An Excerpt from Dennis Prager’s New Book
E Pluribus Unum (Photo credit: treedork)
I have been reading Dennis Prager‘s new book, “Still the Best Hope, Why the World needs American Values to Triumph.” Understanding what American Values are is key to understanding what it means to be an American.
E Pluribus Unum—–From Many One
“The motto of America, E Pluribus Unum, is rare if not unique as a governing principle or motto of a country. No other nation is made out of as “many” as America is. In virtually every society in history, the national or group identity was correlated with its ethnic or racial identity. No other nations calls itself a “nation of immigrants,” as Americans—-of all political persuasions—-routinely call America.
If you are Japanese, you are Japanese because you were born to Japanese parents. There is no other way to be considered Japanese. The same holds true for virtually all other groups, from tribes to countries, throughout history (Jews, being the exception.) America went against the norm in adopting E Pluribus Unum. This motto ended any significance people attached to race, ethnicity, or blood, each of which has been among the most important values of all societies.
Anyone from anywhere and of any race or ethnicity can become an American in every sense of the word. No longer would a man or woman be identified by their ethnic, national, religious, or racial origins, but by their individual achievements and their willingness to identify as Americans.
Outside of the United States, “familism” has been the human norm. From the beginning of societies, people have divided the world by blood and marriage ties—that is, families and tribes. Overwhelmingly human beings trusted only members of one’s family or tribe. America became the first society to reject family and national origin, and eventually ethnicity and race too as defining factors as one’s identity.
Finally, E Pluribus Unum, with its rejection of tribal, familial, ethnic, and blood origins, made possible the essential American value—-the individual. The individual matters most, not any group and not any family to which the individual belongs. This celebration of the individual has never been promulgated anywhere else in the world as it has in America.
Today it is the Left that seeks to supplant E Pluribus Unum with multiculturalism (emphasis mine), which is preoccupied with race, ethnicity, and national origins and opposes the notion of one American identity. Hence the Left’s preoccupation with “diversity,” by which it means ethnic and racial diversity. “Diversity is our strength,” is a Left-wing credo. It sounds true and admirable, but it is really an attempt to undo E Pluribus Unum by celebrating Pluribus, not Unum. It is not diversity, but the ability to unify the diverse, that is America’s strength and greatness.
The consequence of E Pluribus Unum and the celebration of the individual (emphasis mine), over race and ethnicity, has been the creation of the least racist society in the world. While the Left regularly calls America racist, non-white immigrants to America know how untrue that is.”
Please buy Dennis’ book online and mine while you are at it, at Barnes and Noble or Amazon. God bless America!
Blaspheme in Islam; Just what is it?
Muslims have accused some American filmmakers of blaspheme lately. Blaspheme seems to be an arbitrary thing to them. In footnote [1] of the NOBLE QUR’AN (v.2.22) it says that the greatest sin in consideration with Allah is setting up a rival to Allah. The Narrator Abdullah then asked the Prophet what was next. He said, “To kill your son lest he should share your food with you.” He then asked what was next and he said, “To commit illegal sexual intercourse with the wife of your neighbor.” Oddly enough “blaspheme” is not mentioned in the Qur’an, but if it was it would it not be logical for it to be acting contrary to one of these 3 sins?
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_and_blasphemy to see all the things that are considered blasphemous according to Sharia Law. There are way too many to begin to list here.
If Allah existed he would be on the same level as YHWH (who is The Holy Spirit) the God of Jews and Christians. If Muhammed were living he would be on the same plane as Jesus Christ. Even Muslims know and believe that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, but this fact still does not make Jesus Christ any different from the rest of the prophets. Somewhat illogical don’t you think?
In the Bible, blaspheme against “the Son of Man” who is Jesus Christ is a forgivable offense. Blaspheme against God, YHWH, who is The Holy Spirit is not forgivable.
Lk 12:10: And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven. KJV
The Bible lays out a very clear distinction here between the Father and the Son. In our Christian world there are no penalties here and now for blaspheme. Our laws, based upon the Constitution have nothing comparable to Sharia Law. What we see in the above verse is that unforgivable blaspheme can only be committed against God.
If you look up blaspheme in regards to Islam you will see that there are many, many ways commit it, most of which concern Muhammed, who according to Muslims is no different or better than Jesus Christ. Yet it is blaspheme to convert from Islam to Christianity or even try to convert someone from Islam. Practicing yoga, drinking alcohol, being alone with the opposite sex who are not blood relatives are some examples.
Blasphemy against God
Islamic law makes a distinction between a blasphemer who insults God and a blasphemer who finds fault with Muhammad. The distinction is based on the notions of the “right of God” and the “right of Man.” Reviling God violates the “right of God,” who has the power to avenge the insult. Reviling Muhammad violates the “right of Man,” who, in the case of Muhammad, does not have the power to avenge the insult. A blasphemer who violates the “right of God” can seek forgiveness through repentance.[2] (This is not an option in Judeo-Christian beliefs).
