Some people know the account of The Forty Brave Soldiers for Christ as The Forty Martyrs of Sebaste. Rather than comment, I will let you hear the story for yourself as presented below.
Showing posts with label persecuted christians. Show all posts
Showing posts with label persecuted christians. Show all posts
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Two Views on Oslo Terrorism
I have recently read two articles on the Oslo Incident that call for some reflective thought. The first comes from Fox News, and it presents what I would call an Establishment Conservative version of Homeland Security's line on terrorism and terrorists.
The very last sentence gives away the purpose of the piece as propaganda for the Conservative statist point of view. You can read it here:
Why Terrorism is a New Wave of Warfare
The second article comes from American Thinker, and it exposes the anti-Christian hysteria of the Liberal mainscream media -- and Establishment Conservative me-tooers -- for what it is: a hatchet job designed to divert the uncritical masses' attention from the real terrorists (and I'm not thinking primarily of al Qaeda here) to followers of Christ.
As you read the following article, you might want to ask yourself, "Am I a patriot or a nationalist?" If you don't know the diff, you definitely need to read the article.
The Protocols of the Elders of Liberalism
The very last sentence gives away the purpose of the piece as propaganda for the Conservative statist point of view. You can read it here:
Why Terrorism is a New Wave of Warfare
The second article comes from American Thinker, and it exposes the anti-Christian hysteria of the Liberal mainscream media -- and Establishment Conservative me-tooers -- for what it is: a hatchet job designed to divert the uncritical masses' attention from the real terrorists (and I'm not thinking primarily of al Qaeda here) to followers of Christ.
As you read the following article, you might want to ask yourself, "Am I a patriot or a nationalist?" If you don't know the diff, you definitely need to read the article.
The Protocols of the Elders of Liberalism
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
The Scots' Christian Warrior Culture: For Christ's Crown & Covenant
In May, we attended the annual Greenville Highland Games. I love the atmosphere, the games and the all-pervasive music of the 'pipes. The only thing missing is a frank and forthright representation of Scotland's Christian warrior culture: for Christ's Crown and Covenant.
(Thanks to my daughter Merrianna for the link to this video.)
Here's a video that presents a nearly-forgotten aspect of Scottish culture. Preachers, soldiers, martyrs -- all of them warriors for the King.
(Thanks to my daughter Merrianna for the link to this video.)
Here's a video that presents a nearly-forgotten aspect of Scottish culture. Preachers, soldiers, martyrs -- all of them warriors for the King.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Of Gods and Men -- New Movie
I have not seen Of Gods and Men, but after reading a review from Christian-oriented MovieGuide and watching the clip below, I knew a significant percentage of my readers would want to know about it. According to MovieGuide, there are 3 obscenities, no profanities, moderate violence, and zero sex or nudity in the movie.
The film depicts an actual event in Algeria, the Muslim invasion and massacre of the inhabitants of a monastery.
The film depicts an actual event in Algeria, the Muslim invasion and massacre of the inhabitants of a monastery.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Loving Your Enemy
Some time back, at our one-and-only WARSKYL conference, a friend and Christian Martialist made an excellent presentation on loving your enemy and how it fit into the Biblical context of self defense. I wish everyone who has ever read this blog could hear it.
He mentioned some of the aspects of love toward an enemy in my presentation:
He mentioned some of the aspects of love toward an enemy in my presentation:
- How going out of your way to avoid violence is an act of love toward an assailant we might have to otherwise hurt;
- How assuming the non-threatening posture while saying, "Stop! Leave me alone," shows love by giving a potential assailant the opportunity to reconsider his actions;
- How the intention to escape at the earliest possible opportunity shows love by not taking vengeance on a disabled attacker.
There was much more to that talk that would benefit all of us in our attitudes as Christian Martialists. But what reminded me of that talk was an email I received last night.
It seems that Charl Van Wyk will speak at the annual synod & retreat of the Federation of Reformed Churches. You may remember that I featured Van Wyk in a couple of posts -- "Terrorist Attack on Church" and "Shooting Back Missionary Still Armed for the Lord"
It does not look as though I'll be able to attend the retreat this year (sadly), but I did look up a video interview with Charl Van Wyk that emphasizes the theme of forgiving his enemies. Thought you might like to see it, as well.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
From "Spy Kids" to "Machete"
The "Spy Kids" series of movies (2001, 2002, 2003) all contain a character called Machete. He's evidently a minor recurring character who helps the films' protagonists.
You can see the character Machete in this trailer from "Spy Kids 2". He appears 21 seconds into the video.
Now Robert Rodriquez, the director/writer of the series, has lifted the character -- as portrayed by the same actor -- out of the children's movies and transplanted him as the main character of a dark film that feeds Latino racial envy and hatred. The story's title is "Machete" (slated for release Sept, 2010).
The actual transformation of Machete began with a fake trailer that appeared as part of the movie "Planet Terror" (2007) by Rodriguez. Perhaps he thought it would be funny (in a perverse way) to take a role model of school children and turn him into racist killing machine shown cavorting with fully nude females. (You can Google the fake trailer, but be warned that it contains nudity and graphic blood splatter.)
According to Rodriguez, the movie "Machete" will contain everything that appeared in the trailer, and more. In it, the character Machete becomes a full-blown, murderous Antichrist (in the Biblical sense of a false, substitute messianic figure) to whom Latino characters offer up prayers for deliverance.
The millions of 6-to-12 year olds who became familiar with the character in "Spy Kids" are now in their mid-teens to early 20's. And now they can view him as a savior who turns their frustrations into full-blown political/cultural/racial insurrection.
Certain questions may occur to the astute observer. The biggest is "Why?"
For example, "Why are federal funds involved in the production of a movie that incites insurrection?"
My answer:
For the same reason that the Latino Marxist racist group La Raza receives funding from the Ford Foundation.
For the same reason that federal agents allow Muslim militant training camps to continue in this country while targeting Christian militia groups.
