Does Black Justice Exist In The Criminal Justice System?

"The popular narrative that emphasizes the death of slavery and Jim Crow and celebrates the nation's "triumph over race" with the election of Barack Obama is dangerously misguided. The colorblind public consensus that prevails in America today-i.e., the widespread belief that race no longer matters- has blinded us to the realities of race in our society and facilitated the emergence of a new caste system. " ~ Alexander, Michelle "The New Jim Crow, Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness [The New Press, NY 2012}Pg. 12

Although I have tried to refrain from an indepth commentary, and don't plan on spending a lot of time on the subject, because there is far too much work to do within the church when addressing mindsets and stereotypes of victimization and abuse, I couldn't really go without at least addressing some of the issues surrounding the killing of Trayvon Martin at the hands of George Zimmerman and Mr. Zimmerman's subsequent not guilty verdict. 

In all that has been said and done over the last year or so and through the verdict of this trial, we have heard some pretty polarizing statements and sentiments on both sides of the issue. We have seen people say that Trayvon should have simply gone home, or that George should not have stalked, yet alone, killed Trayvon (a sentiment to which I agree) and it seems that admonitions on at least what should have happened run along racial and ethnic lines.

In my mind this only further solidifies the understanding that America is divided into casts or sects and that

there are at least two philosophical views of America within the USA. There is an America whose systems and laws are fashioned for the people, and there is an America whose systems and laws are USED against certain of her own people. Although both of these Americas exist together; they even entertain one another, they do not exist in union with one another no matter how much they may appear to do so. Then there is an underlying mistrust, distrust and broken union among many of America's citizens that live in her everyday. This has caused much recent and modern controversy as we all remember the sentiments of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright who instead of saying "God bless America" said, "...God dxxx America, for what she has done..."

Rev. Jeremiah Wright

Can these things simply be written off as mainstream White dominated media wish to do with such sentiments? Can they or should they be simply be disavowed for political and mass social appeal? Are we experiencing a reemergence of ultra-classism, sectarianism and creedalism? Can we as a people stand it, and how should we address it? 

In this article I would like to look a a few pieces to the current puzzle in America. I don't think it is a debate in any other civilized nation that there is something wrong when an adult (or anyone else for that matter) stalks another person who is doing nothing wrong, and ultimately confronts and kills them, that an offence has occurred. But somehow part of America feels that the opinion in favor of death for the Black youth is somehow justified and understandable to whatever degree....      

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Seduced Church: The Prostitution, & Sale Of The Psalmist

Gospel Artists 

Dial 666 To Make A Deal

Matthew 4:8-11 ~ 8-Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9-And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10-Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 11-Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

One thing is for certain. as we have already established...the gospel minister is in trouble...we have seen the meltdown and breakdown...In my Hip-hop Idolatry & The Church Series #9,  I have taken a look into the world of music cross-overs. As noted in the post over the years we have seen artists that have gone from gospel to secular music and from secular to gospel music and such the like. As I noted then, it is a tragedy and it still is a tragedy. 

Secularism: When The World Looks Good & Considerations Of God Become Small

The term secularism can be defined in the following manner:

1. Religious skepticism or indifference.
2. The view that religious considerations should be excluded from civil affairs or public education

Our friends at Real Zone allowed a pastor to define secularism highlighting it's spiritual implications as follows:

“Secularism is a movement that opposes God and everything that is associated with God. Secularism promotes independence from God. It removes God from people’s thoughts, the educational system and from programs and policies. It is, therefore, wrong for anybody to criticize or label as secular, an artist that sings a song which is not blasphemous of God or his commandments. “

Secularism is more in line with a culture or a world view. A way of doing things that does not allow the influence of God or Biblical based moral decisions to come into play. The artist or individual is pursuing a "career" using the instruments that belong to God with no consideration for HIM and when there is consideration it is usually a reinterpretation of material facts to suit. 

The problem is further summed up like this...folk that only have a gift and a place because of God, fail to subject and submit that gift to God in favor of money, fame and worldly accolade and career advancement. They have cheapened themselves by using their gifts inappropriately and even against God to favor, honor and support an anti-Christ industry of secularism displayed through music and various forms of entertainment. 

Evil Communication Corrupts Good Manners (1 Cor. 15:33)

I mean look at it...we have gospel artists and even leaders and administrators of organizational music departments such as pastor Kim Burrell, Assistant International Music Director in the Church Of God In Christ, who has not only said that she wants to "sing with Prince", because she feels that he is "anointed"(what a JOKE!) but has also made career decisions and moves in union with homosexuals such as Krishnar Lewis (Lewis Agency) to not only produce music, and videos, but also the show "Whatever It Takes" The title is all in it as Kim says:

"I'll do 'whatever it takes' to sustain the momentum of my success, as long as I have my dream team" ~ video promo

Unfortunately, Kirshnar now has stage 4 rectal cancer that has metastasized from what has been said in the video, so it is a wonder how long this relationship will continue or go on. We do pray from Krishnar's salvation. In short there will be at least 2 persons whom pastor Burrell will have been around that is in serious need of a move of God, but yet she seems focused on the "momentum" of her "success" as she does not apparently want that hindered in any way and will do anything to keep it going. 

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Does Reconciliation Exist For Jamal H. Bryant?

