"The Texas Supreme Court has ruled the removal of 468 children from a polygamist sect on grounds they were at risk of abuse was unwarranted." -- Texas wrong to take fundamentalist Mormon sect kids
The Fundamentalist Mormons stand a religion before the law and Constitution the same as Baptists, Catholics, Methodists or any other group. If some or many of them have done wrong, let the law punish that wrong. But they should not be dealt with differently. They are not treated one way because they are a "cult" and others are "denominations". To classify all those families as one family because they hold the same faith and live on the same ranch was wrong.
While Texas was removing children from the Yearning for Zion ranch, the state attorney general's office was apparently putting the finishing touches on high school parenting classes. When it's the "normal" kids getting pregnant at 13, instead of removing them from their homes we provide them classes and day care.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Now that's a twist
When legislators undertake to create laws that favor certain groups, they don't always consider all the ramifications.
Enter the state of Maine's laws, Orono School District, a 10 year old with "gender identification issues," and Grandfather Paul Melanson.
Orono School District, apparently seeking to follow Maine's human rights laws and accommodate a 10 year old boy who has problems with knowing his sexual orientation, allowed the boy to use the girls' restroom. After Paul Melanson discovered what was happening, he told his grandson to follow the other boy into the girls' restroom whenever he went in. Melanson's grandson was warned by the school not to enter the girls' restroom (and Melanson was warned by police).
Melanson argues, based on Maine's laws governing sexual orientation, that his grandson is being deprived of a right granted to another boy, and that deprivation of rights is based on his grandson's sexual orientation -- heterosexuality.
And he does have a point!
You can read more about this and HERE, HERE, and HERE. I couldn't find an update on it.
[Note: though I think Paul Melanson makes a correct legal point, I nevertheless do not agree with his handling of the problem.]
Enter the state of Maine's laws, Orono School District, a 10 year old with "gender identification issues," and Grandfather Paul Melanson.
Orono School District, apparently seeking to follow Maine's human rights laws and accommodate a 10 year old boy who has problems with knowing his sexual orientation, allowed the boy to use the girls' restroom. After Paul Melanson discovered what was happening, he told his grandson to follow the other boy into the girls' restroom whenever he went in. Melanson's grandson was warned by the school not to enter the girls' restroom (and Melanson was warned by police).
Melanson argues, based on Maine's laws governing sexual orientation, that his grandson is being deprived of a right granted to another boy, and that deprivation of rights is based on his grandson's sexual orientation -- heterosexuality.
And he does have a point!
You can read more about this and HERE, HERE, and HERE. I couldn't find an update on it.
[Note: though I think Paul Melanson makes a correct legal point, I nevertheless do not agree with his handling of the problem.]
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Succession
"The word of God is the seed of the kingdom, and true succession is in the seed." -- Unknown
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Sensus plenior
sensus plenior - Latin, "fuller sense". According to Wikipedia in Bible exegesis, "sensus plenior is used to describe the 'deeper meaning intended by God' but not intended by the human author."
"...Moo acknowledges Sensus Plenior has almost become short hand for an explanation of a text that cannot be explained (satisfactorily) by the grammatical-historical method." Darren Middleton, Divine Meaning or Authorial Intention: Sensus Plenior - a Blessing or Curse for Evangelical Hermeneutics, p. 5
"In my opinion sensus plenior, though attractive to many, will quickly turn into a curse -- a curse that evangelical hermeneutics could well do without." Darren Middleton, Divine Meaning or Authorial Intention, p. 10
Readers, what is your sense of this as a concept of Bible interpretation?
"...Moo acknowledges Sensus Plenior has almost become short hand for an explanation of a text that cannot be explained (satisfactorily) by the grammatical-historical method." Darren Middleton, Divine Meaning or Authorial Intention: Sensus Plenior - a Blessing or Curse for Evangelical Hermeneutics, p. 5
"In my opinion sensus plenior, though attractive to many, will quickly turn into a curse -- a curse that evangelical hermeneutics could well do without." Darren Middleton, Divine Meaning or Authorial Intention, p. 10
Readers, what is your sense of this as a concept of Bible interpretation?