The Qur’an speaks of punishment in relation to those who make mischief in opposition to God and Muhammad:
The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger, and strive with might and main for mischief through the land is: execution, or crucifixion, or the cutting off of hands and feet from opposite sides, or exile from the land: that is their disgrace in this world, and a heavy punishment is theirs in the Hereafter;So, what is the Unforgivable Sin against The Holy Spirit, God? Can you see how much Grace we have in Christianity?
A Few Reviews of my New Book on Understanding the Bible.
From the minute I opened the book I felt TRUTH pouring through the pages. I was astonished at the number of scriptures I have repeated over and over in my life, and lived by that were not translated correctly – this book has changed my foundation. It is eye opening. It has made me responsible to question and reprove my core beliefs and walk in truth of the word and not to be mislead. Thank you so much Fred for this message, my only hope is that you continue in this quest and write more books on rightly dividing the word! This is a MUST READ for all Christians and all those who want to know truth!!
I just finished reading Fred’s book. It was sometimes a challenge with quoted passages that could get long before Fred explained them, but staying with it increased my biblical fortitude! Fred helps by explaining translations and errors in translations that are important to understanding intent. I am frankly stunned by the happy, “Sesame Street” rendition of Christianity that I received through life by churches that were too often focused on pleasing and increasing their flock, than on properly explaining the message of the Bible, including its dark and gritty context. I deem Fred’s book to be a very worthwhile read from front cover to final page. Do it for the sake of your soul. I intend to reread it in the future as a reference in comparison to other books and to the Bible itself.
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4.0 out of 5 stars Reviewing ‘Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth“, September 29, 2012
This review is from: Rightly Dividing The Word Of Truth: A Fresh Perspective To Understanding The Bible. (Paperback)
To every Readers benefit, author Fred Wolfe has dug deep into historical linguistics; carefully examining the many descriptions, and developments in language over the centuries to present us with a remarkably transparent presentation of scripture. |
DEMOCRACY……….NEVER
English: Portrait of American political scientist John Burgess (1844–1931). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
James Madison, Hamilton’s major collaborator, later President of the United States and “Father of the Constitution” (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
DEMOCRACY…..NEVER
Democracy is not a form of government to be desired by anyone. In a Democracy authority is derived through mass meeting, the initiative, the referendum, instructed delegates or any other form of direct popular expression. Democracy represents one of the two extremes among types of governing; Autocracy being the other extreme. Aristotle was the first establish these 2 extremes.
In an Autocracy authority is derived through heredity, regardless of character, capacity or conduct. Rulers are chosen by virtue of their membership in a “royal” family. The populace has no choice in their selection.
The George Bush’s were the first I can remember who promoted making the “world safe with Democracy.” This is an impossible task since “safety” and “democracy” have nothing to do with each other. In “The Federalist,” James Madison wrote:
“Hence it is that such democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention; have ever been found incompatible with personal security or the rights of property and have in general been as short in their lives as they have been violent in their deaths. Theoretic politicians who have patronized this species of government, have erroneously supposed that by reducing mankind to a perfect equality in their political rights, they would, at the same time, be perfectly equalized and assimilated in their professions, their opinions and their passions.”
In contrast, in a Republic, authority is derived through the election of public officials by the people to represent them. The keyword for republicanism is representation. The Republican form of government was established as The Golden Mean or the way that is golden. Confucius wrote about the mean; Horace gave expression to the phrase “aurea mediocritas.”
The mean that is golden is that middle point in any quality, state or activity which avoids the dangers or errors of either extreme by the striking of a well balanced medium.
Article 4, section 4 of The Federal Constitution says, “The United States shall guarantee to every state in this Union a Republican form of government….”
On Sept. 18, 1803 Alexander Hamilton wrote to Pickering saying, “The plan of a constitution which I drew up………..was predicated upon these bases:
1. That the political principles of the people of this country would endure nothing but republican government.
2……….that the republican theory should have full and fair trial.
John W. Burgess believed “it was not utopian to predict that the republican form will live after all other forms have perished.” And “it seemed evident to him that the destiny of history is clearly pointing to the United States as the great world organ for the modern solution of the problem of government as well as of liberty.”
To illustrate these 3 Forms of government
AUTOCRACY REPUBLIC DEMOCRACY
in food: Starvation Nourishment Gluttony
In drink: Thirst Temperance Drunkenness
In music: Monotone Harmony Discord
In thought: Ignorance Intelligence Insanity
In Soil: Drought Moisture Flood
In Marriage:Polygamy Monogamy Promiscuity
In Religion:Skepticism Reverence Fanaticism
One of the main differences is representation by a relatively small elected number and self-representation; Limited representation vs. mob representation.
