Culture Shock: A personal experience

Culture Shock

I was asked to comment on my experiences with the drug culture in Stanton, KY.

This article in no way is meant to promote a negative stereotype of the Appalachian people or the culture of Eastern Kentucky. I am simply reporting my own experience and putting forth a “snap shot” of how the drug culture is destroying the real meaning of what traditional Appalachian is living all about.

The year 2000 not only marked the beginning of a new millennium but opened up a chapter in my life I never could have imagined. The saga began when, from the beginning, I was misguided as to where I should set up my new mobile home. I naively ended up in, according to the State Police, “one of the worst pockets of drug abuse in the state”.

Having just left Minnesota, I was totally unaware of the “drug culture”. I tended to assume the innate goodness in neighbors and individuals until proven otherwise. Even as my trailer was set up in the lot the neighbors were open and friendly. Little did I know what the real hidden motives would be behind this apparent “friendship”

As the first months went by it became obvious the culture, education and mind-set of these people was very different. I was not cautioned or prepared; after all, was I not in the middle of the United States? Was this not the beginning of the 21^st century? Had we not sent people to the moon and explored the stars? Did not people believe in the sciences, and good education? Was not ancient medievalist thinking in the past? As experiences began to unfold I began to wonder.

As for education; most of the people, including the youth, were high school drop outs. The parents did not discourage even their own high school aged children from dropping out saying,” you don’t need education, school education is not necessary, it won’t help you get any better job than you can get without it. School teaching could even lead you astray from Jesus,”

As the locals became aware I was not one of them and was brought up in a middle class well educated neighborhood far to the North, there seemed to be an element of suspicion but the open camaraderie continued. They began by asking if I would help the younger elementary children with school assignments. Soon this escalated to needing money to buy clothing and food for the children.

During this time I was invited to a Pentecostal church. The service was very different. There was “calling upon the Holy Spirit” to descend where members would stand, wave their hands while reaching upwards in chant. Later came a remarkable scene where people, coming up to the alter to be healed, would be gripped by the minister, told they were healed by the power of Jesus, and then pushed hard on the forehead causing them to fall backwards seemingly in a catatonic trance. People standing directly in back would catch them and lay the unconscious believer on the floor.

The hallmark of the end of the service was a marked increase in “speaking in tongues”. Although sporadic at first, it reached a crescendo. Soon more members were lying on the floor between the chairs. Shaking and/or speaking in tongues all the while seemingly unaware of the outside world.

Needless to say, my Midwest educated mind was not prepared for this. I truly was confused and uncomfortable with the whole situation. I wanted to leave but since I had driven my neighbors to the church I had to wait for them. At this point I began walking around the perimeter of the sanctuary and, while carefully stepping over people lying on the floor, proceeded to say my own prayers for guidance. Almost immediately the preacher hurriedly came up to me asking in a firm tone,” who are you praying to,” I answered,” God,” Then the minister asked,” are you praying to Jesus,” I replied simply,” I am praying to God,” At this the minister said,” in this church you can only pray in the name of Jesus,”.

It was soon after this surreal experience (where I had also been approached to be saved through “laying on of hands”) I learned that these people are so suspicious of anything new or different because it might be an attempt of a satanic spirit to mislead them. The preacher apparently thought I was conjuring up the devil!

As time went on the neighbors (who were continously asking favors from “Minnesota Man”) approached me to see if I would exorcize a demon from a wooden peace symbol that had a history of being used in Witchcraft Coven Ceremonials. They said,” We have been hearing voices and felt strange powers from this log. Our Pastor told us it was full of demons which had to be driven out. We know you don’t believe in this sort of thing so would you burn it? We are scared but we know you are our friend. Would you help us?” They gave me some kerosene, and, fearfully backing away, placing both arms as a shielding cross across their breasts.

All this time there was an inordinate amount of traffic coming in and out of the trailer park. Once, during a visit one of two friend’s speech began to slur. Within minutes she was unable to communicate and was flaccid and drooling. She had just taken a “Soma” Before she came. Soon a cop came by wondering if I had knowledge of or had seen a young man who had just died of a drug overdose. ,”Yes, I had seen him earlier today. He came to look at some chameleons I was selling,” The officer told me,” this was just a routine investigation. He was found dead in his trailer,” Then the officer stated,” You know, you don’t belong here.”

It was now clear to the drug dealers I knew what was going on. They offered to let me in on a deal if I would drive them to Beattyville, loan them $200 dollars for the Doctor’s fee (which was the cover charge for writing them prescriptions for drugs they would sell on the street). I of course, would have to pay the pharmacy bill as well in order to get a ten percent cut of the street sales profit. I could not believe what they were asking and backed away saying,” I want nothing to do with this”

The grand finale was yet to come.
About a year and a half after moving there I left to visit Minnesota. Upon my return, the homecoming scene was a horror. The trailer home was vandalized to the point of needing major repair, checks from a blank checkbook were embezzled and somehow, they had gotten my credit card number and charged a large total on the account through the internet.