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Rusk County Project Lifesaver
If you would like to donate to help Rusk County, Texas offset the purchase of Project Lifesaver bracelets, please send donations to:
Nancy Jackson
1612 Clearbrook
Henderson, TX 75652
Please make the donation to "Project Lifesaver Rusk County Scholarship Fund". Be sure it includes "Rusk County". If you would like, you may make the donation in honor of Shirley Hunt (or any other Alzheimer's patient or missing individual you know).
Project Lifesaver
Nancy Jackson
1612 Clearbrook
Henderson, TX 75652
Please make the donation to "Project Lifesaver Rusk County Scholarship Fund". Be sure it includes "Rusk County". If you would like, you may make the donation in honor of Shirley Hunt (or any other Alzheimer's patient or missing individual you know).
Project Lifesaver
Comfort For The Lord’s People
“Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem , and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned…” Isaiah 40:2
Christ has done all the fighting with Satan, sin and death, and, "we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us," "that her iniquity is pardoned." All Zion's iniquity in one lump was removed in one day when Jesus put it away by the sacrifice of Himself. How comfortable the privilege to say with the Psalmist, "Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and do not forget all His benefits, who forgives all your iniquities," (Ps. 103:2,3). How many? "All your iniquities." How clearly Paul states this in Col. 2:13: "having forgiven you all trespasses." Where are the sins of God's people? Hezekiah says, "You have cast all my sins behind Your back," (Isaiah 38:17). The soul says, "Sought for, they shall not be found," (Jer. 50:20). Micah says, "You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea," (Micah 7:19). Not in the shallows, but where they can never be seen or re-appear. The soul that once enjoys the comfort of that, is very uncomfortable without the enjoyment of it. And what a blessing to know that we are now receiving double favors, favors more abundant, in spite of all our sins.
By Thomas Bradbury, as posted on Shreveport Grace Church bulletin, Sat, 26 Apr 2008
Christ has done all the fighting with Satan, sin and death, and, "we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us," "that her iniquity is pardoned." All Zion's iniquity in one lump was removed in one day when Jesus put it away by the sacrifice of Himself. How comfortable the privilege to say with the Psalmist, "Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and do not forget all His benefits, who forgives all your iniquities," (Ps. 103:2,3). How many? "All your iniquities." How clearly Paul states this in Col. 2:13: "having forgiven you all trespasses." Where are the sins of God's people? Hezekiah says, "You have cast all my sins behind Your back," (Isaiah 38:17). The soul says, "Sought for, they shall not be found," (Jer. 50:20). Micah says, "You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea," (Micah 7:19). Not in the shallows, but where they can never be seen or re-appear. The soul that once enjoys the comfort of that, is very uncomfortable without the enjoyment of it. And what a blessing to know that we are now receiving double favors, favors more abundant, in spite of all our sins.
By Thomas Bradbury, as posted on Shreveport Grace Church bulletin, Sat, 26 Apr 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Memorial Day
History of Memorial Day, a United States day of remembrance of those who died in the nation's service.
The name of Jesus
"How sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believer's ear" is and has been a popular hymn of John Newton -- at least in the circles I travel in. I wouldn't been surprised if it is second only to his more widely known "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound." We usually sing it with the tune "Ortonville" by Thomas Hastings.
Stephen Conte has been going through the Olney Hymn book of Newton and Cowper, posting the hymns on the pb-mb forum. It is good and interesting to put these in context of their original settings. Newton associated this hymn with Song of Solomon 1:3 -- Your anointing oils are fragrant; your name is oil poured out; therefore virgins love you -- and titled it "The name of Jesus". [Olney Hymns, Book 1, No. 57, common meter]
Stephen Conte has been going through the Olney Hymn book of Newton and Cowper, posting the hymns on the pb-mb forum. It is good and interesting to put these in context of their original settings. Newton associated this hymn with Song of Solomon 1:3 -- Your anointing oils are fragrant; your name is oil poured out; therefore virgins love you -- and titled it "The name of Jesus". [Olney Hymns, Book 1, No. 57, common meter]
Sunday, May 25, 2008
A friend that sticketh closer than a brother
Proverbs 18:24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
1 One there is, above all others,
Well deserves the name of friend;
His is love beyond a brother's,
Costly, free, and knows no end:
They who once his kindness prove,
Find it everlasting love!
2 Which of all our friends to save us,
Could or would have shed their blood?
