Aldous Huxley: 'The propagandist's purpose is to make one set of people forget that certain other sets of people are human.'

(https://www.socratic-method.com/quote-meanings/aldous-huxley-the-propagandists-purpose-is-to-make-one-set-of-people-forget-that-certain-other-sets-of-people-are-human)

This quote by Aldous Huxley "The propagandist's purpose is to make one set of people forget that certain other sets of people are human." is a compelling statement, and history shows that it is true. I believe that here in 2024, one of the issues where we've seen this manifest most devastatingly is in the pro-life/pro-choice debate. The propagandist's lies include: "it's just a clump of cells", "abortion is healthcare", and "anti-abortion laws will mean that women will be arrested for having an abortion." None of these are true, and it dehumanizes the human being that is killed in an abortion. Science and reason both support the fact that a fetus is human. Richard Hutchinson was born at a gestational age of 21 weeks 2 days (131 days premature), in June 2020, making him "the most premature baby to survive" according to the Guinness World Records. The propaganda of the pro-choice movement has dehumanized an entire class of humans.

Read more at:

https://www.rehumanizeintl.org/ 

https://secularprolife.org/

https://libertyprolife.org/PLLC/

https://www.liveaction.org/

https://studentsforlife.org/

Mike Knott had a profound influence on me especially during my teenage years in the early-to-mid 1980s as I was developing a love for music. It started with listening to music, seeing shows, and eventually grew to playing music, which continues to this day (I play guitar and bass) - and all of this was influenced by artists like Mike Knott. I recently starting to expand into recording my own music (not yet for public consumption, LOL). This is inspired mostly from a "do it yourself" (DIY) attitude, which brings me back to Knott: he is one of the most prolific artists I have ever known about. His catalog is amazingly diverse - just today in fact I found out about his Irish folk music project "The Rovers Three" (go download it from Bandcamp). He seems to have always been writing new music while giving us a glimpse into his soul through his music and lyrics. That inspires me to do better and to live out my faith in God in a more direct way, not being ashamed of my past or of my failures. As Mike Knott reminds us in many of his songs: we are saved by GRACE.

I remember one time very clearly, while seeing The Lifesavers at one of the music festivals at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, CA: Mike and the band were on one of the smaller stages at Knotts, outdoors. I believe it was raining. During the final song of The Lifesavers' set, Mike (on guitar and vocals) started breaking the strings of his guitar, intentionally, one by one, while playing an ear-splitting solo as the band continued on for several minutes in a droning jam, creating a wall of sound. Near the end of the song, Mike only had one string on his guitar remaining. He continued playing that one string for another minute or so... finally breaking that final string and then walking off the stage. I've never seen anything like that before or since (and I've seen hundreds of concerts). Over the years, he seems to have a love/hate relationship with his guitars. Just look at some the photos of him with that beat-up acoustic guitar in his hands. He plays that acoustic guitar like no one else. That guitar is priceless. I wonder where it is now?

A few years ago, I wrote a short article in the True Tunes online blog about my experience growing up in Orange County, California, and of course Michael Knott and The Lifesavers were a part of that experience. Here's a link to that article, if you'd like to read it. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read it. I hope you enjoy it.

Thank you, Michael Knott, for all that you have done and will continue to do in Glory. God bless you, Mike.

https://truetunes.com/burningblackflag-oc/

To "V" or not to "V"

Dear friend,  This blog post is about my own thought process as I answer the question for myself: "to "V" or not to "V"."  This decision about whether or not to take the C19 "V" is very personal and each person needs to decide for themselves.  I respect each person's decision for themselves.  I love and respect you no matter what you decide for yourself and your family.

To "V" or not to "V", especially if the government (to include my employer?) mandates that it be taken?

This is a complex subject especially for me because I am naturally skeptical and analytical.  These notes are to help "find my rudder" on this issue and bring clarity.

A few videos by Todd Friel of Wretched Radio were very helpful to me in this process and analysis: Check out "Mandated V's: the Christian response": https://youtu.be/4KzOD_sWZ3o by Todd Friel of Wretched Radio... and also these other two videos: "Should Christians take the..." ( https://youtu.be/iOb9wKzlEi4 ) and "Does Romans 13 give Christians permission to resist the government?" ( https://youtu.be/0WBwfYne83M )

First, Mr. Friel says that we need to set aside (eliminate) any "pre-understandings"; we can deal with those after we have a Biblical understanding.  This allows us to be objective in our reading of the scriptures.