The local Police were of little help. It seems, back in the year 2000; most of the Law Enforcement was corrupted by drugs, favors and nepotism. Threatening phone calls from people impersonating police officers and lawyers we common. So much else was going on I cannot recount them all. This writing could easily become a book! Suffice it to say a car given to me by my parents was rolled down a hill and totaled. My total losses added up to about $60,000 dollars.

One nice young officer came to my door saying,” We can tell you are not from here. We know what is going on with the drug dealings in the neighborhood and are gathering evidence to stop it. I strongly suggest you move out.” Indeed, it was time to leave.

My misadventure caused me major disillusion about humanity. Even as I write this nearly seven years later it is an emotional experience.

I went bankrupt, yet my overall faith in supreme goodness came to my aid. I see God as far larger than any single creed or doctrine. I am, thankfully, in comfortable housing and have met some true friends helping me to recover. This was a great lesson.

Thanks be to God, the Lord of all the worlds!

Feel free to visit “serving the case for world unity” http://onenessbecomesus.com and you will see where I am coming from.

 

 

 

 

 

Ways And Needs

As is evident from space, the Earth is but one home and mankind its citizens.

Boundaries of nation and creed are not visible but dwell only in the imaginations of men.

Unity is the password here as is >global thinking.

Surely It Is time For >A Different Perspective.

For we Are Cradled Within A Matrix Of Immensity..

Here is a thought:

Science is showing that humanity is genetically a very closely related family. Mitocondrial DNA analysis from populations worldwide point to a common ancester who lived 150 thousand years ago. Racial differences, such as the degree of skin pigmentation, all happened as mankind spread across the globe. As different environments were encountered adaptations over many thousands of years resulted in the variations of hue, height, hair, habits etc. that we see today.

Let us not think of ourselves as Jew, Christian, Muslim, Palestinian, American, etc. But rather as a single humanity dwelling upon one world, calling upon the same universal God of all.

>The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established.

It is time, it is essential for our future, we learn to recognize:

1. The need for global awareness and mutual acceptance:

Unity, diversity, tolerance, appreciation; to know we all share the same deep needs for fellowship, satisfaction, peace and tranquility in our lives.

2. The validity of diverse ways of relating to and worshipping God:

Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Zoroastrianism: the “Eightfold Path”, the “Ten Commandments”, “Sermon On The Mount”, the Native American “Four Directions” and much more.

3. The worth of both science and religion:

Science, reason, philosophy; seeing modern technologies as a means of fostering enlightenment and acceptance based on knowledge, communicating with and uniting the world in peace.

link to >Investigating the “Case For World Unity”.pdf or htm”

Or for more on philosophy and interfaith studies link to

http://onenessbecomesus.com

For a list of faiths and a comparison of scriptures se

http://onenessbecomesus.com/Faithslisting.html

Observations And A Positive Perspective

The dawning of a new world consciousness of unity, peace and brotherhood

The time we live in is full of wondrous discoveries. Since 1844, the year Samuel Morse tapped out the message “what has God wrought” on his crude communication device, mass communications has evolved and grown into a thriving worldwide network reaching all corners of the globe. It is hard to imagine life without radio, TV or the telephone and yet, over a mere century ago they didn’t exist.

In the span of a human lifetime the dream of flight has been fulfilled. In 1903 a flimsy powered flying contraption built by owners of a bicycle shop capable of but brief flight was considered a major achievement. Just sixty-six years later the Eagle had landed on the Moon. Now airlines routinely transport people and packages around the world on a regular basis.

Within the last thirty years the world of computer technology with all of its ramifications has changed the way we work and communicate. The Internet allows most anyone immediate personal access to persons, goods or services located anywhere on the planet.

The harnessing of electric power, the internal combustion engine, the light bulb, recorded music and speech, great advances in science and medicine-all this and many invented appliances and conveniences have enabled us to live easier healthier lives. Instant daily communication along with scientific enlightenment has nurtured a new consciousness- an awareness of being the citizens of the Earth, that all of humanity is truly one biological family.

Remember that Christmas Eve back in 1968 when the Apollo 8 astronauts read from the book of Genesis while circling the Moon? The Earth was seen for the first time by humankind as a singularly beautiful fragile distinctive oasis in the incomprehensible terribly hostile unforgiving vastness of Space? Within a few short years DNA tests have proven conclusively that we indeed are not only one species but share an uncommonly recent closely-knit ancestry as well.

Yet this time of incredible change also marks the beginning of an era when we are presented with choices bearing unique consequences upon which the welfare of humanity, and ultimately, all life on Earth are forced to live with…or die with.

As humanity continues to develop new ever more efficient ways of manipulating the workings of creative design to suit the whims and desires of the moment it becomes ever more apparent of the need for some sort of guidance beyond the scope envisioned by human corporation or government legislated by limited man-made goals and expectations. In addition, it is only too obvious how the demons of racism, bigotry, superstitious fear, greed, hypocrisy and religious intolerance have cursed our species and caused us to descend into the pit of war, malice and aggression between our own selves.

Yet, although this ongoing revolution and evolution of knowledge and enlightenment enkindling, at an ever accelerating rate, the hope of an ever-advancing worldwide peace and commonwealth of nations continues to become ever-more evident; the wars, fighting and terrorism continue, but, at the same time, it is also most evident the stirrings of a developing embryonic civilization also continues. What is going on?

