Sat, Sep 6th - 10:24AM

HOW MUCH DOES THE LIBERAL MEDIA IMPACT YOUR BELIEFS?

Remember, the Bible encourages you to use your mind. (Proverbs 2:3-11; consider Romans 12:2; Colossians 2:8; I Thessalonians 5:21; Hebrews 5:14)

Remember these points: Propaganda is merely information in favour of a cause and can be good or evil, honest or dishonest, and informative or misleading; the danger is that propaganda serves the function of self-delusion in the absence of critical thinking. Leftist ideology normally looks and sounds ideal or correct until you ask pointed questions, make comparisons, look for hard evidence, and consider the costs and repercussions. There are times when science appears to contradict Scripture UNTIL you ask or look for hard evidence, and all too often common knowledge and official narratives are merely oft-repeated myths. Heresies often sound like Bible truths until you ask pointed questions and interpret Bible passages in relation to immediate context and the whole Bible and pay close attention to words and grammar.

Consider a few myths and unproved theories promoted by the left that have had a big impact on viewpoints:

· Evolution is a scientific fact, and creationism is merely religion and not genuine science because it involves faith. (If you believe this, can you give one example of hard evidence supporting the theory of evolution that does not have to be accepted by faith? How do you reconcile the theory of evolution with the DNA Code Barrier, Gene Depletion, & Natural Selection? How can a mutation result in a change from one species into another since a mutation takes away from a genetic code but never adds to it? Have you ever read a book or magazine that teaches or promotes evolution and took note of how heavily the theory of evolution relies on logic fallacies and mathematical absurdities?)

· The age of the universe and heavenly bodies can be calculated by using the speed of light as a metric. (The speed of light is not constant and therefore is not a reliable metric for this.)

· Guns and poverty cause crime. (During the Great Depression there was more of both and a lower crime rate.)

· Lincoln freed the slaves. (Abraham Lincoln was not against slavery, he just opposed the spread of slavery, and he was planning to deport all black people, and this plan was hindered by his assassination. Both sides of The War of Northern Aggression (1861-1865) had slaves until the Thirteenth Amendment. Slavery did not become an issue of the war until about two years after the war started, and Abraham Lincoln made it an issue because he needed a moral high ground as the armed invasion of the Confederate States of America was carried out without constitutional or congressional authorization. The Emancipation Proclamation gave the Confederate States the choice to quit fighting and keep slavery or their slaves would be freed if they kept fighting and gave them a deadline of January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation only called for the emancipation of slaves in areas where the US government had no power to do anything about slavery and specified the areas, even counties. It was not ratified until December 6, 1865, and was merely a propaganda tool that did not free a single slave. Slavery was abolished by the Thirteenth Amendment, not the Emancipation Proclamation.)

· The Voting Rights Act of 1965 gave Black people the right to vote in Southern States. (If black people were not allowed to vote in Alabama and other Southern States prior to the Voting Rights Act of 1965, then how do you explain the black counties and black cities in Alabama and other Southern States with black public officials and all-black electorates prior to 1965? The Voting Rights Act of 1965 secured the vote for illiterates. Prior to 1965 the state of Alabama and other Southern States required basic literacy and a basic knowledge of the US Constitution and State government to be eligible to vote.)

· Abortion is not killing a baby because an unborn child is just a clump of cells. (Every human, born or unborn, young or old, is a clump of cells.)

· Abortion is a choice, not murder. (Murder is always a choice. If it is not a choice it is not murder.)

· Premarital sex and illicit cohabitation are good preparation for marriage. (Think about it: How meaningful and secure is a relationship based on freedom to leave? Premarital sex normally leads to selfishness, disrespect, and distrust after a couple marries, and couples that live together before marriage usually end up divorced.)

· Male and female think and feel the same about sex. (The myth about male and female sexual equality makes both sexes more vulnerable to exploitation and manipulation. While each gender has just as strong a libido as the other, and both sexes desire sex and affection, their responses and priorities tend to differ. Generally, men trade affection for sex and women trade sex for affection. While neither gender is immune to lust, and both genders can be verbally and visually stimulated, women tend to be more verbally stimulated, and men tend to be more visually stimulated. Men tend to fall in love with, or lust for, what they see, and women tend to fall in love with what they hear.)