One of the first things to do is define the term in the title of this post:

Reconciliation: Reconciliation comes from the Greek family of words that has its roots in allasso [ajllavssw]. The meaning common to this word group is "change" or "exchange." Reconciliation involves a change in the relationship between God and man or man and man. It assumes there has been a breakdown in the relationship, but now there has been a change from a state of enmity and fragmentation to one of harmony and fellowship. In Romans 5:6-11, Paul says that before reconciliation we were powerless, ungodly, sinners, and enemies; we were under God's wrath (v. 9). Because of change or reconciliation we become new creatures. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" ( 2 Cor 5:17 )...Reconciliation is also subjective in that the sinner is spoken of as being reconciled. It is a relationship that comes between man and wife as well as Jew and Gentile. If a person is about to offer a gift at the altar and remembers that he has something against his brother he should leave his gift and be reconciled first to his brother and then come and offer his gift. Reconciliation is something done by the one who offers it; it is not just something that happens to the estranged people. ~ Baker's Online Evangelical Theological Dictionary

Many in ministry today view it as an "inconvenience" when they fail. It is merely a disruption in things that must be "managed". There are PR firms and image management consultants that are hired and go to work to manage and minimize "damage" that has occurred due to sinful behavior.

When all is said and done there is a difference between restoration and reconciliation. There there is a difference between changing because one was "caught" and changing because one is truly sorry. Some instances of reconciliation may take a lifetime. Although we may never know the difference from God's perspective, one thing is for sure, God knows. Certainly we've all made our share of mistakes and committed our share of personal sins, but when one never knows what one is really giving up and what it will take to actually reconcile or be reconciled to God as a result of sins and personal behavior.

Although I will deal with the issue in greater detail in a future post, I wanted to take the time to listen to what Jamal Bryant is actually saying in this video. Is he real? Has he really changed? Did he truly repent or did he repent at all? Please speak on this in the comments section if you can, I am interested to hear commentary on this.    

Remember Jamal's missive to Ebony Magazine regarding their March 2013 "scandal issue" in which he and this incident was named:

"For 67 years, Ebony Magazine has been the drum beat for culture in the African American community. John Johnson its beloved founder dedicated his life to safe guarding our image with great integrity. 

The March 2013 edition has left a hole in my heart. On page 124 they published that it’s alleged I impregnated a 17-year-old member of my church. This accusation is categorically and completely untrue. To publish this with absolutely no source lends itself to reckless endangerment to my children, my congregation and my community.

Ebony is not the National Enquirer. A higher standard is required and the statement jeopardizes my ministry to the youth in my church and community. So it is on moral grounds that a retraction is necessary. 

In 2007 I participated in an extramarital affair that resulted ultimately in the termination of my marriage to my incredible wife Gizelle. NO minors were involved but my minor children have been affected. I don’t want them to have to live through any further unnecessary pain. 

Matthew 18:15 say’s if your brother has sinned against you go and tell him his fault. I solicit your continued prayers for my family, forgiveness for myself and accountability from Ebony magazine. 

Flawed but faithful. I remain, 

Jamal- Harrison Bryant
(A Father and Pastor)

Check Out my post from 2008 that also includes what we know know was accurate information regarding Jamal:  Parlor Tricks & Magic 

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Tragedy...What The Church Must Communicate

Luke 18:6-8 ~ 6-And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. 7-And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 8-I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Our hearts go out to all of those who have suffered and are still suffering due to the tragedy in Moore, Oklahoma, Newtown, NJ,  and  a host of other events in which lives have been taken either senselessly or by natural disaster. These tragedies and tragedies like them have taken a toll on America. 

These tragedies however, demand a response from the church regarding the issues. Although I have dealt with the issue in a 2010 article I did after the Haitian earthquake entitled "Does God Create Tragedy" I thought it would be good to take another look at this issues because sentiments are all across the board and faith of many is being challenged. 

I shared the following in lesser detail on facebook. One thing I would like to preface my comments with in this writing is that America simply cannot continue to shake it's finger in the face of God without impugning herself before God. We cannot continue to deliver ungodly policy to the world and expect God's blessings and protection. Currently the policy from the top office of the country (the Presidency) has done nothing but advance the homosexual agenda, and support baby murder through abortion and in almost every instance. When opportunity has arisen to expound, this President and his representatives have only expounded their commitment to ungodliness over and over in favor of those and other ungodly and practices all in the name of "fairness". 

Our policies have continuously confused the issues and has sought to justify evil and wrongdoing as "equality" and acceptance of sin as "love". Recently our President, aiming to encourage the graduating class of men at the historic Morehouse College, delivered more homosexual affirming rhetoric by saying  this:

President Obama

"That's what I'm asking all of you to do: Keep setting an example for what it means to be a man. Be the best husband to your wife, or your boyfriend, or your partner. Be the best father you can be to your children. Because nothing is more important."

This President, the top representative of our country, encouraged a man to be a "real man" by being the "best husband" they can be to their "boyfriend"? What in the word is that??? sounds like anything BUT a real man to me. (and my sentiments are not a condescension on homosexuals, that is a truth)

Without doubt statements like these are purposeful and not mistaken. Our country has placed many yokes upon itself, and although I am not prophesying gloom and doom, there will be judgement and those responsible for not speaking up against sin, evil and wickedness in this society, especially those who have the commission to do so, will be held accountable.     

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Abortion Prostitution..."As Long As The Patient Had The Cash...He Would Do It"

Kermit Gosnell...Douglas Karpen...Sorry, but I don't have words.

Late term abortionist Dr. Robert Tiller was killed years ago. Do you think his murderer knew this was happening in his practice too? I think so. I am reassessing my position on his murder if he was the type of man to do this without conscience. The ECLA and America itself will stand before God. HERE are pictures of Karpen's atrocities. 

