We were created in the image of God, to love one another, to grow in grace, to trust, and understand that God's love provides for our body, soul, and mind. One's integrity is their wholeness in body, soul, and mind culminated over their life on earth. Faith is a continuum of trust that grows and matures each day. Faith is the knowledge of God's benevolence toward us founded upon truth and God's promise in Christ sealed upon our hearts through the Holy Spirit. The deepest love for God is built on prayer, faith, service, and sacrifice.
Jesus is truth, trust in Him. The truth will root you in life. God must be found each day in fellowship with Him. Every virtue has its origin in Christ. Jesus is life--live in Him. Christ is the beginning of purity, patience, and humility. God protect me and be my shield, do not let me fall into temptation. Blessed is the man that endures temptation when he is tried. Every human is caught up in the nexus of sin, no one is exempt. Asking God for forgiveness of our sins is being freed of guilt. Forgiveness is active compassion coupled with intelligent listening. It takes dedication, commitment, vigilance and prayer to walk in the light of Christ each day.
I yield myself in absolute surrender to God. Holy Spirit take my hand and guide me down God's lighted path. resist the devil and he will flee from you. The light of love scatters the darkness of guilt. Serve God in worship and worship God in service. Christians are chosen for service of God's purposes and are set apart. We are to live as persons chosen to serve and to love and lead a life worthy of our calling. Repentance of sin is feeling sorry for ones act, turning completely around and heading in the opposite direction which leads on toward discipleship.
Love takes many forms and does not end with life. the human spirit knows that all lives intersect. Fairness does not govern life and death. Holding anger and not releasing it is a poison which eats at you from inside out. Live your life according to the seven virtues: faith, knowledge of the Bible, self-control, patience, godliness, kindness, and love. Sacrifice is a part of life and is suppose to be. It is not something to regret but rather to aspire to. We are continually tested, and through that testing we grow as individuals.
The Bible is the story of humanity in relation to God inspired by forty-four writers over twenty centuries, providing a progressive unfolding of the truth. To understand the Bible is to understand and realize who Christ is and his never-ending love and forgiveness for all mankind. We were created in the image of God to worship, praise, and glorify God each day. We are to seek out God thereby building our relationship with Him. Not my will, but thy will be done. Yahweh, in you I put my trust and faith!
By Rick M. Jason
Monday, December 31, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
Providence, the Way Christians Reach Fulfillment in Life and Ultimately Salvation; Contrary to John Calvin’s Understanding of One’s Future Determined
Throughout their lives Christians seek to find the greatest good for themselves, which will make them whole/holy people who are interconnected as members of the community of faith. Christians are continuously involved in various life occurrences and develop relationships with both God and their fellow people, which lead them to respond and make critical choices. It is evident that people have a free will because they are able to decide what they will and will not do in relation to what is and is not ethical, moral, and/or right. A question arises, however, whether or not people have a say in their purpose on earth and their status of life after death. John Calvin, one of the leaders of the Protestant Reformation, argued that God ruled humanity through predestination, meaning that people did not have any control over their salvation or condemnation. According to Calvin, God decided whether one was destined for Heaven or Hell before the person was born. The Catholic/Christian notion disagrees with Calvin, as some Catholic followers of Jesus would say that man works with God, through providence, to reach his vocation in life and salvation in the world to come. John Calvin’s understanding of predestination was faulty because he did not sufficiently appreciate the value of the choices people made and experiences they had in relation to God and the world which ultimately shaped their individual future. Providence, with free will and the impact of sacramental initiation is the authentic way to discover vocation and ultimately reach salvation.
John Calvin viewed the created order through his understanding of predestination which was that eternal life was freely granted to some, while God freely condemned others. Calvin believed that man’s eternal destiny was exclusively dependent on the mercy God bestowed on each individual. He said that predestination was a secret of God, which was not to be questioned by people who are mere mortals. Calvin believed that because God had the power and ability to do all, God should be the only one to worry about who was to be saved and who was to be condemned. The French theologian argued that predestination was also interrelated with God’s eternal decree. By this statute, Calvin meant that God had the purpose and future of each person already planned out according to His will for that person. This part of Calvin’s understanding of predestination points toward his belief that each person’s role in life was known by God. Consequently, this does not mean that there is only one suitable lifestyle or career for each person, as some might think Calvin was suggesting. Humanity does have to make a conscious choice with regard to vocation. However, Calvin did not give enough credit to the choices that people made. Calvin’s understanding was slightly skewed, as He did not recognize the fullness of what it meant for people to work things out with God to reach their greatest good.
Calvin believed that God was love, as do some Christians. However, Calvin said that God only elected those He loved to salvation. Therefore, one can conclude that according to Calvin, God does love all people, but chooses only those He wishes to salvation. Some Christians may find this to be difficult to accept because of the belief that God loves all people just because “they are” as the Lord’s Word explains, and that God invites all to salvation. Nevertheless, Calvin would have said that God had the right to love those He wished to love and call those people to salvation because God showed His mercy on those He wished to have mercy on, as described in Exodus 33:19. Certainly, Calvin’s approach to who was called to life and who was condemned to death by God is very pessimistic. Why would God who is love, condemn some of His people to eternal separation from Himself (Hell) before they have even left the womb? This is not a rational belief because there would be no reason for life on earth if this was the case. In other words, God might as well just send the people predestined to damnation straight to Hell and those predestined for life right to Heaven and not grant people life on earth because their destiny is already decided whether they physically live in this world or not. Indeed original sin does exist, but one must appreciate that Jesus came to bridge the gap between God and humanity which lingered until the Son’s initial coming, as a result of humanity’s faulty nature. God is just, so would not those who resist making an effort and freely disobey the Lord be justly condemned, not those people who freely strive to be like Christ and love as the Lord loves?
Calvin talked about God allocating some people to destruction, but did not give evidence of this claim. He said that scripture showed that the Lord assigned a portion of humanity to destruction, but never cited the scripture, making his assertion questionable. Calvin did admit that Paul in his letter to the Ephesians said that we were chosen in Christ “before the creation of the world.” Calvin did not interpret this as those born into this world were chosen by God to have physical life and that all were invited to salvation, but that people were either chosen to paradise or eternal suffering. Calvin twisted Paul’s teaching saying that “Paul answers that God has predestined it so” and that this was “according to the good pleasure of his [God’s] will.” In actuality, Paul never mentioned predestination in this piece of scripture. Furthermore, Calvin went on to state that Paul meant that God had not only chosen whom He willed, but that each person’s birth came with a certain amount of set grace that the Lord granted to that human being. In his sermon of 1551, Calvin placed an emphasis on the distance between humanity and God, who is divine. He depicted God as an angry judge who crushed humanity when people rebelled against Him. Calvin focused too much on the fact that God knew what one would become rather than acknowledging or recognizing that people through their relationship with God choose where they can and will love the most.
In addition, Calvin argued that in predestination there was no consideration of works. This belief is quite contrary to what the Bible says in James 2:17. There the Word states that “Faith without works is dead.” Calvin’s decree tells Christians that whether they live a completely moral life without sin, or live in sin, their salvation does not depend on their actions. This is certainly an unacceptable concept because why then did God grant people free will? Calvin did not fully recognize the power or authority of free will in the sense of working with God through providence to reach salvation, as choice has no real authority when one’s eternal future is predetermined. In other words according to Calvin’s understanding of predestination one could choose God and not be saved if God did not bestow His mercy on that individual. Why would God reject those who loved Him and loved their neighbor? Calvin must not have read Deuteronomy 30:19 which stated, “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” Choice here is used to explain that people must freely decide to listen and work with God to reach salvation. Undoubtedly, people cannot reach salvation on their own, but have to answer yes to the call and respond to God through love. In the meantime, the gospel of John discredits Calvin’s belief of predestination as John 6:39-40 said, “This is his [God’s] will; that everyone who believes in the Son may not perish.” Therefore, this scripture if indeed true must mean that people have a choice and based on what they choose they are either saved or condemned. Life after death in this context is not determined because God wants to consign some to Hell and allow some into Heaven, but because some freely reject Christ, while others freely accept Him as Lord. Calvin did not give enough credit to the words choose and choice, and by ignoring them he displayed one reason why his approach was faulty in regards to the created order.
Calvin’s understanding of predestination fell short of reality for a number of other reasons. What would Christ’s sacrifice and ultimate expression of love on the cross mean in the eyes of Calvin if people are predestined? Jesus’ sacrifice in regards to predestination is less meaningful because man from the beginning is destined to Heaven or Hell, regardless whether man does decide to believe in the Son of God who came to save the world from sin and ultimately bridged the gap created by humanity’s disobedience. Calvin clearly stated that election was not dependent on one’s faith, but that the faith each person has was the product of election. This would mean that one does not choose to have faith, but is given it only if God wishes for that person to be saved. Does this mean that those with faith are saved, according to Calvin there is no certainty. Remember that Calvin suggested that people should not be concerned or question whether or not they are saved, this is hard to fathom. What Christian merely drifts through life without trying to figure out what salvation means and if they are going to Heaven or not? Is not the ultimate goal for a Christian to love God and neighbor and be saved to spend eternity with God?
The French Theologian also had an interesting view when it came to events that took place in the natural world, whether these occurrences affected people in a negative or positive manner. Calvin said, “When, therefore, one asks why God has so done, we must reply: because he has willed it.” This notion is the idea that everything that happens is essentially God’s will. This does not mean that God wills evil on humanity, but that God allows people to suffer the consequences of their own sin. In order to further his claim of legitimacy, Calvin suggested that the evils which occur are more man’s doing than the Lord’s. Right after making this statement he said that man “should not be blamed for what he cannot avoid and undertakes God’s will.” This is hypocritical because how is something man’s doing if God is the one who wills it and predestines things to happen? Calvin even went as far as saying that God predestined man to act in various ways.
Predestination outside of Calvin’s understanding is viewed somewhat differently. Predestination, a notion not accepted by some Christians, especially with regards to Calvin’s understanding of the created order, refers to:
Divine decree by which God, owing to His infallible prescience of the future, has appointed and ordained from eternity all events occurring in time, especially those which directly proceed from, or at least are influenced by, man’s free will.
The last part of this description of predestination plays a great importance because it recognizes that free will is present and affects one’s relationship with God and humanity. This idea of predestination says that not all men do reach eternity, however it says that many become eternally lost because of their own faultiness through the free act of sin. Nevertheless, the non Calvinist understanding of predestination is also questionable because it discredits the Christian teaching that people can work with God to reach salvation by saying that those predestined to Hell are the people who God knows are going to fail and fall into the state of sin, becoming His enemies. God may know what people are going to do before they act, a concept we cannot possibly grasp, but it is hard for one to accept that He gives up on people as the view of predestination suggests. Although this view of predestination allows more possibility for one to reach eternity than Calvin’s, it still cannot legitimately argue against the reality that people work with God through Providence, to reach their vocation in life and ultimately salvation.
Providence can be defined as working with God to reach completeness and thus salvation. Providence refers to a world which God has created that is independent, yet responsive to the attraction of God. It can be better explained as God’s parental care of creation. Furthermore, providence is God’s connection with creation and His relationship to the world and its development. Calvin’s understanding of predestination is faulty because he does not acknowledge the value of the choices of people who are in relationship with God and the world. Every day people have to decide between one thing and another, however there are times in one’s life that one has to make an extremely important choice that will bear subsequent consequences. Calvin’s understanding of the world ordered by predestination does not value the fact that people make choices and what they choose affects their friendship with God and the rest of humanity.
Peoples’ action through providence is essential in reaching their vocation in life. The experiences they have and how they respond to these situations are what shapes their future. If people respond negatively to these experiences and the call of God, they will not be able to reach their authentic self and wholeness. Contrarily, if people say yes to God and the call, they will be able to reach the greatest good and experience love. It is important to remember that through providence one is God’s partner in covenant. This commitment to one another through love, openness, and obedience allows for the person to grow as a Christian and become aware of who he/she is, the lifestyle he/she is called to live, and what he/she is to do in regards to a lifestyle and career. The notion of providence does not believe that there is merely one specific vocation for each human being. However, it is not so much what one does or the lifestyle one lives, but the importance must be placed on whether the particular vocation allows one to fully be oneself and love God and humanity the most.
Providence calls people to unity with God and this essentially means a dynamic relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three persons in one God who are ever present in the Christians life. As a result of God wanting the greatest good for people, through providence He leads Christians to situations and events where they have the opportunity to choose what is good. When a person does not choose to take part in a particular good that God leads one to, the person actually denies God and thus is disobedient to Him. The result of denying the Lord is independence from God, something which is the worst possible thing for a person to enter into, as it is ultimately suicidal. For without God one is nothing because God knows one better than one knows oneself. Therefore, through providence God leads us to discover or uncover our true selves and if we deny him we can never reach our authentic being.
Providence also speaks of grace which is given to humanity by God in order to help a person move from immanence to transcendence. Grace is a free gift given to one out of God’s love that allows a person to enter into a relationship that goes beyond, transcending time and space. It is grace which gives birth to new opportunity, experiences, and relationship with God, as well as an understanding regarding where the person is being led in life. Each person can reject God’s gift of grace and by rejecting grace he/she rejects God. When one rejects or separates oneself from God the result is sin, and it is sin which leads to death, a spiritual death and thus an eternal one. St. Paul teaches that God desires all humanity to be saved and to be awakened to the knowledge of truth. God leads one to what is good, but one must choose what is right. God respects people’s ability of choice or free will though He hopes that His creatures will use their freedom to work toward achieving love and ultimately salvation. Those who choose wrong freely choose to disobey God and their sin leads to separation from God. People who continue to reject the grace of God and His love are freely choosing Hell, eternal separation from love and from God. On the contrary, those who respond positively, freely choosing to follow the will of God, become creatures of love in this life and will be forever in the presence of God in the world to come.
Based on Calvin’s understanding and belief in predestination, he could not clearly perceive the importance of free will and its role in humanity’s relationship with God. The importance of choice has been discussed already though it is vital that one has a solid understanding of what free will essentially means. Free will allows each person who possesses reason to freely make one’s own decisions and thus hold authority over one’s thoughts, actions, and the creation of one’s character. Free will can be described as the voluntary action of humanity. God grants free will to His people because He wants them to choose the greatest good in relation to Himself and the world. There would be clearly no virtue if people did not have to make decisions which affect their relationship with God and their fellow man. Life would be meaningless if Calvin’s questionable approach to predestination of the created order were true. Free will is a grace which allows us to work toward the greatest good which is ultimately our salvation. Without it, humanity would have no say or way to work with God, meaning there would be no providence and a predestined order would exist. Those who seek to do God’s will continuously are promised a blessed life on earth, although not an easy life, and ultimately eternal life with God. People cannot be richer or more whole than when they keep the will of God in their hearts and act upon it, despite the selfish interests they set aside as a result of their love.
