire Shower' Attack
'Ark of the Covenant' about to be unveiled?
World Net Daily:Ethiopian patriarch tells pope he will show artifact to world
The patriarch of the Orthodox Church of Ethiopia says he will announce to the world Friday the unveiling of the Ark of the Covenant, perhaps the world's most prized archaeological and spiritual artifact, which he says has been hidden away in a church in his country for millennia, according to the Italian news agency Adnkronos.
Abuna Pauolos, in Italy for a meeting with Pope Benedict XVI this week, told the news agency, "Soon the world will be able to admire the Ark of the Covenant described in the Bible as the container of the tablets of the law that God delivered to Moses and the center of searches and studies for centuries."
The announcement is expected to be made at 2 p.m. Italian time from the Hotel Aldrovandi in Rome. Pauolos will reportedly be accompanied by Prince Aklile Berhan Makonnen Haile Sellassie and Duke Amedeo D'Acosta.
See related article, Patriarch of Orthodox Church: Lost Ark To Be Revealed June 26, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Rick Warren Says Christians Hate Non-Christians
In yet another straw man attack on Non-Purpose Driven , Non-Interfaith Christians, Rick Warren has this to say to the New U.S. Anglican Church:
"We are to love the people of the world no matter what they believe; we are to not love the value system of the world. And the problem today is lot of Christians are getting that reversed. They love the value system and hate the people," Warren told the crowd of 800 under a large tent on the lawn of St. Vincent's Episcopal Cathedral Church in the Dallas-Fort Worth suburb of Bedford. "God has never met a person he didn't love."
"We are to love the people of the world no matter what they believe; we are to not love the value system of the world. And the problem today is lot of Christians are getting that reversed. They love the value system and hate the people," Warren told the crowd of 800 under a large tent on the lawn of St. Vincent's Episcopal Cathedral Church in the Dallas-Fort Worth suburb of Bedford. "God has never met a person he didn't love."
Editor's note: Warren's theology is more akin to The Beatle's theology..."All you need is love.."
Is there any doubt where The Purpose Driven Network will be seated at the table of The New World Order?
Ecumenical Speaker Rick Warren Addresses New Anglican Body
Bedford, Texas, Jun 24, 2009 (CNA).- Former Episcopalian leaders from across North America gathered in Bedford, Texas on Monday to launch the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), described as an “alternative” to the U.S. Episcopal Church within the Anglican Communion.
The new denomination claims 100,000 members from several varieties of Anglican spirituality described as evangelical, charismatic or catholic. A union of eight groups, it is seeking recognition as part of the Anglican Communion...
...Ecumenical speakers such as Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in California and Metropolitan Jonah of the Orthodox Church in America will offer keynote addresses later in the week.
The new denomination claims 100,000 members from several varieties of Anglican spirituality described as evangelical, charismatic or catholic. A union of eight groups, it is seeking recognition as part of the Anglican Communion...
...Ecumenical speakers such as Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in California and Metropolitan Jonah of the Orthodox Church in America will offer keynote addresses later in the week.
Editor's note: America's pastor, Rick Warren is addressing the Islamic society of North America on July Fourth.
Is there any doubt that the Purpose Driven theology is, at it's core, a modern day religious INTERFAITH system?
World religious leaders hold their own G8 summit
From Reuters:
They came, they prayed, they appealed.
Religious leaders from around the world held their own not-so-mini “G8 summit” in Italy on June 16-17. The “Fourth Summit of Religious Leaders on the occasion of the G8,” as the meeting was officially called, started with a visit to L’Aquila, the central Italian city severely damaged by an earthquake on April 6. That will be the venue in July of the actual summit of the G8 club of industrial nations.
Nearly 130 religious leaders and diplomats then moved to Rome where they held two days of talks under the auspices of the Italian foreign ministry. This was the religious leaders’ fourth annual meeting, following those held in conjunction with earlier G8 summits in Moscow, Cologne and Sapporo.
They were hosted by Bishop Vincenzo Paglia, the bishop of Terni who is one of the founders of the Sant’ Egidio community and a member of the Italian bishops conference commission for ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue.
Apart from the Catholic hosts, the participants including high-level Muslims, Protestants, Orthodox, Hindus, Anglicans, Zoroastrians, Jews, Shintoists and Buddhists.
They came, they prayed, they appealed.
Religious leaders from around the world held their own not-so-mini “G8 summit” in Italy on June 16-17. The “Fourth Summit of Religious Leaders on the occasion of the G8,” as the meeting was officially called, started with a visit to L’Aquila, the central Italian city severely damaged by an earthquake on April 6. That will be the venue in July of the actual summit of the G8 club of industrial nations.
Nearly 130 religious leaders and diplomats then moved to Rome where they held two days of talks under the auspices of the Italian foreign ministry. This was the religious leaders’ fourth annual meeting, following those held in conjunction with earlier G8 summits in Moscow, Cologne and Sapporo.
They were hosted by Bishop Vincenzo Paglia, the bishop of Terni who is one of the founders of the Sant’ Egidio community and a member of the Italian bishops conference commission for ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue.
Apart from the Catholic hosts, the participants including high-level Muslims, Protestants, Orthodox, Hindus, Anglicans, Zoroastrians, Jews, Shintoists and Buddhists.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Patriach of Orthodox Church: Lost Ark To Be Revealed June 26, 2009
THE WORLD WILL KNOW OF THE ARK - Patriach of Ethopia
Soon the world will admire the Ark of the described in the Bible as the container of the Tables of the Law which God gave to Moses and the center, over the centuries, of research and studies.
Orthodox Patriarch, Abuna Pauolos wants to reveal secret and the millennium in an exclusive interview all'ADNKRONOS explains:''I am ripe time to tell the truth.
Soon the world will admire the Ark of the described in the Bible as the container of the Tables of the Law which God gave to Moses and the center, over the centuries, of research and studies.
He said in an interview exclusive video all'ADNKRONOS, Ign visible on the site, tested on-line site Adnkronos (www.adnkronos.com), the Patriarch of the Orthodox Church of Ethiopia Abuna Pauolos, in these days in Italy for 'G8 of Religions', and that tomorrow will meet Pope Benedict XVI for the first time and to which, "if you ask - continued the Patriarch - tell the whole of part of the current situation."
"The Ark of - reaffirms Pauolos - is in Ethiopia for many centuries. Patriarca As I saw with my own eyes and only a few very qualified people have been able to do the same, so far." According to the patriarch is kept in a church, but to defend the authentic copy of a religious symbol and 'been placed in every church in the country.
The official announcement that the Etopia give the world the keys to the secret part of the millennium, will be given next Friday during a press conference at the Hotel Aldrovandi 14 Rome from the Orthodox Patriarch of Ethiopia, along with Prince Aklile Berhan Makonnen Haile Selassie, and the Duke Amedeo D'Aosta, which will be in Rome tomorrow morning.
Soon the world will admire the Ark of the described in the Bible as the container of the Tables of the Law which God gave to Moses and the center, over the centuries, of research and studies.
Orthodox Patriarch, Abuna Pauolos wants to reveal secret and the millennium in an exclusive interview all'ADNKRONOS explains:''I am ripe time to tell the truth.
Soon the world will admire the Ark of the described in the Bible as the container of the Tables of the Law which God gave to Moses and the center, over the centuries, of research and studies.
He said in an interview exclusive video all'ADNKRONOS, Ign visible on the site, tested on-line site Adnkronos (www.adnkronos.com), the Patriarch of the Orthodox Church of Ethiopia Abuna Pauolos, in these days in Italy for 'G8 of Religions', and that tomorrow will meet Pope Benedict XVI for the first time and to which, "if you ask - continued the Patriarch - tell the whole of part of the current situation."
"The Ark of - reaffirms Pauolos - is in Ethiopia for many centuries. Patriarca As I saw with my own eyes and only a few very qualified people have been able to do the same, so far." According to the patriarch is kept in a church, but to defend the authentic copy of a religious symbol and 'been placed in every church in the country.
