Is burning the Koran a hate crime?

This was the question asked recently in national media outlets in response to a Gainsville, Florida pastor's plan to burn the Koran on 9/11.

Simple - we live in America and if you can burn the US flag in protest you can certainly burn a book. It is exactly the same! Some hold the US flag to be sacred - some hate what it is only a symbol of. Some hold the koran to be sacred - some hate what it is a symbol of. So NO it is not a crime in any sense of the word.

Burning a Koran may not be a crime, but it may be stupid. The backlash could be worse than even the media or military predicts. Certainly "peaceful" Muslims around the world will protest and people will most likely die. They will burn US flags and chant "Death to Satan America"! But, that is not what worries me most.

Certainly this book burning cannot be compared in scope to the Night of Broken Glass, but the incremental loss of freedom our does hearken back to 1930s Germany. Gainsville police plan to step up a road block and check the ID of everyone who attends the Koran burning. Is no one outraged that the city of Gainsville plans to "set up a road block" and "check the license" of people who go to the event? Who is going to keep the list and what are they planning to do with it? What is happening to our freedom?

You may laugh now, but do not be surprised if one day you have a visit from the "Religious" division of the FBI, or an entirely new federal agency established to "promote tolerance" and fight against the "defamation of religion".

PREDICTION -- The US Congress will debate a bill on the Defamation of Religion that will seek to make it a "hate crime" to "defame" anyone's religion, religious symbols, sacred sites or founders.

I wish the pastor would just cancel the burning, but the firestorm has already started. He did not start the fire, it has always been burning.

Lastly, speaking of politics since when did our political leaders become so well versed in religion? Since when do our political leaders have the right to tell us what to believe and how to practice our faith?

Hillary Clinton has apparently become well versed in Islam and stands in the place of prophet as she make proclamation after proclamation. She condemned Jones' plan at a dinner Tuesday in observance of Iftar, the breaking of the daily fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. "I am heartened by the clear, unequivocal condemnation of this disrespectful, disgraceful act that has come from American religious leaders of all faiths," she said. She has proclaimed that Islam is a religion of peace and that "terrorism has no religion".

Repeatedly we are told that we are "not in a religious war". This is a war against "terrorism". You know the thing that has "no religion". Am I stupid or something? As the Islamic terrorists blow themselves up they chant religious slogans, mobs chant "Death to Infidels", spontaneous parties broke out in the Islamic world to celebrate the Islamic victory on 9/11 and I could go on and on. But, it isn't religion?

The fact is that all leaders of all faiths have not condemned the Koran burning, and from the comments posted on many websites it seems that many (if not a majority of) Americans agree that Pastor Jones has every right to burn whatever book he wants to burn. Furthermore many Americans still believe that you can believe whatever you want to believe, and say whatever you want to say about religion. It is based on something we call the US Constitution.

What ever happened to the separation of Church and State?

www.righttobelieve.org

Should I get a tattoo?

I would like to begin by saying that I do not intend to offend, pass judgement or condemn anyone. My purpose is simply to look at the issue of Christians trying to decide on the issue of getting tattoos, and to help young believers think through the issues.

I have read a lot of opinion on the issue and the debates about Levitical law. Both sides seem to make many good arguments, but there is apparently no consensus on the Old Testament Biblical prohibition. Generally most people end up saying something like, "Christians are not 'under' the law..." and the response is generally, "well then is murder still wrong?" These type of arguments don't really get to the heart of the matter.

Indeed it is the heart where Christ's work is done and God's concern for the individual seems to be focused. The New Testament teaching on circumcision is clearly about God's concern for our heart. The Apostles agreed that Gentile believers be prohibited from eating blood and sexual immorality (both of which are Levitical laws, btw), and that Gentiles not be burdened with the extent of ceremonial law. The heart is God's concern, and a transformed heart will change behavior.

But, does the New Testament have anything to say about tattoos? The Apostle Paul goes to great lengths to command Gentile (and Jewish) believers that they should do everything within their power not to live "as the pagans do". Any behavior or meal that is associated with pagan behavior should be avoided. Christians should be know by the "Banner of Love". We should be "marked" with love. In other words, Pagans display their gods in carvings of stone, wood and skins -- Christians display our God through deeds of love and concern for our brothers. We should be known for our love.