Many modern scholars see a direct connection between the historic appearance of singularily gifted beings giving birth to a lasting religion of major impact and a subsequent growth of its corresponding civilization. Then, Baha’is believe, as time passes the original teachings of these Masters become clouded or lost altogether as truths are replaced by misleading beliefs tied to the physical terminology used to describe that which is indescribable- the world of the spirit, that which draws mankind to the reason for his being, the true knowledge and worship of God.

The spiritual lessons provided by these holy Teachers guide us in finding true everlasting fulfillment in an awareness, acceptance of and obedience to the will of the Almighty, the great Redeemer, that which brings out the true spirit of mankind from the negative waywardness of the material instinct of fighting, hatred, greed, lust, deceit etc. to the positive higher virtues of unity, love, compassion, forgiveness, and faithfulness.

In a world where we are attaining so much technical know-how, but don’t really know how socially to apply it; in a world where brother fights brother in the name of their respective gods and belief systems; in a world trampled upon by the arrogance of excess materialism, of might makes right, of fear of the unknown; a world wherein the spirit of mankind is imprisoned by self-imposed boundaries of religion, government, science, superstition etc. Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i Faith brings renewal and hope.

For more on the need for a new way of thinking, a spiritual global consciousness visit http://onenessbecomesus.com

Exploitation To Conservation

Exploitation to Conservation

 

Environmental concerns and issues on how short-term profit-driven motives are leaving a legacy of waste and abuse will not only have to be dealt with by our children’s children but will be a self evident testimony to our present day lifestyle millions of years in the future. This complex and many-faceted issue is addressed here.

Pollution and wanton ecological devastation seem to be hallmarks of our ever-increasing insatiable drive for “progress”. Mountain top removal coal mining in the Appalachian area of the S.E. United States must rank among the highest examples of this all too common practice.

It is a basic well understood fact: the Environment can only support so much animal life or tolerate so much destruction. When the ecosystem collapses all life will lose out, including ourselves. Yet, though we have the power to inflict mass destruction, we also have the potential to be a positive aid to the natural order we depend on.

Many religious traditions teach mankind has been given the gift of discernment. Not only do we have an intellect and power of reason unique to the Earth we call home but Holy Scriptures tell us we were “created in the image of God”. Furthermore, we were “created to know and to worship God”.

My faith compels me to see us as future servants of God and His creation. Our destiny is none other than to establish an ever-advancing civilization. Indeed, we are at the threshold of a golden age in which we shall continue to grow and evolve in higher virtues, acquiring a global perspective, a vision of the oneness of God and the oneness of Man. The issues of how we are exploiting the Earth and ourselves shall somehow be resolved.

For more on “serving the case for world unity visit http://onenessbecomesus.com

To see more on Mountain Top Removal visit http://speakingoutworld.com

David

The Case For Cooperation

The Case for Cooperation among the peoples of the earth

It is a wonder we, as a species, have survived. It seems we have a talent for sinking to the utmost depths of depravity or rising to the sublime heights of nobility. We torture, maim, burn, attack, crucify those who are deemed somehow “out of favor” in the eyes of God or humanity. In the name of “progress” the Earth’s resources are plundered for profit with little concern for the long-term consequences for our children’s children. Yet we produce great works of art. Science and technology has opened new vistas upon the universe showing how all is interrelated and humanity is but a part of a reality vast beyond understanding. We are coming to understand the transcendent unity of all things- everything is interconnected and interdependent.

From the above, is it not reasonable to assume we, as humanity, are of one reality? Are not the divisions of creed, sectarianism, racism, nation, ideology, poor and rich, old and young, man or woman, leader or follower found only in the minds of men? From Space the Earth is seen as one. There is no map in the heavens showing the boundaries we inflict upon ourselves.

We are indeed a single many-faceted species. It is imperative to look at the members of different races and religions as members of a single family. Yet, how can we rise above the seemingly insurmountable obstacles that stand in the way of appreciation of differences and tear down the barriers that prevent consultation and understanding between the peoples of the world? What will it take? The road we are on now leads to ecological disaster and possible extinction. Yet, Mankind is capable of much more. What is the solution to the pollution of the heart, mind, soul and the physical environment that supports us all?

David

Culture Shock

Culture Shock

I was asked to comment on my experiences with the drug culture in Stanton, KY.

This article is in no way meant as a negative stereotyping of the culture or the people of the area involved. I am only telling what I myself saw and experienced.

The year 2000 not only marked the beginning of a new millennium but opened up a chapter in my life I never could have imagined. The saga began when, from the beginning, I was misguided as to where I should set up my new mobile home. I naively ended up in, according to the State Police, “one of the worst pockets of drug abuse in the state”.

Having just left Minnesota, I was totally unaware of the “drug culture”. I tended to assume the innate goodness in neighbors and individuals until proven otherwise. Even as my trailer was set up in the lot the neighbors were open and friendly. Little did I know what the real hidden motives would be behind this apparent “friendship”.

