Teaching for a regional Florida state college, I am largely impressed with the educational standards being utilized. Unlike the absolute highest ranked public universities (University of Virginia, UNC-Chapel Hill, et al), this college is relatively 'open' in its admission policy. Having noted the less rigorous admission standards, however, I have nonetheless been impressed with the curriculum from which I teach, and the technological savy of the school as a whole. Computer technology is prevalent and well-supported and the curriculum has a strong grounding in Western Rationality since it is a 'neutral' secular public college.
In trying to create a 'neutral' space for learning to occur, however (granted 'neutral' is never neutral at all, but simply some form of secularism, more or less repugnant to the Christian mind), the old post-Enlightenment categories (e.g. Immanuel Kant) still hold court.
"Rationality" and seeking to unify the curriculum through rationality is the rallying point for the future of American higher education.
This emphasis on rationality, although laudatory, is insufficient. Yes, the Western Rational Tradition from Aristotelian philosophy through the Thought of Thomas Aquinas and mixed with Kantian Idealism has established something like a Western tradition of rationality that supposedly everyone could appeal to. In some ways this is good. But, when the post-modern question of "which rationality" is posed, such a curriculum utterly crumbles. Does one mean Aristotelian Natural Law empiricism OR does one mean Kantian Deontological idealism? Whose Rationality are we invoking when we say, "Let's base our curriculum on 'reason'?"
Obviously, the question will determine the course of ALL fields of enquiry. For example, in the field of economics, a Kantian Idealist Rationality would look for theoretical constructs by which to interpret reality and through figures such as Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke will make real-life economic decisions (e.g. raising or lowering interest rates) based upon how well the perceived "ideal" is being instituted or not. In stark contrast to the Kantian Idealist Rationality that makes decisions based upon theoretical constructs (always a bad idea! :-), the Natural Law (Aristotelian) Rationality will FIRST look at the empirical data (e.g. actual rates of inflation, actual percentages of unemployment claims to the federal government), and then after careful evaluation of the actual data, will then, and only then, make a decision with a specific end result in mind.
Here is where technology is extremely useful.
"Theoretical computer software" is of little use to ANYONE (sorry Kant!). ONLY real-life, empirical computers made out of actual silicon chips and run by actual electrical currents can help us communicate efficiently as a super-power!
So, in conclusion, as our new secularism dawns upon our post-Christian U.S.A., let us hold fast to "Rationality" as a concept to unify our Republic. Having said this, however, be forwarned that if "Rationality" is not some version of the Natural Law rooted in Empirical Data, it will lead to utter confusion, bread shortages and an absolute mess of a society. Apparently, one such "ideal" called the Soviet Union ended up not in greater prosperity, but rather in gulags, bread shortages and a century of poverty for the Russian people. All because of Idealist Rational Thought . . .
Natural Law, try it, it's GOOD for you!
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, techno-phile for Jesus and for a better America!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Iraq: What the 'Experts' are REALLY saying
The War in Iraq has been a diversion from the TRUE War against Al Qaida and its operatives. The fact that this "war" was declared (an unjust war according to Christian Just-War Teaching as enunciated by St. Thomas Aquinas and declared so by Pope John Paul II) is a travesty of JUSTICE. It has drained our economy, butchered innocent Iraqis accidentally ("collateral damage") and has made the United States of America LESS safe for democracy.
Hear now the words of two leading 'experts.'
"Symbolically [Afghanistan] is more the epicenter of terrorism than Iraq. If you don't succeed in Afghanistan, you're sending a very clear message to the terrorist organizations that the U.S., the UN, and the 37 countries with troops on the ground can be defeated."
--Former NATO supreme commander General James L. Jones
"No amount of troops [in Iraq] in no amount of time will make much of a difference."
--Admiral Michael G. Mullen testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee on July 31, 2007
[Source = The New American, September 3, 2007]
But still we continue to laud a half-hearted, under-funded "troop surge" as the answer to the Pandora's box that Iraq has become.
What do YOU think?
How SOON should American soldiers be completely OUT OF IRAQ?
Write your Congressman. Write your State Senators. Write me even!
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, Christian Knight seeking a peaceful resolution to Iraq
Hear now the words of two leading 'experts.'
"Symbolically [Afghanistan] is more the epicenter of terrorism than Iraq. If you don't succeed in Afghanistan, you're sending a very clear message to the terrorist organizations that the U.S., the UN, and the 37 countries with troops on the ground can be defeated."
--Former NATO supreme commander General James L. Jones
"No amount of troops [in Iraq] in no amount of time will make much of a difference."
--Admiral Michael G. Mullen testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee on July 31, 2007
[Source = The New American, September 3, 2007]
But still we continue to laud a half-hearted, under-funded "troop surge" as the answer to the Pandora's box that Iraq has become.
What do YOU think?
How SOON should American soldiers be completely OUT OF IRAQ?
Write your Congressman. Write your State Senators. Write me even!
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, Christian Knight seeking a peaceful resolution to Iraq
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Jesus, Darwin and the REAL
I am tired of seeing those stupid "Darwin-fish" signs!
If a swastika were placed on a bumper of a car with something anti-Semitic that person would be charged with a hate crime.
If an anti-female slogan were placed on a bumper of a car then that person would be dragged into court by some feminist attorney.
BUT, the second a Born-Again Christian states his beliefs publicly he is labelled an "extremist" and silenced by the liberal media.
In contrast, in the United States of America, we enjoy this little freedom called "Freedom of Speech," and so as much as I hate those stupid Darwin-fish signs on the back of car bumpers, I will not seek to limit this freedom of speech. All that I ask is that in trying to safeguard the secularist, anti-Christian right to freedom of speech that the secularist, anti-Christian does not similarly deny my own right to freedom of religious speech concerning the Christian claims of TRUTH.
My fear, however, is that only through law as instituted at the local, state and federal levels will this anti-Christian denial of freedom of religious speech be stopped.
We can say that "Christianity is oppressive," but yet it is the Darwinist who is playing the oppressor.
I am not a Darwinist, nor am I creationist. Darwin's theories are fundamentally flawed on scientific grounds alone! But, in questioning Darwin according to his own lack of evidence to support his theories, I am not a "fundamentalist" either. Scripture is Holy Writing that is TRUTH for all mankind. Through Scripture, subjects such as physics, the natural sciences, etc. all can be interpreted as part of the Natural Law. In fact, I even met a quite Spirit-Filled full-tenured Physics Professor (Catholic) who has taught at the University of Notre Dame for years. Science and religion are not opposed. Darwinism and religion are however!
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J King, FOR TRUTH in JESUS through the NATURAL LAW
If a swastika were placed on a bumper of a car with something anti-Semitic that person would be charged with a hate crime.
If an anti-female slogan were placed on a bumper of a car then that person would be dragged into court by some feminist attorney.
BUT, the second a Born-Again Christian states his beliefs publicly he is labelled an "extremist" and silenced by the liberal media.
In contrast, in the United States of America, we enjoy this little freedom called "Freedom of Speech," and so as much as I hate those stupid Darwin-fish signs on the back of car bumpers, I will not seek to limit this freedom of speech. All that I ask is that in trying to safeguard the secularist, anti-Christian right to freedom of speech that the secularist, anti-Christian does not similarly deny my own right to freedom of religious speech concerning the Christian claims of TRUTH.
My fear, however, is that only through law as instituted at the local, state and federal levels will this anti-Christian denial of freedom of religious speech be stopped.
We can say that "Christianity is oppressive," but yet it is the Darwinist who is playing the oppressor.
I am not a Darwinist, nor am I creationist. Darwin's theories are fundamentally flawed on scientific grounds alone! But, in questioning Darwin according to his own lack of evidence to support his theories, I am not a "fundamentalist" either. Scripture is Holy Writing that is TRUTH for all mankind. Through Scripture, subjects such as physics, the natural sciences, etc. all can be interpreted as part of the Natural Law. In fact, I even met a quite Spirit-Filled full-tenured Physics Professor (Catholic) who has taught at the University of Notre Dame for years. Science and religion are not opposed. Darwinism and religion are however!
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J King, FOR TRUTH in JESUS through the NATURAL LAW
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Michael Vick, RACISM and why the U.S. is still living in the 1950's
In many ways, I am a bit of an idealist. I want a "perfect world" in which there is no poverty, where there is no such thing as injustice, and where all people are treated equally under the law.
Sadly, and in spite of the heroic struggles of men and women such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Rosa Parks and modern day Civil Rights advocates (for example the upcoming Black Empowerment Day here in St. Petersburg, FL), RACISM still exists in our country.
Take the example of Michael Vick.
Vick, an NFL star, and an African American, just entered a plea agreement on (get this!) conspiracy charges in relation to his role in a dog-fighting ring. For Vick's involvement, he will receive anywhere from between 1 - 5 years in prison, unless of course, the sentencing Judge acts justly and not according to the color of Michael Vick's skin!
It turns out that dog fighting, although a heinous form of animal abuse, is usually not given a jail sentence for first time offenders. But, since Vick originally lied about his involvement, conspiracy charges (of all things!) were levied against him.
1 - 5 years in prison for dog-fighting.
This is an example of the institutional racism that is still present in our nation.
If Vick were a white quarterback, such as Peyton Manning, who looks like a character out of the 1950's Leave it to Beaver television show, do you think that Peyton Manning would be facing a 1 - 5 year prison sentence for dog-fighting even if he had originally lied about it?
It is tough to answer this question completely, but I cannot help but wonder if Vick is not being sentenced so harshly because his skin is black rather than for any actual crime that he may have committed.
So, what do you think?
Please post your response . . .
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, FOR JUSTICE for ALL American citizens
Sadly, and in spite of the heroic struggles of men and women such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Rosa Parks and modern day Civil Rights advocates (for example the upcoming Black Empowerment Day here in St. Petersburg, FL), RACISM still exists in our country.
Take the example of Michael Vick.
Vick, an NFL star, and an African American, just entered a plea agreement on (get this!) conspiracy charges in relation to his role in a dog-fighting ring. For Vick's involvement, he will receive anywhere from between 1 - 5 years in prison, unless of course, the sentencing Judge acts justly and not according to the color of Michael Vick's skin!
It turns out that dog fighting, although a heinous form of animal abuse, is usually not given a jail sentence for first time offenders. But, since Vick originally lied about his involvement, conspiracy charges (of all things!) were levied against him.
1 - 5 years in prison for dog-fighting.
This is an example of the institutional racism that is still present in our nation.
If Vick were a white quarterback, such as Peyton Manning, who looks like a character out of the 1950's Leave it to Beaver television show, do you think that Peyton Manning would be facing a 1 - 5 year prison sentence for dog-fighting even if he had originally lied about it?
It is tough to answer this question completely, but I cannot help but wonder if Vick is not being sentenced so harshly because his skin is black rather than for any actual crime that he may have committed.
So, what do you think?
Please post your response . . .
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, FOR JUSTICE for ALL American citizens
Colonies of the World UNITE!
The former Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfield, was a true VISIONARY.
Prior to stepping down from his prominent position as Secretary of Defense, Rumsfield began a process of re-equipping the U.S. Military for the long haul. Contrary to some voices in the Government, Rumsfield saw the urgent need to move from a monolithic "cold war era" fighting force to a more agile, aggressive, modular military that can be speedily deployed.
In football terms, Donald Rumsfield was trying to move the U.S. Military from the old 1920's "single wing" running attack (currently used by NO college football team I can think of!) to the newer "run & shoot" West Coast offenses that gave Super Bowl Championships to the San Franciso 49'ers and College championships again and again to Florida State, the University of Miami and many other prominent teams.
Europe is dead culturally and the Soviet Union is no longer in existence.
Africa, Asia and Latin America, however, are the new cultural centers of the world, and also places where Al Qaida operatives could potentially train.
This move from U.S.-Europe alliances to U.S.-Africa/Asia/Latin America alliances interestingly enough also mirrors the shift in locus of world Christian power. Gone are the days when Europe was synonymous with Christianity. Now, everything from secular ideology to neo-paganism to encroaching Islam are what constitutes Europe.
But now, those former colonies, places like Ghana, Belize, El Salvador, Canada, and the United States of America are all re-uniting, not as the "colonies" to be exploited by wealthy European bankers, businesses, etc., but instead are the NEW WORLD POWER.
So, in conclusion, thank you Donald Rumsfield for your service to your country. You, unlike many other Governmental leaders in the U.S. accurately perceived that the future is no longer Europe, but instead Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, Pan-Africanist for Jesus
Prior to stepping down from his prominent position as Secretary of Defense, Rumsfield began a process of re-equipping the U.S. Military for the long haul. Contrary to some voices in the Government, Rumsfield saw the urgent need to move from a monolithic "cold war era" fighting force to a more agile, aggressive, modular military that can be speedily deployed.
In football terms, Donald Rumsfield was trying to move the U.S. Military from the old 1920's "single wing" running attack (currently used by NO college football team I can think of!) to the newer "run & shoot" West Coast offenses that gave Super Bowl Championships to the San Franciso 49'ers and College championships again and again to Florida State, the University of Miami and many other prominent teams.
Europe is dead culturally and the Soviet Union is no longer in existence.
Africa, Asia and Latin America, however, are the new cultural centers of the world, and also places where Al Qaida operatives could potentially train.
This move from U.S.-Europe alliances to U.S.-Africa/Asia/Latin America alliances interestingly enough also mirrors the shift in locus of world Christian power. Gone are the days when Europe was synonymous with Christianity. Now, everything from secular ideology to neo-paganism to encroaching Islam are what constitutes Europe.
But now, those former colonies, places like Ghana, Belize, El Salvador, Canada, and the United States of America are all re-uniting, not as the "colonies" to be exploited by wealthy European bankers, businesses, etc., but instead are the NEW WORLD POWER.
So, in conclusion, thank you Donald Rumsfield for your service to your country. You, unlike many other Governmental leaders in the U.S. accurately perceived that the future is no longer Europe, but instead Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, Pan-Africanist for Jesus
Monday, August 27, 2007
Having What It Takes to Lead . . .
Can anyone remember Brian Bosworth? Brian Bosworth was this supposed "monster NFL Line backing prospect" with the body of a Pro Wrestler. It turns out, that's about the way he could play football at the Pro Level . . . LOUSILY!
How about Scottie Pippin?
Well, of course EVERYONE remembers Scottie Pippin NOW! Pippin was the dual-super star alongside of Michael Jordan who led the Chicago Bulls to their numerous NBA Championships. Scottie Pippin, however, was barely even noticed coming out of college basketball however . . .
Politically, does everyone remember the name "Gary Hart"? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Hart)
Hart was the Democratic front-runner in the bid for the White House. Now, he's a no-name, not even serving in political office.
