Racism Still Exists In America

Yes, that "taboo" subject on a major social problem people often ignore, and some claim no longer exists is dominating headlines again. Racism. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the President of Iran claims the Holocaust did not exist despite all the evidence--concentration camps, photos, documents, etc. Racism still exists in the United States, and true, progress has been made in the past several decades--but not enough. Stereotypes abound and racial profiling abound. Racial hatred is a dangerous thing.

Let me give my take on the Trayvon Martin’s case. I think there is a big problem for a person to track a stranger down and confront him because he is walking along a street. I think it is a very reasonable assertion to believe racial profiling may be at play here. Furthermore, I can say with absolute conviction-- if both parties were white, black, green or yellow;, I believe George Zimmerman should had been arrested. Judging from the video, it does not align itself to Zimmerman's account of the events that night. An unarmed teen carrying tea and Skittles is now dead--his life cut short. Trayvon Martin was no doubt alarmed when Zimmerman approached him. Would you be alarmed if some brawny unauthorized fellow came up to you demanding questions in a confrontational manner?

But laying the emerging facts and evidence surrounding this particular case aside, I am amazed at the hostility this has generated by some folks because people are demonstrating and calling for justice regarding Martin's case. Hostility has erupted because Americans are once again discussing racism--I think discussion is a good thing. Racism has been an issue often ignored in the Church and in the United States today.

1 John 2:9-11

9) He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now.
10) He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.
11) But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

Many black churches were instrumental in mobilizing people into the Civil Rights movement. These churches played a tremendous role in dialogue, orchestrating marches, and appealing to people to contemplate their prejudiced attitudes. Martin Luther King and fellow demonstrators were mocked, ridiculed, and berated--indeed, history often repeats itself. Because people like Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson are questioning Trayvon Martin's killing, and demanding answers does not make them inciters of violence, nor does it fuel a bad fire. The hornets’ nest was there long before Trayvon Martin was killed. What is getting the goat of many, including some church leaders, is the necessity of dealing with the "question" of racism. Appearances sake could also be at play --racism never looks good for a community. Yet, give people enough credit to discern that a particular individual acting on hatred in one area does not make everyone a hater in a specific locale. Nevertheless, specific organizations in certain areas may have discriminatory practices or prejudices which need be addressed.

Recently, 5 people--all black were shot in Tulsa, Oklahoma by two white people. One of the shooters used racial expletives on Facebook--you know the N-word. His father was shot by a black man nearly or on two years before to the date of these crimes. Three of the victims were killed, two survived wounded. If this shooters father had been killed by a white man, would he began to target his own race--whites in revenge? No. The racial hatred was already embedded in his heart and soul.

Racial hatred is a dangerous thing. Not just for the victims either. When you stand before the throne of Almighty God, you will give an account for your actions, and for what was in your heart when you were upon this earth. Through His grace and power, people can overcome racial hatred, but it takes a deep look into oneself, and a first step towards acknowledgement.

The Ever Merciful Lamb Of God

Luke 23:32-43

32) And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.
33) And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
34) Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
35) And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
36) And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
37) And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
38) And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39) And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
40) But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
41) And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
42) And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
43) And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.




Romans 10:9-10

9) that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
10) For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Nonbelievers Stage Rally In Washington

Interesting article below about a Washington rally staged by atheists and secularists. As a former atheist; I never had problems with people holding religious views. Such views were only societal belief systems in my thinking--and yes, I considered myself a rationalist at the time. But belief systems need not surround religious or superstitious ideologies at all. Even hate groups hold specific beliefs which lack "empirical validity" . Belief systems also include secular and atheistic lines of thought as well. Belief systems are components of all societies.

I never felt nonbelievers necessarily lack morals more so than Christians. If I was begging for a dime, I would rather a willing atheist give it to me than a judgmental Christian stereotyping the daylights out of me for being poor--not even knowing my name, my history, or my dreams.

What nonbelievers do not have is the regenerative spirit of Christ residing in them. And no, God will not likely "show up" to prove Himself to an atheist (but He could), because He has already done so. Look at the celestial and earthly order around you -- chaos and a spontaneous explosion from nonexistence could not produce all you see. Science ever remains speculative while ever adjusting theories towards many unanswered questions.

But back to my point. I never felt I had to rally for my atheist belief system because other people believed in a "higher power". There will always be conflicts, disagreements, political turmoil, impoverished people, and wars as long as there are governments and more importantly, as long there are people on this planet. There will always be political motivations held by various groups sharing a common political philosophy. Atheists or not. Religious or not. But because someone subscribes to a particular religious ideology, does not mean they share a common political ideology. This will always be so until Christ returns.