As the first months went by it became obvious the culture, education and mind-set of these people was very different. I was not cautioned or prepared; after all, was I not in the middle of the United States? Was this not the beginning of the 21^st century? Had we not sent people to the moon and explored the stars? Did not people believe in the sciences, and good education? Was not ancient medievalist thinking in the past? As experiences began to unfold I began to wonder.

As for education: most of the people, including the youth, were high school drop outs. The parents did not discourage even their own high school aged children from dropping out saying,” you don’t really need education, school education is not necessary, it won’t help you get any better job than you can get without it. School teaching could even lead you astray from Jesus,”.

As the locals became aware I was not one of them, being brought up in a middle class well educated neighborhood far to the North, there seemed to be an element of suspicion yet the open camaraderie continued. They began by asking if I would help the younger elementary children with school assignments. Soon this escalated to needing money to buy clothing and food for the children.

During this time I was invited to a Pentecostal church. The service was very different. There was “calling upon the Holy Spirit” to descend where members would stand, wave their hands while reaching upwards in chant. Later came a remarkable scene where people, coming up to the alter to be healed, would be gripped by the minister, told they were healed by the power of Jesus, and then pushed hard on the forehead causing them to fall backwards seemingly in a catatonic trance. People standing directly in back would catch them and lay the unconscious believer on the floor.

The hallmark of the end of the service was a marked increase in “speaking in tongues”. Although sporadic at first, it reached a crescendo. Soon more members were lying on the floor between the chairs. Shaking and/or speaking in tongues all the while seemingly unaware of the outside world.

Needless to say, my Midwest educated mind was not prepared for this. I truly was confused and uncomfortable with the whole situation. I wanted to leave but since I had driven my neighbors to the church I had to wait for them. At this point I began walking around the perimeter of the sanctuary and, while carefully stepping over people lying on the floor, proceeded to say my own prayers for guidance. Almost immediately the preacher hurriedly came up to me asking in a firm tone,”who are you praying to,” I answered,” God,” Then the minister asked,”are you praying to Jesus,” I replied simply,”I am praying to God,” At this the minister said,”in this church you can only pray in the name of Jesus,”.

It was soon after this surreal experience (where I had also been approached to be saved through “laying on of hands”) I learned that these people are so suspicious of anything new or different because it might be an attempt of a satanic spirit to mislead them. The preacher apparently thought I was conjuring up the devil!

As time went on the neighbors (who were always asking favors from “Minnesota Man”) approached me to see if I would exorcise a demon from a wooden peace symbol that had a history of being used in Witchcraft Coven Ceremonials. They said,” We have been hearing voices and felt strange powers from this log. Our Pastor told us it was full of demons which had to be driven out. We know you don’t believe in this sort of thing so would you burn it? We are scared but we know you are our friend. Would you help us?,”They gave me some kerosene, and, fearfully backing away, placed both arms as a shielding cross across their breasts.

All this time there was an inordinate amount of traffic coming in and out of the trailer park. Once, during a visit one of two friend’s speech began to slur. Within minutes she was unable to communicate and was flaccid and drooling. She had just taken a “Soma”? before she came. Days later, a cop came by wondering if I had knowledge of or had seen a young man who had just died of a drug overdose. ,”Yes, I had seen him earlier today. He came to look at some chameleons I was selling,” The officer told me,” this was just a routine investigation. He was found dead in his trailer,”. Then the officer stated,”You know, you don’t belong here.”

It was now clear to the drug dealers I knew what was going on. They offered to let me in on a deal if I would drive them to Beattyville, loan them $200 dollars for the Doctor’s fee (which was the cover charge for writing them prescriptions for drugs they would sell on the street). I of course, would have to pay the pharmacy bill as well in order to get a ten percent cut of the street sales profit. I could not believe what they were asking and backed away saying,”I want nothing to do with this”

The grand finale was yet to come.

After a year of living there, I left on a visit to Minnesota. Upon returning to my Kentucky home the scene was a horror. The trailer home was vandalized to the point of needing major repair, checks from a blank checkbook were embezzled and somehow, they had gotten my credit card number and charged a large total on the account through the Internet.

The local Police were of little help. It seems, back in the year 2000, most of the Law Enforcement was corrupted by drugs, favors and nepotism. Threatening phone calls from people impersonating police officers and lawyers we common. So much else was going on I cannot recount them all. This writing could easily become a book! Suffice it to say a car given to me by my parents was rolled down a hill and totaled. My total losses added up to about $60,000 dollars.

One nice young officer came to my door saying,” We can tell you are not from here. We know what is going on with the drug dealings in the neighborhood and are gathering evidence to stop it. I strongly suggest you move out.” Indeed, it was time to leave.

My misadventure caused me major disillusion about humanity. Even as I write this nearly seven years later it is an emotional experience.

I went bankrupt, yet my overall faith in supreme goodness came to my aid. I see God as far larger than any single creed or doctrine. I am, thankfully, in comfortable housing and have met some true friends helping me to recover. This was a great lesson.

Thanks be to God, the Lord of all the worlds!

Feel free to visit “serving the case for world unity” http://onenessbecomesus.com and you will see where I am coming from.