First, we find explicit and/or implicit Bible verses that apply to the issue:

Explicit verses:

Romans 13 "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good.  But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor."

1 Peter 2:13-17 "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a coverup for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king."

Titus 3:1-8  "Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.  This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men."

Acts Ch. 4  Peter and John get put into prison for preaching the gospel.  The authorities (Sanhedrin) ask them to stop preaching the gospel, "...not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus." (v. 18) and Peter and John say (v. 19-20) "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." 

...and again in Acts Ch. 5:29-32 "But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

Implicit verses:

The human body, ours and others. Genesis 1 - we are image bearers of God.  Exodus 20 - thou shalt not murder.  Would taking the "V" "murder" the body? I need to research what are genuine risks and what are not.  1 Corinthians 6 - body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.  The body matters.  Jesus had a body and died for us.  Our bodily death is inevitable. 1 Corinthians 15 - I am going to have a resurrection body. 

We are commanded to protect our wife and children (and others).  Matthew 12 - love our neighbor.  We should consider other people's well-being.

Paul teaches us to "be all things to all people." His strategy is Love.  

1 Corinthians 9:19-23: “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.”

This article from John Piper provides insight on Paul's instruction to "become all things" to all people (click link, see excerpts below):  https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/becoming-all-things-to-all-men-to-save-some 

In 1520 Martin Luther, the great Reformer in Germany, wrote a treatise called "The Freedom of the Christian." He began it with this paradox:

A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all.

and also...

We are under the law of Christ. This is the law of love. In Galatians 6:2 Paul says, "Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ." The law of Christ is the law that fulfills all laws: Galatians 5:14, "The whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" This is called in James 2:8 the "royal law" and "the law of liberty" (1:25; 2:12). It's the law that free people submit to gladly because they are led by the Holy Spirit. That's what Paul means when he says in Galatians 5:18, "If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law." Instead, you bear the fruit of love, and so submit gladly to the law of Christ, the law of love.

and this!!!...

In freedom, for love's sake, you try to overcome unnecessary, alienating differences that cut you off from unbelievers. In freedom, for love's sake, you learn the Maninka language and translate the Bible. In freedom, for love's sake, you eat dinner together the way they eat dinner. In freedom, for love's sake, you dress pretty much like the middle class American natives. In freedom, for love's sake, you get into their politics and their sports and their businesses.

And all the while you keep a vigilant watch over your heart to see if you are in the law of Christ. Here are two tests of how you are doing in this delicate balancing act. I close with these:

1. Are you becoming more worldly minded than they are becoming spiritually minded? If so, you have probably crossed the line of the law of Christ. Christ does not call you to lose your holiness, but to gain theirs.
2. Is your passion for winning your friends and family growing, or is it shrinking as you become all things to them? If it is shrinking, then you are not in the law of Christ at that point.

Here is the sum of the matter: Christ died to set us free. Free from the wrath of God, and free from the loveless limits of the law. Free for love and eternal life. Are we using our freedom to make this good news plain? Or are we so separatistic that we have no connection with unbelievers; or are we so worldly they don't know we have anything radically different to offer?

O may the Lord grant us to use our freedom to become the servants of all, that we might by all means save some!

This article from "Let Us Reason" ministries is also helpful, providing additional insight on the topic of "becoming all things to all people", click link here: http://www.letusreason.org/Biblexp78.htm 

Discussion:

So, the question at the heart of the matter is whether or not the "rulers and authorities" (which can include our government leaders, business leaders and employers) are commanding us to sin?  If not, then as Christians, we should obey them.  There are a lot of good reasons to do so, as the Bible teaches us, including that by "doing good we should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men", while we are living as free men.

Q: Is it a sin to take the "V"?  

