From: heavensoon+noreply@googlegroups.com
Date: Fri, 02 Sep 2011 11:47:07 +0000
Subject: [Heaven] Digest for heavensoon@googlegroups.com - 12 Messages
in 12 Topics
To: Digest Recipients <heavensoon+digest@googlegroups.com>
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Today's Topic Summary
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Group: heavensoon@googlegroups.com
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/topics
- US confirms al Qaeda members' role in rebel command. Qaddafi
contacts them [1 Update]
http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/t/9e5f3378f14fd74d
- Intel Forms New Subsidiary To Help US Government Track You [1 Update]
http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/t/dda2f002952ce870
- 6 Unexpected Places You Can Be Tracked With Facial Recognition
Technology [1 Update]
http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/t/d02f365f12cad0c6
- Can Dolphins Help Us Talk To Extraterrestrials? [1 Update]
http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/t/e8fb99510700f506
- The Transhumanism Trap: Using Technology To Perfect The Human Race
[1 Update]
http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/t/253982ee533f9dbe
- So... Is The NWO "Overman" The Eupraxsophy Of Transhumanism? [1 Update]
http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/t/1984ad97e3d872d8
- Study: Young Religious People Support Gay Marriage [1 Update]
http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/t/75b011fc366b853c
- BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO: WHEN CONGREGATIONS LEAVE THEIR
DENOMINATION [1 Update]
http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/t/7e472e4c82ff33de
- NIGERIA: PERSECUTION FUELS CHURCH GROWTH [1 Update]
http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/t/e7f8dd9008432d0b
- Sept 2011 Berean call [1 Update]
http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/t/dbbb5a26633403d7
- Turkey in warning to Israel: You have one day to apologize for
Gaza flotilla raid [1 Update]
http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/t/5be551165209a108
- Israeli army arms Jewish settlers in preparation for Palestinian
unrest [1 Update]
http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/t/7d590c5a5230e3f0
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Topic: US confirms al Qaeda members' role in rebel command. Qaddafi
contacts them
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/t/9e5f3378f14fd74d
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From: Heaven soon <heavensoon@gmail.com>
Date: Sep 01 08:06PM -0400
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/msg/f6a0b9e5500add94
US confirms al Qaeda members' role in rebel command. Qaddafi contacts them
DEBKA*file* Special Report September 1, 2011, 12:47 PM (GMT+02:00)
Tags: Libya <http://www.debka.com/search/tag/Libya/> Muammar
Qaddafi<http://www.debka.com/search/tag/Muammar%20Qaddafi/>
Al Qaeda <http://www.debka.com/search/tag/Al%20Qaeda/>
US<http://www.debka.com/search/tag/US/>
NATO <http://www.debka.com/search/tag/NATO/>
From Qaddafi's intelligence files
The Obama administration finally acknowledged Wednesday, Aug. 31 that al
Qaeda elements had been fighting in Libyan rebel ranks in last week's
capture of Tripoli. This came about in a cautious remark from the office of
President Barack Obama's terrorism adviser John Brennan: "Some members of
the LIFG [Al Qaeda's Libyan Islamic Fighting Group offshoot] in the past had
connections with al Qaeda in Sudan, Afghanistan or Pakistan. Others dropped
their relationship with al Qaeda entirely. It seems from their statements
and support for establishing a democracy in Libya that this faction of LIFG
does not support al Qaeda. We'll definitely be watching to see whether this
is for real or just for show."
debkafile's military sources revealed Sunday, Aug. 28 that LIFG fighters had
fought in the rebel capture of Tripoli <http://www.debka.com/article/21249>on
Sunday Aug. 21. Their commander, Abd Al-Hakim Belhadj, a veteran al Qaeda
fighter from Afghanistan later extradited to Libya and held in prison there,
had led the battle for the Qaddafi stronghold of Bab al-Aziziya two days
later and has since proclaimed himself Commander of the Tripoli Military
Council.
This confronts the US administration with the sole choice of accepting this
*fait accompli*, especially after American reporters discovered in Muammar
Qaddafi's abandoned intelligence headquarters files attesting to the former
Libyan ruler's campaign against Al Qaeda's Libyan recruits and outside
infiltrators. Those files contained a map charting the day to day movements
of al Qaeda and other extremist Muslim operatives in the country and their
current addresses.
They also found documentary evidence of the close reciprocal ties Qaddafi
maintained with Western counter-terror agencies, sharing with them the data
his agencies gathered on al Qaeda movements.
Until now, President Barack Obama dismissed Qaddafi's warnings that the
rebellion which broke out against him in February would open the door for al
Qaeda to seize power in Libya.
