Friends,
We truly LIVE in violent times!
Kosovo erupted when it declared its "independence" (thereby turning itself into little more than an ancient Greek city-state!).
Iraq is a 'time-bomb' waiting to happen. John McCain, I hope the future President of the U.S.A., is correct in noting the presence of elements of Al Qaida. McCain, a military vet, the son of a military father (and grandfather!), unlike Obama, sees the need to actually FIGHT, if necessary, for the very survival of Western culture . . .
Iran is always a nemesis.
North Korea has ambitions on destroying us (my father actually FOUGHT N. Korea, granted as a Coast Guard service member . . . way back in the 1950's). BUT, the enemies of democracy are still alive and practicing their art of warfare against the West and against their own people, the South Koreans. I even have a close friend deployed there, so this strikes close to home.
Even "closer" to home, I was nearly run over this morning by a redneck driving an old beat up car, just a few yards from my home. I politely pointed to the stop sign, and then he went absolutely bananas, started jumping out of the car and said, "I am going to cut you b- - - h." (I backed up, looked over at a neighbor and then began to call the police on him . . .).
WHAT is happening in our world?
The 20th century was the 'bloodiest century' on record with evil nazis invading Poland and France, Vietnam turning into a blood-letting, genocide in Rwanda and Serbia, you name it!
BUT, now the RIGHTEOUS are back in authority!
West Germany fused with the old communist East Germany to become a new, enlightened Republic!
Iran is somewhat quelled.
North Korea (we hope!) is contained!
Even Prince Harry, son of Prince Charles and heir to the throne of England, is diligently 'mucking it up with the lads' in service to Christendom as he valiantly fights off Al Qaida as a young Lieutenant serving in the British Army in Afghanistan!
We are SAFE due to the self-sacrificial stance of our allies such as Great Britain, Poland, Latin America, South Korea and (of course!) the bravery of our own men and women serving in uniform (whether the local police force OR our military . . .).
So, this 2008, although I am a Democrat (Jimmy Carter fan from WAY back!), my vote will likely go to McCain!
WESTERN CIVILIZATION may depend on who we Americans elect in this next election!
Blessings and Love in Christ,
Rob J. King, Just-War Scholar
Friday, February 29, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
FREEDOM of Religion . . .
Friends,
We live in quite intolerant times . . .
With the exception of good-natured far-left Democrats like my associate (On-Line) Chad Lupkes, by and large, the enemies of Religious Freedom (liberal and moderate . . .) are quite prevalent.
France as a nation state has seen (in vivid display . . .) what a denial of Religious Freedom does! When I was teaching World Religions for Axia College (University of Phoenix umbrella . . .), I was shocked to learn from the textbook how the French passed an 'anti-religion' law a few years ago that denied the religious communities of France (Jewish, Islamic) from outward displays of religious garments. A completely 'secularized' society is what France insisted upon. The end result? Well, when opportunities are denied based upon things like skin color, one's religion, etc., it led to the riots in Paris!
BUT, what about the U.S.?
In SOME cases, religious accommodation is quite prevalent. Whether it is the U.S. Army or U.S. Higher Education, provision is made for attending Religious Holidays, dietary restrictions (kosher laws) and even the wearing of religious clothing. To do otherwise would be un-Constitutional since the First Amendment protects Freedom of Religion (while not establishing a 'State Church' like Anglicanism obviously . . .).
BUT, and this is quite important, whether it is the 'corporate boardroom' or whether it is making hiring decisions, one's right to religious practice (an intrinsic, inalienable Natural Right rooted in the fact that we are all created in God's Image . . .) is increasingly being attacked.
FRIENDS, this is NOT a "Christian issue" even.
Whether one is Christian, Islamic, Jewish, or Buddhist, the right (a Natural Right) to practice religion freely, and without compulsion, is under attack!
Will you not STAND WITH ME?
All the best,
Professor Rob J. King (St. Petersburg College)
We live in quite intolerant times . . .
With the exception of good-natured far-left Democrats like my associate (On-Line) Chad Lupkes, by and large, the enemies of Religious Freedom (liberal and moderate . . .) are quite prevalent.
France as a nation state has seen (in vivid display . . .) what a denial of Religious Freedom does! When I was teaching World Religions for Axia College (University of Phoenix umbrella . . .), I was shocked to learn from the textbook how the French passed an 'anti-religion' law a few years ago that denied the religious communities of France (Jewish, Islamic) from outward displays of religious garments. A completely 'secularized' society is what France insisted upon. The end result? Well, when opportunities are denied based upon things like skin color, one's religion, etc., it led to the riots in Paris!