Now, politically, has anyone ever heard of a man named George W. Bush?
Of all of the Bushes, George W. seemed least likely to succeed. A Failed Businessman, an alcoholic until Billy Graham converted him to Jesus, but NOW, he is a Two-Term President and will go down in U.S. History as one of the greatest war-time Presidents for how he responded swiftly, decisively and victoriously to the threat of Al Qaida.
Having what it takes to lead. This is something that is GOD-GIVEN. It cannot be bought. It cannot even be predicted. After all, Scottie Pippin was a college basketball no-name turned NBA super-star, and Brian Bosworth was a college football behemoth, who well, didn't quite make it.
So, what will 2008 bring us?
Mitt Romney vs. Hillary Clinton?
My own thoughts are that Mitt will end up as a Brian Bosworth and Hillary will end up as a Gary Hart . . .
But who will be the next George W.? Only the Mind of GOD knows . . .
Blessings in Jesus Christ, GOD-IN-THE-FLESH,
Rob J. King, waiting for a sign
How about Scottie Pippin?
Well, of course EVERYONE remembers Scottie Pippin NOW! Pippin was the dual-super star alongside of Michael Jordan who led the Chicago Bulls to their numerous NBA Championships. Scottie Pippin, however, was barely even noticed coming out of college basketball however . . .
Politically, does everyone remember the name "Gary Hart"? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Hart)
Hart was the Democratic front-runner in the bid for the White House. Now, he's a no-name, not even serving in political office.
Now, politically, has anyone ever heard of a man named George W. Bush?
Of all of the Bushes, George W. seemed least likely to succeed. A Failed Businessman, an alcoholic until Billy Graham converted him to Jesus, but NOW, he is a Two-Term President and will go down in U.S. History as one of the greatest war-time Presidents for how he responded swiftly, decisively and victoriously to the threat of Al Qaida.
Having what it takes to lead. This is something that is GOD-GIVEN. It cannot be bought. It cannot even be predicted. After all, Scottie Pippin was a college basketball no-name turned NBA super-star, and Brian Bosworth was a college football behemoth, who well, didn't quite make it.
So, what will 2008 bring us?
Mitt Romney vs. Hillary Clinton?
My own thoughts are that Mitt will end up as a Brian Bosworth and Hillary will end up as a Gary Hart . . .
But who will be the next George W.? Only the Mind of GOD knows . . .
Blessings in Jesus Christ, GOD-IN-THE-FLESH,
Rob J. King, waiting for a sign
Racism, the new American past-time?
I have been utterly appalled by what I am seeing in America these days.
In conversation after conversation, I am detecting either subtle or not-so-subtle hints of racism. Whether it is a "northerner" from a supposedly anti-racist northern city who still manages to drop in allusions to color (African American) or accents (African-American or Hispanic) into the conversations OR whether it is the anti-immigration paranoia of Candidates for President such as Mitt Romney, I am utterly appalled at the racism still present in our GREAT LAND of the U.S.A.
At one point in our Nation's history, racism was easily identified. For example, in the South, "Jim Crow" laws all but enslaved the Black population through functionally denying them the VOTE and also even maintaining "separate and unequal" segregationist policy.
More recently, under Ronald Reagan, the U.S. supported the 1980's South African apartheid government (claiming to be "anti-communist"), a historical blunder of immense magnitude as South Africa has emerged as a multi-cultural, multi-linguistic, and increasingly prosperous modern nation state first under Nelson Mandela and now continuing through 2007.
But now, rather than "anti-black," the Republican Party (at least the "party" not loyal to George W. Bush and Senator John McCain!) is increasingly "anti-Hispanic." Whether it is Mitt Romney or Rudy Giuliani or their racist minutemen cronies, the Mexican "illegal immigrant" is the new scapegoat in 2007. Back during WW II it was the Jew under Hitler. Now, under Romney, Giuliani, et al, it is the Mexican "illegal immigrant" who is supposedly the source of our national woes.
And yes, folks, this is racism writ large!
For an alternative to the racist paranoia of parts of the Republican Party, VOTE Rob J in '08. I am testing the waters and still looking for a sign! I represent the interests of Conservative Catholicism, Evangelical Protestantism and Orthodox Judaism. Consider what life would be like under a specifically Christian Government. After all, our Nation's founders all made it a point to be in regular attendance at an Orthodox, Trinitarian Church each Sunday morning.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J King, Candidate for Jesus, testing the waters
In conversation after conversation, I am detecting either subtle or not-so-subtle hints of racism. Whether it is a "northerner" from a supposedly anti-racist northern city who still manages to drop in allusions to color (African American) or accents (African-American or Hispanic) into the conversations OR whether it is the anti-immigration paranoia of Candidates for President such as Mitt Romney, I am utterly appalled at the racism still present in our GREAT LAND of the U.S.A.
At one point in our Nation's history, racism was easily identified. For example, in the South, "Jim Crow" laws all but enslaved the Black population through functionally denying them the VOTE and also even maintaining "separate and unequal" segregationist policy.
More recently, under Ronald Reagan, the U.S. supported the 1980's South African apartheid government (claiming to be "anti-communist"), a historical blunder of immense magnitude as South Africa has emerged as a multi-cultural, multi-linguistic, and increasingly prosperous modern nation state first under Nelson Mandela and now continuing through 2007.
But now, rather than "anti-black," the Republican Party (at least the "party" not loyal to George W. Bush and Senator John McCain!) is increasingly "anti-Hispanic." Whether it is Mitt Romney or Rudy Giuliani or their racist minutemen cronies, the Mexican "illegal immigrant" is the new scapegoat in 2007. Back during WW II it was the Jew under Hitler. Now, under Romney, Giuliani, et al, it is the Mexican "illegal immigrant" who is supposedly the source of our national woes.
And yes, folks, this is racism writ large!
For an alternative to the racist paranoia of parts of the Republican Party, VOTE Rob J in '08. I am testing the waters and still looking for a sign! I represent the interests of Conservative Catholicism, Evangelical Protestantism and Orthodox Judaism. Consider what life would be like under a specifically Christian Government. After all, our Nation's founders all made it a point to be in regular attendance at an Orthodox, Trinitarian Church each Sunday morning.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J King, Candidate for Jesus, testing the waters
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Charlemagne, a way forward?
I am constantly playing the "what if" game. In particular, I LOVE reading, or even just perusing through History books to imagine what life would be like if certain practices from different eras were still in place or if they never changed at all.
For example, the other day, I perused a sample of a book on "daily life during the time of Charlemagne" the Holy Roman Emperor crowned by the Pope in 800 A.D (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlemagne).
At this time in Church History, and unlike today's U.S. emphasis on "Separation between Church and State," the State and the Church were in many ways, ONE GOVERNMENT.
The Church crowned Charles the Great (Charlemagne in Latin) as "Holy Roman Emperor" over much of what is now France, Germany and Italy. Charles the Great enforced not only civil law, but was a power to appeal to in enforcing canon law.
Is this a way forward for the United States of America?
And no, I am not joking. I obviously support the Constitution of the United States of America and the First Amendment to it that states that Congress shall make no law creating an establishment of religion nor the free exercise thereof.
But, having said this, I am also a Christian, and as such, obviously desire that the Kingdom of Jesus Christ be over all other earthly powers. To think or believe otherwise is simply to not think or believe according to Christianity's central claims. KURIOSIESUSCHRISTOS is the Greek alliteration of the foundational tenet of the Christian Faith, that Jesus Christ is LORD. Caesar is not "lord." A Senator nor a Congressman, nor even the President of the United States is "lord." There is ONLY one KING of kings and LORD of lords, and His Name is Jesus the Christ.
So, how would Jesus' LORDSHIP be instituted in the United States?
Should we just request that someone like Bishop T.D. Jakes "crown" the next President (maybe Barack Obama?) as "Christian President"?
Well, Constitutionally, that would not work obviously.
But, just because Constitutionally it would not work, does this mean that we Christian Voters cannot vote according to our conscience?
After all, I voted for George W. Bush, not because I agree with Republican fiscal policy, but rather simply because George W. Bush is an Evangelical Methodist who happens to agree with my own set of Moral Stands, stands such as being FULLY Pro-Life, not supporting gay marriage, etc.
So, I went ahead and voted, as a Christian, for a Christian President. Moreover, whether Democrat or Republican, I similarly VOTE according to my conscience, and it is the Name Jesus Christ that I look for on the ballot slip.
Therefore, although our Constitution will safeguard us from any "state-supported religion," I nevertheless ENCOURAGE you to VOTE according to your conscience. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, then do not vote as if that identity did not matter. VOTE for people who happen to agree with your own moral and religious views. This is a democratic republic that we live in after all!
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, Presidential Candidate for Jesus ("testing the waters" and waiting for a sign . . .)
For example, the other day, I perused a sample of a book on "daily life during the time of Charlemagne" the Holy Roman Emperor crowned by the Pope in 800 A.D (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlemagne).
At this time in Church History, and unlike today's U.S. emphasis on "Separation between Church and State," the State and the Church were in many ways, ONE GOVERNMENT.
The Church crowned Charles the Great (Charlemagne in Latin) as "Holy Roman Emperor" over much of what is now France, Germany and Italy. Charles the Great enforced not only civil law, but was a power to appeal to in enforcing canon law.
Is this a way forward for the United States of America?
And no, I am not joking. I obviously support the Constitution of the United States of America and the First Amendment to it that states that Congress shall make no law creating an establishment of religion nor the free exercise thereof.
But, having said this, I am also a Christian, and as such, obviously desire that the Kingdom of Jesus Christ be over all other earthly powers. To think or believe otherwise is simply to not think or believe according to Christianity's central claims. KURIOSIESUSCHRISTOS is the Greek alliteration of the foundational tenet of the Christian Faith, that Jesus Christ is LORD. Caesar is not "lord." A Senator nor a Congressman, nor even the President of the United States is "lord." There is ONLY one KING of kings and LORD of lords, and His Name is Jesus the Christ.
So, how would Jesus' LORDSHIP be instituted in the United States?
Should we just request that someone like Bishop T.D. Jakes "crown" the next President (maybe Barack Obama?) as "Christian President"?
Well, Constitutionally, that would not work obviously.
But, just because Constitutionally it would not work, does this mean that we Christian Voters cannot vote according to our conscience?
After all, I voted for George W. Bush, not because I agree with Republican fiscal policy, but rather simply because George W. Bush is an Evangelical Methodist who happens to agree with my own set of Moral Stands, stands such as being FULLY Pro-Life, not supporting gay marriage, etc.
So, I went ahead and voted, as a Christian, for a Christian President. Moreover, whether Democrat or Republican, I similarly VOTE according to my conscience, and it is the Name Jesus Christ that I look for on the ballot slip.
Therefore, although our Constitution will safeguard us from any "state-supported religion," I nevertheless ENCOURAGE you to VOTE according to your conscience. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, then do not vote as if that identity did not matter. VOTE for people who happen to agree with your own moral and religious views. This is a democratic republic that we live in after all!
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, Presidential Candidate for Jesus ("testing the waters" and waiting for a sign . . .)
Friday, August 24, 2007
A Plan for National Recovery
In many ways, the United States is suffering from a disease. Divorce is rampant, topping 50%. Abortion of babies in their mommy's tummies continues unabated. The Name Jesus is increasingly ignored in the public realm. The military is bloated with money, but still we cannot establish peace in Iraq.
Truly, the year 2007 is a year of hardship for many.
Rather than continuing to offer diagnosis after diagnosis, it is time to propose a "Plan of Recovery." The following seven points should help us improve as a Nation:
1) Withdraw the troops completely from Iraq now. This is already a war without any possibility for a 'victory' in the way we Americans desire victory.
2) Crack-down on false allegations, either in the military or in civil law. If an allegation is false, then treat it as perjury.
3) Withdrawing of money from social services that destroy families, either by encouraging divorce or by encouraging abortion.
4) Federal assistance for the working poor through utility subsidies.
5) Strong protection of freedom of speech to include Religious Speech.
6) Federally-mandated random drug testing of all U.S. citizens.
7) No more pro-abortion Federal policy.
Thank you for reading this.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King
Truly, the year 2007 is a year of hardship for many.
Rather than continuing to offer diagnosis after diagnosis, it is time to propose a "Plan of Recovery." The following seven points should help us improve as a Nation:
1) Withdraw the troops completely from Iraq now. This is already a war without any possibility for a 'victory' in the way we Americans desire victory.
2) Crack-down on false allegations, either in the military or in civil law. If an allegation is false, then treat it as perjury.
3) Withdrawing of money from social services that destroy families, either by encouraging divorce or by encouraging abortion.
4) Federal assistance for the working poor through utility subsidies.
5) Strong protection of freedom of speech to include Religious Speech.
6) Federally-mandated random drug testing of all U.S. citizens.
7) No more pro-abortion Federal policy.
Thank you for reading this.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King
How to LEAD when others think they know it all . . .
It must be extraordinarily difficult to be President of the United States. Back in March 2003 when President George W. Bush sent our Nation on the warpath (ill-advised as Pope John Paul II stated at the time), his approval ratings were at an all-time high.
War does gets one's adrenaline pumping.
Well, now here we are four years later, still at war in Iraq, and the People of the United States no longer desire war.
Fickle people we Americans are. One moment we desire war and listen to the anti-Sadaam Hussein propaganda, but now in 2007 even President George W. Bush himself made a passing allusion to Iraq being similar to Vietnam.
So how is one to lead a Democracy?
After all, even the first world democracy, the democratic state of Athens, after it was founded eventually ostracized and even exiled the Nobleman Cleisthenes who helped to found Athenian democracy!
Well, rather than fickle democratic regimes (something that Plato even critiqued in The Republic), the truest form of government should be a Divine Right Monarchy, especially as this form of Christian Government is a direct instantiation of the Kingship of Jesus Christ.
But, since we live in a Republic that is pluralistic, supporting everything from Buddhism to Islam to Mormonism to Classic Christianity, Divine Right Monarchies would not be well-received right now. So, I guess the U.S. Constitution will have to do for now, at least prior to Jesus' Return to earth.
Thus, since we are no longer a Christian society, nothing really holds us together. We have no common morality. We have no common concept of law even. All we have are shards of a by-gone era. With these shards, the ghosts of our Christian past, we will now have to re-build. Whereas places like Mexico and Korea will remain Christian, we will be continually arguing with each other, suing each other, dragging each other into divorce court, and essentially destroying ourselves until Jesus comes again.
So, if you want a different choice, try Jesus out for a while.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J King, Candidate for Jesus only
War does gets one's adrenaline pumping.