Divisions And Subdivisions

Divisions And Subdivisions

So often we assault each other with seemingly insurmountable obstacles to understanding. Language is limited by words and often the same words can have very different and/or conflicting meanings or application between one group of people and another.

For example: the word “bad” in mainstream America is thought of in a negative context. Among school youth the word “bad” can be a compliment, appreciation or acknowledgement of approval.

“Gay” is a prime example of rapid change in world usage. Again, the meaning has shifted within a few decades from being happy, joyful and fun loving to something quite different. Ask the question,” are you gay’? And it most likely would be considered an accusation of homosexuality.

Often friends will ask me if I am a “Christian”. This question in itself has little meaning without knowing the context in which it is being asked. People labeling themselves “Christian” have all sorts of meanings attached to it, ranging from styles of Baptism, the Eucharist, Christology, the Trinity, Virgin birth, etc. The dictionary meaning is,” follower of Christ”. If this is accepted than anyone who believes he/she is following the Teachings of  Christ can be called a Christian. Interestingly, this does not necessarily include in any way deifying Jesus of Nazareth or accepting any form of church doctrine or any particular interpretation as expounding by Christian authority figures. It simply means “following the Christ.

Another step some take is to separate the Christ spirit from the man named Jesus. Christ means “anointed” in Greek. From this it can be reasoned that Jesus and Christ were two separate realities. There is much allegory in the bible to support this. See http://onenessbecomesus.com/JesusGod.pdf In other words, one could be a follower of the Christ anointing Jesus with His Authority but not feel the need too worship the name Jesus or theologize him at all.

In this deepest sense, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Zoroastrians, Buddhist, Baha’i; and any other faith professing God as the Supreme Authority can legitimately call themselves Christian. Christ is simply a Greek word expressing the mystery of the “Word” or “Spirit of Truth” described in many Faith traditions around the world. For a listing and comparative analysis taken directly from Holy Texts from different faith visit http://onenessbecomesus.com/Faithslisting.html

We are so caught up in our own little sphere of thinking. Upon moving to Kentucky I quickly discovered the general population did not think of a road as “Highway #60” or “County Road #89” rather, the name of the road was tied to its destination. Highway #60 between Winchester and Lexington is, from Winchester heading West, is called “Lexington road. Eastbound from Lexington the same highway is called “Winchester road”. County Road #89 between Irvine and Winchester is either Winchester or Irvine road depending which direction you are traveling. Thus, when a Winchester friend received instructions from a Irvine resident on how to get to Irvine the Irvine native said,” its easy, you just follow Winchester road”. Obviously, taking “Winchester Road” from Winchester to Irvine makes no sense. All the Irvine resident saw was her own point of view. The poor Winchester driver had no idea where the road was until I pointed out it has Highway #89 heading south to Irvine.

This kind of parochial thinking is found within a much broader range of applications.

Below you will see dictionary meanings for the word infidel. It appears everyone is an infidel. From the Orthodox Christian view, all nonbelievers are infidels. If you are currently of the Muslim faith, Christians themselves are infidels.

People, it is time to extricate ourselves from this faulty way of thinking. Look at the other person’s point of reference. Realize the allegorical driver from Winchester needs too know directions that are meaningful to her. Let us reach across the barriers that divide us.

David

To see a site about “serving the case for world unity” visit

http://onenessbecomesus.com

in·fi·del /ˈɪnfɪdl, -ˌdɛl/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[in-fi-dl, -del] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation

–noun

1.	Religion. a. a person who does not accept a particular faith, esp. Christianity. b. (in Christian use) an unbeliever, esp. a Muslim. c. (in Muslim use) a person who does not accept the Islamic faith; kaffir.

2.	a person who has no religious faith; unbeliever.

3.	(loosely) a person who disbelieves or doubts a particular theory, belief, creed, etc.; skeptic.

–adjective

4.	not accepting a particular faith, esp. Christianity or Islam; heathen.

5.	without religious faith.

6.	due to or manifesting unbelief: infidel ideas.

7.	rejecting the Christian religion while accepting no other; not believing in the Bible or any Christian divine revelation.

8.	Also, in·fi·del·ic /ˌɪnfɪˈdɛlɪk/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[in-fi-del-ik] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of unbelievers or infidels.

---

[Origin: 1425–75; late ME < LL infidélis unbelieving, L: unfaithful, treacherous. See in-³, feal]

—Synonyms 1–3. See atheist.

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source

in·fi·del (ĭn’fĭ-dəl, -děl‘) Pronunciation Key n. Offensive An unbeliever with respect to a particular religion, especially Christianity or Islam. One who has no religious beliefs. One who doubts or rejects a particular doctrine, system, or principle. her·e·tic /n. ˈhɛrɪtɪk; adj. ˈhɛrɪtɪk, həˈrɛtɪk/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[n. her-i-tik; adj. her-i-tik, huh-ret-ik] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation –noun 1. a professed believer who maintains religious opinions contrary to those accepted by his or her church or rejects doctrines prescribed by that church. 2. Roman Catholic Church. a baptized Roman Catholic who willfully and persistently rejects any article of faith. 3. anyone who does not conform to an established attitude, doctrine, or principle. –adjective 4. heretical. [Origin: 1300–50; ME heretik < MF heretique < LL haereticus < Gk hairetikós able to choose (LGk: heretical), equiv. to hairet(ós) that may be taken (verbal adj. of haireǐn to choose) + -ikos -ic] —Synonyms 1. apostate, backslider, recreant, protestant. 3. dissenter, skeptic, freethinker. Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006. American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source her·e·tic (hěr’ĭ-tĭk) Pronunciation Key n. A person who holds controversial opinions, especially one who publicly dissents from the officially accepted dogma of the Roman Catholic Church. adj. Heretical.

