RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY:

WHAT IS LIFE?

2011-10-19T20:04:00.000-07:00

http://mimbari.livejournal.com/141046.html
http://derrycksgriffith.wordpress.com/2011/10/20/what-is-life/

November 19-2011.

WHAT IS LIFE?

This is the most difficult thing to describe or explain. So here is my interpretation of it.

LIFE as we humans understand it means, any organism that breathes air/oxygen, eats food to sustain itself, procreates itself in order to ensure longevity, and have unique ways of communicating with each other, or similar organisms.

WHY ARE SCIENTISTS SO BENT ON FINDING HUMAN LIFE ON OTHER PLANETS:

I think it is because they (by and large), feel that there might be other humans living on other planets, that look just like us.

And I have issues with this contention, because human life is not homogenous. We are different, speak differently, communicate differently, and behave differently.

So even if other human like beings exists on other planets, they may not necessarily have two legs, walk upright, speak verbally, procreate, or even indulge in sexual intercourse.

Derryck.
NYC.

The Prayer Of The Egyptian Revolution!

2011-02-06T04:12:00.000-08:00

http://mimbari.livejournal.com/120931.html

The Prayer Of The Egyptian Revolution!

Oh Allah Please, We Call Upon You!

At This Time Of Need And Supplication.

To Help Us Free Ourselves,

From The Yoke Of The Pharaoh.

We Have Suffered Greatly For Decades,

And We Have Had Enough Of This Suffering.

We Have Not Been Truly Worthy Most Of The Time,

Very Often Have Taken You For Granted,

Have Not Given You Much Thought, Thanks, And Recognition.

So Today We Make A New Start,

And Promise To Make Amends To Start A New Begining.

Please Help Us Now Oh God,

For You Are The Only One That Can Do This For Us.

Free Us From This Pestilence, And Set Us Free.

And I Promise You, I Shall Always Be Grateful,

And Shall Never Forget To Give Thanks,

To You Our Dearest Allah!

Derryck.
NYC.

All Established Churches, Mosques And Synagogues Must Pay Taxes!

2011-01-03T07:08:00.000-08:00

http://mimbari.livejournal.com/

January 03-2011:

All Established Churches, Mosques And Synagogues Must Pay Taxes!

These proselytizing religious organizations, mosques, masjids, and churches MUST be made to pay property taxes, land ownership taxes, and other related taxes. These organizations operate like a business. They pay their preachers, pastors, and maintenance personnel salaries. Therefore, they aught to pay taxes just like their parishioners do, from their wages and for their homes too.

For decades these organizations were able to recruit members, exploit them coercively, through threats, or compulsion, to pay a TITE or part of their incomes to the church. In some religious organizations like Islam. A certain percentage of the convert's income must be given to the mosque.

The Lavish Life Style Of Preachers:

In some churches, it is quite evident how lavish the preacher or pastor lives. He has a modern or the latest car for his family. He/she dresses in the latest fashion, (though sometimes very modestly), wears jewelry and other accessories just like most of the parishioners do. And one wonders if this life style is not a lucrative business, especially for those who do not, or is not expected to pay the state any taxes.

Who Says Churches Are Entitled To A Free Pass?

For decades these religious organizations behaved as though they have A Divine Right to operate without due regard, or to pay Caesar his due as the Bible says. Which conflicts with the view of Jesus, who said, 'Give Unto Caesar What Is Caesars. ' Meaning, pay your taxes if you do not want to be arrested and charged by Caesar's magistrates.

Derryck.
NYC.

RELIGION-INTAFADA & MUJAHIDEEN Explained!

2010-10-17T08:07:00.000-07:00

http://mimbari.livejournal.com/106726.html

October 17-2010:

RELIGION-INTAFADA & MUJAHIDEEN Explained!

FACTS FOR THOSE WHO THINK:

The Mayflower English Settlers who landed in Plymouth-USA, were Evangelical Christians. They came here to escape persecution in Britain mostly.

In time they IMPOSED their religion on the INDIGENOUS NATIONS. Today, referred or called American Indians.

So Americans have NO RIGHT to declare this nation A CHRISTIAN NATION. When they did EXACTLY what they fear the Moslems might do to this country with Islam.

THE JEWISH MAYOR OF NEW YORK CITY:

Michael Bloomberg, FIRED a female Arab American Principal from a school in NYC, because she sponsored ,or tolerated the selling of Tea Shirts with the inscription written on it which says "INTAFADA-NYC".

For this reason the Mayor felt she should be fired.

He probably felt that she subscribed to his Jewish and American paranoia of that word INTAFADA.

Especially the Israeli Lobbyists in New York City & State.

TEACHING RELIGION IN PUBLICLY FUNDEDD SCHOOLS:

I personally feel that RELIGION of any kind aught NOT to be taught in any school or college, funded by tax payers money.

This is the domain for the private schools, colleges, mosques, masjids, churches, or synagogues.

SOME ARABIC TERMS:

INTAFADA means an uprising (Armed or Un-armed).

MUJAHIDEEN means Resistance Fighters (mostly Armed).

TALIBAN means a Cleric whose theology is based on the historic practices of Islam in the days of the prophet Mohammed, (mostly fundamentalist).

Derryck.
NYC.

Is Love An Illusion?

2010-05-30T07:52:00.000-07:00

http://mimbari.livejournal.com/

May 30-2010:

Is Love An Illusion?

There are those who believe that it is, and have become cynical, ever since they claim to have been hurt too many times before. But was it truly love they felt? Or was it an emotional roller coaster they had?

Personally, I believe that to experience true love is a privilege. And most of us may never have that opportunity in this life. But for the few who do, they will know it is real, profound, and can never be erased from memory or feelings.

Because when you have experienced true love, you cannot hate that person, cannot lose it,and will cherish that experience for as long as you live, regardless of whether you are together or apart. Or whether the physical relationship or togetherness is still possible or necessary. These things cannot influence your love for that person, Period.

At What Age Is It Possible To Love?

I believe that when an individual reaches adolescence he/she should have the necessary mental and psychological maturity to determine what he/she feels for another is really true love, passion, lust, emotional security, dependence, or fantasy.

Of course, this will differ from person to person, depending on his/her emotional/psychological state of mind too. But 'ceteris paribus,' a matured individual or adult aught to recognize what is real, from what is fantasy or self-delusion.

Derryck.
NYC.

Can Consciousness Exist Outside The Brain?

2010-05-16T14:44:00.000-07:00

http://mimbari.livejournal.com/

May 16-2010:

Can Consciousness Exist Outside The Brain?

Personally, I believe it does, for the following reasons:

Consciousness is that invisible element within humans that makes us aware of ourselves. We can identify ourselves as individuals within a group, mainstream society, or culture. The brain is like a computer that files away all impressions it receives via the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, or touch. All of these files are accessed automatically when we want to speak, or respond to anything, or some experience instantaneously.

This is so normal to most humans today that hardly anyone pays attention to it, unless some mental or neurological problem arises. Then we may seek professional help or advice. However, the consciousness is an invisible element. Unlike the brain which is a physical element within us. So when someone experiences 'Out Of Body Consciousness,' it is the brain having some confusion with accessing some of the files in memory storage, and have mis-interpreted some of those senses.

Therefore, what the eye sees, or does not see, and the brain interprets, or does not interpret correctly, may cause the individual to hear, see, or experience one of the above experiences, that hitherto resulted in someone being placed in a mental institution, burnt at the stake, or considered demon possessed.

Hindu Re-incarnation:

This philosophy subscribes to the view that one has to take several physical bodies in several life cycles, in order to cleanse himself/herself from all evil, or Bad Karma. And when he/she has finally done that, he/she will have attained Nirvana or Enlightenment, and will never have to take another physical body again.

This concept is just like the example 'Out Of Body Consciousness Where converts or followers, believes in this process, and will not see it as something to be feared, but something that comes with being human, or being in the process of eradicating Bad Karma.

Derryck.
NYC.

THE CATHOLIC POPE & His Pedophile Brother!

2010-03-12T06:47:00.000-08:00

http://mimbari.livejournal.com/

March 12-2-010:

THE CATHOLIC POPE & His Pedophile Brother!

Is an institution of BUGGERY. Not the place any decent person wants his/her child to associate with.

The current Pope was a bishop in Munich-Germany, who knew or heard allegations that his own brother was involved in the Buggering of Altar Boys in his diocese, and he said or did nothing about it.

That was the norm in most countries where the Catholic Church has it's tentacles in. They had Church Schools that allowed the flogging of students at will, as part of the daily corporal punishments allowed in most Catholic Schools, and Public Schools for decades.

I too was one of those children who experienced severe beating from Nuns and Teachers in the Public/Catholic school that I attended.

These hypocrites threaten the flock with PURGATORY and PERDITION if they refused to read the Catechism (or the Church Bible), and influence the Educational Curriculum and Outcomes in most schools, associated with the Catholic Church.

Even the political administration of the state was subtly coerced into allowing them to operate as they see fitting. That is why it took so many decades for these revelations of child pedophilia in the churches to go public.

For several decades the Catholic and other Churches hid behind the Social Taboos associated with Homosexuality, and allowed their own Sexual Predators to continue Buggering The Altar Boys, Choir Boys, and Scouts, with impunity.

Call these Monsters Out Every time You Hear Of This Brutality And Unsavory Acts to Young People!

Derryck.
New York City.

Muslim Conflict In Non-Muslim Cultures!

2010-01-26T14:42:00.000-08:00

http://mimbari.livejournal.com/

January 26-2010:

Muslim Conflict In Non-Muslim Cultures!

The concern currently in most EU countries about Self-identified Muslim women who chose to wear the Hijab, or Face Covering Veil, is currently experiencing uproarious responses and remarks.

Most of the Muslim women who cover their faces in public, say that it was a personal choice. And that the society at large MUST accept their choice, and allow them to express their religious faith without prejudice or coercion. Failing to recognize that they are residing in a pre-dominantly Non-Muslim country. Most of which are Christian oriented, or the majority of citizens subscribe to Christianity.

This to my mind will always be a bone of contention in countries that are not Islamic states, or does not subscribe to Islam as the majority religion or religious belief.

So if Muslims who live in Non-Muslim states truly understand the concept of "Do Unto Others As You Would Like Done Unto You." Then they MUST accept the reality of their position in that society, and comply with the laws of that state or country.

Failing to do so, shows dis-respect, non-compliance, and obstinacy!
Saudi Arabia & Other Islamic states.

Require all women to walk in the company of other women or relatives in public. They MUST also cover their heads, and wear loose fitting clothes that does not show explicitly, the female anatomy. Some women are not even allowed to drive a car, or vote in national elections. Or hold politically elected office.

And yet, most of these women residing therein do not demonstrate against the state for not allowing them to do participate in the above areas cited.

But it seems they expect to have their own way or preferences honored or respected, in a foreign country, that does not subscribe to their religious views, opinions, life style, or convictions.

Derryck.
NYC.

The French Government Wants To Ban The Borka?

2010-01-21T12:37:00.000-08:00

http://mimbari.livejournal.com/

January 21-2010:

The French Government Wants To Ban The BORKA:

This is ridiculous! I could agree with banning the covering of One's Face in Public. But I do not agree with any Ban on a woman's right to cover her Head, or Entire body!

This I presume is a National Security Issue!

The Prophet Mohammed wives wore the borka.

But that was intended to avoid other men from seeing what his wives looked like! That was a SUBJECTIVE decree.

Today, for women to adopt this position, means, subscribing to the prophet's own views, and not some Islamic Hadith.

Derryck.
NYC.

Is The Word ALLAH Exclusive To Muslims Only?

2010-01-19T14:11:00.000-08:00

January 19-2010:

Is The Word ALLAH Exclusive To Muslims Only?

The Malays Think So!

In Malaysia the Catholic Church there used the world ALLAH in their organizational bulletin or periodical to inform their followers about Islam and Catholicism. The pre-dominant Malay indigenous community there, who are mostly Muslim, felt annoyed, and wanted the Catholic Church to remove or stop using the word ALLAH in any of their written periodicals or information sharing documentation.

The Malays also claim that Islam in Malaysia has the exclusive rights to that name, and only Muslims are allowed to Speak or write the name of ALLAH, their concept of God. The church refused to do this bidding, and some of their buildings were fire bombed by alleged Muslim arsonists who wanted to teach them a lesson.

A Fatwah was issued by a prominent Muslim Clerical Group, advocating for the establishment to adhere to their concept and exclusivity, for the use of the word ALLH, to be used only by Malays who are also Muslims.
THE ALLAH Debate In Malaysia:

Is based on Semantics or Interpretation. They feel ALLAH must be used by Muslims only. But the rest of the world says, we don't care who adopts it as their own! ALLAH, according to the Malays, MUST be used only by MUSLIMS. (At least in Malaysia).

But this conflicts with the use of ALLAH in other Muslim countries, and non-Muslim countries.

However, religion should be interpreted by Consensus. And MUST never be Espoused via Coercion, Threats, Fanaticism, or Exclusion.

Derryck.
NYC.

Defining Islam!

2010-01-08T07:04:00.000-08:00

http://mimbari.livejournal.com/

January 08-2010:

Defining Islam!

Islam is a religion or philosophy that does not have any Global consensus of interpretation. Islamic scholars individually, may differ in their interpretation of this doctrine.

Sharia Law Explained:

Sharia or Shari'a is the body of Islamic law. The term means "way" or "path"; it is the legal framework within which public and some private aspects of life are regulated for those living in a legal system based on Muslim principles of jurisprudence. It is not actually part of the canonical Qur'an; that is to say, it is not believed to be the direct word of Allah by Muslims, but rather the interpretation of it.

Sharia deals with many aspects of day-to-day life, including politics, economics, banking, business law, contract law, sexuality, and social issues. Some Islamic scholars accept Sharia as the body of precedent and legal theory established before the 19th century, while other scholars view Sharia as a changing body, and include Islamic legal theory from the contemporary period.

There is not a strictly codified uniform set of laws pertaining to Sharia. It is more like a system of devising laws, based on the Qur'an, Hadith and centuries of debate, interpretation and precedent.

Before the 19th century, legal theory was considered the domain of the traditional legal schools of thought. Most Sunni Muslims follow Hanafi, Hanbali, Maliki or Shafii, while most Shia Muslims follow Jaafari (Hallaq 1997, Brown 1996, Aslan 2006).

However, Sharia Law, which to my mind are severe rules that are meted out by an Islamic Court of Imams, whose authority and decrees must be adhered to.

And even this so called Sharia Law/Court, interprets and implements these laws differently, according to region, Klan, individual Imam, and state.

Islam Advocates For Militarism:

It espouses the view that Muslims everywhere must be prepared to assist, Or defend any other Muslim in trouble,war, or if they perceive it to be so!

Derryck.
NYC.

SHARIA LAW EXPLAINED!

2009-11-24T07:01:00.000-08:00

http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geu9cb8gtLu1cAMU9XNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTByMTNuNTZzBHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMgRjb2xvA2FjMgR2dGlkAw--/SIG=11n01fp0l/EXP=1259160475/

http%3a//www.conservapedia.com/Sharia

SHARIA LAW EXPLAINED!

Sharia or Shari'a is the body of Islamic law. The term means "way" or "path"; it is the legal framework within which public and some private aspects of life are regulated for those living in a legal system based on Muslim principles of jurisprudence. It is not actually part of the canonical Qur'an; that is to say, it is not believed to be the direct word of Allah by Muslims, but rather the interpretation of it.

Sharia deals with many aspects of day-to-day life, including politics, economics, banking, business law, contract law, sexuality, and social issues. Some Islamic scholars accept Sharia as the body of precedent and legal theory established before the 19th century, while other scholars view Sharia as a changing body, and include Islamic legal theory from the contemporary period.

There is not a strictly codified uniform set of laws pertaining to Sharia. It is more like a system of devising laws, based on the Qur'an, Hadith and centuries of debate, interpretation and precedent.

Before the 19th century, legal theory was considered the domain of the traditional legal schools of thought. Most Sunni Muslims follow Hanafi, Hanbali, Maliki or Shafii, while most Shia Muslims follow Jaafari (Hallaq 1997, Brown 1996, Aslan 2006).

Laws and practices under Sharia:

1 Marriage laws
2 Divorce laws
3 Other laws
4 The penalty for theft
5 The penalty for adultery
6 Nigeria
7 United States
8 United Kingdom
9 Further reading
10 Notes

Marriage laws

The Muslim man who is not currently a fornicator can only marry a Muslim woman who is not currently a fornicatress or a chaste woman from the people of the book.
The Muslim woman who is not currently a fornicatress can only marry a Muslim man who is not currently a fornicator.
The Muslim fornicator can only marry a Muslim fornicates.
The Muslim fornicates can only marry a Muslim fornicator.
Men can marry up to four wives, but only if they are treated equally. Those who do not consider themselves capable of maintaining just behavior between wives, should refrain from this practice.
The woman cannot marry without the consent of her guardian. If she marries, her husband becomes her new guardian.
The guardian may choose a suitable partner for a virgin girl, but the girl is free to contest and has the right to say 'no'.
The guardian cannot marry the divorced woman or the widow if she didn't ask to be married.
The number of husbands is limited to one.
"Do not marry unless you give your wife something that is her right." It is obligatory for a man to give bride wealth (gifts) to the woman he marries.[5]

Divorce laws!

A woman who wishes to be divorced usually needs the consent of her husband. However, most schools allow her to obtain a divorce without her husband's consent if she can show the judge that her husband is mistreating her, failing to support her financially, or is impotent. If the husband consents she does not have to pay back the dower.[Citation Needed]
Men have the right of unilateral divorce. A divorce is effective when the man tells his wife that he is divorcing her. At this point the husband must pay the wife the "delayed" component of the dower.

A divorced woman of reproductive age must wait three months before marrying again to ensure that she is not pregnant. Her ex-husband should support her financially during this period.[Citation Needed]
Under certain circumstances (abuse, for instance), the wife may ask a judge to separate the couple.
If a man says "I divorce thee" three times to his wife, he can no longer marry her again unless she marries another man and then divorces.

These are guidelines; Islamic law on divorce is different depending on the school of thought.

Other laws: Dancing and other forms of "fun" entertainment are forbidden

The penalty for theft!

In accordance with the Qur'an and several hadith, theft is punished by imprisonment or amputation of hands or feet, depending on the number of times it was committed and depending on the item of theft.

The penalty for adultery!

In accordance with hadith, stoning to death is the penalty for married men and women who commit adultery. For unmarried men and women, the punishment prescribed in the Qur'an and hadith is 100 lashes.

Nigeria

In Nigeria in 2000, 12 northern states (Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Jigawa, Yobe, Bauchi, Borno, Zamfara, and Gombe) reintroduced criminal law aspects of the Sharia legal system, which many Christians allege amounted to the adoption of a state religion. Moreover, the Nigerian Civil Liberties Organization contends that the establishment of a Commission for Religious Affairs in Zamfara State is tantamount to adopting Islam as a state religion.

Several northern states used state funds for the construction of mosques, teaching of Qadis (Shari'a court judges), and subsidies for the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. However, several other states, including northern states, apportioned funds to finance Christian pilgrimages to Jerusalem and to construct churches. States, whether predominantly Christian or Muslim, generally responded to the religious needs expressed by the majority of their residents.

The question of the constitutionality of the Shari'a legal system, as adopted in 12 northern states, has been debated at the Supreme Court. However, the court has not rendered a judgment on this issue, in part because of the often volatile relationships between religious groups.

United States!

Many financial institutions in the United States are using sharia-compliant finance, or SCF. Problems presented by SCF include that it enables racketeering, antitrust activity, securities fraud, consumer fraud and material support for terror.[1] The Treasury Department has been co-sponsoring seminars on sharia-compliant finance with Harvard Law School's Islamic Finance Project in preparation for new projects to be undertaken by the department under President Barack Obama[2]

There is a very small population of polygamist Muslims in the United States.[3]

United Kingdom!

In 2008, the Department for Work and Pensions in the United Kingdom revised its policies to provide for extra welfare benefits for men who have married more than one wife, as permitted by sharia law.[4]

Retribution & Death Comes Home To Roost:

2009-11-06T13:51:00.000-08:00

November 06-2009:

Retribution & Death Comes Home To Roost:

God Is Great, shouted Nidal Malik Hasan a US Psycho therapist Captain, based in Fort Hood-Texas. Just before he started firing his two hand guns, in a close area or space, where military families and soldiers sought medical assistance and other related medical assistance on that base.

The killer was able to kill that many people because his weapon was an automatic firearm, and in such a densely populated and enclose space, there was no difficulty to get as many victims as possible, before he was put down by the security personnel there.

Some are wondering WHY did he do it?

This cry of surprise was voiced several times before in America, whenever such killings happen, even though this one is unique, but the history is similar.

America is an occupier of two Moslem oriented countries. We are fighting and killing thousands of Muslims in Iraq & Afghanistan on a daily basis. The people in those regions are not too concerned about our reason/s for being there, all they see are foreigners, who are from a Christian hemisphere, killing Moslems brothers and sisters, while in occupation of their countries.

Under Islam, their is a Hadith that says, when fellow Muslims are in trouble, or are being victimized, all Muslims are obliged to come to their aid or rescue. Because it is perceived that any aggression towards Muslims anywhere, is an aggression to Muslims everywhere!

That is the concept or perception of every Muslim, who elects to indulge in some suicide or Jihad murder or killing, in sympathy with his fellow Muslim brothers and sisters.

Westerners & Christian Oriented Countries Must Acknowledge this reality, if they intend to deal with the Islamic world, and Muslims generally.

Derryck S. Griffith.
NYC.

We Are Living In A Parallel Universe!

2009-09-18T06:08:00.000-07:00

September 18-2009:

We Are Living In A Parallel Universe!

Today, more than ever I am thoroughly convinced that this planet, us humans, and this universe is a twin. Yes, we are in a parallel universe. I have had these suspicions for several years now, triggered by several personal experiences such as meeting someone whom I knew I've met, but could not fathom where. Seeing individuals that look exactly like someone I knew personally some place and time before. They even walked, talked, and behaved like the person or individuals I've known before.

I have had dreams that took me to places that looked exactly like this planet, people of different ethnic groups and complexion, that look just like we do on this earth, people that behaved, spoke, acted, sang, danced, made love, had sex, and did bad things exactly like we do on this planet also. I have had dreams, visions (awake and
asleep) where I met individuals that I knew somehow, we went places, did things together, and parted in a manner that baffled me, to the point where as I was about to leave that person's presence or company. I watched as he/she walked away into the sunset, or into the ground literally, and disappeared from sight too.