Our intelligence and counter-terror sources find the Brennan statement from
the White House raised more questions than it answered:
1. Nothing was said about Washington's reaction should the LIFG turn out in
the future to pursue al Qaeda's political, religious and terrorist agenda
"for real" and not "just for show." Will the US accept the LIFG commander
Belhadj's role as commander of Tripoli or take action to remove him? And
what if its leaders are shown to be working closely with Al Qaeda in the
Maghreb – AQIM?
2. How could the Obama administration subscribe to NATO placing British and
French special forces at the forefront of the battle for the rebel conquest
of Tripoli in direct violation of the UN Security Council confining NATO's
intervention to air strikes - and only when they needed save civilian lives?
Our military experts stress that without those troops on the ground and
NATO's constant aerial pounding of Qaddafi's forces, the rebels would never
have taken the Libyan capital - or much else outside their home base of
Benghazi.
The Libyan venture has therefore placed the United States in the anomalous
position of opening the Libyan door to rebels allied with groups owning a
strong al Qaeda background while at the same time fighting similar groups in
Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq and Yemen.
3. What message does the Libyan episode send al Qaeda and other Islamic
extremist organizations? Might they not infer that the US and NATO will
fight their battles against autocratic regimes in other countries?
4. Muammar Qaddafi while fighting for his life around Sirte was quick to
pick up on the real balance of strength. He concluded that if it is
permissible for the US, Britain and France to back forces aligned with Al
Qaeda, he might profitably tread the same path.
He accordingly sent his son Saadi on Wednesday Aug. 31 to contact the LIFG
Abd Al-Hakim Belhadj, the self-styled military governor of Tripoli, to
propose on behalf of his father talks for ending the war in order to avoid
further bloodshed.
Qaddafi sent another son, Saif al-Islam, with the opposite message to Al
Arabya TV: The war goes on, he said, his father was fine and he has 20,000
armed fighters standing by in the city of Sirte ready to fight for him to
the death.
It is important to note that Saadi bypassed the rebel NTC leaders in
Benghazi and its Tripoli commanders and took his offer straight to the
leader of al Qaeda's Libyan offshoot. The deposed Libyan ruler clearly
understands that to pursue his threatened guerrilla war against the rebels
and their foreign sponsors, he will have to play ball with al Qaeda
elements, just as the West does.
Later Wednesday, British sources reported several undetonated bomb cars had
been found in the capital, signifying the onset of Qaddafi's threatened
guerrilla war.
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Topic: Intel Forms New Subsidiary To Help US Government Track You
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/t/dda2f002952ce870
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From: Heaven soon <heavensoon@gmail.com>
Date: Sep 01 08:03PM -0400
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/msg/fd47c001b4bd9dac
*Intel Forms New Subsidiary To Help US Government Track You
*<http://newsroom.intel.com/community/intel_newsroom/blog/2011/08/30/intel-forms-new-subsidiary-intel-federal-llc>Intel
Corporation today announced the formation of a wholly owned subsidiary,
Intel Federal LLC, to provide strategic focus in order to better address new
opportunities in working with the U.S. government. Initially Intel Federal
will focus on the High Performance Computing segment, including work on
exascale computing with the U.S. Department of Energy and other agencies. In
time, the subsidiary will be open to working with all branches of the
government.
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Topic: 6 Unexpected Places You Can Be Tracked With Facial Recognition Technology
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/t/d02f365f12cad0c6
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From: Heaven soon <heavensoon@gmail.com>
Date: Sep 01 08:02PM -0400
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/msg/8318a8448f148806
*6 Unexpected Places You Can Be Tracked With Facial Recognition
Technology*<http://www.alternet.org/news/152231/6_unexpected_places_you_can_be_tracked_with_facial_recognition_technology>
Facial recognition technology has become more advanced, and it's
increasingly popping up in two realms: law enforcement and commerce. Earlier
this summer Facebook rolled out facial recognition software that identifies
users even when they appear in untagged photos. Like every other time the
social networking site has introduced a creepy, invasive new feature, they
made it the default setting without telling anyone. Once people realized
that Facebook was basically harvesting biometric data, the usual uproar over
the site's relentless corrosion of privacy ensued. Germany even threatened
to sue Facebook for violating German and EU data protection laws and a few
other countries are investigating. But facial recognition technology is
hardly confined to Facebook -- and unlike the social networking site,
there's no "opt-out" of leaving your house.
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Topic: Can Dolphins Help Us Talk To Extraterrestrials?
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/t/e8fb99510700f506
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From: Heaven soon <heavensoon@gmail.com>
Date: Sep 01 08:01PM -0400
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/msg/9f99605ee5296086
*Can Dolphins Help Us Talk To
Extraterrestrials?*<http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44348885/ns/technology_and_science-science/>
For 27 years, marine biologist Denise Herzing and colleagues have been
regular visitors in the Atlantic Ocean home of a 200-member pod of spotted
dolphins living north of the Bahama Islands. Understanding the relationships
between the members of the pod is key to unraveling what their dozens of
whistles, clicks and other signals mean. "The large goal of this project is
to tell the story of what it's like to be a dolphin," Herzing, a researcher
with Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton and the founder and head of
the Wild Dolphin Project, told Discovery News. But being a curious and
intelligent species, the dolphins weren't content to just let the scientists
take their underwater videos and record their sounds.