Blessed!

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Sex Slavery...Human Trafficking...In The Church???

Daniel 5:25-27 ~ 25-And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. 26-This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. 27-TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, 
and art found wanting. 

CNN recently reported that Toru Hashimoto, the Mayor of Osaka, Japan claimed that, although it was "a tragic result of war",  that sex slaves, known as "comfort women" used by Japanese soldiers during WWII,  were "necessary" in order to help the soldiers relieve their stress and tensions pertaining to war and military battle and conquest. In fact the last surviving members of the over 200,000 women that were forced into serving as "comfort women" have never received retribution or compensation from the state for their plight.

This has led many of them in Korea to protest at the Japanese embassy demanding acknowledgement and retribution for the horrible atrocities that were imposed upon this class of unwilling prostitutes  and ultimately their families so many years ago.

What Does Any Of That Have To Do With The Church?  

Initially, one would would ask that question. What do "comfort women" in WWII have to do with anything going on in the church? How about asking this? Does the church or certain individuals within the church have their own form or version of "comfort women" or human trafficking operations? I would say, unfortunately, for some, YES they do. I will go into that but at this point I would like to first state that I will make attempts to speak with these ladies (victims) in effort that they may tell their story in their own words and at that time I will reveal all details associated with this, including the ministers name and church. I will do this IF there hasn't already been a gag order (legal agreement to silence) set in place upon the victims. We'll see.]

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Who Did The Leading Jewish Cleric Think The Messiah Is?

Revelation 22:12 ~ "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."

It's really no secret, nor has it ever been one. even Nicodemus came by night to Jesus because he had some questions and beliefs that he didn't want others to be aware of.

Before his death in 2006, the leading Jewish Cleric Rabbi Yitzhak Kaduri claimed to have personally met the Messiah at age 108. Before he passed, he delivered a note to his sons to remain sealed for 12 months. 12 months later...Well, just watch the video:

 Ariel Sharon has been in a coma-like state since 2006. Here is the most current word on his condition:

One thing is for sure, we don't need notes, messages and the death of any individual to know that Jesus shall return, but it is interesting to note all of what is happening and what has been revealed to people even though it seems that they are kicking and screaming in denial of it.

Ready or not, believe him or not JESUS is coming back! Will you be ready?

Blessed!

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The New Enlightenment Pt. 8 ~ TV Talk Shows & The "Prophe-Lie" Trend

Isaiah 8:19-20 ~19 - And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? 20- To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

It seems that since Amanda Berry has been found alive that people have taken the time to examine many of the "predictions" from the psychic community that were delivered regarding her condition and potential demise.

At the top of the horrible scrap heap of "peep and mutter" is the daytime deceiver and favorite of the former Montel Williams TV talk show,  Sylvia Browne. It seems that in 2004 Brown claimed that according to her spirit guides and messages from the great beyond, that Amanda was dead. During the height of the search for her daughter and dealing with the pain associated with a missing person, Sylvia stated the following to Amanda's now deceased mother Louwana:

"She's not alive, honey,"..."Your daughter's not the kind who wouldn't call." ~ Sylvia Brown 2004 

Sylvia also stated in 2003 that the body of the kidnapped and missing youth Shawn Hornbeck, would be found between "two jagged rocks" of course, dead as well. Well Shawn was found alive too.

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The New "Normal"?...Is Kidnap Pedophilia On The Rise?

Currently, headline news is that Amanda Berry, her daughter, and 2 other captives have been discovered after at least 10 years of being imprisoned by 3 male captors. I don't think that there is any sane or rational person that believes that any of what she or her fellow captives experienced was or is normal in any way, however by all reports on the outside everything appeared to be a "normal" situation in a "normal" home in a "normal" neighborhood.

Thank God for Charles Ramsey, unafraid to help when he saw something wrong! 

In fact according to Charles Ramsey, when Amanda cried out for help, as he noticed her, she was dressed "normally" and even looking as "normal" as anyone else. Ramsey, a neighbor that lived next door, describes what he witnessed both that day and previously:

Ramsey said that had he known what was going on next door, that he would have killed the captor and caught a case of "triple murder" because he would have gotten involved.  

Looking back we should ask, what is the reason that pedophilia and kidnapping of children appears to be on the rise? Is this the new trend or what we can expect in the future? Is this another "sexual diversity" (perversion) that is seeking a place within society? 

The question is, what will society do to address the issue? Is this just another fledgling sexual diversity on the rise or is this a perversion that should be condemned? Further, how and on what basis should it be condemned?

The reason I ask for the basis upon which these atrocities should be condemned, is because the captives in most of these incidents don't speak up and out right away. For whatever reason, there is usually a time or a period of silence, or even a period where people discontinue a struggle to be free. 

What held Amanda so long and why she stayed can only be discovered in the future and over time. Why was it acceptable to run in that particular moment as opposed to others over the last 10 years? I am sure that there were other times that she was alone in the home. Even in this, we don;t see that the other ladies tried to escape with Amanda at all. We don't know, at this point, actually what happened. 

The only thing that it appears that we can do is pray for the full recovery of these ladies and that justice will be imposed against their captors. For sure, the answers to these and more questions may open many eyes. 

Blessed!

Pray for Charles first that he be saved and secondly that his strength doesn't fail with this media rollercoaster.