For the same reason that the "mainstream" media paint TEA party activists as violent racists as they ignore the fulminations of antiamerican groups. (Also, see here.)
Alex Jones articulates that reason in the video below.
You can sum up the answer in the phrase "pressure from above and pressure from below". If you don't know what that means, your efforts to defend this country could very well play into the hands of those who have specific plans for your enslavement.
You can see the character Machete in this trailer from "Spy Kids 2". He appears 21 seconds into the video.
Now Robert Rodriquez, the director/writer of the series, has lifted the character -- as portrayed by the same actor -- out of the children's movies and transplanted him as the main character of a dark film that feeds Latino racial envy and hatred. The story's title is "Machete" (slated for release Sept, 2010).
The actual transformation of Machete began with a fake trailer that appeared as part of the movie "Planet Terror" (2007) by Rodriguez. Perhaps he thought it would be funny (in a perverse way) to take a role model of school children and turn him into racist killing machine shown cavorting with fully nude females. (You can Google the fake trailer, but be warned that it contains nudity and graphic blood splatter.)
According to Rodriguez, the movie "Machete" will contain everything that appeared in the trailer, and more. In it, the character Machete becomes a full-blown, murderous Antichrist (in the Biblical sense of a false, substitute messianic figure) to whom Latino characters offer up prayers for deliverance.
The millions of 6-to-12 year olds who became familiar with the character in "Spy Kids" are now in their mid-teens to early 20's. And now they can view him as a savior who turns their frustrations into full-blown political/cultural/racial insurrection.
Certain questions may occur to the astute observer. The biggest is "Why?"
For example, "Why are federal funds involved in the production of a movie that incites insurrection?"
My answer:
For the same reason that the Latino Marxist racist group La Raza receives funding from the Ford Foundation.
For the same reason that federal agents allow Muslim militant training camps to continue in this country while targeting Christian militia groups.
For the same reason that the "mainstream" media paint TEA party activists as violent racists as they ignore the fulminations of antiamerican groups. (Also, see here.)
Alex Jones articulates that reason in the video below.
You can sum up the answer in the phrase "pressure from above and pressure from below". If you don't know what that means, your efforts to defend this country could very well play into the hands of those who have specific plans for your enslavement.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Christian Freedom Fighters in Burma, 2
Continued from "Christian Freedom Fighters in Burma"
The Karen people of Burma (or Myanmar) have always been a persecuted minority. For the past 60+ years, the hostility has taken the form of a civil war.
Both the post WWII Marxist regime and the more recent military junta have tried to wipe out the Karen minority. The hatred of the Karen is partly ethnic, but more than a little stems from a hatred of Christ and His kingdom.
In 2007, an allegedly official Burmese document came to light. According to a London Telegraph article,
The text, which opens with the line "There shall be no home where the Christian religion is practised", calls for anyone caught evangelising to be imprisoned. It advises: "The Christian religion is very gentle – identify and utilise its weakness."
The article also states:
It further reports:
In the past year, an estimated 27,000 members of the predominantly Christian Karen tribe were driven from their homes in eastern Burma.
While the U.S. spends hundreds of billions to fight for the "freedom" of peoples in the Middle East who never asked for it, Karen and other ethnic Christian groups are systematically wiped out in Burma.
Maybe it would be different if Burma sat atop a huge pool of petroleum reserves.
The Karen people of Burma (or Myanmar) have always been a persecuted minority. For the past 60+ years, the hostility has taken the form of a civil war.
Both the post WWII Marxist regime and the more recent military junta have tried to wipe out the Karen minority. The hatred of the Karen is partly ethnic, but more than a little stems from a hatred of Christ and His kingdom.
In 2007, an allegedly official Burmese document came to light. According to a London Telegraph article,
The text, which opens with the line "There shall be no home where the Christian religion is practised", calls for anyone caught evangelising to be imprisoned. It advises: "The Christian religion is very gentle – identify and utilise its weakness."
The article also states:
Its discovery follows widespread reports of religious persecution, with churches burnt to the ground, Christians forced to convert to the state religion, Buddhism, and their children barred from school.
Human rights groups claim that the treatment meted out to Christians, who make up six per cent of the population, is part of a wider campaign by the regime, also targeted at ethnic minority tribes, to create a uniform society in which the race and language is Burmese and the only accepted religion is Buddhism.
It further reports:
In the past year, an estimated 27,000 members of the predominantly Christian Karen tribe were driven from their homes in eastern Burma.
While the U.S. spends hundreds of billions to fight for the "freedom" of peoples in the Middle East who never asked for it, Karen and other ethnic Christian groups are systematically wiped out in Burma.
Maybe it would be different if Burma sat atop a huge pool of petroleum reserves.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Christian Freedom Fighters in Burma
Some time around 1990, I became aware of a people known as the Karen (ka RAIN), a persecuted minority of Burma. A large percentage of them are professing Christians, due to the early 19th Century missionary work of Adoniram Judson.
The core of what they called their "Tradition of the Elders" was a belief in an unchangeable, eternal, all-powerful God, creator of heaven and earth, of man, and of woman formed from a rib taken from the man. They believed in humanity's temptation by a devil, and its fall, and that some day a messiah would come to its rescue. They lived in expectation of a prophecy that white foreigners would bring them a sacred parchment roll.
To be continued
The story of their conversion is remarkable enough to reproduce here from Wikipedia:
The Karen people were a hunted minority group of ancient Burmo-Tibetan ancestry scattered in the forests and jungles of the Salween River and in the hills along the southeast coast. Judson was the first missionary to make contact with them about 1827 when he ransomed and freed a debt-slave from one of his early converts. The freed slave, Ko Tha Byu, was an illiterate, surly man who spoke almost no Burmese and was reputed to be not only a thief but also a murderer who admitted killing at least thirty men, but could not remember exactly how many more.
