Have you noticed that the world, as we know it, is undergoing dramatic changes that we have no control over? I recall my innocence growing up in the early 1950s and how naive I was as we entered the 60s. I grew up with the Lutheran label attached to me, but never fully immersed in the church enough to understand what it all meant. Then a life and death event in Vietnam started the change of my perspective, and I stumbled along, trying to understand why I was still alive after combat. Learning and accepting faith is a process, and I had started my journey.
When I think back over the years and think about how it all looks now, I see a downward spiral of our country, people’s views, people’s faith, and how our Government treats its citizens. My opinion sounds very pessimistic, and I do not mean what I am saying in that vain. Opportunity to learn what we are as a people and as a country is my goal.
In my quest in faith, I became a Catholic before I fully understood Catholicism and the long, disturbing history of that church. I am not critiquing the people that embrace that faith; however, I am criticizing the Papacy as an institution. My readings and eventual understanding of what the Vatican or Papacy represents shocked my consciousness. I have since left the Catholic Church, and I am now only affiliated as a Christian, a person that believes in Jesus Christ, that he died on the Cross for our sins and rose on the third day. I try my best to follow His commandments and practice that the Sabbath is on Saturday and respect that established day as my time of reflection and worship.
I explained who I am for a reason, so you would know what I say is from my deep meditation, critical thinking, and how I see our world today. It may not fit your view or feelings, and I understand. Once in my life, someone saying these things would not have agreed with my opinion or beliefs, and I would not have listened. I share what I understand for learning and discussion to those that want to listen and learn.
I have stated in previous posts that I am against the Governments of Communism, Socialism, and Authoritarianism, much like the combined belief system of Islam. I include the Vatican. In my opinion, the Vatican is a combined Government and Religious authority, like Islam. It is the smallest established “country” in the world and influences millions of people and countries. There is more, much more to say about the subject. I will end it here, and my next post will start down the road to understanding why I am bringing this subject up. I know it is sensitive as most things are in politics and religion, but the world as we know it is changing compelling me to discuss this subject.
The COVID-18 Pandemic is a result of poor decisions by the Chinese Communist Government. Their motivations are undetermined and suspicious. The handling of the crises appears to be poorly devised, or is it? Are we being prepared for the next step of being controlled by Government policies and forced compliance? Do we see the foreshadowing of the prophecies of the Bible? Do you understand what it means in Revelations, the last chapter of the Holy Bible when the different symbols are used such as “Beast” or “Rising out of the sea” or the “Ten Horns.”
Are we ready for such a discussion, or do we want to hide from the events as we try to understand each occurrence? Do you know who the man is that bears the numerical symbol of 666? Or, is it a man. What are the Blasphemies described by the Bible inscribed on the forehead of the woman? I want to know and have decided to find out.
I am not an authority on the Bible or scholar for that matter concerning this subject. I am just an ordinary man asking questions, seeking answers, and trying my best to understand what is happening around me. My Blog’s direction is not what I had envisioned, and I am surprised I have started down this road to explore this subject. But here I am. I hope you join me.
You are certainly brave to take on such a controversial subject, and I highly suspect you will receive criticism and may even lose some readers. I’m staying with you on this journey and anxious to hear more. While I don’t agree with all that you have said, I do my best to keep an open mind and just listen. Too often we jump to conclusions without really listening. Hope we can chat about this subject some day in person.
Char, thank you. As the discussion develops may be we will iron out the differences we have on the subject. I am always looking for fresh insights and I am willing to learn. My gut tells me we are at a time in history that this discussion needs to take place.
I am starting to note the extensive purchase of facilities by the Chinese.
They now own several shipping ports, and the Panama Canal.
The future of telecommunications, ie, 5g, is owned by them.
If they have a master plan, I think we may be seeing the edges of it.
The world may be an entirely different place in 50 years.
Henry, my man!!
Well this will be interesting. I was raised a Catholic and attended 14 years of parochial school. I had many priest friends, starting in high school. I was on first name bases with the assistant archbishop. I had many positive experiences with priests until I didn’t. I also took theology courses
In college and became good friends with one of the priests who taught the class. He ended up leaving the priesthood. One the reasons I left the church was him. Most of what we were taught growing up was based on fear and guilt. This was a sin, this was a sin blah blah. And then confession ( fear, guilt and punishment).