Then I realized what was happening, I realized that I was on another planet, another place and time, and that I did not truly belong there. At least not at that time.

Then I awoke, and wondered if that individual realized what was happening also, and if that individual had the same experience that I was having with such an encounter too? I also had experiences on another planet that looked like ours, where I was killed, and as the blade or gunshot struck me, I awoke immediately, and realize that I was still alive, and back on earth, as though nothing happened. Then I realized once more, that a parallel existence MUST be a reality for me to be so convinced, and recognizable.

The Prophets, Seers, Shamans, and Spiritual Leaders Of Yore Realized It Too:

Yes, these people realized it to, but was also like me, unable to comprehend what they too were experiencing back then. They tried to explain these things in the light of their own cultural experiences, background, and interpretation, So many points of view were expressed and shared about them. Some said it was an after lfe, Some said it was re-incarnation of souls, until finally the individual would reach Nirvana, or the completion of the soul's journey to enlightenment. Others call it Heaven. And in recent times, with the advent of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and other faiths, this has become the anticipated end of the human journey.

But all of these peoples and religious philosophies subscribed to some after life, or some other existence that us humans are a part of, and could expect to experience if we behave in certain ways, or believe in certain doctrines prescribed by our Elders of yore. All with the intent to mold our minds to work towards making this perception a reality at some future time. Today, it is referred to as The End Time, or The Coming of The Mufti, or the Advent Of The Christ, or The Return Of The Caliph.

Can Anyone Prove That We Are Indeed In A Parallel Universe?

I don't think with our current scientific technologies that would be possible. And I also don't think humans will ever be able to transcend time and space. Because we as physical beings AGE. And to be able to transcend Time And Space, requires preventing the Aging Process From Taking Place Physically. And we are all aware, that all material things are transformed via the aging stages, in it's development processes.

The invisible essence of all things is yet to be fully comprehended by as humans. At least with our limited and sometimes confused perception, of what we call The Human Reality or Experience.

Derryck S. Griffith.

Some Things That Pagan Worshippers Can Teach Us!

2009-07-31T13:52:00.001-07:00

July 31-2009:

Some Things That Pagan Worshippers Can Teach Us!

Paganism has gotten a Bad Rap, ever since Christianity came into existence. Christianity teaches about some invisible deity or God, just like Islam and Judaism does. Paganism however, sees the physical universe as the source of our being, survival, and believes it must be cherished, worshipped, and revered.

In some Pagan cultures, animal flesh and blood is used in the practice of their worshipping ceremonies, and could be mis-construed by those who do not believe in the Paganistic view of the universe or their concept of it.

However, what is real and what is not real?

Some religions espouse that this world of the flesh and physical beings are UN-Real, and the only REAL thing is the UN-SEEN aspect of this universe or cosmic.

Christianity and Islam teaches of some other or invisible place, where the souls go after it relieves itself of this physical body of flesh. Much ado is made in both religions about how to prepare for and make this journey possible in this physical life. Wars have been fought and is still being fought regionally and globally, because of these two PRINCIPAL approaches to the afterlife, and the preparation for the afterlife.

Albeit, I believe that all humans have an innate desire for the meaning of this life, and the reason for this physical existence. Some use their religious beliefs, learned from childhood as a guide or explanation for all that we call the universe or the cosmic.

Physicists have explained the beginning of this universe, much to the disbelief and rebuff of scores that believe in
Islam, Christianity, or Judaism.

However, all aspects of religious indulgence have some part to play in the human perpetual enquiry, into who and what he or she is, and where, when, and how this physical existence will all end.

Derryck.
NYC

NEWS From My Perspective!

2009-05-25T15:49:00.000-07:00

May 25-2009:

A couple fled the country to Mexico, to avoid a Court Order for chemotherapy for their son.

I don't know the details or gravity of this matter. But I will speculate that maybe, just maybe, the parents have religious or misguided scruples about the right, necessity, or moral concerns for this child health or survival, to try and evade this responsibility.

I also know that there are cases where individuals have refused to have an operation on their person, because of religious convictions.

And I ask myself, who or what gives anyone the right to prevent any medical help to prolong or save another person's life, especially if that person is a minor or a child?

And why should anyone use their religious convictions to deny medical assistance or help to a relative or sibling, that is in dire need of that help?

These are questions that bother me dearly, as I ponder these concerns!

Individuals should stop for a moment and ask themselves if their GOD would approve or deny another of his creatures, the right to LIFE, because some other of his creations feel, that it conflicts with his/her religious convictions.

Furthermore, religious convictions have nothing to do with one's belief in any God or Allah.

Derryck.
NYC.

NEWS From My Perspective!

2009-05-11T17:46:00.001-07:00

May 11-2009:

The Pontiff Snobs Israel!

Israeli's and others in the Moslem world are still waiting for the undercover Nazi Pope, to apologize for saying that Islam is a terrorist religion. He made some pronouncements, that came up short of an expressed apology.

And yet, the Moslem world and the Israeli's are still embracing this monster, who masquerades an Holier than thou!

How pathetic!

Religion & Scientific Facts!

When scientists discovered via their space satellites, evidence of the beginning of this cosmic, all religions explanation for the genesis of all things became OBSOLETE.

Those who still cling to the religious explanation for this universe's birth, are those who believe in fairy tales!

----------------------------------
May 11-2009:

Iranian/American Female Reporter Set Free!

An Iranian-American reporter Roxanna Saberi who was jailed on spying charges, was released after a court reduced the sentence.

However, if this woman is truly grateful for this reprieve, she should stay out of Iran forever.

If she intends to be free for the rest of her life.

-------------------------------------

The World Cries FOUL-While Pakistan Fights Terror!

Yes, some of the worlds democracies are crying foul, claiming that the Pakistan army is using too much force and arbitrary bombing of the Taliban and Civilians in the Swat Valley. And that they should show some restraint.

Imagine that, when Israel was using Phosperous and other deadly munitions on innocent Palestinian civilians, not one of those Domocracies called for A Cease Fire, or criticized Israel for what seemd like genocide, in it's military actions in Gaza.

So SHUT UP, and let the Pakistan government deal with this long overdue cancer within it's midst!

Derryck.
NYC.

Is Not Getting Married Going Against Nature

2009-04-05T08:17:00.000-07:00

April 05-2009:

Is Not Getting Married Going Against Nature?

I heard this expression in a movie recently, and I was inspired to pen some of my views on this issue!

Most societies hitherto have had some form of mutual arrangement between two individuals, (a male and a female). This was done in private or public, depending upon the type of religious, traditional, or social norms of that clan, group, region, or culture.

Today in most modern societies, the institution of marriage is taken for granted, and most people, especially women feel that when they have gotten to know some male, who they may have been seeing, and feels that the emotional bond that was established between them, warrants consolidation through marriage.

Some women and men may feel that if a child is imminent between them, it would be in the interest of the unborn, to have a father figure to emulate, or help nurture during those early years of it's development.

This idea has become institutionalized throughout the world today.
Marriage can also be a means to inherit wealth, ensure that wealth stays within a certain lineage or hereditary family too. We also have marriages between same genders, which is a relatively new phenomenon in developed societies.

However, if you have any comments or additions to add to this discourse, you are welcomed to provide same.

Derryck.
NYC.

Madonna Wants To Adopt Another Black Child?

2009-03-31T08:11:00.000-07:00

March 31-2009:

Madonna Wants To Adopt Another Black Child!

Pop singer Madonna is trying to adopt another Black African child. This type of behavior of several rich White folks worries me greatly. What is the point helping a few individuals in poverty, when millions are continuously being left alone after the death of a parent, or malaria, hunger, cholera, and other social maladies that are so prevalent in Africa, Asia, Central and South America.

Why can't these same Rich White folks do something REAL like what Opra Winfry does!

Build Schools, Homes, Community Services, Health Clinics, and other social infrastructure, in those states where it is vitally needed and terribly lacking.

This to my mind will do much more to ease the economic burden on those states affected or impacted, with all or most of the above tragedies.

It is so easy to show one's humanity or empathy for others who suffer, but is must be hinged upon real and realistic goals, objectives, and pragmatism.

Derryck.
NYC

The POPE'S Full Comments On HIV & A.I.D.S!

2009-03-18T07:59:00.000-07:00

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article5927964.ece?&EMC-Bltn=PPWCDA

The POPE Says Condom Use Spreads HIV & A.I.D.S

The Pope caused dismay among Aids campaigners yesterday by declaring on his first trip to Africa that condoms were not the solution to the epidemic ravaging the continent.

In his first public comments on condom use, an issue that has divided even Roman Catholic clergy working with Aids sufferers, he told reporters en route to Cameroon that Aids "cannot be overcome by distributing condoms – it only increases the problem".

Aids activists had hoped that Pope Benedict, who has emphasised previously that the Roman Catholic Church is in the forefront of the battle against Aids, would take a more nuanced approach than his predecessor, John Paul II.

Catholic and human rights activists immediately condemned the statement, saying that it showed that the Pope was out of touch with reality and advocating inhumane policies that would increase the suffering of innocent people.

Paganism & Religion Are Synonymous!

2009-03-01T06:52:00.000-08:00

March 01-2009:

Paganism & Religion Are Synonymous!

The only difference between these two practices are the following:

* Pagans use things like flesh, animals, and plants, as the means to worship or give reverence to their gods.

* Religionists use doctrine or philosophy based on some invisible deity, as the source for their worship or reverence.

One could also say that in Roman Catholicism, the statues like The Virgin Mary, Saint Peter, St. Francis, and other canonized religious or papal icons, are also emulated, and given reverence via prayers, and other outward forms of showing reverence.

In Islam, no physical or pictorial images, deities, or icons are allowed or worshipped.

This may be the only religious faith that does not practice paganism in any form!

Derryck.
NYC.

Necromancy-Witchcraft & Obeah In The Caribbean?

2008-11-23T12:14:00.001-08:00

November 24-2008:

Necromancy-Witch Craft & Obeah In The Caribbean!

It seems like the indulgence of the above underground activities are on the rise in Jamaica, Trinidad, and other Caribbean countries. Children are being abducted, sodomized, maimed, and even killed in these so-called witch craft rituals or beliefs. And the authorities seem unable to catch the culprits or practitioners.

There is also some suspicion that Judges or Magistrates are involved themselves in this practice, and may be responsible for the acquittal of suspects brought before them in Court. Some banks and other businesses are also suspect in this belief, wherein it is believed that such activities help to bring in more business to these organizations.

Where is there in the history of the Caribbean countries, except Haiti, that is notorious for such Voodoo practices? Is this a recent phenomenon, or just a few Brazen and Evil individuals who prey upon the ignorant, gullible, and the helpless? Whatever is causing this behavior, severe action by the local populations, the police, and religious organizations to ensure that these criminals are sought out, and brought to justice URGENTLY.

Meanwhile, here are some measures to take in protecting or preventing yourself or your children from becoming victims:

* Never allow minors to go to school alone on foot. Especially if they have to pass by a desolate place, or forested areas. They can be dragged into the bushes, bound and gagged, and physically abused.

* All parents MUST ensure that both Boys and Girls of minor age, are accompanied at all times to and from school, or any place that does not have people moving around, or where someone will not see or hear if there is an attack on them.

* And all citizens MUST be their brothers and sisters keepers, by coming to their assistance if attacked.

* Walk with some Hard Stick or Cane in your hand for protection whenever necessary, or at all times.

* And if you can get a Whistle, hang it around your neck, and keep blowing if you feel threatened, or is being followed by some estranged or suspect person.

These are just some personal preventative measures every citizen could take for his or her own protection. And remember, do not wait for the Police to protect you, because more often than not, when they arrive the victim is already DEAD!

Derryck.
NYC.

Nicholas Sarcozy Speaks Out On Religion & Politics!

2008-09-12T14:07:00.000-07:00

September 12-2008:

Nicholas Sarcozy Speaks Out On Religion & Politics!

WORD-UP:

Nicholas Sarcozy president of France told his people when the Pope visited there recently. That they should consider discussing religion as it relates to secularism, and see how the two could operate more amicably. He stressed that religion can also be a means to organize, and further societal values, via dialogue between politicians and the church.

I think he is getting into something that most French people feel MUST never be associated with politics. In fact most French people feel that the separation between the Church and State MUST always be separate, and not try to co-op any one of them for political gains.

This same mentality as we all know is gaining momentum right here in the USA. Where politicians running for State and Federal office feel that religion must be a factor which somehow qualifies the candidates for holding any such office, especially the presidency. And specifically being a Christian as the preferred religion, that most Americans would like their president to associate himself or herself with.

But even with this mis-guided form of patriotism and criteria. The Constitution Of the USA was drafted by Christian oriented individuals, who were specific in inserting the SERERATION of church from STATE matters. Yet Americans today in large numbers are pushing for the personal involvement and identification of their leaders, as persons of religious faith, and must also be Christian.

Where this trend will lead to in Western democracies at this time, is anyone's guess. But I hold the view that Religion and Religious views MUST be relegated to the church organizations and confines.

Let the SECULARISTS deal with society at large according to the National Constitution, which provides specific guidelines for so doing!

Derryck.
NYC.

A Nation In Confusion!

2008-07-01T14:22:00.000-07:00

July 01-2008:

A Nation In Confusion!

What has any political party's affiliation have to do with one's religion?

* This seems to be the general confusion within America's political climate. Some people feel the republican candidate does not provide what most Evangelicals want to see him do.

* Some people don't see the democrats providing those values either.

* Some catholics, protestants, and others also want to see some candidate provide their agenda issues too.

So which candidate qualifies, or could deliver those so-called values or needs to the table?

I say NONE!

Americans have been living in a 'fairy land' for decades now. This was self induced in their psyche by most, and copping out mentally and psychologically, is the only way they could deal with reality. This also influences their choice of candidate for the

White House.

Call it ridiculous, lunacy, childish, or dementia. This is what will determine primarily, who gets elected to the White House in November-2008.

Derryck.
NYC.

The Loving God Discourses On CNN:

2008-04-13T19:09:00.000-07:00

April 13-2008:

The Loving God Discources On CNN With The Presidential Candidates?

Senator Hillary Clinton:

Hillary Clinton said on CNN tonight that when she went to China, she told the Chinese government that she was against the policy of one child per family. Because it infringed upon the human right to chose his or her own destiny.
But she failed to realize or acknowledge, that when the Chinese introduced this compulsory national policy, it was because of an ever growing and increasing population growth in that state, at that time. Where food production was seriously threatened to fall short or supply domestically, over the long haul.

And the only solution possible to 'stem mass hunger' in the near future was to introduce that policy.

She also made mention of America's presumed moral authority of the world, and how she admired George W. Bush, George Herbert Bush, and Bill Clinton's involvement in Pakistan's mudslide/earthquake disaster, and the other places that America got involved internationally to give assistance in times of dire need.

But she failed to recognize that George W. Bush did not respond at home in America, when hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana-Mississippi & New Orleans, until two weeks into that disaster. When it was almost too late for thousands to get assistance with shelter, food, clothing, and money.

Senator Barack Obama:

As usual, Barack Obama was able to tie his personal religious views and faith, to convey the message that he is indeed mindful of how we treat this planet, respond to our brother and sister's suffering.

And acknowledging that as humans and spiritual beings, we are connected to each other in ways beyond our comprehension. And whatever we do impacts this planet positively and negatively.

Quote: Sen. Barack Obama said that 'the public square is not the place to empower oneself He was referring specifically to politicians!

CONCLUSION:

The concern here tonight about whether these candidates are mindful about God in their policy decisions, as they campaign for the presidency is amazing. Imagine the USA considers itself a Capitalist nation. Capitalist economy, with secular values and policies. Yet the climate today would make Karl Marx cringe, when he re-visits his description about religion as the OPIATE of the masses.

This now seems to be the OPIATE of Americans!

Derryck.
NYC.

The Right To FREE Speech Under The Constitution:

2008-03-16T15:53:00.001-07:00

March 16-2008:

WORD-UP:

The Right To Free Speech:

The constitution of The USA provides for the right to free speech. This is one of the most cherished rights that is espoused by the constitution. In relation to the current video that is being shown on CNN television, and the Internet, about some pastor, whom Senator Barack Obama claims to have christened his children, facilitated his marriage ceremony, and whose church he attends, as a member.

This video alluded to above, seem to suggest some inflammatory pronouncements by the pastor about America's behavior abroad over the decades. And which seem to be a bone of contention by the local media and others, who feel that it was wrong, and un-patriotic of the pastor to make such allegations. And that Barack Obama may lose face or political credibility from this message.

The Senator has voiced his concern and distaste for these pronouncements. But the media seem not to believe his remarks, and is speculating that this video may continue to be aired on the Internet, and may cause the senator some political losses down the road.

SUMMARY:

Personally, I think that Senator Obama should have told the media and the American people that the pastor is just indulging in Freedom Of Speech, and has not said anything that would encourage national insurrections, hate for any group or people, or advocate for the killing of anyone or group. Even though the Senator may not agree with most of what was said by the pastor, the senator could not STOP, or Prevent his pastor from making such statements now or in the future.

Could a Roman Catholic believer denounce the POPE for his position on abortion, and still be a catholic? I say YES, he or she would still be a Catholic, even though he or she may disagree with some Papal Bull's pronouncements against homosexuality or abortion!

Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.

Various Forms & Perceptions Of Marriage!

2008-01-17T16:12:00.000-08:00

January 17-2008:

Various Forms & Perceptions That Marriage Take Globally!

WORD-UP:

Let us talk about Marriage:

This institution varies in content, perception, and application from culture to culture.

For example:

* In some states and regions in Africa. the male has to own animals or cattle to qualify for his intended female spouse.

* In other parts of Africa's continent, in areas identified as Islamic, the men can have several wives, as recognized in Islam.

* In Certain regions of India today, child or arranged marriages of young girls at birth or before puberty by their parents, are still being commonly practiced today.

* And women in that country mainly are still subject to the dictates of their husbands. They cannot ask for a divorce, or is not given a second chance to re-marry after their first husband dies, or is thrown out on the streets by him. She in fact becomes an outcast of society, and ends up mostly as a prostitute in order to survive.

* In Christian oriented societies, monogamy is the desired way or form of marriage. But most of this world does NOT practice that form of marriage.

And these are facts!

So when Americans swear by the Christian bible, regardless of whether they are Mormons, Evangelists, Anglicans, Catholics, Episcopalians, or Scientologists. They don't have the MORAL AUTHORITY to determine what form marriage should take for anyone!

Derryck S. Griffith.
NYC.

Why Did We As A Specie Ever Came Into Existence?

2007-12-04T19:27:00.000-08:00

December 04-2007:

Why Did We As A Specie Ever Came Into Existence?

Firstly, I do not believe in the religious and traditional concepts of Genesis, Darwin's theory, or even Intelligent design either.

* Why do humans feel that there was a purpose for us being here?

* And for what reason or reasons?

Then it hits me. All of humanity needs oxygen, water, food, and protection from the cosmic or natural elements for our survival. By some stroke of luck, adaptability, or creativity, we are still here, and still trying to survive on this planet as a specie.

Us humans never created air, water, mineral resources, or the plants and animals that we use to survive on this planet.

Therefore, why would someone or something create us, only to destroy what we have been allowed to share, and even survive on?

In fact, ever since humans came into existence on this planet, we have been consistently doing things that hamper the life and longevity of this very same planet that we occupy, and depend on for our own existence. So why should rational thinking people believe that we were placed or created to serve some invisible intelligence, or being?

Whom we know nothing about really. Nor do we know who or what this thing or being expects us to do for it. While at the same time, we are unable to even determine how long we have to live as individuals or collectively on this planet!
Personally, I believe that this planet is an anomaly. The only one of it's kind in our solar system!

Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.

My First Encounter With The Unification Church-Or Moonies!

2007-11-15T14:07:00.000-08:00

My First Encounter With The Unification Church:

June 10-2005:

It was in 1972 in Guyana, at the History & Arts Council headquarters. It was also the time when Guyana hosted the first Caribbean Festival Of Creative Arts (C.A.R.I.F.E.S.T.A.). I was hired by Miss. Barbara Burroughes who at that time was an official of the Ministry Of Information & Culture, and Admin Assistant to the Chief Officer in Charge.

I was approached by Miss. Barbara Burroughes some time during my tenure there, who introduced me to this message that she was teaching, and invited me to visit her home for more in depth information. I made the visit there, and was given a preliminary introduction to the Divine Principles (as espoused) by Sun Myung Moon (the Leader and Master) as he was referred to.

Some weeks later, along with six others we started living in a rented home that was obtained by Barbara Burroughes for us to get an insight into how the new Divine families had to live, in order to redeem ourselves from Satan's yoke.
Incidentally, at that time I was experiencing major psychological and social issues with my relatives. I was not permanently employed, and this insecurity hung heavily on my mind. I was also in the process of exploring my bisexual orientation and sexuality.

And I was told that it was no problem with her (Miss. Burroughes), because in the movement, they were others like me that came in and were accepted. This sense of social acceptance and a place to live was the mitigating factor that propelled me to join this so-called family.

Some months later, I realized that it was expected that I gave all of my self, and personal property over to the movement. Because I was no longer living for myself, but for the movement, and the enlightened dictates of Master Sun Myung Moon. All sexual activity, longings, and personal ambitions had to be subdued. And that I was no longer able to see former friends or relatives. Because that would induce negative influences on my spiritual progress and growth in this movement.

I was also expected to abide by the rules of conduct, eating and sleeping, associating with other members, and discussing all personal (albeit) private experiences, needs, fears, desires, and expectations to her, (Barbara Burroughes) the leader of the family.

This to my mind was an invasive expectation on my behalf. A person who has always cherished and believed in privacy. But that was not tolerated there, and all family members were expected to report to Barbara, anything they observed from other members that they feel was not in keeping with these rules and expectations. This caused some degree of anxiety within me, and I believe from other members too.

But we were told time and again from Barbara that any contravening thoughts were Satanic, and was not tolerated, for the benefit of those who are sincere, and want to redeem themselves from this Satanic world.

And if anyone should leave the family, they would suffer spiritually, physically, and mentally. Because they were called to serve, and refused to comply with The Divine Principled lifestyles and mission. And the master would be very sad for them and their family's spiritual dispensation or inheritance. Meanwhile, my former lover, ( I say former) because no physical contact or emotion was allowed by anyone, who was a part of the family. Because the continuation of such relationships were Satanic, and conflicts with Divine Principles.

So that was that for me! In time, I silently contemplated leaving the family. Because I realized then that I had made a terrible mistake and choice to live there. But it was very difficult to do so because my relatives had distanced themselves from me, ( which was justified) at that time, for my lack of wisdom.