But our JESUS died to have us
Reconciled, in him to God:
This was boundless love indeed!
JESUS is a friend in need.
3 Men, when raised to lofty stations,
Often know their friends no more;
Slight and scorn their poor relations
Though they valued them before.
But our Savior always owns
Those whom he redeemed with groans.
4 When he lived on earth abased,
Friend of sinners was his name;
Now, above all glory raised,
He rejoices in the same:
Still he calls them brethren, friends,
And to all their wants attends.
5 Could we bear from one another,
What he daily bears from us?
Yet this glorious Friend and Brother,
Loves us though we treat him thus:
Though for good we render ill,
He accounts us brethren still.
6 O for grace our hearts to soften!
Teach us, Lord, at length to love;
We, alas! forget too often,
What a Friend we have above:
But when home our souls are brought,
We will love thee as we ought.
Olney Hymns, Book 1. Hymn 53
John Newton
Meter: 8.7.8.7.7.7.
1 One there is, above all others,
Well deserves the name of friend;
His is love beyond a brother's,
Costly, free, and knows no end:
They who once his kindness prove,
Find it everlasting love!
2 Which of all our friends to save us,
Could or would have shed their blood?
But our JESUS died to have us
Reconciled, in him to God:
This was boundless love indeed!
JESUS is a friend in need.
3 Men, when raised to lofty stations,
Often know their friends no more;
Slight and scorn their poor relations
Though they valued them before.
But our Savior always owns
Those whom he redeemed with groans.
4 When he lived on earth abased,
Friend of sinners was his name;
Now, above all glory raised,
He rejoices in the same:
Still he calls them brethren, friends,
And to all their wants attends.
5 Could we bear from one another,
What he daily bears from us?
Yet this glorious Friend and Brother,
Loves us though we treat him thus:
Though for good we render ill,
He accounts us brethren still.
6 O for grace our hearts to soften!
Teach us, Lord, at length to love;
We, alas! forget too often,
What a Friend we have above:
But when home our souls are brought,
We will love thee as we ought.
Olney Hymns, Book 1. Hymn 53
John Newton
Meter: 8.7.8.7.7.7.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Some "ifs"
If we learn from our mistakes, most of us will never lack for educational material!
If you learn to laugh at yourself, you'll never lack for a source of entertainment!
If you get into deep water, keep your mouth shut.
If there is no wind, row. -- Latin Proverb
If your mind goes blank, don't forget to turn off the sound.
If you learn to laugh at yourself, you'll never lack for a source of entertainment!
If you get into deep water, keep your mouth shut.
If there is no wind, row. -- Latin Proverb
If your mind goes blank, don't forget to turn off the sound.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
CPS again
The 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals in Austin said CPS had no right to seize over 400 Fundamentalist Mormon children in a raid on FLDS Yearning for Zion ranch. The appeals court ruling gives a lower-court judge 10 days to release the children. The state may appeal to the Texas Supreme Court.
Give to the Winds Thy Fears
1. Give to the winds thy fears,
Hope and be undismayed.
God hears thy sighs and counts thy tears,
God will lift up thy head.
2. Leave to His sovereign sway
To choose and to command;
Then shalt thou, wandering, own His way,
How wise, how strong His hand.
3. Far, far above thy thought,
His counsel shall appear;
When fully He the work hath wrought
That caused thy needless fear.
4. Through waves and clouds and storms,
He gently clears the way;
Wait thou His time; so shall this night
Soon end in joyous day.
Meter = S. M.
Words by Paul Gerhardt
Translated by John Wesley
Hope and be undismayed.
God hears thy sighs and counts thy tears,
God will lift up thy head.
2. Leave to His sovereign sway
To choose and to command;
Then shalt thou, wandering, own His way,
How wise, how strong His hand.
3. Far, far above thy thought,
His counsel shall appear;
When fully He the work hath wrought
That caused thy needless fear.
4. Through waves and clouds and storms,
He gently clears the way;
Wait thou His time; so shall this night
Soon end in joyous day.
Meter = S. M.
Words by Paul Gerhardt
Translated by John Wesley
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
We love thee, tolerance
...unless we have to tolerate the intolerant.