This led me to investigate WHY many young Christians want tattoos. Obviously there are many reasons. One of the main reasons I hear is, "To witness Christ to others" or "so everyone will know I am a Christian". Kind of the Evangelical trump card - EVANGELISM.

One blogger said of his reasons for getting a tattoo, "To me it was the sense of taking control and doing what I want regardless of what anybody said or thought... Really what I think is it all boils down to is either you have the nerve to have ink carved into your body for life... That is why all of us with tattoos have a sense of brotherhood. Because each one of us knows the pain we went through for something we love (tattooing)."

So there we have it. "Taking control and doing what I want to do regardless of what anybody said or thought." As Christians we are to be intensely concerned with what others think, especially in regards to the perception of sinful behavior (real or imagined). Also, we are to be controlled by the Holy Spirit, not our fleshly desires.

While the Old Testament prohibition against tattoos might be up for debate I think it is clear that our society still views tattoos as "rebellious" and "to Hell with your opinion of me". A new term has evolved called "tattoo lifestyle" with magazines focusing on this evolving people group. (BTW, many Internet filters will block 'Tattoo Lifestyle' sights as "R rated"). I wonder how long it will be until people begin saying, concerning their desire to be tattooed, "I was born this way."

In conclusion I think the real issue concerns your heart. Why do you want a tattoo? Are you at all concerned about offending people for the sake of your freedom? Do you seriously want to do what pleases God, or what pleases you?

If you are truly concerned about lost souls or being identified with Christ then I would suggest a little soul searching. Is a tattoo glorifying to God? Will it offend others around you? Will it cause others to stumble?

The Apostle Paul put it this way, "So whatever you eat, drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God -- even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, so that they may be saved." (I Corinthians 10:31-33)

The Word of God

Many in the States would say that the Bible is the Word of God. Just one example of this belief about the Bible comes from a website of a Baptist fellowship.

"1. By "The Holy Bible" we mean that collection of sixty-six books, from Genesis to Revelation, which, as originally written does not only contain and convey the Word of God, but IS the very Word of God."

This organization is not alone in a statement like this -- it is very common among independent and fundamental Christians in America. In essence what they have accidental done with their words is to elevate the Bible to Deity - "The Bible IS the very Word of God."

One site I found (I believe it was God Tube.com) says, "The Bible is the living Word of God."

Now to be fair I do not believe that they actually mean what they say. I think what they are trying to say is that the Bible is more than a book, it is a perfect revelation of God to man in written form, and faithful for doctrine, etc. The scriptures are relevant to our lives today and God speaks through the pages into our lives. In other words they aren't liberals. The problem is that is not what they say exactly.

It is not only a belief among Baptist, but this belief can also be found among denominations such as the conservative Presbyterians. One Presbyterian pastor actual told me that the Bible is the Perfect which was to be revealed, and after its' coming would do away with knowledge, tongues, etc. Again, in essence this minister was saying (although I don't believe he means it this way) that the Bible is the second coming of Jesus. The Bible is the Word (God) incarnate (in flesh).

Now I want to be very clear that I do believe the Bible is the written record of God's words to us. The Bible is useful for doctrine, and all our beliefs and practice should be weighed against the whole counsel of scripture. However, Jesus is the Word of God that is revealed in the Bible. Jesus is the Sword of God that divides bone from marrow, and judges the hearts of man!

To say that the Bible IS the Word of God is like saying that the badge IS the policeman. Certainly the badge reveals to us that the person holding it is a policeman. The badge may tell us where the policeman comes from. It may tell us the limits of his authority (ie. federal or local). There are certain things implied for one who holds a badge, and certain things expected. The badge bears a certain amount of authority (a symbol that actually does/bears something). But, the badge is not the living policeman, nor is the badge the authority that it represents. The badge is only a symbol that communicates a great reality.

What fundamentalists are trying to do is to say that they believe the Bible is the final authority on every subject. They want you to know that they believe the Bible from "Genesis to Maps". They want you to know that they are REAL Christians. They want to convey that they try to live a holy life and obey the commands of God. They want you to know that they do not believe that God is still revealing information about Himself. Most of all they want you to know that they are not charismatic pentecostal and that there is not going to be any new prophets who make new revelations about God or His plan for mankind.