US News | Syria News | More ABC News Videos

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Marriage & Forgiveness: What That Means For The "Other Woman" (or Man)

1 Cor. 6:18 ~ "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body."(NIV 2011)

I have previously written a post on the biblical position and basis for divorce and remarriage. In that post I specifically dealt with the biblical instructions regarding the institution of marriage and the permissibility of both divorce and remarriage under certain circumstances. While divorce is only a last option when all other forms of reconciliation have failed it is a reality for many and a path that some have had to cross.

I will primarily address how Christians should best respond to the "third party" or the character involved in marital infidelity. This person is usually called "the other woman", and in a growing number of cases it is called "the other man" who now becomes and is the "third party". In some cases it is a whole or complete institution, such as a strip club or some other form of entertainment. I will not deal with the latter in this article.

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Hunt For Terrorists...Were Their Actions A "Test Run"?

The Dunamis Word unites with the rest of the country and even the world in prayer for all of the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. May the grace of the Lord and continued strength be upon all. 

The Hunt Is On!

One thing that President Obama can't be criticized for is the fact that when he says, "we will find you and bring you to justice", you can count on it! Yesterday, the FBI released the following video of the suspected Boston Marathon bombers (as they have become known)

Overnight, suspect 1(the one in front) was allegedly killed in a firefight with police that included handheld grenades and an extreme shoot out with certain "unknown" police.  Boston.com reported the following of the eventst:

"The suspect is Dzhokhar A. Tsarnaev, 19, a government official told the Globe. The Associated Press reported this morning that the suspects came from the Russian region near Chechnya, which has been plagued by an Islamic insurgency.The Globe has also learned that the dead suspect is Tsarnaev’s brother. 

An MIT police officer was killed and an MBTA Transit Police officer, Richard H. Donahue Jr., was wounded. Ten police officers were being evaluated at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton early this morning, according to a source, who said the officers said they were hurt from grenades being thrown from the window of a car during a car chase. The source did not have information about where the officers were from or the nature of their injuries"

So it seems that the terrorists responsible for this activity are cornered and will be brought to justice either by the government or God himself.

Could There Be 3 Or More?

In cases such as this, rarely are things confined to one or two individuals. Although his 26 year old brother is dead, the 19 year old remains on the run (see below for additional info) Usually there is a network of persons and people who have provided input and assistance. I believe that a possible 3rd person is right before our eyes in the video as well. It appears to be a woman with a yellow jacket, with a backpack across both her shoulders, holding a cell phone and following the 2 alleged suspects from somewhat of a greater distance. Do you see her in all the frames of the video? I do. There even could possibly be 4 persons outlined. Until now, I have heard no one mention how 3 individuals following one another in such close company, who primarily have the same equipment, may all be suspect in this case. The focus has been on 2 men, who were initially thought to be Black or of Saudi Arabian descent. 

City On Lockdown, Guns Drawn & Helicopters

Although the President has already made a visit to the city, some say way too prematurely (a sentiment to which I agree) officials in Boston have already told their residents to stay in their homes and that the city is basically closed for business. According to current reports, the younger of the two murderers is trapped in Watertown, MA and may have planted bombs and be ready to fight to the death. The police have responded as swiftly as they could. Yet, terror fills the streets of not only this city, but countless cities all over the country. Could this be a signal to others to step up their efforts? Or could it be a diversion? have you heard of North Korea since this began?  

Test Run?

Since the actions of these individuals evidently passed the ramped up efforts of the Dept. Of Homeland Security and every other agency placed in charge of American overall domestic security and safety, I began to wonder is this was some sort of a "test run" for the new terrorists. 

In a test run of domestic terror, I would believe that criminals such as this would simply test to see how far they can go and what they could get away with and to what point would their actions be stopped. In this case, creating the incident is one thing, watching how officials respond is another.  

What We Have Seen In This Case? 

We have seen a President far to eager to come into a hot crime scene to personally encourage victims. This is a problem. Not one criminal had been apprehended when he arrived and nobody knew who was responsible for these events. What if there was a second "sleeper cell" ready to make a play and attempt to kill the President and officials?  As stated, we have seen a Homeland Security Dept. that had no idea that a threat was eminent. So this establishes a pattern for other to follow. How did they do it? What devices and systems did they use to bypass all efforts to intercept terrorist activity? We have seen the public deliver misinformation initially claiming that the suspects were Black men or dark skinned Arabs. We have seen local police deliver conflicting and in some cases wrong information. We have seen a time frame of piecing together evidence so extended until any potential criminal could have long been gone from the scene and region IF they didn't want to get caught or reach more havoc. 

There is suspicion that these individuals also laid low in small town USA. On the same day in Quincy, IL. there was a raid on a home in which pipe bombs were being manufactured and this was reportedly after someone had set a bomb off in an open area of town. Could terrorists be testing the method of delivery of their terror and a way to byass authority to deliver their evil directly to the public?

The Trust & Rising Faith Of The Saints

Ps. 91:5 ~  Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

Terrorists are enemies of righteousness and even more enemies of God. They are spineless cowards that must hide behind threats and destructive actions, living a fake and pretend life to be successful. They are inspired of the devil himself. It is evil men that have allowed themselves to be used in this manner. Plain and simple. 

Of a certainty, these are the times and days in which our soul is being tried. These are perilous times. However, as believers, our trust must remain in the Lord. He and he only he is our keeper and is a very present help even in the face of terror and terrorism. God and trust in HIM is the antidote to all fear. Yes, we may walk "the valley of the shadow of death"  but HE is with us with a rod and a staff that comforts us.(Ps. 23). 