Sacramental initiation plays an important role in helping people enhance their relationship with God, work to reach their vocation in life and ultimately salvation. The three sacraments of initiation are Baptism, Confirmation/Chrismation and Eucharist. Baptism, the first sacrament of initiation, is when Christians partake in the celebration of welcoming in new members among the Body of Christ. Baptism symbolizes a death and rebirth, where Christians rise with Christ to new life, undergoing a spiritual birth. This sacrament is significant because it is the symbolic act by which the recipient is clothed with Christ and enters into the community of faith. The baptized become a new creation, as Romans 8:29 says “they have become a new man in Christ, and they are conformed to Christ.” Certainly baptism is a sacrament that allows one to work with God and helps the relationship one has with the Lord to grow and blossom. If Calvin’s understanding of predestination were true, there would be no need for Baptism because either one would be clothed in Christ being saved or the contrary, resulting in eternal damnation. In the New Testament through Baptism one “enters into the kingdom of God and into the sphere of the saving work of Christ.” Lastly, baptism involves a profession of faith for or by the baptized, as the individual receives the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the spirit of God which drives one to live a life of truthfulness, meekness, faithfulness, and love, helping Christians to further their relationship with God and humankind. Baptism a vital symbol in Christianity, one of the two sacraments kept by Luther and many Protestant Churches, was denied by Calvin in regards to it being a sacrament.
Another sacrament of initiation is the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the Blessed Sacrament in which Jesus Christ is physically present in the bread and wine. The bread presents Christ’s body and the wine his blood, as the Lord gave up his physical self in the ultimate expression of love on the cross. Those who partake in the Eucharist fully experience the presence of Jesus and are essentially filled by Christ. Therefore, Christians believe that they are forgiven of all their iniquities and that Christ enters into them, which makes Christians whole and complete because Jesus is holy. In the Eucharist, Christ nourishes souls and provides the believer with grace that transcends both time and space. The Eucharist is the sacrament where Christians are centered upon God’s table of love and life. By consuming the bread and wine, Jesus becomes a living part of the recipient. It is through this sacrament that Christians become closer to God, receive an abundant amount of grace, and can reach spiritual fulfillment because Christ heals brokenness and replaces it with love. Only through providence, working with God, can the sacrament of Eucharist hold such vital importance for one’s relationship with his savior, thus helping him to reach salvation. Calvin did not keep the Eucharist as a sacrament either. He and his followers preserved none of the seven official sacraments of the Catholic Church, not even the sacraments of initiation.
Currently, confirmation is the final sacrament of initiation which impacts Christians to discover their vocation and reach fulfillment. Confirmation is when the Holy Spirit is given to a Christian in a special manner. The Spirit is “given to perfect and complete the initiation begun in baptism.” Through this gift of the Holy Spirit, Christians are made strong soldiers of Jesus Christ, who are called to profess their faith in the risen Lord. This sacrament presents the power of God within His people through the Holy Spirit and allows Christians to enter into a more mature and closer relationship with the Lord. As a result of Calvin not believing that people work with God to reach salvation, confirmation held less importance to him than to those who understood providence. The recommitment of faith which is at hand during confirmation and the grace one receives are important for the Christian’s growth toward reaching the greatest good and is yet another experience of God’s love. Essentially, an interior transformation occurs through the sacrament of Confirmation and the believer becomes a reformed and stronger member of the community of faith.
Salvation is what all Christians are striding for. Reaching eternity, Heaven, refers to being forever in the presence of God who is love. John Calvin believed in salvation. However, he did not take into account the actions of people on earth, the experiences they had, and their effort to serve God and humanity when it came to being saved. Calvin merely suggested that one was either saved or damned. Salvation can be reached through providence and can only occur if one is willing to abandon the self and fully commit to following the Lord in all aspects of life. This means submitting to God’s will because He wills what is best for humanity and that which will make present the greatest good for each person. God enlightens His creatures and essentially leads all to salvation. In order to reach salvation one must believe in Jesus Christ who died on the Cross and rose from the dead on the third day, hope in Christ the Lord, love God and neighbor, and work to fulfill God’s will. Salvation is liberation from sin and its consequences. Therefore, salvation brings people to ultimate completeness in God, as 1 Corinthians 3:22-23 says in “salvation all things are ours, we are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.” One’s effort to do the will of God is the ultimate act of love, as faith, works, and the grace of God are what it takes for one to be saved.
Providence with free will and sacramental initiation is the authentic way one discovers oneself, one’s vocation, and eventually reaches salvation. John Calvin’s understanding of predestination was clearly faulty because of his inability to value the actions of people, their experiences, and their relationship with God and humanity. Through providence one can see how humanity works with God to achieve fulfillment. God invites all to salvation, therefore it is by the grace of God, along with faith and works that pave an individual’s destiny to either eternal happiness with God who is love or eternal damnation in the fires of Hell.
Jean Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion. Trans. Ford Lewis Battles. John T.
McNeill, eds. V 1-2 (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1960) 921.
Calvin 924-925.
Calvin 926.
Calvin 927.
Calvin 927-928.
Calvin 933.
Calvin 934.
Calvin 934.
W.H. Neuser. “Neuser: Calvin the Preacher: His Explanation of the Doctrine of Predestination in the
Sermon of 1551 and in the Institutes of 1559.” Hervormde Teologiese Studies volume. 54 (1998):
60-103. ATLA. James White Library, Berrien Springs, MI. October 17, 2007. 73.
Calvin 935.
Calvin 946.
Calvin 967.
Calvin 949.
Calvin 953.
Calvin 954.
Calvin 954.
Charles G. Herbermann ed. [et all]. The Catholic Encyclopedia: an international work
of reference on the constitution, doctrine, discipline, and history of the Catholic
Church. 15 vols (New York: Encyclopedia Press, 1913-1914) V.12 378.
Herbermann V.12 378.
Herbermann V.12 379.
Miroslav Volf and Michael Welker. “Fergusson; ‘Divine Providence and Action.’” God’s
Life in Trinity (2006): 153-165. (ATLA. Le Moyne College Library, Syracuse,
New York. September 20, 2007) 157.
Volf and Welker 153.
Volf and Welker 159.
Mark John Farrelly. Predestination, grace, and free will (Westminster, Md.: Newman
Press, 1964) 223.
Farrelly 229.
Farrelly 238.
Farrelly 10.
Farrelly 10-11.
Herbermann V.6 259.
Herbermann V.6 259.
Jean Pierre de Caussade. Self Abandonment to Divine Providence (London: Burns and
Oates, 1959) 125.
New Catholic Encyclopedia. 16 Vols. (Washington, D.C.: Catholic University of
America, 2003) V.2 58.
New Catholic Encyclopedia V.2 58.
New Catholic Encyclopedia V.2 55.
New Catholic Encyclopedia V.2 57.
Herbermann V.5 572.
Herbermann V.5 573.
Herbermann V.5 584.
Marian Bohen. The mystery of confirmation, a theology of the sacrament (New York:
Herder and Herder, 1963) 21.
Bohen 31.
Bohen 20.
Caussade 121.
Caussade 122.
Farrelly 273.
Herbermann V.13 407.
Herbermann V.13 407.
Works Cited
Primary Sources.
Calvin, Jean. Institutes of the Christian Religion. Trans. Ford Lewis Battles. John T.
McNeill, eds. V 1-2. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1960.
Secondary Sources
Bohen, Marian. The mystery of confirmation, a theology of the sacrament. New York:
Herder and Herder, 1963.
Caussade, Jean Pierre de. Self Abandonment to Divine Providence. London: Burns and
Oates, 1959.
Charles G. Herbermann ed. [et all]. The Catholic Encyclopedia: an international work of
reference on the constitution, doctrine, discipline, and history of the Catholic Church. 15 vols. New York: Encyclopedia Press, 1913-1914.
Farrelly, Mark John. Predestination, grace, and free will. Westminster, Md.: Newman
Press, 1964.
Neuser, W.H. “Neuser: Calvin the Preacher: His Explanation of the Doctrine of
Predestination in the Sermon of 1551 and in the Institutes of 1559.” Hervormde Teologiese Studies volume. 54 (1998):60-103. ATLA. James White Library, Berrien Springs, MI. October 17, 2007.
New Catholic Encyclopedia. 16 vols. Washington, D.C.: Catholic University of
America, 2003.
Volf, Miroslav; Welker, Michael. “Fergusson; ‘Divine Providence and Action.’” God’s
Life in Trinity (2006): 153-165. ATLA. Le Moyne College Library, Syracuse,
New York. September 20, 2007
John Calvin viewed the created order through his understanding of predestination which was that eternal life was freely granted to some, while God freely condemned others. Calvin believed that man’s eternal destiny was exclusively dependent on the mercy God bestowed on each individual. He said that predestination was a secret of God, which was not to be questioned by people who are mere mortals. Calvin believed that because God had the power and ability to do all, God should be the only one to worry about who was to be saved and who was to be condemned. The French theologian argued that predestination was also interrelated with God’s eternal decree. By this statute, Calvin meant that God had the purpose and future of each person already planned out according to His will for that person. This part of Calvin’s understanding of predestination points toward his belief that each person’s role in life was known by God. Consequently, this does not mean that there is only one suitable lifestyle or career for each person, as some might think Calvin was suggesting. Humanity does have to make a conscious choice with regard to vocation. However, Calvin did not give enough credit to the choices that people made. Calvin’s understanding was slightly skewed, as He did not recognize the fullness of what it meant for people to work things out with God to reach their greatest good.
Calvin believed that God was love, as do some Christians. However, Calvin said that God only elected those He loved to salvation. Therefore, one can conclude that according to Calvin, God does love all people, but chooses only those He wishes to salvation. Some Christians may find this to be difficult to accept because of the belief that God loves all people just because “they are” as the Lord’s Word explains, and that God invites all to salvation. Nevertheless, Calvin would have said that God had the right to love those He wished to love and call those people to salvation because God showed His mercy on those He wished to have mercy on, as described in Exodus 33:19. Certainly, Calvin’s approach to who was called to life and who was condemned to death by God is very pessimistic. Why would God who is love, condemn some of His people to eternal separation from Himself (Hell) before they have even left the womb? This is not a rational belief because there would be no reason for life on earth if this was the case. In other words, God might as well just send the people predestined to damnation straight to Hell and those predestined for life right to Heaven and not grant people life on earth because their destiny is already decided whether they physically live in this world or not. Indeed original sin does exist, but one must appreciate that Jesus came to bridge the gap between God and humanity which lingered until the Son’s initial coming, as a result of humanity’s faulty nature. God is just, so would not those who resist making an effort and freely disobey the Lord be justly condemned, not those people who freely strive to be like Christ and love as the Lord loves?
Calvin talked about God allocating some people to destruction, but did not give evidence of this claim. He said that scripture showed that the Lord assigned a portion of humanity to destruction, but never cited the scripture, making his assertion questionable. Calvin did admit that Paul in his letter to the Ephesians said that we were chosen in Christ “before the creation of the world.” Calvin did not interpret this as those born into this world were chosen by God to have physical life and that all were invited to salvation, but that people were either chosen to paradise or eternal suffering. Calvin twisted Paul’s teaching saying that “Paul answers that God has predestined it so” and that this was “according to the good pleasure of his [God’s] will.” In actuality, Paul never mentioned predestination in this piece of scripture. Furthermore, Calvin went on to state that Paul meant that God had not only chosen whom He willed, but that each person’s birth came with a certain amount of set grace that the Lord granted to that human being. In his sermon of 1551, Calvin placed an emphasis on the distance between humanity and God, who is divine. He depicted God as an angry judge who crushed humanity when people rebelled against Him. Calvin focused too much on the fact that God knew what one would become rather than acknowledging or recognizing that people through their relationship with God choose where they can and will love the most.
In addition, Calvin argued that in predestination there was no consideration of works. This belief is quite contrary to what the Bible says in James 2:17. There the Word states that “Faith without works is dead.” Calvin’s decree tells Christians that whether they live a completely moral life without sin, or live in sin, their salvation does not depend on their actions. This is certainly an unacceptable concept because why then did God grant people free will? Calvin did not fully recognize the power or authority of free will in the sense of working with God through providence to reach salvation, as choice has no real authority when one’s eternal future is predetermined. In other words according to Calvin’s understanding of predestination one could choose God and not be saved if God did not bestow His mercy on that individual. Why would God reject those who loved Him and loved their neighbor? Calvin must not have read Deuteronomy 30:19 which stated, “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” Choice here is used to explain that people must freely decide to listen and work with God to reach salvation. Undoubtedly, people cannot reach salvation on their own, but have to answer yes to the call and respond to God through love. In the meantime, the gospel of John discredits Calvin’s belief of predestination as John 6:39-40 said, “This is his [God’s] will; that everyone who believes in the Son may not perish.” Therefore, this scripture if indeed true must mean that people have a choice and based on what they choose they are either saved or condemned. Life after death in this context is not determined because God wants to consign some to Hell and allow some into Heaven, but because some freely reject Christ, while others freely accept Him as Lord. Calvin did not give enough credit to the words choose and choice, and by ignoring them he displayed one reason why his approach was faulty in regards to the created order.
Calvin’s understanding of predestination fell short of reality for a number of other reasons. What would Christ’s sacrifice and ultimate expression of love on the cross mean in the eyes of Calvin if people are predestined? Jesus’ sacrifice in regards to predestination is less meaningful because man from the beginning is destined to Heaven or Hell, regardless whether man does decide to believe in the Son of God who came to save the world from sin and ultimately bridged the gap created by humanity’s disobedience. Calvin clearly stated that election was not dependent on one’s faith, but that the faith each person has was the product of election. This would mean that one does not choose to have faith, but is given it only if God wishes for that person to be saved. Does this mean that those with faith are saved, according to Calvin there is no certainty. Remember that Calvin suggested that people should not be concerned or question whether or not they are saved, this is hard to fathom. What Christian merely drifts through life without trying to figure out what salvation means and if they are going to Heaven or not? Is not the ultimate goal for a Christian to love God and neighbor and be saved to spend eternity with God?
The French Theologian also had an interesting view when it came to events that took place in the natural world, whether these occurrences affected people in a negative or positive manner. Calvin said, “When, therefore, one asks why God has so done, we must reply: because he has willed it.” This notion is the idea that everything that happens is essentially God’s will. This does not mean that God wills evil on humanity, but that God allows people to suffer the consequences of their own sin. In order to further his claim of legitimacy, Calvin suggested that the evils which occur are more man’s doing than the Lord’s. Right after making this statement he said that man “should not be blamed for what he cannot avoid and undertakes God’s will.” This is hypocritical because how is something man’s doing if God is the one who wills it and predestines things to happen? Calvin even went as far as saying that God predestined man to act in various ways.
Predestination outside of Calvin’s understanding is viewed somewhat differently. Predestination, a notion not accepted by some Christians, especially with regards to Calvin’s understanding of the created order, refers to:
Divine decree by which God, owing to His infallible prescience of the future, has appointed and ordained from eternity all events occurring in time, especially those which directly proceed from, or at least are influenced by, man’s free will.