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Topic: The Transhumanism Trap: Using Technology To Perfect The Human Race
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/t/253982ee533f9dbe
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From: Heaven soon <heavensoon@gmail.com>
Date: Sep 01 08:00PM -0400
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/msg/405cfd9f8c25a0b4
*The Transhumanism Trap: Using Technology To Perfect The Human Race
*<http://www.lifenews.com/2011/08/29/the-transhumanism-trap-using-technology-to-perfect-the-human-race/>Transhumanists
hunger for technology that will take an otherwise healthy individual and
enhance him or her beyond normal human ability. Transhumanism seeks not
just to cure disease but to change the very nature of man. To make him more
than human, even immortal, with whatever means are available, whether it is
with nanotechnology, artificial limbs, artificial intelligence, or genetic
enhancement. Transhumanism is a insidious philosophy because it rejects the
nature of humanity and our natural limitations. Rejecting the nature of
man, it also rejects the inherent dignity of every human person in the
process. In their imagined technological utopia, transhumanists often turn a
blind eye to the medical realities of enhancement, genetic, pharmaceutical
or otherwise and the possibility that without proper ethical guidance we may
no longer control...
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Topic: So... Is The NWO "Overman" The Eupraxsophy Of Transhumanism?
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/t/1984ad97e3d872d8
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From: Heaven soon <heavensoon@gmail.com>
Date: Sep 01 08:00PM -0400
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/msg/17d7530a828e8df4
*So... Is The NWO "Overman" The Eupraxsophy Of
Transhumanism?<http://www.veteranstoday.com/2011/08/29/nwo-overman-is-the-eupraxsophy-of-transhumanism/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nwo-overman-is-the-eupraxsophy-of-transhumanism>
*
Before your mind hits overload, take the time to listen to the interview
with Tom Horn on Future Quake Radio. If you are ambitious and have the time
to delve into the extended insights of Mr. Horn, TransHumanism & Genetic
Manipulation is an earth shattering experience. So what does this
Transhumanism mean for mankind? Well, Joe Kovacs in World Net Daily quotes
the aforementioned Mr. Horn again. "DARPA calls its project " BioDesign,"
and in its 2011 budget, the agency explains it "eliminates the randomness of
natural evolutionary advancement primarily by advanced genetic engineering
and molecular biology technologies to produce the intended biological
effect." Horn says the real purpose has to do with immortalism. "DARPA has
an interest in figuring out how to get around the decaying process of
cellular life, and they use the term creating an immortal organism," he
explains. "But it's more than just an organism. They consider it to be
potentially a lethal force that can be used in military application."
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Topic: Study: Young Religious People Support Gay Marriage
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/t/75b011fc366b853c
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From: Heaven soon <heavensoon@gmail.com>
Date: Sep 01 07:59PM -0400
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/msg/a31e10afa2397660
Study: Young Religious People Support Gay Marriage
Share This Story
article image
By GLAAD on Aug 29, 2011
The Public Religion Research Institute today released "Generations at Odds:
The Millennial Generation and the Future of Gay and Lesbian Rights," a
report based on the Millennials, Religion & Gay and Lesbian Issues Survey.
The survey notes the generational pattern, even among conservative political
and religious groups such as evangelical Protestants.
Traditionally, people assume that religious groups generally oppose LGBT
equality. However, the survey found that all people in all major religious
groups support employment discrimination protections for gay and lesbian
Americans. Even among the more contentious issue of marriage equality, major
religious groups fall on both sides of the debate.
Dr. Robert P. Jones, CEO of Public Religion Research Institute, noted that
support for LGBT people has moved into a majority position. "Overall trends
and the strongly supportive attitudes of the Millennial generation suggest
that we will look back on 2011 as the year marking a sea change in American
attitudes on gay and lesbian issues."
Among the findings:
-- More than 6-in-10 (62%) Millennials favor allowing gay and lesbian
couples to marry, 69% favor allowing gay and lesbian couples to adopt
children, 71% favor civil unions, and 79% favor employment discrimination
protections for gay and lesbian people.
-- Forty-four percent of white evangelical Millennials favor allowing gay
and lesbian people to marry, compared to only 12% of evangelical seniors and
19% of evangelicals overall.
-- Slightly more Catholics (46%) believe the Catholic Church's position on
the issue of gay and lesbian people is too conservative than believe it is
about right (43%).