Democracy results in demagogism, license, impulse, agitation, discontent, anarchy and chaos. Do these characteristics sound like things that will make “the world safe?” It is impossible to make anything safe with democracy. Democracy produces Chaos and chaos is exactly what is being experienced throughout the Muslim world today. It should be obvious to anyone with half a brain that this form of government is not something any nation should desire. Making the world safe for Democracy is equal to:
- making alcohol safe for drunkenness,
- making food safe for gluttony,
- making justice safe for lawlessness.
Democracy and the rule of Law are opposites; you either have one or the other, but you can’t have both. The Rule of Law belongs to the Republican form of government:
“The attitude democracy towards Law is that the will of the majority shall prevail, regardless of whether it is based upon deliberation or governed by passion, prejudice and impulse, without restraint or regard to consequences.” The attitude of democracy to the minority, is “too bad, so sad, I’m glad.”
The ignorance (ignoring the true meaning of words) of so many well-educated people in our society never ceases to amaze me. Once words lose their true meaning our downward spiral is inevitable. Words Matter.
Much of what I am relating today was taken from a book written by Harry Atwood in 1918 called “Back to the Republic.” The 10th edition was printed in 1934. It was out of print for 25 yrs, then the 11th edition was printed and called, “Our Republic.”
Related articles
- Keep America From Becoming a Democracy (lewrockwell.com)
A Problem with Islam?
In spite of the fact that most believers believe, that the righteous dead are in Heaven and the unrighteous in Hell, no one person has ever lived and died is in Heaven but Jesus Christ. This error in Doctrine is most unfortunately not only confined to Islam. Practically every religion believes in life somewhere immediately after death. Nothing could be further from the truth.
When we die our bodies, if we are not cremated, corrupt in the ground; they rot away. You know, dust thou art, unto dust thou shalt return, right? It takes a while to turn to dust; it doesn’t happen overnight. I spent a lot of time on the subject of sleeping (death) in my book which you can get on the site, so I am not going into it here.
The point of this blog today is to highlight a problem with Islam. In “The Messengers of Islam” by Ashraf Hassan Abdul-Aziz on page 212-214, we have an account of Muhammed being escorted by the angel Gabriel to each of the 7 heavens; yes 7. In each heaven his “Prophethood” was confirmed by whoever was there. In the first heaven he was greeted by Adam. Here Mo was allowed by Allah to the “souls” of martyrs on his right and those of the wretched on his left.
In the second heaven he met John the baptist and Jesus, the son of Mary. In the 3rd he met Yusuf, the 4th Idris, the 5th Aaron, the 6th Moses, and the 7th Abraham . Then he was taken to God Almighty, like 10′ away from Him or so. This, I suppose is to confirm to all his followers that he really must be a prophet. The Problem is, that all these people are dead and in the grave. Do you see how important the truth is? Without the truth it is more difficult to expose a counterfeit.
The author goes on on page 215 to show “proof” of where in the Bible scripture passages are referring to Muhammed, like De 18:17-18 where YHWH (LORD with all caps) said to Moses that he would raise up a prophet, like Moses; John 16:12-13 (the word “he” should be translated “it,”) where it mentions the spirit of truth. The spirit of truth is not a he. Muslims believe this is referring to Muhammed.
Again, whenever error is practiced, exposing a counterfeit, in this case a false prophet, is not as cut and dry. BUT, when the Dead are dead and the spirit of truth is the gift of holy spirit, there is no problem exposing someone for what they really are. The truth really will set us free, when we know it.
God bless,
Is Your Faith based on “Another” Gospel?
When Paul spoke about another gospel he was speaking about anything other than his own gospel which he was preaching:
Gal 1:11-12
But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. KJV
Paul did not receive the revelation of Matthew, Mark Luke and John. He received the gospel of Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Thessalonians. These epistles are in the exact same order in every Greek Manuscript.
Romans, Ephesians and Thessalonians are Doctrinal
Corinthians and Philippians are Reproof
Galatians and Colossians are Correctional.
The revelation Paul received from our Lord Jesus in these letters supersedes everything else, as these are written directly to the church of God which is the body of Christ. These represent the Sacred Secret that God kept from everyone until Paul.
To confirm that Jesus did not know about this secret, he told his disciples that some of them would not die until they saw him returning in the clouds. Yet, they all died. Jesus and the disciples believed that the Great Tribulation described in the book of Revelation and Daniel would begin immediately after his ascension. They all expected Jesus to return within 7 years.
But, God threw them all a curve ball for the sake of the Gentiles. Thank Him He did! We are now living in that time period, the Age of the Secret, the Administration of Grace. Essentially the book of Revelation has been held in abeyance for about 2,000 yrs now.