The problem is that most fundamentalist know very little of the Bible. There are many good Baptists who have memorized a plethora of proof texts and can argue them against the barrage of the best trained Jehovah's Witness proof texts. But, when it comes to a good understanding of the whole counsel of Scripture, or finding Christ revealed in the Old Testament, or even an elementary understanding of Church history the average fundamental evangelical Christian will have as poor an understanding of these things as the average Christian cultist.

An example of this poor understanding would be the belief that Jews are blessed and Arabs are cursed. This is a strong belief among fundamental evangelicals in America, and it is not found in Scripture. In fact the we find that God blessed Ishmael. We also see throughout the New Testament that "all of Israel is not Israel", and that Paul even desired the salvation of his fellow Jews so much that he was willing to die in their place -- however, it is "by faith that we (or anyone Jew or Gentile) are saved."

This same phenomenon is happening to the Gospel. Some ministers say that "it is all about the Gospel." In some sermons you might hear the word "Gospel" a dozen times, but you never actually hear the Gospel -- the death, burial and bodily Resurrection of the incarnate Word of God. In deed if you ask the average evangelical the question, "What is the Gospel?" You will get a strange variety of answers that includes, "The Bible. The Good News. It has to do with Jesus." Now, when you point them to I Corinthians 15:1-5 they will say, "Yeah, right the death, burial and Resurrection of Jesus."

If you watch much Christian television in America you will hear a lot about money, how to have a successful life, how God wants to bless you, the Crucifixion, the Gospel (although few explain what they are talking about with that phrase) and our need to pray the Sinner's Prayer. What you will not hear much of is public reading of Scripture (I don't think I have ever heard an entire chapter read on Christian radio or TV, much less an entire book of Scripture).

I believe we are perishing for lack of knowledge. Although we firmly believe the Bible is the word of God, we don't know it. Although we believe the Gospel, we cannot articulate it. Although we believe the worship of God is our most important duty, we cannot really tell you what it means to worship God. We have protested the Catholic system and all her creeds, only to replace them with inferior copies. At least the Nicene Creed does not elevate the Bible to being the fourth person of the Trinity, and the ancient creeds speak more of hope of the bodily Resurrection than some kind of secret evaporation of the faithful. There is no doubt that the Church in America is already left behind, we have exchanged our inheritance for a bowl of porridge. Rather than using the Bible to know about God we have practically elevated it to a god, and use it to divide and conquer.

Jesus says, "If any will come after me let them take up their cross and follow me." "You must eat my body and drink my blood."

In America we come to a table of empty calories - cute sayings, proof texts, guilt, prosperity, "Jesus will fix all your problems." No wonder so many leave the table hungry!

This is only partly the reason for why you see so many young people in America who are hungry for the ancient things of our faith. The modern methods depend of theological maxims and meeting of perceived needs. All the while what we desire is to know and be known by God. We desire the Man of salvation, not the plan of salvation. We want to see and know that He is God. Truly it is by hearing that we receive faith, but we must hear Christ not just proof texts. The Bible reveals Christ, and to quote a common phrase among fundamentalists, "It (salvation) is a relationship." As we hear about Christ revealed in Scripture and walk with Him in the community of His Bride (the Church) we should be moved to obedience to Him. If He is God then what does that mean to me, and how should I then live?

It was in the secret meetings in homes, the reading of books of Scripture, the breaking of bread and the giving of life that the early Church was formed and conformed to the image of Christ. It was their life and death together. It is the same today -- we long to be in community, we want to know Christ now in flesh and blood. We long to worship God in spirit and truth, not simply meet once a week for a presentation of a "worship experience." The ancient traditions involve our bodies - we sing, we pray, we stand, we listen, we smell, we eat, we drink, we kneel, we bow, we hold out our hands, we repeat, and then we go back out into the world and live a life of worship.

Giving

Notice the cell phone? Can't afford a Laundromat, but he has unlimited text messaging?

The leaves have fallen, so it is time to blog again. Chris has some awesome thoughts (to put it mildly) concerning worship on St Ambrose, Craig continues to explore art that glorifies God on StCelebart and the blog master Brian (aka Brain) makes me belly laugh on Emasculating Nickname. I am afraid that my blog continues to be the soapbox of a very opinionated man.