BUT, what about the U.S.?
In SOME cases, religious accommodation is quite prevalent. Whether it is the U.S. Army or U.S. Higher Education, provision is made for attending Religious Holidays, dietary restrictions (kosher laws) and even the wearing of religious clothing. To do otherwise would be un-Constitutional since the First Amendment protects Freedom of Religion (while not establishing a 'State Church' like Anglicanism obviously . . .).
BUT, and this is quite important, whether it is the 'corporate boardroom' or whether it is making hiring decisions, one's right to religious practice (an intrinsic, inalienable Natural Right rooted in the fact that we are all created in God's Image . . .) is increasingly being attacked.
FRIENDS, this is NOT a "Christian issue" even.
Whether one is Christian, Islamic, Jewish, or Buddhist, the right (a Natural Right) to practice religion freely, and without compulsion, is under attack!
Will you not STAND WITH ME?
All the best,
Professor Rob J. King (St. Petersburg College)
Friday, February 15, 2008
POLICE Protection, the New U.S., and Why the New 'Terror' is Ourselves . . .
I live down the street from two different Islamic-owned grocery stores (plus I often buy hot dogs on sale at another in downtown St. Petersburg!). In each of these situations, the people who work in these stores are only nominally islamicized (they are, after all, selling PORK products in the form of 89 cent hot dogs and Cuban sandwiches of all things!). Yes, due to the War on Terror, I often feel a bit uneasy about entering these stores, but heck, at 89 cents per fully dressed hot dog and at $3.40 for a freshly-made Cuban sandwich (again, made with PORK products!), these Arabic store prices just cannot be beaten!!!
But, in spite of relatively congenial relations with my local Arabic-speaking grocers (who sell PORK, and also even sell alcoholic products . . . I guess they are not "technically" Islamic anymore . . .), I nonetheless am always living 'life on the edge' . . .
I have taken Tae Kwon Do, and I NEVER plan to use it, but nonetheless, I am ALWAYS thinking about various 'what if' situations.
Take the recent shooting in Illinois for example. Disgruntled student = 7 dead and 16 wounded.
The man who did the carnage apparently has a father who lives in LAKELAND, FLORIDA, just 45 minutes away from where I live!
OR, how about THIS example, just this past week, at St. Petersburg College, the campus in Clearwater (where I will be teaching 'World Religions' this May through July . . .) there was a 'gunman' who was arrested for threatening his girlfriend, complete with a campus lock-down!
WHAT IS OUR society coming to???
I have actually thought about going ahead and buying a hunting bow to protect myself at my apartment 'just in case' all pandemonium breaks out . . . (Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans did result in mass looting and the Lousiania Governor being forced to call in the Louisiana National Guard wanting 'boots on the ground' immediately).
Friends, we in the U.S. live in trying times . . . The DARK AGES of U.S.A. HISTORY!!!
Within these 'New Dark Ages' what we need is an INCREASE in POLICE PROTECTION!
EXPAND ALL LOCAL POLICE FORCES by 30% over the next four years!
Yes, we are living in such violent times, almost like the 'Wild West' even . . . In fact, in Texas, a new "Castle Law" is being put on the books permitting residents to use deadly FORCE against would-be intruders . . .
I believe in non-violence as a Christian. I am also a just-warrior in the tradition of Catholic Theologians St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas.
Blessings and LOVE in Jesus Christ,
Rob J. King
But, in spite of relatively congenial relations with my local Arabic-speaking grocers (who sell PORK, and also even sell alcoholic products . . . I guess they are not "technically" Islamic anymore . . .), I nonetheless am always living 'life on the edge' . . .
I have taken Tae Kwon Do, and I NEVER plan to use it, but nonetheless, I am ALWAYS thinking about various 'what if' situations.
Take the recent shooting in Illinois for example. Disgruntled student = 7 dead and 16 wounded.
The man who did the carnage apparently has a father who lives in LAKELAND, FLORIDA, just 45 minutes away from where I live!
OR, how about THIS example, just this past week, at St. Petersburg College, the campus in Clearwater (where I will be teaching 'World Religions' this May through July . . .) there was a 'gunman' who was arrested for threatening his girlfriend, complete with a campus lock-down!
WHAT IS OUR society coming to???
I have actually thought about going ahead and buying a hunting bow to protect myself at my apartment 'just in case' all pandemonium breaks out . . . (Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans did result in mass looting and the Lousiania Governor being forced to call in the Louisiana National Guard wanting 'boots on the ground' immediately).
Friends, we in the U.S. live in trying times . . . The DARK AGES of U.S.A. HISTORY!!!
