The Religion Virus: Is Christianity Dying?

The Religion Virus: Is Christianity Dying?

An interesting set of posts. From the title, it is obvious the author has characterized religion as something evil that must be eradicated like a plague. Religions are after all, ideas. Just as a bias against religion is an idea. Of course, there are good ideas and there are bad ideas. Each needs to be evaluated on its merit and substance rather than attaching to it blanket generalizations that do nothing to educate but are only self serving.

The very idea of liberty is an idea that competing ideas should be presented and debated based on reason and the merit of evidences for or against it. So, to seek to suppress ideas by any means other than substantive argument is a violation of liberty. Unfortunately, careers and reputations are built around ideas, so competing ideas are seen as an infectious and ruinous invasion that needs to be dealt with by any means necessary.

Characterizing the host of a competing idea as dangerous (as opposed to the idea itself) is an all too tempting means of debate regardless of which side we are on. Likewise, Painting the opposition with broad brushes and/or setting up 'straw man arguments' are all tactics that actually signal the weakness of an argument, though not necessarily the weakness of an idea itself.

Arguments both for or against Christianity in particular tend to take on these broad dimensions because it relieves us of the burden of substantive examination. Broad brush strokes that paint all religions as evil or all science is true are simply not helpful in the extreme.

The notion that science and religion are incompatible is simply false. So also is the notion that Christianity is dead. There will always be true followers of Christ just as there will always be those who characterize themselves as atheists. The degree of influence that each has on society will vary with the times, but since each position is primarily a spiritual one, they will always be as long as man exists.

True science is observational, falsifiable and repeatable. All of our technologies are the result of applying observational principles to an ordered and predictable set of assumptions. (What one would logically expect from an intelligent designer).

Science that explores our past or future, by its very nature implies a belief about the past that relies on unobservable, untestable, and unrepeatable set of assumptions (about uncontrollable variables) that therefore result in unreliable predictions.

So, where 'science' is seen to be in conflict with religion, is usually where world-views about the past or future collide. It is not a conflict of true science with religion but simply a conflict of religions, ideas or beliefs. Each defender makes their argument based on the assumptions that their world-view leads them to.

So, let's not be duped into thinking that all that is called science and religion are mutually exclusive.

Tebow or not Tebow?

Tim Tebow is as well known for wearing Bible verses on his eye black as he his for his athletic ability. Some feel that this is inappropriate as the following comments posted on Huffington Post illustrate:

"...Athlete's display a lot of bloody cheek when the simply dismiss their teammates in favor of some mythical celestial peeping tom!"

"...the coach should have put a stop to this grandstanding a long time ago. Wearing the eye-black long after the game was over in the post-game interview was just too much."

A number of 'straw man' arguments surface such as the following:

"When I see this kind of stuff I have to wonder what would happen if someone had a reference to the Koran on their face. They b... (complain) about prayer in school but would never allow Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist faiths to be practiced. Bunch of hypocrites."

"Kudos to all the posters who point out that wearing your faith on your face is only okay if you're a Christian. Christians are better served by walking the walk than advertising on their faces."

Then there are some who think that posting Bible verses are used as some sort of superstitious shields against harm or loss...

"It's funny how colleges, coaches and sponsors like to appoint players like they're the "Golden Child" and then when they get to the next level, they choke. So many examples of big name busts. Tebow can write all the scripture on his face that he wants but that's not going to stop some huge defensive tackle in the NFL from trying to knock his block off."

The point is simply this. Tim Tebow is one of those rare breeds of young men who strive for excellence in all that he does. While I cannot speak for Mr. Tebow, I can admire him for, from all appearances, not being ashamed to show that his strength and motivation comes from God and not from himself.

This is a bold and refreshing contrast to some college and professional athletes that think that there talent (let alone their very breath) owes nothing to God.

Mr Tebow's post game interview acknowledged the talent and superior play of Alabama, he did not blame God or his team mates for the loss. He shows class and humility and by wearing bible verses for all to see simply acknowledges that God is the foundation of his life. Is that a dangerous message?

On Saturday, Tim Tebow wore John 16:33 posted on his eyeblack. It quotes the words of Jesus:

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

My first impression of his choosing this verse to display was that it was a bit ominous. Yet, in reality is simply states what many people need to know: That the worlds disappointments are inevitable but they need not be overwhelming because there is a greater reality and comfort to those who who trust in Jesus as their Lord.

By extension, the acknowledgment of God as the source of strength is not unlike the founders of this nation acknowledgement that God is the source of all liberty. They enshrined in their documents that liberty is the right of all men and it is a gift from God Himself. The willful ignorance of this fact and of the reality of God Himself, leads men and nations into perdition.

We need more young men and women like Tim Tebow that are not ashamed to acknowledge that all that they have, whether good or bad is a gift from a loving God that wants us to learn that He alone is the source of all strength and comfort.