They were not prepared to help if I decided to return. Which I subsequently did, but was rebuffed and ignored by them all at their home, where I was staying while I contemplated another place to live.

I had no job, because I was encouraged to leave my former one, so that I would be more able to do Master's work for the family. So I was in a predicament for survival. It took months for me to be hired again, I suffered mentally severely. Not from guilt, but from personal nieveta, un-employment, insecurity, and hopelessness. Eventually, I was able to accept my dilemma and move on. And inculcate positive thoughts and energy, in order for me to pursue employment and change to normalcy.

I shall never forget this experience for as long as I live!

Derryck S. Griffith.
http://my.opera.com/BringBaka/

A SPECIAL NOTE:

These are some of the rules/beliefs that is perpetrated by The Unification

Church to it's members or families worldwide (quietly and in-house):

* All family members are to walk in pairs when going outdoors. This prevents distraction or escape to their former life.

* Relinquishing all family ties are expected from all members, who believe that Master Moon is the Messiah and leader of this new age.

* Abstinence from sexual activities and thoughts is expected from all members, desirous of redemption by Master moon.

* All former marriages or ties with the former life is not valid in this new age. Only those consecrated by Master Moon's arrangement and blessing.

* All personal assets are expected to be bequeathed to the Church, because no individual can own anything in a collective lifestyle.

* We are our brother's keeper, and no one is allowed to remain apart or separate from the others socially.

* The goal of The Unification Church Leader is to take control of all societies, governments, spiritual leaders and authority figures, in order to have the influence it needs to further it's message and designs. When total influence is achieved, then the master will be accepted as the Messiah and redeemer of all mankind!

Derryck S. Griffith.
http://my.opera.com/BringBaka/
Yahoo IM: derryckgriffith
AOL IM: ecmimbari
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Religion-Faith & Atheism!

2007-11-13T19:21:00.000-08:00

November 13-2007:

WORD-UP:

Religion-Faith & Atheism!

With the current climate within the United States concerning Religion, God, and Faith. And the platform that these issues are taking by politicians, both local and national. Just let me remind those of you who are concerned about this rising phenomenon.

It is quite normal, right, and human, to believe whatever you think is right, sensible, just, and good. Be it in a God, Allah, Jehovah, or some other deity. It is also every individual's right to voice his or her opinion on anything he or she feels strongly about.

It is also quite human to believe or not to believe in any God or Creator also!
So do not let anyone, any organization, Village, Priest, Pastor, Vicar, Nun, Sister, Preacher, or Imam to tell you otherwise. Because if you allow that to bother or offend you, it invalidates your belief or dis-belief in any of those things above mentioned.

We are no longer living in an era globally, where those who did not openly accept Jesus Christ, Allah, or the Christian or Moslem God to be their savior, or creator of this universe. To be burnt at stake, imprisoned, quartered, beheaded, or castigated as Evil or Demonic.

Om Shanti.
Derryck.
NYC.

Asama Bin Laden's Christian Counterpart Advocates For War!

2007-10-05T18:31:00.000-07:00

October 05-2007:

Asama Bin Laden's Christian Counterpart Advocates For War!

Another EVIL, Presumptuous, and Bigoted Religious personage, advocates publicly for a pre-emptive military strike against Iran, to prevent a nuclear strike against Israel or the USA.

Now, if that is not 'Terrorist War Mongering' pro-nouncements, what is?
These were the words spoken by pastor John Hagee, an Evangelical preacher and someone who calls himself a Christian. Another religious sensationalist who use the state of Israel as their platform for predicting some Armageddon in the future, according to Mr. Hagee and other evangelist's believers.

I have heard this kind of rhetoric before from many quarters. Adolph Hitler wanted to eliminate the Jews from Europe, and free that continent from that so-called plague. Asama Bin Laden, Sadam Hussein,

Mussolini, Idi Amin, and many more war mongering and self-righteous world leaders. Some used their own twist of history, some used religious interpretations, some used racist or ethnic means to justify their claim to prophecy.

This is all rhetoric that aim to muster support for, and incense the masses to their agenda. Which can only amount to one thing. And that thing is WAR-WAR- & more WARS worldwide!

Om Shanti.

Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.

Could Ethnic & Cultural Diversity Really Survive & Thrive?

2007-08-23T08:20:00.001-07:00

August 22-2007:

Could Cultural & Ethnic Diversity Really Survive And Thrive For All Time?

Tonight after watching a documentary on the history channel-13, about the history of Islam-Christianity & Judaism. How these religious belief's converts struggled to live side by side. And how they fought against each other for space, livelihood, and personal safety for centuries.

Even to this day globally, this religious diversity is threatened once again primarily in the middle eastern hemisphere. And I ask myself the question which the title of this article above states. But is amazed at the continuation of these social-religious and political struggles. Some of which purport or promote violence, Jihad, and martyrdom, for those who are gullible enough to get on board once more.

And I realize that this current phenomenon is just a replay of what has occurred centuries ago, and will probably continue for as long as humans occupy this planet. Which I believe is part of the drama or experiences that us humans must face. As we continue to grow, develop, and adapt to our continually changing social, intellectual, political, and economic environments.

Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.

MY BOY SCOUT EXPERIENCES!

2007-07-02T20:37:00.000-07:00

The Wolf Cubs!
Our Motto:
I Promise To Do My Best
For God & My Country
And To Help Somebody Everyday!

The Wolf Cub Chant:
Ah-Kay-Lah,
We'll Do Our Best.
Dib-Dib-Dib-Dib,
We'll Dub-Dub-Dub-Dub.
Which basically mean: We Will Do Our Best At All Times!.

I Remember:
Yes, I was once a Wolf Cub in Pack #16. Which was headed by Ms. De Lima our Scout Mistress in those formative years of mine. We were a pack or group of youngsters/teens, in the compound of The St. Philips Church, an (Anglican Diocese Church). Every Wednesday of every week, around 5.00pm. There we assembled as a team of Boy Scouts, supervised by our Scout Master or Masters, who were Older Scouts in the Scout Movement. They were our Role Models, and we all aspired to be like them eventually, when attaining the age of 16 years. Those years were memorable ones, and I often winder if the Scout or Cub movement is still active in Guyana, my homeland.
I recall a Scout Jamboree event when I was a Cub, I cannot remember what year it was. But I can recall singing the Jamboree Song for that 50 year commemoration at the Dorcas Club Hall, where thousands of scouts assembled and celebrated our fifty years of scouting in the British Empire. Incidentally, the British Boys Scout Movement was founded by Lord Baden Powell. I cannot recall what year it was, but as a child growing up in British Guiana (at that time), it was expected that all Christian orientated young boys aught to become or have the opportunity to serve within the Scout Movement. preferably from the level of Boy Scout or Cub, and graduate to the Boy Scouts.

ORIENTATION:
When I was inducted in The Boy Scouts group at that time, we learned how to be good Christians, how to camp out in the open, how to make a fire and cook in the open spaces or forested areas, how to assemble or set-up a tent, how to tie knots, how to cook and swim, and how to march in step as a group, and perform certain ceremonial parades in public as representatives of The Scout Movement.
I never learned how to swim, even after several efforts were made by my buddies to teach me. But I was too scared to learn, and my Scout master and Mistress, never pushed or forced me to do it either!
As far as I can recall, we never discussed sexuality, sexual preferences, religious preferences, or politics. Those things were considered the domain for adults only. As Boy Scouts or Cubs, as we were categorized, we were expected to show respect at all times for our elders, leaders, and instructors. Ask questions when we did not understand anything, and participate in all activities when asked to do so, Regardless of whether our parents were able to afford any monetary contributions that may be asked of them.
OUR KIT:
We were expected to pay for our individual uniforms, which consisted of a Cub Cap, two short trousers, two short sleeved shirts to go with them, a leather belt with the scout's symbol, a pair of black shoes, with black or dark brown socks as prescribed. A neck Tie or scaft (also prescribed), a whistle, (prescribed), and a languard, or cord that goes under your right arm and up your shoulder lapel.

My Departure:
I left or graduated the Wolf Cub troupe at 15 years, and was unable to join the Boy Scouts movement, because I had to seek employment to help out my Mom with the home's expenses. So I never had that experience. But I often wondered how it would have been with the Boy Scouts or (older Guys), had I gotten the opportunity. So every time I hear about discrimination against Gays-Homos, Lesbians, and Atheists. I shudder to think that in my time, there was no such thing ever mentioned or even contemplated.
Incidentally, we also had A Girl Guide Movement, A Sea Scouts Movement, and an Elite Scout movement that was associated with The Queens College, in British Guiana at that time. This group got a lot of press for their Orchestral & Drum Brigade.

Derryck S. Griffith
Former Boy Scout/Cub.

Why Separate The Sexes In Some Cultures?

2007-06-05T04:07:00.000-07:00

June 05-2007:

http://journals.aol.com/ecmimbari/MIMBARISVIEWPOINT/

Why Separate The Sexes In Some Cultures?

Overview:
I have often wondered who decided, or in which culture the decision was made to separate the sexes or gender among them. Especially when it comes to decision making that impacts the tribe, village, community, or state? It seems like gender separation has been with humans for as long as I can recall. And I will not rest until I am able to understand the rationale or futility of this decision!

For example, early societies had some aspect of gender separation. The indigenous peoples/nations of America had their womenfolk make decisions about who to select as the nation's chief. But when it came to discussing plans for warfare or defense of the nation. It was the males who summoned and held a pow-wow of the chiefs in this regard. The womenfolk was not allowed to go in battle either, but was allowed to defend the camp when or if it is attacked.

In some or most Asiatic and Oriental countries, the women have to walk a few paces or steps behind her husband in public. Is never allowed to discuss politics in public with men. And is relegated to household duties, and child bearing, as tradition expects her to do! This aspect is slowly changing in some of those countries or regions currently.

Under Islamic rule, the woman is not allowed to become a political representative, discuss or get involved in such discussions in public either. She is also not allowed to mix and mingle with her husband's invited guests at home either.

But to serve them socially, then disappear from that scene as soon as possible. Less she be seen as interfering in her husband's affairs. Islamic, Jewish, and Hindu women sit separately in Mosques, Masjids, and in any public place or gathering where men are. That is the societal expectation of them, and is decreed under Islam!

Western Christian Oriented Societies' Position:

In most western or Christian oriented cultures, women are not so partitioned. Women generally in these societies are seen as equals to their menfolk. At least under the law. Even though there are certain disparities generally in employment, promotional opportunities, property ownership rights, adoption, and education. But by and large, the rigid separation of the sexes in public places are almost non-existent in these cultures.

Women can vote, seek public office, indulge in political discussions with men openly, and privately, and seek for the annulment of any marriage that becomes dis-functional.

CONCLUSION:

Sometimes I wonder if this traditional societal separation of women from men socially, have caused the inherent anger, lust, fear, and insecurities that so many Moslem, Jewish, and Asiatic men seem to exhibit. When it comes to allowing women to choose their own dress code, political orientation and involvement, husbands, social gatherings, and marriage decisions?

And just maybe, the reasons why some Moslem men take several wives as decreed by the prophet Mohammed. Is because of the lack of natural socialization of the sexes in childhood, discovery and exploration during puberty, sexual and anatomical education and discussions that are vital to establishing, communication, and respect for women!

Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.

Remembering Those Who Served:

2007-05-27T18:01:00.000-07:00

May 27-2007:

The Importance Of Remembering Those Who Served Willingly!

Memorial celebrations in every culture, means different things to different people. But like most cultures, memorial day ceremonies are viewed as a reflection upon the human losses and contributions made with their lives on the 'field of battle,' for the country they serve of represent.

In the USA, this day is also remembered and celebrated by the States, Cities, and the Federal Government, as homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice when called upon to do so for their country.

But just let me make a few points that I feel need to be said, and remembered!

* Politicians and governments make wars with other countries. But it is the ordinary soldiers and civilians alike, that die in the tens of thousands during any military conflict.

* Some may call death during a war as just one of the hazards of that activity. But I also believe that wars, just or unjust, must never be readily embraced without stringent reasoning, diplomatic negotiations, compromises, and the willingness to settle differences by some other means, if possible.

Because when a nation or nations feel that the only solution to regional, or global conflicts necessitates going to war. Then humanity is surely destined to speed up the process, to the total elimination of this species from this planet.

Om Shanti.

Derryck.
NYC

Egyptian Mythology-The Book Of The Dead:

2007-04-25T18:39:00.000-07:00

April 25-2007:
http://my.opera.com/BringBaka/

Egyptian Mythology-The Book Of The Dead!

Do you know that in the Book Of the Dead, an ancient Egyptian scroll accompanies the Pharaoh and noblemen in their coffins, to assist the spirits of those dead souls to meander their way towards the Egyptian Supreme God 'RAH.'

These trials in the underworld are enormous, according to the Book Of the Dead. Some trails indicate the following procedures.

There are several tests mentioned in the Book Of the Dead that said, the soul had to answer many questions, if it answered correctly, the soul would proceed further to the destination of reaching Rah ( The Sun God).
However, those who failed, would be thrown into the hell fires and never return to occupy another body in the future.

For example, here are two such scenarios.

* The soul on it's journey in the underworld would encounter a fierce monster that looked like a HUGE crocodile. This monster is called "The Breaker Of Bones." If the soul answered the question put to it correctly, hit would be allowed to go on further. If it failed to answer the question correctly, it would be swallowed up by this monster.

* Then there is another creature that would be encountered in the underworld, that was referred to as "The Swallower Of Spirits." If the soul failed to answer this creature's question correctly, the soul would be swallowed up by this creature.

CONCLUSION:

* How on earth could a soul's bones be broken? Souls are invisible, intangible, and does not have a physical body, as we understand it, in our physical environment. So how could that soul's bones be broken?

* Secondly, how could a soul be swallowed by another? That possibly would imply, that a soul have physical desires, and is able to do what physical beings can do. So that scenario is also ridiculous.

These are just two of the preposterous concepts in Egyptian mythology, that was believed, and practiced for centuries. Long before Christianity, Islam, and most of the religious philosophies were conceived of.

And this kind of Egyptian thinking and belief, was the criteria that held that civilization together for centuries, that allowed for the creation of Pyramids, Agriculture, Egyptian Art, Mummifying of the dead, and the Rule over many nations and peoples, long before the Greeks came into prominence, the Romans, the Persians, and Arabia was ever civilized.

Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.

What Is TRUE Democracy?

2007-04-19T20:20:00.000-07:00

April 19-2007:

What Is TRUE Democracy?

Democracy is a PROCESS of understanding, tolerance, acceptance of diversity, the right to Free Speech, Writing, Learning, new ideas, and Dissension. All of these elements are inherent in TRUE democracy.

When the populace is not allowed to question authority, religious views or religion, Laws that oppress them, Regulations that impose partisan or prejudicial behaviors or actions against those it disproves of, hates, or feels does not belong to the mainstream.

Then that society is not practicing "DEMOCRACY."

So for those of us who understand what democracy espouses, has the responsibility to speak up, speak often, and speak whenever these values are prevented from flourishing, or from being practiced, or implemented, in any culture that is prepared to embrace it, has started to embrace, or is trying to make it work.

Om Shanti.

Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.

Religious Views On SEX & SEXUALITY!

2007-04-05T14:09:00.000-07:00

April 05-2007:
http://my.opera.com/BringBaka/

Religious Views On SEX & SEXUALITY:

Most religious organizations subscribe to the view that SEX between two people of the opposite gender, is approved by their GOD or ALLAH. As long as the two individuals are married, socially accepted as man and wife, and sanctioned by the Church, Synagogue, Masjids, or Temple.

* But who is qualified or authorized to determine one's sexual preferences, sexual desires, sexual stimulants, and needs?

* And who has the authority to determine what is best for an individual, or two individuals in marriage sexually, in terms of what is the CORRECT or PROPER manner of sexual intercourse?

* And who can adequately determine what is best form, posture, position, or mode of sexual intercourse?

* And who has the right or authority to tell another that he or she MUST not indulge in sexual activities with the same gender?

Conclusion:

As far as I can recall, most religious authorities will say GOD or ALLAH to most of the above. But God or Allah never told me how to have sex, or what kind of sex I should indulge in, or what position sexually is favorable in his/her sight!

And as far as I have read, Jesus never made such statements either!

So why should the Church, Mosque, Masjids, Synagogue, Preachers, Immams, Pastors, Priests, or Nuns, tell me that what I do sexually is wrong or right in God's sight?

Therefore, I decided long ago to go along with my feelings, desires, and needs sexually.

And DAM anyone who think otherwise!

Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.

SWEET JESUS CHOCOLATE SCULPTURE EXHIBIT:

2007-03-30T19:42:00.000-07:00

March 30-2007:

SWEET JESUS Chocolate Sculpture!

ATTENTION:

When that Danish cartoonist published a male wearing a SHASH (Arab head scarf), with what looked like a lighted fuse, purported to be a terrorist. This comic figure was interpreted as an insult to the prophet Mohammed. Violence broke out throughout Europe. Followed by demonstrations through the middle east.

Now, an artist has published a sculpture of 200 lbs chocolate of Jesus called (sweet Jesus), with his genitals showing. The Catholic Arch Diocese resents this sculpture as an embarrassment to their saviour.

CONCLUSION:

I have always said, if you are willing to condone FREE expression when it suits you. So long as the expression does not interfere with your religious icons.
Then you must be prepared to ACCEPT free expression when it affects your Icons too!

Derryck.
NYC.

How Does A Nation Repent For Its' Wrong Doings?

2007-03-26T05:28:00.000-07:00

March 25-2007:

http://internationalpoliticalissues.blogspot.com/

How Does A Nation Repent For The Wrongs It Has Done To Others?

For example:

Britain has ruled most of the world for thousands of years, enslaved Blacks, Indians, and other peoples of color for centuries. And has never paid any reparations for their deaths, and degradation.

France has also done similar things, when they were a conquering sea and land grabbing power. And no reparations were given to her victims or countries either. Which were raped of their mineral, human, and cultural resources.
Spain too was a sea power in her time. Enslaved the Americas with her hired plunderers, thieves, and Christian devils. Killed the Incas and Aztec peoples spirits, stole their gold, and forced them into accepting Christianity as their Primary Religion.

Germany under Adolph Hitler said they were the master race, and would rule for a thousand years. They barley made a thousand days, before the were defeated by a coalition of Caucasian cultures countries like themselves.
Britain no longer ruled the waves. And could barely save her Bottom, after the pounding that Hitler's forces gave them at home and abroad.

Then came the advent of The US industrial power machine. Which said in no uncertain terms to Winston Churchill. Role over bloke, and make room for the new Britannia.

And the killing took on a new face, a new protector, and a new frontier!
From Seas To Shining Seas!

Derryck.
NYC.

Should SEX Education Be Taught In The Churches?

2007-03-22T18:49:00.000-07:00

March 22-2007:

http://thethingsthatmatter.blogspot.com/

Should Sex Education Be Taught In Church?

Tonight on Paula Zahum's show on CNN, I witnessed a clip about a preacher and his wife, telling followers that sex is okay to have. A clip on this subject as it was being delivered by these two individuals was shown, and her two hosts, a Christian male, and female Moslem asked to give their opinion oabout this clip.
The Moslem woman felt that sex education is good, even in a church situation, if people are encouraged to abstain from it until marriage. And that even though it is a natural act, it also has to be indulged in responsibly.

The male Christian felt that the preacher is using this message as a ploy, to lure people to his church. And he does not have a building either to do this work. And he feels that this is only a fad that will pass, like so many others before.
This Christian failed to realize that Jesus never had any building either, when he was conducting his ministry. He used the highways, byways, open pastures, or anywhere that people will listen.

However, they both felt that marriage is the place where sex should be indulged in, and experienced for what it is, even the pleasure aspect.

CONCLUSION:

Incidentally, historically marriage is sanctioned by the church between two people. A male and a female. But it developed legality several centuries later as a necessity, to ensure commitment, legal rights after one party dies, custody rights for the children, property ownership, titles, and other personal belongings of the deceased.

Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.

The GOTHIC Personality Trait:

2007-03-06T16:12:00.000-08:00

March 06-2007:

WordUP:

The GOTHIC Personality:

Have you ever wondered why so many predominantly White youths seem interested in Gothic art, art forms, and the Gothic genre.

Well, the word GOTHIC is defined as those things related to doom, gloom, the macabre, superstitions, the dark, sinister, and grotesque.

And why does so many White youths, both male and female find it so appealing, to want to live a certain life style that says graphically, that they are Gothic believers, contributors, and supporters of things Gothic.

Does this mentality evolve subtly within the minds of this particular group, or is it something that was learned, or adopted?

Whatever it is, I am always interested to know why so many youths are drawn to this seeming life style.

Derryck.
New York City.

HPV-The Human Papaloma Virus Snafu & The Ambitious Woman!

2007-02-23T18:13:00.000-08:00

February 23-2007:

http://my.opera.com/BringBaka/

GARDACYL For- HPV Or Human Papaloma Virus In Women.

Many conservatives women and men today in The USA refuse to allow their teen age girls to have that vaccine to guard them against 'cervical cancer.' They advocate for sexual abstinence before marriage. This same argument was used when HIV/AIDS was discovered, and the pandemic was growing.
Imagine telling teens or young adults today not to have sex!

I still cannot see the rationale used to decide not to encourage women to have this vaccine. Wouldn't it be wise to take pre-emptive action against this virus, than wait until it is discovered, then try to curb the spread.

I understand that 10,000 women have been vaccinated already, and the signs show good results!

Some of those same conservatives feel that telling young women to get this vaccine, is allowing them to have sex early!
What utter Bull Crap!

Derryck.
NYC
-------------------------------------------------------------------

washingtomweek@pbs.org

Ambitious women:

In response to your solicitation for comments on the above remarks about Sen. Hillary Clinton's quest for the presidency.

I am not sure what was meant by that remark 'ambitious woman.' But I do believe that one has to be ambitious to achieve anything in this life. And the presidency of The USA, is not off limits to woman.

Maybe there is an element of male chauvinism here, with the remarks from Mr. David Geffen, about Mrs. Clinton's ability to take the presidency! However, her chance as a woman is less certain, than most of her male contenders.

Which begs the question. 'Is America ready for a female President right now?

Come the 2008 Democratic Congress nomination, we will see who will be the chosen or favoured candidate for president.

Derryck.
New York City.

Old People Say!