The official announcement that the Etopia give the world the keys to the secret part of the millennium, will be given next Friday during a press conference at the Hotel Aldrovandi 14 Rome from the Orthodox Patriarch of Ethiopia, along with Prince Aklile Berhan Makonnen Haile Selassie, and the Duke Amedeo D'Aosta, which will be in Rome tomorrow morning.
German authorities warn of swine flu mutation risk
* Expert sees autumn risk in northern hemisphere
* Merkel says Germany is prepared, coordinating with others
BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's federal agency for infectious diseases said on Tuesday there were signs the H1N1 swine flu virus had started to mutate and warned it could spread in the coming months in a more aggressive form.
Experts were concerned about how the flu was developing in Australia and South America, said Joerg Hacker, head of the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases.
"It's possible the virus has mutated. In autumn the mutated form could spread to the northern hemisphere and back to Germany," Hacker told a news conference in Berlin.
* Merkel says Germany is prepared, coordinating with others
BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's federal agency for infectious diseases said on Tuesday there were signs the H1N1 swine flu virus had started to mutate and warned it could spread in the coming months in a more aggressive form.
Experts were concerned about how the flu was developing in Australia and South America, said Joerg Hacker, head of the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases.
"It's possible the virus has mutated. In autumn the mutated form could spread to the northern hemisphere and back to Germany," Hacker told a news conference in Berlin.
Pope To Meet Obama July 10
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI will welcome U.S. President Barack Obama to the Vatican July 10 for an audience scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.
Obama will visit Italy July 8-10 to participate in the Group of Eight summit, a meeting of leaders of the world's wealthiest nations. The meeting will be held in L'Aquila, site of a devastating earthquake in April.
After the G-8 summit, the president and his wife, Michelle, are scheduled to fly to Ghana, arriving late July 10.
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI will welcome U.S. President Barack Obama to the Vatican July 10 for an audience scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.
Obama will visit Italy July 8-10 to participate in the Group of Eight summit, a meeting of leaders of the world's wealthiest nations. The meeting will be held in L'Aquila, site of a devastating earthquake in April.
After the G-8 summit, the president and his wife, Michelle, are scheduled to fly to Ghana, arriving late July 10.
Jerusalem Launches Debate on Sharing Temple Mount
By Chris Perver at Bible Prophecy Today
Religious leaders in Jerusalem launched a new project on Thursday, aimed at fostering peace between Judaism, Islam and Christianity through the sharing of Judaism's most holy site. The project is headed by the Interfaith Encounter Association, which aspires to promote a vision of peaceful coexistence between the 'three Abrahamic religions'.
In light of the Middle East conflict, which centres upon the city of Jerusalem and in particular the Temple Mount area, the project envisions a day in which the contested site can be shared by the religions of the world.
Religious leaders in Jerusalem launched a new project on Thursday, aimed at fostering peace between Judaism, Islam and Christianity through the sharing of Judaism's most holy site. The project is headed by the Interfaith Encounter Association, which aspires to promote a vision of peaceful coexistence between the 'three Abrahamic religions'.
In light of the Middle East conflict, which centres upon the city of Jerusalem and in particular the Temple Mount area, the project envisions a day in which the contested site can be shared by the religions of the world.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
California Quake Swarm!
See more than 45 quake events in this region over the last 7 days in the central coastal region of California.
Mary of Fatima: The Antidote to the Global Crisis?
On the May 13, 2009 anniversary of the Marian apparition in Fatima, Portugal, the Vatican's Cardinal Óscar Rodríguez Maradiaga spoke today about the ongoing importance of the Fatima message...
Our Lady of Fatima's Antidote to the Crisis
Caritas President Reflects on Attitudes the Virgin Teaches
FATIMA, Portugal, MAY 13, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The Virgin Mary keeps alive attitudes that combat the economic crisis and the lack of values in the world, says the cardinal who directs Caritas Internationalis...
... At a Mass he celebrated with some 20 bishops and 360 priests, as well as thousands of faithful, the cardinal said, "Our world finds itself immersed in deep crises of faith, ethics and humanity, and it seems to have lost its moral orientation. The financial crisis that we are living is just one sign of that."
"With the example and the help of the Virgin, Christian communities continue the mission of bringing [people] to an encounter with Christ, and because of this, we invoke her again as the Star of the new evangelization," Cardinal Rodríguez Maradiaga said.
"...We are aware that only with dialogue is it possible to avoid reducing globalization to its economic aspect," the Honduran prelate continued. "A globalization that excludes is an evil for society."
Editor's note: The Cardinal's comment "A globalization that excludes is an evil for society" implies that a Gospel that presents exclusivity must also be an evil for society.
John 14:5-7
6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
See why the Mary of Rome, Queen of All is the The Anti-Coming of Christ.
Our Lady of Fatima's Antidote to the Crisis
Caritas President Reflects on Attitudes the Virgin Teaches
FATIMA, Portugal, MAY 13, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The Virgin Mary keeps alive attitudes that combat the economic crisis and the lack of values in the world, says the cardinal who directs Caritas Internationalis...
... At a Mass he celebrated with some 20 bishops and 360 priests, as well as thousands of faithful, the cardinal said, "Our world finds itself immersed in deep crises of faith, ethics and humanity, and it seems to have lost its moral orientation. The financial crisis that we are living is just one sign of that."
"With the example and the help of the Virgin, Christian communities continue the mission of bringing [people] to an encounter with Christ, and because of this, we invoke her again as the Star of the new evangelization," Cardinal Rodríguez Maradiaga said.
"...We are aware that only with dialogue is it possible to avoid reducing globalization to its economic aspect," the Honduran prelate continued. "A globalization that excludes is an evil for society."
Editor's note: The Cardinal's comment "A globalization that excludes is an evil for society" implies that a Gospel that presents exclusivity must also be an evil for society.
John 14:5-7
6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
See why the Mary of Rome, Queen of All is the The Anti-Coming of Christ.
Mediterrean Sea Rocked By Quakes
From USGS:
2009/06/20
MAG 4.8
DODECANESE ISLANDS, GREECE
2009/06/19
MAG 5.9
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA
2009/06/18
MAG 4.7
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA
Editor's note: Follow the map's 35 degree parallel west to North America. It passes through the New Madrid Fault Zone which also had quake activity this week.
Rick Warren Promoting Purpose-Driven Islam?
From Slice of Laodicea:
Rick Warren is a keynoter at the Islamic Society of North America’s Fourth of July weekend annual convention. He’ll be talking about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness…
HT: Christian Research Network
Editor's note: See how much Evangelical's Pope Rick Warren has in common with Rome's Pope Benedict XVI.
Does your pastor or congregation have anything in common with Rick Warren? If so, cut it off!
Rick Warren is a keynoter at the Islamic Society of North America’s Fourth of July weekend annual convention. He’ll be talking about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness…
HT: Christian Research Network
Editor's note: See how much Evangelical's Pope Rick Warren has in common with Rome's Pope Benedict XVI.
Does your pastor or congregation have anything in common with Rick Warren? If so, cut it off!
CHRISTIANITY TODAY PROMOTING CLASSIC CONTEMPLATIVE BOOK
DOWN WITH SOLA SCRIPTURA!
From Apprising Ministries:
With a link right off their main website this morning to its Christian History site Christianity Today, “a magazine of evangelical conviction,” continues leading the way back into the dark ages as they present their to a classic of corrupt Contemplative Spirituality/Mysticism The Cloud of Unknowing, which begins:
Sometime during the last half of the 14th century, somewhere in England’s East Midland area, some anonymous Carthusian monk (or priest) created one of the most enduring how-to books on prayer—The Cloud of Unknowing. His intentional anonymity illustrates his main message: Christ must become more visible as his followers grow kinder and humbler. Anonymous wants readers “sincere in their intentions to follow Christ” in love. A series of letters written by this master teacher to his student, the Cloud represents the ancient tradition of Christian contemplative wisdom. This tradition began with the third-century Desert Mothers and Fathers who practiced a life of prayer in Egypt’s Scete desert, followed by the earliest Benedictines who dedicated themselves daily to regular times of lectio divina—the “sacred reading” of Scripture done in a deliberately prayerful manner.