The church has waves of beggars and vagabonds that come and go. I actually found myself getting angry one Sunday at a beggar who endured the worship service in hopes of getting some cash for God knows what. We generally do give to all those who ask, but I am not so sure that giving to vagabonds is a right use of "God's money".

Now before you get all up in arms about my thoughts on the subject you must realize that I work full time in a ministry that exists to extend ourselves on behalf of our poor brothers and sisters in Ethiopia. You could say that my vocation is giving, or "redistribution of wealth." We support Christians in Ethiopia who are working for the Gospel. We support orphans and widows who have no other source of income. We support those who cannot support themselves.

When it comes to able bodied young men on the streets of America -- do we really owe them five bucks just because they have a sign that reads "Will work for food"?

Some young Christians will immediately throw a proof text my way and proclaim that Jesus clearly commands us to give. I agree. Jesus most certainly commands us to give, and even to be generous in giving. The problem is that Scripture also teaches that if a man does not work he should not eat. And there was that strange day when Jesus said to the multitude, "If you are hungry eat my body and drink my blood."

When Jesus perceived that most in the crowd wanted to see a miracle and get their bellies filled He rebuked them and basically chased them away. The Apostles were amazed and more than a bit concerned. Jesus turns to the disciples and asks if they are going to leave as well, and the response was, "You have the words of life, where shall we go?"

Many who knock on the doors of the Church are like those that Jesus chased away. The Church of God does not owe every lazy man his daily bread. But, the Church does have a debt -- we owe it to the wise man and the fool.

In Romans chapter one Paul speaks of the Gospel and the life changing power of Christ. He says that he is a debtor to both those who know the Gospel (to share in their faith) and to those who do not know the Gospel (that they might hear).

Certainly there are those who truly need financial help or a bag of groceries, but God forbid that we send away the needy with only some cash or bread! I fear that all too often young Christians relieve their guilt by giving cash to a beggar, but missing the opportunity to be a prophet. Maybe the beggar needed something more than money. God may send a lazy man to the doors of a church for the sole purpose of having someone speak into the man's life and rebuke his laziness. When a beggar comes to our door God may have sent him to have a radical life changing transformation. As believers we owe it to those who come to the Church looking for help. We owe them the Gospel!

Now Showing -- Amazing Grace

The Bishop's Rating: aaaaa (Five out of five marks)

Very much worth the $5.50 price!

The recommendations came from a wide range of people. In fact, so many people recommended this movie to me that I was intrigued. I was afraid that it would be another heavy handed "Christian movie" that basically only Christians would want to see.

I enjoyed this movie on so many levels that it is hard to know where to start. Basically it is the story of William Wilberforce, the British Member of Parliament that sponsored the bill to abolish the slave trade in all English colonies. This may not sound like much of a story to you, but you could not be more wrong. This movie is a story of love, penance, redemption and grace.
The title Amazing Grace comes from the song of the same title which was written by a former Slave Ship captain. Wilberforce was a student of this captain who had become a "protestant monk" after his conversion.
The movie shows the important role that Wilberforce's wife played in her encouragement to continue to fight the fight, although he had lost the effort 39 times over 18 years (a fact that is not in the movie).
I also appreciated the depiction of Colitis, which afflicted Wilberforce and now affects my wife. The physical and emotional suffering that he endured served to make him even more aware of a life lived well.
Far from Christian Cheese this movie should appeal to a wide audience, and encourage many to be who they have been created to be.

The sad fact is that I believe that most people will not see this movie. One point in the movie was that "great men" most often become great through actions that haunt them, yet Wilberforce proved to be a great man through actions that blessed others. It is a beautiful story; sadly a story that most likely will not sell.

Not all cheese is bad...

The Cheese Sellers, French School (Art.com)

Those who know me know the distaste I have for American style pop-Christian worship. The term I like to use for this modern performance style worship is, "Cheese Whiz."

But, I have come to the conclusion that not all cheese is bad cheese. Real cheese is better than Cheese Whiz.