A: I have determined that it is not a sin to take the "V."  It is a risk which I can choose to take or not to take.  I personally know people who have had long lasting side effects from the "V."  I've also read a lot of stories about people who have had severe side-effects, and some have died from it.  However, even if I do not take the "V" then I am taking a risk.  I personally know people who have passed away "from" or "with" C19.  I know that it is real.  I also know that there could be long term effects from C19 also.  The way that this pandemic going as I write this (8/16/2021), I expect that eventually every human being on the planet will be exposed to C19 and will probably be infected with it at some point, except for perhaps a nominal percentage of people (say, less than 5%) that have natural immunity to it.  So, is my risk of taking the "V" lower than the risk of waiting for C19 infection?  Only God knows... and I am to trust in Him not matter what I do.  I am confident in that decision either way and I am at peace about it.

If I decide to do this "V" or not to do this "V", my decision caries weight and is part of my testimony. Does it enhance or detract from my testimony.  I will fear no evil, and not be afraid of death.  All of this must be weighed in the decision.

So, the next step for me in my thought process was to better understand the "V" to determine if taking it is harming or committing "murder" to the body (mine or others) - in which case, it would therefore make it sin.  (Alternatively, what if perhaps NOT taking the "V" could do harm to me or others?)

Issues that I have researched to some extent, and may still need more follow up and clarification in the future:

• spike protein - is it cytotoxic?  what does that mean?
• A: I have determined that this claim is dubious and difficult to confirm.  I asked a pharmacist (PharmD) about this term and it was basically explained that the word means "toxic to cells."  Probably true, and that doesn't necessarily means that it's harmful long term.  A person will have the spike protein within them whether they are infected with C19 or take the vaccine.  The body is trained to attack it as an immune response to the intruder.
• variants - are C19 variants caused by "V'd" hosts?  Does universal V make the pandemic worse over time or does it prolong it?
• A: this one is even more challenging to confirm.  There seems to be good scientists on either side of this.  Regardless, this is a massive-scale policy decision which I have zero influence to.  For example, even if I didn't take the "V" because I didn't want to be a host for a new variant to find a way around my immune system, I am still potentially exposing myself to greater harm if I get really sick from C19... which is also not good.
• A2: everyone I spoke with in person indicated that taking the "V" was more important to protect myself from a greater infection, and wasn't worried about variants being spread by the masses that had already taking the "V"
• long term effects on myself or others.  C19 infection ("long haul") vs. effects of the "V"
• only time will tell.  I hope and pray that I am protected against series illness by taking the "V" and that long term effects, whether they be from the "V" or C19 infection, are in God's hands.  He has my days numbered no matter what I do.
• viral vector V's
• I won't get into the technology here, but I have concluded that a "viral vector" type "V" is the one I will choose to take, rather than the mRNA type.  The viral vector type seems a bit more traditional in its delivery method (like a "V" that uses heat inactivated virus to generate the immune response).  
• In any case, the "single dose" of the J&J viral vector "V" is appealing to me rather than the two-dose alternative.
• Recommendations from experts and loved ones:
• I have spoken with multiple doctors (MD or PharmD), including my own family practice physician.  They all recommend that I take the "V" because C19 is potentially dangerous.

If you've read this far, thank you for taking the time to read this.  I would be happy to read your comments or input.  Please feel free to reach out to me directly or make a comment below.  

If you make a comment, please use good discernment on what and how you write it. 

Peace and grace to you,

-Andy G.

(Originally published on 8/16/2021 @ 2035)

(Edited and updated: 10/14/2021)

Honoring God or do we have "Eyes Like Judas"?

This morning we attended church at the Refinery Church in Brea.  The sermon delivered by Pastor Kelly Fellows was a part of a series called "Moments."  Today's sermon was based in John Ch. 12:1-8 and was focused on Honor: honoring God in our home, honoring God in our heart, honoring God with our best, and honoring God with our time.  

The sermon in and of itself was very good, and memorable.  However, the epiphany that I had this morning was in realizing that the story of the anointing at Bethany was about much more than just seeing Judas upset that the very expensive anointing oil was "wasted" and that it could have been sold and used to help the poor.  I realize that in the past when I heard or read this story, I was relating more to what Judas said than what Mary did.  When I consider these other two facts of the story:  (1) that Mary was HONORING Jesus with the oil; and (2) that Jesus DEFENDED her actions and told Judas to leave Mary alone, it is then I realize that the story is more about honoring Jesus and that we need to follow the example of Mary.  To clarify, I wasn't interested in following in Judas' footsteps either here in this story or in his ultimate betrayal of Jesus, but I did realize that in the past my heart and mind related more to Judas' words then they did to Mary's actions.

