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.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
On California's Proposition 8
2008 general elections is just around the corner. Please vote on the issues and candidates that apply to you. Voting is a powerful right we have, it is to be used. I wish I could vote in Califonia this election for the proposed legislation know as "Proposition 8". Even though I cannot vote on this issue, I officially endorse YES on California's Proposition 8. I include some of my reasoning here:
To those who are LDS:
I don't mean to over simplify, but an application of the mantra "FOLLOW THE PROPHET" is in order. You have to ask yourself, "Why do we have a living prophet?" Acting upon the answers you give to this question can result in a better life in the next life. This is not MY idea, but official Church doctrine. The prophets and apostles have always been clear on gay/lesbian lifestyles. Additionally, you can ask yourself fundamentally, "Does this help the children of man grow closer to God or the opposite?" Even if the "minimal scripture quota" hasn't been met on whether Sodomy is a sin, it is clear now that the Church's stance is against same-sex marriage. Read the very first line of "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" for assurance (note that this document was published in September 1995). Following the prophet is not blind obedience, we obey him because we see. The church supports no political party, but can get involved on any moral issue(s), as it should. The Church is a moral beacon for its members and the whole world.
For those who are not LDS:
This may be a complex issue and difficult for you to understand why the LDS has taken such a hard-line approach to vote "yes" on proposition 8. It is a question of values. The LDS church has strict Christian values and a "traditional" sense of marriage. Ask yourself what you value. I ask you to consider the shift in society as more and more people move away from traditional and Christian values. Many people often wonder why violence has increased, divorce rates increased, and many more social problems that continue to surface. The more people move away from Christian values the more they bring these calamities upon themselves. By way of example, Christians believe in complete fidelity with a man and woman united in marriage, unselfishness, service, frugality, love, compassion, freedom, humility, charity, obedience to God, obedience to the laws of the land, justice, equality, moderation, education, hard work, fellowship, friendship, peace, progress, morally straight principles, good business ethics (honesty), and many more. I challenge someone to find fault with Christian principles.
To everyone:
Proposition 8 places into the California Constitution the same language that voters already passed by 61% of the vote in 2000. Four activist judges overruled the vote of 32 million people. This is costing time and money to ask what the people of California already voted for be enacted into law. Judges overstep their duty when they make laws from the bench. It would be a very scary legal system if this behavior is repeated by judges again anywhere.
The website www.protectmarriage.org contains consice information on the issue as well as how to get involved. Please just take 15 minutes to navigate through this site. I encourage everyone to become familiar with the issue and get involved as they can.
To those who are LDS:
I don't mean to over simplify, but an application of the mantra "FOLLOW THE PROPHET" is in order. You have to ask yourself, "Why do we have a living prophet?" Acting upon the answers you give to this question can result in a better life in the next life. This is not MY idea, but official Church doctrine. The prophets and apostles have always been clear on gay/lesbian lifestyles. Additionally, you can ask yourself fundamentally, "Does this help the children of man grow closer to God or the opposite?" Even if the "minimal scripture quota" hasn't been met on whether Sodomy is a sin, it is clear now that the Church's stance is against same-sex marriage. Read the very first line of "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" for assurance (note that this document was published in September 1995). Following the prophet is not blind obedience, we obey him because we see. The church supports no political party, but can get involved on any moral issue(s), as it should. The Church is a moral beacon for its members and the whole world.
For those who are not LDS:
This may be a complex issue and difficult for you to understand why the LDS has taken such a hard-line approach to vote "yes" on proposition 8. It is a question of values. The LDS church has strict Christian values and a "traditional" sense of marriage. Ask yourself what you value. I ask you to consider the shift in society as more and more people move away from traditional and Christian values. Many people often wonder why violence has increased, divorce rates increased, and many more social problems that continue to surface. The more people move away from Christian values the more they bring these calamities upon themselves. By way of example, Christians believe in complete fidelity with a man and woman united in marriage, unselfishness, service, frugality, love, compassion, freedom, humility, charity, obedience to God, obedience to the laws of the land, justice, equality, moderation, education, hard work, fellowship, friendship, peace, progress, morally straight principles, good business ethics (honesty), and many more. I challenge someone to find fault with Christian principles.
To everyone:
Proposition 8 places into the California Constitution the same language that voters already passed by 61% of the vote in 2000. Four activist judges overruled the vote of 32 million people. This is costing time and money to ask what the people of California already voted for be enacted into law. Judges overstep their duty when they make laws from the bench. It would be a very scary legal system if this behavior is repeated by judges again anywhere.