In 1828 the former Karen bandit, "whose rough, undisciplined genius, energy and zeal for Christ" had caught the notice of the missionaries, was sent south with a new missionary couple, the Boardmans, into the territory of the strongly animistic, non-Buddhist Karen. There, he was no sooner baptized than he set off into the jungle alone to preach to his fellow tribespeople. Astonishingly, he found them strangely prepared for his preaching. Their ancient oracle traditions, handed down for centuries, contained some startling echoes of the Old Testament that some scholars conjecture a linkage with Jewish communities (or possibly even Nestorians) before their migrations from western China into Burma perhaps as early as the twelfth century.
To be continued
Sunday, February 14, 2010
God's War
I refuse to be comforted. I refuse to listen to sermons that assure me that “whatever happens, God is in control.” I refuse to read and listen to pastors, authors, and leaders that comfort me with God’s peace when everywhere around me I see God’s war.
-- Bojidar Marinov
The passage above is quoted from the article "I Refuse to Be Comforted" by the Rev. Bojidar Marinov. I recommend you click on the link & read the whole message.
This reminds me of the hymn "The Son of God Goes Forth to War" which is usually sung to the tune All Saints. In the movie "The Man Who Would be King", the hymn is sung to an old Irish tune called The Moreen, which I think fits the words very well.
To follow the words (below) as the melody plays, right-click on the links above & then choose "open in another tab".
Finally, there is the melody which is becoming my favorite for this hymn: Greyoaks. You can follow the words below as you play the video which uses this tune.
The Son of God goes forth to war,
A kingly crown to gain;
His blood red banner streams afar:
Who follows in His train?
Who best can drink his cup of woe,
Triumphant over pain,
Who patient bears his cross below,
He follows in His train.
That martyr first, whose eagle eye
Could pierce beyond the grave;
Who saw his Master in the sky,
And called on Him to save.
Like Him, with pardon on His tongue,
In midst of mortal pain,
He prayed for them that did the wrong:
Who follows in His train?
A glorious band, the chosen few
On whom the Spirit came;
Twelve valiant saints, their hope they knew,
And mocked the cross and flame.
They mocked the tyrant’s brandished steel,
The lion’s gory mane;
They bowed their heads the death to feel:
Who follows in their train?
A noble army, men and boys,
The matron and the maid,
Around the Savior’s throne rejoice,
In robes of light arrayed.
They climbed the steep ascent of Heav’n,
Through peril, toil and pain;
O God, to us may grace be given,
To follow in their train.
A kingly crown to gain;
His blood red banner streams afar:
Who follows in His train?
Who best can drink his cup of woe,
Triumphant over pain,
Who patient bears his cross below,
He follows in His train.
That martyr first, whose eagle eye
Could pierce beyond the grave;
Who saw his Master in the sky,
And called on Him to save.
Like Him, with pardon on His tongue,
In midst of mortal pain,
He prayed for them that did the wrong:
Who follows in His train?
A glorious band, the chosen few
On whom the Spirit came;
Twelve valiant saints, their hope they knew,
And mocked the cross and flame.
They mocked the tyrant’s brandished steel,
The lion’s gory mane;
They bowed their heads the death to feel:
Who follows in their train?
A noble army, men and boys,
The matron and the maid,
Around the Savior’s throne rejoice,
In robes of light arrayed.
They climbed the steep ascent of Heav’n,
Through peril, toil and pain;
O God, to us may grace be given,
To follow in their train.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
American Islam in Action
Watch the video, and then imagine what would have happened if security at a Christian gathering had tried to treat a group of Muslims asking questions this way.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
"Shooting Back" Missionary Still Armed for the Lord
In "Terrorist Attack on Church", I told you about how Charl Van Wyk, a missionary from South Africa, foiled a squad of terrorists who attacked the church where he worshipped. Armed with a snub-nosed .38 Special, he shot one terrorist, and the rest ran.
My pastor recently sent me the link to an article about Van Wyk, who is still an active missionary and who still believes it is the Christian's duty to protect the weak and helpless. Here is a link to an interview Bob Unruh of World Net Daily held with him last year:
Would '93 church massacre hero shoot back again? 'I did'
My pastor sent me the link to this more recent article by Drew Zahn:
'Shooting Back' author: Why guns, church must mix
In addition, here is a video interview by Gary Baumgarten:
My pastor recently sent me the link to an article about Van Wyk, who is still an active missionary and who still believes it is the Christian's duty to protect the weak and helpless. Here is a link to an interview Bob Unruh of World Net Daily held with him last year:
Would '93 church massacre hero shoot back again? 'I did'
My pastor sent me the link to this more recent article by Drew Zahn:
'Shooting Back' author: Why guns, church must mix
In addition, here is a video interview by Gary Baumgarten:
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Islamberg
In the Sudan, the government disarmed Christians and other non-Muslims, then sat back and watched private, Muslim militia groups decimate those who would not follow their false prophet.
Meanwhile, here in America over the past 26 years, a radical Muslim cleric in Pakistan has been planting more than 30 compounds across the country. There are organizational ties with terrorist groups, and a terrorist training video put out by their leader, Sheikh Gilani.
If you think the FBI would shut these camps down, think again. No, the feds would rather harass ordinary Americans for buying ammunition or other trumped up firearms offenses.
And the Department of Homeland Security has issued a report that shows who the real terrorists are: right wingers who oppose President Obama's left-wing agenda. (See Michelle Malkin's verification & assessment of the report here.)
Are we the next Sudan? Oh, wait . . . I forgot. It can't happen here . . . . . . . . . . . right?
Here is a Fox News report on the compound known as Islamberg in New York's Catskill Mountains:
Meanwhile, here in America over the past 26 years, a radical Muslim cleric in Pakistan has been planting more than 30 compounds across the country. There are organizational ties with terrorist groups, and a terrorist training video put out by their leader, Sheikh Gilani.
If you think the FBI would shut these camps down, think again. No, the feds would rather harass ordinary Americans for buying ammunition or other trumped up firearms offenses.