As Pastor Kelly spoke this part of the sermon, I was immediately reminded of a spoken word track by Jackie Hill Perry called "Eyes Like Judas."  Was I relating more to Judas because I too was more concerned with the alleged waste of the costly anointing oil, or was I relating more to Mary who was giving everything including her time to Jesus?

We should all ponder this: is our heart honoring God or are our eyes more like Judas'?  "Try asking a blind man to life his eyes toward the sky and tell you the color of the sun. If he can't see, he'll never understand his need for light, so darkness will be all that he knows."

-----

The Light of Christ’s Gospel  

4 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:1-6 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians+4&version=NKJV)

footnotes and references:

(1) Refinery Church website: https://wearerefinery.com/ 

(2) Jackie Hill Perry's spoken word poem "Eyes Like Judas": https://youtu.be/nFrFRfhtRTk

Why Music matters...

Music is one of the most important things in my life and I can talk or write about it for hours. So, I'll try not to write a book here, but I'll give you the highlights. I am a guitar player (acoustic and bass guitar). I love a huge range of musical styles, from punk rock to contemporary Christian worship music... from reggae and Two-Tone Ska to hillbilly bluegrass. Since a young age, I have always been drawn to the more edgy or garage sound. In the late 70s and 80s it was mostly rock and then punk and new wave and it has been a journey since then. My first concert was the progressive rock band Asia (not edgy but progressive) and my second was a punk rock show in LA with the UK Subs, TSOL and several others. To this day, the UK Subs are still one of my favorites. My most recent concert was a rockabilly band with punk influences. I'll write another post later about some music that a group of friends have been making (we even have videos!)... but in the meantime, enjoy this video made a year ago. I am playing guitar in this video, along with 31+ others. Enjoy it!... https://youtu.be/IDj70vgsufc

The Five Things

Five things that USA as a free society should be doing differently with regard to COVID-19 response: 

1. Open everything up.  We have rights under the U.S. Constitution.  So open everything up. Now. Go back to pre-pandemic conditions with no restrictions on business, trade and the free market. 
2. Set policies and procedures immediately that help protect the vulnerable, elderly, and treat the sick with the best possible care available.  Test everyone that works in hospitals, assisted living, homeless shelters, veterans homes, etc.  Isolate sick people (without violating their rights) and give them the best possible medical care as possible. 
3. Set a national policy recommendation that encourages measures to restrict transmission, including masks and social distancing. This would be a national campaign like the 1980’s “just say no to drugs” campaign or like we often hear and read to “support veterans”.  It won’t be perfect but it will set the tone from the top.  (Note: we have to remember that the USA is a federal republic and the power to manage the pandemic rests primarily with the individual states. What’s good for Alaska is not necessarily good for Iowa.  But some things are a good idea everywhere.) 
4. Research, research, and more research. Apply emergency federal funds to it like we did to develop nuclear power. We should know way more about this virus than we apparently do already. Share the info so that the states, academia, and the free market can have the best information to make the best decisions.
5. Better screening at entry checkpoints including airports, ports, etc. Test everyone coming into the country especially from locations that do not have a good handle on the virus response.  Use a homeland security approach to it.  Know the origin of travelers and manage their entry to the country in a practical way.  Don’t violate the Constitutional rights of American citizens. Don’t restrict travel and trade. Treat visitors with respect but manage their travel entry using the customs and homeland security systems already in place. 

Any input or comments?  Be respectful. Back up  your claims. And remember, this is just for discussion amongst friends. 

 "God, hear my cry; pay attention to my prayer.  I call to You from the ends of the earth when my heart is without strength.  Lead me to a rock that is high above me, for You have been a refuge for me, a strong tower in the face of the enemy.  I will live in Your tent forever and take refuge under the shelter of Your wings.  ​Selah"  

Psalm 61:1-4

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