The website www.protectmarriage.org contains consice information on the issue as well as how to get involved. Please just take 15 minutes to navigate through this site. I encourage everyone to become familiar with the issue and get involved as they can.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
St. Matthew's Rendition of the Messiah
The Gospel of Matthew is very close to the Gospel of Mark, but with additional commentary/story. Gospel scholars generally agree that Matthew is addressing his work to a Jewish audience. One of the reasons why is new to me, and less know. Jesus is often portrayed as a Moses figure, which is extremely significant to Jewish Tradition and Faith. But the text almost parallels Jesus with Moses, ultimately making Jesus the superior figure.
First, let's examine the part of the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5-7). One of my instructors raised a few points that caught my attention. Jesus went up to the mount, like Moses went to the mountain. Moses taught "the laws", Jesus taught His law, which was taking all ten commandments to the next level. Both were teaching new doctrine in their respective times, but Jesus's was superior because he fulfilled the Law of Moses and gave the Higher Law. Second, let's examine the Mount of Transfiguration in Matthew 17. Moses appears with Elias (Elijah) at the mount of Transfiguration, Jesus is subsquently transfigured before Peter, James and John's eyes. At the conclusion of this marvelous event, Jesus is left alone standing and representing the new leader, the one who has ultimate authority (that above Elijah and Moses). This must have been very difficult for Jews of the day to accept. There are implications that go far beyond what is actually written in the narrative. I wish that I could have only had a glimpse of that event! How incredible it must have been. I do believe fully that Jesus Christ is real and that he has supreme authority on all spiritual matters in the universe. His glory shines for us all to behold, if not at the Mount of Tranfiguration 2000 years ago, someday soon.
First, let's examine the part of the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5-7). One of my instructors raised a few points that caught my attention. Jesus went up to the mount, like Moses went to the mountain. Moses taught "the laws", Jesus taught His law, which was taking all ten commandments to the next level. Both were teaching new doctrine in their respective times, but Jesus's was superior because he fulfilled the Law of Moses and gave the Higher Law. Second, let's examine the Mount of Transfiguration in Matthew 17. Moses appears with Elias (Elijah) at the mount of Transfiguration, Jesus is subsquently transfigured before Peter, James and John's eyes. At the conclusion of this marvelous event, Jesus is left alone standing and representing the new leader, the one who has ultimate authority (that above Elijah and Moses). This must have been very difficult for Jews of the day to accept. There are implications that go far beyond what is actually written in the narrative. I wish that I could have only had a glimpse of that event! How incredible it must have been. I do believe fully that Jesus Christ is real and that he has supreme authority on all spiritual matters in the universe. His glory shines for us all to behold, if not at the Mount of Tranfiguration 2000 years ago, someday soon.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
How Well Do You Know Yourself?
In a spiritual context, the question posed in my title can be a little discomforting. How close are we to God? What are our limits? What am I capable of doing that no one else is, good and bad? These are very thought-provoking questions about our soul and our eternal destiny. In reading the last few chapters of Mark I observe Peter and the rest of the apostle's reaction to Jesus' words in Mark 14:29-31. Peter promises he would not deny the Christ, but his actions proved otherwise (see Mark 14:66-72). Likewise compare Jesus' most trusted disciples reactions when Jesus said that they would betray him in Mark 14:18-21,27-31 to when they actually did betray him (Mark 14:50). How could someone even as strong as Peter deny the Lord? Do I deny the Lord? Though, I attend a religious university, read the Holy Bible, and pray often, can I sometimes be guilty of denying Jesus Christ? Or rather, the question could be could I be capable of turning against Jesus Christ? My message to the readers is to ask yourselves these same questions. Evaluate your answers carefully.
What the Gospel of Mark means to me
My class has been studying The Gospel of Mark in my class for the last month. I have also personally read it. The results have been quite inspirational and surprising. I have come to know some simple facts about the book, context, and authorship:
- The Gospel of Mark was written by a man named John Mark who, as far as we know, had no significant role in the Jewish world in his time to make his work so famous. He is NOT one of the chosen apostles of Jesus Christ. His work is credible however, as scholars understand that his primary source was Peter, the chief apostle, and that it was the first of the gospels to be written.
- The work was written to believing Jews and Romans to help them cope with persecution. These believing audiences were facing intense persecutions from other Jewish sects and fellow Roman officials. Mark draws attention to the apostles "straightway" leaving their engagements to follow Jesus Christ.
- The more I study Jewish customs and religious practices and correlate with the history of antiquity the more sense the stories, parables, and idioms make sense. Everything falls into perspective and fits in context.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