Yes, those on the left wing that seem to honor tolerance above all values just can't tolerate those they view as intolerant. According to STLToday.com, when Washington University announced it would award an honorary degree to Phyllis Schlafly (president and founder of Eagle Forum), several WU law professors called on the university to rescind that decision. In addition, some students publicized their intent to turn their backs to the stage when Schlafly is honored. For more read Schlafly controversy proves her continuing relevance. Despite the protest and some weasel words from WU, they evidently tolerated both Schafly and the protestors and did what they had decided to do.
Yes, those on the left wing that seem to honor tolerance above all values just can't tolerate those they view as intolerant. According to STLToday.com, when Washington University announced it would award an honorary degree to Phyllis Schlafly (president and founder of Eagle Forum), several WU law professors called on the university to rescind that decision. In addition, some students publicized their intent to turn their backs to the stage when Schlafly is honored. For more read Schlafly controversy proves her continuing relevance. Despite the protest and some weasel words from WU, they evidently tolerated both Schafly and the protestors and did what they had decided to do.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Random thoughts on Esther
Esther 4:14 - And who knoweth, whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
Esther is a short book of ten chapters, 167 verses and 5633 words.[i] No Divine title is found in the book of Esther; the Medo-Persian king is mentioned 192 times. No Divine name is found in the book of Esther; the name “Ahasuerus” is given 29 times. Like the story of Joseph, the story of Esther involves a foreign monarch who seems to control the destiny of the Jews. Even though God is not mentioned by name or title, he is clearly at work!
The story of God’s people in the book of Esther makes me think of some lines of a James Russell Lowell poem:
“Truth forever on the scaffold, Wrong forever on the throne, —Yet that scaffold sways the future, and, behind the dim unknown, Standeth God within the shadow, Keeping watch above his own.”[ii]In a movie called “Proof of Life,” the character Alice Bowman says, “Things don’t happen for a reason; they just happen.” Yet in the book of Esther as we see the unfolding of events “just happening,” it becomes clear that they “just happen” for a reason. Men have many names for “God within the shadow” (or for denying that he is even there) – fate and fortune, accidents and coincidence, good luck and bad luck (or as we say around here, “It just so happened that...”). Yet even some of these terms admit some portion of the truth. Fate – beyond the control of man; accident – no man planned for it to happen that way; coincidence – events unusually and strikingly come together.
John Gill writes, “...the hand and providence of God is clearly seen – in raising Esther to such grandeur, and that for the deliverance of the people of the Jews, and in counter working and bringing to nought the plots of their enemies, and in saving them...”
When we don’t see God, He is there.
Though we don’t understand it, He is not far from every one of us.
Whether or not we believe it, God works all things after the counsel of his own will.
[i] Information on the words based on MS Word Count feature in Microsoft Word, plus possible human error.
[ii] From “The Present Crisis,” by James Russell Lowell, 1844
Monday, May 19, 2008
An Evening Hymn for a Little Family
Now condescend, Almighty King,
To bless this little throng;
And kindly listen while we sing
Our pleasant evening song.
We come to own the Power divine
That watches o'er our days:
For this our feeble voices join
In hymns of cheerful praise.
Jane Taylor (1783-1824)
Hymns for Infant Minds, 1832.
As posted on Song To The Lamb Thurs 8 May 2008
To bless this little throng;
And kindly listen while we sing
Our pleasant evening song.
We come to own the Power divine
That watches o'er our days:
For this our feeble voices join
In hymns of cheerful praise.
Jane Taylor (1783-1824)
Hymns for Infant Minds, 1832.
As posted on Song To The Lamb Thurs 8 May 2008
Dirty movies??
You probably know that movie theaters provide plenty of mental filth. What do you know about the physical filth? Read about it here.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Who said it?
"Few things in our culture are more spiritually numbing than the television. Even the so-called 'good' shows are by and large banal and low-minded and anything but cultivating of a rich, deep capacity to enjoy God. And when you add to that the barrage of suggestive advertisements that accompany virtually every program, I do not wonder why so many of our professing Christians are spiritually incapable of experiencing high thoughts and deep emotions."
Friday, May 16, 2008
Child "protective" services
"Don Duquette, [a University of Michigan] ...says the emergency removal powers of CPS, though "well-intentioned" are "out of control and partly responsible for the large numbers of kids in the foster care system."
Read more:
Hard lemonade, hard price
Read more:
Hard lemonade, hard price
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)