The last part of this description of predestination plays a great importance because it recognizes that free will is present and affects one’s relationship with God and humanity. This idea of predestination says that not all men do reach eternity, however it says that many become eternally lost because of their own faultiness through the free act of sin. Nevertheless, the non Calvinist understanding of predestination is also questionable because it discredits the Christian teaching that people can work with God to reach salvation by saying that those predestined to Hell are the people who God knows are going to fail and fall into the state of sin, becoming His enemies. God may know what people are going to do before they act, a concept we cannot possibly grasp, but it is hard for one to accept that He gives up on people as the view of predestination suggests. Although this view of predestination allows more possibility for one to reach eternity than Calvin’s, it still cannot legitimately argue against the reality that people work with God through Providence, to reach their vocation in life and ultimately salvation.
Providence can be defined as working with God to reach completeness and thus salvation. Providence refers to a world which God has created that is independent, yet responsive to the attraction of God. It can be better explained as God’s parental care of creation. Furthermore, providence is God’s connection with creation and His relationship to the world and its development. Calvin’s understanding of predestination is faulty because he does not acknowledge the value of the choices of people who are in relationship with God and the world. Every day people have to decide between one thing and another, however there are times in one’s life that one has to make an extremely important choice that will bear subsequent consequences. Calvin’s understanding of the world ordered by predestination does not value the fact that people make choices and what they choose affects their friendship with God and the rest of humanity.
Peoples’ action through providence is essential in reaching their vocation in life. The experiences they have and how they respond to these situations are what shapes their future. If people respond negatively to these experiences and the call of God, they will not be able to reach their authentic self and wholeness. Contrarily, if people say yes to God and the call, they will be able to reach the greatest good and experience love. It is important to remember that through providence one is God’s partner in covenant. This commitment to one another through love, openness, and obedience allows for the person to grow as a Christian and become aware of who he/she is, the lifestyle he/she is called to live, and what he/she is to do in regards to a lifestyle and career. The notion of providence does not believe that there is merely one specific vocation for each human being. However, it is not so much what one does or the lifestyle one lives, but the importance must be placed on whether the particular vocation allows one to fully be oneself and love God and humanity the most.
Providence calls people to unity with God and this essentially means a dynamic relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three persons in one God who are ever present in the Christians life. As a result of God wanting the greatest good for people, through providence He leads Christians to situations and events where they have the opportunity to choose what is good. When a person does not choose to take part in a particular good that God leads one to, the person actually denies God and thus is disobedient to Him. The result of denying the Lord is independence from God, something which is the worst possible thing for a person to enter into, as it is ultimately suicidal. For without God one is nothing because God knows one better than one knows oneself. Therefore, through providence God leads us to discover or uncover our true selves and if we deny him we can never reach our authentic being.
Providence also speaks of grace which is given to humanity by God in order to help a person move from immanence to transcendence. Grace is a free gift given to one out of God’s love that allows a person to enter into a relationship that goes beyond, transcending time and space. It is grace which gives birth to new opportunity, experiences, and relationship with God, as well as an understanding regarding where the person is being led in life. Each person can reject God’s gift of grace and by rejecting grace he/she rejects God. When one rejects or separates oneself from God the result is sin, and it is sin which leads to death, a spiritual death and thus an eternal one. St. Paul teaches that God desires all humanity to be saved and to be awakened to the knowledge of truth. God leads one to what is good, but one must choose what is right. God respects people’s ability of choice or free will though He hopes that His creatures will use their freedom to work toward achieving love and ultimately salvation. Those who choose wrong freely choose to disobey God and their sin leads to separation from God. People who continue to reject the grace of God and His love are freely choosing Hell, eternal separation from love and from God. On the contrary, those who respond positively, freely choosing to follow the will of God, become creatures of love in this life and will be forever in the presence of God in the world to come.
Based on Calvin’s understanding and belief in predestination, he could not clearly perceive the importance of free will and its role in humanity’s relationship with God. The importance of choice has been discussed already though it is vital that one has a solid understanding of what free will essentially means. Free will allows each person who possesses reason to freely make one’s own decisions and thus hold authority over one’s thoughts, actions, and the creation of one’s character. Free will can be described as the voluntary action of humanity. God grants free will to His people because He wants them to choose the greatest good in relation to Himself and the world. There would be clearly no virtue if people did not have to make decisions which affect their relationship with God and their fellow man. Life would be meaningless if Calvin’s questionable approach to predestination of the created order were true. Free will is a grace which allows us to work toward the greatest good which is ultimately our salvation. Without it, humanity would have no say or way to work with God, meaning there would be no providence and a predestined order would exist. Those who seek to do God’s will continuously are promised a blessed life on earth, although not an easy life, and ultimately eternal life with God. People cannot be richer or more whole than when they keep the will of God in their hearts and act upon it, despite the selfish interests they set aside as a result of their love.
Sacramental initiation plays an important role in helping people enhance their relationship with God, work to reach their vocation in life and ultimately salvation. The three sacraments of initiation are Baptism, Confirmation/Chrismation and Eucharist. Baptism, the first sacrament of initiation, is when Christians partake in the celebration of welcoming in new members among the Body of Christ. Baptism symbolizes a death and rebirth, where Christians rise with Christ to new life, undergoing a spiritual birth. This sacrament is significant because it is the symbolic act by which the recipient is clothed with Christ and enters into the community of faith. The baptized become a new creation, as Romans 8:29 says “they have become a new man in Christ, and they are conformed to Christ.” Certainly baptism is a sacrament that allows one to work with God and helps the relationship one has with the Lord to grow and blossom. If Calvin’s understanding of predestination were true, there would be no need for Baptism because either one would be clothed in Christ being saved or the contrary, resulting in eternal damnation. In the New Testament through Baptism one “enters into the kingdom of God and into the sphere of the saving work of Christ.” Lastly, baptism involves a profession of faith for or by the baptized, as the individual receives the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the spirit of God which drives one to live a life of truthfulness, meekness, faithfulness, and love, helping Christians to further their relationship with God and humankind. Baptism a vital symbol in Christianity, one of the two sacraments kept by Luther and many Protestant Churches, was denied by Calvin in regards to it being a sacrament.
Another sacrament of initiation is the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the Blessed Sacrament in which Jesus Christ is physically present in the bread and wine. The bread presents Christ’s body and the wine his blood, as the Lord gave up his physical self in the ultimate expression of love on the cross. Those who partake in the Eucharist fully experience the presence of Jesus and are essentially filled by Christ. Therefore, Christians believe that they are forgiven of all their iniquities and that Christ enters into them, which makes Christians whole and complete because Jesus is holy. In the Eucharist, Christ nourishes souls and provides the believer with grace that transcends both time and space. The Eucharist is the sacrament where Christians are centered upon God’s table of love and life. By consuming the bread and wine, Jesus becomes a living part of the recipient. It is through this sacrament that Christians become closer to God, receive an abundant amount of grace, and can reach spiritual fulfillment because Christ heals brokenness and replaces it with love. Only through providence, working with God, can the sacrament of Eucharist hold such vital importance for one’s relationship with his savior, thus helping him to reach salvation. Calvin did not keep the Eucharist as a sacrament either. He and his followers preserved none of the seven official sacraments of the Catholic Church, not even the sacraments of initiation.
Currently, confirmation is the final sacrament of initiation which impacts Christians to discover their vocation and reach fulfillment. Confirmation is when the Holy Spirit is given to a Christian in a special manner. The Spirit is “given to perfect and complete the initiation begun in baptism.” Through this gift of the Holy Spirit, Christians are made strong soldiers of Jesus Christ, who are called to profess their faith in the risen Lord. This sacrament presents the power of God within His people through the Holy Spirit and allows Christians to enter into a more mature and closer relationship with the Lord. As a result of Calvin not believing that people work with God to reach salvation, confirmation held less importance to him than to those who understood providence. The recommitment of faith which is at hand during confirmation and the grace one receives are important for the Christian’s growth toward reaching the greatest good and is yet another experience of God’s love. Essentially, an interior transformation occurs through the sacrament of Confirmation and the believer becomes a reformed and stronger member of the community of faith.
Salvation is what all Christians are striding for. Reaching eternity, Heaven, refers to being forever in the presence of God who is love. John Calvin believed in salvation. However, he did not take into account the actions of people on earth, the experiences they had, and their effort to serve God and humanity when it came to being saved. Calvin merely suggested that one was either saved or damned. Salvation can be reached through providence and can only occur if one is willing to abandon the self and fully commit to following the Lord in all aspects of life. This means submitting to God’s will because He wills what is best for humanity and that which will make present the greatest good for each person. God enlightens His creatures and essentially leads all to salvation. In order to reach salvation one must believe in Jesus Christ who died on the Cross and rose from the dead on the third day, hope in Christ the Lord, love God and neighbor, and work to fulfill God’s will. Salvation is liberation from sin and its consequences. Therefore, salvation brings people to ultimate completeness in God, as 1 Corinthians 3:22-23 says in “salvation all things are ours, we are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.” One’s effort to do the will of God is the ultimate act of love, as faith, works, and the grace of God are what it takes for one to be saved.
Providence with free will and sacramental initiation is the authentic way one discovers oneself, one’s vocation, and eventually reaches salvation. John Calvin’s understanding of predestination was clearly faulty because of his inability to value the actions of people, their experiences, and their relationship with God and humanity. Through providence one can see how humanity works with God to achieve fulfillment. God invites all to salvation, therefore it is by the grace of God, along with faith and works that pave an individual’s destiny to either eternal happiness with God who is love or eternal damnation in the fires of Hell.
Jean Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion. Trans. Ford Lewis Battles. John T.
McNeill, eds. V 1-2 (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1960) 921.
Calvin 924-925.
Calvin 926.
Calvin 927.
Calvin 927-928.
Calvin 933.
Calvin 934.
Calvin 934.
W.H. Neuser. “Neuser: Calvin the Preacher: His Explanation of the Doctrine of Predestination in the
Sermon of 1551 and in the Institutes of 1559.” Hervormde Teologiese Studies volume. 54 (1998):
60-103. ATLA. James White Library, Berrien Springs, MI. October 17, 2007. 73.
Calvin 935.
Calvin 946.
Calvin 967.
Calvin 949.
Calvin 953.
Calvin 954.
Calvin 954.
Charles G. Herbermann ed. [et all]. The Catholic Encyclopedia: an international work
of reference on the constitution, doctrine, discipline, and history of the Catholic
Church. 15 vols (New York: Encyclopedia Press, 1913-1914) V.12 378.
Herbermann V.12 378.
Herbermann V.12 379.
Miroslav Volf and Michael Welker. “Fergusson; ‘Divine Providence and Action.’” God’s
Life in Trinity (2006): 153-165. (ATLA. Le Moyne College Library, Syracuse,
New York. September 20, 2007) 157.
Volf and Welker 153.
Volf and Welker 159.
Mark John Farrelly. Predestination, grace, and free will (Westminster, Md.: Newman
Press, 1964) 223.
Farrelly 229.
Farrelly 238.
Farrelly 10.
Farrelly 10-11.
Herbermann V.6 259.
Herbermann V.6 259.
Jean Pierre de Caussade. Self Abandonment to Divine Providence (London: Burns and
Oates, 1959) 125.
New Catholic Encyclopedia. 16 Vols. (Washington, D.C.: Catholic University of
America, 2003) V.2 58.
New Catholic Encyclopedia V.2 58.
New Catholic Encyclopedia V.2 55.
New Catholic Encyclopedia V.2 57.
Herbermann V.5 572.
Herbermann V.5 573.
Herbermann V.5 584.
Marian Bohen. The mystery of confirmation, a theology of the sacrament (New York:
Herder and Herder, 1963) 21.
Bohen 31.
Bohen 20.
Caussade 121.
Caussade 122.
Farrelly 273.
Herbermann V.13 407.
Herbermann V.13 407.
Works Cited
Primary Sources.
Calvin, Jean. Institutes of the Christian Religion. Trans. Ford Lewis Battles. John T.
McNeill, eds. V 1-2. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1960.
Secondary Sources
Bohen, Marian. The mystery of confirmation, a theology of the sacrament. New York:
Herder and Herder, 1963.
Caussade, Jean Pierre de. Self Abandonment to Divine Providence. London: Burns and
Oates, 1959.
Charles G. Herbermann ed. [et all]. The Catholic Encyclopedia: an international work of
reference on the constitution, doctrine, discipline, and history of the Catholic Church. 15 vols. New York: Encyclopedia Press, 1913-1914.
Farrelly, Mark John. Predestination, grace, and free will. Westminster, Md.: Newman
Press, 1964.
Neuser, W.H. “Neuser: Calvin the Preacher: His Explanation of the Doctrine of
Predestination in the Sermon of 1551 and in the Institutes of 1559.” Hervormde Teologiese Studies volume. 54 (1998):60-103. ATLA. James White Library, Berrien Springs, MI. October 17, 2007.
New Catholic Encyclopedia. 16 vols. Washington, D.C.: Catholic University of
America, 2003.
Volf, Miroslav; Welker, Michael. “Fergusson; ‘Divine Providence and Action.’” God’s
Life in Trinity (2006): 153-165. ATLA. Le Moyne College Library, Syracuse,
New York. September 20, 2007
An Essay On the Creation of Race and Racisim
Cornel West’s Essay, “A genealogy of modern racism,” discusses an overlying theme and reality that racism exists within modern society, as whites have dominated the social order throughout history. One of the key issues Cornel West highlights in his essay is the role of the Scientific Revolution and how it formed to establish the scientific paradigm or the norm for truth and objectivity through dominating power. Essentially, West says that this is what develops and takes the shape of racism, resulting in white supremacy. West suggests that the Scientific Methods are the norm for dominant power, but they cannot be absolute when dealing with human beings. Cornel West explains that the neglected variable in the modern discourse on race is how a modernistic world view was used to classify human beings in an order of a hierarchy, thus resulting in racism. West further discusses that the two dominant stages in the effective history of emergence of white supremacy are the stages of Scientific Methods and Natural History delving into taxonomy and classicism. Taxonomy refers to the classifying and putting things in different groups, as was done to different ethnicities in order to shape the racial forum. The documentary “Race the Power of an illusion” compliments Cornel West’s argument and helps one deconstruct the idea of how racism was created and what its authentic purpose was in America.
As explained in the documentary, “Race the Power of an illusion,” America created the story of race as a fundamental idea that there was a difference between human beings in order for whites to advance to social and economic prominence within society. Essentially, this was the reality of racism in America from the beginning, however the likes of Thomas Jefferson and other early American settlers would not admit to this veracity. Thomas Jefferson, one of the “Founding Fathers,” stressed the importance of human equality, backing up the Declaration of Independence which stated that “All men are created equal.” Quite contradictory, Jefferson was the proud owner of as many as 225 slaves. He argued that blacks were inferior to whites in body and mind, suggesting that inalienable rights only applies to certain people, meaning whites. This expressed the idea that those enslaved were not men, as blacks were said to be written out of the human family.