Steve McMurray

Is Obama the Anti Christ?

For some who live in the Caribbean, if you were to ask this they might think that you were referring to an effeminate Christ figure (Auntie Christ). However, most will realize what it is that the term Antichrist refers to one who is prophesied to come in the last days who is opposed to Christ or portrays himself to be a substitute for Christ.

The apostle John wrote to the Christians in the first century that "even now, there are many antichrists have appeared" (1 John 2:18) He spoke of the 'spirit of antichrist' alive in the world. Nearly two thousand years later that spirit has infected every aspect of our lives, including the professing Christian church.

So, what is the spirit of antichrist? and who is this person that is called 'The antichrist'?

Let us start by asking how we have come to the place where it is nearly impossible to define right and wrong? The only thing considered wrong today are those who actually attempt to define right and wrong. The problem really is who gets to set the standard? Do we allow a transcendent God to define morality or are we to allow a fickle elite among men to do so?

Throughout the centuries there have been elitist men who have attempted to rule the world. They have used religion and even the teachings of Christ to advance their claims of world dominion. From Popes to Potentates, various despots have arisen to rule nations and continents.

In the last century alone, a flurry of self appointed demagogues have sought to exercise dominion over vast territories and those familiar with biblical prophecy have wondered if this one or that one is 'The Antichrist'.

So, is President Obama the Antichrist?

What the Bible teaches us about 'The Antichrist' is that he is a man that arises from among the non Jewish nations and that his power comes, not through military conquest but through economic conquest. He is to come with universal acceptance, as a rider on a white horse (Revelation 6:2) imitating the true Christ who is yet to appear (Revelation 19:11)

This false Christ will have a plan for world peace through world economic, political and religious governance. He appears with a bow of universal authority but no arrows to acquire his power through military conquest (Rev 6:2)

He is to be one that fulfills the longings of many echoed in the words of John Lennon's song "Imagine".

What is the spirit of antichrist?

The apostle John once again tells us that is is one who denies that Jesus is the Christ i.e. the Son of God; Messiah (1 John 2:22); Those who do not confess that Jesus is from God; and those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as having come in the flesh. (2 John 1:7)

An honest look at the life and teachings of Jesus Christ reveals that His teachings are inclusive of all mankind regardless of ethnicity or gender. The message that He preached is applied to every one. "He is the true light that lights every man (person) that comes into the world". (John 1:9)

Yet He also clearly taught that of His is the only true way of salvation and "few there be that find it" (Matthew 7:14) He emphatically stated that He alone was Himself the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to God except through Him. (John 14:6) His disciples echoed that when they declared that "there is no other name given among men whereby we must be saved". (Acts 4:12)

So then what is this spirit of antichrist? It is simply that thought that has just come into your mind as you read the above claims of Christ. The spirit of antichrist is anything that dismisses or denies the claims of Christ to be the only way of salvation.

Jesus Christ makes an exclusive claim to be "the door" of salvation or 'the sheepfold" as He puts it (John 10:7-10). The spirit of antichrist is that which denies Jesus Christ is the Lord and that He is the only way of salvation. Anyone else who claims that is a thief and a robber.

The author of this paper was just such a thief and robber believing and proclaiming that there are many ways to God. At the age of 23, God showed me that there can be no other way. Either Jesus is Lord or He is a madman. There is no middle ground.

The Scriptures call the Antichrist the man of sin. The Apostle Paul says that this man of sin will not be revealed until the church is removed from the earth. Since the Lord's Church on the earth is still here, the man of sin has not yet been revealed.

So, while it is true that most Presidents of the past century have more or less promoted the spirit of antichrist, it appears that this current President is little different in that respect, but he is not that man of sin.

Of which spirit are you today?

Steve McMurray

An American Soldier; The Ballad of Roger Young

The following is adapted from

FRANKEL-Y SPEAKING ABOUT WORLD WAR II IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC by Stanley A. Frankel

http://www.frankel-y.com/tape004.htm

Rodger Young died on a little island called New Georgia. He died in such a way that he was awarded a posthumous Congressional Medal of Honor and was chosen from among many heroes to be immortalized in a song of the infantry.

Oh, they’ve got no time for glory in the Infantry,
They’ve got no use for praises loudly sung,
But in every soldier’s heart in all the Infantry

Shines the name, shines the name of Rodger Young

Shines the name-- Rodger Young--
Fought and died for the men he marched among,
To the everlasting glory of the Infantry--

Lives the story of Private Rodger Young.

Rodger Young was a small man.

He grew up in the kind of blue-collar Midwestern town of Clyde, Ohio for which -- then and now -- high school sports is the heart of the community. But he was too light for the football team and too short to be a threat in basketball. He is said to have had a strong, accurate arm as a baseball infielder, though, which later served him well. In any case, he was a tough, enthusiastic competitor.