-- Nearly seven-in-ten (69%) Millennials agree that religious groups are
alienating young people by being too judgmental about gay and lesbian
issues. Among seniors, only 37% agree that religious groups are alienating
young people by being too judgmental and 48% disagree.
-- Among religious groups, 73% of non-Christian affiliated, 64% of
Catholics, 60% of black Protestants, 59% of white mainline Protestants, and
51% of white evangelical Protestants say places of worship contribute either
a lot or a little to higher rates of suicide among gay and lesbian youth.
GLAAD is pleased with these findings. An increasing number of young voices
and religious voices joining the movement for LGBT equality will shift the
public perception of LGBT people to a more positive position. An
increasingly positive perception will, in turn, promote understanding,
increase acceptance, and advance equality for all Americans. GLAAD will
continue to encourage media outlets to include pro-LGBT voices of faith in
their coverage of issues that affect LGBT Americans.
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/gay-issues/study-young-religious-people-support-gay-marriage
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Topic: BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO: WHEN CONGREGATIONS LEAVE THEIR DENOMINATION
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/t/7e472e4c82ff33de
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From: Heaven soon <heavensoon@gmail.com>
Date: Sep 01 07:55PM -0400
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/msg/403567f4c07e58c5
BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO: WHEN CONGREGATIONS LEAVE THEIR DENOMINATION
[Excerpts]
More and more, conservative congregations are choosing to leave liberal
denominations. Rarely does the opposite occur with a liberal congregation
withdrawing to unite with a more conservative denomination.
"I think conservative Christians generally take their faith seriously," says
Dr. Jeffry Marlett, an associate professor of religious studies at The
College of Saint Rose in Albany, N.Y. "They feel that it's better to stand
by their faith and not become conformed to the ways of the world, which is
why you see conservative congregations leaving liberal denominations and not
vice versa."
In December 2006, parishioners of Truro Episcopal Church in Fairfax, Va.,
voted overwhelmingly to sever ties with The Episcopal Church (TEC), igniting
a hailstorm of controversy. While church leaders pointed to TEC's gradual
shift away from the traditional teachings of TEC on the authority of
Scripture and the uniqueness of Jesus Christ as the core reasons for the
disfellowship, the straw that broke the camel's back was the election of
Gene Robinson, a practicing homosexual, as bishop of the Diocese of New
Hampshire in 2003.
"That was our wakeup call," says Warren Thrasher, executive director of
Truro. Starting in 2003 and continuing over the next few years, Truro
leaders had a number of meetings with TEC officials in Virginia to resolve
the issue of Robinson's election and its implications for TEC's teachings on
marriage being between one woman and one man.
Then in mid-2006, the bishops elected Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori as
head of TEC in America. Schori said in a Time magazine interview shortly
after her election that "Christ was a vehicle to the divine - that Jesus is
not unique," says Thrasher. "Basically, she expressed the universalistic
view that all religions lead to God."
A few months later, Truro, along with eight other congregations, withdrew
from TEC and joined the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA), a
mission initiative of the Anglican Church of Nigeria.
In today's increasingly pluralistic society, Truro's experience is not
unique.
(Sarah Hamaker, "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do: When Congregations Leave Their
Denominations," The Christian Post, Aug. 03 2011).
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Topic: NIGERIA: PERSECUTION FUELS CHURCH GROWTH
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/t/e7f8dd9008432d0b
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From: Heaven soon <heavensoon@gmail.com>
Date: Sep 01 07:55PM -0400
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/msg/2964bf7e9b39a77c
NIGERIA: PERSECUTION FUELS CHURCH GROWTH
The chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Plateau State
chapter, Rev. Dafes Philip Mwelbish, has disclosed that the persecution
Christianity faces in the country has remained its greatest source of
growth.
Mwelbish spoke in an interview with newsmen at the ordination of 17
ministers into the full gospel ministry of the Central Baptist Conference of
the Nigerian Baptist Convention in Bukuru, Jos South local government area.
Mwelbish said that all the ill-treatment the church faces would never deter
it from spreading the gospel of salvation even as he advised the newly
ordained pastors to represent Christ with all aspects of their life.
He lamented the decay in the society where the mode of dressing among youths
has taken a shameful dimension and lamented that when the issue of secret
societies is mentioned, it is the names of Christians that are heard. He
called on parents to watch over their children and guide them aright.
Also speaking, in an interview, the principal of the Baptist Pastoral
School, Rev. Ayuba Iliya disclosed that, so far, the 26-year-old institution
had churned out about 600 pastors and was looking forward to working on
handling masters and doctorate students.
For the Chairman of Central Baptist Conference, Rev. Thomas Ndandok, the
graduating pastors would make positive impact on the society where they come
from and the country in general.