Lighthouse Trails Research, who has done much helpful work in the field of refuting contemplative spirituality, has more about this book of mysticism in A Popular Contemplative Book. Following is what Martin Luther, who had forgotten more about these so-called “spiritual disciplines” than, for example, egregiously ecumenical Living Spiritual Teacher and Quaker mystic Richard Foster, had to say on the subject so foolishly romanticized above:
Idolatry is all manner of seeming holiness and worshipping, let these counterfeit spiritualities shine outwardly as glorious and fair as they may; in a word, all manner of devotion in those that we would serve God without Christ the Mediator, his Word and command. In popedom it was held a work of the greatest sanctity for the monks to sit in their cells and meditate of God, [solitude] and of his wonderful works; to be kindled with zeal, kneeling on their knees, praying, and having their imaginary contemplations of celestial objects, with such supposed devotion, that they wept for joy. In these their conceits, they banished all desires and thoughts of women, and what else is temporal and evanescent. They seemed to meditate only of God, and of his wonderful works...
Read the entire article here at Apprising Ministries.
See these follow-on pieces from Apprising Ministries:
MARTIN LUTHER ON CONTEMPLATIVE SPIRITUALITY AND EMERGENCE CHRISTIANITY
SO…BE AFRAID; BE VERY AFRAID…
Learn more on how you can support the work of Apprising Ministries here.
Editor's note: Martin Luther called contemplative prayer idolatry. How is it that organizations such as the The Baptist General Association of Virginia (SBC) partner organization, Woman's Missionary Union of Virginia promote this idolatry?
See how elements within The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) are promoting mysticism.
Why are pastors allowing their congregations to be led to the slaughter? Why are congregations abandoning The Scriptures? Have we completely lost sight of our true purpose?
Lamentations 4
12 The kings of the earth did not believe, nor any of the inhabitants of the world,that foe or enemy could enter the gates of Jerusalem.
13 This was for the sins of her prophets and the iniquities of her priests,who shed in the midst of her the blood of the righteous.
See related articles:
From Apprising Ministries:
With a link right off their main website this morning to its Christian History site Christianity Today, “a magazine of evangelical conviction,” continues leading the way back into the dark ages as they present their to a classic of corrupt Contemplative Spirituality/Mysticism The Cloud of Unknowing, which begins:
Sometime during the last half of the 14th century, somewhere in England’s East Midland area, some anonymous Carthusian monk (or priest) created one of the most enduring how-to books on prayer—The Cloud of Unknowing. His intentional anonymity illustrates his main message: Christ must become more visible as his followers grow kinder and humbler. Anonymous wants readers “sincere in their intentions to follow Christ” in love. A series of letters written by this master teacher to his student, the Cloud represents the ancient tradition of Christian contemplative wisdom. This tradition began with the third-century Desert Mothers and Fathers who practiced a life of prayer in Egypt’s Scete desert, followed by the earliest Benedictines who dedicated themselves daily to regular times of lectio divina—the “sacred reading” of Scripture done in a deliberately prayerful manner.
Lighthouse Trails Research, who has done much helpful work in the field of refuting contemplative spirituality, has more about this book of mysticism in A Popular Contemplative Book. Following is what Martin Luther, who had forgotten more about these so-called “spiritual disciplines” than, for example, egregiously ecumenical Living Spiritual Teacher and Quaker mystic Richard Foster, had to say on the subject so foolishly romanticized above:
Idolatry is all manner of seeming holiness and worshipping, let these counterfeit spiritualities shine outwardly as glorious and fair as they may; in a word, all manner of devotion in those that we would serve God without Christ the Mediator, his Word and command. In popedom it was held a work of the greatest sanctity for the monks to sit in their cells and meditate of God, [solitude] and of his wonderful works; to be kindled with zeal, kneeling on their knees, praying, and having their imaginary contemplations of celestial objects, with such supposed devotion, that they wept for joy. In these their conceits, they banished all desires and thoughts of women, and what else is temporal and evanescent. They seemed to meditate only of God, and of his wonderful works...
Read the entire article here at Apprising Ministries.
See these follow-on pieces from Apprising Ministries:
MARTIN LUTHER ON CONTEMPLATIVE SPIRITUALITY AND EMERGENCE CHRISTIANITY
SO…BE AFRAID; BE VERY AFRAID…
Learn more on how you can support the work of Apprising Ministries here.
Editor's note: Martin Luther called contemplative prayer idolatry. How is it that organizations such as the The Baptist General Association of Virginia (SBC) partner organization, Woman's Missionary Union of Virginia promote this idolatry?
See how elements within The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) are promoting mysticism.
Why are pastors allowing their congregations to be led to the slaughter? Why are congregations abandoning The Scriptures? Have we completely lost sight of our true purpose?
Lamentations 4
11 The LORD gave full vent to his wrath; he poured out his hot anger,and he kindled a fire in Zion that consumed its foundations.
12 The kings of the earth did not believe, nor any of the inhabitants of the world,that foe or enemy could enter the gates of Jerusalem.
13 This was for the sins of her prophets and the iniquities of her priests,who shed in the midst of her the blood of the righteous.
See related articles:
Thursday, June 18, 2009
US 'prepared' for N Korea missile
From The BBC:
The US is "in a good position" to protect its territory from a potential North Korean missile strike, US Defence Secretary Robert Gates has said.
His comments came in response to a report that North Korea was considering launching a missile towards Hawaii.
"We do have some concerns if they were to launch a missile to the west in the direction of Hawaii," Mr Gates said.
The US has approved the deployment of missiles and radar to "provide support" in the event of an attack, he added.
The US is "in a good position" to protect its territory from a potential North Korean missile strike, US Defence Secretary Robert Gates has said.
His comments came in response to a report that North Korea was considering launching a missile towards Hawaii.
"We do have some concerns if they were to launch a missile to the west in the direction of Hawaii," Mr Gates said.
The US has approved the deployment of missiles and radar to "provide support" in the event of an attack, he added.
New Madrid Fault Zone Rumblings
2009/06/16
MAG 2.1 ( 3 mi) SE of Caraway, AR
2009/06/13
MAG 1.8 ( 3 mi) SSW of Tiptonville, TN
2009/06/13
MAG 2.3 ( 6 mi) S of Equality, IL
Click here for USGS details.
Note this week's quake activity in Oklahoma and the Northeast.
The USGS estimates that a 25%-40% chance of a magnitude 6.0 + quake occurring within 50 years within the New Madrid fault zone. The illustration below compares the impact zone of a quake in California vs. a similar quake in the New Madrid zone. The geological structure in the New Madrid zone magnifies the level of destruction of the quake event.
Color code:
Red= damage reported in 1895 magnitude 6.8 quake
Tan= shaking reported in 1895 magnitude 6.8 quake
Ahmadinejad stresses need for a new world order
From Press TV:
Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad calls for the creation of a new world order in dealing with the many challenges arising in the international political arena.
"What we need now is a dramatic change in world political thought," said President Ahmadinejad in a Tuesday address to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Moscow.
"Western-style capitalism is falling apart, marking the end of the age of Imperialism," he added.
Ahmadinejad said the new world order should be less US-centric. "Washington's many political and economic woes show that its judgment can no longer be trusted," he explained.
Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad calls for the creation of a new world order in dealing with the many challenges arising in the international political arena.
"What we need now is a dramatic change in world political thought," said President Ahmadinejad in a Tuesday address to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Moscow.
