Belief: Proof positive?

Many arguments I've heard in the last few days regarding Christianity have involved that of belief. A great post-modern movement in the Western world has as it's headline: "Believe in anything you want to and that's your reality." As we all know however, this isn't true. Here's an example:

If a blind man (which many 'Christians' would say of atheists) hears my MacBook Pro talk using iSpeak, he will naturally believe that someone (even if their voice is funky and distorted) is in the room speaking. He cannot see the man for he has no sight, but believes he is there because he 'hears' him.

Now is there actually someone in the room with him? Well quite frankly the answer is no. However, the man believes someone is there because of his perceived notion that a voice is heard and thus someone is talking.

How can the blind know the difference then if someone is in the room or not, if hearing a voice? In all honesty, he cant until his 'eyes are open' for a lack of better phrasing.

It's the same concept with all other religions (including atheism) and Christianity. Christians believe that these other's eyes haven't been 'open' and they're 'believing' in something they perceive as true because they don't know any different. They think that what their 'hearing' and 'believing to be true really does exist, and until the scales fall off their eyes, can't believe otherwise.

I've often said (because it says in the Bible) that no one can see whether or not the Bible is true unless God opens his/her eyes. It's impossible. It's like trying to find your way out of a pool of mud with your eyes open. It can't be done. However, if one takes the time, searches intently and truly with all of his heart, God promises to open his/her eyes and thus reveal Himself.

The catch however is this: you can't have any preconceived notions. You have to look at evidence and reality and scripture and see if they truly line up. I can go on all day about how this universe cannot exist without a Creator, a conscience cannot just appear on it's own and that the reality of good and evil cannot be a concept derived of man. However, my barking and jabbing won't do anything if not backed up with evidence and conveyed with truly an open mind.

Whether you believe in something or not does not change the fact of its existence. Reality is true. If not, then how do you know what you feel is right? Haven't your feelings ever turned out to be wrong? Are you are saying that what you feel determines truth? If so, then you are putting yourself in the place of God, and looking to yourself for what you "feel" is right. And with that view, no one can be truly objective.

Depressed, Deprived, Depraved

Keep the following passage in mind as you read through the story below it.

Romans 1:28-32 --- Since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God’s decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.

As I sit here watching a theatrical play, one of which I'm 'working,' I'm online. While browsing Youtube and Myspace, I could not help but come across a video that's been viewed at least 6 million times. 6 MILLION TIMES. While that's a feat in and of itself, to get that many views for one particular video, what TRULY amazed me is WHY this videos been viewed so many times. The video is entitled "Leave Britney Alone" by Chris Crocker.

If you have not seen this video, please do not go out and watch it. Truly its sad. It basically features this guy, who apparently is gay, dresses in drag and finally calls himself "the Queen of Ghetto" as well as "the new Christ," laying down on a bed and filming himself crying, sobbing and absolutely lamenting over... Britney Spears. He, on this video, continually cusses the public out for the way they've treated Britney, eccentrically cries over the fact that she's being treated "unfairly" and finally tells all that "she's just human" and is going through a tough time.

The content is truly just... shocking. What's even more shocking is the fact that this 19 year old KID states on his myspace that "I'm an entertainer... Almost every video I make with the exception of a couple speeches, are skits.. and if they're not skits- they're footage of me during a sugar rush, if you know what I mean. I never post videos of me being completely myself because that would be pointless. I make videos to entertain- not to overexpose myself." As anyone who's seen this video can see, this person is truly sick; whether its "entertainment" or not. However, something bigger came to my mind. This kid actually had a point; one that actually proves my point and confirms that my point even applies to himself.

This cultural has become godless (some would argue against the fact that there's even a god) and thus depraved physically, emotionally and mentally. This video proves it in three ways. They are as follows:

1) Physically --- (Side Note: In a word; sodomy. I dont call people who are "gay," homosexuals because that's a scientific term and one used to make us as people feel less valued. The word "gay" actually means "happy" and has been used to make the act seem less depraved than what it truly is. The true word to be used to describe those who exchange the natural function for that of the unnatural therefore is sodomites.)

Chris Crocker is a sodomite. He has gone against that which is natural for that which is unnatural. Now I know and COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND that some sodomites truly do have a problem and have troubles quitting sodomy. Its much in the same way alcoholics need rehab; its a 'disease' for lack of a better word, that one can overcome however and one that can be treated.