(Achor Abimaje, "Nigeria: Persecution Fuels Church's Growth," allafrica.com,
July 31, 2011).
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Topic: Sept 2011 Berean call
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/t/dbbb5a26633403d7
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From: Heaven soon <heavensoon@gmail.com>
Date: Sep 01 07:54PM -0400
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/msg/5ea17ddb1e702b08
The Less Than Truthful "Truth Project"
T. A. McMahon
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is
truth. --John 17:17
The Truth Project (TTP) is a 12-part DVD series produced by Focus on the
Family to encourage Christians in an understanding of a biblical worldview,
and especially its application for their lives. Now, before anyone gets too
excited (or put off) regarding the title of this article, let me say that
there is much in this series that deserves praise. There are, however, some
serious problems.
The first thing that blessed me as I began my 13-hour tour through the
episodes was Del Tackett's exhortation to his mostly college-age students to
"think!" That's not exactly a common characteristic among today's postmodern
and experientially prone generation, and that includes young evangelicals
whose biblical "education," for the most part, has consisted of some form of
entertainment. Of course, Tackett wants them to think biblically and deeply.
Amen to that!
Del Tackett is an excellent communicator. He not only has a command of his
subject matter, but he also exudes an infectious passion for the Lord and
for His Word. You can see that those "students" selected to participate in
the program weren't just props for a well-designed production and set--it
appears that they were really understanding, perhaps for the first time,
some of the biblical insights that were being taught.
Many of the teachings are solidly biblical, such as the episode that
addressed "The Family," which alone may be worth the price of the entire
series. We couldn't agree more with Tackett's professed desire to encourage
all believers to have a love for the Scriptures and to get to know the heart
of God through the revelation of His Word. In view of the sad fact that
there are very few quality productions that deal with apologetics and are
directed at young adults, I initially wrestled with whether to raise any of
the critical issues that concerned me. In other words, I didn't want to put
people off regarding a series that I believe has biblical value. What
finally motivated me to address what I found to be problematic teachings
were two thoughts: 1) Everything in life, in every way possible, needs
biblical scrutiny. If it has the support of Scripture, then we need to be
encouraged to make it a life support. 2) A stated objective of TTP is to
exhort believers to think through all teachings, test all theories,
doctrines, and dogmas. They encourage one to ask relevant questions,
especially concerning the consequences regarding what is being taught--in
particular, where is it leading or headed? That seemed to be the video's
marching orders, so there should be no objections to my doing just that.
In spite of all that impressed me about The Truth Project, there were still
some troubling aspects that tempered, even dampened, my enthusiasm at times.
It reminded me of an ocean voyage that I took before I started graduate
school. It was a terrific cruise if you could handle the seas that the North
Atlantic was dishing up. I'm not easily susceptible to seasickness, so it
was quite enjoyable for me. The last thing that entered my mind was whether
or not the ship was on course to Southampton, England. I assumed that it was
and gave it no further consideration. That memory resurfaced as I
thoughtfully sailed with the "good ship Truth Project."
I wasn't too far along into the series when I realized that some of the
"crew and its captain" were Calvinists. Del Tackett, according to his
biography, was introduced to the Reformed faith in the late 1970s and
started The New Geneva Theological Seminary as a branch of Knox Seminary in
1992. Knox Theological Seminary is a ministry of Coral Ridge Presbyterian
Church and is a bastion of Calvinism. Tackett is now associated with Coral
Ridge Ministries and does a weekly TV program for them called Cross Examine.
One of the main contributors to TTP is R. C. Sproul, perhaps one of the most
influential Calvinists of our day. Although there is no overt teaching
regarding Reformed Theology, its influence is noted throughout, including
quotes from The Westminster Confession and a powerpoint slide presentation
declaring man's needs: "Grace, Regeneration, Redemption." Calvinists teach
that a person must be regenerated by (irresistible) grace before he can
believe and be saved.
Perhaps even before my concerns about Calvinism, the fact that TTP was a
production of Focus on the Family bothered me. Why? I can think of no
ministry that has sown the seeds of psychotherapy among evangelicals more
deeply than Focus on the Family, with psychologist James Dobson. Focus on
the Family has made the humanistic teachings of self-esteem and self-love
the pillars of their organization. Del Tackett was president of Focus on the
Family Institute during the TTP production, and his organization's
self-esteem bias shows itself as he declares that God has given everyone a
"hunger for significance." That selfist teaching is certainly biblical--but
not in a good way. It caused the fall of angels and mankind. Lucifer's
desire to raise his "significance" level in heaven (Isaiah 14) and Eve's
desire to be "as the gods" (Genesis 3) obviously indicated their "hunger for
significance." Nevertheless, Tackett recognizes the errors of humanist
psychologists Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers. His criticism takes place in a
TTP episode labeled "Anthropology." I find that odd because the issues in
this episode are related specifically to psychology, which, curiously, is
rarely mentioned in TTP. That missing topic appears less than honest, given
the Focus on the Family connection.