And the Department of Homeland Security has issued a report that shows who the real terrorists are: right wingers who oppose President Obama's left-wing agenda. (See Michelle Malkin's verification & assessment of the report here.)
Are we the next Sudan? Oh, wait . . . I forgot. It can't happen here . . . . . . . . . . . right?
Here is a Fox News report on the compound known as Islamberg in New York's Catskill Mountains:
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Who Are the Good Guys?
According to the Missouri State Police, if you oppose abortion, you may be a potential danger to law enforcement officers (see Profile of a Terrorist?). And don't think this nonsense is limited to just one state.
Missouri Information Analysis Center (MIAC), which issued the report, is a fusion center. Although it operates as part of the state police, it is linked to the Justice Dept. & Homeland Security.
Many states have such centers. My state of South Carolina likewise has a fusion center which operates as part of SLED (State Law Enforcement Division). All of this raises a significant question.
Since the MIAC report was originally a secret that leaked out, is it unreasonable to wonder how many other state fusion centers have similar secret reports that target people with Biblical convictions as terrorists?
Almost from the moment the 9/11 terrorists were identified as Muslims, government & the Establishment media began a campaign to assure us that Islam is a peaceful religion. They have bent over backwards to avoid any profiling of young men of Middle-Eastern descent as potential terrorists.
On the other hand, officialdom continues to paint Christians with strong convictions as dangerous, inherently violent people. Establishment media programming tends to reinforce the image of Christians as violent, racist, child-abusing nut cases.
I have noticed that law enforcement TV shows increasingly show the heroes trampling on the rights of citizens. Of course we justify the hero's actions -- he needs to do this in order to catch the bad guys.
So, the good guys have to thwart the Bill of Rights in order to catch the bad guys? If the bad guys are bad guys because they break the law, what does that make the "good guys" who break the law to catch the "bad guys"?
Who are the good guys? Who are the bad guys?
More on this another time.
Missouri Information Analysis Center (MIAC), which issued the report, is a fusion center. Although it operates as part of the state police, it is linked to the Justice Dept. & Homeland Security.
Many states have such centers. My state of South Carolina likewise has a fusion center which operates as part of SLED (State Law Enforcement Division). All of this raises a significant question.
Since the MIAC report was originally a secret that leaked out, is it unreasonable to wonder how many other state fusion centers have similar secret reports that target people with Biblical convictions as terrorists?
Almost from the moment the 9/11 terrorists were identified as Muslims, government & the Establishment media began a campaign to assure us that Islam is a peaceful religion. They have bent over backwards to avoid any profiling of young men of Middle-Eastern descent as potential terrorists.
On the other hand, officialdom continues to paint Christians with strong convictions as dangerous, inherently violent people. Establishment media programming tends to reinforce the image of Christians as violent, racist, child-abusing nut cases.
I have noticed that law enforcement TV shows increasingly show the heroes trampling on the rights of citizens. Of course we justify the hero's actions -- he needs to do this in order to catch the bad guys.
So, the good guys have to thwart the Bill of Rights in order to catch the bad guys? If the bad guys are bad guys because they break the law, what does that make the "good guys" who break the law to catch the "bad guys"?
Who are the good guys? Who are the bad guys?
More on this another time.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Church Shooter Kills Pastor
Yesterday, another shooting -- another tragedy -- interrupted an assembly of worshipers in the St.Louis suburb of Maryville. Pastor Fred Winters died at the hands of a gunman during his sermon.
The following account comes from News.scotsman.com:
Terrified members of the congregation initially thought the attack was part of a play being performed during the service at First Baptist Church in Maryville.
A police spokesman said only one of the four rounds fired from the .45 caliber handgun struck and killed the 45-year-old pastor.
The killer walked into the First Baptist Church shortly after 8am local time, yesterday.
He briefly spoke with the pastor before pulling out a .45-caliber handgun and shooting Rev Winters once in the chest.
State police Master Trooper Ralph Timmins said the gun jammed before the man could fire again. The attacker then pulled out a knife and injured himself before churchgoers subdued him. Two parishioners involved in the struggle also suffered knife wounds.
Our prayers go up to the Lord on behalf of Pastor Winters' family and flock.
In addition, there are some points worthy of mention. First, the courage of those unarmed congregants who tackled the assailant. Second, the state of Illinois, which does not permit concealed carry, thus guaranteeing that the law-abiding churchgoers would be unarmed.
Third, the fact that attendees initially thought that the whole thing was staged reveals their complacent mindset. Finally, there is no indication that church officers or staff had any kind of security protocol to deal with a violent attack.
How many churches will implement security plans and procedures to protect their pastors and people? Probably not many. It's pretty much up to individuals with the mindset, means and training.
The following account comes from News.scotsman.com:
Terrified members of the congregation initially thought the attack was part of a play being performed during the service at First Baptist Church in Maryville.
A police spokesman said only one of the four rounds fired from the .45 caliber handgun struck and killed the 45-year-old pastor.
The killer walked into the First Baptist Church shortly after 8am local time, yesterday.
He briefly spoke with the pastor before pulling out a .45-caliber handgun and shooting Rev Winters once in the chest.
State police Master Trooper Ralph Timmins said the gun jammed before the man could fire again. The attacker then pulled out a knife and injured himself before churchgoers subdued him. Two parishioners involved in the struggle also suffered knife wounds.
Our prayers go up to the Lord on behalf of Pastor Winters' family and flock.
In addition, there are some points worthy of mention. First, the courage of those unarmed congregants who tackled the assailant. Second, the state of Illinois, which does not permit concealed carry, thus guaranteeing that the law-abiding churchgoers would be unarmed.
Third, the fact that attendees initially thought that the whole thing was staged reveals their complacent mindset. Finally, there is no indication that church officers or staff had any kind of security protocol to deal with a violent attack.
How many churches will implement security plans and procedures to protect their pastors and people? Probably not many. It's pretty much up to individuals with the mindset, means and training.