"Western-style capitalism is falling apart, marking the end of the age of Imperialism," he added.
Ahmadinejad said the new world order should be less US-centric. "Washington's many political and economic woes show that its judgment can no longer be trusted," he explained.
Time for 'new world order': Brazilian President
ASTANA (AFP) — The global financial crisis has reduced the differences between nations and created the opportunity to form a new world order, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Wednesday.
Speaking after a meeting with Kazakhstan's President Nursultan Nazarbayev in the Kazakh capital Astana, Lula called on the global community to seize on the crisis to create a fairer world for developing nations.
"I want to say that before the crisis, there were many countries which had greater significance than others, and some countries which had no significance at all," he said through a translator.
"After the crisis, everyone has become similar. We have the possibility to create a new world order and together we should improve our relations."
Speaking after a meeting with Kazakhstan's President Nursultan Nazarbayev in the Kazakh capital Astana, Lula called on the global community to seize on the crisis to create a fairer world for developing nations.
"I want to say that before the crisis, there were many countries which had greater significance than others, and some countries which had no significance at all," he said through a translator.
"After the crisis, everyone has become similar. We have the possibility to create a new world order and together we should improve our relations."
See related 2008 article: BRiC: Harbinger of Geopolitical Doom
See related video: Season of Signs: Passover Through Pentecost 2008
See more on the rise of The Fourth Kingdom
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Weeping Icon of St. George in Israel
Faithful flock to see weeping icon of St. George
By Joseph Marks, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Tuesday, 09 June 2009
RAMLA, Israel — Christians have been flocking to this dusty Israeli town to see what locals are calling a miracle: streaks of what looks like oil mysteriously dripping down an icon of St. George at a Greek Orthodox church named for the legendary third century dragon slayer.
Worshippers said Tuesday that the more than two dozen streaks might represent God’s tears or the Christian rite of baptism. The church priest, Father Nifon, first saw the streaks while preparing for Sunday morning services, they said.
Associated Press Photo“He kissed all the icons, and when he reached that one, he took down the picture and he cleaned it,” said Aida Abu el-Edam, an English teacher and longtime church member. “After 20 or 25 minutes, he looked again and he saw the oil again and said, ’This is a miracle.”’
By Joseph Marks, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Tuesday, 09 June 2009
RAMLA, Israel — Christians have been flocking to this dusty Israeli town to see what locals are calling a miracle: streaks of what looks like oil mysteriously dripping down an icon of St. George at a Greek Orthodox church named for the legendary third century dragon slayer.
Worshippers said Tuesday that the more than two dozen streaks might represent God’s tears or the Christian rite of baptism. The church priest, Father Nifon, first saw the streaks while preparing for Sunday morning services, they said.
Associated Press Photo“He kissed all the icons, and when he reached that one, he took down the picture and he cleaned it,” said Aida Abu el-Edam, an English teacher and longtime church member. “After 20 or 25 minutes, he looked again and he saw the oil again and said, ’This is a miracle.”’
Monday, June 15, 2009
Western US Quake Patterns Running North To South
Quakes over last seven days form a north - south line from Montana through Wyoming, Idaho, Utah and Nevada.
The region is known for quake activity, however the concentration of activity during this time period is noteworthy.
See earthquake preparedness resources at this FEMA website and the USGS website. See the all-hazards emergency preparedness resources at Dare To Prepare.
NKorea Warns of Nuclear War
NKorea warns of nuclear war amid rising tensions By VIJAY JOSHI
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea's president ordered his top security officials Sunday to deal "resolutely and squarely" with new North Korean warnings of a nuclear war on the eve of his U.S. visit. In Washington, Vice President Joe Biden said "God only knows" what North Korea wants from the latest showdown.
President Lee Myung-bak travels to Washington on Monday for talks with President Barack Obama that are expected to focus on the North's rogue nuclear and missile programs.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea's president ordered his top security officials Sunday to deal "resolutely and squarely" with new North Korean warnings of a nuclear war on the eve of his U.S. visit. In Washington, Vice President Joe Biden said "God only knows" what North Korea wants from the latest showdown.
President Lee Myung-bak travels to Washington on Monday for talks with President Barack Obama that are expected to focus on the North's rogue nuclear and missile programs.
War is the likely outcome of the Iranian “elections”
NETANYAHU VS. AHMADINEJAD: War is the likely outcome of the Iranian “elections” by Joel Rosenberg
The Supreme Leader of Iran has spoken. It’s Mahmoud Ahmadinejad by a “landslide.” Now all eyes in the region shift to Israel, where Prime Minister Netanyahu will deliver a major policy address on Sunday. The battle lines are clear. It’s Netanyahu vs. Ahmadinejad — Bibi vs. Mahmoud — and the big question is: Who will strike first?
The Supreme Leader of Iran has spoken. It’s Mahmoud Ahmadinejad by a “landslide.” Now all eyes in the region shift to Israel, where Prime Minister Netanyahu will deliver a major policy address on Sunday. The battle lines are clear. It’s Netanyahu vs. Ahmadinejad — Bibi vs. Mahmoud — and the big question is: Who will strike first?
Netanyahu accepts limited Palestinian state
My Way News June 14 2009
JERUSALEM (AP) - Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on Sunday called for creation of a limited Palestinian state for the first time, saying it would have to be disarmed.
Netanyahu made the call during a major policy speech about his Mideast peacemaking intentions.
"In any peace agreement, the territory under Palestinian control must be disarmed, with solid security guarantees for Israel," he said.
JERUSALEM (AP) - Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on Sunday called for creation of a limited Palestinian state for the first time, saying it would have to be disarmed.
Netanyahu made the call during a major policy speech about his Mideast peacemaking intentions.
"In any peace agreement, the territory under Palestinian control must be disarmed, with solid security guarantees for Israel," he said.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Virginia Baptist Mission Board (BGAV) Accepts Homosexuality In The Name of Diversity - Part II
Standing Against The Fall
Part II
DOWN WITH SOLA SCRIPTURA!
In Standing Against The Fall, Part I, two members of a (SBC) church, Joe and Don (names changed), made an appointment with the Virginia Baptist Mission Board, (BGAV-SBC) to discuss their grave concerns regarding the BGAV's invitation to Tony Campolo to address the 2008 Annual Meeting.During the converstation with the VBMB representative, Joe and Don shared the video below to highlight their concerns about Tony Campolo's theological and political views.
To drive our concern-point home, I played a video of Mr. Campolo stating on a news show that although he thought abortion was wrong, he would not , if he could, have it overturned, and that it was not an immediate concern as it was for others. He (Campolo) also exclaimed that homosexuals had rights and that HE would support them.
The VBMB representative assured us that he was aware Tony Campolo's controversial views. The VBMB rep could only say that he (Campolo) and others such as Rick Warren, Bill Hybels and others within our denomination, were welcome because we needed diversity (emphasis mine).
See also
Virginia Baptist Mission Board (BGAV) Accepts Homosexuality In The Name of Diversity
Thursday, June 11, 2009
WHO 'declares swine flu pandemic'
BBC: The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global flu pandemic after holding an emergency meeting, according to reports.
It means the swine flu virus is spreading in at least two regions of the world with rising cases being seen in the UK, Australia, Japan and Chile.
The move does not necessarily mean the virus is causing more severe illness or more deaths.
The swine flu (H1N1) virus first emerged in Mexico in April.
It has since spread to 74 countries.
It means the swine flu virus is spreading in at least two regions of the world with rising cases being seen in the UK, Australia, Japan and Chile.
The move does not necessarily mean the virus is causing more severe illness or more deaths.
The swine flu (H1N1) virus first emerged in Mexico in April.
It has since spread to 74 countries.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Vatican: Science Will Purify Our Faith
Vatican visits 'Big Bang' machine
GENEVA (AP) — A senior Vatican delegation visited the world's biggest nuclear physics laboratory, proclaiming that true faith has no problems with science.