Well, now here we are four years later, still at war in Iraq, and the People of the United States no longer desire war.
Fickle people we Americans are. One moment we desire war and listen to the anti-Sadaam Hussein propaganda, but now in 2007 even President George W. Bush himself made a passing allusion to Iraq being similar to Vietnam.
So how is one to lead a Democracy?
After all, even the first world democracy, the democratic state of Athens, after it was founded eventually ostracized and even exiled the Nobleman Cleisthenes who helped to found Athenian democracy!
Well, rather than fickle democratic regimes (something that Plato even critiqued in The Republic), the truest form of government should be a Divine Right Monarchy, especially as this form of Christian Government is a direct instantiation of the Kingship of Jesus Christ.
But, since we live in a Republic that is pluralistic, supporting everything from Buddhism to Islam to Mormonism to Classic Christianity, Divine Right Monarchies would not be well-received right now. So, I guess the U.S. Constitution will have to do for now, at least prior to Jesus' Return to earth.
Thus, since we are no longer a Christian society, nothing really holds us together. We have no common morality. We have no common concept of law even. All we have are shards of a by-gone era. With these shards, the ghosts of our Christian past, we will now have to re-build. Whereas places like Mexico and Korea will remain Christian, we will be continually arguing with each other, suing each other, dragging each other into divorce court, and essentially destroying ourselves until Jesus comes again.
So, if you want a different choice, try Jesus out for a while.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J King, Candidate for Jesus only
Divorce, the new reality
It was with a somber heart that I read about the planned divorce of Pastors Randy and Paula White of Without Walls International Church in Tampa.
You see, I have a good friend whose mother is an ordained minister who was with the White couple when they were first beginning their ministry in Tampa. Moreover, I am also a Charismatic Spiritual Leader (Professor of Bible and Ethics) and someone who was similarly ravaged by a divorce not of my own choosing.
Evil truly is attacking the Christian Leadership Class to its core and the LORD JESUS is allowing it so that we Christian Leaders can be pruned of the idols of our hearts and then thrust into GREATER service in seeking the salvation of ALL people in Jesus' MIGHTY Name!
For example, in my own divorce, again, not of my own choosing, I was left with wave upon wave of assault by the Liberal Feminist Ideology that perniciously affected the Judicial system regarding divorce and custody. I sided with Evangelical Protestantism and Conservative Catholicism and the other partner in the marriage sided with Liberal Feminism.
Here, however, the answer to what has happened with Mega-Church Leaders Randy and Paula White is less clear. Paula White is a dynamic Pentecostal preacher and someone whom I have admired (and yes, by the way, I affirm that women should be ordained as clergy, like the Apostle Junia who co-labored with Apostle Paul). Randy White has "accepted all of the responsibility" which is all fine and everything, but sadly, when Christians ever decide to divorce (except on the grounds of infidelity!), they are directly rebelling against the VERY words of Jesus Christ on the subject!
No divorce according to Jesus. Sorry.
It is thus with a heavy heart that I call upon all fellow Evangelical and Charismatic Christians to no longer recognize the ministerial credentials of either Randy or Paula White. This is not being "judgmental" especially as someone who was divorced against his will (even given an official "annulment" by the Catholic Church ironically enough!), but having said this, the Biblical Teaching for ALL Christians is NO DIVORCE except on the grounds of infidelity.
Thank you for upholding the Biblical norm for your lives.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, Charismatic Christian Leader
You see, I have a good friend whose mother is an ordained minister who was with the White couple when they were first beginning their ministry in Tampa. Moreover, I am also a Charismatic Spiritual Leader (Professor of Bible and Ethics) and someone who was similarly ravaged by a divorce not of my own choosing.
Evil truly is attacking the Christian Leadership Class to its core and the LORD JESUS is allowing it so that we Christian Leaders can be pruned of the idols of our hearts and then thrust into GREATER service in seeking the salvation of ALL people in Jesus' MIGHTY Name!
For example, in my own divorce, again, not of my own choosing, I was left with wave upon wave of assault by the Liberal Feminist Ideology that perniciously affected the Judicial system regarding divorce and custody. I sided with Evangelical Protestantism and Conservative Catholicism and the other partner in the marriage sided with Liberal Feminism.
Here, however, the answer to what has happened with Mega-Church Leaders Randy and Paula White is less clear. Paula White is a dynamic Pentecostal preacher and someone whom I have admired (and yes, by the way, I affirm that women should be ordained as clergy, like the Apostle Junia who co-labored with Apostle Paul). Randy White has "accepted all of the responsibility" which is all fine and everything, but sadly, when Christians ever decide to divorce (except on the grounds of infidelity!), they are directly rebelling against the VERY words of Jesus Christ on the subject!
No divorce according to Jesus. Sorry.
It is thus with a heavy heart that I call upon all fellow Evangelical and Charismatic Christians to no longer recognize the ministerial credentials of either Randy or Paula White. This is not being "judgmental" especially as someone who was divorced against his will (even given an official "annulment" by the Catholic Church ironically enough!), but having said this, the Biblical Teaching for ALL Christians is NO DIVORCE except on the grounds of infidelity.
Thank you for upholding the Biblical norm for your lives.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, Charismatic Christian Leader
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Landlords, Tenants and the Future of American Prosperity
Truly we live in dire financial times.
The real wage decreased by 1% last year all because of Corporate Greed, Government Corruption and to be frank, laziness.
People want their wallets filled with cash, yet are unwilling to help their neighbor-in-need. Sure, charitable giving still happens, but more and more Americans are struggling to make ends meet. If it wasn't for low-cost food due to superior American agricultural technology, it might have even happened that food itself would become a scarce commodity. This is what the enemies of America, Al Qaida, would love to see, that is, American infrastructure damaged so that we Americans would have difficulty even eating. After all, this is what happened to Christians living under radical Islam in the African country of the Sudan!
So, as the American wage plateaus (and with greedy C.E.O.'s stuffing their wallets with millions of dollars of unjustly obtained financial capital), we are left with a new America. We still have a STRONG military. We still have low-cost food. We do not, however, have medical insurance for an increasing number of Americans!
Increasingly, we are a Nation that is rich in property (any landlord would know how important property is . . .), some of us are rich in other ways, either vocationally, or academically, but by and large, the Financial "cash-flow" has been re-directed.
And thank God for that! For every dollar that is spent on luxury cuisine, another dollar goes into the pocket of middle class America, whether it is the restaurant owner OR the wait staff. For every dollar that is spent on clothing, shoes, or household products, that is another dollar in the pocket of a clothing manufacturer, salesperson or Mall Store owner.
Cash-flow is essential for ALL Americans to prosper, not just the C.E.O. greed-at-all-costs club! By the way, the Ancient Greek Philosophers (e.g. Aristotle) would define such greed as a significant sign of a LACK OF ETHICS! Pleonexia was the Greek word used to describe "acquisitiveness" and was considered unethical to the pre-Christian Greek philosophers.
Greed is also one of the Seven Deadly Sins according to Catholic lore!
So, in response to our new humbled financial state as American citizens, let us be willing to stand up against Corporate Greed. DEMAND strict Financial Accountability and FULL DISCLOSURE of Corporate Executive Earnings. If someone is making 10 million dollars per year, inquire concerning this person's academic or vocational credentials. If they are lacking in these, then demand that this person be held to the same wage scale as everyone else. NO MORE "GOOD OLD BOYS CLUBS." Do you hear that Mitt Romney? Do you hear that Dick Cheney? You are now the ones who will come under tight Ethical Scrutiny, not some poor Mexican immigrant working for $6 per hour at McDonald's. Got it?!!
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, For a MORE PROSPEROUS UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
The real wage decreased by 1% last year all because of Corporate Greed, Government Corruption and to be frank, laziness.
People want their wallets filled with cash, yet are unwilling to help their neighbor-in-need. Sure, charitable giving still happens, but more and more Americans are struggling to make ends meet. If it wasn't for low-cost food due to superior American agricultural technology, it might have even happened that food itself would become a scarce commodity. This is what the enemies of America, Al Qaida, would love to see, that is, American infrastructure damaged so that we Americans would have difficulty even eating. After all, this is what happened to Christians living under radical Islam in the African country of the Sudan!
So, as the American wage plateaus (and with greedy C.E.O.'s stuffing their wallets with millions of dollars of unjustly obtained financial capital), we are left with a new America. We still have a STRONG military. We still have low-cost food. We do not, however, have medical insurance for an increasing number of Americans!
Increasingly, we are a Nation that is rich in property (any landlord would know how important property is . . .), some of us are rich in other ways, either vocationally, or academically, but by and large, the Financial "cash-flow" has been re-directed.
And thank God for that! For every dollar that is spent on luxury cuisine, another dollar goes into the pocket of middle class America, whether it is the restaurant owner OR the wait staff. For every dollar that is spent on clothing, shoes, or household products, that is another dollar in the pocket of a clothing manufacturer, salesperson or Mall Store owner.
Cash-flow is essential for ALL Americans to prosper, not just the C.E.O. greed-at-all-costs club! By the way, the Ancient Greek Philosophers (e.g. Aristotle) would define such greed as a significant sign of a LACK OF ETHICS! Pleonexia was the Greek word used to describe "acquisitiveness" and was considered unethical to the pre-Christian Greek philosophers.
Greed is also one of the Seven Deadly Sins according to Catholic lore!
So, in response to our new humbled financial state as American citizens, let us be willing to stand up against Corporate Greed. DEMAND strict Financial Accountability and FULL DISCLOSURE of Corporate Executive Earnings. If someone is making 10 million dollars per year, inquire concerning this person's academic or vocational credentials. If they are lacking in these, then demand that this person be held to the same wage scale as everyone else. NO MORE "GOOD OLD BOYS CLUBS." Do you hear that Mitt Romney? Do you hear that Dick Cheney? You are now the ones who will come under tight Ethical Scrutiny, not some poor Mexican immigrant working for $6 per hour at McDonald's. Got it?!!
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, For a MORE PROSPEROUS UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
The Ethical Use of Ethics
My Ethics Mentor Stanley Hauerwas (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanley_Hauerwas) from Duke was fond of making fun of the way "Ethics" is normally taught as an Academic Discipline.
Hauerwas, shaped by both Aristotle and by the Thought of the Church, comes up with quite humorous anecdotes about the way "ethical quandaries" are very often the guiding paradigm for Ethics courses taught at the University level. For example, what happens if a fat boy gets trapped in the only exit of a cave and the only way out for the rest of the stranded group is to blow up "fatty" with a stick of dynamite. Do you "blow up fatty"? Is the sacrifice of the fat boy's life in keeping with "GOOD MORAL REASONING" because his loss will result in the positive outcome of freeing many more people from the cave?
Of course, this farcical example is just that, a farce!
But, it is a farce that tells much about how Ethics is taught, and to be frank, how I am ending up also teaching it!
Real-life scenarios are the flesh and blood of concrete moral decision making. Whether it is abortion, euthanasia, tax vouchers for low income children to attend Catholic schools or you name it, such scenarios are part and parcel of the way Ethics as an Academic Discipline is taught.
But is this "ethical"?
Is it "ethical" to teach ethics in such a way in which we have a "choice" concerning what our ethics can be?
I would answer no.
There IS a concrete MORALITY and this is called the TORAH, the Revealed LAW of Moses (given by God at Mt. Sinai). Thou shalt not kill is the Commandment that answers the question to the Hauerwasian "false dilemma" of "whether or not to 'blow up fatty." Additionally, through the sending of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost JESUS HIMSELF is now present as the LIVING TORAH inside of each Christian believer.
But, of course, as we all know, if one were to actually teach the Ten Commandments as normative law, the American Civil Liberties Union would sue any public figure for upholding this universal moral code.
Such are the times that we live in. Drug use is rampant. Racism still exists in every city in America. Babies are murdered by their "pro-choice" mommies, and yet, to be a Christian Believer in a public way is now a criminal act.
So, the next time you are faced with a moral dilemma, I recommend that you do NOT look to "moral philosophers" (like myself, I teach Applied Ethics for a state college here in Florida!). Instead, go directly to the Bible!
Only there will you find the universal moral code that will guide your answers to whatever "moral dilemma" you may face.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, Jewish and Christian Moral Teacher
Hauerwas, shaped by both Aristotle and by the Thought of the Church, comes up with quite humorous anecdotes about the way "ethical quandaries" are very often the guiding paradigm for Ethics courses taught at the University level. For example, what happens if a fat boy gets trapped in the only exit of a cave and the only way out for the rest of the stranded group is to blow up "fatty" with a stick of dynamite. Do you "blow up fatty"? Is the sacrifice of the fat boy's life in keeping with "GOOD MORAL REASONING" because his loss will result in the positive outcome of freeing many more people from the cave?
Of course, this farcical example is just that, a farce!
But, it is a farce that tells much about how Ethics is taught, and to be frank, how I am ending up also teaching it!
Real-life scenarios are the flesh and blood of concrete moral decision making. Whether it is abortion, euthanasia, tax vouchers for low income children to attend Catholic schools or you name it, such scenarios are part and parcel of the way Ethics as an Academic Discipline is taught.
But is this "ethical"?
Is it "ethical" to teach ethics in such a way in which we have a "choice" concerning what our ethics can be?
I would answer no.
There IS a concrete MORALITY and this is called the TORAH, the Revealed LAW of Moses (given by God at Mt. Sinai). Thou shalt not kill is the Commandment that answers the question to the Hauerwasian "false dilemma" of "whether or not to 'blow up fatty." Additionally, through the sending of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost JESUS HIMSELF is now present as the LIVING TORAH inside of each Christian believer.
But, of course, as we all know, if one were to actually teach the Ten Commandments as normative law, the American Civil Liberties Union would sue any public figure for upholding this universal moral code.
Such are the times that we live in. Drug use is rampant. Racism still exists in every city in America. Babies are murdered by their "pro-choice" mommies, and yet, to be a Christian Believer in a public way is now a criminal act.
So, the next time you are faced with a moral dilemma, I recommend that you do NOT look to "moral philosophers" (like myself, I teach Applied Ethics for a state college here in Florida!). Instead, go directly to the Bible!
Only there will you find the universal moral code that will guide your answers to whatever "moral dilemma" you may face.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, Jewish and Christian Moral Teacher
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Leading through non-action . . .
Last week as I was teaching some Evangelical Christian students the "world religion" of Taoism (actually, more of a "natural law" philosophy than a true religion), we talked some about Taoism's preference for the "yin" side of the cosmos. We talked about how Confucianism, also more of a philosophy than a religion was more "yang" (i.e. male, active, penetrating, etc.) and that Taoism was more rooted in "yin" (i.e. female, passive, withdrawing, etc.).
