I have made reference previously to the difficulties my brother, Craig, has faced in his struggle against cancer. The doctors have acknowledged that temporarily they need to alter his treatment regimen. They discontinued the chemo to allow some recovery for the side effects of that treatment. He will have home hospice care in the mean time. I urgently ask for the support of our readers through prayer. I truly believe that God’s intervention is his only hope. He has the bravado and the intestinal fortitude but he will definitely need Divine intervention to defeat this disease. Thank you.
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Please do not misunderstand the inclusion of this blog reference. It will give you access to the speech which was given by Gov. Mitt Romney in response to requests for his views on faith and the role of religion in Government. Personally, I have other candidates which I back and hope to see in the oval office. That in no way prevents me from acknowledging the brilliance of his speech and his consequent awareness of the role of the Creator in our government. It would be my prayer that every candidate should share his views.
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I printed that entire blog post from the center place board because I tend to give greater importance to words on hard copies than the fleeting images on the computer screen. As I pored over those eighty pages, several messages stood out.
Its overall theme was rigidity. Almost without exception, every poster had an unbending opinion of the truth of his cause. Oh, there was an excess of flowery language which hoped to cloak that rigidity, but, it was there nonetheless. I confess that I am probably guilty as well. While I don’t waste time mixing it up on that particular board, I have some very fixed concepts of my faith and the will of God. Regular readers of this blog are likely nodding their heads right now. My desire is that, in remembrance, I would be described as having a “steadfast faith.” Yes, I am stubborn in my understanding of Jesus Christ and if you choose to sway me on any particular, you’d best come armed with valid scripture and a demonstrable interest in my salvation. Your political interpretations will not be considered valid. In the ensuing conversation, be advised that at the first mention of either diversity or reconciliation my ability to hear ceases.
Toward the end of the postings there seemed to be an onslaught of offerings describing the various associations with social groups to enhance the quality of life for the disadvantaged. They ran the gamut from battered women, addicts, and the homeless, to drunks, wife beaters and the rest of the detritus of society. I make no argument that these people don’t need help but I find it unseemly that anyone would proffer this assistance as evidence of caring and love for humanity. It is a normal part of our obedience to Him. To “do unto the least of these” should be a standard, not an isolated circumstance subject to praise. As an example, in our twenty four years of marriage my spouse has been active in service in all five of the communities in which we have lived. In Houma, LA, Colorado Springs, CO, and Milwaukee, WI, she wrestled drunks at the local detox. Once we moved to Las Vegas, she found Hospice work more to her liking. She continues to serve in assistance to the aged to this day here in the Ozarks. I have never heard her offer this information as a validation of either faith or belief. I am thrilled by the evidence that my brothers and sisters are willing to share their time and talents in the assistance of these folks. I am certain that it does not go unnoticed by God and He is the only witness required. I don’t remember who said it but it is still true; virtue is its own reward.
Last, but definitely not least, is the issue of banning posts and persons from the center place board. This seems to be a highly arbitrary procedure. The copy I worked from provided the deleted posts and persons. I came to one inescapable conclusion; the more orthodox your belief, the more likely you are to be banned. I find this abridgement of liberty reprehensible. I happen to know personally those good and faithful individuals who were banned. I know them to be honest and straightforward. The monitors of the board were unimpressed and banned them anyway. At the same time, I witnessed specious accusations and criticism fall like rain with no interference from the administrators of the board. I saw attacks on Richard Price and Arthur Hawley in clear text contrary to the alleged rules of behavior. This sounds more like a procedure in some tinhorn third world dictatorship than a Christian endeavor. At the conclusion, when the heat became too oppressive, they deleted the entirety of the board. Typical, if you destroy the evidence, then it didn’t happen. Now you know why I don’t post. They would never post the first one.
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Well, it looks like the desk is about cleaned up. Don’t worry, I’m sure something else will fall on it and require our mutual attention. Meanwhile, please pray for Craig and others. They all need the help which only God can offer.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Thursday, December 6, 2007
"Brother and Sister Price, Right On!!!"
This is the subject line of a former center place discussion topic which has since been removed. It is the board which contained the strong accusations against the Prices. In the Monday Morning Rant (15) I dealt with those and especially the aspect of the youthful son of one of the critics. I was advised that he was “only nineteen years old.”
A commenter noted the last comment, “don’t send a boy to do a man’s work,” pointing out that among others, David and Joseph Smith, Jr represented God’s use of youngsters to do his work. Not one to question God’s choices of servants to do His will I sought to find out if they were more accurately defined as men or boys.
Let’s take a look at I Samuel 16 (Inspired Version) to get a little background on David. Saul proceeded through the sons of Jesse to locate the one whose heart was with the Lord to anoint. The final choice turned out to be the youngest of the group. When Saul was looking for an excellent harp player a servant suggested David. He was described in verse 18 as follows: “Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the Lord is with him.” Later in I Samuel 17.34-36, while pleading with Saul to represent the Israelites against the champion offered by the Philistines, we read: “And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock. (35) And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth; and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him and slew him. (36) Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.”
Whew! There’s a day’s work. Slaying a lion and a bear at one sitting in chapter 17 seems to validate the assertion in chapter 16 that he was indeed “a man of war.” Being the youngest son does not necessarily mean one remains a child forever. Obviously he was younger than his brothers, but I can’t read this and see a callow youth. When compared to Goliath at 9’6” (six cubits and a span) he would look like a child regardless of his size. Young, yes; but, definitely a man. And, most important, imbued with skills acquired as a shepherd and enhanced by the Spirit of God.