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The Reason Rally: A Woodstock for nonbelievers
by Patrick Gavin/Politico

Washingtonians know all too well about rallies on the National Mall. On a regular basis, thousands of citizens converge near the Capitol to speak out about the issues they passionately believe in.
So what would happen if the march was about passionately not believing in something?
On March 24, the Mall will be occupied by the Reason Rally, an event that pulls together those seculars who don’t accept that there’s a higher power. It’s being billed as a “Woodstock for nonbelievers.”

Paul Fidalgo, communications director at the Center for Inquiry, said that, despite appearances, this isn’t a rally about believing in nothing. There’s actually an agenda involved — and that includes current politics, the 2012 race and President Barack Obama.

“There isn’t one specific issue we’re going out there to rally on behalf of. But that’s not to say that there aren’t shared values and a shared agenda amongst the various groups,” he said.

Among the issues: international anti-blasphemy laws, the recent clash over contraception and the Republican presidential race.

“The right has so commingled themselves with religion,” Fidalgo said. “I will say that I do find it interesting that in an election season in which the main issue is ostensibly about the economy, that in recent weeks it’s been issues surrounding religion that have become so central.”

Fidalgo said the majority of atheists are “center left” (with a sprinkling of libertarians), but makes it clear that this is not an event supporting one party or the other.

“We do not endorse candidates,” said Fidalgo, adding, in a lighthearted moment, “we will not be rallying for” Rick Santorum, whose faith represents a big part of his public life.

Jesse Galef of the Secular Student Alliance calls the March 24 event a “political statement.”

“This is a demographic that Washington, D.C., will have to pay attention to,” Galef said. “With 2012 being an election season, it seemed like the perfect time to do it.” Galef said atheists are the only demographic that is growing in all 50 states.

Although much of the concern by Galef and Fidalgo regards what they see as threats to the separation of church and state as most recently heard in comments made by Santorum and Newt Gingrich, they’re not letting Democrats off the hook either, including the president.

Fidalgo said it was “a big deal to us” that Obama included a mention of “nonbelievers” in his inaugural address but expressed concern that “he attends the National Prayer Breakfast and uses religious language in his rhetoric.”

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Historic Church Faces Foreclosure

Historic black church faces foreclosure from minority-owned bank
The Washington Times

In a dispute that some are calling a modern-day updating of the biblical Parable of the Ungrateful Servant, a minority-owned bank that benefited from federal bailout funds is threatening to foreclose on one of the nation’s oldest black churches.

The 194-year-old Charles Street African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood could have its sanctuary forcibly auctioned off as early as this week unless a last-minute deal is reached.
The action could be taken by OneUnited Bank, which received $12 million from the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) and whose board of directors once included the husband of Rep. Maxine Waters, California Democrat.

Having the auction take place on the church’s front steps “is as mean-spirited and as godless as you can get,” the church’s pastor, the Rev. Gregory G. Groover Sr., told the Boston Herald.

Mr. Groover did not return calls from The Washington Times seeking comment, and a secretary at the church said Friday “there’s no way I could comment” when asked whether there were any new developments.

U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano, the Massachusetts Democrat whose district includes Charles Street AME, said he has sought to persuade OneUnited not to foreclose.

“Charles Street AME is an historic and important community institution and means so much to so many people. I have asked One United to come to the negotiating table to try and resolve this matter without resorting to foreclosure. I remain hopeful that a satisfactory resolution will be found,” he said in a statement.

Biblical parallels

Charles Street AME supporters claim the pending foreclosure is a real-life reflection of the Unforgiving Servant Parable from the Gospel of Matthew (Matt. 18:21-35).

In the story as Jesus tells it, a servant forgiven a great debt turned around and choked a colleague who owed a small amount. The parable about divine mercy ends with the king sending the first servant to be tortured until he pays off his own debt.

According to Ryan Bell, pastor of the Hollywood, Calif., Seventh-day Adventist Church, OneUnited Bank is behaving like the first servant, showing the black church little mercy after receiving its millions from language designed to help black banks that Rep. Barney Frank, Massachusetts Democrat, inserted into TARP-related legislation in December 2008.

“To foreclose on this historic African-American church, is disappointing to say the least. We forgave the banks and bailed them out, and now they’re coming after the little borrower,” said Mr. Bell, who also is a leader of LAVoice/PICO (People Improving Communities through Organizing).

News reports indicate the Charles Street congregation had borrowed $3.6 million from OneUnited to construct a community center adjacent to the sanctuary, which the congregation had acquired in 1939. Fundraising and rentals from the new building would have helped pay off the loan, but construction was halted when, Charles Street says, OneUnited cut off funding.