See Romans 2:16, 16:25; 2Ti 2:8 concerning Paul’s gospel. See also the word “doctrine” in 1st and 2nd Timothy. God bless!
Introduction of my Book (Followers of The Way)
Acts 11:26 is the first time anyone was called a Christian. There were no
Christians when Jesus Christ was alive on the earth and there were none
before that, except in God’s foreknowledge. The Christian “movement”
officially began when Jesus handpicked 12 Disciples to follow him. When
he chose Peter and his brother Andrew, Jesus said to them, “Follow me
and I will make you fishers of men” (Mt 4:19). He then called two other
brothers, who were fishermen as well: James and John. Then he selected
eight others, who all followed him and learned to do as he did. As the
12 began to follow him, so did others. What Jesus taught them and
showed them became known as “this way,” a term coined by Saul, who was
persecuting the followers of Jesus, as we see in Acts 9:2. Jesus proclaimed
that he was “the way” in John 14:6. After Saul’s conversion in 37 AD, 4 he
was teaching in a synagogue, where unbelievers spoke evil of “that way”
(Ac 19:9). Acts 19:23 says, “And the same time there arose no small stir
about that way.” In 22:4, Paul, recalling how he too had persecuted Jesus’
followers, referred to them as followers of “this way.” In 24:14, Paul says,
“But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so
worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in
the law and in the prophets.” In 24:22, the “most noble Felix” referred to the believers as those of “that way,” which occurred in approximately 59 AD, 30 years after Jesus’ Ascension.
In 1 Corinthians 4:16–17, Paul says, Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. (Notice Paul’s confidence in his own integrity of being in Christ. He implored people to follow he himself). For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. (Notice where he taught besides the synagogues, in every church–they weren’t afraid of what he was going to say).
Paul adopted the way that he had formerly persecuted as “his way,”
which was in Christ. Here Paul beseeches the believers to be followers of
him and his ways and he sends Timothy, who knew his way better than
anyone else, to testify that Paul’s way was in Christ, as Christ would
have it.
The word “way” (hodos, 3598 in Strong’s; hereafter, simply the number
will be given) metaphorically5 means “a proceeding, a movement, which
denotes a code of conduct, a way or manner of thinking, feeling and
deciding.”6 Properly, it means a traveled road, a journey, route, or progress.
The word “Christian” is only used three times in the entire New Testament.
Even though the believers were first called Christians in Acts 11:26, around
45 AD, the term did not appear again until Acts 26:28, some 15 years
later, when Paul was questioning King Agrippa, who said, “Almost thou
persuadest me to be a Christian.”
Being a Christian—a follower of the way, the truth, and the life—Jesus Christ—is not just something you are, but something you become. It is a journey in life, conducting yourself in an exemplary manner in your actions, your thinking, your emotions, and your decisions. There is more to being a Christian than just confessing Jesus as your Lord or master and believing that God raised him from the dead. A lot more. But that is enough to get you eternal life. Eternal life is longer than any mortal, except for Jesus Christ, has ever known.
Have you ever thought about what you are going to do for eternity? Well, what you do then depends a lot on what you do now that you are born again, according to Romans 10:9–10. Th e Bible is probably the most read, yet most misunderstood book ever. Th ere are many reasons for this. I will endeavor to put forth several keys to understanding the Bible, which will hopefully give the reader a more accurate knowledge of the Word and Will of God.
4 E. W. Bullinger, The Companion Bible (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Bible Publishers, 1974, appendix 180, page 202
5 Figures of speech, like the metaphor, put life into the true, purposed meaning of things. They are used throughout the Bible. According to Bullinger, there are over 212 different kinds of figures of speech in the Bible alone. Figures tend to make things “more real and lively.” Bullinger believed they were the Holy Spirit’s, God’s, way of drawing attention to things that were of particular importance. Here in Acts, with eight usages of hodos, we can see beautifully how the metaphorical meaning is so much more descriptive. See Bullinger, The Companion Bible.
6 See Thayer’s.
Missing Persons
I recently became aware that my father-in-laws brother and his wife were missing or at least unaccounted for. It has been months since anyone has heard from them, not that they spoke a lot or even saw each other except possibly once a year. The guy was always blogging about the Bible and something called the tribulation and the rapture. I enjoyed having dialogue with him on facebook, not that we agreed on anything, but he was always a good sport. I once told him that I may not believe anything he says, but I will always defend his right to say it. Has anyone else noticed any of their Bible-toting friends missing?
I heard recently that there is some guy in Europe that is miraculously healing hundreds, if not thousands of people and that he is suppose to be on some kind of world tour. Have not heard when he is suppose to come here. A friend of mine in Spain said that he even made fire come down from the sky. Not sure if this amounts to anything but it sure would be interesting to meet them. Does anyone think it is possible that these two things are in anyway related?
Until next time,
Sr. Lobo
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