2) Emotionally --- Wow. If anyone takes a look at this video will know that Crocker's dramatization of his emotions borderlines on sick. Again, even if this is ONLY entertainment, it's pretty sick and twist and depraved entertainment; to get people to laugh at your supposed sorrow not only bases the audience's feelings on a lie but also has a controlling effect. (I know this; this is my field of study and trust me or research it for yourself. There's definitely a controlling factor behind his act.)

3) Mentally --- The psychological affect of the depraved (including Britney mind you) to the society and the way the media portrays it is just astounding. People see these things and what do we do? React. However, if our reactions are based on emotional pleas and a debased culture, what happens? Even WORSE debauchery! (ie: Britney's career -> her antics -> Chris Crocker's reaction -> society's reaction to Crocker by patronizing him to further the "entertainment.")

These connections can easily be made as shown above. What amazing me the most though is that this society continually makes excuses as to why people do the things they do and CONTINUALLY demonize Christians and walk all over us. I guess it seems that we've had God's hand of protection over us for 200 years and now that we (as a society) have decided to ignore Him and His Word, that security is quickly fleeting.

Don't be surprised at more attacks to come from Islam, Hollywood and Washington. People have decided to basically stick a finger in the sky at God in favor of doing things their own way; the way that is unnatural. Simply Astounding.

The Day The World Stopped

As everyone here knows, today is 9/11. Six years (and on the exact day, Tuesday) later, I look back at where we've come in America and where I've come personally. Here's my observations...

Firstly, while we as Americans began united after this event, we now stand divided. The War in Iraq is a huge focal point of this and while that may be true, I will actually assert that there's another reason we've begun an even further decline: the lack of the Judo-Christian roots upon which this country was founded.

Where did everyone go the following weeks after 9/11? The answer: churches. Not just evangelical churches mind you but rather of all faiths. Jewish synagogues were packed. Mormon stakes were filled to capacity. Catholic masses were unfathomably huge. Why is this? I would like to submit that people wanted answers and did not believe that humanism would give the answers they needed.

After this catastrophic event occurred 6 years ago, people began to ask the following questions: Why is there evil in the world? If there is a God, how can He allow this to happen? What is the meaning behind this event? The problem with humanism (and the problem many people began to see) is that, humanism in and of itself cannot answer these questions. There is no explanation of evil; there's actually no concept of evil in humanism for it takes it's morals and absolutes from how the society interacts within itself and what it will allow at that time; morals change when the society changes.

There is no God according to humanism and thus this event is the work of other humans believing in a supposed god; this means that religion is actually at fault because it's basis on a lie confounds it's followers to carryout they're duties regarding their "faith." Finally, this event has no meaning. It is something bad that happened; something bad that we must deal with; something bad that has no explanation or consequences.

That is how a humanist has to think regarding this issue. I used to think this way. Can you understand the logic behind this way of thinking? My point in this blog isn't to prove the Christian God. That'll be saved for another day and time. My reasoning for this blog is to ask the question: what good is the humanist mind frame and way of thinking? It's hopelessness and sheer loss within it's own constructs absolutely astounds me; yet I still have friends who believe this way of thinking to be true. We're nothing more than here for now, studying those who have come to past and taking everything in to build for the future generation that we'll never see.

The division that has come about in America has made a comeback because many of the people that fell into churches in the weeks following 9/11 have no fallen back to their humanist ways. Its partly the church's fault for this. But mainly, its people wanting to enjoy what they want, when they want, so long as it doesn't infringe on other people. Today truly is a sad day in our country. Not just because we commemorate those fallen but because this day brings to light just how far our countries morals and state of mind have fallen.

Gettin' High Never Felt So Low

Did anyone watch the MTV awards show? If there hasn't been a good enough reason thus far to prove that there is a God, this show proved it. First, let's see what God had to say through Paul about 2000 years that ironically pretty much describes the MTV awards yesterday.


Romans 1:18-32 --- For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.

Sounds exactly like Hollywood today doesn't it?

Just in case you missed what happened at the MTV awards, here's a quick recap via AOL.com...