In college we learned many different philosophies and not the fear and punishment side. Our classmates were besides themselves that we were taught incorrectly. Actually people were very pissed off. So my discussions and friendship with this priest had the opposite affect on me. This, coupled with my experience with my other priest “friends,” led me to leave the church. I was 20 at the time. I am a Christian not a Catholic.
Stephen, I had no idea that was your experience. Thanks for sharing. Consider this: If the priest grants you absolution from your sins, is he taking the place of Jesus Christ who as far as I know is the only one that grant you forgiveness for your sins. Secondly, the Pope is Christ incarnate in flesh and the Church has said so publicly. The Pope is taking the place of God. Are these the two Blasphemies alluded to in Revelations? Is the Catholic Church an Apostate church? These are the questions that I desire to find an answer.
Stephen – I was also a cradle Catholic but over the years, with discussion and research have come to lose faith in Catholicism and have left the church. I have known some wonderful priests but do not hold those same beliefs of the church now.
I am ready for some answers. I sincerely hope this blog post will encourage people to join in and start a discussion on this most delicate, deep and mesmerizing subject. I feel like our country, and the world is at a fork in the road and I for one feel like I need to do some some evaluation. I look forward to your next post and a good discussion.
Because of your experiences, I want to hear more of what your gut feelings are with regard to what is happening. I have spent many years in the auditing field and my gut has served me well in my jobs. I have been getting that gut feeling a lot lately because things do not add up. Just as we are expected to believe Epstein committed suicide, we are fed different narratives that change constantly coming out of China. First the wet market, then a mistake – why kill whistle blowers for a mistake? I guess since they are a communist country and they are known to do that stuff just for looks. Why restrict travel in their own country and allow people to travel outside the country? That combined with the dead or missing doctors and scientists does not add up. And who is involved with all this? There are conspiracy theories about Bill Gates with the 666 documents along with George Soros and other billionaires, population control, getting rid of the aged population to be more exact. And then there is the timing. China is losing control, being told what to do by the U.S. The U.S. is being attacked by Iran, Saudi Arabia, Russia too…
If I wasn’t working, I would spend much more time doing research because I would rather be prepared for what is coming down than to be surprised. I’m know you are so much more informed! So I look forward to hearing your thoughts – keep it up!
Julie, thank you. This whole area of discussion, current events and to determine if it relates to Biblical prophecies, seems to be a necessity to gain an understanding. I am not prone to hysterical observations and running around the barnyard yelling the “sky is falling” like Chicken Little. I truly want to understand why my gut is telling me that everything I know is about to change. This persistent feeling needs to be resolved.
I will limit my reply to the initial subject; Christianity/Catholicism. I did attend parochial school until the 12th grade. I began to question the precepts of the Catholic church around the age of 14, and subsequently left the Catholic church.
Life experiences of a considerable variety reinforced my distaste for Christianity in general. While some or even most adhere to their beliefs, and do indeed practice as best they can, others are christian in name only.
As life progressed, I began to appreciate two beliefs or concepts. One is Buddhism and the other is Native American philosophy as it pertains to how we treat our environment and the earth. I do not wholly embrace the Buddhist philosophy entirely, but the majority of its teachings provide a basis for my lifestyle. I imagine some or all will look toward my decision with dismay or even contempt. So my question in conclusion is….if you are critical or aghast at my decision, is that the Christian attitude?
Duane, I can only speak for myself. I believe that we each have our own approach to a belief system and we choose what to believe based on our experiences and worldview. I certainly made choices as I have gone through life. If you are happy with your belief and its values than that it is all that matters as far as I am concerned and I respect you for who you are and how you feel. Christian attitude may be another subject entirely. Yet, people who believe differently sometimes have a built in bias that prevents them from accepting others, i.e., Islam.