Now, we proceed to Joseph Smith, Jr.. At the rough age of 17 years, 9 months, young Joseph received the announcement of the existence of the plates, the next day he viewed the plates and was told to wait. For whatever reason, it was four years to the day that Joseph was actually permitted to receive the plates. At 21 years, 9 months the work of translating the plates began. The young husband—he had married eight months earlier—had gained experience and maturity and apparently God found him ready. It was three years later in 1830 that the book of Mormon was published and in April, the church organized. Yes, he was young, but surely no longer a child.
Part of the comment I received to the Rant concerned the distribution of papers from older folks that were “utter nonsense.” I certainly agree. Having just re-read the eighty pages of the postings on that board, the evidence is overwhelming that it’s not just younger persons who choose to misunderstand the doctrines, laws and traditions of the church. There are comments there by some seasoned adults which border on the ridiculous.
In the final paragraph of the comment the observation is made that, “Often times those ‘most qualified’ lack certain qualities that the Lord requires to promote His standards (I Cor 1:27-28.)” I can’t imagine that the Lord has any problem evaluating who has the qualities He needs. “Most qualified” is a designation dreamed up by men. The further insinuation is made that the lad’s claims come as a messenger of God to correct me. While I can certainly stand correction on occasion, my experience with God has always been far more direct. He has consistently granted healing, direction and encouragement. These experiences have never been subtle or third hand. I always speak plainly to my Lord and He has always responded in kind. A full reading of Zion Beckons will reveal sin, forgiveness, repentance and, I hope, a sincere effort to be pleasing to God accompanied by an all out effort to do His will. Thankfully, I will only have One Judge.
This is the third time this year that some one from the center place, when faced with comment or inquiry, instead of responding with a logical argument, has questioned my status as a Christian. I noticed, reading the board, that the most popular posture when faced with facts and objections is to plead “hate” on the part of the questioner. Once the allegation of “hate” is established we are treated to a dreary paragraph or two about how much love they have for everyone. People who love don’t describe others as “haters.” They also don’t attack venerable servants who disagree with their opinions with false allegations and invective. I still haven’t seen anything which vaguely resembles an apology to Richard Price for his defamation.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
A commenter noted the last comment, “don’t send a boy to do a man’s work,” pointing out that among others, David and Joseph Smith, Jr represented God’s use of youngsters to do his work. Not one to question God’s choices of servants to do His will I sought to find out if they were more accurately defined as men or boys.
Let’s take a look at I Samuel 16 (Inspired Version) to get a little background on David. Saul proceeded through the sons of Jesse to locate the one whose heart was with the Lord to anoint. The final choice turned out to be the youngest of the group. When Saul was looking for an excellent harp player a servant suggested David. He was described in verse 18 as follows: “Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the Lord is with him.” Later in I Samuel 17.34-36, while pleading with Saul to represent the Israelites against the champion offered by the Philistines, we read: “And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock. (35) And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth; and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him and slew him. (36) Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.”
Whew! There’s a day’s work. Slaying a lion and a bear at one sitting in chapter 17 seems to validate the assertion in chapter 16 that he was indeed “a man of war.” Being the youngest son does not necessarily mean one remains a child forever. Obviously he was younger than his brothers, but I can’t read this and see a callow youth. When compared to Goliath at 9’6” (six cubits and a span) he would look like a child regardless of his size. Young, yes; but, definitely a man. And, most important, imbued with skills acquired as a shepherd and enhanced by the Spirit of God.
Now, we proceed to Joseph Smith, Jr.. At the rough age of 17 years, 9 months, young Joseph received the announcement of the existence of the plates, the next day he viewed the plates and was told to wait. For whatever reason, it was four years to the day that Joseph was actually permitted to receive the plates. At 21 years, 9 months the work of translating the plates began. The young husband—he had married eight months earlier—had gained experience and maturity and apparently God found him ready. It was three years later in 1830 that the book of Mormon was published and in April, the church organized. Yes, he was young, but surely no longer a child.
Part of the comment I received to the Rant concerned the distribution of papers from older folks that were “utter nonsense.” I certainly agree. Having just re-read the eighty pages of the postings on that board, the evidence is overwhelming that it’s not just younger persons who choose to misunderstand the doctrines, laws and traditions of the church. There are comments there by some seasoned adults which border on the ridiculous.
In the final paragraph of the comment the observation is made that, “Often times those ‘most qualified’ lack certain qualities that the Lord requires to promote His standards (I Cor 1:27-28.)” I can’t imagine that the Lord has any problem evaluating who has the qualities He needs. “Most qualified” is a designation dreamed up by men. The further insinuation is made that the lad’s claims come as a messenger of God to correct me. While I can certainly stand correction on occasion, my experience with God has always been far more direct. He has consistently granted healing, direction and encouragement. These experiences have never been subtle or third hand. I always speak plainly to my Lord and He has always responded in kind. A full reading of Zion Beckons will reveal sin, forgiveness, repentance and, I hope, a sincere effort to be pleasing to God accompanied by an all out effort to do His will. Thankfully, I will only have One Judge.