The Roman Catholic Church was represented by Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo, Vatican City's governor, as it toured the CERN facility and its 17-mile proton accelerator this week. It welcomed any breakthroughs physicists could provide on understanding the basis of the universe, and said they would also advance religion.
"The Church never fears the truth of science, because we are convinced that all truth comes from God," Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo, Vatican City's governor, said Thursday in Geneva. "Science will help our faith to purify itself. And faith at the same time will be able to broaden the horizons of man, who cannot just enclose himself in the horizons of science."
GENEVA (AP) — A senior Vatican delegation visited the world's biggest nuclear physics laboratory, proclaiming that true faith has no problems with science.
The Roman Catholic Church was represented by Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo, Vatican City's governor, as it toured the CERN facility and its 17-mile proton accelerator this week. It welcomed any breakthroughs physicists could provide on understanding the basis of the universe, and said they would also advance religion.
"The Church never fears the truth of science, because we are convinced that all truth comes from God," Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo, Vatican City's governor, said Thursday in Geneva. "Science will help our faith to purify itself. And faith at the same time will be able to broaden the horizons of man, who cannot just enclose himself in the horizons of science."
Learn more about CERN's efforts to recreate the Big Bang.
Second eruption rattles Colombia's Galeras volcano
BOGOTA, June 8 (Reuters) - Colombia's Galeras volcano erupted on Monday for the second time in 24 hours, showering villages in the surrounding area with ash, but causing no damage or injuries, authorities said.
"An eruption of explosive nature has been registered," the national geological institute Ingeominas said in a statement.
No damage was reported from an eruption on Sunday, but authorities ordered 8,000 residents to evacuate the area. Residents often stay in their homes even though Ingeominas puts the zone on alert, warning of more eruptions.
"An eruption of explosive nature has been registered," the national geological institute Ingeominas said in a statement.
No damage was reported from an eruption on Sunday, but authorities ordered 8,000 residents to evacuate the area. Residents often stay in their homes even though Ingeominas puts the zone on alert, warning of more eruptions.
Texas Town Shaken by Five Quakes
Cleburne hires geologist after rash of earthquakes
CLEBURNE, Texas — A fourth earthquake prompted city officials to hire a geologist and then another earthquake happened about an hour before the emergency meeting.
The fifth earthquake took place Tuesday at 6:19 p.m. and the U.S. Geological Survey measured it at a 2.1-magnitude. Cleburne officials called for an 8 p.m. emergency meeting Tuesday after the fourth earthquake, measuring a 2.6, happened that same day at 5:10 p.m.
No damage or injuries have been reported from the tremors.
CLEBURNE, Texas — A fourth earthquake prompted city officials to hire a geologist and then another earthquake happened about an hour before the emergency meeting.
The fifth earthquake took place Tuesday at 6:19 p.m. and the U.S. Geological Survey measured it at a 2.1-magnitude. Cleburne officials called for an 8 p.m. emergency meeting Tuesday after the fourth earthquake, measuring a 2.6, happened that same day at 5:10 p.m.
No damage or injuries have been reported from the tremors.
Tony Blair Globalizing Interfaith Tolerance
The Globalization of Tolerance by Tony Blair:
"...Now we are adding a new dimension: an education program linking up schools across the globe and across the faith divide. Launching officially today is Face to Faith, the new global schools project from my Foundation, designed to encourage young people of different faiths to learn directly with, from and about each other. Through structured video-conferencing, an online community and a course syllabus, Face to Faith gets secondary school students from across the world working together, investigating big global issues; sharing their own opinions, values and beliefs; and exploring the reasons for similar and different views. In this way, Face to Faith encourages young people to recognize the similarities between faiths but also, importantly, to respect and deal with the differences between diverse and often conflicting worldviews, helping to equip them to live in a global society made up of different faiths and beliefs.
...The Tony Blair Faith Foundation is dedicated to achieving understanding, action and reconciliation between the different faiths for the common good. It is not about the faith that looks inward; but the faith that resolutely turns us towards each other. The new program I am launching today, Face to Faith, has started a global conversation about and between different religions; a true conversation between people despite differences. An increase in religious literacy must surely follow and, with it, a new generation committed to interfaith understanding and respect."
Editor's note: Schools also serve as an incubator for mysticism, which is promoted as a faith-neutral, mental health practice. See more about Tony Blair's global peace efforts supported by Rick Warren here.
"...Now we are adding a new dimension: an education program linking up schools across the globe and across the faith divide. Launching officially today is Face to Faith, the new global schools project from my Foundation, designed to encourage young people of different faiths to learn directly with, from and about each other. Through structured video-conferencing, an online community and a course syllabus, Face to Faith gets secondary school students from across the world working together, investigating big global issues; sharing their own opinions, values and beliefs; and exploring the reasons for similar and different views. In this way, Face to Faith encourages young people to recognize the similarities between faiths but also, importantly, to respect and deal with the differences between diverse and often conflicting worldviews, helping to equip them to live in a global society made up of different faiths and beliefs.
...The Tony Blair Faith Foundation is dedicated to achieving understanding, action and reconciliation between the different faiths for the common good. It is not about the faith that looks inward; but the faith that resolutely turns us towards each other. The new program I am launching today, Face to Faith, has started a global conversation about and between different religions; a true conversation between people despite differences. An increase in religious literacy must surely follow and, with it, a new generation committed to interfaith understanding and respect."
Editor's note: Schools also serve as an incubator for mysticism, which is promoted as a faith-neutral, mental health practice. See more about Tony Blair's global peace efforts supported by Rick Warren here.
Apprising Ministries on Centering Prayer and Father Thomas Keating
Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD. You have abandoned your people, the house of Jacob. They are full of superstitions from the East; they practice divination like the Philistines and clasp hands with pagans.
Pastor-teacher Ken Silva at Apprising Ministries has conducted extensive research into Father Thomas Keating and Centering Prayer. Here's just a few samples:
ROMAN CATHOLICISM SPAWNED THE CURRENT APOSTASY IN EVANGELICALISM
And just look at what Merton’s friend and meditation mate Basil Pennington, along with associate apostate Thomas Keating—yet another of these Living Spiritual Teachers—wrote about the true goal of CP:
In the course of the years, sitting in silent prayer, beyond where words can interfere, men and women of many diverse traditions have come together. In that deeper place a oneness is experienced that gives assurance and heart to our feeble ecumenical efforts and interreligious dialogues. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi has said that if one percent of the people would meditate we will have peace. Jesus spoke of the leaven that will leaven the whole. (Finding Grace at the Center: The Beginning of Centering Prayer, 10,11, emphasis mine)
THOMAS KEATING GUIDELINES FOR CONTEMPLATIVE/CENTERING PRAYER
You should also be aware that this spurious CSM has already been poisoning evangelical seminaries e.g. through so-called Spiritual Formation as promulgated by Quaker mystic Richard Foster—another Living Spiritual Teacher—along with his spiritual twin Dallas Willard. Apprising Ministries has also recently been showing you that this CSM is already quite deep into mainstream evangelicalism.
For example in What Kind Of Prayer In Southern Baptist Convention Prayer Emphasis? you’ll see CSM—which flowered in the antibiblical monastic traditions of apostate Roman Catholicism—has already begun penetrating the largest Protestant denomination in the US.
THOMAS KEATING ON CONTEMPLATIVE/CENTERING PRAYER
Keating says Contemplative/Centering Prayer itself “is a process.” This tells us that we are going to have to “practice” it over some period of time before we will realize its deeper effects. This is the reason for the references by Roshi Foster, Tony Jones and others in the Emerging Church to these spiritual “disciplines” of so-called Spiritual Formation, which must be practiced, and/or be mastered, as it were. And thus begins our decent back into first century Gnosticism where only the truly initiated—the enlightened—can possess the alleged “secret” knowledge (Greek: gnosis) concerning things spiritual. Among other places the Lord refutes this idea in 1 John 2:20 — But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. This forever does away with the patently false idea that there is a special class of “super” Christians who are the only ones privy to some secret spiritual knowledge.