In a basketball game he was fouled and, with his legs knocked from under him, he hit the court head-on. He was struck unconscious but revived later in a hospital, apparently unharmed. Today, with better gadgets and more knowledge, it might have been clear that he had suffered some neurological damage.

Soon, he began to complain of deteriorating eyesight and hearing.

His parents got him eyeglasses, but he still began to flounder in school, having trouble seeing the blackboard or following what was being said. He dropped out and went to work in a factory, then, to bring in a little more cash, he signed up for the Ohio National Guard.

It should be enough to record that Rodger Young died a hero. But the facts show that he proved himself a hero several weeks before the fateful day that won him the nation’s highest honor. Yet perhaps only a half dozen of us know the real and complete story of his quiet gallantry.

This story is adapted with the intention of providing help to those on a spiritual quest. This man's example of self sacrifice serves to illustrate the high principles of God's love to us. Please read on...

The Request

It began on a humid day on Guadalcanal in June 1943. The 148th Infantry Regiment, Young's outfit, was girding for its next objective-- New Georgia Island with its insignificant but strategically vital Munda airstrip.

The company commander was busy that morning. He looked up sharply when Rodger Young, a thin, pale, and bespectacled staff sergeant, walked into his tent, saluted and said: '' Sir, I would like to request permission to be reduced to the rank of private. '' It was an odd request. '' What is your reason for wanting to be busted, Sergeant? '' the captain asked brusquely. '' Well, sir-- '' The little sergeant reddened, and continued haltingly, '' well, you see, my ears are going bad. I can't hear very well any more. '' He swallowed, and then finished in a rush. '' And I don't want any of my men killed in New Georgia because of me. ''

The C. O. 's eyes narrowed suspiciously. Was this a new twist in the technique of getting invalided home? '' What's the matter, Sergeant? '' he barked. '' Don't you want to fight? ''

Young stiffened. '' Sir, '' he said distinctly, '' I don't want to leave the outfit. I want to go on -- but as a private, so I'm only responsible for myself. I don't want to get anyone hurt because of me. '' His voice was thin and firm. '' If I thought I'd be left behind because of this, then I'd rather drop the whole thing. ''

He half sold the captain, and an hour later the company doctor confirmed Young's story. The sergeant's ears were in bad shape. '' Shall we send him to the field hospital? '' the doctor asked. '' No! '' Rodger Young answered emphatically.

The doctor shrugged and the captain made a gruff apology. He promised to get Sergeant Young reduced to the rank of private '' without prejudice, '' which he did the next day.

Three weeks later, the 148th Regiment (along with the rest of the 37th Division,) invaded New Georgia. The jungle was an almost impenetrable wall of vines and tangled undergrowth. The insects were unbearable, the food miserable, the water supply inadequate. At night, the 148th dug foxholes in mud and limestone. And, of course, there was always the enemy.

.The Report..

One evening the tropic sun took its sudden plummet into blackness just as 15 soldiers staggered into the company lines. Among them they carried five bodies, wrapped in blood- stained shelter halves. The lieutenant in charge of the ragged platoon made his report to the captain.

That morning, he had taken 20 men on a reconnaissance patrol a mile in front of the lines. He had led his men along an old, seemingly deserted Japanese trail, overgrown with vines and bushes. After a futile search for signs of enemy activity, he turned back at 4 o'clock, intending to be in his own company area before dusk.

As they trudged along the gloomy trail, the Japanese machine gun opened up suddenly and killed two men before the platoon could flatten into cover. The gun was fiendishly placed on high ground, commanding the entire area. There was no way around it; to rush it meant sudden death.

The lieutenant attempted a mass maneuver with his remaining 18 men, and two more died.

The situation was critical. If they could not break out of the trap before nightfall, the Japanese would move in. With the machine gun cutting off the only possible avenue of escape, the enemy was in no hurry.

.... What went on behind Young's spectacles and between his rather deaf ears no one knows. What is known is that he began to inch forward, cradling his rifle in his arms, past the lieutenant and toward the machine-gun nest.

The lieutenant saw him slither by, and tried to grab his leg. But Young was in a hurry and evaded his superior's grasp. Furthermore, the Japanese saw the rustle of grass and loosed a burst that singed the lieutenant's hand and tore his collar.

'' Come back here! '' the lieutenant screamed at Young. '' It's suicide. Come back-- that's an order! ''

Young hesitated a moment, then twisted his head around and grinned at the lieutenant. '' I'm sorry, sir, '' he said, '' but you know I don't hear very well. ''

He turned then, and continued to snake his way toward the Japanese emplacement. They saw him coming, of course. A stuttering burst cracked into Young's left arm and splintered the stock of his rifle.

