When at parties, in a class at school, or some kind of social gathering something usually doesn't come up: politics. If it does then it is under one of the following guises. One, everyone at the party is assembled based on their common beliefs (e.g. a fundraiser for a political party, a family gathering where everyone typically aligns themselves together, or a café where the regulars are known for their causes). Or two if the group feels collectively that they can criticize the bureaucrats, the Italian way, or historic presidents blunders.
On the political spectrum, we all have a place. Some to the left, some to the center, and some dead center. Whatever our views of politics, we must retain a respect for political views. There is no sponsored party by the government or LDS church. These aspects of life are largely personal views. What is disdaining is to see how so many poeple, including Latter-day Saints, forget their morals, manners, respect for fellow citizens and brothers/sisters when it comes to politics. Political issues get highly charged and reactive. I wish these could be discussed in civil debate, writing, speeches, and other moderate mediums. NEVER should politics be discussed with alcohol involved. Never, should it extend to imposing one's views by physical force. Never should it continue into the parking lot and key cars of those from "the other party". Never should campaign signs be pulled up and/or destroyed. These signs were paid for by someone's money and put there by someone's time. Some of America's history with these political campaigns, debates, and issues are disgraceful. It is very undemocratic of this democracy to act as such. Respect is essential.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Honestly honest?
Is it a good idea to be honest? Absolutely. Honest is crucial in business, all relationships, academia, and other aspects of life. Doctrinally speaking, nothing but the truth is acceptable.
However, when we talk about conveying feelings of animosity, anguish, anger, sadness, and jealousy we enter a gray area. Many say that honesty is reserved--say nothing at all is best--and you're not lying. Some go as far to say essential no matter what the circumstances, the truth just hurts and is like a bubble ready to burst. Some tell "white lies". They feel everyone should be prepared to just hear it, and if it causes massive problems so be it.
When should complete and unbridled honesty be employed?
What brand of honesty is best when it comes to telling feelings to others?
However, when we talk about conveying feelings of animosity, anguish, anger, sadness, and jealousy we enter a gray area. Many say that honesty is reserved--say nothing at all is best--and you're not lying. Some go as far to say essential no matter what the circumstances, the truth just hurts and is like a bubble ready to burst. Some tell "white lies". They feel everyone should be prepared to just hear it, and if it causes massive problems so be it.
When should complete and unbridled honesty be employed?
What brand of honesty is best when it comes to telling feelings to others?
Women.
Something often overlooked is in the New Testament is what Jesus does for woman. You see, for maybe the first time in all of Jewish history since Esther are women portrayed as equals and good doers--maybe even as righteous instead of sinful.
Women had an odd place in the societies of antiquity and ancient Israel. It could be said that they didn't really have any place. Sad was their situation. Women were disregarded and seen merely as servants. With a religious implication, all Israel (any many other religions) felt that women were temptresses. They succeed in nothing but causing fornication and adultery. From the lowliest of followers to the priests of the temple, women were seen as semi-devilish objects because of all the sin they could bring upon the people.
Jesus changed this. Jesus often associated with women. Mary Magdelene, Martha, Jesus' Mother, woman at the well, woman taken in adultery (probably a false accusation or framed), woman with issue of blood. Jesus did the favor of helping Mary's brother Lazarus at her request. Upon the cross Jesus said "Woman, behold thy son," which in this translation is highly respectful title to call a woman. He then charges His disciple to watch over her--probably nearing an old age where she cannot take care of herself. Upon the ressurrection Jesus then first appears to whom? Mary Magdelene, a woman.
Think about these narratives and the radical implications of women in the world of men. Women are children of God too, as Jesus demonstrated. Man has just as much fault as any woman. We are held accountable for our own sins and decisions, regardless of gender.
Recent research done by Professor Valerie Hudson of BYU suggest that when treatment of women in LDCs (Less Developed Countries) causes immediate and substantial qualitive improvements. Jesus is always right.
Women had an odd place in the societies of antiquity and ancient Israel. It could be said that they didn't really have any place. Sad was their situation. Women were disregarded and seen merely as servants. With a religious implication, all Israel (any many other religions) felt that women were temptresses. They succeed in nothing but causing fornication and adultery. From the lowliest of followers to the priests of the temple, women were seen as semi-devilish objects because of all the sin they could bring upon the people.
