Controversy: Inclusion not really all-inclusive (no surprise here)

Many public school libraries are carrying books that deal with homosexuality...namely the struggle with ones own identity. But it seems that only works one way...

Click here for a link to the story.

We are force-fed a message of tolerance on a daily basis. What amazes me is that this message is generally so one-sided that it becomes laughable.

Irritating.

Controversy: Pastor to burn Bibles

Next Saturday, on Halloween night, a North Carolina pastor is planning to host an event that will include the burning of books he considers heretical.

Click here for a link to the article.

Undoubtedly, this same event will occur throughout the nation and world, not only on Halloween, but throughout the year. The kicker here is this: the pastor is planning to burn versions of the Bible that are not the King James version. He calls other versions of the Bible "satanic" and "perversions." He will also be burning works from "heretics" such as Billy Graham, Rick Warren, and...wait for it...Mother Teresa.

Unbelievable. First of all, the whole book burning thing is very Footloose and Pleasantville and 1955 sounding. I've never understand what is accomplished with this, other than reinforcing the stereotype that Christians are intolerant and close-minded. Second, this dude wants to burn the Bible. He wants to prevent the perversion of God's word...a truly noble act, undoubtedly...but isn't he perverting the way that God wants us to act in the process? (Granted, don't we all pervert that every day?)

I don't know...this just really ticks me off. I obviously base this on no sort of inside knowledge, but I am guessing this dude hasn't had a ton of two-sided discussion on the various translations that are out there, and is probably very likely to cast that first stone if called upon. Thanks for the great pub, buddy.

October blogging and ghosts in the Bible

Back in August, I put up a post detailing my blogging plans for October, November, and December. Well, the plan still stands...although due to work, a week of vacation in DC, and trying to initially put some wedding plans together, October has gotten away from me. I am still gonna take the last days of the witching month to follow the plan, and I apologize for just now getting this thing going.

I figure the best way to start is to take a quick look at what the Bible says about spirits, ghosts, demons, etc. A quick Google search ("what does the bible say about ghosts") took me to this website. The thing that immediately stands out is the differentiation between the words "spirits" and "ghosts." Most of us know that spirits (angels and demons) are referenced in the Bible through various stories. However, if the term ghost is taken as the spirit of a person who has died, then the idea of ghosts in our world is not supported by the Word. Instead, the Bible speaks directly against the idea of ghosts. The referenced website uses Hebrews 9:27 to support this, which states that a "...man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment..." (NIV). The Word is also very clear that upon facing judgment, a late person's spirit will either "go away to eternal punishment" or to "eternal glory" (Matthew 25:46 NIV). This leaves little doubt that while spirits might be found on Earth, those spirits are not ghosts in the sense that we think of them.

So what kind of spirits are floating (bad pun!) around out there? Tune in tomorrow (or the next day) for a look at "hauntings" in the Bible, and what the Word says about Earthly spirits.

Happy brithday, Melissa!!

WOW! Somebody's thirty years old today...

Happy birthday, Fiancee!! I hope that the big 3-0 is extra awesome for you. I am looking forward to having dinner with you and your parents to celebrate...and especially to eat lots of cake and ice cream! I love you!