Saints and believers around the country can unite with those in Boston in an even greater way. Unite in prayer, because in spite of what the critic thinks, prayer changes things. God yet responds to believing prayer and petition. Survivors must be comforted and encouraged that this life is not the end of things. That there will be an ultimate justice and ultimate price that every terrorist will pay to a just and upright God. In God's eyes, ever life is important and every one means something. If there is no God, then everything is all meaningless. but because HE lives, we can all face tomorrow. 

Criminals will get caught, Boston will heal and we will get better in the name of the Lord and with the help of Christ. I know that to be truth!   

Blessed!

CBS Boston
Terrorist Caught. Update 4/20/13:

Boston Police Dept.        ✔ @Boston_Police

CAPTURED!!! The hunt is over. The search is done. The terror is over. And justice has won. Suspect in custody.

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Bart D Ehrman's Latest Apostate Hits (or Misses!)

Recently BAR magazine delivered the teachings of Dr. Bart Ehrman to light as he did an expose on how Jesus  the man became venerated as deity. 

Building on and reaffirming his self proclaimed "agnosticism" the American New Testament scholar, currently the James A. Gray Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,  took about 45 minutes to make his case, beginning with a 2 minute presentation of a parallel called "One remarkable Life" based on the life of Apollonious of Tyana, who was said to have many of the same appellations of Jesus, claiming that there were "many" son of God myths during that time, flying around the pagan (non-Jewish) world.

In his diatribe he claims that Apollonious of Tyana was an incarnation, born of a virgin, was a miracle worker, suffered at the hands of Romans, and experienced resurrection...in other words, Apollonius's life was parallel to Jesus life during the same historical time, therefore the recorded events of Jesus life and even Jesus himself was not specially unique for the time. The peanut gallery asks:  Is any of this true? Well some is and some isn't, and what isn't makes the total difference.  

Unraveling The Tangled Web Of Deception

Unfortunately, Dr. Ehrman continues to persist in partial and half truths to make and promote whole and complete lies. In the Facebook group In Defense Of The Faith, I took the time to outline Dr. Ehrman's flawed starter argument in the following manner:  

"In this discourse Dr. Ehrman sets out to prove how Jesus became the "Christ" or how he became divine. He, like Robert Price, are building off a discredited hero thesis by English folklorist Lord Raglan who claimed that all hero myths of antiquity shared 22 traits. Price claims that Jesus had all 22 and therefore was nothing more than a hero myth.

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Bishop TD Jakes, The "Hollywood Spirit" & Preachin' Fame...Hmmmmm!

As comedian Arsenio Hall used to say...in life there are some "things that make you go Hmmmmm" This is simply one of those things...

In a recent interview with EEW, from rags to riches preacher, entrepreneur and HOLLYWOOD MOVIE PRODUCER Bishop T D Jakes said the following regarding the "Hollywood spirit":

“I am so sick of this Hollywood spirit that has overtaken the church!”...  

“We do not have to have big names to have a big move of God.”... 

“I was saved for years and didn’t see anybody who was on TV,”...  

“We gotta put this Hollywood spirit out of the church and go back to moving in the power of the Holy Ghost."

What Bishop Jakes refers to as the "Hollywood spirit" is the star and super important mentality that he has in part been responsible for delivering to the doorsteps of the modern church. I'll speak more on that later, but this is also the same "Hollywood spirit" that Juanita Bynum (now Juanita II) declared to be dead in 1999 at the last Soul Winner's Conference held by the late Bishop G E Patterson in Memphis, TN. (before she became all the way Hollywood oriented herself) 

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Moral Duty & Jeffrey Dahmer...If There Is No God, Who Are We Accountable To?

The Meta-Ethical Foundation For Morality
In his writings and debates, and to the disdain of many atheists, Dr. William Lane Craig has rightly, aptly and correctly stated the following:

"Are the values we hold dear and guide our lives by mere social conventions akin to driving on the left versus right side of the road or mere expressions of personal preference akin to having a taste for certain foods or not? Or are they valid independently of our apprehension of them, and if so, what is their foundation? Moreover, if morality is just a human convention, then why should we act morally, especially when it conflicts with self-interest? Or are we in some way held accountable for our moral decisions and actions?
Today I want to argue that if God exists, then the objectivity of moral values, moral duties, and moral accountability is secured, but that in the absence of God, that is, if God does not exist, then morality is just a human convention, that is to say, morality is wholly subjective and non-binding. We might act in precisely the same ways that we do in fact act, but in the absence of God, such actions would no longer count as good (or evil), since if God does not exist, objective moral values do not exist. Thus, we cannot truly be good without God. On the other hand, if we do believe that moral values and duties are objective, that provides moral grounds for believing in God." ~ Dr. William Lane Craig "The Indispensability of Theological Meta-Ethical Foundations for Morality"

In 1994, shortly before his own murder, NBC's Stone Phillips sat down with the serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer and his family (Mother & Father) to discuss and try to uncover the cause and details of Jeffrey's sick and sadistic criminal acts and murders that he perpetuated on individuals since he was approximately age 18. 

At the time of the crime, Jeffrey was a materialist, an atheist. What is interesting is that at the time of the interview, Dahmer himself alluded to the fact that his worldview was sufficient foundation for his actions. Here is some of what he said: 

"...I always believed the lie that evolution is truth..the theory of evolution is truth...that we all just came from the slime, and when we died, y'u-know, that was it. There's nothing. So The whole theory cheapens life"... 

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Marriage: Equality, Morality & The Supreme Court

First: I wish to thank ALL of the readers of this blog for your ongoing support, readership and encouragement. Whether you agree or disagree with my assessments and commentary, I hope that you find this blog a place to share, expand and grow your thoughts. I appreciate YOU!