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One Nasty Stew

This past Sunday a Tulsa church hosted Republican Rick Santorum to be its guest speaker. People held up political banners to enthusiastically rally their support for the candidate, cameras rolling of course. This marriage of church and political candidacy has increasing become a disturbing trend in my eyes. I personally feel it has no place in a church. A social cause--yes. Encouraging people to vote, why not. But pushing political views such as promoting a particular candidate for presidency, or bashing President Obama's healthcare plan--no. By the way, I did not support President Obama in the previous election--shocked?

This church/politic blend increasingly strays away from the Gospel. Church hierarchies (pastors, clergy, etc) promoting their own political agendas, and the candidates most happily promoting theirs in church services under the banner of God. Myself, I can see churches discussing the oppression of certain groups--the poor for example. Nowadays, it seems quite the contrary however. It has become more like bashing the poor.

Mr. Prophet: "Tonight, we have a most important message. Detoxifying the planet by electing the right public official, in the name of Christ."

Mr. Unbeliever: "Why did you not step over that homeless man on the way into the sanctuary? He yelled out when your foot crushed his hand!"

Mr.Pastor: "Let me interject. Of course, he stepped on him. We got a presidential candidate speaking in our service tonight! Do you think we have time for the likes of the homeless when we got a tea party candidate coming here?"

It is not a good witness, contrary to what a lot of people think.

As a former atheist, I can tell you what I would think. I would think how I used to think--people are promoting their political agendas under the guise of religion. As an unbeliever even adhering to a different faith, my head would reason relatively the same. My next thought would be to dismiss any other message this group adhered too--including the Gospel. So not a good witness.

Two entities meet in the darkness of the night: one person's presidential platform and a more than willing church merge to promote personal political beliefs in a church service. The publicity might do wonders for both!!

Lord Jesus, please come quickly.

Worldwide Malnutrition--A Hidden Crisis

Half A Billion Children At Risk From Malnutrition
by Medical News Today
Article Date: 15 Feb 2012


Save the Children released a report today, claiming that childhood malnutrition over the next fifteen years, puts nearly five hundred million youngsters at risk of permanent health problems.

Carolyn Miles, President & CEO of Save the Children said in a statement : "Malnutrition is a largely hidden crisis, but it afflicts one in four children around the world ... It wreaks lifelong damage and is a major killer of children. Every hour of every day, 300 children die because of malnutrition."

The report which is entitled "A Life Free from Hunger: Tackling Child Malnutrition," coincides with news of the latest emergency food crisis coming to light. The African Sahel region in West Africa, which is centered around Hodh Gharbi scrubland in Mauritania, is facing severe food shortages. There is a humanitarian crisis growing, but while these shocking disasters make headlines, the longer term creeping aspects of chronic malnutrition, or a lack of proper nutrition over time, is seen by Save The Children as being deadlier and more widespread than these headline grabbing short-term acute situations.

The problem is that chronic malnutrition weakens young children's immune systems, making them far more likely to die of childhood diseases like diarrhea, pneumonia and malaria. Estimates put the number of child deaths a year, at around 2 million, three times as many as result from acute malnutrition.

Chronic malnutrition also leaves children far more vulnerable to extreme suffering and death when emergency food crises hit, a prime example being in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel right now. Malnutrition is the underlying cause behind some 2.6 million child deaths every year, or more than 30% of all child deaths.

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De-batizing Phenomenon In Europe

Europeans "De-Baptize" In Growing Numbers, Church Officials Worried
By Elizabeth Bryant
Religion News Service

PARIS (RNS) A decade ago, Rene Lebouvier requested that his local Catholic church erase his name from the baptismal register. The church noted his demands on the margins of its records and the chapter was closed.

But the clergy abuse scandals rocking Europe, coupled with Pope Benedict XVI's conservative stances on contraception, hardened Lebouvier's views. Last October, a court in Normandy ruled in favor of his lawsuit to have his name permanently deleted from church records -- making the 71-year-old retiree the first Frenchman to be officially "de-baptized."

"I took the judicial route to get myself de-baptized because of the church's excesses," said Lebouvier, speaking by telephone from his village of Fleury, near the D-Day beaches.

"It's a sort of honesty toward the church because they have a guy on their register who doesn't believe in God."

Lebouvier's case is among a growing wave of de-baptisms in Europe, one of the most visible manifestations of the continent's secular drift. Websites offering informal de-baptism certificates have mushroomed. Other Christians are formally breaking from the church by opting out of state church taxes.

"The movement is happening across Europe," said Anne Morelli, who heads a center studying religion and secularity at the Free University of Brussels. "It was very apparent during 2011 -- in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Austria. It is obviously related to the scandals of pedophile priests, but it has been going on for some time."

While there are no official statistics, experts and secular activists count the numbers of de-baptisms in the tens of thousands. It's a phenomenon that has touched Protestant as well as Catholic communities.

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