2007-02-23T08:07:00.001-08:00

Some Caribbean Old Folk's Adages:

Adage: Mouth Open Story Jump Out!
Meaning: when you talk too much-shit happens:

Adage: Dance A Bottom Look A-Top!
Meaning: Look Before You Start Gossipping:

Adage: If Yah Nah Wan Mud Pun Yuh, Naw Gaw Crab Dance!
Meaning: If you don't want to get burn, don't deal with fire:

Adage: What Is Fun Foh Children Is Death Fah Craprow!
Meaning: Don't Throw Stones At Old People or Glass Houses:

Adage: Mo-Mo, A Wah Mek Ya Mouth So Long?
Meaning: When you become an adult, you will understand life much better:

Adage: One-One-Dutty-Build-Dam!
Meaning: Rome was not built in a day. Or take time to grow up son:

Adage: When Blackman Belly Full-He Want To Shake The Governor Hand!
Meaning: Some people just don't know their place:
Derryck.
NYC.
http://my.opera.com/BringBaka/

Secret Societies Are Secret For A Reason?

2007-01-06T07:27:00.000-08:00

January 06-2007:

Secret Societies Are Secret For A reason?
http://my.opera.com/BringBaka/
Excerpt from an article about the Free Masons:

We are the Masons. We believe in helping others. We believe there is more to life than pleasure and money. We respect the opinions of others. And we all want to grow and develop as human beings. Masons are moral, honest men who work together to improve themselves and their communities. Our motto is "friendship, morality, and brotherly love."
http://www.planetout.com/news/feature.html?sernum=3024&navpath=/news/

Any society that purports to be secret, is secret for a reason/s. And any society that requires exclusivity must be looked at with very scrupulous eyes! And the Free Masons is one of those societies.

Historically, they have been perceived as racist, Caucasian, and clandestine. Blacks were never allowed to join that society either. But for whatever reason, Blacks eventually began to create their own Free Mason societies. But the historical White oriented Free Mason societies, did not acknowledge these Black Masons as their own, as brothers, or as part of the Free Mason Society brotherhood. So that is why their is a distinction between Free Masons and Black Free Mason's societies.
I guess they are basically similar in intention or mission. But their recruits are from different backgrounds, status, and social standing. Whether or not the Black Free Masons allow Gays, or known Gay or Homosexual men within their midst, is anyone's guess. But I also assume that the homosexual element is never absent for most secret societies, where men pre-dominate. It seems to be the natural order of things. When a society of men get together, and debars women from being a part of that society. Who is to know for sure what really happens therein, or what activities are accepted or rejected therein?

So the concern that Gays may or may not be accepted in such societies (to my mind), is just speculation. Unless some member of that society, who may be Gay or Homosexual, does something that is considered embarrassing for the reputation or perceived integrity of that society!
Derryck S. Griffith
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.

The Year Of The BOAR Or PIG-2007!

2006-12-31T18:52:00.000-08:00

The Years of the Pig/Boar:

1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
People born in the Year of the Pig are chivalrous and gallant. Whatever they do, they do with all their strength. For Boar Year people, there is no left or right and there is no retreat. They have tremendous fortitude and great honesty.
They don't make many friends but they make them for life, and anyone having a Boar Year friend is fortunate for they are extremely loyal.
They don't talk much but have a great thirst for knowledge. They study a great deal and are generally well informed. Boar people are quick tempered, yet they hate arguments and quarreling.
They are kind to their loved ones. No matter how bad problems seem to be, Boar people try to work them out, honestly if sometimes impulsively.
They are most compatible with Rabbits and Sheep.
------------------------------------------
The Chinese Zodiac Callender:
Chinese year Zodiac animal Gregorian calendar
4693 Boar January 31, 1995
4694 Rat February 19, 1996
4695 Ox February 7, 1997
4696 Tiger January 28, 1998
4697 Hare/Rabbit February 16, 1999
4698 Dragon February 5, 2000
4699 Snake January 24, 2001
4700 Horse February 12, 2002
4701 Ram/Sheep February 1, 2003
4702 Monkey January 22, 2004
4703 Rooster February 9, 2005
4704 Dog January 29, 2006
4705 Boar February 18, 2007
4706 Rat February 7, 2008
4707 Ox January 26, 2009
4708 Tiger February 10, 2010
4709 Hare/Rabbit February 3, 2011
4710 Dragon January 23, 2012
4711 Snake February 10, 2013
4712 Horse January 31, 2014
4713 Ram/Sheep February 19, 2015
4714 Monkey February 9, 2016
4715 Rooster January 28, 2017
4716 Dog February 16, 2018
4717 Boar February 5, 2019
4718 Rat January 25, 2020

-----------------------------------------

Are Women Truly Equal Under Islam?

2006-12-29T15:55:00.000-08:00

December 29-2006:

Some Pilgrims Are More Equal Than Others-After The Haj!

Equality Under Allah-Is Islam's Core Belief?
This may be so in principle, and may be displayed at Mecca, during the annual Haj pilgrimage to the place where the prophet Mohammed gave his last public message.
* But in some Islamic ruled countries, women cannot be seen in public without the Borka or Veil that covers the face and possible the entire anatomy.
* Women are not allowed to speak, participate, or indulge in anything political.
* Women are not allowed to hold public or political office.
* Women are not allowed to sit 'beside men' in most Islamic Mosques or Masjids.
* Women are still being killed in some Islamic countries if she is accused of adultery, or having sex outside or before officially sanctioned marriages.
* In Southern Nigeria-a state that practices Sharia Law, women can be stoned to death for adultery.
These are just some of the in-equalities that is internationally known, and contradicts the view that women are equal under Allah?

What Hypocrisy!
Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.
http://my.opera.com/BringBaka/
http://360.yahoo.com/derryck_sylvester
http://internationalpoliticalissues.blogspot.com/
http://thethingsthatmatter.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/derryck_mimbari
http://blog.myspace.com/derryck_mimbari
http://www.hoverspot.com/derryckgriffith

What Or Where Is Heaven?

2006-12-22T20:06:00.000-08:00

What Or Where Is Heaven?

If an individual could rid himself or herself of all Hate, Anger, Vanity, Self-Pity, Rancor, Regret, Expectations, Jealousy, and Pain. Then he or she is on the road to experiencing Enlightenment or Heavenly peace!

The Element Of Seeing & Knowing!

Most religions advocate for the ability to accept that which cannot be seen or understood with the eyes and mind. For physicists, this is un-acceptable. Because science is based on the principles of Sight-Measurement & Quantification. So if something cannot be seen, measured, and quantified, scientists will categorize those things in the field of faith, or imagination.
Humans are genetically programmed to understand the physical world around us. At least, that is the general understanding held by thousands on this planet. But most of us also believe that there is something within each individual that is not fully understood, or comprehended. And this thing may be called God, mind, spirit, a hunch, a gut feeling, or insight.
Whatever it is, most people seem to feel that we could connect, or have lost the direct connection to that thing within us. And because of not being able to connect 'at will' with this thing, we are left to seek recourse from some other thing, philosophy, or doctrine, that will give us some comfort, and re-assurance about ourselves.
Not knowing what will become of our relatives, loved ones, families, or friends when we are physically dead, bothers most people a great deal.

The Afterlife concept:

The afterlife came in to fill the void of un-certainty as indicated above. So Heaven, Paradise, and even Hell was fashioned to explain these fantasies, perceptions, or fears, that most humans possess. Trying to convince people who do not accept an afterlife, or do not believe in an God, or do not believe in Hell, is quite a task. So atheists, and even Agnostics were created as categories for those individuals. Overtime, with the passage of time, human development, natural and man made disasters that impacts humans negatively on a mass scale, are also identified to be the hand of God or Allah at work, trying to get humans to acknowledge or pay homage to this creator of all things.

CONCLUSION:

I have said before, and will reiterate again, that humans have the capacity to create, or believe in any thing they choose. That is what contributes to our social, technological, and mental development over the centuries. Because of this ability, we as a human specie, was able to survive on this planet for so long, without becoming extinct. Currently, we have the ability to erase all physical life, or all life from this planet with the pressing of an atomic or nuclear button. That is the extent to which our abilities have evolved.
Call it God's gifts, genetic development, or evolution in action. Whatever it is, humans will continue to do great things in each other's eyes. Even populate other planets in our galaxy at some point in time too!
Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate Blogger.

Can An Elected Public Official Swear Only By The US Constitution?

2006-12-22T15:24:00.000-08:00

December 22-2006:

Would An Atheist Be Allowed To Swear By The Constitution & Not The Christian Bible?

And can A Public Official swear by the Constitution Of The US ONLY, without acknowledging any religious belief or affiliation?

With regard to the above questions, please indulge me in outlining some of my concerns in this regard:

The Constitution Of The United States is the Supreme Laws or guide, that oversees all other laws that may be enacted Municipally, by the State, or the Federal authorities. The US Congress and Senate are obliged to acknowledge this constitution in their deliberations, legislation, and the enactment of any laws therein, in the interest of the public good.

All elected Public Officials must swear 'pubicly' to abide by the rules and guidelines of this constitution. Regardless of his or her religious affiliations or beliefs.

Therefore, when the Rep. elect Keith Ellison Congressman of Moslem faith chose to swear on the Quran the source of his religious belief, he was acting in accordance with his civil and constitutional right to do so. So long as he or she acknowledges the US Constitution as the supreme jurisprudence.

I cannot see how being a Moslem, Faithist, Shinto, Jew, Taoist, or Christian, or even an Atheist, has anything to do with the expected pledge of allegiance to the Constitution Of The United States Of America!

Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.
http://my.opera.com/BringBaka/
http://360.yahoo.com/derryck_sylvester
http://internationalpoliticalissues.blogspot.com/
http://thethingsthatmatter.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/derryck_mimbari
http://blog.myspace.com/derryck_mimbari
http://www.hoverspot.com/derryckgriffith

African Men Must Circumcise Or Else!

2006-12-13T19:22:00.001-08:00

December 13-2006:

AFRICAN Men-Must Circumcise Or Else!

With the spread of HIV and malaria, on the continent of Africa. And the difficulty to control or curb the spread of both maladies. African men are now being told to circumcise or else!

With Uganda in the forefront, with their policy of "Condom usage, Being Faithful to one partner, & No Grazing outside of marriage, which seem to have made a difference in arresting the spread of HIV in that state. Now, this new trial on African men, reported by The BBC today, seem to suggest that HIV is more easily transmitted via un-circumcised men. The authorities who made this declaration claims that they are 50% certain that with circumcism of all African men, the spread of HIV will be curtailed.

Isn't this the most brazen declaration that was ever made on any pandemic, much less HIV?
HIV has been spreading among American males, who are by and large predominantly circumcised. This is found mostly among Caucasian and Black American males. Yet the spread of HIV is still rampant among Blacks and Latinos currently in America. Ever since the discovery of HIV among men firstly.
This virus had not discriminated between those who are circumcised or not. So why does any rational thinking person would assume that it would for African men?

And what about the following diseases?
* Chlamydia:
* Herpes:
* Gonorrhea:
* Syphilis:
This to my mind is yet another ploy to coerce those African states or governments, who need HIV medication and technical help from the west, to help curb this deadly virus among them. And they are being dictated to once more, as to how, where, and who, must comply with these dictates, in order to qualify for assistance.

FURTHERMORE:

Regardless of where circumcism has been practised. I still maintain that such procedures must never be done in childhood or at childbirth. This is another form of 'mutilation.' And in infancy, that child has no say on the matter.
If adults (for reasons best known to themselves), feel they have to be circumcised, then that will be their choice, as ADULTS.
But do not use relgion, some scientific findings, or any other method, to COERCE people into complying with a procedure of self-mutilation, becsuse some persons in the scientific or political communities think, that is the way to prevent some form or infection.

Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.
http://my.opera.com/BringBaka/
http://360.yahoo.com/derryck_sylvester
http://internationalpoliticalissues.blogspot.com/
http://thethingsthatmatter.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/derryck_mimbari
http://blog.myspace.com/derryck_mimbari

IRAN Is Hosting Jewish Conference?

2006-12-11T16:10:00.000-08:00

December 11-2006:

Holocaust Summit In Tehran?

Iran's President-Ahmadinejad have said on several occasions that the Jewish state of Israel has no legitimate right, and should not exist.
He is not alone with this opinion either!
However, currently he is allowing a summit/conference for Jews globally, to discuss the horrors of the holocaust, which is being held in Tehran-Iran.
What is the rational for hosting such a conference in a state whose leadership advocate for the erasing of Israel from the planet?

Now you go figure!

Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.

My Views On God & Spirituality!

2006-12-06T05:05:00.000-08:00

My Views On God & Spirituality!

Let me first clear the air on Religion, and Spirituality!
Firstly, I do not believe in any GOD. Visible or Invisible!
* I also do not subscribe to any religion or religious belief/s.
* Personally, I feel that all religions were created by humans to control and subjugate the human mind, bodies, and hearts, to think, act, worship, and behave in certain pre-scribed ways, according to the fancies of the rulers at different times in our human history.

As for Spirituality!

I also believe that humans came into existence from the Cosmic Realm, over eons of cosmic transformations.
When or how we as Humans came into existence as physical bodies, is anybody's guess.
However, I also believe that the invisible essence is part of our existence, and is what all humans will return to in physical death.
First as Ashes, or Bones, then we deteriate further to mingle or dissolve into nothingness, or cosmic energy.
I do not believe in any invisible or Supreme Master either!.
Humans created Masters to enslave, control, and dictate to other humans.
So anyone who still feel he or she needs A Master, is still a slave mentally, psychologically, and spiritually.

Furthermore:

To answer your question, 'how did the universe came into being? I do not know!
But I feel there never was any begining. So there can never be an end. As your Christian prayer says. "Forever & ever-World without end. I think that too is the Roman Catholic concept of all things.
I would also like to ask, if there was a begining to all that we see in this cosmic, then who or what caused that begining, and who or what caused the begining before that?
So the questions will never end now (will it)?
So I do not concern myself wth how this universe started (if it ever had a begining anyway).
That is why I cannot conceive of a God, because the above questions cannot be rationally or scientifically explained!

Derryck.

Do Humans Really Have Free Will Or Free Choice?

2006-11-26T17:45:00.000-08:00

November 26-2006

Do Humans Really Have A Choice Or Free Will? OR Why Do They Choose What They Choose?

I think humans do not have FREE WILL in a practical sense. What we have is really a choice, which may or may not be a free one at any given time.

Let me explain.

A new born baby comes into this world devoid of what society perceives as right or wrong.

He or she sees a lighted candle, and innocently via curiosity, reaches out to touch this candle or flame. Then he or she gets burned.

This experience is now filed away in the mind for future reference un-consciously.

So the next time that child or baby sees a lighted candle, he or she is less inclined to touch the flame, less he or she be burned once again!

This to my mind is "FREE CHOICE," based on some prior or learned experience.

Now Free Will is another factor that humans claim to have, but is simply the influences that the brain absorbs mentally. And files away these thoughts, observations, and personal experiences, and provides us with this data when the need arises, to act in any given situation.

For example:
A shackled slave cannot escape that situation easily without assistance from another slave, or some other person.

Nor can this slave 'Will' his or her freedom either!

These desires, have to be realized through actual removal from that situation physically.

Or escape from that situation physically.
And after so doing, the slave must feel that he or she is now free of that situation!

This to my mind is truly (Free Choice)!

Derryck S. Griffith.
New YorK City.
http://my.opera.com/BringBaka/
http://360.yahoo.com/derryck_sylvester
http://www.myspace.com/derryck_mimbari
http://www.hoverspot.com/Derryck-Mimbari
http://www.hoverspot.com/DerryckGriffith
http://thethingsthatmatter.blogspot.com/

I Smoked-But I Did Not Inhale:

2006-11-04T14:20:00.000-08:00

Here is another one of those!

I SMOKED-BUT I DID'NT INHALE:

Rev. Ted Haggard admitted yesterday that he had summoned the escort to give him a massage in a Denver hotel room and bought methamphetamine from him.

But Mr. Haggard, one of the nation’s leading evangelical ministers, maintained that the two men never had sex and that he threw out the drugs without using them.

"I never kept it very long because it was wrong," Mr. Haggard said, smiling grimly and submitting to questions from a television reporter as he pulled out of his driveway yesterday, his wife, Gayle, silent in the passenger seat. "I was tempted, I bought it, but I never used it."

Derryck.

Freedom Of Speech Explained!

2006-11-01T18:43:00.000-08:00

July 03-2006:

FREEDOM OF SPEECH:

Freedom Of Speech Defined:
Freedom of speech is the concept of being able to speak freely without censorship. It is often regarded as an integral concept in modern liberal democracies. And notably under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The US Constitution:

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution is a part of the United States Bill of Rights. Textually, it prohibits the federal legislature from making laws that:

* Establish a state religion or prefer certain religion (the "Establishment Clause"):
* Prohibit free exercise of religion (the "Free Exercise Clause"):
* Infringe the freedom of speech:
* Infringe the freedom of the press:
* Limit the right to assemble peaceably:
* Limit the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Some Positive Aspects Of Free Speech:

* Admiration:
* Encouragement:
* Patriotism:
* Freedom Of The Press-Religions & Individual:
* Judicial:

Some Negative Aspects Of Free Speech:

* Name Calling:
* Insulting:
* Blackmail:
* Inflammatory:
* Inciting:
* Non-judicial:
* Dictatorship:

Why Do I Need Permission To Speak Freely?

Words like actions can evoke or induce acts or actions, that can be harmful or pleasant for the intended victim or persons communicated to. Without certain precautions or guidelines, free speech can be devastating to many, especially those to whom such intent was directed.

Governments with their established political apparatus over the centuries, have been able to control, limit, and direct the media, the commonweal, and other institutions on the preferred content of certain communications to the masses.

And the masses have also been dis-allowed in many instances, from voicing their concerns to the state, the government, and the political elected or appointed. Agitating for social-political and economic changes are considered political and radical issues in many political and cultural systems. So controls are legislated, or implemented to prohibit the volume, some sources, and frustrate those who use this means to get their messages across the political spectrum.

Others have also used the media to defame, blackmail, or indulge in libelous comments (vocally-directly, and indirectly) at their victims, inducing grievous psychological and mental injury to their victims. That is why legislation is necessary to stipulate what is acceptable speech at Public forums, the Media, and Press.

How Could We Safeguard Free Speech?

Safe-guarding free speech is an ongoing struggle in several cultures, especially those where free speech was never historically allowed. And encouraging the masses to agitate for legislation for the right to 'Free Speech' publicly, via the media and the Internet, is still dangerous in countries like China, Russia, North Korea, Cuba, and some or most Islamic countries, and dictatorships.

But in the political democracies of the western hemisphere, this right is less challenged. Even though with the arrival of the Internet, this new technological divide that brings cultures the world over, much closer is seen by many politicians as harmful.

Some strive to limit access, or prevent the free exploration of this technology. While some Internet providers are assisting the state with requests for information about their clientele, thus creating fear for confidentiality.

Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.

Some Thoughts For Today!

2006-10-31T19:06:00.000-08:00

Attention:

People only call you FRIEND, if they feel that you are no threat to their personal agenda or interests.
The moment that they feel you are a threat to their interests or agenda, the so called friendship immediately EVAPORATES!

Mimbari

Some Motives For Religious Fanaticism!

2006-10-22T20:46:00.001-07:00

October 22-2006:

Religion provides The Motives Or Needs, that all those who believe in it expect to achieve!

For example:

Every religious teaching make reference to some God or Deity, that cannot be seen by the human physical eyes.

All religions doctrine promote the view that with FAITH in that religious doctrine or philosophy, your individual needs, hopes, expectations, and inner peace will be appeased.

Most religions promulgate the view, that the world has Good and Evil people and forces that affects us all. Especially those who are irreligious, or does not believe in a God.

Therefore, when an individual or individuals act in ways that may or may not cause peace, harmony, unity, brotherhood, or the well being of all. One might say that he, she, or they are fanatical in their religious thinking. But what is actually happening here is that those individuals are merely expressing that which they perceive as the expectation of that religion or religious philosophy.

This interpretation of that religion or religious philosophy may be criticized or ridiculed by some who also feel that this behavior stems from misinterpretation of the doctrine. And this view may seem contradictory to the general or majority view, in that particular region or place of worship.

Salman Rushdie the Indian writer who wrote the book titled 'The Satanic Verses' in the 1970's, was ridiculed by millions of Moslems in the Moslem world for (according to them), he ridiculed the prophet Mohammed. And this was not the accepted thing for any good Moslem to say or write. Subsequently the Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran issued a Fatwah for his death, for this blatant blasphemy of their prophet.

Today, Islam and Christianity is being used by politicians to induce certain sensitive feelings or values espoused within their constituencies. This is just one method used to rally support for certain conservative, radical or religious views that is felt by some to be promoted or preserved.

Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.

http://my.opera.com/BringBaka/
http://360.yahoo.com/derryck_sylvester
http://internationalpoliticalissues.blogspot.com/
http://thethingsthatmatter.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/derryck_mimbari
http://blog.myspace.com/derryck_mimbari

Can The Iraqi Government Really Create A Climate Of National Security?

2006-10-18T16:44:00.001-07:00

October 18-2006:

Can The Iraqi Government Really Create A National Climate Of Peace & Security?

* Here is the current situation on the ground politically in Iraq.

* The current elected political administration's leadership is housed SAFELY in the notorious American constructed "Green Zone."

* These leaders are unable, or too frightened to appear on the streets or villages, cities and towns of Iraq, for fear of being killed.

* So they make public appearances from the SAFETY of their offices in the Green Zone on television.

* When elected officials are not seen in person, or are unable to meet with their constituents, or is unable to listen or talk with constituents about concerns that affect them. That is the beginning of distrust, and potential downfall.

Furthermore:

If Democracy is going to become a reality in Iraq, (Iraqi style), then some efforts MUST be made by these elected officials to be seen locally, and to mix and mingle, with the commonweal, as they are expected to do.

No amount of military strength, or boosting of national security forces, will prevent the total collapse of this flimsy political administration, unless the above considerations are taken into consideration, or implemented!

Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.
http://my.opera.com/BringBaka/
http://360.yahoo.com/derryck_sylvester
http://internationalpoliticalissues.blogspot.com/
http://thethingsthatmatter.blogspot.com/

Your Guardian Angel Is Watching Your Every Move!

2006-06-05T17:49:00.000-07:00

June 05-2005:

Your Guardian Angel Is Watching!

Have you ever heard the expression, 'everyone has a guardian angel, who is with them all the time

Well, I have, and I have problems with that belief, for the following reasons.

* Firstly, if there is such a person, who is invisible, and watches everything one does. Then that is an invasion of your privacy.

* Secondly, I did not have any say in deciding whether or not I needed such a person (visible or invisible), to watch over me.