Monday, November 24, 2008
More Church Shootings
It has been a busy week for violence in and against church & religious groups. I have to keep reminding myself of the awful tragedies represented by these incidents because, as numbers grow, it's easy to forget the personal side of the events.
Nevertheless, at the risk of sounding too clinical, there are lessons to be learned from these events.
On the east coast, the vestibule of St. Thomas Syrian Orthodox Knanaya was the scene of violence and murder. An estranged husband entered the church building, shot and killed his wife and critically wounded two others. He shot all three in the head. (MYFOX News)
This was a domestic incident, and as you should know, domestic disputes result in more police deaths than any other type of case. KGMB9 reports
Police say the woman who died had recently moved from California to escape an abusive marriage and had filed a restraining order against her husband.
Restraining orders do not prevent violence, and in many cases,they provoke it. See The Gift of Fear for a fuller explanation.
If you are your church's sheepdog, you don't need to be a busybody, but it would be good to make yourself aware of domestic issues in your congregation that could erupt into violence. They present a real danger and could prove deadly.
On the west coast, there were two incidents this past week. One was a shooting at an event sponsored by Seattle's Valley Bible Church as an article from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reveals.
In this case, the church group was not the target. An unfriendly exchange between men outside a convenience store was carried into the community center where the church young-adult function was taking place.
As the incident escalated, one of the men drew a handgun and fired. It is not clear from the sources I read whether the young man who died from a gunshot wound to the chest was one of the participants in the incident or just a bystander.
In an instance like this, the orcs are not specifically targeting churches or Christians. Their violence just spills over into the church and its activities. They do not fear God, so there is no respect of the church as a holy sanctuary.
The lesson here is simple: alertness.
The final instance is as strange and quirky as it is sad and violent. According to a report from the LA Times online, a security guard at the Scientology Celebrity Center shot and killed a man with former ties to the California-based cult.
An eyewitness described a bald man with tattoos who,
. . . stopped [the red convertible] abruptly in the driveway and climbed out with a 5-foot sword in his hand and an angry expression on his face. He walked toward the building, before returning to the car to get the other sword.
He entered the building and, brandishing the two samurai-style swords, approached security officers. One of them shot and killed him, and police say surveillance videos reveal that the officer plainly acted in self-defense.
I guess the lesson here is that anything can happen (especially in California).
Let this be a reminder to stay prepared in 5 major areas:
1) Mindset,
2) Skills,
3) Mindset,
4) Tactics and
5) Mindset.
Nevertheless, at the risk of sounding too clinical, there are lessons to be learned from these events.
On the east coast, the vestibule of St. Thomas Syrian Orthodox Knanaya was the scene of violence and murder. An estranged husband entered the church building, shot and killed his wife and critically wounded two others. He shot all three in the head. (MYFOX News)
This was a domestic incident, and as you should know, domestic disputes result in more police deaths than any other type of case. KGMB9 reports
Police say the woman who died had recently moved from California to escape an abusive marriage and had filed a restraining order against her husband.
Restraining orders do not prevent violence, and in many cases,they provoke it. See The Gift of Fear for a fuller explanation.
If you are your church's sheepdog, you don't need to be a busybody, but it would be good to make yourself aware of domestic issues in your congregation that could erupt into violence. They present a real danger and could prove deadly.
On the west coast, there were two incidents this past week. One was a shooting at an event sponsored by Seattle's Valley Bible Church as an article from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reveals.
In this case, the church group was not the target. An unfriendly exchange between men outside a convenience store was carried into the community center where the church young-adult function was taking place.
As the incident escalated, one of the men drew a handgun and fired. It is not clear from the sources I read whether the young man who died from a gunshot wound to the chest was one of the participants in the incident or just a bystander.
In an instance like this, the orcs are not specifically targeting churches or Christians. Their violence just spills over into the church and its activities. They do not fear God, so there is no respect of the church as a holy sanctuary.
The lesson here is simple: alertness.
The final instance is as strange and quirky as it is sad and violent. According to a report from the LA Times online, a security guard at the Scientology Celebrity Center shot and killed a man with former ties to the California-based cult.
An eyewitness described a bald man with tattoos who,
. . . stopped [the red convertible] abruptly in the driveway and climbed out with a 5-foot sword in his hand and an angry expression on his face. He walked toward the building, before returning to the car to get the other sword.
He entered the building and, brandishing the two samurai-style swords, approached security officers. One of them shot and killed him, and police say surveillance videos reveal that the officer plainly acted in self-defense.
I guess the lesson here is that anything can happen (especially in California).
Let this be a reminder to stay prepared in 5 major areas:
1) Mindset,
2) Skills,
3) Mindset,
4) Tactics and
5) Mindset.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Sodomite Violence
As you may know, in the recent election Californians voted to adopt proposition 8. This amends the state constitution to define marriage as a heterosexual union.
What US media may not be telling us, is that the perverts are angry and openly advocating violence against Churches and Christians. In an article entitled "Gays" Call for Violence against Christian Supporters of Prop 8, the Canada Free Press reports some of the buzz on the blogosphere:
What US media may not be telling us, is that the perverts are angry and openly advocating violence against Churches and Christians. In an article entitled "Gays" Call for Violence against Christian Supporters of Prop 8, the Canada Free Press reports some of the buzz on the blogosphere:
In a blog entry titled “You’ll Want to Punch them” on Queerty.com, poster “BillyBob Thornton” wrote, “… I have never considered being a violent radical extremist for our Equal Rights, But now I think maybe I should consider becoming one.” “Stenar” asked, “Can someone in CA please go burn down the Mormon temples there, PLEASE. I mean seriously. DO IT.” “Angelo Ventura,” said, “… hope they all rot in hell, those servants of a lying, corrupt devil!
BAN RELIGIOUS FUNDAMENTALISM!” And, “Jonathan,” warned, “I’m going to give them something to be f – ing scared of. … I’m a radical who is now on a mission to make them all pay for what they’ve done.”