Although views in the class ranged concerning both how much "yin" and "yang" could summarize Confucianism and Taoism, the majority response was nonetheless, that yes, Taoism is more "yin" than Confucianism is.
In some ways, perhaps we Americans need to reclaim the "yin" aspects of Rulership. Sadly, the American view of "femininity" is something generally quite grotesque as it is often rooted in "the right" to kill one's babies through abortion, trying to be on top of men through feminist ideology (very unfeminine actually) and also through celebrating pre-marital sex as the end-all-be-all of existence.
In contrast to a baby-killing, feminist ideological, sex-at-all-costs women's lib in the Western sense, the Asian cultural emphasis on femininity is quite different. "Yin" in many ways would be similar to the "negative electric charge" in electromagnetic energy and thus not necessarily "better" than male energy, but just the opposite.
This type of discreet, feminine, "yin" leadership style should perhaps enter the professional realms more. In days past, in order to succeed either academically or governmentally, many women have attempted to be "more manly" in leading, rather than more feminine.
Here, the problem with feminism truly drew out the worst qualities in women, essentially causing women to associate "being female" with the "right to murder" rather than with the beautiful act of giving birth and raising children. Similarly, rather than viewing femininity as a complement to male leadership styles that are more assertive, etc., instead this fallen femininity of the post 1960's sexual revolution set femininity against all things manly.
This musn't be the case, however. Just recently, a staunch Catholic woman made the comment about how "manly" I was, and I was absolutely floored because usually being manly has been associated with being anti-women which is not the case at all. Because this staunch Catholic woman could see the Virtues of Christian manhood, we could associate quite well together and I could affirm her Virtues of Christian womanhood as a woman.
In many ways, perhaps what America needs rather than a "female President" (Hillary Clinton), is instead a GROUP of committed STRONG Christian men and women who will WORK TOGETHER in Jesus Christ to Re-Build America according to Christian Virtue.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, Man looking for a Few Good Women to Help LEAD America
Although views in the class ranged concerning both how much "yin" and "yang" could summarize Confucianism and Taoism, the majority response was nonetheless, that yes, Taoism is more "yin" than Confucianism is.
In some ways, perhaps we Americans need to reclaim the "yin" aspects of Rulership. Sadly, the American view of "femininity" is something generally quite grotesque as it is often rooted in "the right" to kill one's babies through abortion, trying to be on top of men through feminist ideology (very unfeminine actually) and also through celebrating pre-marital sex as the end-all-be-all of existence.
In contrast to a baby-killing, feminist ideological, sex-at-all-costs women's lib in the Western sense, the Asian cultural emphasis on femininity is quite different. "Yin" in many ways would be similar to the "negative electric charge" in electromagnetic energy and thus not necessarily "better" than male energy, but just the opposite.
This type of discreet, feminine, "yin" leadership style should perhaps enter the professional realms more. In days past, in order to succeed either academically or governmentally, many women have attempted to be "more manly" in leading, rather than more feminine.
Here, the problem with feminism truly drew out the worst qualities in women, essentially causing women to associate "being female" with the "right to murder" rather than with the beautiful act of giving birth and raising children. Similarly, rather than viewing femininity as a complement to male leadership styles that are more assertive, etc., instead this fallen femininity of the post 1960's sexual revolution set femininity against all things manly.
This musn't be the case, however. Just recently, a staunch Catholic woman made the comment about how "manly" I was, and I was absolutely floored because usually being manly has been associated with being anti-women which is not the case at all. Because this staunch Catholic woman could see the Virtues of Christian manhood, we could associate quite well together and I could affirm her Virtues of Christian womanhood as a woman.
In many ways, perhaps what America needs rather than a "female President" (Hillary Clinton), is instead a GROUP of committed STRONG Christian men and women who will WORK TOGETHER in Jesus Christ to Re-Build America according to Christian Virtue.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, Man looking for a Few Good Women to Help LEAD America
JUSTICE & TRUTH
The two key virtues of a healthy democracy are TRUTH and JUSTICE!
Without TRUTH ("veritas" in Latin) and JUSTICE ("iustitia" in Latin), the Republic is ALWAYS in danger of collapsing from within.
Witness the recent Pat Tillman Fratricide debacle. SPC Tillman, a former NFL Football Player, in a wave of Patriotic fervor, forsook a millionaire lifestyle as an NFL player in order to help defend the enemies to the Constitution, both foreign and domestic.
Then, as part of a convoy op in Iraq, Tillman was gunned down, not by insurgents, but by his own fellow American soldiers.
Was this a mistake? Did Tillman just get caught in the cross-fire? OR was Tillman murdered in cold blood by fellow American soldiers who may have been jealous of Tillman's civilian accomplishments?
Sadly, the answer is murky, and murky due to the cover-up that has ensued. One 3 Star General and Two 1 Star Generals were formally reprimanded by the Secretary of the Army for their roles in the cover-up.
TRUTH gone out the window in the Army chain of command!
Sadly, this proclivity towards deception, falsehood and lying is seeming to be part and parcel of what our United States Military is all about now.
Gone are the days when Americans reluctantly went to war, and only as a last resort to stifle the Japanese and German quests for world domination. No, instead of WW II, our military is still stuck in the Vietnam era. We fight not for freedom, but for oil, for revenge, and well, just because we collectively like looking at ourselves in uniform.
Sad, but true, and this evaluation comes from someone who has a Father who fought in both Korea and Vietnam and an uncle who bravely fought in WW II in Germany.
No, rather than "anti-military," my perspective is ANTI-EVIL! If our Nation's soldiers, airmen, and sailors are becoming deceitful, unjust and increasingly less Christian (and more pagan, even becoming practicing witches and satanists like the Columbine killers!), then folks, we have a MAJOR problem on our hands.
My prayer in JESUS' Name is that the United States Military go through a systematic cleansing of evil. May those who lie, act unjustly and kill only for sport or profit be shown the exit door and live out the rest of their earthly lives at some bar watching Monday Night Nitro wrestling!
Instead, my prayer in Jesus' Name is that our military become INCREASINGLY CHRISTIAN and live according to the Ancient tenets of Christian Knighthood. TRUTH, JUSTICE, honoring women (or honoring men), and ONLY fighting in order to protect the innocent.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, KNIGHT FOR JESUS
Without TRUTH ("veritas" in Latin) and JUSTICE ("iustitia" in Latin), the Republic is ALWAYS in danger of collapsing from within.
Witness the recent Pat Tillman Fratricide debacle. SPC Tillman, a former NFL Football Player, in a wave of Patriotic fervor, forsook a millionaire lifestyle as an NFL player in order to help defend the enemies to the Constitution, both foreign and domestic.
Then, as part of a convoy op in Iraq, Tillman was gunned down, not by insurgents, but by his own fellow American soldiers.
Was this a mistake? Did Tillman just get caught in the cross-fire? OR was Tillman murdered in cold blood by fellow American soldiers who may have been jealous of Tillman's civilian accomplishments?
Sadly, the answer is murky, and murky due to the cover-up that has ensued. One 3 Star General and Two 1 Star Generals were formally reprimanded by the Secretary of the Army for their roles in the cover-up.
TRUTH gone out the window in the Army chain of command!
Sadly, this proclivity towards deception, falsehood and lying is seeming to be part and parcel of what our United States Military is all about now.
Gone are the days when Americans reluctantly went to war, and only as a last resort to stifle the Japanese and German quests for world domination. No, instead of WW II, our military is still stuck in the Vietnam era. We fight not for freedom, but for oil, for revenge, and well, just because we collectively like looking at ourselves in uniform.
Sad, but true, and this evaluation comes from someone who has a Father who fought in both Korea and Vietnam and an uncle who bravely fought in WW II in Germany.
No, rather than "anti-military," my perspective is ANTI-EVIL! If our Nation's soldiers, airmen, and sailors are becoming deceitful, unjust and increasingly less Christian (and more pagan, even becoming practicing witches and satanists like the Columbine killers!), then folks, we have a MAJOR problem on our hands.
My prayer in JESUS' Name is that the United States Military go through a systematic cleansing of evil. May those who lie, act unjustly and kill only for sport or profit be shown the exit door and live out the rest of their earthly lives at some bar watching Monday Night Nitro wrestling!
Instead, my prayer in Jesus' Name is that our military become INCREASINGLY CHRISTIAN and live according to the Ancient tenets of Christian Knighthood. TRUTH, JUSTICE, honoring women (or honoring men), and ONLY fighting in order to protect the innocent.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, KNIGHT FOR JESUS
Monday, August 20, 2007
A New Political Experiment: DEMOCRACY!
It was a wild scene as the people of Athens, led by the Nobleman Cleisthenes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleisthenes) founded the first world democracy.
Although in 508 B.C., "democracy" ("rule by the people") was a somewhat revolutionary movement, arising from the people themselves who were sick of the oppression by the elite, soon, the Athenian model became one of the cornerstones of Western Rule.
Yes, there would be Christian Emperors, whether the 1,000 years of Byzantine Emperors in the East or Emperors of lesser Germanic lands such as Charlemagne in 800 A.D., but eventually, the Athenian model would prove ideal for modern Western Nationalism.
Whether it was France or the United States, the people revolted against Christian Divine Right monarchies and decided to form their own governments.
"By the people and for the people . . ."
In many ways, what is happening in the United States, however, is simply not democratic anymore.
We will have selected candidates who come from either the Democratic Party or the Republican Party, all of whom have 'insider status' for whatever reason (usually perceived 'salesmanship' as a candidate, not actual quality of character!), and then, like sheep being led to the shearers, we Americans are forced by this fallen merit-less Two-Party system, as they are propped up and sustained by TV and newsmedia, and then essentially are given choices that are not REAL choices.
If you want a Ralph Nader-like Independent, well, too bad.
If you want a Rob J. King, young dynamic, highly intelligent, man of extreme Christian conviction, well, again, the Two Party system would wrongly say "too bad." Apparently, as Wal-Mart's own politically correct turn demonstrated, to be "strongly Christian" is a taboo now. And to think that George Washington prayed in Jesus' Name!
So, there we have it. LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE! Do not let a bunch of left-wingers control ABC, CBS and the Wall Street Journal! Similarly, do not let a bunch of racists and abortionists hi-jack the Party of Judeo-Christian America, the G.O.P.
Instead, SPEAK UP and elect someone who actually has a VISION for a NEW and BETTER AMERICA under the explicit LORDSHIP of JESUS CHRIST!
Love in Jesus,
Rob J King 08 ("testing the waters" if the Republican Party will begin listening to its CHRISTIAN VOTERS . . .)
Although in 508 B.C., "democracy" ("rule by the people") was a somewhat revolutionary movement, arising from the people themselves who were sick of the oppression by the elite, soon, the Athenian model became one of the cornerstones of Western Rule.
Yes, there would be Christian Emperors, whether the 1,000 years of Byzantine Emperors in the East or Emperors of lesser Germanic lands such as Charlemagne in 800 A.D., but eventually, the Athenian model would prove ideal for modern Western Nationalism.
Whether it was France or the United States, the people revolted against Christian Divine Right monarchies and decided to form their own governments.
"By the people and for the people . . ."
In many ways, what is happening in the United States, however, is simply not democratic anymore.
We will have selected candidates who come from either the Democratic Party or the Republican Party, all of whom have 'insider status' for whatever reason (usually perceived 'salesmanship' as a candidate, not actual quality of character!), and then, like sheep being led to the shearers, we Americans are forced by this fallen merit-less Two-Party system, as they are propped up and sustained by TV and newsmedia, and then essentially are given choices that are not REAL choices.
If you want a Ralph Nader-like Independent, well, too bad.
If you want a Rob J. King, young dynamic, highly intelligent, man of extreme Christian conviction, well, again, the Two Party system would wrongly say "too bad." Apparently, as Wal-Mart's own politically correct turn demonstrated, to be "strongly Christian" is a taboo now. And to think that George Washington prayed in Jesus' Name!
So, there we have it. LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE! Do not let a bunch of left-wingers control ABC, CBS and the Wall Street Journal! Similarly, do not let a bunch of racists and abortionists hi-jack the Party of Judeo-Christian America, the G.O.P.
Instead, SPEAK UP and elect someone who actually has a VISION for a NEW and BETTER AMERICA under the explicit LORDSHIP of JESUS CHRIST!
Love in Jesus,
Rob J King 08 ("testing the waters" if the Republican Party will begin listening to its CHRISTIAN VOTERS . . .)
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Public Service
The other day I read how White House Press Secretary, Tony Snow (a fellow Davidson College "Wildcat") has decided to step down from the position because the salary was too low.
Now before we jump all over poor Tony, let us remember the facts of Mr. Snow's life. Tony Snow, a Davidson College Philosophy Major, forsook a career as an Academician (never completed his PhD studies at the University of Chicago) and instead launched out in the field of conservative mass media, first at the Washington Times, and then later through FOX News. It turns out that such television media actually pay substantially more than the 100+ thousand dollar staff salary he receives working directly for the President. Also, when one considers that Mr. Snow has recently battled cancer (which is expensive even with solid medical insurance!), then it is no wonder that Tony Snow would need to work in private industry rather than as a public servant.
Sadly, Mr. Snow is not alone.
Whether it is teaching for a state university system, working as a career military man, or working in politics, although public service can be somewhat "glamorous" at times, it is very often the private sector that pays much better.
Sadly, this trend will only tend to get worse as time goes on.
Our Nation is burdened by a National Debt in the trillions of dollars. Our Nation has over-extended itself militarily, essentially fighting a useless war all on borrowed money (like going to war using our "collective credit cards" and now having to pay off the bill in full!).
No, public service will not be quite rewarding in the coming days.
Just look at the quality of the Candidates for President.
Rudy Giuliani comes across more as a mafia hit man than a legitimate contender. Mitt Romney although strongly pro-life is nonetheless a third-rate politician willing to jump on whatever political bandwagon that will get him elected (e.g. his opposition to the sensible John McCain bill for a streamlined immigration process).
On the Democratic side, we are left with a half-rate Senator from North Carolina who panders to the masses citing his concern for the poor, a strong politician named Hillary who might actually be a good president, but men do not tend to like her very much, and then of course Barack Obama who naively thinks that he can just go golfing or something with our Nation's enemies such as the Presidents of Iran and Venezuela (even Hillary Clinton called Obama NAIVE for assuming that our National enemies can be so easily coddled!).
No, sadly, our best and brightest, men such as Bill Gates, quietly avoid the rigors of public service and just pursue their private agendas.