A Dialogue With A Christian

A Dialogue With A Christian

An example of thinking from an Orthodox Christian point of view

This article is a compilation from E-mail correspondence between myself and the owner of a website devoted to spreading the news,”Jesus represents the only path to salvation for both individual souls and the world at large”.

Careful study of the Christian Orthodox responses is warranted.

1. Is this the only way to interpret the Bible?
2. Does this interpretation truly serve the cause of Jesus?
3. If so, how does this thinking reconcile itself with what is taught in “The Lord’s Prayer” where Jesus teaches us to pray to,” Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name,” -not to Jesus but to God?
4. Is this thinking symptomatic of a world condition of mistrust, conflict, terrorism, intolerance and inquisition; where Moslems, Christians, Hindus, sects within sects, etc. are professing the only path to true salvation; where God is on their side and not available to others.
5. In contrast, how does this thinking promote true reconciliation and lay the foundation for a much needed world peace with justice and equity between all nations, races and religions?

(The real name of the Christian in this e-mail correspondence has been changed to “Christian”.)

Hello David
Thanks for visiting the site.

Being good stewards of the earth is certainly a good thing, but not if it will lead to a one world religion where those not subscribing to it will be
persecuted and killed.

I am somewhat familiar with the Baha’i faith. I learned a bit of it from a co-worker many years ago and from this website:

http://www.watchman.org/profile/bahaipro.htm

Christian

Hi Christian:

Thanks for the e-mail. I did go to the link on the Baha’i Faith. Although much of it is accurate it seems they have gone to a lot of trouble to attack it. There are many passages where Baha’u'llah says “We were created noble in the image of God, that you will find Me (God) within yourself. The first commandment of Baha’u'llah, as in the Gospels, is to love God and seek a relationship with Him. Yet God is treated as a Being with human qualities. All Baha’u'llah is saying is “we can never truly grasp the divine Reality”.
Baha’i is not a faith that condemns all other faiths, Indeed Baha’u'llah teaches all major world faiths such as Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, etc. were inspired directly by God.
Christianity itself has a pretty grim history when it comes to domination by Inquisitions, Crusades and the like. Christian friends say to me “I need salvation”, We all need salvation by turning to God…whether God is called Vishnu, Gitchi-Manitou, Jehovah, Ahura-Mazda, Allah etc. we need to turn to, love and worship the personal creator of us all. It is only when any religion claims to be the only one that we have conflict.
David

Hello David,

I think that is the crux of the issue. Jesus in the Gospels says He is the only way to God. No one comes to the Father except by Him, not Him or Vishnu, Gitchi-Manitou, Jehovah, Ahura-Mazda, Allah, or whatever so-called god is in the world. This message brings conflict because many do not really desire the Truth, but prefer instead to follow the dictates of their own hearts and minds.

How can Baha’u'llah say all major faiths of the world were directly inspired by God when faiths such as Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam teach differing and opposing doctrines? It would seem that this statement by Baha’u'llah cannot be true, no matter how good it may sound on the surface.

If the Baha’i faith was able to become the one world religion, or at least become the religion of a particular country, would its adherents not also pressure, persecute and eventually kill those who refuse to convert? Too often in history religions will preach love and tolerance until it gains dominance. Then the message changes to convert or die. Islam and other religions have this history. Certainly the Crusades and the Inquisition were terrible events, but they came as a result of an abandonment of the teachings of Jesus in favor of power over people making use of religion. Jesus never taught His followers to kill or torture people to make converts for His kingdom. Also, it can be argued from history that the Crusades came about initially because Muslim raiders were continually attacking Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land.

If Jesus’ claim about being the only way to God and salvation is true, and there is plausible evidence to support this, then other so-called gods and faiths cannot save anyone who trusts in them. If there is only one bridge over a deep chasm to the other side, then no matter how sincere some may feel about taking an alternate way, it cannot save them. Only the bridge. Some pointing to the bridge as the only way to safety may be deemed divisive or intolerant by those prefering to take another way, but only those taking the bridge will make it to safety, while others taking alternate routes end up losing their lives in the chasm below.

So if anyone is to be saved by God and enter His heaven, it can only be through trusting in His Son Jesus alone. God has the right to establish the way to salvation. We as His creation cannot tell God that we would rather reject His gracious offer and seek our own way to heaven and expect entrance. We would not allow someone into our home unless they accepted our invitation to enter through the front door. Someone trying to sneak in by a back door or window would not be welcome.