Meanwhile, over at JoeMyGod.blogspot.com, “World O Jeff,” said, “Burn their f–ing churches to the ground, and then tax the charred timbers.” While, “Tread,” wrote, “I hope the No on 8 people have a long list and long knives.” “Joe,” stated, “I swear, I’d murder people with my bare hands this morning.”
And on the Americablog.com Web site, “scottinsf” posted, “Trust me. I’ve got a big list of names of mormons and catholics that were big supporters of Prop 8. … As far as mormons and catholics ... I warn them to watch their backs.”
If and when violence occurs, will the police intervene? Or will they step back and give free reign to the perverts? If Christians defend their families and churches, will the police and media treat it as self defense, or will they call it something else? Time will tell.Saturday, November 15, 2008
Christian Militia in Iraq
Since US troops ousted Saddam Hussein, they have not been able to keep a lid on sectarian violence in Iraq. The secular dictator's repressive regime may have been brutal to dissidents, but it was very efficient at squelching attacks on Iraq's Kurdish and Christian minorities.
The civil chaos resulting from American occupation has provided opportunities for militant Muslims to attack the Christian community. Many have been driven out of their homes and some have been killed. This has prompted at least one community to form its own militia.
Here is a video report from CBN:
The nominal Christian community of Iraq consists mainly of churches associated with the Eastern rites. Western theologians denominate some of them as Nestorian, although they themselves often repudiate the teachings of Nestorius.
Although I would not be comfortable with the practices and theology represented by the majority of Iraqi Christians, I believe that God has his remnant among them, as He does among Presbyterians, Baptists, etc.
I expect the US gov't to help these beleaguered people about as much as it has helped the persecuted Christians of the Sudan or Burma or India or Indonesia. That is to say, not at all.
The civil chaos resulting from American occupation has provided opportunities for militant Muslims to attack the Christian community. Many have been driven out of their homes and some have been killed. This has prompted at least one community to form its own militia.
Here is a video report from CBN:
The nominal Christian community of Iraq consists mainly of churches associated with the Eastern rites. Western theologians denominate some of them as Nestorian, although they themselves often repudiate the teachings of Nestorius.
Although I would not be comfortable with the practices and theology represented by the majority of Iraqi Christians, I believe that God has his remnant among them, as He does among Presbyterians, Baptists, etc.
I expect the US gov't to help these beleaguered people about as much as it has helped the persecuted Christians of the Sudan or Burma or India or Indonesia. That is to say, not at all.
Monday, October 6, 2008
On the Horizon
Is persecution on the horizon for the Church in America? If the civil authority makes war on Christians, what is the role of the Christian Martialist? Or what if the civil leaders sit back and allow private third parties to ravage Christian churches and homes, as is happening in India and other places, today?
I don't know all the answers, but I suppose I should start looking for them. I sent out the following email this morning (Note, the user removed the first video from youtube, but I found another source and it works for now):
In 1980 American Christians started to view their candidates messianically. They voted for Reagan because they wanted him to save America from liberal incursions. In '88 Reagan passed the mantle to Bush I, and in 2000 I received emails -- from a Baptist minister -- saying that anyone who did not vote for Bush II was doing NOTHING to rescue America.
How long before the other side started to play the game of Messianic politics? How long before they would take a title (Alpha & Omega) that belongs to Jesus alone and apply it to their political leader? Well, here it is, and it ain't pretty. In fact, it's more than a little disturbing.
These young men are compared to the Hitler Youth. Interesting comparison. Another parallel is that Hitler was elected on a platform that promised socialized health insurance to all.
(Note not in original email: Did you notice that this Obama worship service took place on a Sunday?)
George W. Bush created Homeland Security, and it is a travesty. His supporters said it was necessary for our protection. What they did not think about was that this engine of tyranny might fall into the hands of the people pictured above.
Sadly, some Christians will read this, view the videos and think, "All the more reason to vote for McCain/Palin." They are missing the point. Republican statism is just as evil as Democratic statism. The Democrats in the videos are just being more consistent in expressing their statist faith.
Weep for America. She is reaping the harvest of seeds sown long ago.
As I watch American politics go to Hell, I thank God that by His grace, I am a subject of the King. "He can't be impeached, and He's not going to resign." (end of e-mail)
Words to live by:
If you can keep
--your conscience clear,
--your powder dry,
--your edge keen, and
--your bowels open,
you will acquit yourself well in the day of battle. ;-)
I don't know all the answers, but I suppose I should start looking for them. I sent out the following email this morning (Note, the user removed the first video from youtube, but I found another source and it works for now):
In 1980 American Christians started to view their candidates messianically. They voted for Reagan because they wanted him to save America from liberal incursions. In '88 Reagan passed the mantle to Bush I, and in 2000 I received emails -- from a Baptist minister -- saying that anyone who did not vote for Bush II was doing NOTHING to rescue America.
How long before the other side started to play the game of Messianic politics? How long before they would take a title (Alpha & Omega) that belongs to Jesus alone and apply it to their political leader? Well, here it is, and it ain't pretty. In fact, it's more than a little disturbing.
These young men are compared to the Hitler Youth. Interesting comparison. Another parallel is that Hitler was elected on a platform that promised socialized health insurance to all.
(Note not in original email: Did you notice that this Obama worship service took place on a Sunday?)
George W. Bush created Homeland Security, and it is a travesty. His supporters said it was necessary for our protection. What they did not think about was that this engine of tyranny might fall into the hands of the people pictured above.
Sadly, some Christians will read this, view the videos and think, "All the more reason to vote for McCain/Palin." They are missing the point. Republican statism is just as evil as Democratic statism. The Democrats in the videos are just being more consistent in expressing their statist faith.
Weep for America. She is reaping the harvest of seeds sown long ago.