This is the third time this year that some one from the center place, when faced with comment or inquiry, instead of responding with a logical argument, has questioned my status as a Christian. I noticed, reading the board, that the most popular posture when faced with facts and objections is to plead “hate” on the part of the questioner. Once the allegation of “hate” is established we are treated to a dreary paragraph or two about how much love they have for everyone. People who love don’t describe others as “haters.” They also don’t attack venerable servants who disagree with their opinions with false allegations and invective. I still haven’t seen anything which vaguely resembles an apology to Richard Price for his defamation.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Monday Morning Rant (15)
The “Rant” is the most difficult to compose just after the sacrament service on the first Sunday. I feel closer to Christ, His purposes, His teachings and the example of His life. I always feel more strongly the burden of sin and the desire to shake the remaining vestiges of my former life. The effect on me then is to refrain from being confrontational and to stifle my tendency to immediately retort to that which I don’t believe to be true.
One of the life lessons I have been taught through examination of Christ’s earthly life through the scriptures is His attitude toward false teachings. He confronted them directly, forcefully, and gave them the names they deserved. He was unimpressed by the office or the title of anyone working against His will. His teaching style was one to be admired and should be adopted by our modern educators. If one agreed with the truth he was blessed. Those teaching other than the truth were condemned and shamed. I don’t recall any offering of shades of gray. When doubt remained, He was quick to offer an illustrative parable. The Master was a great teacher but loath to countenance nonsense.
A good (and faithful) friend wrote me recently criticizing one of my posts about the dust up over published allegations against Richard Price. Since it was intended to be private correspondence I shall not reveal the source. This person, with a heart of gold, suggested that youth and lack of experience prompted the unfounded accusations. As a father of five and grandfather of twenty, I am more than familiar with just how stupid kids can be. Had it been one of mine I would have suggested that well known truism that one doesn’t pick fights with people who buy ink by the barrel. Nor does one disrespect a venerable elder with an impeccable history who has performed a generous service as publisher to the church and to its members. Had he been mine, I would have asked myself where I went wrong in his upbringing and made every effort to direct him to more righteous directions.
My friend also pointed to an apology which was printed on the center place discussion board. Since it is controlled by persons with the ability to censor the content and the length of exposure, I am not surprised that the entire posting was deleted. I think the apology would have been better directed to the aggrieved party by snail mail with the permission to publish it in Vision. It was so short-lived I never had a chance to see it, so I don’t know much about it. Again, is there no one to counsel this lad?
My friend also mentioned some other folks and their blogs. The suggestion was made that we are providing a divisive attitude within the body of Saints. It would hurry Zion Beckons to average thirty-five readers a day, so I don’t really see us as much of a force to influence the greater body. Mention was made that we should focus on the things we have in common and the goals we share. I certainly agree as long as that which we have in common, universally, is the love of Jesus Christ and the goal we have is the establishment of His kingdom here and now. I confess that anyone who strays from those criteria is subject to derision on these pages.
One final note on the matter concerns the willingness of a youngster in the faith to evidence such interest. I find that laudable even if I disagree. I assume that he was driven by some inner desire to correct what he felt to be a wrong. I certainly hope no one else would have put him up to it. Surely any adult would realize you don’t send a boy to do a man’s work.
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Like any cancer patient, my brother Craig has had his ups and downs. As you know, the treatment can be as cruel as the disease. At the close of the week he suffered a seizure in the doctor’s office, which resulted in re-hospitalization and additional testing. It is very likely I shall travel again to Chicago soon to “help” out. Please continue your prayers as the issue is still in doubt. May God bless you all for your support.
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In the midst of our eternal political season I find it difficult not to enter the fray. I had a recent entry on “Thinking”. Although I put a candidate’s name in the punch line I am sure you have figured it out that you can substitute any name you wish. It’s not my wish to intentionally offend.
Speaking of “offend,” have you noticed that a Holy Book now accompanies nearly all the Sunday appearances of the candidates? They all seem to manage a photo-op on the church (temple/cathedral/stake) steps. Generally they are shown gripping the hand of the pastor (monsignor/elder/prelate) and gushing over his timely sermon (homily/message/?) to the flock to which they pretend to belong. One wonders if they didn’t have a driver if they could actually find the church. If you find this question important I guess you’ll have to figure it out for yourself at election time.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
One of the life lessons I have been taught through examination of Christ’s earthly life through the scriptures is His attitude toward false teachings. He confronted them directly, forcefully, and gave them the names they deserved. He was unimpressed by the office or the title of anyone working against His will. His teaching style was one to be admired and should be adopted by our modern educators. If one agreed with the truth he was blessed. Those teaching other than the truth were condemned and shamed. I don’t recall any offering of shades of gray. When doubt remained, He was quick to offer an illustrative parable. The Master was a great teacher but loath to countenance nonsense.
A good (and faithful) friend wrote me recently criticizing one of my posts about the dust up over published allegations against Richard Price. Since it was intended to be private correspondence I shall not reveal the source. This person, with a heart of gold, suggested that youth and lack of experience prompted the unfounded accusations. As a father of five and grandfather of twenty, I am more than familiar with just how stupid kids can be. Had it been one of mine I would have suggested that well known truism that one doesn’t pick fights with people who buy ink by the barrel. Nor does one disrespect a venerable elder with an impeccable history who has performed a generous service as publisher to the church and to its members. Had he been mine, I would have asked myself where I went wrong in his upbringing and made every effort to direct him to more righteous directions.