Focus on the Family has not only been a chief promoter of psychological
counseling; it is the foremost referral service among evangelicals for
professional psychotherapists. Although TTP says that it desires to turn
young people from the ways of the world to a biblical worldview, it seems to
have intentionally avoided that "sphere" of psychology and its devastating
effects upon mankind.
The prestigious Princeton Review reports that the number two most popular
field of study for all U.S. college students (secular or Christian) is
psychology. Young evangelicals, perhaps even more so, are attracted to and
encouraged to choose a career in the pseudo-science of psychotherapy.
Ironically, here is what Dr. James Dobson recommends: "Christian psychology
is a worthy profession for a young believer, provided his faith is strong
enough to withstand the humanistic concepts to which he will be exposed...."
No. So-called Christian psychology is both a contradiction in terms and the
chief dispenser of "self" teachings in the church (see Psychology and the
Church), yet too few are warning our next generation about this incredibly
destructive worldview.
There was certainly no hint of an alarm in The Truth Project! The series
devotes two hour-long sessions to exposing the pseudo-science of evolution
but clearly avoids the even more spiritually deceptive pseudo-science of
psychological counseling.
The single-most puzzling item in TTP is the inclusion of a man who
unequivocally represents a false gospel: Roman Catholic priest Robert
Sirico. Who made that decision? And why is he in The "Truth" Project?
Although nothing could be worse than featuring a man, under the guise of
truth, who participates in leading one billion-plus souls away from the
biblical truth, Sirico has some other issues. Prior to his being ordained a
Paulist priest, he was a minister for the Metropolitan Community churches, a
professing evangelical movement that was developed to refute the biblical
condemnation of homosexuality. In 1975, Sirico performed the first-ever
civil-licensed same-sex marriage. He is now a pastor of St. Mary Catholic
Church in Kalamazoo, MI, and president of Acton Institute, an organization
that promotes the "coming together of faith and liberty" through
"integrating Judeo-Christian Truths with Free Market Principles." His
"faith" is not the faith, for which Jude urged believers to contend. But
such distinctions are increasingly blurred in this ecumenical age. One of
Acton Institute's board members is Dr. Gaylen J. Byker, the current
president of Calvin College. Sirico seems to hold the same attraction for
evangelicals as does Mormon Glenn Beck, both of whom are very vocal in their
promotion of "getting America back to her Christian roots."
Almost none of "Father" Sirico's involvement in TTP seems to make sense
(especially considering the historic anti-Catholicsm of Calvinism) until one
pulls back to see the direction in which the "ship" is headed. It seems to
be a reprise of Christian Reconstructionism directed at this next generation
of evangelicals. Reconstructionism is a Calvinist-based movement that was
popularized by Rousas Rushdoony, Gary North, Greg Bahnsen, and Gary DeMar.
Also known as Theonomy, it proposes social and civil governments that are
based strictly upon the Laws of God in the Old and New Testaments.
Reconstructionists believe that through the application of God's Laws the
earth will be transformed and the Kingdom of God ushered in. Del Tackett
preaches that concept in subtle and not-so-subtle ways throughout the
series. There's little doubt that he is attempting to emulate John Calvin's
vision for the city of Geneva, which Calvin hoped would be a utopia of
Christian principles worked out in daily life. That may be the reason
Tackett called the seminary that he founded The New Geneva. He is currently
on its Board of Directors and a faculty member. Calvin's "biblical Law"
experiment in Geneva, however, became so legalistic that he was referred to
as "the Protestant Pope."
Calvin's historic failure to apply the Law didn't seem to dissuade Tackett
in The Truth Project. For example, he turns to the Fourth Commandment as a
principle for New Testament Christians to incorporate into their lives
regarding what he calls "The Sphere of Labor." Although the commandment is
directed at the Israelites, instructing them to "remember the Sabbath day,
to keep it holy," Tackett presents it as a principle meant for believers,
especially regarding their attitude toward work. This is Theonomy, as well
as being a misapplication of the Scriptures. Nine of the 10 Commandments
involve moral issues (do not steal, lie, murder, etc.) that are written upon
the conscience of man; the Fourth Commandment is not. It is a separation law
written for and to be obeyed exclusively by the Israelites (Exodus 16:29;
31:14-16; Deuteronomy 5:15, etc.). We can certainly appreciate Tackett's
application of New Testament instructions for the believer today, but
attempting to apply the Laws of Moses could constitute legalism, as well as
leading to "another gospel" (Galatians 1:6-7).