As I watch American politics go to Hell, I thank God that by His grace, I am a subject of the King. "He can't be impeached, and He's not going to resign." (end of e-mail)
Words to live by:
If you can keep
--your conscience clear,
--your powder dry,
--your edge keen, and
--your bowels open,
you will acquit yourself well in the day of battle. ;-)
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Warning to Christian Martialist Sheepdogs
You did not want to kill him. He had put you and your loved ones in jeopardy of your lives, and you had no other choice than to take his life. You did everything right, morally and legally.
Now the police want you to make a statement. Just routine, you understand. The officer is a nice guy, and has made it obvious that he understands and is on your side. So, you tell your story truthfully and simply, right? And then, you wind up behind bars.
Oops.
Thanks to G.N. for the links to a class presentation at Regents University Law School. It may change how you interact with the police from now on.
Part one:
Part two:
Part three:
Part four:
The unwarranted assumption, as we are taught in our civics classes, is that the police enter every investigation with an open mind, searching for probable cause that leads them to suspects. Then they weigh the evidence to see if there is enough to charge the suspect with a crime.
The truth is that police officers have all the same limitations and prejudices as other human beings. If a woman is murdered, 90% of the time it's the husband or boy-friend. If your wife dies violently, who becomes the #1 suspect? Operating on that assumption, the officer begins to look for evidence to convict you.
Let's go back to the scenario at the beginning of this post. The very fact that the orc is dead, makes him the victim in the eyes of too many officers. "Police suspect that the killing took place over a drug deal gone bad. Film at eleven."
This because the "victim" was a known drug dealer.
Now, add to the mix the fact that people who carry both guns and Bibles are viewed as dangerous extremists in many quarters of the law enforcement community. Perhaps you are still clutching your own Bible as you say, "We were just coming out of prayer meeting, when this deranged person accosted us with a knife."
"Sir, do you often carry a gun with you to church?" Uh-oh, extremist alert!
And that's not even considering the legal problems of shooting someone armed with a knife. Judges & juries have been known to see that as use of unnecessary force -- after all, he only had a knife. Yep, it's ludicrous, but it has happened.
It isn't what you may have been taught. It definitely isn't right. But your innocence may not protect you from overzealous police and prosecutors. So exercise your right against self-incrimination -- respectfully -- until you speak with your attorney.
And pray. 'Nuff said.
Now the police want you to make a statement. Just routine, you understand. The officer is a nice guy, and has made it obvious that he understands and is on your side. So, you tell your story truthfully and simply, right? And then, you wind up behind bars.
Oops.
Thanks to G.N. for the links to a class presentation at Regents University Law School. It may change how you interact with the police from now on.
Part one:
Part two:
Part three:
Part four:
The unwarranted assumption, as we are taught in our civics classes, is that the police enter every investigation with an open mind, searching for probable cause that leads them to suspects. Then they weigh the evidence to see if there is enough to charge the suspect with a crime.
The truth is that police officers have all the same limitations and prejudices as other human beings. If a woman is murdered, 90% of the time it's the husband or boy-friend. If your wife dies violently, who becomes the #1 suspect? Operating on that assumption, the officer begins to look for evidence to convict you.
Let's go back to the scenario at the beginning of this post. The very fact that the orc is dead, makes him the victim in the eyes of too many officers. "Police suspect that the killing took place over a drug deal gone bad. Film at eleven."
This because the "victim" was a known drug dealer.
Now, add to the mix the fact that people who carry both guns and Bibles are viewed as dangerous extremists in many quarters of the law enforcement community. Perhaps you are still clutching your own Bible as you say, "We were just coming out of prayer meeting, when this deranged person accosted us with a knife."
"Sir, do you often carry a gun with you to church?" Uh-oh, extremist alert!
And that's not even considering the legal problems of shooting someone armed with a knife. Judges & juries have been known to see that as use of unnecessary force -- after all, he only had a knife. Yep, it's ludicrous, but it has happened.
It isn't what you may have been taught. It definitely isn't right. But your innocence may not protect you from overzealous police and prosecutors. So exercise your right against self-incrimination -- respectfully -- until you speak with your attorney.
And pray. 'Nuff said.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
The Right to Keep and Bear Arms, 3
Continued from "The Right to Keep and Bear Arms, 2"
The sixth commandment explicitly sets forth the individual's right to life: Thou shalt not kill (murder). Traditional Protestant interpretation also sees there an implicit responsibility to defend both oneself and others. Witness the Westminster Larger Catechism' s explication:
This Biblical understanding of self defense crossed the Atlantic and was considered a given among Congregational and Presbyterian ministers.
As a 1747 sermon in Philadelphia put it: He that suffers his life to be taken from him by one that hath no authority for that purpose, when he might preserve it by defense, incurs the Guilt of self murder since God hath enjoined him to seek the continuance of his life, and Nature itself teaches every creature to defend itself.(The Religious Roots of the American Revolution and the Right to Keep and Bear Arms by David B. Kopel)
The Rev. Simeon Howard reiterated that point in 1773:
The New Testament said that a man who neglects to provide for his family has implicitly denied the faith and is worse than an infidel. “But,” asked Howard, “in what way can a man be more justly chargeable with this neglect, than by suffering himself to be deprived of his life, liberty or property, when he might lawfully have preserved them?” (A Sermon Preached to the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company in Boston quoted in op.cit.)
The argument here is that the Christian has many God-given responsibilities to fulfill, and in order to so so, he must live. It is a dereliction of Christian duty to passively submit to life-threatening violence when one has the power to resist. (Note: Howard's use of the word lawfully probably refers to compliance with God's Law.)
Of course any right to self defense presupposes the means necessary to that end. This leads us to conclude that weapons or arms are a logical corollary to the right of self defense. Rev. Howard wholly embraced that corollary:
A people who would stand fast in their liberty, should furnish themselves with weapons proper for their defense and learn how to use them.(ibid.)
Puritan New Englanders did not leave this principle in the realm of theory alone, but put it into practice:
The meeting houses for church services were fortified buildings where the community could gather if attacked, and where arms and powder were often stored. (The community supplied militia arms to families which could not afford their own.) (op. cit.)