Within these 'New Dark Ages' what we need is an INCREASE in POLICE PROTECTION!
EXPAND ALL LOCAL POLICE FORCES by 30% over the next four years!
Yes, we are living in such violent times, almost like the 'Wild West' even . . . In fact, in Texas, a new "Castle Law" is being put on the books permitting residents to use deadly FORCE against would-be intruders . . .
I believe in non-violence as a Christian. I am also a just-warrior in the tradition of Catholic Theologians St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas.
Blessings and LOVE in Jesus Christ,
Rob J. King
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Taverns, file-sharing and why LOCALISM is 'in' . . .
I was just catching up the other day with a close friend from high school (a fellow member of the mighty Bay Conference small school champion "Shorecrest Chargers"), and we were both struck by how important 'local communities' are for the future economic sustainability (and indeed vitality!) of the U.S. and also of the entire Western Hempisphere!
Thank you, by the way, to the U.S. Congress and to George W. Bush for working together to pass the much needed economic stimulus package which returns money to the working class!
Taxes are needed, but when gasoline, food, rent, etc. goes up, it is the working class (not the billionaire boys club!) who takes the biggest hit!
Whether one makes $60,000 per year, but has several children OR whether one is a single man working in construction and making only $25,000 per year, the need for such economic stimulus is sorely needed!
Here is where 'localism' is essential.
When money is given to me, do I 'hoard it' or do I spend (modestly) at the local tavern (great Panera bread style sandwiches!) at the local downtown farmer's market (where I 'indulged' in yummy fresh-squeezed orange juice . . .) or wherever my neighbors will similarly benefit?
People need stable jobs and a livable income.
People buy and sell all of the time, but if LOCALISM is not stressed then we will soon become a nation enslaved; enslaved to the capital-hoarders who drive up mortgages while refusing to pay wages high enough to sustain one's mortgage; enslaved to CEO's (the former CEO of Countrywide Mortgage lending who walked away with 100's of millions of dollars while his company floundered around him . . .); enslaved to whomever refuses to pay an adequate living wage for whatever product, skill, or service that one is selling.
So, rather than McDonald's or Kentucky Fried Chicken, I am pleased that my hard-earned money instead went to the waitress who lives and works in the local area. I am pleased that someone had the brilliant idea of bring a 'juicer' to the downtown St. Petersburg Saturday morning market and so they received my money for a change, rather than some billionaire who runs Publix grocery stores.
Now, in stressing localism, obviously, one must be ETHICAL!
If one copies computer software without it being legally sanctioned, then this is not helping, but instead is HINDERING the economy.
So, yes, support your local economy, but no do not engage in unethical activity in doing so!
Blessings & love in Jesus Christ,
Rob J. King (DEMOCRAT, PRO-LIFE, PRO-WORKING CLASS)
Thank you, by the way, to the U.S. Congress and to George W. Bush for working together to pass the much needed economic stimulus package which returns money to the working class!
Taxes are needed, but when gasoline, food, rent, etc. goes up, it is the working class (not the billionaire boys club!) who takes the biggest hit!
Whether one makes $60,000 per year, but has several children OR whether one is a single man working in construction and making only $25,000 per year, the need for such economic stimulus is sorely needed!
Here is where 'localism' is essential.
When money is given to me, do I 'hoard it' or do I spend (modestly) at the local tavern (great Panera bread style sandwiches!) at the local downtown farmer's market (where I 'indulged' in yummy fresh-squeezed orange juice . . .) or wherever my neighbors will similarly benefit?
People need stable jobs and a livable income.
People buy and sell all of the time, but if LOCALISM is not stressed then we will soon become a nation enslaved; enslaved to the capital-hoarders who drive up mortgages while refusing to pay wages high enough to sustain one's mortgage; enslaved to CEO's (the former CEO of Countrywide Mortgage lending who walked away with 100's of millions of dollars while his company floundered around him . . .); enslaved to whomever refuses to pay an adequate living wage for whatever product, skill, or service that one is selling.
So, rather than McDonald's or Kentucky Fried Chicken, I am pleased that my hard-earned money instead went to the waitress who lives and works in the local area. I am pleased that someone had the brilliant idea of bring a 'juicer' to the downtown St. Petersburg Saturday morning market and so they received my money for a change, rather than some billionaire who runs Publix grocery stores.
Now, in stressing localism, obviously, one must be ETHICAL!
If one copies computer software without it being legally sanctioned, then this is not helping, but instead is HINDERING the economy.
So, yes, support your local economy, but no do not engage in unethical activity in doing so!