Young let the useless weapon drop. Still, he pressed forward. His buddies fired blindly at the emplacement, trying to divert the spitting stream of death. It didn't work.

Another burst of fire sewed a scarlet seam down Young's left leg, from thigh to ankle. But he kept going, and finally reached a shallow hole about five yards from the machine gun. It was deep enough to afford him rather tenuous safety as the Japanese apparently couldn't depress the muzzle of their gun far enough to get a clean shot at him.

'' For God's sake, Young, '' the lieutenant shouted, '' stay where you are! We'll get you out somehow. ''

Maybe that time Private Young really didn't hear. He might have been dying at that moment. In any case, he wasn't in the mood for playing possum.

Painfully, he reached into his belt with his good right hand for a grenade. He pulled the pin with his teeth. Then, rearing up and back-- up out of his position of relative safety-- he lobbed the grenade toward the machine gun.

The gun answered with a blast that caught him full in the face. Rodger Young died as the grenade left his hand. Still, well thrown, it lit in the center of the machine-gun crew -- and killed every one of the five Japanese manning the weapon.

.... the 15 survivors were on their interrupted way back to Company D. Silently they carried their five dead. Rodger Young didn't need to worry any more about being responsible for the lives of his buddies.

The Recommendation

Two weeks later, the sweltering little island was in American hands... Company D's captain composed a lengthy recommendation that Private Rodger Young be awarded the Medal of Honor. One sentence read:

'' Disregarding the orders of his platoon leader to come back, Rodger Young moved forward into the face of enemy fire. '' The regimental commander changed that to '' Not hearing the orders . . .'' No one; in his regiment disobeyed orders, he remarked acidly.

The company commander also wrote letters to the next of kin of those in his unit who had been killed, including, of course, to the parents of Rodger Young. A month later, Rodger's mother replied, thanking the captain for his note, commenting that Rodger's bravery made the loss of an only son a bit easier to bear, and asked for a small favor: '' Rodger was proud of being a staff sergeant. Since his body won't be returned to us until after the War, we would like to put up a little monument in our Clyde, Ohio, cemetery, and would it be permissible to write 'Staff Sgt. Rodger Young' on the tombstone? ''

The captain quickly put in a request to Division Headquarters, asking that Private Rodger Young be promoted posthumously back to staff sergeant. He recounted the original reason for the demotion, the posthumous Medal of Honor, and attached the request from Rodger's mother. The Army remained inflexible. The request was denied; a number of army regulations were cited justifying the turndown, and when the captain protested in a personal visit to Division Headquarters, he was told firmly that there was no appeal.

Furious . . . whipped . . . he had to write to Mrs. Young that '' for the time being, your wonderful son would have to remain a private. ''

But this bitter rejection turned into an amazing benefit. Most of the branches of the military service had songs, but the infantry did not. The War Department assigned songwriter Frank Loesser...to write a piece for the infantry . . . suggesting he read the Medals of Honor citations for inspiration, and instructing him that he must only focus on infantry privates . . . not sergeants . . . not officers . . . but privates!

There are many such stories of gallantry. Although this is written about one man, it could be the story of a host of American soldiers, sailors and airmen throughout Americas brief history. This man's story serves to illustrate for us another story of gallantry that is often told but little understood.

It is the story of a man who likewise made himself of no reputation in order to save the lives of many.

Like our hero, Rodger Young, this hero was also a man of small stature. Amazingly, this was foretold almost 800 years in advance:

For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. Isaiah 53:2

He was not recognized as anything special - in fact He was hated without a cause.

Isaiah 53:3

He was despised and rejected by others; a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity; and as one from whom others hide their faces he was despised, and we held him of no account.

Just as Rodger Young was a voluntary servant to his country, this man was a voluntary servant of His Father.

John 10:15

As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

He also took a voluntary demotion to a lesser rank

Phil 2:7

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

He voluntarily stood between the enemy and his men; facing the enemy and receiving the full blast of their fury...

Rodger Young destroyed the enemy with a grenade toss while exposing himself to death. The Lord Jesus destroyed the enemy by

His resurrection after having exposed Himself to the enemy's wrath:

Hebrews 2:14

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

His demotion to Private made it possible for a ballad of remembrance to be made to him and he was posthumously restored to his former rank of captain:

Phillipians 2:8,9

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:.."

He becomes the 'captain of their salvation' (Hebrews 2:10) to all who believe.

The story of Rodger Young is not only inspiring from a human point of view, but also for those on a spiritual quest, it brings light to the life and teachings of the Lord, Jesus Christ. For more information, personal testimonies of souls saved by Jesus Christ and other spiritual helps please follow the spirtual quest links.

Thank you for reading, May God richly bless you....

Steve McMurray