Jesus taught in John 10:1-5,

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”

It seems that Baha’u'llah and founders of other world religions have sought to climb up some other way because they could not enter the sheepfold by the door. Why not follow the Jesus the Messiah? He is not a thief and a robber, but the Savior and True Shepherd who gives eternal life freely to all who trust in Him alone.

Please take a look at www.gospeloutreach.net/gospel.html and www.gospeloutreach.net/saved.html. These pages will provide a good summary of the Good News.

Christian

Hi Christian:
I have read the Gospels and find much evidence to support Jesus being a servant of God. He prayed to his Father in Heaven. Jesus also proclaimed “these words are not from me but from the One who sent me”. Many Christians are unaware of the Creed of Nicea composed by a committee of Bishops near 327 AD. At the time of Constantine there was much misunderstanding as to the true nature of Jesus and the Christ which anointed him. It is here that the deity of Jesus was made official. I have a website where different scriptures of different faiths are compared. The same universal truths of “love of God” and “the spiritual nature of man” and the need for the salvation of God are found in all major world faiths.

For a Biblical study of Jesus as deity or savior link to http://onenessbecomesus.com/JesusGod.pdf

For a broader scope on Christianity see http://onenessbecomesus.com/Christianity.pdf

Hi David,

But Jesus said in the Gospels, specifically John 14, that He is the only way to God the Father, not one of many ways. Salvation comes only through Jesus according to His own teachings in the Gospels. Any founder of another religion, whether it is Baha’u'llah or someone else, that says all major religions are inspired by God cannot be telling the truth since they teach differing and contradictory things about God and salvation. Also, the deity of Jesus is taught in the Gospels quite clearly, especially in the Gospel of John and the rest of the New Testament. The Council of Nicea only confirmed this teaching in light of the Arian heresy that had arisen at that time which falsely taught that Jesus was not deity, but a created being.

The only way into God’s heaven is through trusting alone in His Son Jesus according to the teachings of Jesus Himself. Either Jesus was a liar, a lunatic, or He was telling the truth. Other faiths that teach nice things about the love of God yet point to someone or something other than Jesus as the sole means for salvation cannot provide entrance into God’s heaven. We enter the heavenly gates His way or not at all according to Jesus. Neither Baha’u'llah nor faith in his teachings can save anyone. Only Jesus the risen Savior is able to save all who trust alone in Him.

Christian

Hi Christian:

Jesus does speak the Words of God but, at the same time he is not God. He was anointed by the Christos, Greek for Holy Spirit, Baha’is believe this Holy Spirit of Truth is the only way. This “Spirit of Truth” is what John refers to when he says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning,: NIV
The only way we can know God is through the Word through which God makes His Presence known to us. John 7:16 Jesus says,” My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me. If anyone chooses to do God’s will he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth,”
There are many passages in the Bible where Jesus clearly shows he is not divine but is doing the will of his Father. To me, it is self evident Jesus is one of many lamps giving light to the world through the Word of God. I ask you; would God the Father `choose only one faith and creed as the doorway to salvation. What matters is your relationship to God, not what particular religion you adhere to.
These truths are seen in many different faith traditions. God’s love embraces all. I have felt the love of God many times in my life as have friends of different faiths.
David

Hello David,

Since Jesus does speak the words of God, a careful study of the Gospel of John even from the first chapter shows that He shares the same nature as His Father in heaven. Passages like John 1:1, 10:30-31, 20:28, and many others attest to this.

Since Jesus speaks the words of God, consider His words.

“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (John 3:36)

“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6)

Note that those refusing to believe or trust in Jesus have no eternal life and are under God’s wrath, walk in darkness rather than light, and lose out on the sole way to God the Father. Notice also that Jesus taught that He is THE light of the world, not one of many lights. He is THE way to God, not one of many ways.

These are the words of Jesus. No one who teaches or believes that there are many ways to God truly takes seriously what Jesus taught their claims notwithstanding. Such people may claim to say Jesus speaks the words of God, yet they negate them when they refuse Jesus’ own words and teachings on His exclusivity.

Why would God choose only one way to salvation? He is God and we are not. It is His sovereign right to establish the way to salvation. No one truly loves God while refusing to adhere to His terms, especially since He is not required to save anyone. So it may feel right to believe in many different ways to God, but it is clearly shown from the teachings of Jesus that such a belief is not only false, but cannot save anyone.

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12)

Christian

Hi Christian:
I hope I am not offending you. I would like us to be friends in God, the All-knowing, the All-Wise!
Orthodox Christianity assumes the “Son ” means the flesh and blood Jesus of Nazareth. My Faith teaches the “Son of God” is not of the physical but of the spirit. The spirit has no beginning or end but is eternal. If I read aloud passages from the Bible to an audience are they not hearing words of divine truth? Yet, it is not my words that are spoken. In like manner, when Jesus speaks with the authority of God the words he speaks are not his own but from God.
David

Hi David,

It is not me you should be concerned about offending. It would not be possible for us to be friends in God since you serve a different god form the God of the Bible. Actually, orthodox Christianity holds that “Son of God” attests to Jesus’ deity since He shares the same nature as His Father. This is based on Jesus’ own teaching about Himself that I shared with you before. So your denial of Jesus’ own teaching and the rest of the Bible make it impossible for us to be friends in God. We can be friends in a more general sense, however.