Well, in the midst of this less than stellar Presidential field (why not just elect Hillary, after all she and Bill apparently still have the White House furniture from 1992 - 2000 :-), why not try a different Voice. Why not elect a dashing young Republican who will not sell out the Pro-Life cause (like Giuliani does!) nor pander to the radical right racists of the Republican Party who happen to hate all things Mexican (like Mitt Romney does!).
Why not try Rob J King in 08?
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J King, undeclared, unapologetically Christian candidate ("testing the waters")
Now before we jump all over poor Tony, let us remember the facts of Mr. Snow's life. Tony Snow, a Davidson College Philosophy Major, forsook a career as an Academician (never completed his PhD studies at the University of Chicago) and instead launched out in the field of conservative mass media, first at the Washington Times, and then later through FOX News. It turns out that such television media actually pay substantially more than the 100+ thousand dollar staff salary he receives working directly for the President. Also, when one considers that Mr. Snow has recently battled cancer (which is expensive even with solid medical insurance!), then it is no wonder that Tony Snow would need to work in private industry rather than as a public servant.
Sadly, Mr. Snow is not alone.
Whether it is teaching for a state university system, working as a career military man, or working in politics, although public service can be somewhat "glamorous" at times, it is very often the private sector that pays much better.
Sadly, this trend will only tend to get worse as time goes on.
Our Nation is burdened by a National Debt in the trillions of dollars. Our Nation has over-extended itself militarily, essentially fighting a useless war all on borrowed money (like going to war using our "collective credit cards" and now having to pay off the bill in full!).
No, public service will not be quite rewarding in the coming days.
Just look at the quality of the Candidates for President.
Rudy Giuliani comes across more as a mafia hit man than a legitimate contender. Mitt Romney although strongly pro-life is nonetheless a third-rate politician willing to jump on whatever political bandwagon that will get him elected (e.g. his opposition to the sensible John McCain bill for a streamlined immigration process).
On the Democratic side, we are left with a half-rate Senator from North Carolina who panders to the masses citing his concern for the poor, a strong politician named Hillary who might actually be a good president, but men do not tend to like her very much, and then of course Barack Obama who naively thinks that he can just go golfing or something with our Nation's enemies such as the Presidents of Iran and Venezuela (even Hillary Clinton called Obama NAIVE for assuming that our National enemies can be so easily coddled!).
No, sadly, our best and brightest, men such as Bill Gates, quietly avoid the rigors of public service and just pursue their private agendas.
Well, in the midst of this less than stellar Presidential field (why not just elect Hillary, after all she and Bill apparently still have the White House furniture from 1992 - 2000 :-), why not try a different Voice. Why not elect a dashing young Republican who will not sell out the Pro-Life cause (like Giuliani does!) nor pander to the radical right racists of the Republican Party who happen to hate all things Mexican (like Mitt Romney does!).
Why not try Rob J King in 08?
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J King, undeclared, unapologetically Christian candidate ("testing the waters")
Friday, August 17, 2007
War, Violence, and When & HOW it is necessary . . .
Jesus told Saint Peter, "You live by the sword, then you will die by the sword."
Many times, in discussions of War, this simple truth is forgotten.
Patriotic Americans (like myself) will stream into Recruiting offices to "defend our country," but in being willing to "take up the sword," Jesus' words are rather chilling.
If soldiering is your profession, then expect to die by the very means that you are living.
John McCain, a heroic former Naval pilot, sadly, learned this the hard way. Although McCain was not physically killed, after numerous bombing runs over Hanoi, eventually, one of the anti-aircraft missiles fired by the Communist Vietnamese, did in fact clip the wing of his bomber, McCain was sent hurtling to the ground in his parachute, landed in a lake in the middle of Hanoi, and was taken prisoner. Although McCain physically lived, he learned through several years of grueling P.O.W. life that whoever lives by the sword, eventually dies by the sword.
But, how then are we as a Nation State to defend ourselves?
Is "first strike" (e.g. the invasion of Iraq) ever an option?
After studying this issue some, I have come to the conclusion that whenever a Christian holds political office, the only position that one can ascribe to is the Christian Just War tradition as passed down through the centuries by St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas.
Historic Just-War cites numerous sets of criteria for what constitutes a "just-war." Is the war only for defense? Is the war fought only with proportionate means? Is the governing authority that wages a war in fact a legitimate governmental authority?
Although there are numerous arguments that tried to declare Iraq a just-war, sadly, Iraq does not fit just-war criteria. This was the invasion of one sovereign nation state (the Unites States of America) into another sovereign nation state (Iraq). Iraq had not directly attacked us, and therefore the War in Iraq was never a just-war.
Having stated the obvious, the War against Al Qaida is a war that, sadly, is in fact just. Al Qaida, although a transnational terrorist group is nonetheless in the attack mode against us. We must fight and to do otherwise would be just plain stupid. Without the magistrate bearing the sword (Romans 13) against Al Qaida, then yes, these rogue terror cells will eventually be blowing up our places of commerce, our national historic sites, and eventually even our infrastructure.
Here, the principle of proportionality comes into play.
If Al Qaida strikes us, then we are to strike back with equal force.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, in the Just-War Tradition
Many times, in discussions of War, this simple truth is forgotten.
Patriotic Americans (like myself) will stream into Recruiting offices to "defend our country," but in being willing to "take up the sword," Jesus' words are rather chilling.
If soldiering is your profession, then expect to die by the very means that you are living.
John McCain, a heroic former Naval pilot, sadly, learned this the hard way. Although McCain was not physically killed, after numerous bombing runs over Hanoi, eventually, one of the anti-aircraft missiles fired by the Communist Vietnamese, did in fact clip the wing of his bomber, McCain was sent hurtling to the ground in his parachute, landed in a lake in the middle of Hanoi, and was taken prisoner. Although McCain physically lived, he learned through several years of grueling P.O.W. life that whoever lives by the sword, eventually dies by the sword.
But, how then are we as a Nation State to defend ourselves?
Is "first strike" (e.g. the invasion of Iraq) ever an option?
After studying this issue some, I have come to the conclusion that whenever a Christian holds political office, the only position that one can ascribe to is the Christian Just War tradition as passed down through the centuries by St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas.
Historic Just-War cites numerous sets of criteria for what constitutes a "just-war." Is the war only for defense? Is the war fought only with proportionate means? Is the governing authority that wages a war in fact a legitimate governmental authority?
Although there are numerous arguments that tried to declare Iraq a just-war, sadly, Iraq does not fit just-war criteria. This was the invasion of one sovereign nation state (the Unites States of America) into another sovereign nation state (Iraq). Iraq had not directly attacked us, and therefore the War in Iraq was never a just-war.
Having stated the obvious, the War against Al Qaida is a war that, sadly, is in fact just. Al Qaida, although a transnational terrorist group is nonetheless in the attack mode against us. We must fight and to do otherwise would be just plain stupid. Without the magistrate bearing the sword (Romans 13) against Al Qaida, then yes, these rogue terror cells will eventually be blowing up our places of commerce, our national historic sites, and eventually even our infrastructure.
Here, the principle of proportionality comes into play.
If Al Qaida strikes us, then we are to strike back with equal force.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, in the Just-War Tradition
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
The Future of Academia, English, Japanese and African
The other day I received a manuscript of a paper I recently delivered. On it were numerous pencil markings, and extensive commentary on how best to improve the paper to make it world caliber. The responder was a Chaired Catholic Ethicist who runs a prominent West Coast Ethics Center, and religiously, I believe she may have close ties to Opus Dei.
As I read her feedback I was in awe. This is the level of academic scholarship that I had grown accustomed to at places such as Davidson College, Duke University and the University of Notre Dame. Precision. Accuracy. The ability to follow an argument closely. The ability to give critical feedback, but done in a charitable manner. All of these traits I have learned from some of the greatest Theological Minds of the late Twentieth Century, men such as Geoffrey Wainwright and Stanley Hauerwas.
After savoring the opportunity for revision and eventual publication, however, I returned to my "normal work" teaching at an On-Line Baptist University and preparing to teach at a local state college here in St. Petersburg.
Upon returning to my normal work, my reaction was both filled with sorrow, but also saw promise.
I was filled with great sorrow simply because I notice that so many American youths literally waste all of the resources set before them. We have the finest universities in the world, yet most young adults are just looking to make enough cash to buy their next round of marijuana. We have top-trained Academics who must endure the hardship of university systems becoming increasingly enslaved to "Big Business" that elevates anything that makes money (e.g. College Football!) but then cuts back on necessary expenditures elsewhere (e.g. Professor pay).
But, as a visit to any college or university in America will show, whereas our own American youth are increasingly overweight, lazy and addicted to television, MySpace, and other Internet garbage, foreign students say from Japan, or Africa are increasingly finding our state university systems quite hospitable places for career advancement.
Moreover, although the United States of America seems to care less and less about Intelligence as a Virtue, at least our English heritage (with English universities such as Cambridge and Oxford) has placed a dollar value on the best in scholarship. In fact, I know one English writer, Joseph Pearce, a fellow rambunctious pro-Catholic intellectual who was even hired by Ave Maria University (Naples, FL) to serve as their "Writer-in-Residence." I met him during 2006 at the Coming Home Network Conference and he actually even enjoyed my on-line, pro-bono, free-lance writing.
So, whereas, many, many American youths will grow up to be nothing more than McDonald's workers (hard work that should not be snubbed!), sadly, it will increasingly be an Anglo-Japanese-African Intelligentsia that will rule the United States of America. Any African American congregation that I have attended has placed extreme emphasis on getting a good education, the Japanese are known for their pursuit of academic excellence, and well, the English are about the only part of America's heritage that still places the Professor on a pedestal.
So, for a new Intellectual Life in America, expect the new leadership class to no longer be American.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, gadfly for Jesus
As I read her feedback I was in awe. This is the level of academic scholarship that I had grown accustomed to at places such as Davidson College, Duke University and the University of Notre Dame. Precision. Accuracy. The ability to follow an argument closely. The ability to give critical feedback, but done in a charitable manner. All of these traits I have learned from some of the greatest Theological Minds of the late Twentieth Century, men such as Geoffrey Wainwright and Stanley Hauerwas.
After savoring the opportunity for revision and eventual publication, however, I returned to my "normal work" teaching at an On-Line Baptist University and preparing to teach at a local state college here in St. Petersburg.
Upon returning to my normal work, my reaction was both filled with sorrow, but also saw promise.
I was filled with great sorrow simply because I notice that so many American youths literally waste all of the resources set before them. We have the finest universities in the world, yet most young adults are just looking to make enough cash to buy their next round of marijuana. We have top-trained Academics who must endure the hardship of university systems becoming increasingly enslaved to "Big Business" that elevates anything that makes money (e.g. College Football!) but then cuts back on necessary expenditures elsewhere (e.g. Professor pay).
But, as a visit to any college or university in America will show, whereas our own American youth are increasingly overweight, lazy and addicted to television, MySpace, and other Internet garbage, foreign students say from Japan, or Africa are increasingly finding our state university systems quite hospitable places for career advancement.
Moreover, although the United States of America seems to care less and less about Intelligence as a Virtue, at least our English heritage (with English universities such as Cambridge and Oxford) has placed a dollar value on the best in scholarship. In fact, I know one English writer, Joseph Pearce, a fellow rambunctious pro-Catholic intellectual who was even hired by Ave Maria University (Naples, FL) to serve as their "Writer-in-Residence." I met him during 2006 at the Coming Home Network Conference and he actually even enjoyed my on-line, pro-bono, free-lance writing.
So, whereas, many, many American youths will grow up to be nothing more than McDonald's workers (hard work that should not be snubbed!), sadly, it will increasingly be an Anglo-Japanese-African Intelligentsia that will rule the United States of America. Any African American congregation that I have attended has placed extreme emphasis on getting a good education, the Japanese are known for their pursuit of academic excellence, and well, the English are about the only part of America's heritage that still places the Professor on a pedestal.
So, for a new Intellectual Life in America, expect the new leadership class to no longer be American.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, gadfly for Jesus
History, What is it, Why does it matter . . .
I am a HUGE history buff. Whether it was reading Ancient Greco-Roman Historian Peter Brown back during my Ph.D. studies at Notre Dame (in classes on Asceticism, John Chrysostom and other early Christian heroes of old . . .) OR more recently, reading a GREAT book written by Senator John McCain that recalls the exploits of his grandfather and father, both former admirals in the Navy, I thirst for colorful recounting of days long gone.
It is almost cliche, but the saying, "he who does not know history is doomed to repeat it" nonetheless is a saying with significant truth to it.
If we do not tell to future generations the horrors of WW II with German butchering of Jews, Poles, gypsies, et al (10 million who died in the Nazi death camps alone!) then sadly, we are in ever increasing danger of seeing such atrocities repeat themselves.
If we do not understand the foundations of Western civilization, both pre-Christian and Christian, then to be frank, we will cease to exist as a "Western civilization" and simply be replaced by whatever civilization is the strongest.
If we do not read history, then for we Americans who are hooked on ritalin prescription drugs due to our supposed "ADHD," our new society will be nothing but a combination of X-Box, Kentucky Fried Chicken, prescription drugs to alleviate our pain and wave after wave of poverty on our nation as our national productivity slumps.
In conclusion, turn off the darn TV set for awhile. Go to the public library or a Barnes & Noble and re-learn what it means to be an American. Right now, in the world's eyes, to be American seems to mean to be lazy, war-like and exploitative of others.
Let us as a Nation State reach far back into our Spanish and English heritage as a Christian Republic and reshape America according to our original Judeo-Christian founding.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, for a New, Better, Judeo-Christian American Republic
It is almost cliche, but the saying, "he who does not know history is doomed to repeat it" nonetheless is a saying with significant truth to it.
If we do not tell to future generations the horrors of WW II with German butchering of Jews, Poles, gypsies, et al (10 million who died in the Nazi death camps alone!) then sadly, we are in ever increasing danger of seeing such atrocities repeat themselves.
If we do not understand the foundations of Western civilization, both pre-Christian and Christian, then to be frank, we will cease to exist as a "Western civilization" and simply be replaced by whatever civilization is the strongest.
If we do not read history, then for we Americans who are hooked on ritalin prescription drugs due to our supposed "ADHD," our new society will be nothing but a combination of X-Box, Kentucky Fried Chicken, prescription drugs to alleviate our pain and wave after wave of poverty on our nation as our national productivity slumps.
In conclusion, turn off the darn TV set for awhile. Go to the public library or a Barnes & Noble and re-learn what it means to be an American. Right now, in the world's eyes, to be American seems to mean to be lazy, war-like and exploitative of others.