* Thirdly, I have a tendency to masturbate anytime I feel like it. And this guardian angel will be watching my every move. And probably saying to himself or herself, just how nasty or frustrated I am.

* Fourthly, why would anyone want a guardian angel, he or she cannot see, hear, communicate with, or even choose the gender of?

* Finally, if as they say, God knows and sees all things! Then why do we need a Guardian Angel anyway?

Such help makes God look inadequate, and contradicts his/her all knowing and all seeing status.

Om Shanti.
Derryck.

The Da Vinci Codes Movie!

2006-05-20T05:22:00.000-07:00

May 20-2006:

The Da Vinci Codes Movie:

So what is all the fuss all about with this De Vinci code movie? Now they are saying via the current movie, that Jesus was married and had children.

Why should this come as a surprise to anyone who is sensible, and is able to do his or her own reasoning. This may be a fictitious movie, but the presumption seems plausible. eg.,

Jesus the man who lived, was able to move or convince thousands with his gift of 'Gab,' was able to get fed, housed, and provided for wherever he went for FREE. According to the Christian Bible, everyone wanted to entertain him after listening to his fantastic stories, of a world to come, most longed to experience, from that harsh desperate life under Roman rule.

Women too I gather, from the mention of Mary Magdalene who washed his feet willingly, and was rebuked by the male onlookers. When Jesus spurned them for so doing, and said she was more worthy!

Go figure my friends!

Jesus loved the attention, the pampering, and all that went into his egoistic crave for recognition. So it does not seem to me unreasonable to assume, that he may have impregnated some woman or women, and had fathered children too.

The only implausible scenario to me would be his inability to provide for his children. Because he never earned his own livelihood, nor paid any rent for his upkeep. And he lived the life of a Gipsy, always in-transit.

Many Christians today will see this movie as blasphemous, or sacrilegious. But those who could think for themselves rationally, will pause for a while, and possibly say to themselves.

This movie Director have something here to think about!

Om Shanti.
Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.

Judas Iscariot's New Role!

2006-04-07T18:02:00.000-07:00

April 06-2006:

Was Judas Really A Judas?

The name Judas has been associated with the apostle Judas from Juda in Palestine, during the time of Jesus's mission. He is alleged to have informed the Roman authorities about Jesus's whereabouts, for thirty pieces of silver, thus causing his arrest, and subsequent crucifixion.

Today however, the BBC announced that papyrus found in a cave in Egypt in the 1970's, after extensive forensics, and scientific carbon dating, have discovered new information that would seem to indicate, that historical information associated with Jesus's betrayal, was not really so.

According to the report, these papyrus documents revealed that Judas told Jesus that he was instructed by God to betray him. So with this new revelation, the historic concept of Judas's action on that famous night, when the cock crowed twice, now has to be reconciled.

Would the established Christian churches be willing to accept this new find or theory, after centuries of mis-information to it's followers?

I Report-You Decide!

Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.
Yahoo IM: derryck_sylvester
AOL IM: Ecmimbari

------------------------------

Furthermore:

All writers have a tendency to interpret what their audience may have said, or meant. And all the so called Jesus's teachings were re-written several times. In fact, the Gospels were re-written so many times, that I cannot believe that what we have today in the Christian Bible, is truly the teachings of Jesus. But that is what the Christian theologians want their followers to believe. And that is what is promoted by Christian churches, and followers internationally.

Therefore, whenever new physical evidence, such as (The Dead Sea Scrolls, or these new Papyrus documents) are discovered, we then discover that what we were told so many times, and so long ago, may not necessarily be the 'whole truth' or even truth! What we have to do as thinkers, is to apply reason, circumstance, cultural differences, and cultural interpretations, to determine the plausibility, or un-plausibility of any new information.

That is our responsibility as individual thinkers, teachers, and promoters of a philosophy, that is still evolving in complexity!

The Judas Iscariot Contradictory Role:

With this new revelation or Judas as a facilitator, for the martyrdom of Jesus, it would seem from these findings, that Jesus felt that in order for him to be believed, for what he represented, or felt was his mission in life, could only be accomplished by martyrdom.

Thus leaving a legacy, that will solidify his position in that role, for generations to come!

Om Shanti.
Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.
Yahoo IM: derryck_sylvester
AOL IM: ecmimbari

Afgahanistan National Runs For His Life:

2006-03-28T06:53:00.000-08:00

March 28-2006:
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - An Afghan man who had faced the death penalty for converting from Islam to Christianity quickly vanished Tuesday after he was released from prison, apparently out of fear for his life with Muslim clerics still demanding his death.

Attention:

When there is a religion or religious philosophy that decrees the death of any convert or devotee, who decides to abdicate or excommunicate himself or herself from that religion. This is no longer a religion based on GOOD, but one based on subjectivity, personal sanctions, control, coercion, threats, and is downright EVIL.

This is the prevailing view of rational thinking people, who are still able to make their voices heard internationally, against this horrific declaration for death, to someone who chose to remove himself from that which he no longer believes in.

This is a graphic display of the lack of 'Freedom of Choice' in Afghanistan, a country that was liberated from religious sectarian fanatic rulers, by the world's most powerful democracy, (The USA), only to be embarrassed by this primitive Islamic punitive Law.

I hope that Abdul Rahman is able to get the asylum he so desperately needs at this time, from some friendly, political system/country.

Om Shanti.
Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.

We Are All Connected:

2006-03-20T20:03:00.000-08:00

We Are All Connected:

Ever heard the expression 'we are all one human family,' or that 'all beings come from the same source. I am sure you have at some time in your life. Well, here is my understanding of this perception.

I believe that we are all infinite beings that have been able to appear finite, some elements of our infinite nature. In other words, the infinite or invisible, through it's own processes, are able to manifest itself in different, forms, elements, or even solids or matter. And the human organism is just one aspect of that transformation of invisible energy.

I also believe that this connection never ceases, even when it takes on different aspects of itself. For example, when the invisible is transformed in animals, water, human, birds, or even plants. This life force is still connected. Some humans can trace their ancestral link genetically currently, but we can also trace our invisible link too.

But this will take some effort to understand, process, and access.

I have read some enlightened men or sages talk of being in a state of total awareness, and in that state, they were able to see, comprehend, and understand the entire universe, its' function, and the roles we humans play in this cosmic experience/drama.

Sounds impossible, but I do believe that it is possible to be so in tune with our inner being, that all of those things most of us feel is important, real, interesting, or false, is only a reflection of the invisible and incomprehensible process, that the brain is still grappling with.

Therefore, I have come to understand the expression enlightenment, and what it truly means.

I think it means that state of being, and knowing who we are, where, what, why, and how things are, the way they are, or seem to be. And when that realization takes place, the enlightened one, understands everything. And has no further need to question any longer.

Om Shanti.
Derryck S. Griffith.

We Must Never Forget:

2006-03-19T18:26:00.000-08:00

You Must Never Forget"

Do you realize that the Christian Bible, that most of us righteously refer to, in times of desperation and need, was used to enslave Blacks, ever since the European set eyes on him eons ago.

Do you realize that it is still used today to enslave Blacks with it's Jesus-Messiah promotion, that you so diligently worship, pray to, and believe will save your pathetic souls, some time in the infinite future?

Do you realize that Blacks are some of the principal promoters of this evil philosophy, that is being used to continue the same enslavement of Blacks, all over the world today.

Yes, the favorite lamentation of Blacks the world over is "Thank You Jesus."

Om Shanti.
Derryck.

Intelligent Design Concept!

2006-01-24T10:30:00.000-08:00

Intelligent Design:

This is another concept that the Far Right Evangelists are trying to introduce in our schools. It is another form of Genesis. Another theory of Human's entrance on this planet!

Is it right to introduce this theory, or disguised religion into our schools?

I think not!

Science is based on a certain Formula: S=M=Q:

1. S-means it must be seen:
2.M-means that is must be measured:
3.Q- means that it must be quantifiable:

Is this A Science?

Frankly NO:

If we allow such arbitrary or subtle injections into our school's curriculum, then we would be allowing the advent of Conservative Religious Concepts and Agenda, to seep into the impressionable and vulnerable minds of our young children.

Om Shanti.
Derryck.
Manhattan.
New York City.

From Jesus To Christ:

2006-01-24T10:28:00.000-08:00

From Jesus To Christ:

I watched this program on PBS.org tonight, and it has convinced me totally, about the real identity of the Jewish man called Jesus. And how his self proclaimed mission to save those un-believing Jews to listen and follow his warnings, and atone for their secular way of living.

This he stressed vehemently throughout his self-proclaimed ministry, until he was arrested by the Roman soldiers, and put to death. Even his arrest and execution was probably arranged by the Jewish temple Rabbis/Authorities, because he embarrassed them, or may have un-necessarily caused them to be fearful for their own lives, for the things he was saying about their overlords, the Romans.

Under the regime of Rome, anyone who publicly declared himself or herself to be a God, was indulging in sedition, according to Roman Law. And when Jesus was telling his fellow Jews that his God was not of this world, he was in the light of Roman Law, discounting Caesar as a false God.

Therefore, would have been perceived as an anarchist and a threat to Roman Law, Rule, and authority. Such persons, Jew Or Roman had to be silenced, and silenced quickly by Rome, in order to maintain the Peace and Stability of the province/s. Even his so-called resurrection in the flesh was mis-understood for a miracle. He may have been un-conscious, or in a coma, when he was taken down from that cross and buried.

I presume that he somehow was able to extricate himself when he recovered, and was seen by Mary Magdalene, who he had to convince that he was not dead. He probably performed levitation in her presence in order to appear resurrected. This had to be done in order to convince his followers that he will come again some time in the future. Because if word got to the Romans that he was not dead as expected, they would try to re-capture him again.

Remember Jesus was a member of the Essene Order, (an ascetic Jewish sect). These people were fanatic or apocalyptic believers in the end time, or the kingdom of heaven to come on earth. I also learned from this documentary that Jesus lived at a time and in regions, that were multi-lingual and multi-ethnic in composition. He may have spoken more than one language too, in order to relate to so many different people.

He also spoke in riddles or parables. That was necessary, because Rome had spies everywhere, to monitor seditious agitation, and open resentment to her administration. So anyone who is political or controversial in ideas, had to be as diplomatic as possible, in order to communicate, and promulgate his message, or be deemed seditious.

Therefore, those who spread his message covertly, were seen as Jesus followers. They would have been people of different ethnicites, languages, and cultural backgrounds. Many of those who may have heard Jesus messages directly, or from his followers would have told it to friends, family, and relatives as they travelled. In time, these messages took on different flavors, content, interpretations, and cultural identities.

Christianity, was just a word to identify those who believed, and told those messages. And probably used the name Jesus as their source or idol of reference.
Om Shanti.

Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator & Advocate.
Yahoo IM: derryckgrifith
and derryck_mimbari
AOl IM: Ecmimbari

The Not so Secret Skull & Bones:

2005-10-03T19:17:00.001-07:00

The Order of Skull and BonesEverything You Ever Wanted to Know, But Were Afraid to AskBy Kris MilleganEditor, Conspiracy Theory Research List RoadsEnd@aol.com The story begins at Yale, where three threads of American social history -- espionage, drug smuggling and secret societies -- intertwine into one. ParaScope is pleased to present this treatise on the Order of Skull and Bones, whose initiates fill the ranks of the global elite. Is Skull and Bones the American branch of the Illuminati? Are national and global events manipulated as part of a grand Hegellian equation, thesis and anti-thesis yielding a New World Order synthesis? The evidence and events surrounding the Order of Skull and Bones will shock you. Read on.
1. The Secret Origins of Skull & BonesThe story begins at Yale, where three threads of American social history -- espionage, drug smuggling and secret societies -- intertwine into one.Elihu Yale was born near Boston, educated in London, and served with the British East India Company, eventually becoming governor of Fort Saint George, Madras, in 1687. He amassed a great fortune from trade and returned to England in 1699. Yale became known as quite a philanthropist; upon receiving a request from the Collegiate School in Connecticut, he sent a donation and a gift of books. After subsequent bequests, Cotton Mather suggested the school be named Yale College, in 1718.A statue of Nathan Hale stands on Old Campus at Yale University. There is a copy of that statue in front of the CIA's headquarters in Langley, Virginia. Yet another stands in front of Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts (where George H.W. Bush ('48) went to prep school and joined a secret society at age twelve). Nathan Hale, along with three other Yale graduates, was a member of the "Culper Ring," one of America's first intelligence operations. Established by George Washington, it was successful throughout the Revolutionary War. Nathan was the only operative to be ferreted out by the British, and after speaking his famous regrets, he was hanged in 1776. Ever since the founding of the Republic, the relationship between Yale and the "Intelligence Community" has been unique.In 1823, Samuel Russell established Russell and Company for the purpose of acquiring opium in Turkey and smuggling it to China. Russell and Company merged with the Perkins (Boston) syndicate in 1830 and became the primary American opium smuggler. Many of the great American and European fortunes were built on the "China"(opium) trade.One of Russell and Company's Chief of Operations in Canton was Warren Delano, Jr., grandfather of Franklin Roosevelt. Other Russell partners included John Cleve Green (who financed Princeton), Abiel Low (who financed construction of Columbia), Joseph Coolidge and the Perkins, Sturgis and Forbes families. (Coolidge's son organized the United Fruit company, and his grandson, Archibald C. Coolidge, was a co-founder of the Council on Foreign Relations.)William Huntington Russell ('33), Samuel's cousin, studied in Germany from 1831-32. Germany was a hotbed of new ideas. The "scientific method" was being applied to all forms of human endeavor. Prussia, which blamed the defeat of its forces by Napoleon in 1806 on soldiers only thinking about themselves in the stress of battle, took the principles set forth by John Locke and Jean Rosseau and created a new educational system. Johan Fitche, in his "Address to the German People," declared that the children would be taken over by the State and told what to think and how to think it.Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel took over Fitche's chair at the University Of Berlin in 1817, and was a professor there until his death in 1831. Hegel was the culmination of the German idealistic philosophy school of Immanuel Kant. To Hegel, our world is a world of reason. The state is Absolute Reason and the citizen can only become free by worship and obedience to the state. Hegel called the state the "march of God in the world" and the "final end". This final end, Hegel said, "has supreme right against the individual, whose supreme duty is to be a member of the state." Both fascism and communism have their philosophical roots in Hegellianism. Hegellian philosophy was very much in vogue during William Russell's time in Germany.When Russell returned to Yale in 1832, he formed a senior society with Alphonso Taft ('33). According to information acquired from a break-in to the "tomb" (the Skull and Bones meeting hall) in 1876, "Bones is a chapter of a corps in a German University.... General Russell, its founder, was in Germany before his Senior Year and formed a warm friendship with a leading member of a German society. He brought back with him to college, authority to found a chapter here." So class valedictorian William H. Russell, along with fourteen others, became the founding members of "The Order of Scull and Bones," later changed to "The Order of Skull and Bones". The secretive Order of Skull and Bones exists only at Yale. Fifteen juniors are "tapped" each year by the seniors to be initiated into next year's group. Some say each initiate is given $15,000 and a grandfather clock. Far from being a campus fun-house, the group is geared more toward the success of its members in the post-collegiate world.The family names on the Skull and Bones roster roll off the tongue like an elite party list -- Lord, Whitney, Taft, Jay, Bundy, Harriman, Weyerhaeuser, Pinchot, Rockefeller, Goodyear, Sloane, Stimson, Phelps, Perkins, Pillsbury, Kellogg, Vanderbilt, Bush, Lovett and so on.William Russell went on to become a general and a state legislator in Connecticut. Alphonso Taft was appointed U.S. Attorney General, Secretary of War (a post many "Bonesmen" have held), Ambassador to Austria, and Ambassador to Russia (another post held by many "Bonesmen"). His son, William Howard Taft ('87), is the only man to be both President of the United States and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Next: Secrets of the "Tomb" 2. Secrets of the "Tomb"The Order flourished from the very beginning in spite of occasional squalls of controversy. There was dissension from some professors, who didn't like its secrecy and exclusiveness. And there was backlash from students, showing concern about the influence "Bones" was having over Yale finances and the favoritism shown to "Bonesmen."In October of 1873, Volume 1, Number 1, of The Iconoclast was published in New Haven. It was only published once and was one of very few openly published articles on the Order of Skull and Bones.From The Iconoclast:"We speak through a new publication. because the college press is closed to those who dare to openly mention 'Bones'...."Out of every class Skull and Bones takes its men. They have gone out into the world and have become, in many instances, leaders in society. They have obtained control of Yale. Its business is performed by them. Money paid to the college must pass into their hands, and be subject to their will. No doubt they are worthy men in themselves, but the many, whom they looked down upon while in college, cannot so far forget as to give money freely into their hands. Men in Wall Street complain that the college comes straight to them for help, instead of asking each graduate for his share. The reason is found in a remark made by one of Yale's and America's first men: 'Few will give but Bones men and they care far more for their society than they do for the college....'"Year by year the deadly evil is growing. The society was never as obnoxious to the college as it is today, and it is just this ill-feeling that shuts the pockets of non-members. Never before has it shown such arrogance and self-fancied superiority. It grasps the College Press and endeavors to rule it all. It does not deign to show its credentials, but clutches at power with the silence of conscious guilt."To tell the good which Yale College has done would be well nigh impossible. To tell the good she might do would be yet more difficult. The question, then, is reduced to this -- on the one hand lies a source of incalculable good -- on the other a society guilty of serious and far-reaching crimes. It is Yale College against Skull and Bones!! We ask all men, as a question of right, which should be allowed to live?"At first, the society held its meetings in hired halls. Then in 1856, the "tomb", a vine-covered, windowless, brown-stone hall was constructed, where to this day the "Bonesmen" hold their "strange, occultish" initiation rites and meet each Thursday and Sunday. On September 29, 1876, a group calling itself "The Order of File and Claw" broke into the Skull and Bones' holy of holies. In the "tomb" they found lodge-room 324 "fitted up in black velvet, even the walls being covered with the material." Upstairs was lodge-room 322, "the 'sanctum sanctorium' of the temple... furnished in red velvet" with a pentagram on the wall. In the hall are "pictures of the founders of Bones at Yale, and of members of the Society in Germany, when the chapter was established here in 1832." The raiding party found another interesting scene in the parlor next to room 322. From "The Fall Of Skull And Bones":"On the west wall, hung among other pictures, an old engraving representing an open burial vault, in which, on a stone slab, rest four human skulls, grouped about a fools cap and bells, an open book, several mathematical instruments, a beggar's scrip, and a royal crown. On the arched wall above the vault are the explanatory words, in Roman letters, 'We War Der Thor, Wer Weiser, Wer Bettler Oder, Kaiser?' and below the vault is engraved, in German characters, the sentence; 'Ob Arm, Ob Beich, im Tode gleich.'The picture is accompanied by a card on which is written, 'From the German Chapter. Presented by D. C. Gilman of D. 50'."Daniel Coit Gilman ('52), along with two other "Bonesmen," formed a troika which still influences American life today. Soon after their initiation in Skull and Bones, Daniel Gilman, Timothy Dwight ('49) and Andrew Dickinson White ('53) went to study philosophy in Europe at the University of Berlin. Gilman returned from Europe and incorporated Skull and Bones as Russell Trust, in 1856, with himself as Treasurer and William H. Russell as President. He spent the next fourteen years in New Haven consolidating the order's power. Gilman was appointed Librarian at Yale in 1858. Through shrewd political maneuvering, he acquired funding for Yale's science departments (Sheffield Scientific School) and was able to get the Morrill Land Bill introduced in Congress, passed and finally signed by President Lincoln, after being vetoed by President Buchanan. This bill, "donating public-lands for State College for agriculture and sciences", is now known as the Land Grant College Act. Yale was the first school in America to get the federal land scrip and quickly grabbed all of Connecticut's share at the time. Pleased by the acquisitions, Yale made Gilman a Professor of Physical Geography. Daniel was the first President of the University of California. He also helped found, and was the first president of, John Hopkins. Gilman was first president of the Carnegie Institution and involved in the founding of the Peabody, Slater and Russell Sage Foundations.His buddy, Andrew D. White, was the first president of Cornell University (which received all of New York's share of the Land Grant College Act), U.S. Minister to Russia, U.S. Ambassador to Berlin and first president of the American Historical Association. White was also Chairman of the American delegation to the first Hague Conference in 1899, which established an international judiciary. Timothy Dwight, a professor at Yale Divinity School, was installed as president of Yale in 1886. All presidents since, have been either "Bonesmen" or directly tied to the Order and its interests. The Daniel/Gilman/White trio was also responsible for the founding of the American Economic Association, the American Chemical Society and the American Psychological Association. Through their influences on John Dewey and Horace Mann, this trio continues to have an enormous impact on education today. Next: Networks of Power 3. Networks of PowerIn his book "America's Secret Establishment," Antony Sutton outlined the Order of Skull and Bones' ability to establish vertical and horizontal "chains of influence" that ensured the continuity of their conspiratorial schemes.The Whitney-Stimson-Bundy links represent the "vertical chain". W. C. Whitney ('63), who married Flora Payne (of the Standard Oil Payne dynasty), was Secretary of the Navy. His attorney was a man named Elihu Root. Root hired Henry Stimson ('88), out of law school. Stimson took over from Root as Secretary of War in 1911, appointed by fellow Bonesman William Howard Taft. Stimson later became Coolidge's Governor-General of the Philippine Islands, Hoover's Secretary of State, and Secretary of War during the Roosevelt and Truman administrations. Hollister Bundy ('09) was Stimson's special assistant and point man in the Pentagon for the Manhattan Project. His two sons, also members of Skull and Bones, were William Bundy ('39) and McGeorge Bundy ('40) -- both very active in governmental and foundation affairs. The two brothers, from their positions in the CIA, the Department of Defense and the State Department, and as Special Assistants to Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, exercised significant impact on the flow of information and intelligence during the Vietnam "War." William Bundy went on to be editor of Foreign Affairs, the influential quarterly of the Council on Foreign Affairs (CFR). McGeorge became president of the Ford Foundation. Another interesting group of "Bonesmen" is the Harriman/Bush crowd. Averil Harriman ('13), "Elder Statesman" of the Democratic Party, and his brother Roland Harriman ('17) were very active members. In fact, four of Roland's fellow "Bonesmen" from the class of 1917 were directors of Brown Brothers, Harriman, including Prescott Bush ('17), George Bush's dad.Since the turn of the century, two investment bank firms -- Guaranty Trust and Brown Brothers, Harriman -- were both dominated by members of Skull and Bones. These two firms were heavily involved in the financing of Communism and Hitler's regime. Bonesman share an affinity for the Hegellian ideas of the historical dialectic, which dictates the use of controlled conflict -- thesis versus anti-thesis -- to create a pre-determined synthesis. A synthesis of their making and design, where the state is absolute and individuals are granted their freedoms based on their obedience to the state -- a New World Order.Funding and political maneuvering on the part of "Bonesmen" and their allies helped the Bolsheviks prevail in Russia. In defiance of federal laws, the cabal financed industries, established banks and developed oil and mineral deposits in the fledgling U.S.S.R. Later, Averil Harriman, as minister to Great Britain in charge of Lend-Lease for Britain and Russia, was responsible for shipping entire factories into Russia. According to some researchers, Harriman also oversaw the transfer of nuclear secrets, plutonium and U. S. dollar printing plates to the U.S.S.R.In 1932, the Union Banking Corporation of New York City had enlisted four directors from the ('17) cell and two Nazi bankers associated with Fritz Thyssen, who had been financing Hitler since 1924.From "George Bush; The Unauthorized Biography":"President Franklin Roosevelt's Alien Property Custodian, Leo T. Crowley, signed Vesting Order Number 248 [11/17/42] seizing the property of Prescott Bush under the Trading with Enemy Act. The order, published in obscure government record books and kept out of the news, Note #4 explained nothing about the Nazis involved; only that the Union Banking Corporation was run for the 'Thyssen family' of 'Germany and/or Hungary' -- 'nationals ... of a designated enemy country.'"By deciding that Prescott Bush and the other directors of the Union Banking Corporation were legally 'front men for the Nazis', the government avoided the more important historical issue: In what way 'were Hitler's Nazis themselves hired, armed, and instructed by' the New York and London clique of which Prescott Bush was an executive manager? ..."4. New York Times, December 16, 1944, ran a five-paragraph page 25 article on actions of the New York State Banking Department. Only the last sentence refers to the Nazi bank, as follows: 'The Union Banking Corporation, 39 Broadway, New York, has received authority to change its principal place of business to 120 Broadway.'"The Times omitted the fact that the Union Banking Corporation had been seized by the government for trading with the enemy, and the fact that 120 Broadway was the address of the government's Alien Property Custodian."After the war, Prescott went on to become a U. S. Senator from Connecticut and favorite golfing partner of President Eisenhower. Prescott claims responsibility for getting Nixon into politics and takes personal credit for bringing Dick on board as Ike's running mate in 1952. Next: Name Roster of the Secret Establishment 4. Name Roster of the Secret EstablishmentThere were so many "Yalies" in the OSS that Yale's drinking tune, the "Whiffenpoof Song", became an "unofficial" song of the OSS. Many in the OSS were "Bonesmen" or belonged to the other Yale senior societies. Robert Lovett ('18), Harriman's childhood friend, had been tapped into Skull & Bones by Prescott Bush's cell of '17 and was a director at Brown Brothers, Harriman.Again, from "George Bush: The Unauthorized Biography":"On October 22, 1945, Secretary of War Robert Patterson created the Lovett Committee, chaired by Robert A. Lovett, to advise the government on the post-World War II organization of U.S. intelligence activities.... The new agency would 'consult' with the armed forces, but it must be the sole collecting agency in the field of foreign espionage and counterespionage. The new agency should have an independent budget, and its appropriations should be granted by Congress without public hearings. Lovett appeared before the Secretaries of State, War, and Navy on November 14, 1945.... Lovett pressed for a virtual resumption of the wartime Office of Strategic Services (OSS).... The CIA was established in 1947 according to the prescription of Robert Lovett, of Jupiter Island."Gaddis Smith, a history professor at Yale, said, "Yale has influenced the Central Intelligence Agency more than any other university, giving the CIA the atmosphere of a class reunion." And "Bonesman" have been foremost among the "spooks" building the CIA's "haunted house."F. Trubee Davison ('18) was Director of Personnel at the CIA in the early years. Some of the other "Bonesmen" connected with the intelligence community are:
Sloane Coffin, Jr. ('49)
V. Van Dine ('49)
James Buckley ('44)
Bill Buckley ('50)
Hugh Cunnigham ('34)
Hugh Wilson ('09)
Reuben Holden ('40)
Charles R. Walker ('16)
Yale's 'unofficial' Secretary of War, Robert D. French ('10)
Archibald MacLiesh ('15)
Dino Pionzio ('50), CIA Deputy Chief of Station during Allende overthrow
William and McGeorge Bundy
Richard A. Moore ('3?)
Senator David Boren ('63)
Senator John Kerry ('66)
...and, of course, George Herbert Walker Bush. Bush tapped Coffin, who tapped Buckley.Some other prominent Bonesmen include:
Henry Luce ('20), Time-Life
John Thomas Daniels ('14), founder Archer Daniels Midland
Gifford Pinchot ('89), President Theodore Roosevelt's chief forester
Frederick E. Weyerhaeuser ('96)
Harold Stanley ('08), founder of Morgan Stanley, investment banker
Alfred Cowles ('13), Cowles Communication
Henry P. Davison ('20), senior partner Morgan Guaranty Trust
Thomas Cochran ('04) Morgan partner
Senator John Heinz ('31)
Pierre Jay ('92), first chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York
George Herbert Walker, Jr. ('27), financier and co-founder of the NY Mets
Artemus Gates ('18), President of New York Trust Company, Union Pacific, TIME, Boeing Company
William Draper III (50), the Defense Department, UN and Import-Export Bank
Dean Witter, Jr.('44), investment banker
Senator Jonathan Bingham ('36)
Potter Stewart ('36), Supreme Court Justice
Senator John Chaffe ('47)
Harry Payne Whitney ('94), husband of Gertrude Vanderbilt, investment banker
Russell W. Davenport ('23), editor Fortune Magazine, created Fortune 500 list
Evan G. Galbraith ('50), Ambassador to France and Managing Director of Morgan Stanley
Richard Gow ('55), president Zapata Oil
Amory Howe Bradford ('34), husband of Carol Warburg Rothschild and general manager for the New York Times
C. E. Lord ('49), Comptroller of the Currency
Winston Lord ('59), Chairman of CFR, Ambassador to China and assistant Secretary of State in the Clinton administration
Ever since Nixon re-established America's political relationship with China, many of our ambassadors to that country have been Bonesmen, including George Bush, the first Chief U. S. Liaison Officer to the Peoples Republic of China. Next: The Opium Wars 5. China and the Opium WarsWhy all this interest in China? Well, China, among other things, is one of the largest producers and users of opiates in the world.For a while, in the 1800s, the Yankee Clippers in Connecticut and Massachusetts were the fastest ships on the ocean. Speed was crucial to the opium trade; whoever made the trip from Turkey/India to Macao/Hong Kong/Shanghai first got the most for their goods. During the Opium Wars, the U.S. chose to stand on the sidelines and cheer for the English and French, knowing that treaty obligations would bring the U.S. a share in the spoils. Russell and Company was at times the only trading house operating in Canton and used the opportunity to developed strong commercial ties and handsome profits. Powerful national interests were behind the drug trade, because American traders were badly in need of some article the Chinese would buy, since by this time the seal breeding grounds had been nearly wiped out. If the Chinese had not bought opium from Americans, then United States imports of silk, porcelain and tea would have to paid in precious coin, which was in short supply. In 1843, when the Port of Shanghai was opened, Russell and Co. was one of its earliest traders. In 1903, Yale Divinity School set up a program of schools and hospitals in China. Mao Zedong was among the staff. During the intrigues of China in the 1930s and '40s, American intelligence called upon the resources of "Yale in China", and George Bush's cousin and fellow "Bonesman" Reuben Holden.After stints as UN Ambassador and Chairman of the Republican National Committee for the beleaguered Richard Nixon, George Bush was sent to look after the "China trade". The Bush family is still very much involved in the economic activities of "Red" China.Many researchers contend that George Bush has been with CIA since the early 1950s, and that one of his jobs was to consolidate and co-ordinate the worldwide narcotics industry, the largest industry on Earth. Some say that one of the reasons behind the Vietnam "Police Action" was a cover for the consolidation of the "Golden Triangle". Next: The War on Drugs 6. The War on Drugs: An "Intellectual Fraud"Before the Vietnam "War", the Golden Triangle was run by French Intelligence and Corsican mobsters. After the French bailed out and America moved in, the triangle was run by U.S. intelligence, with aid from Sicilian mobsters. This narcotics network is well documented in "The Politics of Heroin in S. E. Asia" by Alfred McCoy, "The Great Heroin Coup" by Henrik Kruger and "Double-Cross" by Sam and Chuck Giancana.Vice-President George Bush, as Chairman of President Reagan's cabinet-level working group and as Director of the National Narcotics Interdiction System, was the highest U. S. governmental official involved in the "war on drugs".Frances Mullen, Jr., former head of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), called Bush's efforts "an intellectual fraud" and "a liability rather than an asset". Soon after these statements, Mullen resigned and the resultant General Accounting Office (GAO) report was buried.In July, 1985, the suppressed GAO paper reported that there were "no benefits from the National Narcotics Border Interdiction System, directed by George Bush. In fact, the overall effect was to encourage supply...."Monika Jensen-Stevenson, a "60 Minutes" producer, quit her job after the CBS news program refused to air the story she had uncovered relating to the covert drug trade. Her book, "Kiss The Boys Goodbye", details how our intelligence community used the apparatus of the POW/MIA governmental agencies as a cover for the trafficking of opiates from the "Golden Triangle".President Reagan appointed Reform Party founder and Texas billionaire Ross Perot to the President's Advisory Council on Foreign Intelligence. Reagan made Perot a special presidential investigator, looking into America's POW and MIAs from the Vietnam "War". Ross took the job to heart and spent considerable time and money in pursuit of the quest. He was given special clearance and access. He asked questions and interviewed everyone he could find. From "Kiss The Boys Goodbye":"Relations between Bush and Perot had gone downhill ever since the Vice-President had asked Ross Perot how his POW/MIA investigations were going.'Well, George, I go in looking for prisoners,' said Perot, 'but I spend all my time discovering the government has been moving drugs around the world and is involved in illegal arms deals.... I can't get at the prisoners because of the corruption among our own people.'"This ended Perot's official access to the highly classified files as a one-man presidential investigator. 'I have been instructed to cease and desist,' he had informed the families of missing men early in 1987."The wholesale importation of cocaine into the U.S. during "Iran/Contra" is also well documented. George Bush, is known "to be in the loop" with many of the players keeping in contact directly with his office. Also, there has been much speculation as to the use of the off-shore rigs, pipelines and other assets of Zapata Offshore being used for narcotic trans-shipments. Narcotics such as cocaine and heroin cannot be manufactured without the precursor chemicals. One of the largest makers of these precursor chemicals is the Eli Lilly Company of Indianapolis, Indiana. The Quayle family is a large stockholder, and George Bush has been on the Board of Directors. Eli Lilly is also the company that first synthesized LSD for the CIA. Next: George Bush, Skull & Bones and the JFK Assassination 7. George Bush, Skull & Bones and the JFK AssassinationRodney Stich's book "Defrauding America" tells of a "deep-cover CIA officer" assigned to a counter-intelligence unit, code-named Pegasus. This unit "had tape-recordings of plans to assassinate Kennedy" from a tap on the phone of J. Edgar Hoover. The people on the tapes were "[Nelson] Rockefeller, Allen Dulles, [Lyndon] Johnson of Texas, George Bush and J. Edgar Hoover."Could George Bush be involved in the JFK assassination? In 1963, Bush was living in Houston, busily carrying out his duties as president of the Zapata Offshore oil company. He denied the existence of a note sent by the FBI's J. Edgar Hoover to "Mr. George Bush of the CIA." When news of the note surfaced, the CIA first said they never commented on employment questions, but later relented said yes, a "George Bush" was mentioned in the note, but that it was "another" George Bush, not the man who took office in the White House in 1988. Some intrepid reporters tracked down the "other" George Bush and discovered that he was just a lowly clerk who had shuffled papers for the CIA for about six months. He never received any interagency messages from anybody at the FBI, let alone the Queen Mary.It is also worth noting that a CIA code word for Bay of Pigs was Operation Zapata, and that two of the support vessels were named Barbara and Houston. Many say that George Bush was high up on the CIA ladder at the time, running proprietorial vehicles and placed in a position of command, responsible for many of the Cubans recruited into "service" at the time. All through the Iran-Contra affair, Felix Rodriguez, the man who captured and had Che Guevara killed for the CIA, always seemed to call Bush's office first.From The Realist (Summer, 1991):"Bush was working with the now-famous CIA agent, Felix Rodriguez, recruiting right-wing Cuban exiles for the invasion of Cuba. It was Bush's CIA job to organize the Cuban community in Miami for the invasion.... A newly discovered FBI document reveals that George Bush was directly involved in the 1963 murder of President John Kennedy. The document places marksmen by the CIA. Bush at that time lived in Texas. Hopping from Houston to Miami weekly, Bush spent 1960 and '61 recruiting Cubans in Miami for the invasion...."George Bush claims he never worked for the CIA until he was appointed Director by former Warren Commission director and then president Jerry Ford in 1976. Logic suggests that is highly unlikely. Of course, Bush has a company duty to deny being in the CIA. The CIA is a secret organization. No one ever admits to being a member. The truth is that Bush has been a top CIA official since before the 1961 invasion of Cuba, working with Felix Rodriguez. Bush may deny his actual role in the CIA in 1959, but there are records in the Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba that expose Bush's role..."On the Watergate tapes, June 23, 1972, referred to in the media as the 'smoking gun' conversation, Nixon and his Chief of Staff, H.R. Haldeman, were discussing how to stop the FBI investigation into the CIA Watergate burglary. They were worried that the investigation would expose their connection to 'the Bay of Pigs thing.' Haldeman, in his book "The Ends of Power", reveals that Nixon always used code words when talking about the 1963 murder of JFK. Haldeman said Nixon would always refer to the assassination as 'the Bay of Pigs'.On that transcript we find Nixon discussing the role of George Bush's partner, Robert Mosbacher, as one of the Texas fundraisers for Nixon. On the tapes Nixon keeps referring to the 'Cubans' and the 'Texans.' The 'Texans' were Bush, Mosbacher and Baker. This is another direct link between Bush and evidence linking Nixon and Bush to the Kennedy assassination." Next: Motives for the Conspiracy 8. Motives for the ConspiracySo, why would an intelligence agency/secret society want to smuggle drugs and assassinate JFK?Well, they make a lot of money, and they garner intelligence assets through their participation. There's also the rationale that the world is a seamy and unseemly place, and if you're going to be the 'big boy' on the block, you better know what's going on. And what better way of knowing than by running it yourself? There are also some who theorize that the covert drug trade fits with plans to destabilize American families and society. Through demoralizing and fracturing the body politic, they can impose their will using psychological warfare and the political alchemy of the Hegellian dialectic.James Shelby Downard's article, "Sorcery, Sex, Assassination and the Science of Symbolism ," an underground classic, links American historical events with a wild, numerological, grand occult plan "to turn us into cybernetic mystery zombies". The assassination of JFK, this article contends, was the performance of a public occult ritual called The Killing of the King, designed as a mass-trauma, mind-control assault against our U.S. national body-politic.During Operation Sunrise, Operation Blowback, Operation Paperclip and others, thousands of Nazi scientists, researchers and administrators were brought to the United States after World War II. Many were "smuggled" into the country against direct, written, orders from President Harry S. Truman. Project Monarch was the resumption of a mind-control project called Marionette Programming, which started in Nazi Germany. The basic component of the Monarch Program is the sophisticated manipulation of the mind, using extreme trauma to induce Multiple Personality Disorder.Mr. Downward feels that the perpetrators purposefully murdered JFK in such a way as to affect our National identity and cohesiveness -- to fracture America's soul. Even the blatancy of their conspiracy was designed to show "their superiority" and "our futility".There have been studies that show a correlation between the JFK assassination and the rise in violence in society, distrust of government and other extensions of social ills. Next: The Illuminati -- Subverting the Body Politic 9. The Illuminati: Subverting the Body PoliticWhy this attack against our body politic?In 1785, a bolt of lightning struck a courier en route to Paris from Frankfort-on-the-Main. A tract written by Adam Weishaupt, founder of the Illuminati, "Original Shift in Days of Illuminations," was recovered from the dead messenger, containing the secret society's long-range plan for "The New World Order through world revolution". The Bavarian Government outlawed the society and in 1787 published the details of The Illuminati conspiracy in "The Original Writings of the Order and Sect of the Illuminati." In Adam Weishaupt's own words: "By this plan, we shall direct all mankind in this manner. And, by the simplest means, we shall set all in motion and in flames. The occupations must be so allotted and contrived that we may, in secret, influence all political transactions."There is disagreement among scholars as to whether or not the Illuminati survived its banishment. Nevertheless, the group had been quite successful in attracting members and had allied itself with the extensive Masonic networks. The Illuminati was publicly founded May 1, 1776 at the University of Ingolstadt by Weishaupt, Professor of Canon Law. It was a very "learned" society; Weishaupt drew the earliest members of his new order from among his students. On December 5, 1776, students at William and Mary College founded a secret society, Phi Beta Kappa. A second chapter was formed, at Yale, in 1780. The anti-Masonic movement in the United States during the 1820s held groups such as Phi Beta Kappa in a bad light. Because of pressure, the society went public. This is noted by some researchers as the direct cause of the appearance of Yale's Order of Skull and Bones.In "The Cyclopedia Of Fraternities", a genealogical chart of general Greek-Letter college fraternities in the United States, shows Phi Beta Kappa as "the parent of all the fraternal systems in [American] higher education." There is only one "side" lineal descendant: the Yale chapter of 1780. The line then continues to Skull and Bones in 1832, and on through the other "only at Yale" senior societies, Scroll & Key and Wolf's Head.Phi Beta Kappa is the "first three Greek letters, for 'Philosophia Biou Kubernetes' or 'Love of wisdom, the helmsman of life'." A skull homophone is scull, a quick, gliding boat and part of Skull & Bones first nomenclature.John Robison, a professor of natural philosophy at Edinburgh University in Scotland and a member of a Freemason Lodge, said that he was asked to join the Illuminati. After study, he concluded the purposes of the Illuminati were not for him. In 1798, he published a book called "Proofs Of A Conspiracy":"An association has been formed for the express purpose of rooting out all the religious establishments and overturning all the existing governments.... the leaders would rule the World with uncontrollable power, while all the rest would be employed as tools of the ambition of their unknown superiors.""Proofs of A Conspiracy" was sent to George Washington. Responding to the sender of the book with a letter, the president said he was aware the Illuminati were in America. He felt that the Illuminati had "diabolical tenets" and that their object was "a separation of the People from their government."In "Proofs Of A Conspiracy", Robison printed the ceremony of initiation of the "Regent degree" in Illuminism. In it "a skeleton is pointed out to him [the initiate], at the feet of which are laid a crown and a sword. He is asked 'whether that is the skeleton of a king, nobleman or a beggar.' As he cannot decide, the president of the meeting says to him, 'The character of being a man is the only one that is importance'". This is, essentially, the same as the writing in the Skull & Bones "tomb":"Wer war der Thor, wer Weiser, Bettler oder Kaiser? Ob Arm, ob Reich, im Tode gleich."Which reads:"Who was the fool, who the wise man, beggar or king? Whether poor or rich, all's the same in death." Next: Skull & Bones = Illuminati? 10. Skull & Bones = Illuminati?Is the Order of the Skull & Bones part of the Illuminati?When a person is initiated into Skull & Bones, they are given a new name, similar to the practice of the Illuminati. And many recorded Illuminati members can be shown to have contact and/or strong influences with many of the professors that taught "Bonesmen" in Berlin.When a secret society conspires against the sovereignty of a king, they need to organize, raise funds, make their plans operational, and hopefully bring them to fruition.Could we have in the United States a secret society that has used the "National Security State" as a cover for their nefarious plans?From "George Bush: The Unauthorized Biography":"That September [1951], Robert Lovett replaced Marshall as secretary of defense. Meanwhile, Harriman was named director of the Mutual Security Agency, making him the U.S. chief of the Anglo-American military alliance. By now, Brown Brothers, Harriman was everything but commander-in-chief."A central focus of the Harriman security regime in Washington (1950-53) was the organization of covert operations and 'psychological warfare.' Harriman, together with his lawyers and business partners, Allen and John Foster Dulles, wanted the government's secret services to conduct extensive propaganda campaigns and mass-psychology experiments within the U.S.A., and paramilitary campaigns abroad...."The Harriman security regime created the Psychological Strategy Board (PSB) in 1951. The man appointed director of the PSB [was] Gordon Gray.... Gordon's brother, R.J. Reynolds chairman Bowman Gray Jr., was also a naval intelligence officer, known around Washington as the 'founder of operational intelligence.' Gordon Gray became a close friend and political ally of Prescott Bush; and Gray's son became for Prescott's son, George, his lawyer and the shield of his covert policy."So you have the Whitney/Stimson/Bundy clan and the Harriman/Bush boys wielding a tremendous amount of influence on the political, economic and social affairs of America and the world. Then you have Prescott Bush's buddy Richard Nixon as an activist vice-president. Then, a nation-chilling assassination, some time under LBJ with the Bundy boys keeping things in line, then Nixon as President with "Bonesmen" aides Ray Price ('51) and Richard A. Moore. Some time out for a Trilateralist-Democrat-patsy president, followed by Prescott's son as an activist vice-president under Reagan. Next, we get a Skull and Bones president who declares a "New World Order" while beating up on his business partner, Saddam Hussein.After twelve years of Republican administrations, Bush passes the reins to his drug smuggling buddy from Arkansas, Bill Clinton, who studied at Yale Law School. According to some researchers, Clinton was recruited as a CIA operative while a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford. Could this be the "old Hegallian historical dialectic process"? Next: World History -- Plan or Accident? 11. World History: Plan or Accident?Will we get another failed Democratic administration? A scandal as disgraceful as Nixon's fall? When Robert P. Johnson (William Barr) told Clinton in a bunker in Arkansas that "you are our fair-haired boy, but you do have competition for the job you seek. We would never put all our eggs in one basket. You and your state have been our greatest asset.... Mr. Casey wanted me to pass on to you, that unless you fuck up and do something stupid, you are number one on our short list for shot at the job you always wanted." So, you have William Casey -- CIA Director, George Bush's campaign manager and Sovereign Knight of Malta -- speaking through the proxy of George Bush's last Attorney General to George's rival in the 1992 federal elections. Is it all just a show and sham for U.S. hoi polloi? Perhaps so, if there exists the type of control over the electoral process as told by Mae Brussell and the suppressed book "VoteScam," written by Jim and Ken Collier:"...Your vote and mine may now be a meaningless bit of energy directed by preprogrammed computers-which can be fixed to select certain pre-ordained candidates and leave no footprints or paper trail."In short, computers are covertly stealing your vote."--For almost three decades the American vote has been subject to government-sponsored electronic theft."--The vote has been stolen from you by a cartel of federal "national security" bureaucrats, who include higher-ups in the Central Intelligence Agency, political party leaders, Congressmen, co-opted journalists -- and the owners and managers -- of the major Establishment news media, who have decided in concert that how America's votes are counted, by whom they are counted and how the results are verified and delivered to the public is, as one of them put it, 'Not a proper area of inquiry.'"--By means of an unofficial private corporation named News Election Service (NES), the Establishment press has actual physical control of the counting and dissemination of the vote, and it refuses to let the public know how it is done."Is the American electorate subjected to cyclic propaganda, pre-selected candidates and winners, and psychological warfare to alienate Americans from the institutions established to serve them by the Constitution? Are the Democratic and Republican National Parties used for a Hegellian experiment in controlled conflict? Pamela Churchill Harriman, Averil's wife, is one of the Democratic Party's biggest fund-raisers. She once gave Bill a job as director of her "PAM PAC" when he was defeated for governor in 1980. Bill paid her back by appointing her as Ambassador to France. Another Harriman/Bush friend, Eugene Stetson ('34), was an assistant manager for Prescott Bush at Brown Brothers, Harriman's New York office. He organized the H. Smith Richardson Foundation. The foundation, in the late 1950s, participated in the MKULTRA, the CIA's domestic covert psychological warfare operation. The Richardson Foundation helped to finance the testing of psychotropic drugs, including LSD, at Bridgewater Hospital in Massachusetts, the center of some of the most brutal MK-ULTRA experiments.During the Iran-Contra operations, the H. Smith Richardson Foundation was a "private donors steering committee," working with the National Security Council to co-ordinate the Office of Public Diplomacy. This was an effort to propagandize in favor of and run cover for the Iran-Contra operations, and to coordinate published attacks on opponents of the program.The H. Smith Richardson Foundation also runs the Center for Creative Leadership at Langley to "train leaders of the CIA," as well as another center near Greensboro, North Carolina, that trains CIA and Secret Service Agents. Almost everyone who achieves the military rank of general also gets this training. This is just the tip of an iceberg. You also have eugenics and population control, suppressed history and technology, yearly retreats, profitable partnerships with brutal dictators, deals with "terrorists", the involvement of the Knights of Malta, war-mongering and profiteering, mind-control, secret societies for teens, ritual magic and more -- all spinning the dark threads in the web of conspiracy that our spinning blue ball has gotten caught in.We've got a whole new crop of "Bonesmen" coming up, including George H.W. Bush's son George W. Bush ('68), Governor of Texas. When Don Schollander ('68), the Olympic gold-medalist and only known Skull and Bones member living in Portland, was contacted by Willamette Week reporter John Schrang regarding his involvement in the Order, he said, "It's really something I can't talk about." Not wouldn't, but "couldn't".In wake of Antony Sutton's first ground-breaking exposes of the Order, the Sterling Library at Yale has refused to allow any other researchers access to the Russell Trust papers.Daniel Gilman, like most Bonesmen, makes no mention of Skull & Bones or the Russell Trust in his memoirs or biographies. So, are we all just 'fodder" for a secret society with satanic overtones that is attempting to form a one world government with themselves at the helm? Or is the Order of Skull and Bones just a bunch of frat boys from Yale? Wanna bet your future on it?(c) Copyright Little Red Hen, 1996 Sources Skull & Bones White Paper END,.