· In marriage, compatibility in everything is essential and incompatibility is an acceptable ground for divorce. (In other words, differences nullify commitment, which is convenient as it is not possible to find someone that always likes or dislikes the same things and always agrees on every point. Ironically, several extensive secular studies on marriage and divorce concluded that the differences normally blamed for incompatibility are not problems for married couples that share the same religious and moral values.)

· Emotions are acceptable grounds for divorce. (“I’m not happy,” “I’m not in love anymore,” etc. Love is a choice: You choose to love or not love someone.)

· The Age Gap in the Prefrontal Cortex Theory. (Please note that "an intelligent person with a big college degree said the human brain is not developed till the age of 25" is not hard evidence that proves anything. Was this conclusion reached because of the weight of evidence or merely because someone wanted it to be true? Also note that I am not claiming to have the last word on this, I am hoping to encourage you to research and analyze the data on this.)

· Homosexuals are born that way. (What is the hard evidence that homosexuals are born that way? What is the hard evidence that there is such a thing as homosexual orientation? What is the hard evidence that homosexuality is an immutable characteristic? What is the hard evidence that homosexuality is an inherited trait and not distorted love needs and learned behaviour?)

The examples could continue, but these should suffice for now to make the point.

Know-it-alls, the young, and people with a victim mentality are especially vulnerable to left-wing propaganda because the left always appeals to wishful thinking and intellectual arrogance, and a victim mentality makes people more receptive to left-wing victim narratives.

Be expecting the left to try to persuade you to believe reality is debatable and their arguments and assertions are absolute but remember that the truth can withstand questions, criticism, and critical analysis.

Keep in mind that the left seeks to change or distort core beliefs and values because a person without principles is more easily controlled and manipulated, and if a community (local, State, or national) is without principles, it is easier to replace self-government with submission to tyranny. 

The left has a vested interest in promoting the pagan worldview (and downplaying or denying the authority of Scripture), and this is obviously promoted by schools, colleges, and news and entertainment media. All too many Christians do not recognise this propaganda as propaganda because they are not alert to it. The pagan concept of man and government (pagan worldview) makes man (corporate man, the state) the standard of truth and the ultimate authority, which puts it in conflict with God and those who believe that God is the standard of truth and the present ruler of the earth (the Christian worldview), and sees the individual as a mere servant of the state whose value is determined by his usefulness to the state, thus making encroachments upon God-given rights inevitable. Socialism and leftism (which significantly overlap) are modern versions of ancient paganism. (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10) 

Socialism is not always recognised or understood because of the facades and misconceptions. For example, many believe that fascists (e.g., Nazis) are right-wingers, and fascism is a right-wing movement because they merely compare fascism to communism. This is like comparing a scalene triangle and an isosceles triangle without comparing any other shapes. If you compare the triangles to each other, it is only possible to notice the differences, but if you compare both triangles to a rectangle or a circle the similarities between the two triangles stand out. If we merely compare fascism and communism with each other, the superficial appearance of free enterprise can make fascism appear to be right-wing, but if we compare fascism and communism to the social system of free enterprise and limited constitutional government it becomes clear that fascism and communism are different forms of socialism.

All too often there is a tendency to place the opinions of experts (e.g., scientists, psychologists, historians, theologians, etc.) in the status of inerrancy, especially when the opinion of some expert happens to support the left or what the left wants you to think. While we do need experts, try to keep a balanced view of experts (and do research and apply critical thinking). When you come across the argument or assertion that the findings or conclusions of certain experts in a certain field are inaccurate or wrong merely because they differ from the findings or conclusions of other experts, or even most experts in that field, or merely because an essay or thesis did not pass a peer review, it is important to keep in mind that most expert (even scientific) findings or conclusions are educated opinions and reviewers are often biased. At any time and on any subject, there are disagreements among qualified experts in the same fields, and they cannot all be right. A majority opinion is still an opinion, and all too often the majority opinion of experts in a particular field is considered proof or verification of assertions or theories even though whatever is the majority opinion of experts in certain fields changes often enough to make the majority opinion dubious. (For example, if a teacher or professor used a fifty-year-old textbook to teach evolution he would be teaching theories that were disproved by evolutionists years and decades ago.) Experts are fallible humans and are just as vulnerable to emotional pressure and the influence of preconceived ideas as anyone else. Experts are just as capable of dishonesty and distorting facts to support their pet theories as other humans, and many experts have been caught deliberately deceiving the public. When presented with the facts ordinary people can and often do come to better conclusions than experts, which is one reason that a trial verdict is decided by a jury of ordinary citizens and not a panel of legal experts.