"The concern is that redefining marriage as a genderless institution will sever its abiding connection to its historic traditional procreative purposes, and it will refocus..refocus the purpose of marriage and the definition of marriage away from the raising of children and to the emotional needs and desires of adults...of adult couples." ~ Attny: Charles J. Cooper

This week the United States Supreme Court heard arguments on the Constitutionality of California's Prop 8 which banned gay marriage in that state, and the Defense Of Marriage Act (DOMA) which defines marriage within the United states as a gender specific union between a man and a woman. These are two powerful arguments with far reaching implications for all Americans and not only Californians or Hawaiians, (the venues from which these issues arose) and those individuals in states in which gay marriage is also the law. The Court's decision, estimated to be announced in June or July 2013, is set to be interpreted as the standard on the issue of gay marriage for the country, and of course, has sparked a renewed debate between those who hold views of traditional marriage and others who claim that the fight for gay marriage is a civil right's fight and specifically a fight for marriage "equality".

To be clear, the ONLY arguments that the court can consider are legal arguments. Explicitly moral arguments cannot be considered by the court even if the subject has moral implications as both of these issues obviously do. With that said, what is being legislated and promoted is a secular sense of modern moral relativism or relativistic thought regarding the issue of homosexuality in general and the acceptance of the practice or behavior as "normal".

Transcripts Available

Prop 8
DOMA

What amazed me, as I listened to the banter from the Justices and the responses from the lawyers, especially them in favor of the homosexual right to marry, was the need to make the assumption that homosexuality and homosexual marriage was publicly accepted. In fact in the DOMA argument, Attorney Ms. Kaplan,  claimed that the American opinion of homosexual acceptance had undergone a "sea-change" since 1996, when these issues began to arise in the court of public opinion. Although she was hard pressed to provide evidence of her assertions, (especially in light of the fact that over half the country has through referendum and legislative acts, rejects the homosexual definition and version of marriage) she at least argued like she really believed it.

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I Am My Brother's Keeper...Right Vision, Right Time!

THE SILENCE HAS ENDED!

I have spoken of our efforts to bring advocacy for victims of church related abuse and clergy sexual abuse to the forefront. With that, I was recently blessed to launch I Am My Brother's Keeper Christian Advocacy Council (IMBKCAC).

Almost 5 years in the making, IMBKCAC was created to address the needs of victims of church related abuse and clergy sexual abuse. As noted in our article on the John Jay College Report to the College of Bishops of the Catholic Church, the numbers say that within the Catholic Church there has been slightly over 6,100 priests responsible for the sexual defilement of slightly over 16,300 people since 1950. Although protestant churches have never been polled as a group, according to news reports and insurance company statistics, the numbers of individuals affected quickly add up to indicate that there is a moral value ethic lacking among Christian leadership and churches as it pertains to dealing with some of the more vulnerable persons associated with the church.

Ephesians 5:3 ~But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

Biblically, the moral value ethic that the believer was supposed to embrace was clear. Abstinence from all evil was the standard and the expectation. A purity of lifestyle and conduct was what the church was to follow. However, as we can readily observe, we've come up short. The problem is not so much the "shortness" by itself. Even though that is bad enough, we can be forgiven. The problem is the criminal activity that has come along with it and the denial of dignity to victims who have suffered. In many cases it's simply just throw money at the problem and it will go away. These are ungodly sentiments and are not worthy of the saints and those that call themselves children of God. We must must do our best to reverse the trend. Some feel it may already be too late. Then others are not really convinced that there is a problem. However, the following is for certain:

Insurance Companies Don't Lie About Claims

One way to know and understand current trends is to look at insurance tracking reports. These reports can tell us what is happening. While insurance companies may try to get one not to file a claim, they certainly don't lie about the claims that they have paid or that have been filed. According to the IMBKCAC website from a 2007 insurance company report 

"Three companies that insure the majority of Protestant churches in America say they typically receive upward of 260 reports each year of young people under 18 being sexually abused by clergy, church staff, volunteers or congregation members."

Another company, Brotherhood Mutual, says that they have received in excess of 60 claims from churches per year for the last 15 years regarding clergy sexual abuse of minors. Many churches don't have insurance to cover the situation. Some churches are still seduced to live in the past, thinking that enough offering can be raised across the table to meet the needs if these sort of cases arise. 

Within COGIC there are some pastors and elders of some jurisdictions that must raise special reports to pay for the financial fallout from these atrocities of sexual abuse or misconduct. While these claims represent a small portion of the overall insurance company annual claims, to say that this is not a serious situation is to say that one is totally ignorant and inept to make any determination as it pertains to the issue. In other words, open your eyes, be quiet, listen, and learn (with all due respect)...

Then, What Of The Victims?

Part of the problem dealing with this issue in general, stems from the stereotype and preconceived notions that victims only want a monetary award. That is NOT necessarily the case. I would hold that there is nobody, not one victim, that has ever contacted my office that has ever wanted money as a primary method of relief or resolution regarding a sexual abuse issue. What people want is to be heard, taken seriously, and be assured that the church, whatever church, is addressing the issue at all levels. 