Self-proclaimed Messiah Of This World:

2005-06-10T08:12:00.000-07:00

"The Self-proclaimed Messiah that is to come to this world!" The Words of Reverend Sun Myung Moon from 1987
God's Day
Reverend Sun Myung MoonJanuary 1, 1987World Mission Center Grand Ballroom,New York CityTranslator - Bo Hi Pak
How many God's Days have been celebrated so far? From 1968 to 1987 is nineteen years, so God's Day is nineteen years old. Next year, 1988, God's Day will be twenty years old and will be moving into a new era.
As you know, among the laws of the dispensation, the most important one is the law of indemnity. In order to consummate the law of indemnity, three major elements are necessary. First, there must be a person or central figure to set the condition. Second, there must be a conditional offering or sacrifice; certain things have to be offered on the altar of God. Third, there is a time element involved.
From the standpoint of the dispensation of the Unification Church, Father would be in the position of central figure, or subject. You are in the object position, which is that of the conditional offering. The time element is our dispensational period. Therefore, in front of Father, the members of the Unification Church are in the offering position.
The position of the conditional offering should not have any complaints or reservations. For example, you should not say, "You are Father, an Oriental. We are Westerners and we do things differently, according to the American style"
In a way, three elements are necessary in the assortment of sacrifices. Thus there are three races of mankind. That which is chosen as a sacrifice is supposed to shed blood; however, we cannot do that because we will die. Therefore, we must shed something else: our tears and sweat. When do you shed your tears and sweat? It is when you are most sorrowful, when you are deeply heartbroken. In order to fulfill the role of the sacrifice, you must be able to say at the most sorrowful moment, "Yes, Father, I want to go this way. I am grateful and I have no complaint"
The Eastern and Western cultures treat suffering and hardship very differently. Here in the West if you complain, "Oh, I'm suffering so much! I think I'm going to die!" other people will most likely sympathize and agree with you. But in the Orient if you make the same complaint, others will probably say, "Oh, you can still go on" Therefore, Oriental people are better fit for this kind of sacrificial role. That is why a person like Reverend Moon came from the Orient. Father was the first one to be chosen to sacrifice by God.
Without knowing why it should be done or how, Father, with God's help, had to search for the right method and find the way of restoration. Your job is entirely different: I have taught you the Principle, the reason why and the way to fulfill your role. If you cannot do it with this much information, you are unworthy of anything. Even though you have been taught plenty of truth by me, many of you are still unsure, not wanting to commit yourself, saying, "I will wait to see if someone else does it first" Or perhaps you say, "I'm an intellectual and cultured citizen of the United States. Indemnity and those kinds of things belong to primitive people, not to our society" Do you think Reverend Moon must be a foolish man, then? When you look at me, do I appear to be the King of Wisdom or the King of Fools?
God is recruiting people who will serve as the champions of sacrifice. Now the recruiters are out, the posters are out. Will you say yes, or will you say, "I'll just think about it for the next couple of years" Perhaps you would say, "I am the son of a millionaire. I've got everything- two cars in the garage, a yacht, plenty of steaks in the refrigerator. Why should I join the Moonies and volunteer to suffer?"
My principle is that anyone who comes to the Unification Church has to go through a training period, even if he has a Ph.D. degree or is a math genius; everyone has to start by fund raising in the street. Even those ministers who come to us have to go out and do fund raising!
The Principle is like a railroad track-you've got to go along every inch of it. There is no way you can go at random or according to your own whims. You can't say, "I don't like this part, so I'll just skip over it" That is just not possible. Think about it. You said that I am a wise person; you know I am not dumb. If there was any way to jump freely into the Kingdom of Heaven, I would have found it and I would have done it long before any of you did. But you've got to follow along every inch of the way. Even if your hip goes out and you fall to the side or to the rear, still you have to take another step. If your head feels fatigued and about to fall forward, you have to hit your head and just move forward every step of the way.
How many years have I been living that kind of Principled life? One year? Two? No, my entire life. Do you know how old I am? I am really an old man-I'm sixty-seven years old. But you think I am younger than you are and you always want to push me further. That's my problem! I get no sympathy! Last night after midnight I spoke for two and a half hours. Now it is nine o'clock in the morning, but even before you were assembled here, I held another ceremony at seven o'clock, where I also spoke. Now you are here, just beaming from ear to ear! You don't care if Father suffers or not! It is an amazing thing that during our Unification Church celebrations such as God's Day and Children's Day the only person who truly suffers is Father and the only people who truly enjoy it are you. Who is the sacrifice, then? Father becomes a sacrifice every holiday, but I don't complain, no matter what happens.
Even today, Mother told me I should limit my message to not more than thirty minutes-one hour including translation. Before we came here we had breakfast upstairs with all the True Children. Mother asked me to give them a family sermon on the meaning of God's Day. Afterwards, they asked many important questions, so I spent a little extra time answering them. That is why I was a few minutes late this morning, not because I was being lazy.
What do you think, is it a blessing or a curse to be chosen on the altar of God? More than anyone else, I, Reverend Moon, know the Principle very well. I chose to go this route of sacrifice my entire life, without hesitation. I have been in and out of prisons in different countries, including the United States, where there is supposedly religious freedom. Under normal circumstances, a person who has been incarcerated will do anything to try to avoid that again; but I have never shied away from my work and have been willing to go again and again-six times all together. As long as the will of God directs me, I will go anywhere and make any sacrifices for that purpose.
In the meantime, has Reverend Moon declined? No, during this course of suffering I have consistently prospered; now the whole world knows the name of Reverend Moon. Do you think it is necessary to become a sacrifice for God? You say "Yes" easily, but to actually do it is not easy. Anyone who wants to offer himself will encounter a lot of resistance. For example, your parents will say, "No, no, don't go that way. Come to us" Or your brothers and sisters, your wife or husband will pull on you, as will your children. They will say, "No, no, you don't deserve such a difficult and suffering course. Come home to us, relax and be comfortable"
But when you persistently follow the road of Principle year after year, you will realize that the world has changed. Even now I am sure that many of your friends tell you, "You are a special and admirable person. I respect you as a man of God" That is the kind of reputation you have been earning all these years.
Sometimes classroom teachers have said negative things about the Unification Church and have asked church members, "How did you ever become a Moonie?" trying to ridicule them. Now, however, such teachers are realizing that they made a dreadful mistake and they are apologizing to our members. Likewise, brothers, sisters and parents are coming and apologizing to you. This is exactly what I have talked about-natural subjugation, not by force or violence.
Reverend Moon came to America to save all the people. Therefore, the greatest VIP from the American point of view should be Reverend Moon. But instead of welcoming Reverend Moon, this government put me into prison. History will reveal the truth in the future and the American government and people will realize what an evil thing they did. What will they do then? They will bow down-again, that is the way of natural subjugation.
Reverend Moon is never proud or boastful of himself. Always I bow down in front of God. There is absolutely no room for arrogance within me. This is the most dramatic way to live. Once the victory is won, it is a perfectly clean victory. I never go out and wage war against anyone, but one day the time will come when representatives from each field of endeavor will come to me and say, "Reverend Moon, you are our champion; you are victorious" This will happen in the areas of academics, technology, as well as art and politics. This is truly what we call a natural subjugation and it is the most dramatic way of life anyone could live.
I am not here to make you suffer; this is the most noble and glorious life for anyone. Because I love you, I invite you to come with me on that path of glory and victory. Now we have a problem, in a way, because the time of persecution is nearly over. No one will be giving you a hard time anymore, so I decided I have to do that myself. Then the American people will say, "Reverend Moon, please be easier on them,' but I will say, "No, I'm going to be harsh" You must be able to follow steadfastly, whether I am harsh or gentle.
In a school classroom, what kind of teacher is the best? Is it the one who picks up the chalk and sternly demands your attention, not giving even one minute of relaxation, one who gives you lots of homework? Or is a good teacher one who doesn't demand much of you, doesn't even give you a lecture, and lets you take naps in class? You know that the good teacher is the first one. But even though you know that, you don't like to be in the harsh teacher's class. That is a contradiction within yourself; we have to straighten out that contradiction. Either the teacher or the student has to change-which should it be? You know it is the student. Would you like me to be a very easy teacher or a stern one? Thank you for saying stern.
1987 is a harsh year. Even if you are whipped, do you want to pass or flunk the course? You say you want to pass, but I think your mouth didn't really want to say that! You want to be a real person rather than a fake one. There are many fake things in this world.
Can you say, "I shall become an offering on the altar of God"? If so, raise your hands and show me. Thank you very much. I want you to understand one cardinal rule: there should be nothing you are unwilling to do for the condition of indemnity. You must feel like doing any chore joyfully, even though that indemnity is always harsh and difficult.
God told Reverend Moon, "You will go this course and you will go up and down, but you will end up here" God pushed me down to the pits of hell and allowed me to struggle but then when the time was right, He raised me up and gave me His blessing. I came to America fifteen years ago and received nothing but persecution, culminating in my incarceration in Danbury-the bottom point. But at that point, God resurrected me all the way up to the top. This is God's formula, without exception. Whether it is on the individual, family, society, clan, national or worldwide level, this is the formula to follow.
My way is to bring all the Moonies throughout the world over here to America, letting them learn the Principle by struggling and gaining the victory. What do you think: if I give a certain instruction and you fulfill it, are you eligible to share in God's blessings? Once Father gives you "homework" or a goal to reach, and you achieve it victoriously, what then? Let's take the example of a schoolteacher who gives his students an extremely difficult test. If you can pass that worst test with a mark of one hundred percent, then the teacher doesn't have to teach you anything more. He can say, "You are free to go from my class" Furthermore, that teacher might say, "I'm so busy today, would you please come and take over my class for me?" In that case, the student is really participating in the glory of the teacher. Do you want to participate in Father's glory? Therefore, I must give you difficult tests and hardships. I will give you hardships to such a degree that you might say, "What kind of a teacher is he? He is impossible. I'm finished!"
Think about this. We have approximately twelve hundred people gathered here in this auditorium today. I want to pick the one best champion, so an easy test will not do the job. I have to give the most difficult task, so that most of you will be eliminated. There will only be a few finalists and then in the end only one will prevail-the champion. Let me see how many of you want to be candidates for that number one champion. Raise your hands. There are so many candidates. I welcome that, but in order to eliminate everyone but the champion, I must make the obstacle course extremely difficult.
The founding fathers of this nation, such as George Washington, will look at the patriotism of that champion and say, "I simply cannot compete with that person. His standard and achievements are far greater than mine. He would have deserved to be the first president instead of me" In fact, George Washington would look at such a champion and say, "You are the son of God" Even Jesus will look at him and say, "This person is amazing. He even challenges my standard. He is indeed the son of God"
What do you think, did Jesus or Father suffer more? Actually Jesus' death on the cross took only a relatively short time-a matter of less than three hours. But to bear the cross for more than fifty years, throughout ones life, is a more difficult course. The suffering of Reverend Moon is inconceivable to the ordinary mind. For that reason, when God Himself looks at Reverend Moon's suffering, He cries out. God Himself cries. You would never hear of such a thing normally. Can you believe this? There is no person in the religious realm, including all the saints, who can compare his suffering with the conditions Reverend Moon set in the sight of God. Therefore, they all want to come and receive teaching from Father.
In order to receive the greatest blessings from God, you have to go down to the bottom of hell-lick the floor of hell-and then the time will come when God will be able to resurrect you. That is the road of indemnity-it is that difficult. When have you walked this way? You don't realize God's timetable; your knowledge of the dispensational schedule is faulty. An amazing thing about Reverend Moon is that he does know God's timetable. In the past many people predicted that Reverend Moon was finished-many different times, people said that, but Reverend Moon has never been demolished.
Some of the most eminent scholars in the world have been attending the ICUS conferences year after year and they have been studying Reverend Moon. At first they found me incomprehensible, but now they know me well and are following my directions as closely as you. How do those educated professors compare with you less educated Moonies? Between the two, who shall win the race along the indemnity course?
The difference between those scholars and you Moonies is this: scholars are primarily intellectual and they always evaluate things in that way. They ask, "Where am I going? Am I getting any benefit out of this?" They tend to set themselves up as the center. But Moonies are different; they don't consider first whether they are getting any benefit. They say, "Father says do this, so I am going to do it, no matter what" You have been going this way unconditionally, day in and day out. The scholars want to figure out the smartest way to do something, but they outwit themselves in many cases.
Do you truly and unconditionally follow Father? Then you will follow all the way to the end? Who is the one to say, "Yes, you have paid the necessary indemnity. You finished the course"? Father is the one who has to say that. Therefore, following unconditionally is the smartest way to go. Once you get to the destination, you will see that you came the quickest possible way. Therefore, you are not dumb at all; you are really the princes and princesses of wisdom.
If I said to you, "I want to meet you at such and such an hour at Pier Number 6 in San Francisco, two days from now. I win not give you any help in getting there,' would you show up at that particular hour? Would you also say, "Meet you in prison? Sure, okay"? You say yes, and that's what makes you different and so great. This is also why many people in the secular world fear me. They think, "Look at those bright young men and women who are following Reverend Moon. He is even matching them in marriage; I can't believe anyone but a fool would allow that. But they are not fools and they are accepting Reverend Moon's matching, living together and having children and prospering. This is incredible!"
Who is great, Reverend Moon or you? Father may be great, but you sons and daughters are great, too. We are a great race, a different race of people. In the secular world, people could never do what we do. What do you think-if tomorrow I decided, "All the Moonies should move to Africa,' what would you do?
On this first day of 1987, do you feel good or terrible? Why do I speak about indemnity? Because it is God's Day. It is an incredible thing that almighty God has to perform His dispensation through indemnity. Why is it necessary for God to walk the road of indemnity? Why did God have to allow His son Jesus to be murdered? Why does God have to allow Reverend Moon, His loving son of the twentieth century, to go the path of suffering as he has? All of this is because of the fall of man, and the emergence of Satan. All of this suffering is in order to isolate and separate Satan from absolute good.
If you look at the history of religion and the leaders of religious movements, one thing cannot be denied: Reverend Moon received in his lifetime more persecution than any other religious leader. In 1976 the dispensation came to a worldwide stage, a culminating point. Since then, the era of persecution has been gradually ending. We are winning incredible friends now; we have supporters among scholars, politicians, social leaders and journalists. Such people are realizing that Reverend Moon's movement is proposing the only real hope for humanity.
Reverend Moon is right in the eye of the hurricane, the center of the most severe persecution. Why did I volunteer to go into that circle? I had to pit myself against the worst kind of test possible. Anyone who wants to defeat me is invited to come and challenge me. Whether it is the government, a social organization, military groups, or religious organizations- come and test me and try to defeat me. That has been my position. What has happened? Father was never defeated. One by one, those challengers are moving away.
Even God Himself kicked Reverend Moon to test him. He said, "Reverend Moon, I don't know you! You are a heretic, so get out of my sight!" But the incredible part is that I had already grabbed onto the coattails of God and I told Him, "Heavenly Father, no matter what You say, I know You can't reject me. You need me!"
One day, God said, "No, I reject Reverend Moon. He is a heretic and he is not my son" Then Jesus, Buddha and Mohammed, as well as all the saints in spirit world, said, "Yes, Reverend Moon, you are a heretic!" For forty days, this kind of confrontation went on. They said Reverend Moon would have to change his position or they would not accept me. But throughout those forty days, I did not change one iota. I was steadfast as a rock. Then they saw that Reverend Moon would not change, even in 400 or 4,000 years. Heavenly law was such that the showdown had to be over in 40 days. What happened? On the fortieth day, God declared, "I have tested my son, Reverend Moon, and I can now declare before heaven and earth that he is the greatest victor in all of history"
Think about it. During that 40-day period while God was testing Reverend Moon, all the satanic forces and surrogates for evil were celebrating. They were all shouting, "Mansei
for Satan's kingdom!" and they thought they had won a complete victory. On the fortieth day, at the final moment, God stepped forward and declared, "I have been testing Reverend Moon during this time period to see how strongly he believed in the truth. Now he has proven that he upholds the truth, no matter what"
What was the result of that? Who is the higher champion between Jesus and Reverend Moon, then? People in the outside world say, "The Unification Church places Reverend Moon higher than even Jesus, so they are satanic" and much persecution has come. But who decided the champion? God did, in front of Jesus and everyone. At that very moment, Jesus became the number one supporter and united totally in heart. Buddha, Mohammed and Confucius became our friends as well. These religious leaders are sending their influence down to earth to urge people to join with Reverend Moon.
Therefore, I look at the major religions of the world as one big family. When there is a squabble going on in the Moslem world, I work to help the unity of the Moslem world. Likewise, I support the unity of the Buddhist world. Have you ever heard of a religious leader who supported other religions? We have given financial support for that purpose. This is not because we want to manipulate those people. We know that spirit world has already declared the one unity of world religion. Therefore, when we initiate some action along those lines, that unity can be expanded into the physical world. If that condition had not already been set in spirit world, we couldn't do anything to bring that unity about.
If Reverend Moon is truly working on the earth with such authority, then who has the authority to declare God's Day? If I declared to God, "My Father, I want to ask You to come to our celebration of God's Day,' would God come? Yes, He would. Why is that? It is because God has declared that in the dispensational realm, Reverend Moon is the number one champion. At that time, God granted the authority to Reverend Moon to establish such a thing as God's Day. For that reason, God rejoices and wants to come to our celebration.
God alone cannot fulfill His dispensation; He needs a partner. He needs human beings. This is why God's Day has been declared-it is one day in which God can rejoice over His own victory. We have set aside this day for celebrating God's victory. What causes God to rejoice the most? What God likes the most is to fulfill His ideal and His will. The fulfillment of that ideal is the fulfillment of His purpose of creation. What is that purpose of creation? It is the consummation of true love. That is the essence of the purpose of creation.
Love cannot be fulfilled by anyone alone, not even by God Himself alone. Even though God is almighty, can you imagine Him dancing around all by Himself, saying, "I'm totally in love with myself!" Me would be a crazy God, wouldn't He?
When God's true love is consummated, we call that the fulfillment of the heavenly four position foundation. This is an absolutely clear sequence. The heavenly four positions are the love of God, love between husband and wife, and then love of children and parents. Thus the Unification Church celebrates four major holidays each year: Parents' Day, Children's Day, Day of All Things, and God's Day. We are heading toward the perfection of all people, all things, and the perfection of the joy of God.
If you ask someone in the traditional Christian world, "Do you know why God created all the universe, as well as humanity?" he would most likely answer, "Well, He didn't have anything to do, so creating was His hobby" They do not understand one critical point: God created the world and mankind for the purpose of fulfilling His love. All creation is in the objective position to God's love. He created an environment in which He placed human beings so that He could initiate a reciprocal love relationship-give and take between God and man. God created Adam and Eve to be His Love King and Love Queen.
When the time was right, the Love King and Queen were meant to be united into one, centered upon God's love. Centering upon true love, Adam and Eve are like East and West. Division between East and West, as well as North and South, came about because of the fall.
Did Adam and Eve ever see God? Even when you enter the spirit world, you cannot see God. In spirit world, the visible God is Jesus Christ and in the future world, the True Parents will also be in that position. In I Corinthians 3:16, what is God talking about? Adam and Eve are the dwelling place of God, a holy place, a temple. The human heart is meant to be the dwelling place of God's love. Thus Adam and Eve represent a walking and visible form of God on the earth. God is meant to dwell within them and through them to have dominion over all the creation.
This is the secret of the universe; no one in history has known this. If there had been no fall, God would have fully loved Adam and Eve. They were the most holy temple and dwelling place for God's love. But Satan took away that most holy place. This was the worst disaster of history. That is why the misuse of love is a cardinal sin in the sight of God; thus such places as Sodom and Gomorrah, in which immorality was rampant, were destroyed by fire and brimstone. Today America is receiving fire and brimstone indirectly. When the Roman Empire degenerated to a certain point, God allowed them to be smashed to pieces.
If Adam and Eve had not fallen, their love relationship would have been sanctified and it would have glorified God. Through their God-centered love, they would have given birth to children. Who would those children have been? They would have been children of God, directly within His lineage, with God's own blood running downstream from one generation to the next.
But instead Satan invaded; he took away the most holy place. We might say that a servant took control of the children of the king. Once the lineage of God was stolen by Satan, all of humanity came to be born in the lineage of Satan, the root. This is what Jesus was talking about in John, Chapter 8, when he told the people they were children of the devil. The satanic blood is flowing through mankind's lineage. This is why it is an absolute requirement for each person to be cut from the wild olive tree and be engrafted to the true one in order to get into the Kingdom of Heaven.
What can we offer to God on this God's Day? Should we try to build Him a golden tower as high as the Allegheny Mountains? Would that make Him happy? What would make God happy? Only one thing: the emergence of true sons and daughters in whom He can freely dwell-people who can become God's temples and with whom He can rejoice. Before that time, God could have no settlement anywhere on the face of the earth.
In 1968, for the first time in human history, God found the base on which He could settle-the base of true love. That was when God's Day could be established. True Parents could be installed upon the earth, representing God's true love. Before this time, mankind only knew the parents of satanic lineage. I want you to understand that January 1, 1968, was the first day that God could begin His settlement upon the earth within the True Parents. This cannot be denied or negated, no matter what. Even though the whole weight of the established Christian world has come against us, even if 159 members of the United Nations come against us, it doesn't make any difference. They cannot change what God has recognized.
I want you to understand that during the past 2,000 years Christianity endured every sort of persecution, beginning with the catacombs in Rome and the martyrs being thrown to lions. But the Christian religion flourished and continued to expand throughout the world. However, since 1960, this same powerful religion of Christianity has been losing its influence drastically. Why is that? There is a reason. From that time, God established a new force on the earth.
For the Moonies, the most important aspect of life is to live purely and morally, no matter what. Your body, particularly your sexual relationship, is your most holy possession and therefore you uphold its dedication to God. You cannot violate that law; you know how seriously God deals with a sin of such nature.
A phenomenon of America for the past two decades has been free sex, with promiscuity, wife-swapping, blatant homosexuality, and so forth. Now the consequences of such practices are being seen in the form of widespread divorce, as well as the spread of diseases like AIDS, which is incurable. Why is that disease incurable? God always has mercy upon man, except for this one cardinal sin against love.
You blessed couples, raise your hands, please. You received the Blessing even without realizing what a valuable gift it was. You are the custodians of the greatest treasure of all. You must not misplace it. I want you to understand that the four major holidays of the Unification Church include each most important aspect of our way of life, so any violation of love includes the violation of the meaning of those days. Don't ever imagine that God's Blessing to you is cheap. In order for you to receive that Blessing, God labored for tens of thousands of years and made multitudes of sacrifices. Therefore, you must preserve that Blessing or you will receive heavenly punishment. Do you follow?
Now you know what God's Day means. In order for the True Parents to be installed and for True Mother to be chosen, Father had to overcome incredible dispensational tasks. Only upon that foundation could the True Mother be installed. There were many occasions where even one misstep would have meant falling down into failure. Thus I have been deadly serious about the Blessing and the dispensational will. But then if you, the recipients of that Blessing, take it very lightly as if it were some cheap commodity, I cannot forgive that.
Do you understand the meaning of God's Day? As we said, this is the nineteenth celebration of this day. By now, unification should have been established on many levels. You should have a love kingdom within your home, within your family life, between you and your spouse, between you and your children, and you and your parents. You should be mature children by now.
In one more year we will celebrate the twentieth God's Day; a historical turning point will come in the year of 1988. In that year, not only the internally crucial turning point will come but also the externally crucial turning points will occur. Look at the chaos in Red China and the Soviet Union, which is crumbling. Look at the changes in the Reagan Administration, as well. But one thing is unchanging: the Unification Church and the Unification Principles.
Today we must pledge before God and the True Parents that we appreciate being the recipients of the foundation of God's Day. That victorious foundation was given freely by the True Parents. You must cherish the Blessing that you have received and lay your own true love foundation. We will bring a victorious year of 1987 and 1988-a victory of love to the True Parents and our Heavenly Father.
If anyone, after knowing this great truth, violates such a great blessing, he shall be doing the worst evil under the sun. Satan will accuse you, "Look at you. Even after you knew the greatest truth, you couldn't keep that law. You are really my child" You can never go to Heaven under such circumstances.
On this great God's Day 1987, we know now in greater detail the truth of God's dispensation. All the blessed families will be mobilized to become an offering on the altar of God. We want to fulfill the will of God at any cost, so this year will become a victorious one. Amen!
After Pledge Service this morning, I spoke to representative leaders and said that 1987 is the year of mobilization of the entire family. Together they must go out to the world, like the Israelites. Before they made their exodus, they declared their intentions. In the same way, we must declare God's will and dispensation to the entire nation and the world. When the United States follows Reverend Moon's way of life, the rest of the world will undoubtedly follow. So this is where I would like to create the model.
Are we going to create the right environment in the year of 1987? Two more glorious opportunities are before you- the years of 1987 and 1988. No other opportunities like this will ever appear in the future. We are becoming the perfected Adam and Eve by the power of the True Parents. Adam and Eve were the God-ordained husband and wife, meant to center perfectly on the true love of God and then to create the human family of God.
All the things of creation, everything, exists within the relationship of pairs. Birds, animals and even insects are part of the pair system. Likewise, the plant kingdom is a part of that principle. God wants all those things of creation to be able to rejoice when He rejoices, when Adam and Eve are rejoicing. Thus you should be admired not just by your neighbors in the human community, but also by the animals and even the insect world. They and the flowers will sing your praises. You have to become that exemplary.
Do you think Father and Mother are living in such a relationship of perfected love? Mother's role is absolute obedience and support toward Father. There is absolute trust and fidelity, as well as absolute purity; of course, those things are mutual. That absolute standard has been kept by both. All the children coming from such parents will be of extraordinary dimension on the worldwide scale. Do you follow?
My children are handsome men and beautiful young ladies, aren't they? God wants each of you, too, to go to Heaven. In order to do that, you must become the bearers of sinless children. What do we mean by sinless children? They are children of the family that Satan has no room to accuse because their lineage, their bloodstream, has an entirely different root. The important thing is that you have a different root. The fallen world springs from the satanic root, but under the True Parents, the world can have a new root. Anybody who joins with the foundation of the True Parents becomes Dart of their new root.
Now your life is different; therefore, you are a new breed. That means your seed, your root, is different. One tree is a wild olive, while the other is the true olive tree. One is destined for hell and the other for Heaven. In order to understand true love, you have to know the parental, vertical love first and after that, true horizontal love. As a couple, you can experience the true love of God on the earth; then you are entitled to go to the Kingdom of Heaven in heaven. Anyone who experiences true parental love, as well as true conjugal love centered upon God, is entitled to be with God. Then you can say, "I know the love of God"
If someone cannot love his own spouse or his own children truly, how can such a person understand the love of God? The American culture has a long way to go-true parental love is virtually foreign to this country. In a country like Korea, the family system is strong and it is easy for people to experience parental and conjugal love. Because they are living that way already, Oriental people only have to be taught once. But here in the Western world, this kind of love is so foreign that no matter how many times people are told, they still don't understand. However, you have to go that route, so no matter how difficult it might be, I will push you so you can have your own personal experience. Then you will know, "Oh, this is it. Now I have experienced the true love of God"
Today we are gathered together for the celebration of God's Day. We have come here for a most serious purpose, not something frivolous. Let us pledge and recommit ourselves to go back to our communities and our missions and become exemplary people, bringing the fruits of victory in 1987. Your Father and Mother expect this, so can you make that pledge now? Let us pledge three times. Thank you. God bless you.