My friend also pointed to an apology which was printed on the center place discussion board. Since it is controlled by persons with the ability to censor the content and the length of exposure, I am not surprised that the entire posting was deleted. I think the apology would have been better directed to the aggrieved party by snail mail with the permission to publish it in Vision. It was so short-lived I never had a chance to see it, so I don’t know much about it. Again, is there no one to counsel this lad?
My friend also mentioned some other folks and their blogs. The suggestion was made that we are providing a divisive attitude within the body of Saints. It would hurry Zion Beckons to average thirty-five readers a day, so I don’t really see us as much of a force to influence the greater body. Mention was made that we should focus on the things we have in common and the goals we share. I certainly agree as long as that which we have in common, universally, is the love of Jesus Christ and the goal we have is the establishment of His kingdom here and now. I confess that anyone who strays from those criteria is subject to derision on these pages.
One final note on the matter concerns the willingness of a youngster in the faith to evidence such interest. I find that laudable even if I disagree. I assume that he was driven by some inner desire to correct what he felt to be a wrong. I certainly hope no one else would have put him up to it. Surely any adult would realize you don’t send a boy to do a man’s work.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Like any cancer patient, my brother Craig has had his ups and downs. As you know, the treatment can be as cruel as the disease. At the close of the week he suffered a seizure in the doctor’s office, which resulted in re-hospitalization and additional testing. It is very likely I shall travel again to Chicago soon to “help” out. Please continue your prayers as the issue is still in doubt. May God bless you all for your support.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the midst of our eternal political season I find it difficult not to enter the fray. I had a recent entry on “Thinking”. Although I put a candidate’s name in the punch line I am sure you have figured it out that you can substitute any name you wish. It’s not my wish to intentionally offend.
Speaking of “offend,” have you noticed that a Holy Book now accompanies nearly all the Sunday appearances of the candidates? They all seem to manage a photo-op on the church (temple/cathedral/stake) steps. Generally they are shown gripping the hand of the pastor (monsignor/elder/prelate) and gushing over his timely sermon (homily/message/?) to the flock to which they pretend to belong. One wonders if they didn’t have a driver if they could actually find the church. If you find this question important I guess you’ll have to figure it out for yourself at election time.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Saturday, December 1, 2007
A Horse or a Hard Drive?
Imagine, if you will, that you were Joseph Smith or one of his brothers in Christ. You have received revelations from the Lord and you need to share them with other saints. You go to the barn, saddle your horse, or hitch up the buggy, and set off. Your wife has packed a bit of food, you've donned your warmest coat and set off through the forest. No doubt the road, if there was one, was crude. There were few creature comforts to ease the burden of lengthy travel. You were no doubt warmed by the Holy Spirit, and you hastened to spread your newly revealed message. Under these conditions, haste meant several days of lost time. This was a common dilemma faced by our ancestors in the faith. Is it any wonder that they baptized scores of people at a sitting? They didn’t have the luxury of long winded, agonizing decision processes. They dealt in the here and now. When the spirit called, you obeyed.
Now, fast forward to today. You have a significant dream, a fresh testimony, an inspired thought to improve the fellowship and you need to share it immediately with others. You go to your home office, study, den, whatever, and pick up the phone or sit down at your computer. You are suddenly in contact with the entire world if you so choose. Aside from the usual complaints about faulty internet service, balky computers, and fuzzy phone connections you have the means of instant communication. You can “go tell it on the mountain” without any appreciable strain. You are only limited by the length of your email addressees list or your phone log.
One of the biggest challenges we face now is to insure communication with others in our circle of faith occurs at an appropriate moment in the recipient’s time zone. If Ev in Maine has a thought at dawn to share with Hartley in Nevada, his 3 am call may not be appreciated. So he fires off an email, which will be received as soon as Hartley fires up his computer. These intercontinental transactions would have been impossible for the Saints of 1830. The country didn’t even have regulated time until the advent of the railroads.
Given our current conveniences, what would be our excuse for not spreading the gospel? What would be our excuse for not being aware of the entire goings on within the church? Are we reluctant to face the terrors of the night trudging through the woods? Do we wish to avoid the discomfort of long range foot travel suffering cold, fatigue, hunger and fear of encountering some real or imagined predator? Sorry! There is no justifiable excuse available. These modern devices are gifts from God to be used to spread His message. Through His good offices, men have been inspired to design better and better means for communication. It is impossible to believe that the computer, on which this is being entered, is simply an extension of the “big bang.” Like many of our gifts, it is useless without prayerful application.
In our corner of Zion, we are surrounded by Amish neighbors. One could not possibly ask for better people to have so close. They are, though, a peculiar people, and disdain being connected to the world. Without motorized vehicles, electricity, or telephones they intentionally are out of touch. Being isolated from “the world,” they feel better able to quietly pursue their faith and not be distracted. There is no intention here to either condemn or endorse those feelings. It is just one group’s response to modern technology. They do, rightly, recognize that those things which can work so well to work for good may also be used to promulgate the workings of Satan. This applies to most things which surround us in daily life. The ability to exercise moderation, temperance and good judgment are not unknown qualities of saints. Obviously, if evil is the intent, it will probably be the outcome.