I was in a church recently that is very much in to the modern worship style. The preacher wears one of those headset mic things, there are too large screens displaying the action, a full band complete with two percussionists, previously video taped announcements -- the whole works. However, I noticed something this time. Instead of my normal sarcasm I found that I actually appreciated the perfection with which the program was being produced. From lighting and video to music and speakers the ques were perfect. The only flub was some jerky movements from a cameraman that apparently lost interest in the speaker.

I suppose my point is that if you are going to go with the modern style at least hire some people who know what they are doing. This church's style does not speak to me at all. But, the perfection with which they pulled it off was admirable.

The thing that I don't like about the modern style is that it removes the congregation even further from the action and definitely makes the people gathered into an audience. I felt like I was watching a show, which I was occasionally invited to participate in. Very little was demanded of me. I could just sit there in my theatre style seating and enjoy the show.

I also noticed something else. The speaker exalted Christ. Even some of the music exalted Christ. It was obvious to me that these people love Jesus.

In the end the difference between cheese and Cheese Whiz is substance. Cheese Whiz may look like cheese, smell like cheese and kind of taste like cheese, but it has no milk in it and very little (if any) nutrition. Real cheese taste better, is more valuable and has nutritional value -- just be careful because too much can cause problems.

Wrestling Diplomacy

While Bush rattles his saber and sends another warship to the Persian Gulf to "warn Iran" with "Battleship diplomacy" the US Wrestling Team is winning the hearts of Iranian wrestling fans.

3,000 fans crammed into a stadium built for 2,000 and another 3,000 fans tried to get in to see the US Wrestlers go head to head with Iran's best.

It is amazing what a wrestler can do that a politician can't.


NPR's Story on the subject. AP Photos

European Efficiency

Before Thanksgiving our government announced that travelers who plan to fly place their carry-on liquids and gels (less than 3 oz per container) in a quart sized plastic bag.

Simple enough?

Apparently not.

Almost a month later about every third traveler passing through security holds up the line while they dig their liquids out of their bag and throw away their bottled water or 32 oz Coke. It took about 20 minutes to get through security in the States.

When in Amsterdam a few weeks ago I noticed that there were multiple stations set-up throughout the airport with a few simple things. Large posters explaining the new regulations (in multiple languages and symbols), uniformed attendants who were screening passengers as they walked by (asking "Are you carrying any liquids or gels?") and plastic bags for people who were carrying such items. By the time we got to the security check we had passed two such stations and had had plenty of opportunity to make adjustments to our carry-on bags.

It took less than five minutes to get through a thorough security check in Amsterdam (including taking a survey about how the airport could improve services) and proceed to the gate. I truly appreciate northern European efficiency.

Security at Heathrow, Art.com

What Americans believe about God

By Jennifer Harper
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Published November 12, 2006

The vast majority of Americans believe in God. But in the land of the free, ideas about the more personal nature of God can be subject to some interpretation. (In this survey traditional Protestants have been distinguished from Evangelical "Born-Again" Christians).

Only 1 percent of Americans overall, for example, think God is female, according to a wide-ranging Harris poll of 2,010 adults. Among men, Protestant and Born-Again Christian respondents, the number was 0 percent; among women and Catholics it was 1 percent; among Jews, 7 percent.

More than a third -- 36 percent -- said God was male. More women than men thought God was male, 39 percent to 34 percent, respectively (interesting that more American women than men consider Biblical language such as "Father" accurate). More than half of Born-Again Christians agreed, along with about 47 percent of the Protestants and Catholics. Other responses were mixed. Overall, 37 percent said God was neither male nor female. Ten percent said God was both male and female, while 17 percent were not entirely sure what they believed.

Does God look like Michelangelo's vision on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel? Maybe. The survey showed that 9 percent said God appeared "like a human with a face, body, arms, legs, eyes," though the percentage was slightly higher -- 13 percent -- among Protestants, but just 1 percent among Jews.

More people -- 41 percent-- were comfortable with the idea that God is a "spirit or power that can take on human form, but is not inherently human." The sentiment was highest among Born-Again Christians, with 60 percent agreeing with the statement (What happened to the doctrine - Fully God and Fully Man?). More than a quarter of Americans overall say God is "a spirit or power that does not take human form," a belief shared by 49 percent of Jewish respondents.