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The Unification Church History!

2005-06-10T08:08:00.000-07:00

UNIFICATION CHURCHFounded by Rev. Sun Myung Moon

History:
The Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity was organized in 1954 in Seoul, South Korea by Rev. Sun Myung Moon ["One who has clarified the Truth"]. Some sources say the organization started in Pusan, not Seoul. Its followers are often called Moonies by persons outside of the Association. However, this term is considered derogatory by its members, who refer to themselves as Unificationists.
Rev. Moon was born in what is now North Korea in 1920 and was raised in the Presbyterian Church. He is a Professional Engineer by training. When he was 15 years old, at Easter, Jesus Christ appeared to him in a vision, charging him with the responsibility of completing the work in the world that Jesus had started. During his adult life he has had trouble with legal authorities, having been arrested for practicing capitalism (a crime in North Korea), charged (but not convicted) in South Korea of other activities, and convicted of tax evasion in the United States. The Presbyterian Church of Korea, in 1948, felt that his views were incompatible with traditional Christianity; they excommunicated him.
In 1957, Rev. Moon published Divine Principle which is a collection of his beliefs, as written by a member of the Church. Two years later, Young Oon Kim moved to North America as a Unification missionary to establish a church presence there. Many of the members in the US expected a type of apocalyptic event in 1967. When nothing of that nature occurred, some members became disillusioned and left the organization. In 1972, Rev. Moon moved to the United States and started a major recruitment drive. A decade later, he performed the first of many mass wedding ceremonies in which more than 2000 couples were married. In 1984, he was convicted of tax evasion in the US and sent to prison for 13 months.
On 1994-MAY-May, the Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity celebrated their 40th anniversary in Seoul, Korea. It was a type of watershed for the movement. Reverend Moon announced the merger of all of his religious, political, cultural and business organizations, -- including the CAUSA, Free Press International, International Cultural Foundation, International Religious Foundation, Korean Folk Ballet, Washington Times -- into a new group: the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU).
Reverend Moon initiated a National Messiahship program in 1995. This involves the selection of four families to lead the movement in each country. One family will be from Korea, one from Japan, one from America, France, or Great Britain, and one from Austria, Germany or Italy.
On 1999-FEB-6, the Inter-religious and International Federation for World Peace was formed. Its mission is "to implement a system through which the highest expressions of religious wisdom are brought to the table at which the world's most serious and urgent problems are being addressed ... by creating a council of religious leaders within the framework of the United Nations."
Since the fall of Communism in Europe and Russia, the Unification Church has been actively proselytizing throughout that region. They now have a presence in over 150 countries, with concentrations in Korea, Japan and the United States. Extensive missionary effort is currently underway in South America. Reverend Moon proposes the creation of the World University Foundation which will include the University of Bridgeport in the U.S. and the Sun Moon University in South Korea. A Unificationist temple is being built at Chung Pyung Workshop Centre in South Korea. It will hold 10,000 people.
Total membership is difficult to estimate, but is probably many hundreds of thousands world wide. Both the Church and its opponents have issued inflated numbers. It is probable that there are on the order of 5,000 dedicated members in the US, and a much larger number of persons affiliated in some way with the church.
Rev. Moon is the ultimate authority within the Church. The administration of Unification organizations is by a board of elders.
Beliefs:While many of the beliefs of the Unification Church are identical to those of other conservative Christian groups, there are some major differences:
They view God as a single being with "perfect intellect, emotion and will". They reject the traditional Christian concept of the Trinity. God contains within himself positive (male) and negative (female) aspects, which are in perfect harmony with each other.
The Holy Spirit is the feminine counterpart to God. She is not a person, but is a form of energy that is derived from God. Before Adam and Eve's were married in Eden, Eve had an affair with the Archangel Lucifer. This caused the spiritual fall of mankind. She later engaged in an pre-marital sexual relationship with Adam. This caused the physical fall of mankind. Together, these illicit sexuality caused them to form an imperfect family. Their sin led to Satan taking control of the world. The church links Communism (the expression of Satan) with Cain and Democracy (the expression of God) with Abel. Jesus Christ is viewed as a unique human being who was born without original sin. After his crucifixion, he was spiritually resurrected, although Satan took his body away. God's original intent was for Jesus Christ to form a perfect marriage in order to redeem humanity, and undo the harm perpetrated by Adam and Eve. Since Jesus was executed before accomplishing his mission, it will be up to a third Adam to form this perfect marriage and complete Jesus' task. By his spiritual resurrection, Jesus has made possible spiritual salvation for persons who accept him as savior and believe in his message. They will, after death, live with Jesus in Paradise. However, because Jesus did not complete his original task, physical salvation is not possible on earth during one's lifetime. Complete salvation (spiritual and physical) awaits the arrival of the third Adam and his subsequent perfect marriage.
St. Paul is viewed as the originator of Christianity. Through his expertise, he converted the teachings of Jesus concerning the kingdom of God into a formal religion about Jesus. Hell exists on earth. Over time, Hell will be transformed into the kingdom of heaven on earth. Hell exists in the spiritual world as well, as an extension of life for those of us who live in hell on earth.
One of the main purposes of the Unification Church is to unite all of the fragments of Christianity into a single body. The third Adam was born in Korea between 1917 and 1930. (The first Adam was the individual described in Genesis; the second Adam is Jesus). He will be recognized as second coming of Christ, the perfect man. He will marry the perfect woman, and will become the "true spiritual parents of humankind". Some members of the Unification Church regard Rev. Moon and his second (and current) wife Hak Ja Han as these parents, although the Church itself has never made this claim.

Practices: The Unification Church is a profoundly family-centered Church. Members are expected to remain celibate during their youth. They are to subsequently marry, have children, and create an ideal family which contributes to world peace. The Blessing or mass wedding ceremony is the most important Unification ritual. Rev. Moon matches up each couple a month (or less) in advance, selecting from among the membership. The bride and groom are expected to marry, but can decide to opt out without disgrace.
A Holy Wine Ceremony is conducted before the marriage; this purifies the couple so that they are able to have children free of Fallen Nature (resulting from original sin inherited from Adam and Eve). A special Three Day Ceremony is performed by the married couple some weeks after their wedding, before they engage in sexual activity. A Pledge Service is celebrated at 5 AM each Sunday, and on the first day of each month and on January 1. They celebrate four major seasonal days of celebration: True God's Day, True Parents' Day, True Day of All Things. Chil II Jeol: Declaration Day of God's Eternal Blessing True Children's Day Foundation Day for the nation of the Unified World
Dates are variable, and are set according to a lunar calendar. 7
The Church and the Counter-cult/anti-cult movements:
The Church was widely criticized (largely by conservative Christians) for its unorthodox beliefs. During the early 1970's, at a time when the membership of the Unification Church was growing rapidly, it was attacked by the Counter-cult Movement. The latter criticized its alleged unethical recruitment and brainwashing methods. This was an era when many people were inspired by the movie The Manchurian Candidate (1962) and believed that many small religious movements were turning recruits into robots, using physical and psychological manipulative techniques to destroy their free will.
An study examined 190 US newspaper articles about former members of the church during the early years of the Unification Church, 1974 to 1977. 5 They counted 709 "atrocity tales". The most common was psychological violation of personal freedom and autonomy. Such articles were used by some to justify kidnapping Unification Church members and forcibly deprogramming them.
One focus of the counter-cult groups were the Unification residential seminars, where people were first invited to learn about the Church. These were viewed as entrapment meetings, which lured the unsuspecting visitor into a commitment to the organization. There were suggestions that once in the Church, it was difficult to get out. These criticisms do not hold up to scrutiny. Only about 10% of the visitors decided to investigate the church further. And many of these dropped out after a few weeks or months. Their methods differ little from many Evangelical / Fundamentalist groups which are also dedicated to recruitment. 1 The rapid turnover in church membership is a good indication that the vast majority of members are not trapped in the organization. Former members now vastly outnumber the current dedicated Unificationists.
However, there is a potential negative side to membership in the Unification Church. Their core, dedicated members accept strong discipline and can develop a deep commitment to the church. They must remain celibate before marriage, abstain from tobacco and alcohol and work long hours. The group can become their whole life, the source of their religious, cultural, social, and other support systems. If they become disillusioned by some aspect of the church, this minority of unusually dedicated members can find it very difficult to leave the organization and abandon these support networks. When they do leave, they are often angry with themselves and the church, believing that they have wasted perhaps years of their life within the group. This problem is common to all high intensity denominations which require major commitment to the group. e.g. Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, and (for priests and nuns) the Roman Catholic Church.
There are no indications that the Unification Church is a destructive cult, similar to the religious groups that have resulted in mass murder-suicides (e.g. the People's Temple in Jonestown, Guyana, or the Solar Temple in Quebec and Switzerland). Such dangerous groups have existed and continue to exist. However, they remain a small minority of new religious groups.
Many Unificationists have been kidnapped by counter-cult "deprogrammers", forcibly confined and manipulated to destroy their allegiance to the Unification Church. These illegal deprogramming attempts continue to the present day, but at a reduced level.
Attacks on the church are ongoing. One web site refers to what it describes as "the Unification Church's years of deceptive recruitment, destructive mind control practices, unethical fundraising practices, and manipulative religious abuse that has disrupted and destroyed many lives around the world." 6

Unification Church Books and Publications:The Unification Church's main religious text is the Bible. It is seen as teaching truth, but is not viewed as truth in itself. It is only a partial revelation. Rev. Moon's interpretations of Christian beliefs and additional revelations from God are contained in the book Divine Principle, which was written in Korean in 1959 and translated by Young Oon Kim in 1959. The Church publishes the Unification News, and Today's World.
They also publish a newspaper, the extreme-right wing Washington Times. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC): "The Washington Times is relatively small (circulation 102,000) and money-losing (it's been estimated that its backer, the Unification Church, has spent more than $1 billion to keep it going over the past 22 years). But its influence cannot be measured in those statistics. President Reagan once described it as his favorite paper. The first President Bush said it 'in my view brings sanity to Washington, D.C'." President George W. Bush gave a personal tour for top staff of the Washington Times during 2005-JAN.
Marian Kester Coombs, wife of managing editor Francis Booth Coombs, has had at least 35 news and opinion pieces published in the Times. SPLC quotes excerpts from some of her articles:
America has become a "den of iniquity" because of "its efforts to accommodate minorities." White men should "run, not walk" to wed "racially conscious" white women and avoid being out-bred by non-whites. Latinos are "rising to take this country away from those who made it...[the] Euroamericans." Muslims are "human hyenas" who "smell blood" and are "closing in" on their "weakened prey," meaning "the white race." Blacks, are "saintly victims who can do no wrong." Black solidarity and non-white immigration are imposing "racial revolution and decomposition" in America. The whole of human history as "the struggle of ... races." Non-white immigration is "importing poverty and revolution" that will end in "the eventual loss of sovereign American territory." Muslims In England "are turning life in this once pleasant land into a misery for its native inhabitants."
According to the SPLC, the Washington TImes has published articles taken from white supremacist hate groups, anti-Semitic ads for a book called "For Fear of the Jews," and an ad from a key Holocaust denial group. 8
Conflict of interest declaration:The author of this essay was able to attend a convention on religious tolerance and freedom in Washington during the 1990s. The meeting was sponsored by the Washington Times, which is owned by the Unification Church. Airline fares, meals and accommodation were heavily subsidized by the Times.

References used:E. Barker, "Free to Choose? Some Thoughts on the Unification Church and other Religious Movements, Part 1", Clergy Review, 1980-OCT, P. 365-368 T. Miller, "America's Alternative Religions", SUNY Press, Albany NY, (1995), P. 223-229 G.A. Mather & L.A. Nichols, "Dictionary of Cults, Sects, Religions and the Occult", Zondervan Publishing, Grand Rapids MI, (1993), P. 281-286 J.G.Melton, Ed., "The Encyclopedia of American Religions, V. II", Triumph Books, Tarrytown NY, (1991), P. 320-322. "Divine Principle", Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity, New York NY, (1973) D.G. Bromley, A.D. Shupe, Jr., & J.C. Ventimiglia, J.C., "Atrocity tales: the Unification Church and the Social Construction of Evil, Journal of Communication, Vol. 29(3) 1979-Summer Pages 42-53. "The Unification Church," at: http://www.spiritwatch.org/unchurch.htm Kathryn Coman, "Unificationist Calendar," at: http://kathryncoman.home.att.net/calendarintro.htm Heidi Beirich & Mark Potok, "The News That Fits. Long criticized for its brand of journalism, The Washington Times makes a habit of publishing the work of extremists..." Intelligence Report, Southern Poverty Law Center, 2005-FEB-09, at: http://www.splcenter.org/
Internet References: The Unification Church's official home page is at: http://unification.org/ A slide presentation titled "Divine Principle - An Introduction: Revelations for the New Millennium and Beyond," is at: http://members.tripod.com/~jho2/ Some unofficial Unification Church home pages are: Damian Anderson: "Unification Home Page," at: http://www.unification.net/ HSA-UWC, "Welcome to the Unification Church," at: http://www.tongil.org/ "Welcome to the Unification Theological Seminary," at: http://www.uts.edu/ Gary Fleisher, "True Parents Organization," at: http://www.tparents.org/ An analysis by CESNUR -- an agency which studies new religious movements: "Reverend Moon's Unification Church," http://www.cesnur.org/testi/se_moon.htm Some counter-cult, anti-cult and anti-Unification sites of varying degrees of objectivity are: Craig Maxim, "My Life with Sun Myung Moon," at: http://www.xmooinies.com New Covenant Publications at: http://www.newcovpub.com/ Cultwatch, "Select a Cult," at: http://www.cultwatch.com/pickcult.htm (Temporarily off line as of 2001-AUG-14) Although the constitution of Singapore guarantees religious freedom to its citizens, it has banned the Unification Church. See: "Infringement of Religious Freedom" at: http://members.tripod.com/~teopl/ and "MERCILESS REPATRIATION " at: http://members.tripod.com/~limcm

Copyright © 1996 to 2005, by Ontario Consultants on Religious ToleranceLatest update: 2005-MAY-28Author: B.A. Robinson