KEEPING YOU APPRISED OF: CONTEMPLATIVE/CENTERING PRAYER
You may recall that in a Christianity Today article called The Emergent Mystique that Guru McLaren has cited Foster along with his spiritual twin Dallas Willard—“with their emphasis on spiritual disciplines”—as “key mentors”of the Emerging Church rebellion against Sola Scriputra. And then we have this further corroboration concerning John Cassian and the desert hermits by Benedictine monk, Dom Laurence Freeman, Director of The World Community for Christian Meditation whose “spiritual teacher was John Main“:
One day, about 1700 years ago, two young Christian monks living in the Egyptian desert visited an abba, an elder. They asked him what prayer really means. Abba Isaac then gave them one of the clearest and most powerful explanations of prayer in the whole Christian tradition. He said there are many forms of prayer but that all of them point to the same source and goal: the “Prayer of Fire”. He meant the living prayer of Jesus present in the human heart through the Holy Spirit.
So now you know. This is where the antibiblical practice of Contemplative/Centering Prayer originated; it was not practiced or taught by Jesus Christ nor by His Apostles, and it truly has no place at all in the life of the Christian.
11Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.
12My people ask counsel at their stocks, and their staff declareth unto them: for the spirit of whoredoms hath caused them to err, and they have gone a whoring from under their God.
13They sacrifice upon the tops of the mountains, and burn incense upon the hills, under oaks and poplars and elms, because the shadow thereof is good: therefore your daughters shall commit whoredom, and your spouses shall commit adultery.
12My people ask counsel at their stocks, and their staff declareth unto them: for the spirit of whoredoms hath caused them to err, and they have gone a whoring from under their God.
13They sacrifice upon the tops of the mountains, and burn incense upon the hills, under oaks and poplars and elms, because the shadow thereof is good: therefore your daughters shall commit whoredom, and your spouses shall commit adultery.
Editor's note:
Take a look at just how far mysticism has infiltrated the Southern Baptist Convention. It is obvious that America's Bible belt is being unbuckled as it is enticed by a Roman-tic religious experience with false gods.
Listen to pastor Silva discuss the unbiblical roots of centering prayer and mysticism:
Iron Sharpens Iron with Ken Silva on Mysticism
CROSSTALK AMERICA: Ken Silva & Warnings About The Emergent Church
Click here to learn how you can help fight the flood of deception by supporting the work of Apprising Ministries.
See related article: N.Carolina Catholics and Protestants Centering on Father Keating's Mysticism
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Obama's Speech in Cairo -- Decoded
From Tom Kovach at America's Independent Party National Committee
"...In paragraph 41, the alleged president used a linguistic slide into dangerous territory. He referred to a future time when, "... the Holy Land of three great faiths is the place of peace that God intended it to be." The implication of that clause, and of the paragraph that surrounds it, is that Jews, Christians, and Muslims all worship and pray to the same being. They do not. (And, if they do, then why do the Muslims try to kill their "brothers"? And, why do they describe Christians and Jews as "apes and pigs"?) The idea that Allah could be the same as the God of the Bible is preposterous. The proofs are too numerous for this author to describe in a political column.
But, for those that are familiar with the Holy Bible, consider what Obama said about "peace and security" in the 33rd paragraph of his speech. Compare that to Isaiah 59:8 (remember, his name means "crooked"), Jeremiah 6:14, and 1st Thessalonians 5:3. Perhaps the "sudden destruction" that comes upon those that falsely proclaim peace and safety will be the War of Gog and Magog that was predicted by the Prophet Ezekiel. (For more on that, click this link for a column by Tamar Yonah.) http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Blogs/Message.aspx/2477
"...In paragraph 41, the alleged president used a linguistic slide into dangerous territory. He referred to a future time when, "... the Holy Land of three great faiths is the place of peace that God intended it to be." The implication of that clause, and of the paragraph that surrounds it, is that Jews, Christians, and Muslims all worship and pray to the same being. They do not. (And, if they do, then why do the Muslims try to kill their "brothers"? And, why do they describe Christians and Jews as "apes and pigs"?) The idea that Allah could be the same as the God of the Bible is preposterous. The proofs are too numerous for this author to describe in a political column.
But, for those that are familiar with the Holy Bible, consider what Obama said about "peace and security" in the 33rd paragraph of his speech. Compare that to Isaiah 59:8 (remember, his name means "crooked"), Jeremiah 6:14, and 1st Thessalonians 5:3. Perhaps the "sudden destruction" that comes upon those that falsely proclaim peace and safety will be the War of Gog and Magog that was predicted by the Prophet Ezekiel. (For more on that, click this link for a column by Tamar Yonah.) http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Blogs/Message.aspx/2477
Solar Storms and Power Grid Collapse
A few headlines reflecting the impact of solar activity...
Space storm caught slamming into Earth's atmosphere from New Scientist:
Magnetic field and electric grid collapse – the New Energy imperative
Fielding wants solar flare theory investigated
Space storm alert: 90 seconds from catastrophe
See related articles:
Powerful Solar Storm Could Shut Down U.S. for Months
Solar Storms + Weak Magnetic Field = Disasters
Sun's Magnetic Field May Impact Weather And Climate
WARNING: The Coming Solar Storm
WARNING: The Coming Solar Storm, Part II
The Coming Solar Storm Part III
One more reason to Dare To Prepare. Learn more about solar activity, the globalist agenda and global warming here.
Space storm caught slamming into Earth's atmosphere from New Scientist:
Magnetic field and electric grid collapse – the New Energy imperative
Fielding wants solar flare theory investigated
Space storm alert: 90 seconds from catastrophe
See related articles:
Powerful Solar Storm Could Shut Down U.S. for Months
Solar Storms + Weak Magnetic Field = Disasters
Sun's Magnetic Field May Impact Weather And Climate
WARNING: The Coming Solar Storm
WARNING: The Coming Solar Storm, Part II
The Coming Solar Storm Part III
One more reason to Dare To Prepare. Learn more about solar activity, the globalist agenda and global warming here.
N.Carolina Catholics and Protestants Centering on Father Keating's Mysticism
From The Charlotte Observer: ‘Centering prayer' founder coming to Charlotte
Thomas Keating, a founder of the modern centering prayer movement, will make his first visit to Charlotte in September.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people are already practicing centering prayer at home and in small groups throughout Charlotte. In 2007, a group of Charlotte pastors and lay leaders joined to support the practice, which is especially relevant in a time when people are busy and stressed.
Centering prayer involves listening and silence rather than talking to God. The purpose is to let go of your own thoughts and words to give God access to yourself and allow for transformation.
“I think centering prayer helps people connect with interior silence,” said the Rev. Katie Crowe of First Presbyterian Church. “The more you practice centering prayer, as many have experienced, the more you can take that interior silence into those more chaotic places in your life, and what is inside of you will begin influencing the world.”
...Centering prayer groups now meet weekly throughout Charlotte. The Centering Prayer of Charlotte movement has an extensive Web site that lists resources for centering prayer, local contacts and meeting times.
Alice Johnson, a pastor at Sardis Presbyterian, wrote in an e-mail that people from all mainline denominations, including Presbyterian, Methodist, Episcopal and Baptist, attend the groups.
Thomas Keating, a founder of the modern centering prayer movement, will make his first visit to Charlotte in September.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people are already practicing centering prayer at home and in small groups throughout Charlotte. In 2007, a group of Charlotte pastors and lay leaders joined to support the practice, which is especially relevant in a time when people are busy and stressed.
Centering prayer involves listening and silence rather than talking to God. The purpose is to let go of your own thoughts and words to give God access to yourself and allow for transformation.