Beliefs about God's involvement in events on Earth also varies. Twenty-seven percent of Catholics said God "controls what happens on Earth," compared with 41 percent among Protestants and 57 percent among Born-Agains. Forty-four percent said God "observes but does not control" what happens here. That figure rises to 58 percent among Catholics, but falls to 37 percent among Born-Agains.

A slim majority of Americans -- 51 percent -- believe Christians, Jews and Muslims "worship the same God," the poll found. That idea is shared by 63 percent of Catholics, about 48 percent of Protestants and Jews and 34 percent of Born-Agains. Almost a third overall said the three faiths do not worship the same God, and 16 percent were unsure. (Jesus said about Himself, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6)

Intensity of belief also varies among faiths and political parties. Overall, 73 percent of Americans believe in God; the numbers are 97 percent among Born-Agains, 90 percent among Protestants, 84 percent among Catholics, 64 percent among Jews, 83 percent among Republicans and 72 percent among Democrats.

Are Americans "absolutely certain" there is a God? Born-Agains are the most adamant, with 93 percent agreeing with the statement (and how did that 7% become "born-again" and not believe in God???), followed by 76 percent of Protestants, 64 percent of Catholics and 30 percent of Jews. Overall, 6 percent are "absolutely certain" there is no God.

Almost half of Americans overall -- 46 percent -- attend church a few times a year, 35 percent go once a month and a quarter go every week or more often.

The survey was conducted Oct. 4-10 and has a margin of error of two percentage points.

Creation of Adam (Detail) Michelangelo - Art.com

Quote of the Weak -- Compassion

"I want to send the signal to our enemy that you have aroused a compassionate and decent and mighty nation, and we're going to hunt you down."
-- President George W. Bush

"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distress, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:21)

Tolerance and the question of the Universe

I read a new blog recently that was written by a sincere Pakistani who was vainly promoting tolerance. He (or she) will soon find out how intolerant religious people are.

I do take issue with the idea that the center of Semitic religions is tolerance. The center of Islam, Judaism and Christianity should be God. Each religion has its own particular view of a monotheistic god and each religion's practice is determined by that view of a god. Quite simply none of these religions is based upon tolerance.

I cannot speak for Islam or Judaism, but I can speak as a Christian. Love of God and love for man is the greatest commandment, but that does not mean that I should condone all of mans' beliefs or behaviors.

Rather than teaching tolerance or ambivalence Christ taught that we should live in a way that brings light to a dark world and stands in stark contrast to other systems of belief and practice. While we are not to condemn others we are certainly not commanded to condone others.

In this nation (USA) tolerance carries with it the idea that anyone's belief is not above another's. Tolerance has come to mean submission. Nothing is absolute, nothing is true -- therefore, no one should have the the belief that his faith is true so as to disrespect others beliefs. This is a silly idea. If a man believes perfectly that the moon is made of cheese his belief is wrong. It is not my place to change his belief through argument or violence, but I certainly do not have to live by his belief, nor should I have to submit to it. To respect such a belief and place it as equal to truth would be ridiculous.

I (neither would the Pakistani blogger) respect the beliefs of anyone who is willing to kill others so as to force his/her beliefs on someone else.

Talk of tolerance is a diversion from the real issue.

The main question of the Universe is Who is God?

Islam says that Allah is God and there is no other.

Judaism says that Jehovah is God and there is no other.

Christ says, "I am the way, the truth and the life and there are none that come to the Father except by me."

These three teachings (Islam, Judaism and Christianity) are tri-polar opposites and cannot all be true.

In the blog a sincere peace-loving Muslim's question read, "How can someone who is truly religious kill themselves?" I do not understand the zealots who kill others, nor do I understand how they think this will persuade others to follow their example or their god. However, Christians are called to "kill themselves" in a sense.

We have been commanded to put to death the deeds of the flesh, which are murder, envy, strife, lust, etc. I submit that the man who truly knows God must "kill himself" and love all of man kind. Far from simple tolerance Christians have been commanded to active self-sacrificial love. Tolerance is inactive, I can sit on a log and tolerate everyone. Love is active, I must pursue love in deed and truth.

The blogger went on to say that all true religions promote tolerance as tolerance is the center of true religion. While I appreciated this Mulsim's hope for promoting peace and tolerance I think his assessment is superficial at best. I do not claim to understand Islam, however I would never say that the essence of Islam or religion is "tolerance."