My feelings follow yours, closely. Growing up in the 50’s like you, and then Jr. High, then High School, I watched Walter Cronkite, daily. I was able to meet this fine man (1983). During his speech, to a crowd of 200+ he asked if we had any questions? I was one of three who had 2 questions and those kept him talking for another hour. My second question I asked him… why he was on Ronald Reagan’s Black List? Many were surprised and some embarrassed by my question. He declined to answer. On the sidewalk, after, I saw him standing. I greeted him, and said I was sorry for asking that question. He looked me in the eye and said “son, never be afraid of asking a question. You may not get an answer, but ask away.” Since, I have asked questions and angered people, mostly at church, that I since left. Forward we go.
Henry, you raise important questions about our changing country, society and beliefs. I am not a Christian, so I cannot accompany you along that route, but I am hugely concerned about the changes in our society and role of government in our society, especially as a result of the reaction to the pandemic. I am becoming very fearful for the future of America as we knew it.
Carl, Thank you. I am also fearful, but I trust in God’s plan for the world. Whatever happens we will need to all be strong for future events. Knowing what is coming, or at least thinking we know what is coming is helpful.
Growing up mostly in Montgomery Alabama where my father was an instructor at the Air Force Command and Staff College, I found two groups that were persona non gratis: African Americans and Catholics. My mother’s Irish Catholic faith did not resonate with me. I was pretty much agnostic and a juvy. I missed Wednesday CYO once in high school and was elected President. Ha HA. I do not include that on my resume or my College application for an athletic scholarship to the University of the DMZ where I became a road scholar. My intellectual side, should that rally exist given a stroke and no native intelligence to speak of, tells me I would have been an avid fan of Martin Luther Augustinian Monk. I waited until my daughters were in High School to introduce any kind of religion, taking them to mass on numerous occasions. They are both now practicing Lutherans and one teaches Sunday School. I am a big fan of Rev Harold Kushner, who I think has it right. God created the laws of the Universe and let’s them operate. Period. My two cents, maybe overpriced?
Hi, Henry, I am a Catholic, left visit other Churches including the Greek Orthodox Church, and I recently returned to the Catholic Church. So, I understand your view however it’s like other human organizations full of positives and negatives.
I grew up poor, homeless, and hungry in New York City and I never question my faith in God. I find that we can strive to understand the purpose of our lives. I have been knocked down several times, pick up myself self, and continued to march.
I believe I told you months ago that the Wuhan virus was developed in a Bioweapon Lab in Wuhan and an estimated 100,000 people were killed.
My next prediction is that China will start an armed conflict in the South China sea within the next six months.
Regarding our President Trump, he will overcome the Democrats. There will be more evidence disclosing the illegal actives of the Rats in our Government.
Just to let you know I enjoy reading your blog.
Russ, thank you, I am glad you enjoy the read. I have been exploring some of the prophecies in the Bible as they are a enigma and difficult to understand. It seems everyone has a opinion or view of such predictions and some are adamant their view is the correct one. I have received many comments from this post and some emails. Some people are not comfortable posting on a public blog. I choose the Book of Daniel as my jumping off point because he is controversial to many theologians. Some believe the Book of Daniel and some simply do not. However, since it is in the Bible I am compelled to listen to it and evaluate the information. Like most people I am interested in what happens to us as time goes on. My readings about the Catholic Church honestly shocked me. The information as it unfolded left me with many questions and the events of the last twenty years about pedophiles really left a sour taste in my thinking and beliefs. I am not hear to bash Catholics, I am here to ask questions of my readers, as well as myself. I am starting to believe that there is a divine hand in the Presidency of Donald J. Trump. I did not start off that way but have come to believe it. He is exposing many things, i.e. the Swamp, and how they operate against the American people. All of my posts will have this interwoven into the content. China starting an armed conflict would be highly dangerous and be a disaster to China. I am not sure that will happen. I am fairly certain Trump will increase economic pressure on China because of the COVID-19 debacle.
Understood no offense taken, I had many situations where my life was in danger and I should have not survived but for the hand of God. I have experienced both the presence of evil and God’s grace.
Regarding the actions of China, it will start as an accident and escalate as conflict.
God bless President Trump and HE will guide him.
History has the tendencies to select the right person for the moment.
Once again thanks for giving me the opportunity to share my views.