Blessings & love in Jesus Christ,
Rob J. King (DEMOCRAT, PRO-LIFE, PRO-WORKING CLASS)
Friday, February 8, 2008
McCain, Hillary and why we need EITHER!
The politics of Jesus Christ are concerned with feeding the poor.
Part of feeding the poor, sadly, involves protection of resources, to include food, water and infrastructure. The U.S. Military (including even nuclear weapons . . .) is a sad, sad, necessity of life. NO ONE wants to go kill people!
ONLY socio-paths actually look forward to killing their next Iraqi insurgent, their next Iranian, et al.
No, the true warrior (including MANY good airmen, soldiers, seamen, et al) are committed to only utilizing lethal force to protect the innocent.
Other nations destroy not only the will to live, but even contaminate the food, water, etc.
Whether it was nazi Germany or now communist China that squelched all dissent, other nations are brutal compared to us. Yes, we may have our flaws, but generally we are a more just people, a more honor-bound people, a people less likely to commit genocide.
Call it the 'American experiment in democratic rule . . .' Call it 'checks and balances on power . . .' Call it our nation's founding Judeo-Christian heritage!!!
When all is said and done, we do not commit genocide when other nations do.
This is why I am quite happy to see BOTH Senator McCain and Senator Clinton rise to the top.
A Barack Obama presidency would be a disaster waiting to happen.
Obama was only elected in 2004 to the Senate! Obama lacks the experience to lead!
By contrast, McCain was a P.O.W. for 5 & 1/2 years in Vietnam, survived brutal torture methods by the Viet Cong and comes from an honorable lineage--grandfather was an admiral in WW II and his father was a submarine commander in WW II who not only eventually became a prominent admiral himself, but also read his daily Scriptures during his time as a career military leader!
McCain is a throwback. Maybe we need McCain to lead us.
Hillary would be my second choice, but only because she is a strong supporter of the U.S. Military.
Blessings in Jesus Christ,
Rob J. King, DEMOCRAT for McCain (or Huckabee, but the polls do not look promising . . .)
Part of feeding the poor, sadly, involves protection of resources, to include food, water and infrastructure. The U.S. Military (including even nuclear weapons . . .) is a sad, sad, necessity of life. NO ONE wants to go kill people!
ONLY socio-paths actually look forward to killing their next Iraqi insurgent, their next Iranian, et al.
No, the true warrior (including MANY good airmen, soldiers, seamen, et al) are committed to only utilizing lethal force to protect the innocent.
Other nations destroy not only the will to live, but even contaminate the food, water, etc.
Whether it was nazi Germany or now communist China that squelched all dissent, other nations are brutal compared to us. Yes, we may have our flaws, but generally we are a more just people, a more honor-bound people, a people less likely to commit genocide.
Call it the 'American experiment in democratic rule . . .' Call it 'checks and balances on power . . .' Call it our nation's founding Judeo-Christian heritage!!!
When all is said and done, we do not commit genocide when other nations do.
This is why I am quite happy to see BOTH Senator McCain and Senator Clinton rise to the top.
A Barack Obama presidency would be a disaster waiting to happen.
Obama was only elected in 2004 to the Senate! Obama lacks the experience to lead!
By contrast, McCain was a P.O.W. for 5 & 1/2 years in Vietnam, survived brutal torture methods by the Viet Cong and comes from an honorable lineage--grandfather was an admiral in WW II and his father was a submarine commander in WW II who not only eventually became a prominent admiral himself, but also read his daily Scriptures during his time as a career military leader!
McCain is a throwback. Maybe we need McCain to lead us.
Hillary would be my second choice, but only because she is a strong supporter of the U.S. Military.
Blessings in Jesus Christ,
Rob J. King, DEMOCRAT for McCain (or Huckabee, but the polls do not look promising . . .)
Friday, February 1, 2008
How BEAUTIFUL is the BODY
The Body of CHRIST (when it is functioning properly . . .) is TRULY a wonder to behold . . .
Whether we are persecuted 'house church' Christians in communist China (Protestant or 'underground' Vatican Catholics . . .), or whether we are free-floating evangelicos in Latin America who give generously to the LORD (the full 10% gross of one's income) OR whether we are the African American church in America trying to bring the FULL TITHE into the storehouse of the LORD (with 'greats' such as Bishop Eddie Long, Martin Luther King Jr.'s daughter Elder Bernice King, et al), the BODY of JESUS CHRIST is truly AWESOME!
BUT, just when we are successful as a 'Body' (e.g. TV preacher and mega-phenom Joel Osteen or charismatic African American preacher T.D. Jakes . . .), the evil of America rears its ugly head!