Let us as a Nation State reach far back into our Spanish and English heritage as a Christian Republic and reshape America according to our original Judeo-Christian founding.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, for a New, Better, Judeo-Christian American Republic
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
400 years of Christian Empire, an Experiment . . .
One of the most fascinating eras of Christian History for me is the time in which Roman Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity.
Constantine, a pagan, nonetheless was said to have been instructed by the LORD Jesus in a vision to "paint crosses" on the shields of his soldiers and that if he fought under the Christian God, he would be victorious (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Milvian_Bridge).
Sure enough, although a pagan, Constantine listened and obeyed Jesus Christ, and was given the VICTORY in battle.
Later on in Constantine's Reign, Christianity was legalized (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edict_of_Milan), and Constantine, perhaps sensing the shifting winds of history, eventually relocated the Imperial Capital from Rome to Constantinople, a move that would insure the continuance of the Christian Byzantine Empire for another 1,000 years (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine_I). Finally, on Constantine's death bed, he was baptized as a Christian.
In learning about Constantine and the Christian Imperial Civilization that was birthed through his reign (under the explicit LORDSHIP of JESUS CHRIST), I am left wondering what the next 400 years will look like.
Truly, as has been the case in every age, we must always be prepared for Jesus' immanent Return to earth to "judge the living and the dead," but if that does not happen for some time, then yes, looking to the future is necessary.
Like Emperor Constantine diagnosed back in the 4th century, "old Rome" is corrupt and is largely crumbling. Washington, D.C. in many ways would be this Western imperial "old Rome." Scandals involving adultery (Bill Clinton), war profiteering (Dick Cheney) and a generally corrupt society mark the old Rome of Washington, D.C. Perhaps, similar to Constantine, a "new Rome" is needed in the West.
George W. Bush has often sensed this corruption and sought to relocate culturally to Texas by spending every free moment at his ranch.
But, given that the Imperial Language in the West is increasingly Spanish, not English, then perhaps somewhere in Florida might be a better bet. After all, when the Vatican sensed the growing apostasy of U.S. Catholicism (in its support for "world religious studies," gay rights, you name it), the "new Notre Dame" was founded by conservative Catholics right here in Florida at Ave Maria University.
I know, since my hometown is under the Christian patronage of Saint Peter anyways (the "Rock" upon which the Church of Jesus Christ is built!), let us just move all of the money and political power to St. Petersburg as the New Imperial Capital. Here one can speak Spanish or English freely without being discriminated against (e.g. racists like Mitt Romney who hate Hispanics). Here, one can be black or white and still mingle socially at the downtown Jazz fest. Heck, we even have the best cigars in the world, with Tampa just across the Bay!
For a NEW CHRISTIAN EMPIRE . . . Vote Rob J.
Love in Jesus,
Rob J. King, undeclared
Constantine, a pagan, nonetheless was said to have been instructed by the LORD Jesus in a vision to "paint crosses" on the shields of his soldiers and that if he fought under the Christian God, he would be victorious (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Milvian_Bridge).
Sure enough, although a pagan, Constantine listened and obeyed Jesus Christ, and was given the VICTORY in battle.
Later on in Constantine's Reign, Christianity was legalized (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edict_of_Milan), and Constantine, perhaps sensing the shifting winds of history, eventually relocated the Imperial Capital from Rome to Constantinople, a move that would insure the continuance of the Christian Byzantine Empire for another 1,000 years (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine_I). Finally, on Constantine's death bed, he was baptized as a Christian.
In learning about Constantine and the Christian Imperial Civilization that was birthed through his reign (under the explicit LORDSHIP of JESUS CHRIST), I am left wondering what the next 400 years will look like.
Truly, as has been the case in every age, we must always be prepared for Jesus' immanent Return to earth to "judge the living and the dead," but if that does not happen for some time, then yes, looking to the future is necessary.
Like Emperor Constantine diagnosed back in the 4th century, "old Rome" is corrupt and is largely crumbling. Washington, D.C. in many ways would be this Western imperial "old Rome." Scandals involving adultery (Bill Clinton), war profiteering (Dick Cheney) and a generally corrupt society mark the old Rome of Washington, D.C. Perhaps, similar to Constantine, a "new Rome" is needed in the West.
George W. Bush has often sensed this corruption and sought to relocate culturally to Texas by spending every free moment at his ranch.
But, given that the Imperial Language in the West is increasingly Spanish, not English, then perhaps somewhere in Florida might be a better bet. After all, when the Vatican sensed the growing apostasy of U.S. Catholicism (in its support for "world religious studies," gay rights, you name it), the "new Notre Dame" was founded by conservative Catholics right here in Florida at Ave Maria University.
I know, since my hometown is under the Christian patronage of Saint Peter anyways (the "Rock" upon which the Church of Jesus Christ is built!), let us just move all of the money and political power to St. Petersburg as the New Imperial Capital. Here one can speak Spanish or English freely without being discriminated against (e.g. racists like Mitt Romney who hate Hispanics). Here, one can be black or white and still mingle socially at the downtown Jazz fest. Heck, we even have the best cigars in the world, with Tampa just across the Bay!
For a NEW CHRISTIAN EMPIRE . . . Vote Rob J.
Love in Jesus,
Rob J. King, undeclared
Monday, August 13, 2007
Taking Care of One-self, Physically, Mentally, Spiritually . . .
Any good leader will recognize when someone needs a rest. My old high school football coach was an utter master-mind at this precept and as a result maximized my athletic potential by taking me, a scrawny 167 pound sophomore and turning me into an absolute monster of a high school offensive lineman who could squat 605 pounds, power clean 260 pounds and bench press 315 pounds my senior year of high school!
All of this was attributed to the emphasis our coach placed on rest!
Well, whether it was future Div III All-American tailback Alex Plomaritis (Dickinson College) or future Dartmouth quarterback Andy Snell, or myself, future Davidson College three year Offensive Line starter, to rest one's muscles, to rest one's mind, and to rest one's spirit were key to our success as a high school football program.
Since that time, I have had to "re-learn" this key lesson of the importance of rest for healing one's muscles, mind and spirit. At various points in my life (Duke Divinity School or PhD studies) I wrongly believed that the more that I "multi-tasked," the more that I could "get done in a day," the better off I would be.
Boy was I wrong!
Whether it was flu bugs that left me lying on the futon wrenching in pain or needing to take a whole summer off at one point (1996) in order to "re-gain my sanity," without rest, we cannot heal, either physically, mentally or spiritually.
Ironically, this key Christian Virtue of Sabbath-keeping I did not even begin to explore until my third year of Divinity School as I was influenced by a Jewish Rabbi who was teaching there at Duke University. Through this Rabbi's influence, I learned that not only myself, but the community I was involved in, must practice Sabbath.
Since that time, although I have been a bit hard-headed thinking that I can "conquer anything," and that "I don't need that much rest," I once again am placing prime importance on getting enough rest.
So, as the new school year begins complete with schedule changes, appointments, classes, etc., please be sure to both practice a weekly 24 hour Sabbath (Saturday or Sunday) and also take the necessary time to rest when you need it.
When you do this, your body, your mind, and your spirit will feel much better. Trust me!
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, for a Newer, Healthier America under Jesus' LORDSHIP
All of this was attributed to the emphasis our coach placed on rest!
Well, whether it was future Div III All-American tailback Alex Plomaritis (Dickinson College) or future Dartmouth quarterback Andy Snell, or myself, future Davidson College three year Offensive Line starter, to rest one's muscles, to rest one's mind, and to rest one's spirit were key to our success as a high school football program.
Since that time, I have had to "re-learn" this key lesson of the importance of rest for healing one's muscles, mind and spirit. At various points in my life (Duke Divinity School or PhD studies) I wrongly believed that the more that I "multi-tasked," the more that I could "get done in a day," the better off I would be.
Boy was I wrong!
Whether it was flu bugs that left me lying on the futon wrenching in pain or needing to take a whole summer off at one point (1996) in order to "re-gain my sanity," without rest, we cannot heal, either physically, mentally or spiritually.
Ironically, this key Christian Virtue of Sabbath-keeping I did not even begin to explore until my third year of Divinity School as I was influenced by a Jewish Rabbi who was teaching there at Duke University. Through this Rabbi's influence, I learned that not only myself, but the community I was involved in, must practice Sabbath.
Since that time, although I have been a bit hard-headed thinking that I can "conquer anything," and that "I don't need that much rest," I once again am placing prime importance on getting enough rest.
So, as the new school year begins complete with schedule changes, appointments, classes, etc., please be sure to both practice a weekly 24 hour Sabbath (Saturday or Sunday) and also take the necessary time to rest when you need it.
When you do this, your body, your mind, and your spirit will feel much better. Trust me!
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, for a Newer, Healthier America under Jesus' LORDSHIP
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Charlie Ward and the Next U.S. Presidential Team
I am a HUGE fan of the Florida State Seminoles Football Team. Even though their win-loss record was sub-par last year (due partly to the older age of Coach Bobby Bowden), I am still nonetheless, a "life-long" F.S.U. fan!
Take for instance, F.S.U.'s first National Championship in 1993. Led by stellar quarterback Charlie Ward (Heisman Trophy winner for 1993), the Seminoles finally received the prize that had eluded them for so long.
Ward, also only the 3rd college football player since 1930 to also win the Sullivan award (given to the best amateur athlete in any sport) truly was the catalyst for this final run of the Seminole faithful (sadly, the second National Championship was mired in controversy due to some unethical action on the part of Bobby Bowden and his coaching staff . . .).
Charlie Ward, truly was my athletic hero.
Ward was lightning fast, made split decisions that were correct, was accurate with his passing, and most of all was a humble Christian man.
If I were to become President, similar to the Seminoles of old I would want to run the "team" and therefore the entire country a bit like Charlie Ward.
Lightning strike offense for America diplomatically. Unswerving commitment to Jesus Christ. The ability to read the field accurately, whether the playing field is Iraq, Afghanistan or here at home. The ability to scramble if necessary. In all ways, as a former Christian Athlete (Div. 1-AA College Football Player, and three year starter who snapped the ball to Richard Howell, current Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Indianapolis Colts of the N.F.L.), I will seek to embody unswerving commitment to Jesus Christ coupled with the absolute highest academic and Christian Leadership Ability.
Karl Rove, are you listening yet?
The people who are running for office on the G.O.P. side are largely corrupt, old and worn out.
Only I will stand firmly for Jesus Christ.
In Jesus' Name,
Rob J. King, former 1-AA College Football Player
Take for instance, F.S.U.'s first National Championship in 1993. Led by stellar quarterback Charlie Ward (Heisman Trophy winner for 1993), the Seminoles finally received the prize that had eluded them for so long.
Ward, also only the 3rd college football player since 1930 to also win the Sullivan award (given to the best amateur athlete in any sport) truly was the catalyst for this final run of the Seminole faithful (sadly, the second National Championship was mired in controversy due to some unethical action on the part of Bobby Bowden and his coaching staff . . .).
Charlie Ward, truly was my athletic hero.
Ward was lightning fast, made split decisions that were correct, was accurate with his passing, and most of all was a humble Christian man.
If I were to become President, similar to the Seminoles of old I would want to run the "team" and therefore the entire country a bit like Charlie Ward.
Lightning strike offense for America diplomatically. Unswerving commitment to Jesus Christ. The ability to read the field accurately, whether the playing field is Iraq, Afghanistan or here at home. The ability to scramble if necessary. In all ways, as a former Christian Athlete (Div. 1-AA College Football Player, and three year starter who snapped the ball to Richard Howell, current Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Indianapolis Colts of the N.F.L.), I will seek to embody unswerving commitment to Jesus Christ coupled with the absolute highest academic and Christian Leadership Ability.
Karl Rove, are you listening yet?
The people who are running for office on the G.O.P. side are largely corrupt, old and worn out.
Only I will stand firmly for Jesus Christ.
In Jesus' Name,
Rob J. King, former 1-AA College Football Player
Friday, August 10, 2007
Why the Pro-Life Movement will win, then lose . . .
Today, as I was eating my french fries and drinking my Coca-Cola at where I will be teaching Applied Ethics in two weeks, I noticed about half a dozen "nursing students," the type who will be in my class very shortly.
As I looked out at these attractive young Floridians (who all looked like the old TV Show "Beverly Hills 90210" . . . Floridians are like that!), these young future nurses of America caused quite some concern. You see, the media of St. Petersburg has been to the far-left of Jerry Springer, essentially espousing whatever position the Democratic Party parrots. There in turn, when the issue of ABORTION is ever mentioned, the default position is always that babies have the right to be murdered by their mommies. This is after all, the County where the Terry Shiavo court case was fought, Governor Jeb Bush's recommendations ignored, and state-supported murder of a paraplegic occurred.
In contrast to these likely pro-Abortion young Floridians, I still think that the tide has turned in the Pro-Life struggle. Led by ultra-conservative Catholic Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, the ban on partial birth abortion was upheld as law of the land. VICTORY for JESUS! Ironically enough, victory also for Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist and many secular Pro-Life positions.
I cannot give a precise date, but given the historic Supreme Court Ruling of the partial birth abortion ban, I really do believe that abortion itself will eventually be outlawed in the United States of America, especially with the growing Catholic Mexican population that has tended to be predominately Pro-Life since they are faithful rosary-praying Roman Catholics.
Having said this, sadly, the "winds of change" also seem to be drifting further and further "left" bringing both the GOOD and the EVIL of a Democratic regime change. Positively, wages will now improve as they did under Clinton, Universal Health Coverage will now likely be also passed, BUT, with these positives, also comes the fictitious "right to choose murder" that the Democratic Party enshrines as its own default "Magna Carta" politically . . .
Thus, although Abortion may likely be overturned in the near future, as the Democrats draw both gems and sewage into America, my own guess is that the future of the United States of America 100 years from now will look like a European Union country busily depopulating themselves through abortion/infanticide laws and with the Latin American population staying put on U.S. soil either as Roman Catholics or as Spirit-Filled Evangelicals.
Just a guess. 100 years from now, History will be vindicated.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, Pro-Life VOICE
As I looked out at these attractive young Floridians (who all looked like the old TV Show "Beverly Hills 90210" . . . Floridians are like that!), these young future nurses of America caused quite some concern. You see, the media of St. Petersburg has been to the far-left of Jerry Springer, essentially espousing whatever position the Democratic Party parrots. There in turn, when the issue of ABORTION is ever mentioned, the default position is always that babies have the right to be murdered by their mommies. This is after all, the County where the Terry Shiavo court case was fought, Governor Jeb Bush's recommendations ignored, and state-supported murder of a paraplegic occurred.