Meanwhile, there was an intense need for labor in the American Colonies from the time settlers first came over from Great Britain in the early 1600s. At this point in time wealth and religion were the distinct factors that classified people, as color did not yet play a role. The social power of hierarchies was a gradual process which emerged later on in history. For the first fifty years, European workers were servants on farms and plantations in the Colonies, only to be replaced with African slaves by means of the dominant African slave trade. Blacks were viewed as the ideal source of labor as they could be purchased for a fair price and could not blend in with Colonial America if they escaped from their owners. This was the first time that the term “white” appeared as the identifying factor, instead of one being classified by means of wealth and whether he/she was Christian. Whites also gained financially and egotistically through the ownership of slaves in America. Slavery eventually became identified with Africans, as a racial divide emerged. People saw existing power relationships as natural, this being a monumental mistake. As slavery became more widespread it seemed that slavery was the natural role of blacks in society.
While blacks were being targeted at this time, Jefferson, on the other hand, was arguing that Native American Indians were actually naturally white and had just turned brown because of exposure to the sun. Jefferson believed that Indians were savages, but that they could be civilized, while blacks could not. Native Americans fought to maintain there freedom and their land, as American settlers invaded Indian occupied territory. The American settlers wanted to Christianize the Indians, convert them from hunters and gathers into farmers, and force them to become settlers instead of nomads. Essentially, the goal of the colonists was to make the Indians “brown white men.” On the other hand, Jefferson did not see a way or have a desire to assimilate blacks into society, as was the approach with Indians. He stressed that blacks were physically and mentally different, which led to the suspicion that blacks were inferior to whites because of genetics. Jefferson also stated that society would not know or understand the differences between blacks and whites for sure until science tells why blacks are inferior.
Jefferson did know that expanding the nation’s territory was of great importance at this time so he acted accordingly by means of the Louisiana Purchase. This expansion of America allowed American colonists to pressure Indians even more for new lands that were necessary for developing more plantations. The Cherokees were one group of Indians that conformed in a sense to the American desire, as some of them become “civilized.” The Cherokees signed treaties that surrendered 90% of their land to the United States and in return of being civilized, they were taught Christianity and English. This Indian group was even led to develop a constitution based on that of the U.S. Certainly, one can see that white America accepted those who conformed to its desires, while those who did not such as the blacks and other Native Americans were treated and viewed as non human.
During this time America continued to become more democratic for white males, while racism kept becoming more prominent. Those who were accepted were people who looked the same and spoke the same language as the whites. Andrew Jackson justified the removal of the Indians from their lands by saying that they were refusing to conform to the character of the white man, this being reflective of their evil resistance to change. Furthermore, Jackson said that the Indians did not want to secede to the “Superior Race” and that by not embracing white culture they were wrong. It was in 1838 that the U.S. army forced the remaining non conformed Cherokees at gun point to leave there homes, resulting in the “Trail of Tears.” Mexicans were also viewed as an inferior race by the whites. The United States annexed one third of Mexico’s land after the war with their southern neighbor. This was again displaying the idea that America believed that the west belonged to the whites, this being justified as manifest destiny.
In the 19th Century science began to be used to justify white superiority. During 1840s as movements were being made to abolish racial slavery, some of the abolitionists believed that all people were from the same created order. Contrarily, Samuel Morten a well known scientist of his time later determined that by looking at the construction and the size of skulls that there was no doubt a hierarchy of races existed. Morten concluded that white skulls proved that they were the highest and most superior of the races, followed by Native Americans, and finally the lowest sect of society being the blacks. This “discovery” re-emphasized the idea that God created blacks as slaves. Nott, another scientist of the mid 1800s argued that blacks should be viewed as a completely different species. Nott wrote through prejudice language, gaining white America’s acceptance that his idea of separate species was scientific fact. Another key element which was stressed once again in the 19th Century was that the Declaration of Independence claim of “All men are created equal” did not scientifically include blacks either. For if blacks were considered a different species then it was legitimate in the eyes of whites to say that they were not people, and thus justify blacks as slaves.
It is evident that the power of the ideology of race can change the minds of people. A book published during the late 19th Century, entitled “Types of Mankind” argued that Africans, Asians, and Native Americans were all different species. The main point of this literature was that no two races could exist on the same terms, as one was meant to rule the others, the one in America being whites. Science continued to be used to justify racism, not the fact that American Colonists needed laborers to produce crops and survive economically. Instead of America telling the truth by saying that its white colonists wanted land, an economic/monetary dominance, and political control over society, it created an enormous problem by creating “racism.” A racial hierarchy was formed by saying that there was something fundamentally different about non whites.
In conclusion, the documentary “Race the Power of an illusion” along with Cornel West’s essay, “A genealogy of modern racism,” has unfolded the truths to how a racial hierarchy has been formed in society. Racism in the U.S. did not exist until the whites decided to use the physical differences of people as a means to gain what they desired in order to be the most prosperous and elite people in America. Unfortunately, as a result of this created hierarchy of race the scars and wounds of racism have not been fully healed as it still exists today. The human situation continues to be impacted by modern day slavery, as some historians believe that more forced labor (modern day slavery) occurs now than ever before. It is catastrophic that America has left out the reality of this messiness and bloodiness that has come about because of white America’s creation of racism and the racial hierarchy. By leaving the reality and the uncleanness out of the history books America has deceived the modern intellectual about how this monster named race authentically emerged within our society.
As explained in the documentary, “Race the Power of an illusion,” America created the story of race as a fundamental idea that there was a difference between human beings in order for whites to advance to social and economic prominence within society. Essentially, this was the reality of racism in America from the beginning, however the likes of Thomas Jefferson and other early American settlers would not admit to this veracity. Thomas Jefferson, one of the “Founding Fathers,” stressed the importance of human equality, backing up the Declaration of Independence which stated that “All men are created equal.” Quite contradictory, Jefferson was the proud owner of as many as 225 slaves. He argued that blacks were inferior to whites in body and mind, suggesting that inalienable rights only applies to certain people, meaning whites. This expressed the idea that those enslaved were not men, as blacks were said to be written out of the human family.
Meanwhile, there was an intense need for labor in the American Colonies from the time settlers first came over from Great Britain in the early 1600s. At this point in time wealth and religion were the distinct factors that classified people, as color did not yet play a role. The social power of hierarchies was a gradual process which emerged later on in history. For the first fifty years, European workers were servants on farms and plantations in the Colonies, only to be replaced with African slaves by means of the dominant African slave trade. Blacks were viewed as the ideal source of labor as they could be purchased for a fair price and could not blend in with Colonial America if they escaped from their owners. This was the first time that the term “white” appeared as the identifying factor, instead of one being classified by means of wealth and whether he/she was Christian. Whites also gained financially and egotistically through the ownership of slaves in America. Slavery eventually became identified with Africans, as a racial divide emerged. People saw existing power relationships as natural, this being a monumental mistake. As slavery became more widespread it seemed that slavery was the natural role of blacks in society.
While blacks were being targeted at this time, Jefferson, on the other hand, was arguing that Native American Indians were actually naturally white and had just turned brown because of exposure to the sun. Jefferson believed that Indians were savages, but that they could be civilized, while blacks could not. Native Americans fought to maintain there freedom and their land, as American settlers invaded Indian occupied territory. The American settlers wanted to Christianize the Indians, convert them from hunters and gathers into farmers, and force them to become settlers instead of nomads. Essentially, the goal of the colonists was to make the Indians “brown white men.” On the other hand, Jefferson did not see a way or have a desire to assimilate blacks into society, as was the approach with Indians. He stressed that blacks were physically and mentally different, which led to the suspicion that blacks were inferior to whites because of genetics. Jefferson also stated that society would not know or understand the differences between blacks and whites for sure until science tells why blacks are inferior.
Jefferson did know that expanding the nation’s territory was of great importance at this time so he acted accordingly by means of the Louisiana Purchase. This expansion of America allowed American colonists to pressure Indians even more for new lands that were necessary for developing more plantations. The Cherokees were one group of Indians that conformed in a sense to the American desire, as some of them become “civilized.” The Cherokees signed treaties that surrendered 90% of their land to the United States and in return of being civilized, they were taught Christianity and English. This Indian group was even led to develop a constitution based on that of the U.S. Certainly, one can see that white America accepted those who conformed to its desires, while those who did not such as the blacks and other Native Americans were treated and viewed as non human.
During this time America continued to become more democratic for white males, while racism kept becoming more prominent. Those who were accepted were people who looked the same and spoke the same language as the whites. Andrew Jackson justified the removal of the Indians from their lands by saying that they were refusing to conform to the character of the white man, this being reflective of their evil resistance to change. Furthermore, Jackson said that the Indians did not want to secede to the “Superior Race” and that by not embracing white culture they were wrong. It was in 1838 that the U.S. army forced the remaining non conformed Cherokees at gun point to leave there homes, resulting in the “Trail of Tears.” Mexicans were also viewed as an inferior race by the whites. The United States annexed one third of Mexico’s land after the war with their southern neighbor. This was again displaying the idea that America believed that the west belonged to the whites, this being justified as manifest destiny.
In the 19th Century science began to be used to justify white superiority. During 1840s as movements were being made to abolish racial slavery, some of the abolitionists believed that all people were from the same created order. Contrarily, Samuel Morten a well known scientist of his time later determined that by looking at the construction and the size of skulls that there was no doubt a hierarchy of races existed. Morten concluded that white skulls proved that they were the highest and most superior of the races, followed by Native Americans, and finally the lowest sect of society being the blacks. This “discovery” re-emphasized the idea that God created blacks as slaves. Nott, another scientist of the mid 1800s argued that blacks should be viewed as a completely different species. Nott wrote through prejudice language, gaining white America’s acceptance that his idea of separate species was scientific fact. Another key element which was stressed once again in the 19th Century was that the Declaration of Independence claim of “All men are created equal” did not scientifically include blacks either. For if blacks were considered a different species then it was legitimate in the eyes of whites to say that they were not people, and thus justify blacks as slaves.
It is evident that the power of the ideology of race can change the minds of people. A book published during the late 19th Century, entitled “Types of Mankind” argued that Africans, Asians, and Native Americans were all different species. The main point of this literature was that no two races could exist on the same terms, as one was meant to rule the others, the one in America being whites. Science continued to be used to justify racism, not the fact that American Colonists needed laborers to produce crops and survive economically. Instead of America telling the truth by saying that its white colonists wanted land, an economic/monetary dominance, and political control over society, it created an enormous problem by creating “racism.” A racial hierarchy was formed by saying that there was something fundamentally different about non whites.
In conclusion, the documentary “Race the Power of an illusion” along with Cornel West’s essay, “A genealogy of modern racism,” has unfolded the truths to how a racial hierarchy has been formed in society. Racism in the U.S. did not exist until the whites decided to use the physical differences of people as a means to gain what they desired in order to be the most prosperous and elite people in America. Unfortunately, as a result of this created hierarchy of race the scars and wounds of racism have not been fully healed as it still exists today. The human situation continues to be impacted by modern day slavery, as some historians believe that more forced labor (modern day slavery) occurs now than ever before. It is catastrophic that America has left out the reality of this messiness and bloodiness that has come about because of white America’s creation of racism and the racial hierarchy. By leaving the reality and the uncleanness out of the history books America has deceived the modern intellectual about how this monster named race authentically emerged within our society.
St. Jude Patron Saint of Hopeless Causes
Within Christianity there are many symbols and rituals that hold great importance for believers and the faith community. Many times these rituals and symbols speak great volumes to people based on the situations they face in life, as well as the cultural context in which people live. Saints, those who have lived an extraordinary life by following Christ to the highest degree, have been particularly meaningful to Catholics who often have searched for another way to connect and grow in their relationship with God. For women in the Twentieth Century, St. Jude played an extremely significant role in their lives, as their relationship grew, as did their communion, love and devotion to the saint of hopeless causes. During that time period women were required to take on harsh gender roles and a societal script for how to live their lives, which were forced upon them by mainstream American culture. As a result, woman turned to St. Jude, the patron saint of hopeless causes, in order to resist and cope with the problems in their lives as they worked to regain religious power, a supportive and female-centered community, and a voice.
Unfortunately, society has fabricated things such as “particular arrangements of gender, class, [and] race,” which are often “treated as natural or given, part of the taken-for-grantedness of the world even though they are made and sustained in culture.” (Orsi 211) Women in the Twentieth Century fell into this trap, which told them they had a specific role in society. In his text, Thank You St. Jude: Women’s Devotion to the Patron Saint of Hopeless Causes, Robert A. Orsi explained that married women during the time period of the Twentieth Century were expected to stay at home, care for the children, be silent sufferers, and martyrs. The man’s role in society was to be the “bread winner” or sole financial supporter of the family, in other words the stable and courageous one. The script that was given to women was certainly put to the test during the troublesome years of the Great Depression. The Great Depression challenged women in an extreme manner, placing new stresses and problems in their lives. Interestingly enough, women were the ones who had to go out and work to support the family, much to the disdain of men. The “natural bread winners”—men, were no longer able to feed their families because they were being laid off from their blue color jobs. The only stable jobs were white collar occupations, which were at the time being held by women. Not only did women hear constant complaining by men who were jealous and humiliated by the fact that they were no longer the reliable one’s in the family, but women who were out of place also had to deal with the problems that arose from their husbands’ uneasiness. Many times women had to face the reality that their husbands were drinking away their families’ fortunes or even in extreme cases when men left them for good. Overall, the Depression began undermining the Catholic role of family. Women needed something to turn to where they could find answers; this we will see was St. Jude.
Another time in the Twentieth Century when women were out of place was during WWII. Women had to work because their husbands were off at war and their families could not survive if they did not maintain at least one job. Not only was work strenuous on women, but they were expected to hold their husbands as the center of their lives. They were also expected to be brave when their husbands were sent away to be killed overseas. These pressures continued to build and were problems that women had to deal with in one way or another.
Lastly, the Post WWII era brought about another difficulty for women, this being child rearing. Women were now being called to give birth in hospitals, a new and strange environment. They no longer had the support of their family when delivering a child and were robbed of the religious meaning of pain during the process of giving birth because new drugs/pain killers were being used. The sacred and natural aspect of having children was destroyed, and consequently childbirth became meaningless. The overlying problem at hand was that women once had a place in society as mother and wife. Even if this script was written for them or role forced upon them in the past, they used to have a place in society. However, when the Twentieth Century came along women became out of place in the realm of the American Catholic culture, they needed something to lean on, and this essentially becoming devotions to St. Jude.