Traffic on the internet or other technology should be subject to the same prayers and supplications as other media. God will provide the discernment necessary to ferret out the truth. One need only ask. He “upbraideth not” anyone who seeks this help. Given this preparation we are then ready to exploit the huge resources available. God has supplied some marvelous tools for the dissemination of His word.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Now, fast forward to today. You have a significant dream, a fresh testimony, an inspired thought to improve the fellowship and you need to share it immediately with others. You go to your home office, study, den, whatever, and pick up the phone or sit down at your computer. You are suddenly in contact with the entire world if you so choose. Aside from the usual complaints about faulty internet service, balky computers, and fuzzy phone connections you have the means of instant communication. You can “go tell it on the mountain” without any appreciable strain. You are only limited by the length of your email addressees list or your phone log.
One of the biggest challenges we face now is to insure communication with others in our circle of faith occurs at an appropriate moment in the recipient’s time zone. If Ev in Maine has a thought at dawn to share with Hartley in Nevada, his 3 am call may not be appreciated. So he fires off an email, which will be received as soon as Hartley fires up his computer. These intercontinental transactions would have been impossible for the Saints of 1830. The country didn’t even have regulated time until the advent of the railroads.
Given our current conveniences, what would be our excuse for not spreading the gospel? What would be our excuse for not being aware of the entire goings on within the church? Are we reluctant to face the terrors of the night trudging through the woods? Do we wish to avoid the discomfort of long range foot travel suffering cold, fatigue, hunger and fear of encountering some real or imagined predator? Sorry! There is no justifiable excuse available. These modern devices are gifts from God to be used to spread His message. Through His good offices, men have been inspired to design better and better means for communication. It is impossible to believe that the computer, on which this is being entered, is simply an extension of the “big bang.” Like many of our gifts, it is useless without prayerful application.
In our corner of Zion, we are surrounded by Amish neighbors. One could not possibly ask for better people to have so close. They are, though, a peculiar people, and disdain being connected to the world. Without motorized vehicles, electricity, or telephones they intentionally are out of touch. Being isolated from “the world,” they feel better able to quietly pursue their faith and not be distracted. There is no intention here to either condemn or endorse those feelings. It is just one group’s response to modern technology. They do, rightly, recognize that those things which can work so well to work for good may also be used to promulgate the workings of Satan. This applies to most things which surround us in daily life. The ability to exercise moderation, temperance and good judgment are not unknown qualities of saints. Obviously, if evil is the intent, it will probably be the outcome.
Traffic on the internet or other technology should be subject to the same prayers and supplications as other media. God will provide the discernment necessary to ferret out the truth. One need only ask. He “upbraideth not” anyone who seeks this help. Given this preparation we are then ready to exploit the huge resources available. God has supplied some marvelous tools for the dissemination of His word.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Do You Think Too Much?
As I went through my folders this evening, I came across this little tale. I have no idea where it came from or worse, who wrote it. Since it was obviously floating free in the ether of the internet I shall publish without shame but with apologies to the author. It’s only right that we lighten up a little sometimes.
"It started out innocently enough. I began to think at parties now and then to loosen up. Inevitably though, one thought led to another, and soon I was more than just a social thinker. I began to think alone—'to relax,' I told myself—but I knew it wasn't true. Thinking became more and more important to me, and finally I was thinking all the time. I began to think on the job. I knew that thinking and employment don't mix, but I couldn't stop myself.
I began to avoid friends at lunchtime so I could read Ayn Rand and Murray Rothbard. I would return to the office dizzied and confused, asking, 'What is it exactly we are doing here?'
Things weren't going so great at home either. One evening I had turned off the TV and asked my wife about the meaning of life. She spent that night at her mother's.
I soon had a reputation as a heavy thinker. One day the boss called me in. He said, 'Joe, I like you, and it hurts me to say this, but your thinking has become a real problem. If you don't stop thinking on the job, you'll have to find another job.' This gave me a lot to think about.
I came home early after my conversation with the boss. 'Honey,' I confessed, 'I've been thinking . . . .'
'I know you've been thinking,' she said, 'and I want a divorce!'
'But Honey, surely it's not that serious.'
'It is serious,' she said, lower lip aquiver. 'You think as much as college professors, and college professors don't make any money, so if you keep on thinking we won't have any money!'
'That's a faulty syllogism,' I said impatiently, and she began to cry. I'd had enough. 'I'm going to the library,' I snarled as I stomped out the door. I headed for the library, in the mood for some Nietzsche, with BBC 4 on the radio. I roared into the parking lot and ran up to the big glass doors . . . they didn't open. The library was closed. To this day, I believe that a Higher Power was looking out for me that night.
As I sank to the ground clawing at the unfeeling glass, whimpering for Zarathustra, a poster caught my eye. 'Friend, is heavy thinking ruining your life?' it asked. You probably recognize that line. It comes from the standard Thinker's Anonymous poster. Which is why I am what I am today: a recovering thinker. I never miss a TA meeting. At each meeting we watch a non-educational video; last week it was 'Big Brother.' Then we share experiences about how we avoided thinking since the last meeting. I still have my job, and things are a lot better at home. Life just seemed . . . easier, somehow, as soon as I stopped thinking. I think the road to recovery is nearly complete for me. Today, for example, I voted for Hillary Clinton.”
Come on, laugh, it’s funny.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
"It started out innocently enough. I began to think at parties now and then to loosen up. Inevitably though, one thought led to another, and soon I was more than just a social thinker. I began to think alone—'to relax,' I told myself—but I knew it wasn't true. Thinking became more and more important to me, and finally I was thinking all the time. I began to think on the job. I knew that thinking and employment don't mix, but I couldn't stop myself.