“I think centering prayer helps people connect with interior silence,” said the Rev. Katie Crowe of First Presbyterian Church. “The more you practice centering prayer, as many have experienced, the more you can take that interior silence into those more chaotic places in your life, and what is inside of you will begin influencing the world.”
...Centering prayer groups now meet weekly throughout Charlotte. The Centering Prayer of Charlotte movement has an extensive Web site that lists resources for centering prayer, local contacts and meeting times.
Alice Johnson, a pastor at Sardis Presbyterian, wrote in an e-mail that people from all mainline denominations, including Presbyterian, Methodist, Episcopal and Baptist, attend the groups.
Editor's note: A visit to The Centering Prayer of Charlotte reveals the ecumenical appeal of mysticism. The CPC also has a strong following in western North Carolina.
The Baptist General Association of Virginia partner organization, Woman's Missionary Union of Virginia is also working at promoting ecumenical mysticism.
Apparently for many, the Bible is not sufficient.
Click to learn more about Roman Catholic priest and Trappist monk Thomas Keating . See why centering prayer and mysticism have nothing to do with the God of the Bible.
See related article: CONTEMPLATIVE SPIRITUALITY/MYSTICISM HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH SALVATION
Friday, June 5, 2009
Magnitude 2.9 - NEW YORK
Click here to see how U.S. Eastern region quake activity and frequency has increased since Italy's "Passover" quake in April.
See earthquake preparedness resources at this FEMA website and the USGS website. See the all-hazards emergency preparedness resources at Dare To Prepare.
Swine Flu: WHO To Announce Phase 6 Shortly
Virus nears phase 6 as it spreads globally by DianaWashington Valdez / El Paso Times
EL PASO -- The swine flu virus that killed two El Pasoans and infected 160 others has become a pandemic illness that keeps spreading throughout the world, health officials said Thursday.
"Phase 6 will be announced shortly, and it's already with us," said Dr. Mirta Roses Periago, director of the Pan American Health Organization, one of the front-line officials helping coordinate the global alert and response system to the virus.
The World Health Organization, or WHO, uses a six-phase system to describe how widespread a virus has become. The A (H1N1) swine flu virus, which was first reported in April in Mexico, has spread to 22 countries. A phase 6, or pandemic stage, refers to a generalized virus, rather than to how severe it is.
EL PASO -- The swine flu virus that killed two El Pasoans and infected 160 others has become a pandemic illness that keeps spreading throughout the world, health officials said Thursday.
"Phase 6 will be announced shortly, and it's already with us," said Dr. Mirta Roses Periago, director of the Pan American Health Organization, one of the front-line officials helping coordinate the global alert and response system to the virus.
The World Health Organization, or WHO, uses a six-phase system to describe how widespread a virus has become. The A (H1N1) swine flu virus, which was first reported in April in Mexico, has spread to 22 countries. A phase 6, or pandemic stage, refers to a generalized virus, rather than to how severe it is.
Editor's note: Several government agencies point to preparations to include 3 month food, water, medical supplies. Flu season typically begins late September, peaks in February and slows in May. There is still time. See emergency preparedness resources at Dare To Prepare.
See related pandemic articles here.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
American Psychological Association: There's no homosexual "gene"
APA revises 'gay gene' theory [Excerpts] from The Berean Call:
The attempt to prove that homosexuality is determined biologically has been dealt a knockout punch. An American Psychological Association publication includes an admission that there's no homosexual "gene" -- meaning it's not likely that homosexuals are born that way.
For decades, the APA has not considered homosexuality a psychological disorder, while other professionals in the field consider it to be a "gender-identity" problem. But the new statement, which appears in a brochure called "Answers to Your Questions for a Better Understanding of Sexual Orientation & Homosexuality," states the following:
"There is no consensus among scientists about the exact reasons that an individual develops a heterosexual, bisexual, gay or lesbian orientation. Although much research has examined the possible genetic, hormonal, developmental, social, and cultural influences on sexual orientation, no findings have emerged that permit scientists to conclude that sexual orientation is determined by any particular factor or factors. Many think that nature and nurture both play complex roles...."
The attempt to prove that homosexuality is determined biologically has been dealt a knockout punch. An American Psychological Association publication includes an admission that there's no homosexual "gene" -- meaning it's not likely that homosexuals are born that way.
For decades, the APA has not considered homosexuality a psychological disorder, while other professionals in the field consider it to be a "gender-identity" problem. But the new statement, which appears in a brochure called "Answers to Your Questions for a Better Understanding of Sexual Orientation & Homosexuality," states the following:
"There is no consensus among scientists about the exact reasons that an individual develops a heterosexual, bisexual, gay or lesbian orientation. Although much research has examined the possible genetic, hormonal, developmental, social, and cultural influences on sexual orientation, no findings have emerged that permit scientists to conclude that sexual orientation is determined by any particular factor or factors. Many think that nature and nurture both play complex roles...."
Monday, June 1, 2009
Virginia Baptist Mission Board (BGAV) Accepts Homosexuality In The Name of Diversity
Standing Against The Fall, Part I
Virginia Baptist Mission Board (BGAV) Accepts
Homosexuality In The Name of Diversity
DOWN WITH SOLA SCRIPTURA!In this Apprising Ministries commentary, THE EMERGENCE OF EVANGELICAL INCLUSIVE ORTHODOXY AND EMBRACE OF GLBTQ CHRISTIANS
Pastor-teacher Ken Silva highlights the growing acceptance of homosexuality with evangelicalism:
"...As you can see in the AM piece Emergence Christianity Theologian Tony Jones And His Unrepentant Homosexual Christians this is the door that’s now been opened into mainstream evangelicalism itself by apostatizing men like Tony Jones, a prominent theologian within the Emergent Church, now morphing into Emergence Christianity, when he says...
"In any case, I now believe that GLBTQ can live lives in accord with biblical Christianity (at least as much as any of us can!) and that their monogamy can and should be sanctioned and blessed by church and state. (Online source, bold theirs)"
The subtitle of Pastor Silva's article, Don’t Look Now But Evangelicalism Is Being Snatched Right Out From Under You! couldn't be more true for the SBC churches in the Baptist General Association of Virginia (BGAV) and their Virginia Baptist Mission Board (VBMB).
The VBMB came out of the closet last year by hosting pro-homosexual, pro-abortion, Red Letter Christian Tony Campolo at the BGAV's 2008 Annual Meeting.
A few weeks prior to the 2008 Annual Meeting, two members, of a local (SBC) church, Joe & Don (names changed), made an appointment with the VBMB to discuss their grave concerns regarding the BGAV's invitation to Campolo. Joe had this to say:
"...I did some research of my own and found he (Campolo) was very liberal in his thoughts on the taking of life through abortion and rights for homosexuals. This concerned me a great deal, yet to top that, the Virginia Baptist Mission Board, one of the organizations that our church supported through our tithes & offerings, would soon bring in Mr. Campolo to the convention held just this past November in Roanoke. After I read of the upcoming visit sponsored by the VBMB, I contacted a representative to inquire of my concerns and was given the opportunity to meet to express my concerns. Upon being given a date and time to meet with one of their representatives, I immediately contacted my former Sunday School teacher. I asked him to attend the meeting, as he was as informed as myself as to those who comprised the liberal and seeker-sensitive movements.
The day of our meeting, we were welcomed by a kind, older gentleman who advised us that he was the president of the VBMB at one time. At no point during our conversation did he ever criticize us or tried to dismiss our concerns. To drive our concern-point home, I played a video of Mr. Campolo stating on a news show that although he thought abortion was wrong, he would not , if he could, have it overturned, and that it was not an immediate concern as it was for others. He (Campolo) also exclaimed that homosexuals had rights and that HE would support them.Don shares his perspective of the meeting:
The VBMB representative assured us that he was aware Tony Campolo's controversial views. The VBMB rep could only say that he (Campolo) and others such as Rick Warren, Bill Hybels and others within our denomination, were welcome because we needed diversity (emphasis mine).