Society called for women to rely on men during the Twentieth Century, men who were not dependable for the reasons previously explained. One vital point of emphasis was the fact that during this period and course of events women had no voice. Women were not allowed to speak about the problems that occurred within their home, especially the problems that their husbands had caused. Women were continuously forced to respect society’s manufactured role for them; that they were to be silent sufferers and martyrs. Certainly, women knew that if they did speak of their concerns/problems things would have only worsened. However, women also realized that they could not keep their problems to themselves because if they did their lives would not improve. As a result, devotions to St. Jude allowed women to voice their problems, concerns, and troubles to other women who were in a similar or the same situation as they were. St. Jude provided women with a warm and welcoming figure who was always willing to listen, as well as able to offer an environment that was safe and confidential for women to speak up about their disoriented lives. The prayers women made to St. Jude were “situated precisely at the point where the personal, intimate experience intersected with the greater impersonal forces of history under way outside the door.” (Orsi 49) St. Jude was the ideal man according to many women because he cared, he listened, and he gave women a voice, things that the men in their lives deprived women of.
St. Jude also helped women take a stand and not simply accept the manipulating forces in their lives. Although women were extremely involved with St. Jude, they also realized that there was a difference between themselves and their saint. Women were the one’s who had to face the reality of the world, the ways society was oppressing them, and how they had to be proactive and do something about the situation they were forced to live in. St. Jude was the provider of hope and women did enter into a unique relationship with the saint. Nevertheless, Jude was distinct from the women themselves. Devotion to St. Jude granted women solidarity and a supportive female-centered community. In the past women had been isolated, cut off from their families, as well as the male dominated society. However, by means of devotions to St. Jude, a supporting cast and community of others with a similar identity, was what women needed and received in order to help them create a new script for themselves in society.
Finally, devotions to St. Jude gave women a great sense of hope and more religious power. Narratives of petition, where “asking” occurred, allowed women to have a connection and/or network of women who introduced other women to St. Jude. This was very important because new members of Jude’s devout community brought strength and life to those already in St. Jude’s “fold.” As the numbers of devotees to the saint increased so did their power. Narratives of grace also took place during devotions to Jude, these being stories of times of miraculous intercession by the saint in the lives of women. Therefore, St. Jude was creating new perspectives for women and granting them the hope they so desperately needed. The saint provided women with a “courageous response to life’s troubles undertaken with love and trust.” (Orsi 208) As a result of devotions to St. Jude, women were able to legitimately challenge the script that society had forced upon them, essentially the war of words. According to Orsi, language (scripts) shape people and the culture in which they live. A script tells the people of a particular culture “XYZ,” however these are merely limiting factors that should not be automatically accepted, but examined carefully. Jude was a “supple, multidimensional [idiom] for working on the self and the world in an oscillating dialectic ‘fantasy’ and ‘reality,’ self and other, objective and subjective, past and present, submission and resistance.” (Orsi 210) Consequently, St. Jude was a resource for women to view their lives in a different manner, other than the societal script and role that had already been written for women by the mainstream American culture. Eventually, women gained more religious power and authority in the Church as they continued to fight for their rights and their voices were granted back to them.
In conclusion, St. Jude was the “X-Factor” for women. Jude was the force that spared women from possibly being confined to the societal script/role within the American Culture for the long term. Without their devotions to St. Jude, women might have been oppressed for the remainder of the Twentieth Century and beyond. What is certain, is that the patron saint of hopeless causes allowed women to triumph in due time over the struggles that came about during the times of the Depression, WWII, and the Post WWII era when women were out of place. St. Jude allowed women to gain more religious power, achieve a supportive and female-centered community, and granted them a voice. This voice and new place in society which St. Jude helped women attain by means of a new script, established major historical changes resulting from future events such as the successful women’s movement.
Evil is in the World It is a Reality
The Twenty First Century in the United States, known as the “greatest nation in the world,” has left those Catholics who truly believe in God puzzled and disturbed. The American culture is loaded with false truths and harmful ideals which have led many astray from God. The importance of glory and fame, materialism, money, and the power of science and technology have exploded to create a monstrous society, a culture consumed by evil. Many people in this day and age give little thought to the importance of faith, let alone the reality that evil exists and is a deadly plague which continues to destroy the lives of Americans. The majority of Americans claim that they believe in God, this most certainly is true. However, the God they believe in and center their lives around, is not the Creator of Heaven and Earth. In American culture, religion has become the worship of ideals and false truths. Evil has been the stronghold which has snatched Americans from authentic love and the truth, namely Jesus Christ.
Evil is all around and fills the world we live in. All one has to do is read the newspaper or turn on the television and this dangerous force cannot be missed. However, the American culture which is consumed by evil has turned its cheek from reality, the fact that the world is a complete disaster. One of the most influential factors which has brought about and given way to the “Evil Empire” (America) is modernity. Modernity can be explained as the devil’s advocate as it has continuously pulled Americans away from their faith in God, the importance of religion, and the truth. Modernity has developed the idea that humans are individuals, de-emphasizing the significance that God made us to be people who live in a community of love. More and more emphasis has been placed on the self and the notion of what “I” want to do, not what is best for society as a whole. As a result of the American culture forming into a mass of individuals, there has been a complete separation and isolation that essentially has led to destruction. Americans become isolated from one another because of the “children of modernity,” things such as materialism, wealth, fame, and science/technology, and thus Americans have been ultimately separated from God.
It blows the minds of those truly devout Catholics to think that our American currency states, “In God We Trust.” America would be an entirely different country if this were indeed true. Unfortunately, God is very hard to find in the society in which we live. Nevertheless, the God or Gods that many Americans worship are ever present and found on a daily basis. Most Americans work hard to acquire material goods, things that they believe will make them happy. A common idea is that the more “stuff” I have the happier I will become. This obviously is a false notion, an example of how evil and modernity has corrupted the minds and souls of individuals. Nowadays who strives to live the humble life? Instead, American culture demands that individuals seek glory and fame. People forget that money is a resource and blessing from God, which if used properly could change the world and improve the human situation. Yet, in America money is a god which is worshipped and glorified because it is falsely believed to be able to gain happiness and hope for people. A prime example of this is the title of a recent rap album by super star 50 Cent which states, “Get Rich or Die Trying.” Why can’t people see that Christ is not present, and cannot be present, in such an evil and dark society?
Furthermore, science and technology have stolen Americans away from their Creator, as there are more evil distractions now during the Twenty First Century than ever before. Not many people question the legitimacy of science, usually only those such as Catholics who have a deep and authentic faith in God. Why is it that people tend to so easily believe whatever society tells them, rather than acknowledging that God is the “X Factor” who allows for the created world to develop by means of evolution? It is mind boggling that Americans do not have enough time to go to Church, that is spend less than an hour per week with the one (God) who loves, sustains, and blesses them constantly. Yet, Americans always have the time to text- message, talk on the phone, IM, and Facebook others numerous hours each day. This leaves Catholics in America with the question, “Where is God present in this country?” Murder, prostitution, drug usage, mass consumption of alcohol, and the like have warped the minds of Americans and kept them from knowing and loving God the Father who so graciously wants to save them from destruction. The Gospel of Luke (Luke 16:13) tells us that "No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (money)."
If Americans would merely listen and not ignore the Catholic approach to life the society we live in would not be so constrained by the evil forces of the world, for in Christ there is true hope and salvation for all. Devout Catholics understand that the only way to combat evil is by means of peace, brotherly love, and unselfishness. In order to overcome temptation, sin, and the falsehood of the American culture, one must place his/her full trust in God, work to live together in community as people with others, and live life by facing reality to make changes in what is a dark world. Catholics in America face a great obstacle, this being the negative influence of culture. However, those who stay strong by keeping the faith and do not lose heart in doing good, will in due time reap the harvest if they do not grow weary (Galatians 6:9). Salvation is available to all, as God calls all of His people to spend eternity with Him. Although this is the truth, Americans have overlooked this grace and have been so clouded by the dominating modern culture that God is no longer in the forefront of their minds. As a result, the kind of hope that St. Jude gave to Catholic women during the Twentieth Century is no longer being realized by many in America who have fallen by the wayside, losing all connection with God. Maybe there is a reason why the cross in the Protestant Church has no Christ on it. The American culture has portrayed that Jesus has disappeared or is no longer present in society. It is not a question of whether God and His Son Jesus Christ have left America, but the reality that America no longer desires to acknowledge the “way, the truth, and the life”(John 14:6) in a world which they have manufactured—one full of sinfulness, darkness and death.
In conclusion, modernity and the evil factors in the world have extinguished and destroyed the importance of God in America. The American culture has acted as the devil’s “poster child,” leading people astray like sheep being led to the slaughter. For faithful Catholics in the United States it is extremely difficult to witness so many Americans falling off the road to eternal life, which God had paved for all by means of the ultimate expression of love that Christ lived out on the cross. There is no doubt that the gospel of Matthew is accurate in stating that “For many are invited, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14). Until American culture changes from a society that is plagued by modernity, being filled with selfishness and greed, many will remain blinded from the truth. These Americans may never see the true light of the world—Jesus Christ, the one who can lead all to triumph over evil and gain true life.
Evil is all around and fills the world we live in. All one has to do is read the newspaper or turn on the television and this dangerous force cannot be missed. However, the American culture which is consumed by evil has turned its cheek from reality, the fact that the world is a complete disaster. One of the most influential factors which has brought about and given way to the “Evil Empire” (America) is modernity. Modernity can be explained as the devil’s advocate as it has continuously pulled Americans away from their faith in God, the importance of religion, and the truth. Modernity has developed the idea that humans are individuals, de-emphasizing the significance that God made us to be people who live in a community of love. More and more emphasis has been placed on the self and the notion of what “I” want to do, not what is best for society as a whole. As a result of the American culture forming into a mass of individuals, there has been a complete separation and isolation that essentially has led to destruction. Americans become isolated from one another because of the “children of modernity,” things such as materialism, wealth, fame, and science/technology, and thus Americans have been ultimately separated from God.
It blows the minds of those truly devout Catholics to think that our American currency states, “In God We Trust.” America would be an entirely different country if this were indeed true. Unfortunately, God is very hard to find in the society in which we live. Nevertheless, the God or Gods that many Americans worship are ever present and found on a daily basis. Most Americans work hard to acquire material goods, things that they believe will make them happy. A common idea is that the more “stuff” I have the happier I will become. This obviously is a false notion, an example of how evil and modernity has corrupted the minds and souls of individuals. Nowadays who strives to live the humble life? Instead, American culture demands that individuals seek glory and fame. People forget that money is a resource and blessing from God, which if used properly could change the world and improve the human situation. Yet, in America money is a god which is worshipped and glorified because it is falsely believed to be able to gain happiness and hope for people. A prime example of this is the title of a recent rap album by super star 50 Cent which states, “Get Rich or Die Trying.” Why can’t people see that Christ is not present, and cannot be present, in such an evil and dark society?
Furthermore, science and technology have stolen Americans away from their Creator, as there are more evil distractions now during the Twenty First Century than ever before. Not many people question the legitimacy of science, usually only those such as Catholics who have a deep and authentic faith in God. Why is it that people tend to so easily believe whatever society tells them, rather than acknowledging that God is the “X Factor” who allows for the created world to develop by means of evolution? It is mind boggling that Americans do not have enough time to go to Church, that is spend less than an hour per week with the one (God) who loves, sustains, and blesses them constantly. Yet, Americans always have the time to text- message, talk on the phone, IM, and Facebook others numerous hours each day. This leaves Catholics in America with the question, “Where is God present in this country?” Murder, prostitution, drug usage, mass consumption of alcohol, and the like have warped the minds of Americans and kept them from knowing and loving God the Father who so graciously wants to save them from destruction. The Gospel of Luke (Luke 16:13) tells us that "No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (money)."
If Americans would merely listen and not ignore the Catholic approach to life the society we live in would not be so constrained by the evil forces of the world, for in Christ there is true hope and salvation for all. Devout Catholics understand that the only way to combat evil is by means of peace, brotherly love, and unselfishness. In order to overcome temptation, sin, and the falsehood of the American culture, one must place his/her full trust in God, work to live together in community as people with others, and live life by facing reality to make changes in what is a dark world. Catholics in America face a great obstacle, this being the negative influence of culture. However, those who stay strong by keeping the faith and do not lose heart in doing good, will in due time reap the harvest if they do not grow weary (Galatians 6:9). Salvation is available to all, as God calls all of His people to spend eternity with Him. Although this is the truth, Americans have overlooked this grace and have been so clouded by the dominating modern culture that God is no longer in the forefront of their minds. As a result, the kind of hope that St. Jude gave to Catholic women during the Twentieth Century is no longer being realized by many in America who have fallen by the wayside, losing all connection with God. Maybe there is a reason why the cross in the Protestant Church has no Christ on it. The American culture has portrayed that Jesus has disappeared or is no longer present in society. It is not a question of whether God and His Son Jesus Christ have left America, but the reality that America no longer desires to acknowledge the “way, the truth, and the life”(John 14:6) in a world which they have manufactured—one full of sinfulness, darkness and death.
In conclusion, modernity and the evil factors in the world have extinguished and destroyed the importance of God in America. The American culture has acted as the devil’s “poster child,” leading people astray like sheep being led to the slaughter. For faithful Catholics in the United States it is extremely difficult to witness so many Americans falling off the road to eternal life, which God had paved for all by means of the ultimate expression of love that Christ lived out on the cross. There is no doubt that the gospel of Matthew is accurate in stating that “For many are invited, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14). Until American culture changes from a society that is plagued by modernity, being filled with selfishness and greed, many will remain blinded from the truth. These Americans may never see the true light of the world—Jesus Christ, the one who can lead all to triumph over evil and gain true life.
True meaning of CHRISTMAS
There is always much excitement once Thanksgiving passes, as so many people throughout the world look forward to Christmas. Christmas, a holiday, a truly holy day and yet so many forget about what this celebration is all about. Presents, gifts, the madness, the commotion, yet where is Christ in all of this? Children anticipating the coming of Santa Clause, placing the milk and cookies out and the carrots for the reindeer. Yes, these things do have some value in them, however Christmas has turned into a holiday of materialism and commercialism. The gift giving is good, but has been overdone and is now the sole focus of this day, driving many completely over the edge as it controls their minds and souls.