Let me be a little more personal, I can testify of assurity, that within COGIC, too many victims have been denied access  to confront their victimizer and have not been given any serious plan of restoration to help them reestablish their lives. Some have been given money, but all have had to endure a culture that caters, in many cases, to abusers who are situational generalists and in some cases pedophiles, as I have pointed out in this POST. The damaging part is that some of them have been allowed to continue, under the auspice of "forgiveness", "love" and "restoration" without any organizational correspondence with or plan of action delivered to those who have been victimized. In other words, the same "love" and enthusiasm for "restoration" has NOT been extended to victims by far and large. these dignities and courtesies have only been extended to them committing the ungodly acts and sins. In essence, there is some sort of twisted allegiance to some of those who have done wrong at the expense of those who have been victimized. These actions and attitudes are ATROCIOUS and indicate a culture that is in total disconnect with the needs of those who have been hurt within our own ranks. 

Special note: If you are an official of this church, (COGIC) as I know that certain monitor my efforts even if but discreetly, and you believe that a background check or a sexual harassment policy is a victims advocacy plan, then please follow the instructions in the last line 3 paragraphs previously. You have been misinformed.

IMBKCAC Is For All Churches & Ministries

Some erroneously have stated that we are fighting churches. That is the greatest LIE from hell that has been told regarding our efforts. Of course it is like the devil to not want the environment of the church to be a safe and wholesome one for ALL individuals. Independent ministries and churches or organizational or institutional churches and ministries, if your organization does not have a victim's advocacy plan, then you or your officials need to contact IMBKCAC. You simply cannot function without a plan to address the needs of victims and potential victims, should trouble arise. Your reputation, status in the community and sincerity in dealing with these issues in favor of the hurting, are all in question without an adequate plan. If you have a plan, I will personally review your current plan and make recommendations for improvement free of charge. 

If You've Been Hurt or Suffered, You Have An Ally

On a personal and individual level, if you have been victimized in any way by your church or other religious organization, or by anyone in or representing those churches, regardless of organizational affiliation or denomination, contact IMBKCAC for help and a personal plan of restoration. Suffering from church related abuse and sexual abuse is like suffering alone. Do not let title, position or fear of how others may perceive you stop you from gaining the valuable deliverance and help that you need and that is essential to your life and living....THE STORM IS OVER...come in out of the rain!!!!

How Can I Help?

First, you may wish to click the Paypal link and provide a donation for the support of this ministry. There is much that must be done to get this message out and as they say, "it takes money to buy land". In this case it will take resources from individuals willing to promote this message to make the message available to all. Secondly, IMBKCAC would like to establish a network of individuals and churches in all parts of the country who will help deliver this message of restoration to those who come forth in their community. Please contact me for details so that you can discover how you can personally be responsible for lifting those who have been abused in your area and turning the tide of disgrace away from an issue that has impacted the lives of millions of Americans and millions of individuals within the Christian church itself.

IMBKCAC is the RIGHT VISION, for THE RIGHT TIME!

Blessed!   

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May 2011 John Jay Report On Catholic Clergy Sexual Abuse Still Being Examined

Recently, in performing some additional research for I Am My Brother's Keeper Christian Advocacy Council, I came across a 2011 report from the John Jay College Research Team, which did one of the most comprehensive studies in recent times into the nature of clergy sexual abuse and misconduct within the Catholic Church. 

The results of the study were amazing and the information and suggestions that arose from it will be examined for years. There were some interesting notions, which I thought are apropos to our time and efforts in both understanding the mindset which has facilitated abuse within the church and understanding the urgency of delivering restoration of those who have been victimized and are hurting. one thing is for sure, if we look at this as simply a "Catholic issue", then we have missed the boat. This is a Christian faith issue and no matter what church one may attend, there are problems, whether one is aware of them or not. 

Examination

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Open "Confessions", Ebony Style

Well this is a scandalous day to say the least. it seems that every week something new is being revealed or coming to the surface regarding certain persons and those who you thought were your "greatest" ministry personality. There are numerous reasons for this. first, God ALONE is the only one due worship and allegiance. God is certainly reminding us that all "flesh is as grass" (Isa. 40:6, 1 Pet. 1:24), no one is to be worshiped or exalted but HIM. 

With that said, and speaking of "scandal", in a story carried by none other more rigorously than Mr. Obnoxious himself, William G. McCray, it seems that the often worshiped founder of Empowerment Temple, Jamal Bryant, has made an open confession in response to a March 2013 editorial of Ebony Magazine. In the article Ebony set forth an examination of modern day scandals referring to the event which allegedly dissolved Jamal's marriage. Reportedly, Jamal not only committed adultery with a younger member of  his church, he also fathered a child with her. She was later reportedly escorted out of the sanctuary when confronting Jamal about the issue in front of the church.

In a statement (below) the "Alpha Pimp" confesses to "participating" in an affair (what does that mean???) and doing most of the damage, but also claims that Ebony and others are doing even more damage. Well, yes, he did it, and nearly everything else. EXCEPT that, according to him, there were ever any other "minors" involved other than his own children. So that whole incident can be put to rest. (OK...yea, right...)

The Confession

Here's his statement and confession:  

For 67 years, Ebony Magazine has been the drum beat for culture in the African American community. John Johnson its beloved founder dedicated his life to safe guarding our image with great integrity.
The March 2013 edition has left a hole in my heart. On page 124 they published that it’s alleged I impregnated a 17-year-old member of my church. This accusation is categorically and completely untrue. To publish this with absolutely no source lends itself to reckless endangerment to my children, my congregation and my community.
Ebony is not the National Enquirer. A higher standard is required and the statement jeopardizes my ministry to the youth in my church and community. So it is on moral grounds that a retraction is necessary.
In 2007 I participated in an extramarital affair that resulted ultimately in the termination of my marriage to my incredible wife Gizelle. NO minors were involved but my minor children have been affected. I don’t want them to have to live through any further unnecessary pain.
Matthew 18:15 say’s if your brother has sinned against you go and tell him his fault. I solicit your continued prayers for my family, forgiveness for myself and accountability from Ebony magazine.
Flawed but faithful. I remain,
Jamal- Harrison Bryant
(A Father and Pastor)

So what Jamal is saying (or not saying) is that all the reports were accurate except for the report of him impregnating a 17 year old member. he also suggests that anyone making inaccurate statements are lending to the hurt and stability of his family and all involved. 