An old trick of tyrants and empires is to keep different ethnic groups pitted against each other to keep them from recognising their common enemy. The liberal media and public schools often try to make it appear that centralised US government, US government intrusions, and increased police powers of the US government were and are necessary by pointing to examples of racial problems in history, but when the whole story and all sides of the issues are considered, those examples usually illustrate the evils of big government and the importance of limited constitutional government. 

When a character in a movie or TV show gives statistics or data or talks about scientific findings or historical events or opinions of psychologists or otherwise appears to make an intelligent argument or assessment, do your own homework before you accept the argument or assessment as valid or correct. This is a method the left uses to persuade the public to accept myths and delusions as reality and dismiss facts and logic as misinformation or fantasy.

While we should be concerned about current events and taking a stand on issues, it is important to watch for crisis manipulation, a simple method to achieving specific goals, justifying control, or creating a police state that has been used by governments and would-be tyrants throughout history. (e.g., Nimrod, Napoleon, Lenin, Hitler, etc.) First, a crisis-type situation or emergency is utilized or created. (Terrorism, high crime rate, child abuse, counterfeiting, sex trafficking, drug money laundering, contagious disease, etc.) The "crisis" (which could be real, imagined, or exaggerated) is emphasized and propagandized until it becomes a great concern to a significant percentage of the population. Then the government or would-be tyrant and accomplices appear to come up with the best or most effective solution to the crisis so many are concerned about. (Of course, the "solution" just happens to increase government intrusion and police power or eliminate safeguards against governmental abuse.) At this point the average citizen is so concerned with dealing with the crisis and finding or implementing a solution that he is willing to go along with what appears to be a good solution without considering the costs and repercussions. Here are just a few red flags:

· Be wary of “solutions” offered by “experts” that sound more like a left-wing wish list than facts, logic, or actual science. (Look for facts and hard evidence, and remember that the truth can withstand questions, criticism, and analysis.)

· Be wary of so-called solutions to crises, emergencies, and social maladies that depend on an assumed natural goodness of man, or an assumed goodness or benevolence of human government, for the solutions to work.  (How many parents reading this ever had to teach a child how to be bad? Humans can choose to do right but sin comes naturally because of natural depravity. History demonstrates that any human government, even good government, is dangerous, which is why government must be limited and restricted.)

· Keep in mind that we do not live in a perfect world and there are no perfect solutions.

The phrase "(one) just doesn't get it" or "(they) just don't get it" typically refers to something that affects the speaker emotionally. If you feel this way about those who disagree with you this does not necessarily mean you are wrong, but this tends to imply that you are convinced due to allowing emotional appeals and other logic fallacies detract you from critical thinking.

Has the media persuaded you to accept unscriptural and misguided teachings, theories, and ideas? You might be surprised. Try applying these questions to specific beliefs and issues, including beliefs that you consider settled:

· Have you personally studied or researched this belief or teaching, and can it withstand questions and critical analysis? (Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21)

· What would be your response if an unbeliever asked you why you believe this? (2 Timothy 2:14-15; 3:16-17)

· How important is this in relation to other matters and what Bible truths and principles or standards apply? (Matthew 23:24; Romans 14; 2 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 Timothy 1:5-7)

· Is this what the Bible says, or is this what someone thinks the Bible ought to say? (Proverbs 30:5-6; Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:9)

· Was this true in the distant past and will this still be true in the distant future? (Psalm 33:11; 119:89; Proverbs 19:21; Ecclesiastes 1:9-10)

· What is the origin of this teaching or belief? Can you verify this with Scripture or is it necessary to use the arguments of the world? (Psalm 33:10; Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 1:20; 2:5; Colossians 1:9; 2:8)