I do not say this to be offensive, but to tell you the truth.

Christian

David

(For me, I see the diversity of humanity as an essential element for the strength of the human ecosystem. All of humanity is nourished under a Universal, All-Knowing, Beneficient God. It is time to rise above the parochial thinking of Orthodox philosophy and come to the realization of the essential unity of Truth God is one, Mankind is one and religions have within their Sacred texts example of the same source of the Spirit of Truth. For more on the philosophy of intrinsic oneness and examples of how religions around the world teach the same eternal lessons go to http://onenessbecomesus.com

MTR coal mining is a serious matter in Appalachia. see http://speakingoutworld.com )

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Different Viewpoint: Investigating The Case For World Unity.

Recent discoveries in astronomy and cosmology bring to light inescapable conclusions and profound awareness. Ancient beliefs are being deprovincialized; our home is no longer seen as the center of it all. As the telescope shows, our world orbits a common ordinary main sequence star in an out-of-the-way corner of a galaxy containing billions of stars within a universe of galaxies beyond measure. From a cosmological perspective our home is but a seemingly insignificant speck of dust within a matrix of time and space forever beyond our ability to truly grasp. Physics wrestles with realms beyond the ordinary such as quasars, black holes, cosmic evolution, subatomic particles, quantum theory and beyond. Knowledge, thinking and world-views must deal with accepting realities in which everyday experience and logic no longer apply.

Yet, just the fact humanity is capable of accomplishing these feats proves that through our intellect, vision and capacities of the heart, mind and soul humanity is endowed with the gifts of reason and discernment. Our species is able to study, theorize (and in wonder) look upon the world he dwells upon with a unique level of understanding. In a real sense we are the eyes of the universe beginning to open in perception of itself.

The science of ecology, the study of the interrelationships of plants and animals and how they adapt to different environments, illustrates to the perceptive eye we are but a part of an interwoven web of creation that is marvelous to behold. Within this web of life individuals occupy niches and perform functions (jobs), which help the ecosystem (community) to function. As more is understood it becomes self-evident a diverse community is a healthy one. It is much harder for calamity such as storm, draught or disease to wipe out a complex population containing many checks and balances than say a crowded population of only one species such as found on a man-made artificially cultivated field of corn.

Take a walk outside. Don’t just hike down a trail to get to the end but rather be aware. look at the different shapes, habits, diets, colors, textures and hues of the myriad kinds of organisms observing the many roles they play within the natural ecosystem. Now try to think of what it would be like if all forms of life were the same. Of course this is impossible! For without diversity there would be no ecosystem. Little life, except perhaps the extreme simplest forms, could live.

Now lets apply this principle to humanity. Would it not be rather uninteresting, dull and not much of a challenge if all people were the same? As a matter of fact, if everyone had the same experiences, talents, understanding and opinion civilization would cease to function- there would be no social civilizing “ecosystem” for us to thrive in. Homo sapiens would be nothing more than a group of ape-like instinct driven robots all carrying out functions from an identical program. There would be little art, music, creativity, achievement and certainly no individuality.

 

Medicine teaches the individual body needs all of its organs to function properly and in harmony for good health. Also it is beneficial for sensory receptors such as eyes, ears, feeling, and smell etc. to be in good working order. In the same way, it is apparent that without trained craftsmen and professionals in specialized fields of service to the whole of humankind, civilization will cease to progress. The “ecosystem” of the human race must provide many niches or jobs that allow unique talents to be developed and expressed. Again, the natural working model shows us that diversity equals stability.

 

Now, expand this process to include all the people around the world; the Africans, Asians, Europeans, Innuit, North American Indians, Polynesians etc. Now add the different cultures and religions to the mix. What do you think of when you hear about Baptist, Catholic or say Russian Orthodox Christian sects? How about the Iroquois “Law Of The Longhouse” (a governmental matriarchal system from which it is likely our own US Constitution is possibly based) or the “Eightfold Path” of Buddhism? The name “Allah”: is this a reference to the God of Abraham and Moses or something else?

In a world knit together by the modern marvels of instant world wide communication there is no place for terrorist activities abusing religious creeds or doctrines in defense of the right to attack, torture and mutilate those following a different path. It is evident humanity must evolve and rise above these decadent divisive deeds done in the “name” of the One Creator of us all- be it God, Yahweh, Jehovah, Allah, Vishnu, Amitabha, Ahura Mazda, etc. Instead, let us not focus and dwell on differences of sect and interpretative traditions but, more appropriately, turn to the original scriptures of these diverse yet valid faiths and, with an open mind, see if Hindu (Lord Krishna), Buddhist (Gautama), Christian (Jesus), Islam (Muhammed), Iroquois (Dekanawida), the Baha’i Faith (Baha’u'llah) etc. do indeed address the same essential truths.

 

Remember- we need what the entire worldwide “ecosystem” has to offer. We must open our hearts and minds to accept and learn from peoples of diverse races, cultures and creeds if we, as a global interrelated human family are to reap the most benefit and stability from one another.

For more on this kind of thinking and “serving the case for world unity” go to http://onenessbecomesus.com