Now Isn't That A True Pimp Move?

To try to convince YOU that YOU are the cause of the problem for having and formulating your own opinions based on what he did? 

Now, don't get me wrong, there is a whole host of internet conversation on what happened and all of that. I am not in that and never been to Empowerment Temple, am not nor have ever been "blessed" by Bryant's ministry and have not and do not care to meet him personally except that he is willing confess, pray and repent. No one who was there, has ever called or emailed me to share their personal story, and I am not looking for such verification, but I (and we) can look at what he said for himself. 

The Real Issue

The problem is NOT forgiveness or the ability to forgive. Neither is the church to blame nor is anyone else looking on as "Mr. Alpha" seems to suggest. The problem is the attitude that anyone else can do more damage to him and his family than he has already done, and the utter lack of accountability, correction and redirection. 

Yes, this is tough. It's not easy when sins are dragged out before the world. It's even more tough to realize that you have failed and disgraced God, family, the church and community...but it is down right arrogance that blames those who see and know it for making you feel "uncomfortable" or for telling what they know.

This leads to what the modern minister feels is "good enough" so far as repentance is concerned. For them, anyone "talking" (at least those not saying what they want to hear) is "negative" and is not being godly. The onlookers and the ones who have paid their tithe, and faithfully and diligently served, are at fault when they demand a full accounting and a better standard. These are tricks of the "alpha pimp" trade. under the theme that the "mission" is greater than any sin that one can commit, those seems to expect to simply go on, bypass an accounting for self and sin and blame those that are disturbed by the sins claiming that they are somehow at fault. This type of response is almost as big of, if not even more, of a lie than the original sinful and dastardly acts that led to the incidence.

Now, Jamal claims that those talking are making it difficult for his family, when the truth is that he didn't care about any of that at the time he looked over his congregation and chose an illicit lover. There is absolutely no one that will have a greater concern and care for his children than he does. evidently he didn't care, why and how does he expect Ebony, McCray or anyone else to care?

The problem is not failure. Certainly we have all sinned in one form or another. The problem is the arrogance in dealing with it and blaming others for our sins. It seems that if others don;t tell the story, we will tell it ourselves, because the TRUTH simply must be told. One thing is for sure, the word of God is right:

Luke 12:2-3 ~ 2-For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. 3-Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

May the LORD have mercy on us all as we kneel down, bowing our soul and seeking HIS face!!!!!

Blessed!      


photo: Courtesy The Jasmine Brand

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Hip-Hop, Idolatry & The Church Pt. 21 ~ Sex Toys & The Gospel

Ephesians 5:11-12 ~ 11-And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12-For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret

Like my friends on Sesame Street taught me a long time ago...one of these things belong here and one of these things do not...

The nations top selling gospel music artist, Dr. Marvin Sapp recently hooked up with business mogul and star of "The Real Housewives Of ATL", Kandi Burress to produce a song called "Prayed Up" which seems to have taken the I-tunes, gospel music world by storm. 

Well, if that were all there was to the story, that would be the end of it. However, the problem is that it seems that two individuals have come together to "praise the Lord" that have two diametrically opposing lifestyles and understandings of God and godly standards all together. 

One one hand there is this:

"I wanna thank @Kandi for sharing her heart through song in a different genre and asking me to be apart of that process..."(Dr. Marvin Sapp)

Dr. Marvin Sapp

Pastor Dr. Marvin(I guess a little gospel is better than no gospel) Sapp, pastor, gospel singer, formerly of the gospel group Commissioned, one that generally has a good reputation as it pertains to lifestyle and belief system. One could clearly call him a Christian by the fruit that he bears and his confession of faith and purity of lifestyle.

Then on the other hand there is this:

"I knew when I decided to do it that I would be criticized. That's to be expected,"..."I am honest about who I am. My great grandfather and my grandfather were Bishops in The Church of God Holiness. I believe in God but I have always struggled with the rules of the church, just like a lot of people." (Ms. Kandi Burress)

Kandi Burress, daughter of a bishop, entrepreneur, secular singer, secular record producer and secular song writer, formerly of the secular group Xscape, never been married, one child and currently lives with a man to whom she is not married ie: SHACKIN'-UP or what can be called "playin' house". One more thing, as you know, Kandi, also owns an internet company that sells, of all things, items geared to enhance one's sexual performance and or pleasure. These things are often called "sex toys".

Controversy & Criticism, Separating The Issues: 

"I took the saying that we say" ("stay prayed up") "and made my testimony with it"

In an impromptu interview on Am 1690, WVON Chicago on Thursday Feb. 21st, Ms. Burress explained her surprise at the recent criticism, primarily from the church, over the fact that she endorses prayer, and claims a spiritual life while she continues in her sins. In the interview Kandi endorsed writing and singing her new gospel single "Prayed Up" as expanding her influence by using her "worldliness" to give her the ability to "reach" more people than those who are less "worldly" or that just sing gospel. In other words her "worldliness" becomes the power of her witness, not the holiness or the power of God. 

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