I began to avoid friends at lunchtime so I could read Ayn Rand and Murray Rothbard. I would return to the office dizzied and confused, asking, 'What is it exactly we are doing here?'
Things weren't going so great at home either. One evening I had turned off the TV and asked my wife about the meaning of life. She spent that night at her mother's.
I soon had a reputation as a heavy thinker. One day the boss called me in. He said, 'Joe, I like you, and it hurts me to say this, but your thinking has become a real problem. If you don't stop thinking on the job, you'll have to find another job.' This gave me a lot to think about.
I came home early after my conversation with the boss. 'Honey,' I confessed, 'I've been thinking . . . .'
'I know you've been thinking,' she said, 'and I want a divorce!'
'But Honey, surely it's not that serious.'
'It is serious,' she said, lower lip aquiver. 'You think as much as college professors, and college professors don't make any money, so if you keep on thinking we won't have any money!'
'That's a faulty syllogism,' I said impatiently, and she began to cry. I'd had enough. 'I'm going to the library,' I snarled as I stomped out the door. I headed for the library, in the mood for some Nietzsche, with BBC 4 on the radio. I roared into the parking lot and ran up to the big glass doors . . . they didn't open. The library was closed. To this day, I believe that a Higher Power was looking out for me that night.
As I sank to the ground clawing at the unfeeling glass, whimpering for Zarathustra, a poster caught my eye. 'Friend, is heavy thinking ruining your life?' it asked. You probably recognize that line. It comes from the standard Thinker's Anonymous poster. Which is why I am what I am today: a recovering thinker. I never miss a TA meeting. At each meeting we watch a non-educational video; last week it was 'Big Brother.' Then we share experiences about how we avoided thinking since the last meeting. I still have my job, and things are a lot better at home. Life just seemed . . . easier, somehow, as soon as I stopped thinking. I think the road to recovery is nearly complete for me. Today, for example, I voted for Hillary Clinton.”
Come on, laugh, it’s funny.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Thought Police
One of the greatest threats from any totalitarian administration of the rules of order are from those would control thought. Physical abuses and the threat thereof are painful and can inflict long term damage upon individuals. However, abuse of the freedom of thought, though less obvious, is far more damaging to the entire society it affects. That last bastion of the right to privacy, the human mind, is under fierce assault from the political correctness advocates and the accompanying cadre of “thought police.”
Historically, we can view the perpetrators of thought control in the extreme without having to search very far. Joseph Goebbels (Nazi Germany), Pol Pot (Cambodia), Chairman Mao (China), and Joseph Stalin (USSR) are among some of the most celebrated names to rise in any discussion of the issue. While they physically abused their peoples, their most insidious assault was on their minds. They, in common, realized that a mind under control was equivalent to a body under control. Even the most historically illiterate readily recognize these stated examples. But, we say, this is America and it can’t happen here.
The purveyors of political correctness and diversity palaver are alive and well in our society and in our church. We are besieged from every side by those who would obscure the truth by accusing critics of insensitivity and disrespect. Granted, name calling and personal attack is not in any remote sense part of reasoned argument. However, stating matters in plain speech with actual facts should be allowable and part of normal discourse. Lacking the perfection of God, men will sometimes err on the side of overstatement and offer candid opinion which proves offensive. Often, the offense is a justifiable statement of belief which has a clear meaning stated in our scriptures. Many times, people’s actual words are repeated to verify their position and those words are criticized as an attack. I would suggest that editing what one says would help to avoid these embarrassing quotes later.
Recently, a brother challenged an accusation made against another and asked for specific citations and evidence of the supposed offense. The charges made were serious and entailed the eventuality of legal relief. Suspecting the charges were false and knowing they had been vigorously denied, he aired his opinion on a prominent discussion board. His action, standing up for the accused, resulted in being banned from the board. His original post named all the parties concerned. A revised post deleted the specifics but was still barred. It is well known that the accused party is an active critic of the current hierarchy. This suppression is a reprehensible example of censorship accomplished in the name of political correctness. Given the relationship of those who maintain the board and those who would lead the church, one easily concludes that it reflects the attitude of the leadership. God help us!
I freely admit to being terrified of this stifling of the free exchange of ideas. It’s one thing to have been asleep at the switch as the church slid into apostasy (decades ago) but quite another to be awake and alert and then thwarted by those who would suppress our right to free _expression. May God forgive me; I didn’t see it then. Today, with a clearer mind and a radically different level of interest, it seems blatant. It is not necessary for me to understand completely the wiles of Satan’s influence to appreciate his presence and influence. Some of those who perpetuate this vile dogma of hiding everything from the sunshine of truth may actually believe that they have the greater good in the forefront. They are, in my opinion, only “drinking the Kool-Aid.” For those who have forgotten, the preceding reference is to those who followed the false prophet, Jim Jones and committed mass suicide to avoid the ultimate “come uppance” upon their exposure. While I don’t see an exact parallel to this incident, I do see the danger in following leaders with personal agenda. We have need of only one master, Jesus Christ. To support His leadership requires the sublimation of self. If your agenda is not His agenda, it’s time to rethink your relationship. His pronouncements on the subject are clear.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
(If you wish to pursue the example cited, I have verifiable copies of all the pertinent emails, articles and responses. This is available to serious inquiry by sending your email address with a request to the comments section. Your email will NOT be posted. Your email address is not included on the messages we receive in the comments.)