Christmas is about the incarnation, the coming of God in human form, born as a babe. Jesus, the Christ--the anointed one, was born into the world, this being the beginning of the road to salvation. Emmanuel, meaning God is with us, did truly become an immanent part of human history living with and among His people. Christmas is the celebration and the remembrance, or a re-living or the experience of the birth of the Son of God. By the power of the Holy Spirit our Lord was conceived in the womb of Mary, the Mother of God. The Gospels tell us that Joseph, the man Mary was betrothed to did not want to shame his future wife as he had not had relations with her and knew of her pregnancy. Therefore Joseph was going to divorce her quietly, but behold he had a vision from an angel that told him that Mary conceived the babe by the power of God's Spirit. The angel told Joesph to name the babe, the son of David, Jesus, the one who was to free His people from their sins. The infant John, that is John the Baptist, leaped in his mother's womb when in the presence of Mary who carried the Christ. These are the events before the birth that we should remember, as Jesus did bring JOY to the world and eventually freed us from slavery to sin, with His selfless act of love, dying on the cross. The Birth (Christmas), the death (Crucifixiion) and the Resurrection are all vital parts of Christian history and salvation which need to be remembered by us, the people of God in a manner where we give the Lord all glory and honor. Christmas is about family, it is about, communion, it is about the coming together of the Church--the body of Christ. Make sure this Christmas you remember what we are celebrating, the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior, Lord, and King. The incarnation, God taking on the flesh to be with us, live for us, and ultimately love us in the greatest way possible. By keeping Christ in Christmas your joy to will be made complete on this sacred day in the advent season.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Mercy of God
It continues to amaze me at how merciful God is. When we think that the Lord is furthest away He is the one carrying us along, turning us away from temptation and sin. Without God, we are nothing. Many times it is easy to get caught up in our daily lives, the course of busy schedules. Forgetting about God is not good, more than that it is suicide. When we consciously make an effort to thank the Lord for all the many blessings He gives us, and participate in prayer; communication with God, our lives can be complete. When we decide to follow the Lord whole heartedly He opens up more doors in our lives. When we spiritually mature God places new challenges and blessings in our lives because He knows that we are ready to handle them because of our new maturity and our trust in Him. Sometimes we may wonder why our lives are easier at some times than others, or why we have to face various obstacles that come our way. There may not be a clear cut answer, but one thing is for sure, God never gives people things they cannot handle. God does answer all prayers, just not in the way we expect them to be answered some times. It is important that we remain faithful because after all God has been so merciful to first of all give us the gift of life. His mercy truly does endure forever and if we put Jesus in the driver seat we will never have a big time crash again. Sure there will always be constant challenges, but we won't go off road into a ditch when the Lord is at our side. Mercy certainly cannot be measured. The Holy Spirit is poured into our hearts and it is vital that we ask for this gift of God's grace each day to give us the strength we need to recognize the mercy in our lives and also live to the best of our ability. We always must remember to have mercy on our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, as God has mercy on us.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
A Battle We Fight
A Battle We Fight
I would like to thank every woman, boy, girl, and man
Who fought to bring freedom to this land
They all went away to serve
Whether in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Reserves
To make America a better place
A land of opportunity where people can become great
When He was 18 he was sent away
People have died it’s a price they pay
War is more than blood, violence, suffering, and death
It’s more about freedom that’s brought to the rest
Honor, duty, and Respect
The President must call the elect
War can bring so many positive things
Like new governments, justice, and freedom that rings
Sometimes however we need to look at all the money that is spent
Because War is more than leaving a wallet with a big dent
We should only fight
If we know what we doing is right
Unfortunately, evil, corruption and hatreds all around
So soldiers go to war to bring justice to towns
War is to be fought to defeat all sin
To bring peace to each land and nation
There are so many people who live in poverty
If wars not just we ought to spend our funds on feeding the needy
Let’s fight the war on Terror
Cause if we don’t this will be a big error
However, thanks to people who promoted peace
We can nip evil in the bud, and overcome defeat
Many wars have been fought
Some with bullets, others with words those sometimes go for naught
Thanks to people like Rosa Parks, Doctor King and Gandhi
Things like racism, and prejudices have been dwindling
So as for this controversial thing
War must be fought if and only if in the end justice will sing.
I would like to thank every woman, boy, girl, and man
Who fought to bring freedom to this land
They all went away to serve
Whether in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Reserves
To make America a better place
A land of opportunity where people can become great
When He was 18 he was sent away
People have died it’s a price they pay
War is more than blood, violence, suffering, and death
It’s more about freedom that’s brought to the rest
Honor, duty, and Respect
The President must call the elect
War can bring so many positive things
Like new governments, justice, and freedom that rings
Sometimes however we need to look at all the money that is spent
Because War is more than leaving a wallet with a big dent
We should only fight
If we know what we doing is right
Unfortunately, evil, corruption and hatreds all around
So soldiers go to war to bring justice to towns
War is to be fought to defeat all sin
To bring peace to each land and nation
There are so many people who live in poverty
If wars not just we ought to spend our funds on feeding the needy
Let’s fight the war on Terror
Cause if we don’t this will be a big error
However, thanks to people who promoted peace
We can nip evil in the bud, and overcome defeat
Many wars have been fought
Some with bullets, others with words those sometimes go for naught
Thanks to people like Rosa Parks, Doctor King and Gandhi
Things like racism, and prejudices have been dwindling
So as for this controversial thing
War must be fought if and only if in the end justice will sing.
Praise God
Praise God
Praise God for another day
We love to worship the Father we love to pray
We must listen to what He has to say
Then we will find life can be so happy
We are all called to serve
This is what our Maker truly deserves
Praise God all you Disciples of Christ
The Alpha, The Omega Who gives us life
Praise He Who Is, Will Be, and Was
The Holy of Holies Who reigns above
The Trumpets blast and the Angels sing
We proclaim God’s Glory to Everyone and Everything
He is the Creator of animals, people, and the world
God sculpted it all, for Him it was an easy whirl
Daddy Thanks for loving us so much
Help us to know you more and your Son Jesus
Almighty you are the God of Life
Flowing Abundantly with Grace, There’s no strife
Praise God for He is so Good
He and His Son’s the Key to Heaven This Must Be Understood
He heels all of creation
Redeeming the sin of Adam, Eve, and every nation
Jesus the King both Human and Divine
Did God the Father’s Will 100% of the Time
We must all strive to be like He
Christ the Lord, the Highest Majesty
God revealed to us His Love
By Sending to us His only Son
Life is about worshipping the Lord
Loving one’s neighbors and studying the Word
So pick up Your Cross and Rep for the Christ
The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost will give you Life
Thanks to the grace we receive from Above
Someday in Heaven we’ll be with God Who is Love
Oh Lord Jesus Christ You are the Mighty King
We Shall all Bow Down and Kiss Your Ring.
Praise God
Amen.
Praise God for another day
We love to worship the Father we love to pray
We must listen to what He has to say
Then we will find life can be so happy
We are all called to serve
This is what our Maker truly deserves
Praise God all you Disciples of Christ
The Alpha, The Omega Who gives us life
Praise He Who Is, Will Be, and Was
The Holy of Holies Who reigns above
The Trumpets blast and the Angels sing
We proclaim God’s Glory to Everyone and Everything
He is the Creator of animals, people, and the world
God sculpted it all, for Him it was an easy whirl
Daddy Thanks for loving us so much
Help us to know you more and your Son Jesus
Almighty you are the God of Life
Flowing Abundantly with Grace, There’s no strife
Praise God for He is so Good
He and His Son’s the Key to Heaven This Must Be Understood
He heels all of creation
Redeeming the sin of Adam, Eve, and every nation
Jesus the King both Human and Divine
Did God the Father’s Will 100% of the Time
We must all strive to be like He
Christ the Lord, the Highest Majesty
God revealed to us His Love
By Sending to us His only Son
Life is about worshipping the Lord
Loving one’s neighbors and studying the Word
So pick up Your Cross and Rep for the Christ
The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost will give you Life
Thanks to the grace we receive from Above
Someday in Heaven we’ll be with God Who is Love
Oh Lord Jesus Christ You are the Mighty King
We Shall all Bow Down and Kiss Your Ring.
Praise God
Amen.
Live Through JOY
Live Through J.O.Y.
Jesus promises that by proclaiming Him before people
We’ll be assured a seat at His Banquet Meal
We’ll be like Angels Singing Songs to the Son
Thanking Him and Loving the Life that’s been won
Put Christ first in your life
Love Him Even more than a husband loves his wife
Make God the center of your life
This the key to Eternity and way to avoid strife
J-O-Y
Whoever loses his life will find it whoever doesn’t will die
J-Stands for Jesus, O-for Others, Y-Before Yourself Put Christ and Your Brothers
Thanks to the King He’s provided Love from the start
May the fire of Jesus Christ burn in your heart
I am so happy with what God’s given me
But by myself I know I can’t reach Eternity
I must strive to be a good and faithful servant
Unfortunately I fall and must repent
But my Lord picks people up when they fall down
He wants us all to receive the victory crown
J-O-Y
Live for the Lord or live a life of a lie
J-Stands for Jesus, O-for Others, Y-Before Yourself Put Christ and Your Brothers
He pours out the Spirit Like springs of water
He is the Messiah there is no other
With God the tears will be wiped from our eyes
Cause He’s the Lamb of Life, with Him you wont die
I am a sinner will die a sinner this I confess
But I trust God will raise me to complete Holiness
J-Stands for Jesus, O-for Others, Y-Before Yourself Put Christ and Your Brothers
J-O-Y
Whoever loses his life will find it whoever doesn’t will die
J-O-Y
Live for the Lord or live a life of a lie
J-Stands for Jesus, O-for Others, Y-Before Yourself Put Christ and Your Brothers
Yeah! JOY! Amen.
Jesus promises that by proclaiming Him before people
We’ll be assured a seat at His Banquet Meal
We’ll be like Angels Singing Songs to the Son
Thanking Him and Loving the Life that’s been won
Put Christ first in your life
Love Him Even more than a husband loves his wife
Make God the center of your life
This the key to Eternity and way to avoid strife
J-O-Y
Whoever loses his life will find it whoever doesn’t will die
J-Stands for Jesus, O-for Others, Y-Before Yourself Put Christ and Your Brothers
Thanks to the King He’s provided Love from the start
May the fire of Jesus Christ burn in your heart
I am so happy with what God’s given me
But by myself I know I can’t reach Eternity
I must strive to be a good and faithful servant
Unfortunately I fall and must repent
But my Lord picks people up when they fall down
He wants us all to receive the victory crown
J-O-Y
Live for the Lord or live a life of a lie
J-Stands for Jesus, O-for Others, Y-Before Yourself Put Christ and Your Brothers
He pours out the Spirit Like springs of water
He is the Messiah there is no other
With God the tears will be wiped from our eyes
Cause He’s the Lamb of Life, with Him you wont die
I am a sinner will die a sinner this I confess
But I trust God will raise me to complete Holiness
J-Stands for Jesus, O-for Others, Y-Before Yourself Put Christ and Your Brothers
J-O-Y
Whoever loses his life will find it whoever doesn’t will die
J-O-Y
Live for the Lord or live a life of a lie
J-Stands for Jesus, O-for Others, Y-Before Yourself Put Christ and Your Brothers
Yeah! JOY! Amen.
Live 4 God
Live For God
Don’t Fall Captive to this Culture
The American way is not that of a Soldier
Don’t do drugs, don’t be a slave to Sin
Don’t fall into the devil’s trap and crumble like tin
No, don’t do wrong don’t worship idols
Like Cars, money, materialism, and malls
Turn your cheek the other way
Persevere for the Christ each and every day
The Lord, Redemption, Holder of your Soul
Always remember your ultimate goal
Be an apostle, be a disciple
Be one of the twelve seated at the table
The Table of life in God’s Mansion
We’ll break bread with Christ in Eternal Fashion
Wow, what honor it is to be called
To Rep for God’s Church Like James, Andrew, and Paul
Love God with your whole heart, mind, and soul
Conserve His planet, the Forest and the knoll
He’s the C-the-H-the RIST
The Holyness, the completeness, the Lord you see
He’s the one and only
The Heavenly Star
God grants the breath of life each day
Blows air in our lungs no price we pay
Be a priest like Melkezidek of old
Try your best, pass the test, strive to be bold
Live life with the Lord at your side
He’ll get you through hardships, help He’ll provide
Christ the King will Come Again
For the Truth is that He has Died and is Risen
Be a Friend of the Lord
Be Like Your Creator
Be like He, the Prince of Peace
And you will surely walk the Path to Victory and squash defeat.
Amen!
Don’t Fall Captive to this Culture
The American way is not that of a Soldier
Don’t do drugs, don’t be a slave to Sin
Don’t fall into the devil’s trap and crumble like tin
No, don’t do wrong don’t worship idols
Like Cars, money, materialism, and malls
Turn your cheek the other way
Persevere for the Christ each and every day
The Lord, Redemption, Holder of your Soul
Always remember your ultimate goal
Be an apostle, be a disciple
Be one of the twelve seated at the table
The Table of life in God’s Mansion
We’ll break bread with Christ in Eternal Fashion
Wow, what honor it is to be called
To Rep for God’s Church Like James, Andrew, and Paul
Love God with your whole heart, mind, and soul
Conserve His planet, the Forest and the knoll
He’s the C-the-H-the RIST
The Holyness, the completeness, the Lord you see
He’s the one and only
The Heavenly Star
God grants the breath of life each day
Blows air in our lungs no price we pay
Be a priest like Melkezidek of old
Try your best, pass the test, strive to be bold
Live life with the Lord at your side
He’ll get you through hardships, help He’ll provide
Christ the King will Come Again
For the Truth is that He has Died and is Risen
Be a Friend of the Lord
Be Like Your Creator
Be like He, the Prince of Peace
And you will surely walk the Path to Victory and squash defeat.
Amen!
Life In The Spirit
Life in the Spirit
It’s the Spirit that gives life while the flesh is of no avail
The Word the Gospel speaks is the real deal
Live for the Lord, Not For Yourself
Believe in He and you’ll get help
We can’t live right by living all alone
We have to rely on God who’s the key stone
A fool builds His House on Sand
A wise man constructs on Solid Land
That’s why we set out on a Caravan
To Preach the Gospel to Every Single Man
It’s the Spirit that Gives Life While the Flesh is of no Avail
The Word the Gospel speaks is the real deal
If you live by the flesh you will find
That you’re no longer connected to the vine
It’s the Spirit that you must seek
It’s the Holy Ghost which makes life complete
We all march for God from street to street
Soldiers in Christ Army an undefeated fleet
In the end God will harvest the Wheat
Those who trust in Him and He’ll crush the enemy under their feet
The Wheat will be gathered into His barn
Those who accepted Him will face no harm
Better to be a door keeper in the kingdom of Heaven
Then to Have a Mansion in the devil’s kitchen
So pick up your cross and carry it strong
Do what’s best, rep for the Lord all day long
It’s the Spirit that Gives Life While the Flesh is of no Avail
The Word the Gospel speaks is the real deal
So let us people always accept the Light
Don’t cave in to Sin cause that ain’t right
Don’t worry cause we in our Maker’s sight
He’ll give us the Word to Win this Fight
Our duty is to follow Jesus Christ,
And God the Father both day and night
It’s the Spirit that Gives Life While the Flesh is of no Avail
The Word the Gospel speaks is the real deal
Believe in the King of Glory, Lord of Lords
Christianity’s Holy One the Gospel’s Seal
Amen!