Jesus changed this. Jesus often associated with women. Mary Magdelene, Martha, Jesus' Mother, woman at the well, woman taken in adultery (probably a false accusation or framed), woman with issue of blood. Jesus did the favor of helping Mary's brother Lazarus at her request. Upon the cross Jesus said "Woman, behold thy son," which in this translation is highly respectful title to call a woman. He then charges His disciple to watch over her--probably nearing an old age where she cannot take care of herself. Upon the ressurrection Jesus then first appears to whom? Mary Magdelene, a woman.
Think about these narratives and the radical implications of women in the world of men. Women are children of God too, as Jesus demonstrated. Man has just as much fault as any woman. We are held accountable for our own sins and decisions, regardless of gender.
Recent research done by Professor Valerie Hudson of BYU suggest that when treatment of women in LDCs (Less Developed Countries) causes immediate and substantial qualitive improvements. Jesus is always right.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
In the beginning...
The Gospel of John starts, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God". Beautiful words so rich with meaning, though not so literal or obvious. Scholars derive the "Logos" concept from this passage in John. Our script of John was written in Greek originally. Therefore the translation of the word "Word" comes from the word "logos", which has several meanings in Greek. This passage also speaks of Jesus in a context where is esteemed as God. Jesus Christ was more than the prophet spoken of by Moses, he was more than the Messiah that Isaiah spoke of, he was in deed the son of God. He God the Son, the Son of Man, Lord of lords and King of kings. He is God. These verses also speak of Jesus before the immaculate conception. This confirms the doctrine that before we are born we lived with the Father. It is to say that our spirits existed before being born into this world. Indeed Jesus was the creator of the world we live in. He had an extremely important role with God the Father before the world was created. Notice the wording in Genesis 1:26, "Let us make man in our image."
On The Gospels
The Gospel of John is the most unique of all four gospels in the New Testament. Almost 90% of the content is unique in one way or another. The other three gospels are called "synoptic" or "from the same eye" because of the similarities. Scholars cannot determine whether The Gospel of Matthew was written by Matthew himself or just attributed to him. Mark and Luke are not even apostles and therefore lack the complete definitive authority in their respective works (Please understand that I am not discrediting the significance in these two books). Now, there were twevle apostles at the time of Jesus' earthly ministry in the Holy Land. So where are the writings of the others? Did they write? Were they destroyed? Have people fabricated their existence? What do they contain, if they exist? And more questions can be posed about this thought.
I speculate that there are indeed Gospels written by Peter, Andrew, James, Bartholemew, Phillip, James the lessor, Thaddeaus, Thomas, and Simon the Canaanite. The Lord has always required his prophets and messengers write down their thoughts, the history, or the direct commandments of the Lord (Mormon 3:18-22; 1 Nephi 9; 3 Nephi 23:4-13).
Jesus said (John 10:16) that there are "other sheep" apart from those in the Holy Land. The Book or Mormon sheds light on this misunderstood scripture, clarifying that Jesus was referring to the Nephites and Lamanites found in the Ancient Americas (3 Nephi 15:21). But it goes on to expound that there are more sheep elsewhere, and they too will be visited and taught by Jesus (3 Nephi 16:1-5). Surely they must have apostles and they must have written of those things that they both saw and heard the Lord do.
There is so much scripture out there--either lost or hidden--that has yet to be revealed to us. I can't wait to read the words of those who were called by Jesus and we were with Jesus first-hand during His ministry.
I speculate that there are indeed Gospels written by Peter, Andrew, James, Bartholemew, Phillip, James the lessor, Thaddeaus, Thomas, and Simon the Canaanite. The Lord has always required his prophets and messengers write down their thoughts, the history, or the direct commandments of the Lord (Mormon 3:18-22; 1 Nephi 9; 3 Nephi 23:4-13).
Jesus said (John 10:16) that there are "other sheep" apart from those in the Holy Land. The Book or Mormon sheds light on this misunderstood scripture, clarifying that Jesus was referring to the Nephites and Lamanites found in the Ancient Americas (3 Nephi 15:21). But it goes on to expound that there are more sheep elsewhere, and they too will be visited and taught by Jesus (3 Nephi 16:1-5). Surely they must have apostles and they must have written of those things that they both saw and heard the Lord do.
There is so much scripture out there--either lost or hidden--that has yet to be revealed to us. I can't wait to read the words of those who were called by Jesus and we were with Jesus first-hand during His ministry.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Words and Scriptures on Communication
Matthew 5:37
"But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil."
James 5:12
"But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation."
3 Nephi 12:37
“But let your communication be Yea, yea; Nay, nay; for whatsoever cometh of more than these is evil.”