Historically, we can view the perpetrators of thought control in the extreme without having to search very far. Joseph Goebbels (Nazi Germany), Pol Pot (Cambodia), Chairman Mao (China), and Joseph Stalin (USSR) are among some of the most celebrated names to rise in any discussion of the issue. While they physically abused their peoples, their most insidious assault was on their minds. They, in common, realized that a mind under control was equivalent to a body under control. Even the most historically illiterate readily recognize these stated examples. But, we say, this is America and it can’t happen here.
The purveyors of political correctness and diversity palaver are alive and well in our society and in our church. We are besieged from every side by those who would obscure the truth by accusing critics of insensitivity and disrespect. Granted, name calling and personal attack is not in any remote sense part of reasoned argument. However, stating matters in plain speech with actual facts should be allowable and part of normal discourse. Lacking the perfection of God, men will sometimes err on the side of overstatement and offer candid opinion which proves offensive. Often, the offense is a justifiable statement of belief which has a clear meaning stated in our scriptures. Many times, people’s actual words are repeated to verify their position and those words are criticized as an attack. I would suggest that editing what one says would help to avoid these embarrassing quotes later.
Recently, a brother challenged an accusation made against another and asked for specific citations and evidence of the supposed offense. The charges made were serious and entailed the eventuality of legal relief. Suspecting the charges were false and knowing they had been vigorously denied, he aired his opinion on a prominent discussion board. His action, standing up for the accused, resulted in being banned from the board. His original post named all the parties concerned. A revised post deleted the specifics but was still barred. It is well known that the accused party is an active critic of the current hierarchy. This suppression is a reprehensible example of censorship accomplished in the name of political correctness. Given the relationship of those who maintain the board and those who would lead the church, one easily concludes that it reflects the attitude of the leadership. God help us!
I freely admit to being terrified of this stifling of the free exchange of ideas. It’s one thing to have been asleep at the switch as the church slid into apostasy (decades ago) but quite another to be awake and alert and then thwarted by those who would suppress our right to free _expression. May God forgive me; I didn’t see it then. Today, with a clearer mind and a radically different level of interest, it seems blatant. It is not necessary for me to understand completely the wiles of Satan’s influence to appreciate his presence and influence. Some of those who perpetuate this vile dogma of hiding everything from the sunshine of truth may actually believe that they have the greater good in the forefront. They are, in my opinion, only “drinking the Kool-Aid.” For those who have forgotten, the preceding reference is to those who followed the false prophet, Jim Jones and committed mass suicide to avoid the ultimate “come uppance” upon their exposure. While I don’t see an exact parallel to this incident, I do see the danger in following leaders with personal agenda. We have need of only one master, Jesus Christ. To support His leadership requires the sublimation of self. If your agenda is not His agenda, it’s time to rethink your relationship. His pronouncements on the subject are clear.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
(If you wish to pursue the example cited, I have verifiable copies of all the pertinent emails, articles and responses. This is available to serious inquiry by sending your email address with a request to the comments section. Your email will NOT be posted. Your email address is not included on the messages we receive in the comments.)
Monday, November 26, 2007
Monday Morning Rant (14)
In my opinion, one of the most descriptive words in the English Language is “bittersweet.” In our available vocabulary we may search and actually find an exact word or phrase to illustrate situations and conditions which we experience.
We returned from the Chicago area last night and a visit to my brother and his wife, Lynne. Regular readers (many of whom have sought healing for him through prayer) know Craig has recently been diagnosed with cancer. Upon arrival we found a normally robust and very athletic 62 year old man reduced to using a walker, nearly deaf and in a generally debilitated state. As the weekend progressed we discovered a man who is naturally competitive, filled with the will to defeat his condition and wage all out war against his disease. Hence, we have a new found appreciation of the word bittersweet to evaluate the trip.
Public expressions of religiosity and long professions of faith have never been part of his persona. It is not my place to judge his attitudes on such matters but I can relate the superficial evidence. It has been scarce. He is a good man but he doesn’t bother others with his innermost thinking on the subject. He did come in for a huge surprise in the process. The outpouring of concern, cards, phone calls and visits from interested people has been huge. He has found a “new” word for his personal vocabulary—blessings.
One friend, when he heard the news, flew in from Boston, not just to visit but to be on hand to help, encourage, and rag him to help himself. It’s a guy thing. Some men just need a buddy to deliver the unvarnished truth of the painful actions to take to assist in recovery. Dave supplied it. Many others overwhelmed him with concern. It appears now that he recognizes the true meaning of blessings.
Once one becomes familiar with the paradox of healing through chemotherapy, it is possible to view it as a blessing and a curse. It requires destructive processes to tear down the bad but in the process destroys the good and necessary. In war, they call this collateral damage. Unfortunately (or not!) many of you are all too familiar with the process due to the afflictions of loved ones or from your own personal experience.
The strongest upside to this whole affair was the opportunity to share, to a ready listener, my personal testimony of God’ healing power. It has always been received with not so much dismissal but rather bored acceptance. It’s an old song but it needs to be sung over and over. The audience which tires of it need the words the most. God has the capacity to alter any and every aspect of our lives, if He is sought. This whole process becomes far more attractive in the face of a life threatening calamity. To deny, or even doubt, this truth is to bar the Greatest Physician from an active part in ones recovery. When the false shroud of personal invincibility crumbles, the only possible recourse is faith in the ability of the Master to come to our aid. I believe He will. Thanks to your prayers, so far, I believe my brother is coming to this point. As a family, we solicit your continued prayers for his recovery and prayers for his wife for strength in a very difficult situation. Thank you.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What kind of an idiot drives 550 miles on “Black Friday” and another 550 miles on the last day of a four day holiday weekend? Would it have been possible to have chosen two worse days to take the road? Through God’s protection and my skills as a former professional driver we managed the trip without incident (other than sky high gas prices.) As our lives are currently structured, there was no choice.