It’s the Spirit that gives life while the flesh is of no avail
The Word the Gospel speaks is the real deal
Live for the Lord, Not For Yourself
Believe in He and you’ll get help
We can’t live right by living all alone
We have to rely on God who’s the key stone
A fool builds His House on Sand
A wise man constructs on Solid Land
That’s why we set out on a Caravan
To Preach the Gospel to Every Single Man
It’s the Spirit that Gives Life While the Flesh is of no Avail
The Word the Gospel speaks is the real deal
If you live by the flesh you will find
That you’re no longer connected to the vine
It’s the Spirit that you must seek
It’s the Holy Ghost which makes life complete
We all march for God from street to street
Soldiers in Christ Army an undefeated fleet
In the end God will harvest the Wheat
Those who trust in Him and He’ll crush the enemy under their feet
The Wheat will be gathered into His barn
Those who accepted Him will face no harm
Better to be a door keeper in the kingdom of Heaven
Then to Have a Mansion in the devil’s kitchen
So pick up your cross and carry it strong
Do what’s best, rep for the Lord all day long
It’s the Spirit that Gives Life While the Flesh is of no Avail
The Word the Gospel speaks is the real deal
So let us people always accept the Light
Don’t cave in to Sin cause that ain’t right
Don’t worry cause we in our Maker’s sight
He’ll give us the Word to Win this Fight
Our duty is to follow Jesus Christ,
And God the Father both day and night
It’s the Spirit that Gives Life While the Flesh is of no Avail
The Word the Gospel speaks is the real deal
Believe in the King of Glory, Lord of Lords
Christianity’s Holy One the Gospel’s Seal
Amen!
I Want To Be Like Christ
I Want to Be Like Christ
I want to be like Christ
My Lord, My God, the King of My life
I want to be like Christ
Never take for granted the life you live today
For only the Father in Heaven knows when you’ll be called away
Away to a much better place
Where there is joy Forever and Golden gates
Where children dance with Daddy all day long
Where people are Saints singing the Song
A song of mighty Thanksgiving
To a God whose so merciful and forgiving
Hope, Faith, Love Remain
These three, but Love is most, this we proclaim
Love it is, the greatest of these
The one true gift that always will please
The Father and the Son today
Love God and Neighbor this the Scriptures say
I want to be like Christ
Hear the people in Heaven and this planet rejoice
I want to be like Christ
Strive for perfection, to be like the Son
This is the Race of Life, which must be run
Be Humble, Honest, and Good like He
The Lord Who’s the Stamp of Christianity
Jesus came to serve not to be served
That’s what we are challenged to do, to make him heard
Christ is the Shepard, We are the Sheep
We must always sow fruit, so we may reap
Reap a great harvest, be filled up right
Always keeping in mind that we’re in God’s Sight
I want to be like Christ, there is no other answer, He is the only way
Jesus is the bright and shining Ray
The Ray of Light, the Light of the World
The Lamb of God who lived and died for all
Christ was the One who was slain so that we all might rise in the end
Yes, I want to be like Christ
Like My Lord who did no wrong, but only did right
Yes, I want to be like Christ
He wants you on His Team Today
All it takes is Faith, Hope, and for you to obey
Rep for the Church, God, and Jesus
We are warriors, He’s called all of Us
Stride and Seek first the Kingdom of God
The Holy and Immaculate, the Truth, the Lord.
Amen!
I want to be like Christ
My Lord, My God, the King of My life
I want to be like Christ
Never take for granted the life you live today
For only the Father in Heaven knows when you’ll be called away
Away to a much better place
Where there is joy Forever and Golden gates
Where children dance with Daddy all day long
Where people are Saints singing the Song
A song of mighty Thanksgiving
To a God whose so merciful and forgiving
Hope, Faith, Love Remain
These three, but Love is most, this we proclaim
Love it is, the greatest of these
The one true gift that always will please
The Father and the Son today
Love God and Neighbor this the Scriptures say
I want to be like Christ
Hear the people in Heaven and this planet rejoice
I want to be like Christ
Strive for perfection, to be like the Son
This is the Race of Life, which must be run
Be Humble, Honest, and Good like He
The Lord Who’s the Stamp of Christianity
Jesus came to serve not to be served
That’s what we are challenged to do, to make him heard
Christ is the Shepard, We are the Sheep
We must always sow fruit, so we may reap
Reap a great harvest, be filled up right
Always keeping in mind that we’re in God’s Sight
I want to be like Christ, there is no other answer, He is the only way
Jesus is the bright and shining Ray
The Ray of Light, the Light of the World
The Lamb of God who lived and died for all
Christ was the One who was slain so that we all might rise in the end
Yes, I want to be like Christ
Like My Lord who did no wrong, but only did right
Yes, I want to be like Christ
He wants you on His Team Today
All it takes is Faith, Hope, and for you to obey
Rep for the Church, God, and Jesus
We are warriors, He’s called all of Us
Stride and Seek first the Kingdom of God
The Holy and Immaculate, the Truth, the Lord.
Amen!
Christ is the Risen Lord
Christ is the Risen Lord
Christ did suffer great Agony
Took Nails and died on the Cross for you and Me
He did this out of pure love alone
Cause what was on His mind was taking us Home
The Father did send down the Son
To Cast out Sin and Save Everyone
One thing remained in God’s Mind
It was helping us from time to time
After Jesus Handed His Father the Spirit
The Heavens were shaken and the Earth Darkened
By Dying He destroyed our death for sure
He calls us to live by the Spirit and become poor
God says don’t be afraid oh little flock
He will protect you around the clock for He is your Rock
For where your heart is there you riches will be
Let’s worship the Lord and work for Eternity
He’s the Christ, the Messiah, the Holy One
The Lamb who came to Save Everyone
He’s our hope, our King, our Lord
Jesus fights for creation with the Sword
He has the sword of Justice in His belt
Christ knows our pain and trouble that is felt
So Don’t hide the Treasure He’s blessing you with
Instead use ‘em to Change the world and give
Happy are those disciples who surely desire
To do all things that God has required
Blessed are they who work for Peace
Those who fight for the Lord and Never retreat
So Pick up the Gospel and the Cross
And you will never experience another Loss
Jesus is the real fulfillment
Of the Old and New Testament
So therefore we are no longer slaves to sin
But we have been freed, worship Christ, Praise Him
Amen!
Christ did suffer great Agony
Took Nails and died on the Cross for you and Me
He did this out of pure love alone
Cause what was on His mind was taking us Home
The Father did send down the Son
To Cast out Sin and Save Everyone
One thing remained in God’s Mind
It was helping us from time to time
After Jesus Handed His Father the Spirit
The Heavens were shaken and the Earth Darkened
By Dying He destroyed our death for sure
He calls us to live by the Spirit and become poor
God says don’t be afraid oh little flock
He will protect you around the clock for He is your Rock
For where your heart is there you riches will be
Let’s worship the Lord and work for Eternity
He’s the Christ, the Messiah, the Holy One
The Lamb who came to Save Everyone
He’s our hope, our King, our Lord
Jesus fights for creation with the Sword
He has the sword of Justice in His belt
Christ knows our pain and trouble that is felt
So Don’t hide the Treasure He’s blessing you with
Instead use ‘em to Change the world and give
Happy are those disciples who surely desire
To do all things that God has required
Blessed are they who work for Peace
Those who fight for the Lord and Never retreat
So Pick up the Gospel and the Cross
And you will never experience another Loss
Jesus is the real fulfillment
Of the Old and New Testament
So therefore we are no longer slaves to sin
But we have been freed, worship Christ, Praise Him
Amen!
Called to Serve God
Called to Serve God
Thanks be to God Again and Again
It’s awesome being one of His Children
We must follow the example of Paul
And put our Trust in Christ, God Who Loves All
Spreading the Gospel from land to land
Led by the Christ, we holding His Hand
He will show us the way
Just follow the commandments, honor Him, and pray
Jesus is the Rock, the Strongest Soldier
We must fight for Christianity that’s what He told ya
Life is about living through love
Giving our all to God who reigns above
It’s all about service, Actions, not words
Anyone can talk, leave that for the Birds
Us your gifts, talents, and abilities
Be the servant God needs you to be
Know that why you are here
Is to spread the word and draw others near
Be like Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
Fishers of Men dedicated to God
Remember that Earth is only the Beginning
Heaven is Home, where we hear the Angels Singing
Ask God for Help, Don’t let the devil win
Don’t you ever fall into the trap of flesh and sin
Instead KO evil in the first round
By working for Jesus spreading peace in each town
Hallelujah, Shout the Lords Name
He is the only one who should receive honor and fame
Live by what the Gospel proclaims to you
This is doing exactly what Jesus would do
Be a slave for your God
Carry the Good News of the Savior
To the East, West, North, and South
Boast of the Lord, His name Shout
Thanks be to you my God
My Lord, My Life, My Savior
The Father, the Lover, the light of my Soul
Rep for the Lord, For He’s the only way we roll.
Amen!
Thanks be to God Again and Again
It’s awesome being one of His Children
We must follow the example of Paul
And put our Trust in Christ, God Who Loves All
Spreading the Gospel from land to land
Led by the Christ, we holding His Hand
He will show us the way
Just follow the commandments, honor Him, and pray
Jesus is the Rock, the Strongest Soldier
We must fight for Christianity that’s what He told ya
Life is about living through love
Giving our all to God who reigns above
It’s all about service, Actions, not words
Anyone can talk, leave that for the Birds
Us your gifts, talents, and abilities
Be the servant God needs you to be
Know that why you are here
Is to spread the word and draw others near
Be like Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
Fishers of Men dedicated to God
Remember that Earth is only the Beginning
Heaven is Home, where we hear the Angels Singing
Ask God for Help, Don’t let the devil win
Don’t you ever fall into the trap of flesh and sin
Instead KO evil in the first round
By working for Jesus spreading peace in each town
Hallelujah, Shout the Lords Name
He is the only one who should receive honor and fame
Live by what the Gospel proclaims to you
This is doing exactly what Jesus would do
Be a slave for your God
Carry the Good News of the Savior
To the East, West, North, and South
Boast of the Lord, His name Shout
Thanks be to you my God
My Lord, My Life, My Savior
The Father, the Lover, the light of my Soul
Rep for the Lord, For He’s the only way we roll.
Amen!
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Kenya Pics at Nyumbani Home HIV Orphanage
Pictures of Children
I worked with at Nyumbani 
Home and Orphanage caring for 100 HIV positive children about 20 minutes from the capital city of Nairobi, Kenya. The children were absolutely delightful as they were so loving and happy to see that people cared about them and genuinely loved them. It was amazing because when playing with the children I at times forgot that they were HIV positive because of happy, healthy, and strong they were. I thank God that these children are able to receive the proper medication, nutrition, and love needed so they can have as normal of a life as possible.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Serve God by Serving Others: Live 2 Serve
Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." - John 14:15
All of the Ten Commandments are tied into two commandments:
1) "And though shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment." - Mark 12:30
2) "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you." - John 15:12
All of the Ten Commandments are tied into two commandments:
1) "And though shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment." - Mark 12:30
2) "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you." - John 15:12
Discipleship
It takes hard work, love, faith, courage, and selflessness to become a disciple of Jesus Christ. We must pick up our cross and carry it daily, following the master where He leads. "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." (Luke 9:23) Carrying our own crosses is one step in the right direction, however it is not enough. We must be willing to help our neighbors carry their crosses as well. Jesus said, "Come follow me." We can help others follow the Lord by helping them through their faith journey. One of the many ways we can show our love for God is by giving up ourselves to others. Serving others means giving up our time, energy, and skills to create a better world by helping our neighbors. We are all blessed and must use our gifts, which come from above. Everyone has unique and special skills, which can be implemented in order to help and serve our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. We can show others what love and Christianity is all about by the way we walk. By this, I mean that talk is cheap because anybody can do it, but actions take a real effort and they are the solid proof of a committed Christian willing to serve others. There are many people who desperately need our help in this world. Sure, it is not always easy, but remember, God's Son, Jesus Christ, did not have it easy dying on the cross for us. WE are all called to serve the Lord and others in different ways. One of our missions in life is to figure out what way we are to serve the God and our fellow man. This part of exploring our faith is known as finding our purpose in life.
Every human being created was born into the world for a reason. Nobody is an accident; everyone is part of a master plan. Why are we, a chosen people, here on this planet? "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you." (John 15:16) We should not go through life taking everything for granted, but instead first being thankful for the life we have been so graciously given. Each person who roams this Earth must figure out why he is here. We all have a purpose: there is a reason why we have been given the gift of life. If we do not ever give any thought to what this life is all about, how can we understand how to live the right way? There are many philosophies and millions of ideas, but only one truth. That truth come from above, the Lord God grants it to all. We must live life by serving God and our fellow brothers and sisters, and then we surely will be rewarded. "Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me." (Isaiah 43:10) When dealing with the purpose of life, we must always remember that no matter what career we choose or whatever we do, we should do it for the glory of God with the purpose to serve Him, and those around us. God calls us to live through love and by doing this our life by grace is made complete. "In all that you do, whether in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. Giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (New Testament)
There are many ways to serve; it just takes some effort to get the job done. When we help cloth the naked and feed the hungry for example, we are essentially feeding and clothing Christ himself. For the word of God says "whatever you do for the least of my people that you do onto Me." "And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall no way lose his reward." (Matthew 10:42) It is essential that we pick up our crosses, which are the struggles we face daily and prevail day after day for God in service. God is all knowing and understands all of the obstacles we face. Jesus is committed to getting up to bat with us, helping us overcome all of the curve balls that life throws. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) WE must remember that we are not supposed to be living for ourselves, but for God and for others. If we do this we will surely be granted a reward. We might not see our reward right away, but we know that God is true to us always, and will grant us happiness in the world to come. Mother Teresa, a true servant of the Lord and powerful missionary disciple who lived a life of love and charity, said that we should live life through JOY: Jesus, Others, Yourself. If we live life this way, and in this order, we cannot go wrong. Doing God's will is the only way to live; there is no substitute to loving God and neighbor. Jesus said, "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." (John 6:35)
Let us in whatever we do remember these words of prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, I will follow where you lead. Perhaps I will never understand the way of the cross; I will, though, by your grace and strength, learn to walk in it, confident that since it is the way you chose, it is my way to the Father as your disciple. Amen
GO AND BE FISHERS OF MEN!