The essence of religion should be answering the questions; Who is God? What did He say? How should I then live?

Listerine Kills!

Today flights were canceled, people around the world were having their hygiene products confiscated, arrest were made and a group of young English Muslims of Pakistani decent gave new meaning to the ad slogan, "Listerine Kills..."








Thanks to a moronic group of Islamic "fascists" (as W put it) seems that toothpaste, shampoo and that loved/hated mouthwash are now contraband on flights.

First the guy who tried to light his shoes, now mouthwash. Is nothing sacred?!?

The irony is that these punks were trying to terrorize the Capitalist West and bring our economic engines to a screeching halt. What they did was cause the stock prices for hygiene products to gain ground and sent hundreds of thousands of would-be squeaky clean travelers to Wal-Mart to replace their shampoo that was impounded by the TSA. Most travelers were mildly irritated, but travel again they will.

Maybe instead of banning my toothpaste our government should reconsider decades of flawed policies directed at most of the world's poorest populations. When will we get it through our heads that it is not OUR freedom that the Islamic world fears (it is our freedom that makes us vulnerable to their shoe and Listerine bombers) it is THEIR freedom that they fear. Freedom is a mixed bag of good and bad. They do not want our democratic system of government, nor do they want the decadence that accompanies it. They do not want their women to be treated like human beings. Most of all they want us to stop supporting everything that Israel (the most democratic society in the Middle East) does just because they are democratic (and that shared religious heritage Judao/Christian stuff).

I am afraid that the more the Muslim extremists try to terrorize the West the more the West will infringe upon the East. Ironically these young zealots are going to bring to their nations the thing they fear most -- more US troops to the Middle East and more Americans to the support of Israel's "fight against terrorists." Did these cave dwellers not see how many American flags were flying on the day after September 11? Terrorism does affect Americans deeply, and makes us even more resolved.

I have to admit that I have been swayed today. The more attacks we face as a nation the more patriotic I feel. The more I am hated for simply being born in America the more American I feel. I was against the war, I'm still against war. I think democracy is not such a good idea on a global scale. But, the more Muslims try to kill Westerners (and fellow Muslims as in Iraq) the more empathy I feel toward Israel and England. Sure America has done a lot of bad things in the name of democracy. Truly Israel has taken land that did not legally belong to them. Of course Great Britain made gross errors in dividing up the Middle East (which was a mess before the UK got involved). But, what makes Osama think that by terrorizing the general public of free nations we will want to run headlong back into the dark ages? For better or worse a free society may not be able to freshen up on a flight, but we refuse to ban Muslims from flights. We will not become the racist bigots and zealots that threaten us.

My message to the terrorists -- Keep it up and I'll be working for the right of Muslim women everywhere to vote. What woman would "mastermind" a plan to kill thousands of innocent people?

Thanks a lot, zealots, for taking my toothpaste away on my next international flight. May the bad breath of a hundred thousand travelers fill the nostrils of your sleep.

Quote of the Weak - Controversy

"Controversy is only dreaded by the advocates of error"
-- Benjamin Rush (signer of the Declaration of Independence, Surgeon General, women's education advocate, anti-slavery and anti-liquor crusader, not one to avoid controversy)

"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distress, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:21)

That is a good Irish name but, you're not Irish.

Some years ago I was on a flight from England to Germany. Many of my fellow passengers were Irish students on holiday. I struck up a conversation with the lads' teacher and shared with her my love of all things Irish. As a matter of fact I have a good Irish name, "Patrick Shae Beard". With a wonderfully thick Irish accent her reply came, "Aye, that is a good Irish name, but you're not Irish then, are you."

On the return trip home I passed through Heathrow not long after the IRA had bombed some place in London. The security agent looked over my passport and asked me to follow him. "Is there a problem officer?" "Just need to do a bit of checking, mate. Where are you from originally?" "Mississippi." "So, you were born in America?" "Yes." "Any family from Ireland?" "No, well my great, great grandfather. Why?" "Well, you see you have this Irish name, and we have had a bit of trouble recently from the Irish..." It was my first experience at racial profiling.

I'm a true American mutt with as much French blood as Irish or English. To the Irish, I'm not Irish at all. To the English, I'm a bit too Irish. Oh, well -- Viva America!