Reconstructionism is never mentioned, but The Truth Project's suggested
reading material list is loaded with Amillennialists/Calvinists such as
Abraham Kuyper and A.W. Pink, some key Reconstructionist figures such as
Rushdooney and DeMar, and Coalition On Revival enthusiast Gary Amos, among
others. Reconstructionists are Calvinists, and many, if not most are
amillennialists and preterists (with some notable exceptions).
This means they believe that the church and the world are now in the
Millennium and that nearly all the prophesies of the Bible have been
fulfilled. That may be why prophecy is nowhere to be found in The Truth
Project, which is a huge loss for the hope of developing a confident
biblical worldview. Fulfilled prophecy is the best apologetic for proving
that the Word of God is of supernatural origin and that we can turn to it
with great assurance. It also indicates what lies ahead for the church and
the world. Simply and clearly, Scripture foretells that the imminent Rapture
of the church, the Great Tribulation, the Second Coming, the Millennial
Reign of Christ, the Dissolving of Our Present Heavens and Earth, and the
Creating of a New Heaven and New Earth, will all take place, in that order.
(See Temporal Delusion, Resource Pages)
The reason that this isn't presented in TTP no doubt has to do with its
eschatological perspective. The above prophetic biblical scenario does not
fit with amillennialism (or postmillennialism) or any of the other attempts
to "transform our culture," "restore our nation," or "fix the world's
temporal economic, social, health, injustice, ecological, and other
problems." All of this contributes to a temporal delusion, which is simply
not biblical. The "worldview" of Scripture is not global transformation, a
term used throughout TTP--not, that is, until the Millennial reign of Jesus
Christ. Even then, it will not be a perfect society because the Bible tells
us that it will end with the rebellion of those who went along with the laws
and principles of Christ's rule but who never committed their hearts and
minds to Him.
Tackett chides those who have a "why polish the brass on a sinking ship?"
mentality. He seems to be referring to Christians who have abandoned their
biblical responsibilities because of an erroneous interpretation of
Scripture. We would also take issue with those who think like that, if it
indeed characterizes their attitude. The true scriptural view is that the
events presented above will literally take place and need to be considered
in regard to any plans or agendas of men or ministries. We should not expect
worldwide revival when the Bible indicates that the Last Days will be
characterized by great spiritual deception in the world and apostasy in the
church. Does that mean that we bail out on the world? No. But there is no
scriptural basis for believing that the world will be or can be transformed
through biblical law or biblical principles. To truly believe that, one
would have to literally excise the Book of Revelation from Holy Writ, along
with hundreds of other scriptures.
We believe that the mandate for believers in our day is a rescue operation
of individual lost souls, not a program of collective global transformation.
True believers certainly need to reflect the teachings and love of Christ in
every aspect of their lives, but they are to do so first and foremost to
please the One who saved them. It may be that some will turn to Christ
because of a believer's steadfastness and fruitfulness in the faith, but
that will be the exception in this rebellious world, as biblical prophecy
clearly indicates. The message of the gospel will never be popular in the
world because "the preaching of the cross is to them that perish
foolishness....unto the Jews [it is] a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks
foolishness...." (1 Corinthians 1:18,23). Furthermore, rather than drawing
the multitudes to Christ by example, Scripture states, "...all that will
live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12). Jesus
declared, "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated
you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye
are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the
world hateth you" (John 15:18-19).
In summary, The Truth Project, in our view, is akin to a troop support ship
with a mixture of supplies aboard that need to be carefully scrutinized.
More importantly, if the ship's compass is off even a few degrees, the
vessel will not reach its intended port. TTP has some excellent content
along with some erroneous teachings, but its "intended port" of transforming
the world is not on the course set by the Scriptures. TBC
Quotable
The vigor of our Spiritual Life will be in exact proportion to the place
held by the Bible in our life and
=============================================================================
Topic: Turkey in warning to Israel: You have one day to apologize for
Gaza flotilla raid
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/t/5be551165209a108
=============================================================================
---------- 1 of 1 ----------
From: Heaven soon <heavensoon@gmail.com>
Date: Sep 01 07:53PM -0400
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/msg/6f825ca488613ace
Turkey in warning to Israel: You have one day to apologize for Gaza flotilla
raid
erdogan-turkeypmForeign Minister Ahmet Davutog(lu says UN-authored Palmer
report on the 2010 incident must be published by September 2 as scheduled,
and threatens sanctions if Israel doesn't apologize beforehand.
Turkey declared Thursday that it would not tolerate further delay in the
release of a United Nations report concerning Israel's deadly raid on a
Gaza-bound flotilla in 2010, and warned of consequences including sanctions
should Israel continue to refuse to apologize for the incident.
Publication of the Palmer Commission's report into the Israel Defense
Force's raid, in whichTurkish activists died aboard the Mavi Marmara, has
been postponed three times. In each case the delay took place following the
consent of both Turkey and Israel, and as a result of their joint request
to the UN secretary general.