Contrast that image with the one you get from this passage of Scripture where the king of Israel and his son led the people to rise up against their Philistine oppressors:
Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, "Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears:" But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock. Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads. So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people that were with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found.
Scripture recognizes that an unarmed people is a people in bondage and servitude. And, conversely (or is it inversely?), the civil power that disarms them is tyrannical and oppressive.
There is also a passage in the Bible that relates the tale of a man who fashions his own weapon (very much like a Scottish dirk), conceals it, and uses it to assassinate a tyrant. Read the tale of Ehud:
But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab. But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; and he did gird it under his raiment upon his right thigh.
And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon was a very fat man. And when he had made an end to offer the present, he sent away the people that bare the present. But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, "I have a secret errand unto thee, O king."
. . . [The king] said, "Keep silence." And all that stood by him went out from him.
And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, "I have a message from God unto thee." And he arose out of his seat. And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly: And the haft also went in after the blade; and the fat closed upon the blade, so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly; and the dirt came out. (Judges 3:15-22)
Presumably, Ehud had to make his own dagger because the Moabites, like the later Philistines had disarmed the populace. Further, while it says that God raised up Ehud, there is no record that He specifically spoke to him. It looks as though the Lord providentially raised Ehud up as a martialist sheepdog for His people.
Now, I have not said that you should carry weapons contrary to our society's laws. That would, in most cases expose you to high risk at this point, with a low return. I have just given you principles that I find in the Word, that you need to make up your mind about. At this point, you have to take God's Word, meditate on it, and decide for yourself how to apply it to your life in the context of today's society.
The sixth commandment explicitly sets forth the individual's right to life: Thou shalt not kill (murder). Traditional Protestant interpretation also sees there an implicit responsibility to defend both oneself and others. Witness the Westminster Larger Catechism' s explication:
Q. 134. Which is the sixth commandment?
A. The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt not kill.
Q. 135. What are the duties required in the sixth commandment?
A. The duties required in the sixth commandment are, all careful studies, and lawful endeavors, to preserve the life of ourselves and others by resisting all thoughts and purposes, subduing all passions, and avoiding all occasions, temptations, and practices, which tend to the unjust taking away the life of any; by just defense thereof against violence, patient bearing of the hand of God, quietness of mind, cheerfulness of spirit; a sober use of meat, drink, physic, sleep, labor, and recreations; by charitable thoughts, love, compassion, meekness, gentleness, kindness; peaceable, mild and courteous speeches and behavior; forbearance, readiness to be reconciled, patient bearing and forgiving of injuries, and requiting good for evil; comforting and succoring the distressed, and protecting and defending the innocent. (emphasis added)
This Biblical understanding of self defense crossed the Atlantic and was considered a given among Congregational and Presbyterian ministers.
As a 1747 sermon in Philadelphia put it: He that suffers his life to be taken from him by one that hath no authority for that purpose, when he might preserve it by defense, incurs the Guilt of self murder since God hath enjoined him to seek the continuance of his life, and Nature itself teaches every creature to defend itself.(The Religious Roots of the American Revolution and the Right to Keep and Bear Arms by David B. Kopel)
The Rev. Simeon Howard reiterated that point in 1773:
The New Testament said that a man who neglects to provide for his family has implicitly denied the faith and is worse than an infidel. “But,” asked Howard, “in what way can a man be more justly chargeable with this neglect, than by suffering himself to be deprived of his life, liberty or property, when he might lawfully have preserved them?” (A Sermon Preached to the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company in Boston quoted in op.cit.)
The argument here is that the Christian has many God-given responsibilities to fulfill, and in order to so so, he must live. It is a dereliction of Christian duty to passively submit to life-threatening violence when one has the power to resist. (Note: Howard's use of the word lawfully probably refers to compliance with God's Law.)
Of course any right to self defense presupposes the means necessary to that end. This leads us to conclude that weapons or arms are a logical corollary to the right of self defense. Rev. Howard wholly embraced that corollary:
A people who would stand fast in their liberty, should furnish themselves with weapons proper for their defense and learn how to use them.(ibid.)
Puritan New Englanders did not leave this principle in the realm of theory alone, but put it into practice:
The meeting houses for church services were fortified buildings where the community could gather if attacked, and where arms and powder were often stored. (The community supplied militia arms to families which could not afford their own.) (op. cit.)
Contrast that image with the one you get from this passage of Scripture where the king of Israel and his son led the people to rise up against their Philistine oppressors:
Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, "Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears:" But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock. Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads. So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people that were with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found.
Scripture recognizes that an unarmed people is a people in bondage and servitude. And, conversely (or is it inversely?), the civil power that disarms them is tyrannical and oppressive.
There is also a passage in the Bible that relates the tale of a man who fashions his own weapon (very much like a Scottish dirk), conceals it, and uses it to assassinate a tyrant. Read the tale of Ehud:
But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab. But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; and he did gird it under his raiment upon his right thigh.
And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon was a very fat man. And when he had made an end to offer the present, he sent away the people that bare the present. But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, "I have a secret errand unto thee, O king."
. . . [The king] said, "Keep silence." And all that stood by him went out from him.
And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, "I have a message from God unto thee." And he arose out of his seat. And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly: And the haft also went in after the blade; and the fat closed upon the blade, so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly; and the dirt came out. (Judges 3:15-22)
Presumably, Ehud had to make his own dagger because the Moabites, like the later Philistines had disarmed the populace. Further, while it says that God raised up Ehud, there is no record that He specifically spoke to him. It looks as though the Lord providentially raised Ehud up as a martialist sheepdog for His people.
Now, I have not said that you should carry weapons contrary to our society's laws. That would, in most cases expose you to high risk at this point, with a low return. I have just given you principles that I find in the Word, that you need to make up your mind about. At this point, you have to take God's Word, meditate on it, and decide for yourself how to apply it to your life in the context of today's society.
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