Every human being created was born into the world for a reason. Nobody is an accident; everyone is part of a master plan. Why are we, a chosen people, here on this planet? "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you." (John 15:16) We should not go through life taking everything for granted, but instead first being thankful for the life we have been so graciously given. Each person who roams this Earth must figure out why he is here. We all have a purpose: there is a reason why we have been given the gift of life. If we do not ever give any thought to what this life is all about, how can we understand how to live the right way? There are many philosophies and millions of ideas, but only one truth. That truth come from above, the Lord God grants it to all. We must live life by serving God and our fellow brothers and sisters, and then we surely will be rewarded. "Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me." (Isaiah 43:10) When dealing with the purpose of life, we must always remember that no matter what career we choose or whatever we do, we should do it for the glory of God with the purpose to serve Him, and those around us. God calls us to live through love and by doing this our life by grace is made complete. "In all that you do, whether in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. Giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (New Testament)
There are many ways to serve; it just takes some effort to get the job done. When we help cloth the naked and feed the hungry for example, we are essentially feeding and clothing Christ himself. For the word of God says "whatever you do for the least of my people that you do onto Me." "And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall no way lose his reward." (Matthew 10:42) It is essential that we pick up our crosses, which are the struggles we face daily and prevail day after day for God in service. God is all knowing and understands all of the obstacles we face. Jesus is committed to getting up to bat with us, helping us overcome all of the curve balls that life throws. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) WE must remember that we are not supposed to be living for ourselves, but for God and for others. If we do this we will surely be granted a reward. We might not see our reward right away, but we know that God is true to us always, and will grant us happiness in the world to come. Mother Teresa, a true servant of the Lord and powerful missionary disciple who lived a life of love and charity, said that we should live life through JOY: Jesus, Others, Yourself. If we live life this way, and in this order, we cannot go wrong. Doing God's will is the only way to live; there is no substitute to loving God and neighbor. Jesus said, "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." (John 6:35)
Let us in whatever we do remember these words of prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, I will follow where you lead. Perhaps I will never understand the way of the cross; I will, though, by your grace and strength, learn to walk in it, confident that since it is the way you chose, it is my way to the Father as your disciple. Amen
GO AND BE FISHERS OF MEN!
Some of the ways we may serve the Body of Christ
-Habitat for Humanity
-Working in Soup Kitchens
-Donating clothing, food, or other goods to the less fortunate
-Donating Money to charitable organizations
-Visiting the Lonely
-Visiting and spending time with the Elderly, Going to Nursing Homes, Hospitals
-Offering help to others (especially our family) without being asked
-Helping siblings as well as being good big brothers/sisters
-Being a positive role model for youngsters and our youth
-Supporting those who are influenced by peer pressure and helping them abstain from alcohol, drugs, and sex
-Cleaning up the environment by picking up trash
-Helping fellow students with studies or in student tutoring
-Putting others first all the time
-Thinking WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) before acting and then doing the right thing
-Showing others the way of Christ by your faith, actions, deeds, and love
-Working in Soup Kitchens
-Donating clothing, food, or other goods to the less fortunate
-Donating Money to charitable organizations
-Visiting the Lonely
-Visiting and spending time with the Elderly, Going to Nursing Homes, Hospitals
-Offering help to others (especially our family) without being asked
-Helping siblings as well as being good big brothers/sisters
-Being a positive role model for youngsters and our youth
-Supporting those who are influenced by peer pressure and helping them abstain from alcohol, drugs, and sex
-Cleaning up the environment by picking up trash
-Helping fellow students with studies or in student tutoring
-Putting others first all the time
-Thinking WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) before acting and then doing the right thing
-Showing others the way of Christ by your faith, actions, deeds, and love
Friday, June 29, 2007
What Would Jesus Do? (WWJD) Put Your Trust in God's Sprit, The Holy Ghost
There are many challenges and obstacles that are thrown at us on a daily basis. However, no matter what we face we must make a decision. This at times can be tough, but thinking before we act can save us from much pain, distress, and regret. Whether we are in tough situation or just choosing how to use our free time, we must think about our actions because they certainly will effect us and those around.
There are some people who will continue to waltz through life doing whatever they feel they desire at any given time. These people certainly will not get very far in a relationship with God. The disciples of Christ are those who take the time each day to say What Would Jesus Do? It is very easy, however so important and key to making a moral and good decision when facing temptation or what seems to be something that is "harmless." Asking oneself the question, WWJD helps us to take a step back and analyze our choice, understanding that if Jesus would do it then it is certainly ok for us to do.
It is true that we all have specific struggles, but by accepting the help of Christ who is the light we can overcome all darkness. In this day and age there are so many difficult things that we face whether it is temptations via the internet, television, relations with other people, or the consumption of various things, it is much easier to do wrong than it is to do right. With one bad choice entire life and the lives of others can be forever changed. This is why it is so essential to not only think what Jesus would do, but to step up to the plate and do it. Maybe it is not easy, but remember that what is popular is not always right and what is right is not always popular. It can be extremely hard to stand up against the popular norm, but by saying, "There are things I will do because I am a believe in Jesus Christ and there are things I will not do because I am a believer in Jesus Christ" we pick up our cross by the grace of God and make a bold statement about who we are and who is number one in our life.
Another daily thought which must come to our minds is that of the Holy Spirit. Jesus went to the Father so that when He returned the Advocate, the Holy Spirit could teach us all things and give us the strength to conquer evil and defeat sin. Through the power of God's spirit we have the ability to do what is right as long as we genuinely want the Holy Spirit to give us strength and are willing to make the effort to do all that we can. Certainly our life is empty without God, the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit. With this incredible trio we are in the best of hands and will be tended with the utmost love and care as the Good Shepherd gives everything to His sheep. So call on the Holy Spirit and ask the Spirit of the Lord for strength each day for this is the life force which we all need and which will be the guide that paves the way to an eternal future.
So in the days to come please call on the name of the Lord, for he is the one who lightens burdens and will give you rest. Ask yourself What Would Jesus Do? And say, come Holy Spirit fill me with the fire of you love and give me the strength that I need, help me to put my trust in you Lord. Being a Christian is awesome, being a soldier of God great, and resisting the Devil by striving to defeat sin putting our trust, love, and belief in the Lord, will hopefully help us reach the Heavenly Gate. Remember that all that we have comes from God and it is by Grace that we are saved. "Every good and perfect gift comes from above." (Book of James)
There are some people who will continue to waltz through life doing whatever they feel they desire at any given time. These people certainly will not get very far in a relationship with God. The disciples of Christ are those who take the time each day to say What Would Jesus Do? It is very easy, however so important and key to making a moral and good decision when facing temptation or what seems to be something that is "harmless." Asking oneself the question, WWJD helps us to take a step back and analyze our choice, understanding that if Jesus would do it then it is certainly ok for us to do.
It is true that we all have specific struggles, but by accepting the help of Christ who is the light we can overcome all darkness. In this day and age there are so many difficult things that we face whether it is temptations via the internet, television, relations with other people, or the consumption of various things, it is much easier to do wrong than it is to do right. With one bad choice entire life and the lives of others can be forever changed. This is why it is so essential to not only think what Jesus would do, but to step up to the plate and do it. Maybe it is not easy, but remember that what is popular is not always right and what is right is not always popular. It can be extremely hard to stand up against the popular norm, but by saying, "There are things I will do because I am a believe in Jesus Christ and there are things I will not do because I am a believer in Jesus Christ" we pick up our cross by the grace of God and make a bold statement about who we are and who is number one in our life.
Another daily thought which must come to our minds is that of the Holy Spirit. Jesus went to the Father so that when He returned the Advocate, the Holy Spirit could teach us all things and give us the strength to conquer evil and defeat sin. Through the power of God's spirit we have the ability to do what is right as long as we genuinely want the Holy Spirit to give us strength and are willing to make the effort to do all that we can. Certainly our life is empty without God, the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit. With this incredible trio we are in the best of hands and will be tended with the utmost love and care as the Good Shepherd gives everything to His sheep. So call on the Holy Spirit and ask the Spirit of the Lord for strength each day for this is the life force which we all need and which will be the guide that paves the way to an eternal future.
So in the days to come please call on the name of the Lord, for he is the one who lightens burdens and will give you rest. Ask yourself What Would Jesus Do? And say, come Holy Spirit fill me with the fire of you love and give me the strength that I need, help me to put my trust in you Lord. Being a Christian is awesome, being a soldier of God great, and resisting the Devil by striving to defeat sin putting our trust, love, and belief in the Lord, will hopefully help us reach the Heavenly Gate. Remember that all that we have comes from God and it is by Grace that we are saved. "Every good and perfect gift comes from above." (Book of James)
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
3 Week Immersion Trip to Kenya In A Nut Shell
Kenya Trip
NYUMBANI HOME
-Project of Father Angelo D’Agostino (Jesuit Priest & Medical Doctor) as a response to the issue of millions of orphans in Africa. Currently there are more than 15 million orphans in the continent.
-Children’s Orphanage for HIV Positive Children whose parents have died or abandoned them. Currently Home to about 100 children between the ages of 2 and 18.
-Sister Mary and another Nun take care of the Children along with a volunteer staff
-Have Nurses who administrate medication daily to the children.
-Children receive the proper nutrition, love, care, and schooling needed to have somewhat normal lives.
-Nyumbani Home has reached almost 3,000 children since the late 1980s until present.
-Nyumbani has the technology to test children and even babies for HIV.
-There are different buildings where the children live according to their age and gender. The teens live in houses by themselves and cook and clean on their own after being taught how to do so.
-SCHOOLING
-The youngest attend preschool at Nyumbani Home, while the other children go to school in the nearby community and city schools.
-FACILITIES
-Nyumbani Home has a full size playground, basketball court, and soccer fields for children to play. There is also a computer lab for doing projects and for further educational purposes. Mass is held every Sunday and the children participate as alter servers, Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, singers, and dan
cers.
We spent some time a few days at Nyumbani Home with the children giving of ourselves to them by playing and just loving on them in any way possible. We went to Mass two times at Nyumbani Home and did other activities with the kids such as the computer lab.
NYUMBANI VILLAGE KETUI
-We also spent 5 days and 4 nights in Ketui a village 5 hours from Nairobi the capital city of Kenya. The goal of the village is to be made self sustaining so that the people can live off of the land and with the support of each other. Children who have been orphaned because of HIV/AIDS killing their parents live with grandparents in the village homes.
-At the village we lived in a guest house which was equipped exactly how the villagers houses were. There was no running water, no plumbing (as we went to the bathroom in a hole) and no electricity.
-For the days we were at the village we w
orked along side the people there:
Clearing fields, watering thousands of small trees (which are used for fire wood for cooking), making Jicos (outdoor cooking stations), teaching in the school, covering books and assisting the teachers, and playing with the children.
-The average meal consisted of rice and beans and some bread.
-The kids were amazing: they were so attracted to us, just like at Nyumbani Home. We played soccer and just relaxed with them sharing English words as they taught us Kiswahili. There was a special connection made as we developed close friendships with some of the kids and even were taught African handshakes.
-There were a couple of amazing things in Ketui:
Because we had to wash our clothes outdoors in a wash basin using a bucket of water and soap, it was not easy and the children knew this was new for us so they raced over and helped us wash our clothes.
One day I cam back and was filthy from working in the field and my legs were extremely muddy so one little girl came over to me and started wiping off my leg with soap and water…I couldn’t believe this.
The most amazing thing was the children coming to us and wanting to write in our notebooks so they did and wrote their name, standard (grade) in school, and how old they were.
But one little boy stood out above the rest his name we later found out was Kamanzi but we called him Larry. At two years old he first went to the bathroom, then took off all his clothes and placed them in the wash basin. All by himself with no one else around except for me observing, he thoroughly washed his shirt and shorts. After taking them to his sister to hang up, he cam back out and got in the wash basin only to give himself a complete bath washing his hair down to his feet. It was truly remarkable.
LEA TOTO PROGRAM VISITING THE SLUMS
-We also worked many days with the Lea Toto Program, an organization which administrates medication and food to HIV positive children and their families in the slum areas around Nairobi.
-We went around with the social workers to five different slums including: Kariobangi, Kibera, Dandura, Karangwari, and Kangemi. The majority of these slums had at least 200,000 people residing in them and the largest being Kibera had over a million.
Lea Toto has serves over 2,000 families in the Nairobi area in these five slums and distributes food to over 900 families.
Lea Toto has also funded members of the program to start them off with small businesses—hoping that eventually the people can provide for themselves.
The organization continues to attempt to educate as many people as possible about HIV/AIDS.
-When visiting with the clients of Lea Toto we talked with them about their lives, about what the program is doing for them, and just gave them all the support and love we could.
One woman we visited with said she wanted people to know how beneficial and helpful Lea Toto is and because of the free medication for HIV and food her children have a chance for a better life.
All the families we visited were happy that we would spend some of our time with them, they were extremely hospitable and appreciative to us. The one thing that they all would agree on is that they do not want to be forgotten, as they want others to know that their lives can be better if we collectively care to do something about it.
-We also visited High Schools and talked with students about U.S. education, U.S. politics, there interests in studies, and their goals.
CONDITIONS
No Sanitation
No Sewage—people are forced to go to the bathroom in their homes, allies, or streets.
No Running Water
Minimal Electricity
Rent costs about $15 per month and many people can’t afford it or struggle to pay.
The houses are shanty shacks made of metal roofs and boarded walls, as well as a cement mixture
On average a home can have 5-10 people and is about 40 square feet.
Garbage Heaps are everywhere and line the streets.
The Crime is horrible as there are murders daily, big gangs and violence, and a serious problem of drugs and alcohol. It is unsafe to go outdoors at night, especially after 9 pm, therefore the people have heavy padlocks or huge stones in front of their doors.
Tens of thousands of people are without jobs as there are no jobs in these areas.
Those who do work: sell fruits and vegetables, charcoal, repair bikes, work in the fields, shoe maker, shoe polisher, hair salon, metal worker (welder), secondary clothing stand, construction worker, matatu (public transportation) driver, butcher, coca cola stand woker.
PROBLEMS
The Government is extremely corrupt and although the country is Democratic, the people get to vote in a President but that is basically all the say they have. The government and country has enough resources and finances that the poverty level could be minimized to that like the United States, but instead the president and his ministers keep filling their pockets, bank accounts, as well as buying many enormous homes and expensive cares, while the people continue to suffer. Therefore the country is run more similar to a dictatorship in that what the President says goes even though there is a constitution because the people’s “rights” are not truly protected.
Police are extremely corrupt as they are tied to the government and do not serve the people or treat them fairly all of the time.
Nature of Kenya
Lastly we visited some national parks to see the geysers, lakes, vegetation, the Great Rift Valley which extends from Russia to South Africa, and animals that inhabit Kenya. The country is one of the most diverse regions in the world and we were able to see Lions, Leopards, Rhino, Elephants, Giraffes, and Buffalo to name a few.
Certainly this is God’s Country, Gods land, and God’s people. These people have so much hope despite their living conditions and lack of good health. They also have an incredible amount of faith in God and religion, as well as a spiritual life is so vital to their being. They get up every morning and live the best life they can, but will hopefully have a better life over time with our collective efforts as we serve our fellow brothers and sisters.
Thank you very much for you time, support, and willingness to listen to my experiences from my trip to Kenya. May God bless you and may your future be filled with peace, happiness, and light.
Log on to www.nyumbani.org to find out more about Nyumbani Home, Nyumbani Village, and the Lea Toto program.
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