In contrast to these likely pro-Abortion young Floridians, I still think that the tide has turned in the Pro-Life struggle. Led by ultra-conservative Catholic Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, the ban on partial birth abortion was upheld as law of the land. VICTORY for JESUS! Ironically enough, victory also for Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist and many secular Pro-Life positions.
I cannot give a precise date, but given the historic Supreme Court Ruling of the partial birth abortion ban, I really do believe that abortion itself will eventually be outlawed in the United States of America, especially with the growing Catholic Mexican population that has tended to be predominately Pro-Life since they are faithful rosary-praying Roman Catholics.
Having said this, sadly, the "winds of change" also seem to be drifting further and further "left" bringing both the GOOD and the EVIL of a Democratic regime change. Positively, wages will now improve as they did under Clinton, Universal Health Coverage will now likely be also passed, BUT, with these positives, also comes the fictitious "right to choose murder" that the Democratic Party enshrines as its own default "Magna Carta" politically . . .
Thus, although Abortion may likely be overturned in the near future, as the Democrats draw both gems and sewage into America, my own guess is that the future of the United States of America 100 years from now will look like a European Union country busily depopulating themselves through abortion/infanticide laws and with the Latin American population staying put on U.S. soil either as Roman Catholics or as Spirit-Filled Evangelicals.
Just a guess. 100 years from now, History will be vindicated.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, Pro-Life VOICE
Thursday, August 9, 2007
What is the meaning of existence?
Just now I had a run-in with a former military man. At first, the exchange was a normal conversation, but then out of nowhere the man literally 'exploded.'
I then asked him if he was saved by the blood of Jesus.
He then said that "Religious people always do that . . ."
I asked him again if he was saved by the blood of Jesus.
He then walked away and cursed me . . .
I told him that my mom was Catholic and so I would then pray a Hail Mary for him, which I did. I pray in Jesus' Name that this U.S. Military Vet be saved by the blood of Jesus.
Here is what is at stake in promoting Jesus into EVERY sphere of our society.
We, as a Nation State currently have the single greatest military force in the world. We have enough ICBMS to destroy the planet. My fearful question is a simple one. Do we want our military in the hands of men like I just encountered who explode at the drop of a hat, and who are not Christian?
Do we want secularists to control our military?
If so, then we are playing with fire. Only through Christian men and women of valor (like Senator John McCain's father, a former 4-star Admiral who prayed for 1 hour every day out of his Anglican Prayer Book) can our military be safeguarded from falling into the wrong hands.
Islam is a legitimate threat.
China remains a threat.
But, in countering Radical Islam, and in countering the dying remnants of communism, we must be careful that our military remain in Judeo-Christian hands only.
Sorry.
This is the Romans 13 Government that is instituted directly by God Himself. If we do not take care to keep our military and government in specifically Christian hands, then our Nation's greatness is over.
FOR JESUS, FOR AMERICA,
Rob J. King, Friend of All, Love of Jesus Only
I then asked him if he was saved by the blood of Jesus.
He then said that "Religious people always do that . . ."
I asked him again if he was saved by the blood of Jesus.
He then walked away and cursed me . . .
I told him that my mom was Catholic and so I would then pray a Hail Mary for him, which I did. I pray in Jesus' Name that this U.S. Military Vet be saved by the blood of Jesus.
Here is what is at stake in promoting Jesus into EVERY sphere of our society.
We, as a Nation State currently have the single greatest military force in the world. We have enough ICBMS to destroy the planet. My fearful question is a simple one. Do we want our military in the hands of men like I just encountered who explode at the drop of a hat, and who are not Christian?
Do we want secularists to control our military?
If so, then we are playing with fire. Only through Christian men and women of valor (like Senator John McCain's father, a former 4-star Admiral who prayed for 1 hour every day out of his Anglican Prayer Book) can our military be safeguarded from falling into the wrong hands.
Islam is a legitimate threat.
China remains a threat.
But, in countering Radical Islam, and in countering the dying remnants of communism, we must be careful that our military remain in Judeo-Christian hands only.
Sorry.
This is the Romans 13 Government that is instituted directly by God Himself. If we do not take care to keep our military and government in specifically Christian hands, then our Nation's greatness is over.
FOR JESUS, FOR AMERICA,
Rob J. King, Friend of All, Love of Jesus Only
Honor, the McCain Clan and Why the U.S.A. needs men like John McCain and Rob J King
Today, I write as a politician.
I neither wish to be, nor enjoy being political.
To be frank, teaching for a nice university somewhere (Grand Canyon University as Head of their Theology Department?) is what my heart would most want to do vocationally.
But instead, due to the rampant corruption in our society, men such as myself and such as John McCain must serve . . .
John McCain, the son of a four star admiral who headed all U.S. Military Forces at one point, and the grandson of another admiral (a WW II War Hero!), is a man who has never been one to accept the "prevailing norm."
Whether it was "bucking the system" at the U.S. Naval Academy due to what McCain perceived as innane practices of upperclassmen hazing OR whether it is "bucking the system" of a Republican Party that is no longer in support of Pro-Life Ethics (Giuliani and Swartzeneggar are both in favor of abortion!) and to be frank has been hi-jacked by a bunch of Right-Wing Extremists who hate Mexicans (again Giuliani and also Mitt Romney!), McCain instead offered a way forward for America by welcoming modest Mexican immigration along with a streamlined process for making them citizens.
Unlike the racists of the Republican Party (Giuliani and Romney) who seem to hate Mexicans McCain instead has stood firm for a moderate position regarding illegal immigration.
This is due to the HONOR of the McCain clan.
Although grandpa McCain was a bit of a gambler and Senator John McCain was quite the partying "Top Gun" naval aviator in his day (dating a Brazilian supermodel at one point!), the McCain Family has always stood for TRUTH.
Similarly, although my Father, a career Coast Guard man could drink 2 six packs of beer a night at one point (he was 6'3" and 250 pounds :-) I was instilled with the same type of HONOR as the Scots Family who I have grown to love and admire. A KING man would never speak ill of anyone. A KING man would NEVER tell a lie. A KING man would always give a hard day's worth of labor for an honest dollar.
Therefore, in this corrupt generation, a generation that has produced the Pat Tillman fratricide incident (complete with a 3 star general and 2 one star generals being censured!), a generation that has allowed babies to be murdered in the millions since 1973, a generation that produces pointless wars such as Vietnam and Iraq, a generation that fails to promote any vision of virtue, much less the Judeo-Christian MORAL CODE, it is time that "mavericks" such as John McCain and Rob J King, men of HONOR, men of TRUTH will be given the wheels of the Nation's highest office.
Karl Rove, are you listening? The future of Judeo-Christian America is at stake! Please do not send us anymore pseudo-Republicans such as Romney who hates Mexicans or Giuliani who is in favor of abortion.
The McCain Clan and the KING House are waiting.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J King for a New Judeo-Christian America
I neither wish to be, nor enjoy being political.
To be frank, teaching for a nice university somewhere (Grand Canyon University as Head of their Theology Department?) is what my heart would most want to do vocationally.
But instead, due to the rampant corruption in our society, men such as myself and such as John McCain must serve . . .
John McCain, the son of a four star admiral who headed all U.S. Military Forces at one point, and the grandson of another admiral (a WW II War Hero!), is a man who has never been one to accept the "prevailing norm."
Whether it was "bucking the system" at the U.S. Naval Academy due to what McCain perceived as innane practices of upperclassmen hazing OR whether it is "bucking the system" of a Republican Party that is no longer in support of Pro-Life Ethics (Giuliani and Swartzeneggar are both in favor of abortion!) and to be frank has been hi-jacked by a bunch of Right-Wing Extremists who hate Mexicans (again Giuliani and also Mitt Romney!), McCain instead offered a way forward for America by welcoming modest Mexican immigration along with a streamlined process for making them citizens.
Unlike the racists of the Republican Party (Giuliani and Romney) who seem to hate Mexicans McCain instead has stood firm for a moderate position regarding illegal immigration.
This is due to the HONOR of the McCain clan.
Although grandpa McCain was a bit of a gambler and Senator John McCain was quite the partying "Top Gun" naval aviator in his day (dating a Brazilian supermodel at one point!), the McCain Family has always stood for TRUTH.
Similarly, although my Father, a career Coast Guard man could drink 2 six packs of beer a night at one point (he was 6'3" and 250 pounds :-) I was instilled with the same type of HONOR as the Scots Family who I have grown to love and admire. A KING man would never speak ill of anyone. A KING man would NEVER tell a lie. A KING man would always give a hard day's worth of labor for an honest dollar.
Therefore, in this corrupt generation, a generation that has produced the Pat Tillman fratricide incident (complete with a 3 star general and 2 one star generals being censured!), a generation that has allowed babies to be murdered in the millions since 1973, a generation that produces pointless wars such as Vietnam and Iraq, a generation that fails to promote any vision of virtue, much less the Judeo-Christian MORAL CODE, it is time that "mavericks" such as John McCain and Rob J King, men of HONOR, men of TRUTH will be given the wheels of the Nation's highest office.
Karl Rove, are you listening? The future of Judeo-Christian America is at stake! Please do not send us anymore pseudo-Republicans such as Romney who hates Mexicans or Giuliani who is in favor of abortion.
The McCain Clan and the KING House are waiting.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J King for a New Judeo-Christian America
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
The War for Survival
Yesterday, as I was on my way to smoke my favorite cigar and strolling along a road in south St. Petersburg, FL, I was accosted by three gorgeous women, all conservatively dressed and handing out their Church's reading material.
There it was, the cross of Jesus Christ on the pamphlet and with the footer stating elegantly, "The Church of Scientology."
Since I am a Pentecostal preacher, just for kicks, I read one of their tracts, a piece written by L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Church of Scientology. In this manual for living I read all about the universal human moral code that Hubbard and Scientology espouses. Do not commit adultery. Do not steal. Do not kill. Do not bear false witness.
Hmm . . . well, as a Professor of Religion I quickly could see the obvious. What is being perpetrated by those scientologists in all of their wacko literature is actually nothing other than Judeo-Christian morality, albeit through the scientological spectrum of belief and practice.
In TV Pentecostal preacher, Rod Parsley's top-selling book Culturally Incorrect, Pastor Parsley takes on many of the various "isms" that compete for public acceptance. Materialism. Marxism. Humanism.
Interestingly, in a move common to my own thought, Parsley conceptually connects Humanism with Marxism as both being human-focused essentially atheistic philosophies that demand total submission to their authority. Basically, as a Born Again Christian Believer, the world that Parsley describes is a world at constant battle, a world in which whomever controls the dominant world-view, essentially can control the thought, livelihood and even family practices of literally millions of people.
Here is why I love the scientologists!
Contrary to popular stereotypes that label them as a "cult," most scientologists I know are much closer to Judeo-Christian morality than most child psychologists are. In that alternative worldviews such as secular humanism claim that "man is essentially good" or that "child-rearing from a Christian perspective is a criminal activity" the scientologists although they do tend to stick together are much closer to Christian Teaching than almost any social worker in the United States of America.
Here, there is now a clarion call for a NEW CHRISTENDOM. If you are in positions of authority (political, academic, etc.), then please ONLY Promote the CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW. If you try to be "nice" these secular humanists will destroy your marriages, steal your children and then hand you the bill for their crimes.
If you happen to find yourself living under an evil secular humanist regime (for example, Massachusetts) then yes, like the great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., begin the equivalent of Christian bus boycotts. If businesses promote the humanist perspective, withdraw ALL MONEY from them! If government leaders will not take you seriously due to your Evangelical or Conservative Catholic worldview tell them you will attempt to VOTE THEM OUT OF OFFICE, and if they are still elected anyways, then tell them you will lead petition drive after petition drive in favor of Judeo-Christian Moral Teaching with WHOMEVER will listen and assist your efforts, whether they are Mormon, Scientologist or even Jehovah's Witnesses. Whomever is not against me is for me sayeth Jesus Christ!
If we as a unified Christendom (for example, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, a faithful conservative Catholic!) do these things, Christianity will not only survive, but prosper in the United States of America for this and the next generation.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, friend of all, lover of Jesus
There it was, the cross of Jesus Christ on the pamphlet and with the footer stating elegantly, "The Church of Scientology."
Since I am a Pentecostal preacher, just for kicks, I read one of their tracts, a piece written by L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Church of Scientology. In this manual for living I read all about the universal human moral code that Hubbard and Scientology espouses. Do not commit adultery. Do not steal. Do not kill. Do not bear false witness.
Hmm . . . well, as a Professor of Religion I quickly could see the obvious. What is being perpetrated by those scientologists in all of their wacko literature is actually nothing other than Judeo-Christian morality, albeit through the scientological spectrum of belief and practice.
In TV Pentecostal preacher, Rod Parsley's top-selling book Culturally Incorrect, Pastor Parsley takes on many of the various "isms" that compete for public acceptance. Materialism. Marxism. Humanism.
Interestingly, in a move common to my own thought, Parsley conceptually connects Humanism with Marxism as both being human-focused essentially atheistic philosophies that demand total submission to their authority. Basically, as a Born Again Christian Believer, the world that Parsley describes is a world at constant battle, a world in which whomever controls the dominant world-view, essentially can control the thought, livelihood and even family practices of literally millions of people.
Here is why I love the scientologists!
Contrary to popular stereotypes that label them as a "cult," most scientologists I know are much closer to Judeo-Christian morality than most child psychologists are. In that alternative worldviews such as secular humanism claim that "man is essentially good" or that "child-rearing from a Christian perspective is a criminal activity" the scientologists although they do tend to stick together are much closer to Christian Teaching than almost any social worker in the United States of America.
Here, there is now a clarion call for a NEW CHRISTENDOM. If you are in positions of authority (political, academic, etc.), then please ONLY Promote the CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW. If you try to be "nice" these secular humanists will destroy your marriages, steal your children and then hand you the bill for their crimes.
If you happen to find yourself living under an evil secular humanist regime (for example, Massachusetts) then yes, like the great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., begin the equivalent of Christian bus boycotts. If businesses promote the humanist perspective, withdraw ALL MONEY from them! If government leaders will not take you seriously due to your Evangelical or Conservative Catholic worldview tell them you will attempt to VOTE THEM OUT OF OFFICE, and if they are still elected anyways, then tell them you will lead petition drive after petition drive in favor of Judeo-Christian Moral Teaching with WHOMEVER will listen and assist your efforts, whether they are Mormon, Scientologist or even Jehovah's Witnesses. Whomever is not against me is for me sayeth Jesus Christ!