Ahmet Davutog(lu,Recep Tayyip Erdogan,Benjamin Netanyahu
Turkish FM Ahmet Davutog(lu, Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and PM
Benjamin Netanyahu
Photo by: Avi Ohayun - GPO / Reuters
Haaretz reported earlier this week that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
had suggested to both Turkey and to the United Nations secretary general
that the release date again be postponed past the scheduled September 2
release date, and that the idea was dismissed by the Turks.
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutog(lu told the Turkish daily Today Zaman
on Thursday that Ankara "could not accept a six-month extension."
"The release date of the UN report is the last date for us. We will put Plan
B into play if no [Israeli] apology," Davutog(lu told the Today's Zaman,
without elaborating on what that "Plan B" may be.
In another reference to the possible consequences that would occur in the
eventuality that Israel continued to avoid a public apology for the raid,
the Turkish FM said that Turkey intended to " impose sanctions which both
Israel and other international parties are aware of."
Davutog(lu explained, according to the Today Zaman, that Turkey has
determined a very clear and principled position and that it will also do
what is necessary.
According to the top Turkish official, Israel and Turkey were in fact
already on their way to resolve the issue that has stood between the
long-time allies for over a year, saying that the two countries were well on
their way to agreeing on an apology, when Israel reportedly "stepped back"
at the last minute due to what the Zaman has called "intra-coalition
squabbles while making a political decision."
We patiently waited for Israel to decide. It seems Israel has some
difficulty in making a decision. Turkey has already determined its position
on this issue. We have already expressed that we cannot accept that,"
Davutog(lu added.
The Turkish FM also said that Ankara would fulfill all that is required from
it when the UN announces the report, adding that the flotilla raid report
will not be a "jointly approved report" and that there might also be some
elements that Turkey won't agree to. "We will unveil our position regarding
those [elements]," he added.
--
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www.heavensoon.com
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Topic: Israeli army arms Jewish settlers in preparation for Palestinian unrest
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/t/7d590c5a5230e3f0
=============================================================================
---------- 1 of 1 ----------
From: Heaven soon <heavensoon@gmail.com>
Date: Sep 01 07:53PM -0400
Url: http://groups.google.com/group/heavensoon/msg/e3bc484bbff0c5b8
Israeli army arms Jewish settlers in preparation for Palestinian unrest
idfJewish settlers across the West Bank are being armed and trained by the
Israeli military in anticipation of unrest and violence leading up to a
Palestinian demand for statehood at the United Nations in three weeks.
On Monday morning, a Palestinian man from Nablus drove a stolen taxi into a
police blockade outside a Tel Aviv nightclub before stabbing several
onlookers Photo: AP
The Israeli Defence Force fears that demonstrations ahead of the UN debate
on September 20 will bring violent confrontations between Palestinians and
Israeli settlers living illegally in settlements across territory occupied
by Israel.
Leaked documents documents have outlined Israeli plans to arm security
guards working on the Jewish settlements with riot gear, including tear gas
and stun grenades.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, an Israeli army spokesperson confirmed
that the military is training "community leadership and security personnel
throughout Judea and Samaria" but refused to comment on whether they were
also being provided with additional arms.
An Israeli security source told the Daily Telegraph: "These security
officers are employed by the Ministry of Defence and have to be able respond
to any security threat, like the murders in Itamar. It would be
irresponsible if we did not prepare them for every eventuality."
In March this year, five members of the Jewish Fogel family were killed
while they slept in their home in the West Bank's Itamar settlement by two
Palestinian teenagers from a neighbouring village.
Mata Vilnai, the Israeli home affairs minister announced on Tuesday that a
terror cell based in the Sinai Peninsula is preparing to carry out a series
of attacks in Israel over the coming weeks.
On Monday morning, a Palestinian man from Nablus drove a stolen taxi into a
police blockade outside a Tel Aviv nightclub before stabbing several
onlookers. Eight people, including several teenagers, were injured.
Gill Kosover, who owns a car workshop outside where the attack took place,
said Israelis are braced for more violence.
"This is nothing," he said. "This will happen more and more as we head
towards September. This is just the beginning. Things are starting to boil
here."
B'Tselem, the Israeli human rights agency, has reported 42 cases of Jewish
settler violence for police investigation since the beginning of 2011,
including the murder of two Palestinian teenagers.
Chris Gunness, a spokesman for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine
Refugees, accused Israeli soldiers of turning a blind eye to settler
assaults on Palestinians: "The close relationship between the IDF and the
illegal settlement project in the West Bank is confirmed by the many reports
we see of the most violent settlers forcing Palestinians of their ancestral
land under the noses of the IDF, sometimes with their protection if not
connivance," he said.
--
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www.heavensoon.com
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