Tue, Aug 26th - 5:04PM

Gossip

“Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.” (Psalm 34:13)

“He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter..” (Proverbs 11:12-13)

“A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.” (Proverbs 16:28)

“He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.” (Proverbs 20:19)

“Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.” (Proverbs 26:20)

“If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.” (James 1:26)

I remember when I was in kindergarten the teacher showed the class a game called Gossip. She had everyone sit in a circle. She would whisper something to a student, who would then whisper what he heard to the right ear of the student to his left, and subsequently each student did likewise. Whenever the rumor got around to the last student, he told the class what he heard, and it was completely different from what the first student was told. The same thing happens with real world gossip; even if an element of truth remains, the story changes as it gets passed around. Sometimes a rumor starts with someone telling a lie, sometimes a rumor starts with someone betraying a confidence, and very often a rumor starts when someone overhears a conversation, assumes they got the whole story, and believes others need to hear the story.

Here's one way to deal with gossipers: Years ago, at the workplace one of the local gossipers approached me and said she heard that I had been fornicating with a thirteen-year-old girl. I tried to hand her my cell phone and told her to call the police, and she wondered why. I told her that if she believes the rumor is true then reporting me to the police would make a lot more sense than running her mouth to people that cannot legally do anything about it except run their mouths. She stayed away from me for a long time.

Let me share another experience from over thirty years ago: I moved from Carrollton, Georgia, to Bremen, Georgia, and moved my letter from a church in Carrollton to a church in Bremen. At the new church I became friends with an old preacher who was also a barber. He was a good friend, but he was not careful to get details right before playing matchmaker. At my new church there was a young lady who attended with her mother and attended the old church with her dad; her parents were divorced. While getting a haircut I mentioned that I knew that girl's dad and thought highly of him, and he asked if I ever thought of dating that girl. I told him I would probably pursue her if we are both still single when she is older, and he said that should not matter. I told him I had the impression that a lot of modern evangelicals think it's wrong for teenage girls to date and marry or think an age gap of a few years is a big deal, and I would not want to offend her parents. He assured me that her parents would not object and told me she was older than I thought she was (she wasn't). I had other interests, but he would tell me that girl we discussed at the barber shop would be a better choice, and eventually I agreed with him. He suggested that I write her a letter and gave me her address. After mailing the letter I had opportunity to talk with her at the skating rink in Carrollton that night. I told her I liked her, and she told me she had a boyfriend, and I thought that was the end of the story until I received a threatening letter from her dad, which did not include a forwarding address or phone number. For years I occasionally heard stories from the grapevine about me and what "happened."

Here are a few questions you should ask someone sharing gossip with you (and not necessarily in this order): Do you KNOW this to be true? Have you talked about this with the person you are talking about? Why are you sharing this with me?

Tue, Jul 15th - 7:08PM

WITNESSIING TO JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES & THEIR CHILDREN

When witnessing to Jehovah’s Witnesses, whether at your door or social situations, remember that the goal is to win hearts and minds, not arguments. If you are hostile or argumentative with a Jehovah's Witness you will only convince him that he is right.

Also, keep in mind that even if their children are not Jehovah's Witnesses and are not convinced that Jehovah's Witnesses have the only true Christian religion and that the Watchtower Society is God's channel of truth, the children of Jehovah’s Witnesses are normally under tremendous emotional pressure to conform, and Jehovah’s Witnesses require their children to identify themselves as Jehovah's Witnesses, teach Watchtower teachings, and sell Watchtower literature or distribute free tracts. If you come across a child or youth like that and you are hostile or argumentative this may help convince him that Jehovah’s Witnesses are right and that he should join the cult.

Be friendly and show that you care about them as you share your testimony and the gospel and thought-provoking questions, and, while you should not be expecting to convert anyone overnight, you can expect them to think seriously about what you said for a long time, even if they initially shrug it off.

Tue, Jul 1st - 8:00PM

KEEP A BALANCED VIEW OF BIBLE PROPHECY

Wed, Jan 1st - 8:45AM

SIGNS THAT A RELIGIOUS GROUP IS ON THE WRONG TRACK