The VBMB representative seemed to be of the opinion that people are born into homosexuality. He spoke of a friend with a child living the alternative lifestyle, he had a hard time positioning himself against his friend who had accepted it.... I then expressed my personal conviction that homosexuality was a sin as much as any other sin and I believed that he could be saved from this lifestyle through God's help, our prayers and his desire for returning to God's will for his life.Compare Campolo's position on homosexuality with former homosexual Stephen Bennett:
I think the representative was saying that the church should receive them, to which I agreed, as the church is full of sinners, but his position seemed to follow the diversity (emphasis mine) angle. My position was that sinners ought to go to church and, as the church, be there to help them be set free from the bondage of this lifestyle sin. But certainly not let them do things such as teach, preach or lead the congregation in any way.... would we let a drunkard?
I am troubled to see so many embracing the these things I and sadly, this is being spoken by people who profess to be Christian...evangelical even... and even by some of the world's biggest " religious super-stars ", and even close to home by Virginia Baptists and our own Virginia Baptist Mission Board. Where are those who will defend God's unchanging Word? I see them, and I hear them but they are being shouted down by those who should be defending the faith in the loudest voice. What ever happened to "hate the sin, love the sinner". We are so politically correct that we don't want to hurt anyone's feelings even if our silence may actually keep them from being saved
Apparently man has gotten so smart... so intellectual... that we are better equipped today to tell ourselves and others what God really meant to say. Man has always perverted what God created. For example, God gave us love and our attempt to improve it resulted in lust. We elevated ourselves to God's level! Speaking of arrogance.... sad.
THERE IS BUT ONE FAITH, ONE GOD. TO GET IT WRONG IS AN ETERNAL MISTAKE.
Stephen Bennett educates churches and congregations worldwide through preaching and teaching, expounding on the biblical truths of the sin of homosexuality and sexual immorality – bringing to light God’s perfect, biblical plan for mankind. According to God’s infallible Word, everyone is created either male or female: heterosexual. Sexual relations are only to be between one man and one woman – a husband and wife -- for life – within the grounds and confines of biblical marriage only. Anything outside of this – including fornication, adultery, pornography or anything else – is sexual sin according to God’s Word. Biblical abstinence is to be adhered to until a man and woman enter the biblical covenantIf you or someone you knew was trapped in homosexuality, who would you call...Tony Campolo or Steven Bennett?
of marriage together as husband and wife. Biblical, sexual purity is this ministry’s overriding and uncompromising message.
Click here to see if your Southern Baptist Church is part of the Baptist General Association of Virginia. If your church is part of the BGAV, work to get it out of the BGAV or get out of the church and find a Biblical church.
See related articles:
Virginia Baptist Mission Board (BGAV) Accepts Homosexuality In The Name of Diversity - Part II
What Kind of Evangelicals Belong To The Baptist General Association of Virginia?
No Response From Immanuel Baptist Church Or Virginia Baptist Mission Board Regarding Campolo Visit
Willful Ignorance of Immanuel Baptist Church & The Virginia Baptist Mission Board
See more on the inclusive, ecumenical, mystical spiritualism of Tony Campolo and the Virginia Baptist Mission Board (BGAV).
Better Christianity Through Yoga ?
The following book review illustrates how mysticism is being touted as "spiritual tofu"... it goes with any belief system, can keep all belief systems together and make those systems better...
Christian Mysticism Through Yoga by Suzette Martinez Standring, GateHouse News Service
Better Christianity through yoga is what former Benedictine monk Russill Paul teaches in his new book, “Jesus in the Lotus: The Mystical Doorway between Christianity and Yogic Spirituality” (New World Library 2008; $14.95). Yoga and prayer can open the door to a feeling of divine connection without compromising one’s Christian faith.
A celibate monk’s life began daily at 5:20 a.m. -- rigorous with prayer, work and study, strictly following Biblical and Catholic principles.
Over time, yoga practice transformed ascetic contemplation to ecstatic communion with the divine, and Paul shares much of the how-to of his experiences. For example, a Hindu “mantra,” was adapted for Christian worship, “Om, Na-Mah Chris-Taaya” (Amen, I bow to Christ”) and used as a potent “centering prayer” for meditation.Over time, Paul had out-of-body experiences, the sensation of energy vibrating from his feet toward the top of his head, and heightened hearing and seeing. His experiences mirror those reported by St. Teresa of Avila, a 16th century Catholic mystic.
From the MSN Shopping page: "Ecumenism Religion - Drawing on a deep knowledge of Christian scripture as well as Hindu philosophy, musician and teacher Russill Paul reveals that the mystical core of religion offers us much ... - Jesus in the Lotus: The Mystical Doorway Between Christianity and Yogic Spirituality".
Christian Mysticism Through Yoga by Suzette Martinez Standring, GateHouse News Service
Better Christianity through yoga is what former Benedictine monk Russill Paul teaches in his new book, “Jesus in the Lotus: The Mystical Doorway between Christianity and Yogic Spirituality” (New World Library 2008; $14.95). Yoga and prayer can open the door to a feeling of divine connection without compromising one’s Christian faith.
A celibate monk’s life began daily at 5:20 a.m. -- rigorous with prayer, work and study, strictly following Biblical and Catholic principles.
Over time, yoga practice transformed ascetic contemplation to ecstatic communion with the divine, and Paul shares much of the how-to of his experiences. For example, a Hindu “mantra,” was adapted for Christian worship, “Om, Na-Mah Chris-Taaya” (Amen, I bow to Christ”) and used as a potent “centering prayer” for meditation.Over time, Paul had out-of-body experiences, the sensation of energy vibrating from his feet toward the top of his head, and heightened hearing and seeing. His experiences mirror those reported by St. Teresa of Avila, a 16th century Catholic mystic.
From the MSN Shopping page: "Ecumenism Religion - Drawing on a deep knowledge of Christian scripture as well as Hindu philosophy, musician and teacher Russill Paul reveals that the mystical core of religion offers us much ... - Jesus in the Lotus: The Mystical Doorway Between Christianity and Yogic Spirituality".
See John Shelby Spong's ecumenical endorsement of the book here.
Learn more about what really is behind "Interfaith meditation" here.
Swine Flu: Omen of Things To Come
Flu has a history of foreshocks by Jill U. Adams , Los Angeles Times
In past decades, a smaller influenza wave has preceded pandemics, but experts say there is no way to predict if H1N1 is such a precursor.
H1N1 swine flu may be fading from the news some, but the number of confirmed cases nationwide has been higher than is usual for seasonal flu in the month of May. What does that mean? Is this flu's ability to linger into the spring suggestive of how different a beast it is? And what does it portend for how the virus might infect Americans over the summer and come fall?
...Scientists think the spring swine flu epidemic may be a "herald wave" of what's to come. In 1918, a milder wave of flu cases occurred in late winter and early spring, before the deadly pandemic surge in the fall of that year. In 1957, Asian flu was causing unremarkable illness in China, before landing on American soil for the summer outbreaks and a severe winter season.
See related pandemic articles here.
In past decades, a smaller influenza wave has preceded pandemics, but experts say there is no way to predict if H1N1 is such a precursor.
H1N1 swine flu may be fading from the news some, but the number of confirmed cases nationwide has been higher than is usual for seasonal flu in the month of May. What does that mean? Is this flu's ability to linger into the spring suggestive of how different a beast it is? And what does it portend for how the virus might infect Americans over the summer and come fall?
...Scientists think the spring swine flu epidemic may be a "herald wave" of what's to come. In 1918, a milder wave of flu cases occurred in late winter and early spring, before the deadly pandemic surge in the fall of that year. In 1957, Asian flu was causing unremarkable illness in China, before landing on American soil for the summer outbreaks and a severe winter season.
See related pandemic articles here.