If we as a unified Christendom (for example, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, a faithful conservative Catholic!) do these things, Christianity will not only survive, but prosper in the United States of America for this and the next generation.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, friend of all, lover of Jesus
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Re-Covering VIRTUE
In seeking to be a Political Voice, in the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, my intent, must always be pure. Constantly I pray that literally everything that I do be 100% in the Will of God the Father, God the Son Who IS Jesus Christ Fully Human and Fully Divine, and God the Holy Spirit.
To do otherwise would be to lift up some fallen power that the LORD Almighty is directly opposing. Whether this power is financial or educational or military or even Tae Kwon Do (my favorite athletic endeavor), to choose any POWER OTHER THAN JESUS CHRIST is to commit treason against heaven itself.
That's right. 1/3 of the angels in heaven decided to "rebel" and choose a different authority than the LORD Almighty YHWH and as a result, St. Michael the archangel and the other 2/3 of the angels cast them out of heaven. These fallen angels are who Christian saints & mystics have battled ever since then.
So, in helping to re-build America, ALL authority must come ONLY through the Name JESUS.
Jesus Christ is LORD is the earliest Christian confession of belief, but the confession that is the most radical. Caesar is not LORD. Money is not LORD. Political power is not LORD. ONLY Jesus Christ, Fully Human and Fully Divine is LORD and LORD over all creation.
Therefore, in seeking to re-claim American Virtue, it can ONLY come about through the ONE and ONLY LORD and Savior, Jesus the Christ.
To do otherwise is to commit treason against heaven itself.
I know that I wouldn't want to be found at Heaven's Pearly gates with any name on my forehead than the Name Jesus! Not "Republican" or "Democrat" or "Professor" or whatever other allegiance one may have. ONLY Jesus on my forehead when I meet my Maker!
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J King, Jesus-Freak :-)
To do otherwise would be to lift up some fallen power that the LORD Almighty is directly opposing. Whether this power is financial or educational or military or even Tae Kwon Do (my favorite athletic endeavor), to choose any POWER OTHER THAN JESUS CHRIST is to commit treason against heaven itself.
That's right. 1/3 of the angels in heaven decided to "rebel" and choose a different authority than the LORD Almighty YHWH and as a result, St. Michael the archangel and the other 2/3 of the angels cast them out of heaven. These fallen angels are who Christian saints & mystics have battled ever since then.
So, in helping to re-build America, ALL authority must come ONLY through the Name JESUS.
Jesus Christ is LORD is the earliest Christian confession of belief, but the confession that is the most radical. Caesar is not LORD. Money is not LORD. Political power is not LORD. ONLY Jesus Christ, Fully Human and Fully Divine is LORD and LORD over all creation.
Therefore, in seeking to re-claim American Virtue, it can ONLY come about through the ONE and ONLY LORD and Savior, Jesus the Christ.
To do otherwise is to commit treason against heaven itself.
I know that I wouldn't want to be found at Heaven's Pearly gates with any name on my forehead than the Name Jesus! Not "Republican" or "Democrat" or "Professor" or whatever other allegiance one may have. ONLY Jesus on my forehead when I meet my Maker!
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J King, Jesus-Freak :-)
Monday, August 6, 2007
FREEDOM under FIRE!!!
Chuck Colson, long-time Evangelical Christian prison ministry spokesman, has this wonderful Christian radio show called "Freedom under fire . . ." In it, Colson describes the continual onslaught of the secular left against the Judeo-Christian foundations of America.
Well folks, "freedom under fire" not only applies to we Evangelicals (Protestant and Catholic), but also to the entire American Government. Just yesterday, our fine President signed into law yet another ill-advised piece of legislation that further erodes our freedoms as Americans and sadly, even directly goes against the U.S. Constitution's very own Bill of Rights upon which our Republic has been founded.
In a New York Times article (Monday, August 6, 2007, A1; A14), apparently on August 5, 2007, George W. Bush signed into law legislation that broadly expanded the U.S. government's authority to eavesdrop on telephone calls and e-mails of American citizens without any court warrant. This my friends, is officially a dictatorship according to our very own documents that are the appointed authority over our nation state.
The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America reads, "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
How much clearer can that be?
The right of the PEOPLE to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation.
Not only are we so far from the United States' original founding documents creating us as a Nation State through the breakdown of our particular Judeo-Christian religious heritage, but now, even the very form of our government is NO LONGER AMERICAN!
Please take time to read the Constitution for yourselves. WE THE PEOPLE are the United States of America.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J King, American Patriot for the Restoration of our Judeo-Christian Heritage
Well folks, "freedom under fire" not only applies to we Evangelicals (Protestant and Catholic), but also to the entire American Government. Just yesterday, our fine President signed into law yet another ill-advised piece of legislation that further erodes our freedoms as Americans and sadly, even directly goes against the U.S. Constitution's very own Bill of Rights upon which our Republic has been founded.
In a New York Times article (Monday, August 6, 2007, A1; A14), apparently on August 5, 2007, George W. Bush signed into law legislation that broadly expanded the U.S. government's authority to eavesdrop on telephone calls and e-mails of American citizens without any court warrant. This my friends, is officially a dictatorship according to our very own documents that are the appointed authority over our nation state.
The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America reads, "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
How much clearer can that be?
The right of the PEOPLE to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation.
Not only are we so far from the United States' original founding documents creating us as a Nation State through the breakdown of our particular Judeo-Christian religious heritage, but now, even the very form of our government is NO LONGER AMERICAN!
Please take time to read the Constitution for yourselves. WE THE PEOPLE are the United States of America.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J King, American Patriot for the Restoration of our Judeo-Christian Heritage
Sunday, August 5, 2007
The King Ultimatum . . .
The other night, I went to see my all-time favorite movie character "Jason Bourne" in the third movie in the series called The Bourne Ultimatum.
For fantasy and conspiracy buffs, such a movie is a MUST SEE!
I won't ruin any of the details of the movie except to say that this movie series concerning the ficticional former C.I.A. agent "Jason Bourne" is illustrative of how our Federal Government, its recent surveillance campaigns and secret "inner workings" are increasingly being viewed by a majority of the United States of America's population.
Our people as American citizens simply no longer trust their own government, and sadly, with the exception of fellow Republicans such as John McCain and myself, the Democrats simply are right about many key issues.
No, surveillance of the American people without warrant is NOT Constitutional.
No, the different branches of government (e.g. the Vice President's Office) ARE to be held open for review by the other branches.
No, killing by our Nation state for a murky set of political and economic reasons (cheap oil!) is NOT a just war.
So, here it is, as an ultra-conservative Bible-believing Evangelical, the following points are what I call "The King Ultimatum."
First, ALL three branches of Government, Judicial, Legislative and Executive MUST be open for review by the other branches.
Second, NO, the F.B.I. and the C.I.A. are not to be used for seeking to wrongly "criminalize" the other side (Democrat or Republican) for partisan political reasons.
Third, the military should be withdrawn from Iraq IMMEDIATELY and replaced with more highly skilled "black op" operatives (not Army Reserve nurses or public school teachers turned soldiers!) in assisting Iraq in its transition to a multi-cultural modern Nation State.
Fourth, government surveillance of ordinary American citizens must cease immediately.
Thank you for your time.
Blessings in Jesus, the ONE Who sees and Knows ALL,
Rob J King, the new "Jason Bourne" Presidential hopeful
For fantasy and conspiracy buffs, such a movie is a MUST SEE!
I won't ruin any of the details of the movie except to say that this movie series concerning the ficticional former C.I.A. agent "Jason Bourne" is illustrative of how our Federal Government, its recent surveillance campaigns and secret "inner workings" are increasingly being viewed by a majority of the United States of America's population.
Our people as American citizens simply no longer trust their own government, and sadly, with the exception of fellow Republicans such as John McCain and myself, the Democrats simply are right about many key issues.
No, surveillance of the American people without warrant is NOT Constitutional.
No, the different branches of government (e.g. the Vice President's Office) ARE to be held open for review by the other branches.
No, killing by our Nation state for a murky set of political and economic reasons (cheap oil!) is NOT a just war.
So, here it is, as an ultra-conservative Bible-believing Evangelical, the following points are what I call "The King Ultimatum."
First, ALL three branches of Government, Judicial, Legislative and Executive MUST be open for review by the other branches.
Second, NO, the F.B.I. and the C.I.A. are not to be used for seeking to wrongly "criminalize" the other side (Democrat or Republican) for partisan political reasons.
Third, the military should be withdrawn from Iraq IMMEDIATELY and replaced with more highly skilled "black op" operatives (not Army Reserve nurses or public school teachers turned soldiers!) in assisting Iraq in its transition to a multi-cultural modern Nation State.
Fourth, government surveillance of ordinary American citizens must cease immediately.
Thank you for your time.
Blessings in Jesus, the ONE Who sees and Knows ALL,
Rob J King, the new "Jason Bourne" Presidential hopeful
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Shabbat Shalom ...
I am kind of a Jew. Actually, I think somewhere in the maternal genes, I am descended directly from God's Chosen People, the Jews.
Whether it's my older sisters who have always seemed to have close personal friends who are Jewish (non-messianic) or myself seeming to just "connect" with a Jewish Rabbinical student at Notre Dame (summer language work in Ancient Greek!) OR my new friend Rabbi Shulman, I just seem to "feel Jewish."
Okay, without the verification of actual genetic testing, all of this has been pointless . . . Well, maybe not . . .
You see, Jesus was Jewish!
Yes, that's right. Shocking revelation I know! (He also had a Jewish mom, and well, you know how such maternalism goes . . . oy vey, there have been sightings of the Blessed Virgin for the last 2,000 years ever since . . . It takes a Jewish mom, the Blessed Virgin Mary, to always be "checking" on we her biological children in that she represents the "New Eve" for all humanity just as her Son Jesus is the "New Adam.")
Okay, right now, I will quit writing. It is Saturday, and for Jews (and Seventh Day Adventists, and well, for me, as kind of a "Jew for Jesus," I am not supposed to work . . .).
This was for FUN, not work.
So, Practice Sabbath regularly. It's good for you.
Shabat Shalom,
Rob J King, Jew for Jesus ;-)
Whether it's my older sisters who have always seemed to have close personal friends who are Jewish (non-messianic) or myself seeming to just "connect" with a Jewish Rabbinical student at Notre Dame (summer language work in Ancient Greek!) OR my new friend Rabbi Shulman, I just seem to "feel Jewish."
Okay, without the verification of actual genetic testing, all of this has been pointless . . . Well, maybe not . . .
You see, Jesus was Jewish!
Yes, that's right. Shocking revelation I know! (He also had a Jewish mom, and well, you know how such maternalism goes . . . oy vey, there have been sightings of the Blessed Virgin for the last 2,000 years ever since . . . It takes a Jewish mom, the Blessed Virgin Mary, to always be "checking" on we her biological children in that she represents the "New Eve" for all humanity just as her Son Jesus is the "New Adam.")
Okay, right now, I will quit writing. It is Saturday, and for Jews (and Seventh Day Adventists, and well, for me, as kind of a "Jew for Jesus," I am not supposed to work . . .).
This was for FUN, not work.
So, Practice Sabbath regularly. It's good for you.
Shabat Shalom,
Rob J King, Jew for Jesus ;-)
Thursday, August 2, 2007
How far does it go up, really, hmmm . . .?
Corruption in our Government is rampant. Perhaps at no time in our Nation's history, save Richard Nixon under Watergate, has corruption extended to some of the highest levels in the land.
Take this recent evaluation by former Vice President of the United States, Walter Mondale. In an article written concerning Vice President Dick Cheney (Tampa Tribune, Thursday, August 2, 2007), Walter Mondale categorizes Dick Cheney as someone who has consistently flaunted his position and not subjected himself to Congressional Review.
Mondale writes, "It was Cheney who persuaded President Bush to sign an order that denied access to any court by foreign terrorism suspects and Cheney who determined that the Geneva Conventions did not apply to enemy combatants captured in Afghanistan and Iraq."
Whatever our President of the United States, George W. Bush, was thinking when he signed into legislation the Military Commissions Act of 2006 I am not quite sure.
What is clear, however, is that the source of this God-awful legislation was not Bush, but was Cheney. Therefore, we at least know, that this denial of due process under law (even permitting torture!) goes as high as the second-highest elected office in the land. We voted Bush & Cheney into office, and at the very least, we voted in a corrupt Vice President.
But, sadly, the corruption also extends "downward" throughout the Chain of Command. In an August 1, 2007 article in The Tampa Tribune regarding the Pat Tillman "friendly fire" incident, Army Secretary Pete Geren has recently censured retired 3-star general Lt. Gen. Philip Kensinger due to Kensinger lying to investigators. Additionally, two other 1-star generals also received written punishments for their role in the case.
As well as I can read such "signs of the times," basically, 2/3 of the United States is moral, demands due process and practices restraint in leadership. However, whether the field is business, Federal Government or the Military, the lying, abuse and cover-up is currently infecting at least 1/3 of our society, and it will ONLY be through bi-partisan REFORM that such abuses of Governance can be corrected.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, for TRUTH, for JUSTICE, for JESUS
Take this recent evaluation by former Vice President of the United States, Walter Mondale. In an article written concerning Vice President Dick Cheney (Tampa Tribune, Thursday, August 2, 2007), Walter Mondale categorizes Dick Cheney as someone who has consistently flaunted his position and not subjected himself to Congressional Review.
Mondale writes, "It was Cheney who persuaded President Bush to sign an order that denied access to any court by foreign terrorism suspects and Cheney who determined that the Geneva Conventions did not apply to enemy combatants captured in Afghanistan and Iraq."
Whatever our President of the United States, George W. Bush, was thinking when he signed into legislation the Military Commissions Act of 2006 I am not quite sure.
What is clear, however, is that the source of this God-awful legislation was not Bush, but was Cheney. Therefore, we at least know, that this denial of due process under law (even permitting torture!) goes as high as the second-highest elected office in the land. We voted Bush & Cheney into office, and at the very least, we voted in a corrupt Vice President.
But, sadly, the corruption also extends "downward" throughout the Chain of Command. In an August 1, 2007 article in The Tampa Tribune regarding the Pat Tillman "friendly fire" incident, Army Secretary Pete Geren has recently censured retired 3-star general Lt. Gen. Philip Kensinger due to Kensinger lying to investigators. Additionally, two other 1-star generals also received written punishments for their role in the case.
As well as I can read such "signs of the times," basically, 2/3 of the United States is moral, demands due process and practices restraint in leadership. However, whether the field is business, Federal Government or the Military, the lying, abuse and cover-up is currently infecting at least 1/3 of our society, and it will ONLY be through bi-partisan REFORM that such abuses of Governance can be corrected.
Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, for TRUTH, for JUSTICE, for JESUS
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