How can YOU be successful, dear Mr. or Mrs. Christian man or woman?
Shouldn't you be 'dirt poor' as a Christian?
Well, no!
Father Abraham had MUCH money, but he TITHED 10% (his best Abel, NOT Cain offering . . .), and so the LORD God rewarded him.
Similarly, ole Job was afflicted. Job lost his family, his belongings, etc., but since he persevered in the LORD, he was BLESSED and at the END of the day, Job received back MUCH MORE than he had lost!
Then comes JESUS CHRIST.
Jesus Christ called all types.
Jesus Christ called prostitutes. Jesus Christ called 'tax collectors' (Sorry, Mr. Ron Paul!). Jesus Christ called even 'intellectuals' whether it was the Physician Gospel Writer named Luke OR whether it was the Jewish scribe (and former religious persecutor of the Christian sect . . .) named St. Paul.
And THEN, 50 days after Jesus left, along comes the Holy Spirit!
The early Christian community began SPEAKING IN TONGUES!
Today, the psychologists and psychiatrists, butressed as they are by state police force, would call this 'delusional.'
But, NOT so . . .
The HOLY SPIRIT will NOT be mocked! The Holy Spirit FILLED the first Christians. The Holy Spirit CONTINUED to fill later generations of Christians, whether it was the Early Church (apparently early Church Father, Tertullian) or later Christians.
And where the SPIRIT of the LORD is, there is FREEDOM, there is GENEROSITY, there is an ANOINTED flow of resources. 'Money' is used to control people, making us all slaves to the system. BUT the Holy Spirit required the earliest Christian community (Acts of the Apostles) to turn in all of the proceeds, lay them at the apostles feet and the lo and behold ALL members of the Christian community delighted!
So, if you want to 'get ahead,' then your heart is in the wrong place . . . You can go to Harvard and still be miserable.
You can go to Duke and still end up with a fractured home life.
ONLY through Jesus Christ can you have an abundant life . . .
Love in Christ,
Rob J. King
Whether we are persecuted 'house church' Christians in communist China (Protestant or 'underground' Vatican Catholics . . .), or whether we are free-floating evangelicos in Latin America who give generously to the LORD (the full 10% gross of one's income) OR whether we are the African American church in America trying to bring the FULL TITHE into the storehouse of the LORD (with 'greats' such as Bishop Eddie Long, Martin Luther King Jr.'s daughter Elder Bernice King, et al), the BODY of JESUS CHRIST is truly AWESOME!
BUT, just when we are successful as a 'Body' (e.g. TV preacher and mega-phenom Joel Osteen or charismatic African American preacher T.D. Jakes . . .), the evil of America rears its ugly head!
How can YOU be successful, dear Mr. or Mrs. Christian man or woman?
Shouldn't you be 'dirt poor' as a Christian?
Well, no!
Father Abraham had MUCH money, but he TITHED 10% (his best Abel, NOT Cain offering . . .), and so the LORD God rewarded him.
Similarly, ole Job was afflicted. Job lost his family, his belongings, etc., but since he persevered in the LORD, he was BLESSED and at the END of the day, Job received back MUCH MORE than he had lost!
Then comes JESUS CHRIST.
Jesus Christ called all types.
Jesus Christ called prostitutes. Jesus Christ called 'tax collectors' (Sorry, Mr. Ron Paul!). Jesus Christ called even 'intellectuals' whether it was the Physician Gospel Writer named Luke OR whether it was the Jewish scribe (and former religious persecutor of the Christian sect . . .) named St. Paul.
And THEN, 50 days after Jesus left, along comes the Holy Spirit!
The early Christian community began SPEAKING IN TONGUES!
Today, the psychologists and psychiatrists, butressed as they are by state police force, would call this 'delusional.'
But, NOT so . . .
The HOLY SPIRIT will NOT be mocked! The Holy Spirit FILLED the first Christians. The Holy Spirit CONTINUED to fill later generations of Christians, whether it was the Early Church (apparently early Church Father, Tertullian) or later Christians.
And where the SPIRIT of the LORD is, there is FREEDOM, there is GENEROSITY, there is an ANOINTED flow of resources. 'Money' is used to control people, making us all slaves to the system. BUT the Holy Spirit required the earliest Christian community (Acts of the Apostles) to turn in all of the proceeds, lay them at the apostles feet and the lo and behold ALL members of the Christian community delighted!
So, if you want to 'get ahead,' then your heart is in the wrong place . . . You can go to Harvard and still be miserable.
You can go to Duke and still end up with a fractured home life.
ONLY through Jesus Christ can you have an abundant life . . .
Love in Christ,
Rob J. King
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