Sunday, October 5th, 2008
Does anyone have any information regarding this book? The fact that one of Yasser Arafat’s inner circle converted to Christianity (there is an unsubstantiated rumor that Arafat himself did so on his deathbed) would be a rather striking news event (wait, I forgot how much the news loathes Christianity - never mind).
Sunday, October 5th, 2008
Carlos Santana has had a legendary career in music. He’s nearing the end of his road there, and wants to move into preaching. Last I remember, he had become Orthodox. It’d be nice if he were still so, but if he’s off to preach The Word, I’m happy enough for him.
Monday, September 29th, 2008
I had given words similar to these some thought after experiencing a rude awakening on how people perceive others while wallowing in their own misfortune. One would do well to heed these words rather than pass them by:
Exacting revenge is not right before God, for then the human being will share the guilt because he gave way to an evil desire in him and is no longer pure at heart. Every feeling of unkindness is an obstacle towards ascent, the inner battle, however, is an advancement. As soon as the human being is antagonistically inclined towards the fellow human being and ponders retaliation he hands himself over to the power of evil and has to comply with its will, which always intends to increase unkindness. And this puts his state of soul at risk, for once he has given in to the enemy’s desire it will be difficult for him to practise love, for the thought of revenge poisons his feelings.
What his fellow human being has done to him is far less than what he is now doing to himself, for his fellow human being’s wrong-doing consisted of causing him physical damage but he is damaging his soul and puts it into new fetters with every act of unkindness. He has no other benefit by doing so other than to satisfy his feeling of revenge and thereby hands himself over to the opponent’s control, and to then return to activities of love is extremely difficult and can only be possible if he realises and regrets his wrong-doing. The vindictive person, however, is pleased with his action and far removed from a state of remorse.
The human being shall repay evil with good, this way he will weaken the power of evil, acquire love and release himself as well as his opponent from the influence of evil, for his opponent will experience this as a beneficial act, providing he is not entirely obstinate, and will regret his action. Vengeance, however, is God’s responsibility. And God is righteous, He truly administers vengeance according to merit…. He beholds the human being’s heart and nothing remains hidden to Him. And it is His will to reform people and to make them realise their wrong-doing, just as He blesses those who patiently endure the other person’s wrong-doing without rebelling against it or thinking of exacting revenge.
‘Vengeance is Mine’, says the Lord…. He thereby makes His will known to leave the responsibility of vengeance to Him, so as not to cause damage to your soul, which will be much greater than your fellow human being can ever inflict on you…. Amen.
From Bertha Dudde, a Protestant commentator.
Monday, September 29th, 2008
Whether Democrat or Republican, all American clergy have full rights as citizens, and should be allowed to express and influences their congregations in accordance to their religious mores. That the IRS attempts to use this as a device to silence religion is a damnable thing.
The Washington Post has more here.
Monday, September 29th, 2008
Henryk M. Broder of Der Spiegel states the obvious: Europe has already caved in to radical Islamists stripping them of their culture. It serves them right. If Europe didn’t bother to defend herself, and if Muslims, especially those in countries that have been detached from their religion for decades who treat it more like an heirloom rather than an article of faith, can’t see who is to blame, then Europe has earned the grave it has dug for itself.
To some, sadly, this will be the proof they need to point and shout about the West’s hatred of Islam. Thank you, universities, for killing off our brightest minds with garbage.
Monday, September 29th, 2008
The copy of the Bible Moses Maimonides declared “the best translation” is the subject of a hunt for lost pages by scholars.
Sunday, September 28th, 2008
A video on the destruction of Serbian Orthodox churches and monasteries in Kosovo.
Sunday, September 28th, 2008
This article would normally make my main site rather than this one except that Taro Aso is Japan’s first Roman Catholic Prime Minister. Congrats to him.
Sunday, September 28th, 2008
Rev. Stanley Harakas, Th.D. writes an important tome on how Orthodox Christians position themselves to important issues.
Sunday, September 28th, 2008
I’m definitely pro-Israel when it comes to the Jewish-Palestinian fracas comes up for discussion. With that being said, it is fair to listen to the other side. They have many legitimate grievances.