"Timberlake's suite was flooded with revelers, alcohol and eight lingerie-clad stripper types on raised platforms. Before Timberlake accepted the Quadruple Threat of the Year award at his suite, the DJ summoned the partygoers to watch the monitor and go crazy if Timberlake won. He did, they did, and Timberlake said: "I want to challenge MTV to play more videos!" Then he was whisked away by bodyguards and disappeared.... Cee-Lo delivered a rocking version of Prince's naughty classic "Darling Nikki" in the smoky Foo Fighters suite (where a beer bong was in operation as Dave Grohl danced, sang Cure songs, played air drums and posed for snapshots); Soulja Boy was showing Kanye West his "Crank That" dance in West's suite.... Timberlake and Timbaland's suite looked the most exciting - T.I. , buffeted by pole dancers, delivered a rousing version of "Big Things Poppin"' while 50 Cent stopped by to perform "Ayo Technology" with Timberlake and Timbaland."

That's only just a tid-bit of what was shown on MTV. What I found most amazing however is what was written near the end of this article. Here's what it said...

"Though the suites appeared to be chaotic parties, the MTV-cast revelers were carefully organized, strategically placed and encouraged to imbibe for the cameras."

Shocking? It shouldn't be. Viacom/MTV has done all it can to lead teens down this direction and to be honest, its worked. Teens now perceive drinking, partying, drugs and sex as things to be glorified and attained. These poor kids however don't know or understand that drinking in excess on a habitual basis leads to deterioration of brain functions, including the parts that aid in self control. Drugs only further the situation and can lead to things such as slowed speech, memory loss and finally depression. And sex--- do I really need to list all the STD's that are being passed around on college, high school and even JUNIOR HIGH campuses nationwide? These diseases can lead to small things such as a habitual need for medication or even larger things such as AIDS.

I find it so interesting that those who seem to follow the guidelines outlined in the Bible seem to be living a much more fruitful and less-stressful life. Anyone knows that being a Christian is by NO MEANS an easy thing and that trials and tribulations come our way as much as the next guy; however, it seems that these things are much easier to take in, conquer and ultimately move on from, if handled and done from a Biblical perspective.

MTV--- you're utterly ridiculous. No one wants to watch your crap and your "reality" shows that are so easily seen as being scripted. Seriously... people at Viacom... grow up.

The Truth of Lies

You know... it's true what they say: it's so much easier to lie than tell the truth.

This quote by Edith Sitwell just completely stands out in my mind right now: The public will believe anything, so long as it is not founded on truth. Another one that's sticking out in my mind is this one: A lie told often enough becomes the truth.

I've noticed that I've really never been myself; not since the time I entered into "the public life" at the age of nine years old. This is the time in which I really first began to discover the secular world. The all-too-true realism of life came at me kind of quick and to be honest --- I've never learned to deal with it... until now.

My parents near divorce when I was seven years old has always affected me --- However I've noticed that today it never really does anymore. The question that I wanna pose to myself is: why continue to go through life thinking of how bad something COULD HAVE been instead of concentrating on how good something IS? I dont know...

Secondly, it was at this ripe old age of nine years old that I was put out in secular societies' ever-watchful eye; it is when I captured the lead role in a play entitled "How to Eat Like a Child." I really think this is one of the worst things that ever happened to me and I'll explain why.

It was at this time that my acting skills began to greatly develop. They developed so much so that I've been told my parents consulted with someone about me actually going to Hollywood to do commercials and who knows what from there. It was due to this that I began "acting" out in my life. I really became someone I wasn't; the facade I've been putting on for nearly 12 years has been one of such lies, that I've really lost myself in them. It's true; once you begin living a lie, it eventually becomes your truth and the very essence of your being.

It hasnt been until the last few weeks or months that I've really come to grips with this realization and to be honest, it isn't one that I could've come to on my own. I totally believe that since I've begun the process of de-numbing my conscience and allowing it to control more of my life, that I've begun to become again, one who I used to be; the real true me. This all started when I began asking myself: Who am I? What have I been doing wrong for awhile? And I truly believe it has shown through in my life that the reason for all of this has to do with what I had originally been diagnosed with: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Once I began to diagnose the problem however and deal with it, I started to notice things were different in me. I dont know if any of you have noticed a change in me within the past few weeks/months, but I've come to the realization that it is happening. SO I guess this is the point of this blog: be true. Hebert Agar got it right when he said this (and I'll close with this statement for you to ponder)

"The truth that makes men free is for the most part the truth which men prefer not to hear."