In the course of travel, we were exposed to completely opposite ends of the human condition. We encountered folks who were courteous, friendly, helpful and generally considerate of those around them. Unfortunately, we also found a handful whose personal agenda prevented them from extending the least concern for their fellow man. They are among us. I have never quite figured out how jockeying for a one car betterment of position in a traffic jam is worth the risk. I am also unaware of the reason to pull on a busy highway and then drive twenty miles an hour under the assigned speed. As I pulled into a service station for fuel I observed an officer giving a citation to an individual in a parked car in the lot. I noted, while fueling, the transaction ended and the cited party drove the car off the lot and, without stopping, moved onto a busy arterial street. Oops! The officer noted this infraction and gave chase once again. I guess the driver is “stuck on stupid.”
As I walked into the store a woman outside complimented me on my shirt. This gratuitous remark then re-elevated my spirits and my disgust with the prior situation left me. It’s amazing to me how one little nicety can erase my former feelings and so quickly change my attitude. God is good.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We are now back home, safe and sound. We may now resume our affirmed policy of “preaching to the choir.” We sincerely hope your holiday provided feasting and most important, a celebration of God’s many gifts.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
We returned from the Chicago area last night and a visit to my brother and his wife, Lynne. Regular readers (many of whom have sought healing for him through prayer) know Craig has recently been diagnosed with cancer. Upon arrival we found a normally robust and very athletic 62 year old man reduced to using a walker, nearly deaf and in a generally debilitated state. As the weekend progressed we discovered a man who is naturally competitive, filled with the will to defeat his condition and wage all out war against his disease. Hence, we have a new found appreciation of the word bittersweet to evaluate the trip.
Public expressions of religiosity and long professions of faith have never been part of his persona. It is not my place to judge his attitudes on such matters but I can relate the superficial evidence. It has been scarce. He is a good man but he doesn’t bother others with his innermost thinking on the subject. He did come in for a huge surprise in the process. The outpouring of concern, cards, phone calls and visits from interested people has been huge. He has found a “new” word for his personal vocabulary—blessings.
One friend, when he heard the news, flew in from Boston, not just to visit but to be on hand to help, encourage, and rag him to help himself. It’s a guy thing. Some men just need a buddy to deliver the unvarnished truth of the painful actions to take to assist in recovery. Dave supplied it. Many others overwhelmed him with concern. It appears now that he recognizes the true meaning of blessings.
Once one becomes familiar with the paradox of healing through chemotherapy, it is possible to view it as a blessing and a curse. It requires destructive processes to tear down the bad but in the process destroys the good and necessary. In war, they call this collateral damage. Unfortunately (or not!) many of you are all too familiar with the process due to the afflictions of loved ones or from your own personal experience.
The strongest upside to this whole affair was the opportunity to share, to a ready listener, my personal testimony of God’ healing power. It has always been received with not so much dismissal but rather bored acceptance. It’s an old song but it needs to be sung over and over. The audience which tires of it need the words the most. God has the capacity to alter any and every aspect of our lives, if He is sought. This whole process becomes far more attractive in the face of a life threatening calamity. To deny, or even doubt, this truth is to bar the Greatest Physician from an active part in ones recovery. When the false shroud of personal invincibility crumbles, the only possible recourse is faith in the ability of the Master to come to our aid. I believe He will. Thanks to your prayers, so far, I believe my brother is coming to this point. As a family, we solicit your continued prayers for his recovery and prayers for his wife for strength in a very difficult situation. Thank you.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What kind of an idiot drives 550 miles on “Black Friday” and another 550 miles on the last day of a four day holiday weekend? Would it have been possible to have chosen two worse days to take the road? Through God’s protection and my skills as a former professional driver we managed the trip without incident (other than sky high gas prices.) As our lives are currently structured, there was no choice.
In the course of travel, we were exposed to completely opposite ends of the human condition. We encountered folks who were courteous, friendly, helpful and generally considerate of those around them. Unfortunately, we also found a handful whose personal agenda prevented them from extending the least concern for their fellow man. They are among us. I have never quite figured out how jockeying for a one car betterment of position in a traffic jam is worth the risk. I am also unaware of the reason to pull on a busy highway and then drive twenty miles an hour under the assigned speed. As I pulled into a service station for fuel I observed an officer giving a citation to an individual in a parked car in the lot. I noted, while fueling, the transaction ended and the cited party drove the car off the lot and, without stopping, moved onto a busy arterial street. Oops! The officer noted this infraction and gave chase once again. I guess the driver is “stuck on stupid.”
As I walked into the store a woman outside complimented me on my shirt. This gratuitous remark then re-elevated my spirits and my disgust with the prior situation left me. It’s amazing to me how one little nicety can erase my former feelings and so quickly change my attitude. God is good.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We are now back home, safe and sound. We may now resume our affirmed policy of “preaching to the choir.” We sincerely hope your holiday provided feasting and most important, a celebration of God’s many gifts.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
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