2 Corinthians 1:17
“When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?”
2 Corinthians 1:18
“But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.”
I propose as one possible interpretation of these scriptures is God's advice on communication. Comminication is so essential to what we do everyday--spiritual or entirely secular. Wars have been fought over miscommunications. When communication lacks, relationships suffer. Many divorced couples blame a lack of communication for their misfortune and pain.
Good communication could be a topic of how to speak, with whom to speak, and when to speak. I am not interested in which language or proper grammar, but rather how to communicate. In the scriptures cited above, I think that God is saying, "Make your communication simple and direct." When we beat around the bush, delay, be vague. Allow me to suggest the following advice on communication:
1. Lips should only speak truth
2. Communication should be a tool, not a weapon.
3. America, and many democracies across the world have "the right to free speech" But does this really mean that ANYTHING is fair game? I don't suggest that any government, church, or organization dictate and control our speech for us, but rather the human itself. No one wants to be hurt, belittled, betrayed, yelled at, or lied to.
4. Avoid the "multiplication of words". I do not mean that scholars need to always to speak in laymen's terms. Having a broad vocabulary is a good thing! What I mean is, cut to the point. Make it direct. Avoid vagueness and beating around the bush. Being clear clears everything up. Cuss words and vulgar words really are unnecessary speech.
5. Slang is a vice and obsticle.
More to come... Please share your comments.
"But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil."
James 5:12
"But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation."
3 Nephi 12:37
“But let your communication be Yea, yea; Nay, nay; for whatsoever cometh of more than these is evil.”
2 Corinthians 1:17
“When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?”
2 Corinthians 1:18
“But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.”
I propose as one possible interpretation of these scriptures is God's advice on communication. Comminication is so essential to what we do everyday--spiritual or entirely secular. Wars have been fought over miscommunications. When communication lacks, relationships suffer. Many divorced couples blame a lack of communication for their misfortune and pain.
Good communication could be a topic of how to speak, with whom to speak, and when to speak. I am not interested in which language or proper grammar, but rather how to communicate. In the scriptures cited above, I think that God is saying, "Make your communication simple and direct." When we beat around the bush, delay, be vague. Allow me to suggest the following advice on communication:
1. Lips should only speak truth
2. Communication should be a tool, not a weapon.
3. America, and many democracies across the world have "the right to free speech" But does this really mean that ANYTHING is fair game? I don't suggest that any government, church, or organization dictate and control our speech for us, but rather the human itself. No one wants to be hurt, belittled, betrayed, yelled at, or lied to.
4. Avoid the "multiplication of words". I do not mean that scholars need to always to speak in laymen's terms. Having a broad vocabulary is a good thing! What I mean is, cut to the point. Make it direct. Avoid vagueness and beating around the bush. Being clear clears everything up. Cuss words and vulgar words really are unnecessary speech.
5. Slang is a vice and obsticle.
More to come... Please share your comments.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Beholding Salvation: Christ in Art
No one really knows what Jesus looks like. No one can take a photograph of Him at their leisure and post in in history books and newspapers. Instead, we are left to our own imagination to portray Jesus as we imagine him. It is, in a sense, how we see him on a personal level. Jesus the Creator, Jesus the King of Kings, Jesus the Master (teacher), Jesus the obedient Jew, Jesus the Son of the Living God, Jesus the Saviour of mankind, Jesus the friend and healer of the sinners, Jesus the triumphant risen Lord, and so many more titles and angles that I could continue forever.
We have all seen artwork of Jesus, in sculpture, mosaics, oils, pastels, and other forms. He is represented literally, realistically, symbolically, and at times exaggerated. The beauty is we can see what the author/artist is thinking or feeling. But to go one step further, we can look at these works and ponder and digest them, until we come to personal opinions and conclusions on who Jesus is, what He did, and what He looked like.
I challenge all to attend art museums close to your home or look through art books, and look at religious works in new light. Ponder the Son of Man portrayed by others for your benefit.
We have all seen artwork of Jesus, in sculpture, mosaics, oils, pastels, and other forms. He is represented literally, realistically, symbolically, and at times exaggerated. The beauty is we can see what the author/artist is thinking or feeling. But to go one step further, we can look at these works and ponder and digest them, until we come to personal opinions and conclusions on who Jesus is, what He did, and what He looked like.
I challenge all to attend art museums close to your home or look through art books, and look at religious works in new light. Ponder the Son of Man portrayed by others for your benefit.
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