Things I Think
1. I think the most interesting thing happening right now is the cognitive dissonance being suffered by those whose theology is Israel centric watching their political oracles claiming Israel is guilty of everything from genocide to the Charlie Kirk assassination…choices will have to be made…
2. Modern day Israel is a secular political entity…not a country in a special covenant with God…just like the U.S. and every other political entity…
3. I’ve always considered it part of my calling to listen when there are charges made on Calvary Chapel…but watching Candice Owens work has left me wondering if my true calling has something to do with cats…
4. Owens and her like minded commentators deal with plausibility, not many facts…if something is remotely plausible and controversial enough to draw viewers…that’s all that matters…truth is the victim in these matters…truth should be the first concern of those who know Christ…
5. I watch her and other people I have no common ground with in order to understand why they have a grip on so many…and what they provide is a way to understand a world that makes no sense and often feels out of control…they offer a structure and a community…it can’t last because it is not based on truth…
6. What I do know is that a culture can’t survive with so many different voices telling half truths and fables…
7. “What is truth”? Pilate
8. Bible sales are going through the roof...the question then is if they are being read and who is teaching people to them…
9. Our government has many dispensationalists and NAR followers in places of power and influence…unless you understand dispensationalism, you can’t understand a lot of what is going on…
10. The holiday season is upon us early everywhere…even after trauma free years i get through this season one day at a time and in emotional turmoil…
I agree that it is important not to support CO even though there is a common ‘opponent.’ Her methods are similar to CC in that the ends justify the means and truth is relative in the process. Bible sales? Meh.
I’m growing excited for Thanksgiving season–lots of food prep and deliveries for a wide range of friends, family, customers, and folks in some kind of need. Thanksgiving remains my favorite holiday, largely because it is pretty commercialization resistant. Christmas–we’ll get through…
fil,
I agree…from where I sit, she’s not good at finding facts, but she’s amazing in communicating wicked innuendo…
I can handle Thanksgiving…the rest of the year is misery…
I haven’t been following her stuff. What is the bug up her butt anyway–what is the source & target?
She’s convinced that Israel and “Zionists” were behind the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
Ron McCoy and his son are the primary targets…and most CC pastors who are loud in support of Israel…
Who convinced her that Israel and “Zionists” were behind the assassination of Charlie KirK? She convinced herself, because that’s what she wants to believe.
She had it in for Israel and “Zionists”, and, I believe, Jews in general, long before Charlie Kirk was assassinated.
And that’s the way these political influencers operate. When something significant happens in current events, they have decided ahead of time what or who is behind the event, then look for anything remotely like evidence to support their narrative. It is confirmation bias used as social media methodology
I read something last week that conspiracy theorists are always trying to prove one conspiracy, but when it doesn’t work out they have to find another conspiracy to prove their point, which results in a new conspiracy…and on and on it goes. I wonder if they sleep at night.
@ Robert F @ 5:07 pm,
There’s always a way to blame the Jooz.
I don’t think the NAR have a unified theology of anything, especially eschatology. Dispensationalism is in their, mainly with the CC / Pro Israel and Hebrew Roots types. Their original Latter Rain/Kingdom Now/Manifest Sons of God influences were Post-Millennial.
The NAR has many “seven mountains”devotees…I believe Mike Johnson is among them…
Michael, Are you telling me that Mike Johnson is a Dominionist? Whenever I hear him or see him I am immediately reminded of the Renfield character in Dracula.
Animal are God’s creation and treasure (thought #3)…it is truly a blessing to be…well, blessed with loving pets.
re your thought #5, it is believed that this is indeed why conspiricies have adherents…a way to explain the unknown and for community. There was a well-written article about this a few years back (don’t have the link on hand at the moment). Sometimes I also think that conspiracy adherents are also bored. And fearful.
“Animal are God’s creation and treasure (thought #3)…it is truly a blessing to be…well, blessed with loving pets.”—(Dan from Georgia)
If pets aren’t allowed in ‘heaven’ I don’t wanna’ go.
“If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.”
— Will Rogers —
“The dog is a gentleman; I hope to go to his heaven not man’s”
— Mark Twain —
While making coffee this morning I had this thought: Imagine what it must be like to be a CC MAGA type and have your church dirty laundry uncovered by someone highly platformed and on your own “team”?
Owens gets paid to draw like minded people to her. PP does the same but likely doesn’t get paid as much 😉
People make literally millions of $$ making stupid videos for Youtube, so why would anybody be surprised about Candace or any of the media’s entertainers (aka presenters or “reporters”).
I have friends whom I talk to weekly from Israel and they have no problem defining the difference between the State of Israel and the Land of Israel. They won’t even call the Palestinian land the “West Bank.” To them it is Judea and Samaria.
Unlike the West, who seems to continually declaring some sort of lasting peace initiative, they also know this one thing, they will always be at war with those who hate them. This is why they have laws (from the State) to protect everyone in case of attack.
My friend recently moved into a new apartment with a bomb shelter room built in rather than have to leave and go down to the basement every time the alert happens. Yes they often have to go to the shelter.
As far as a political State goes Israel is actually rather liberal. While proselytizing is not permitted, the religious mix is rather obvious. In Jerusalem the Muslim call to prayer happens over loud speakers and there are large communities of Arab/Muslims within the Country.
Even within the State of Israel the debates about annexation, draft, the Haredim, ecology, economics, socialism, courts, politics, gay rights is on-going and almost a State sport. And they will protest just about anything.
And for the life of me I will never understand why they love professional basketball so much.
I personally think Candace and most Westerners have no clue about the State of Israel.
“Animals are a treasure…”
Rev 6:2 “I looked, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.”
As a friend stated to me years a go, “of course there are animals in Heaven” and then read from Revelation. 🙂
Today is a good day!
Unlike Owens, I don’t create stories out of whole cloth and publish sloppy “research.”
I do not consider myself an entertainer…
Heaven without cats and with what passes for Christians today would be more akin to hell for me.
There is a direct correlation in my mind with wanting to abandon human work and wanting to be more involved in animal rescues…there are days when humans aren’t worth the trouble.
This is my spiritual battle…
“Unlike Owens, I don’t create stories out of whole cloth and publish sloppy “research.”
I do not consider myself an entertainer…”
Not the point, it’s about why people go/come to all of you.
And church attendance is included. People like and feel comfortable associating with others of like mind.
And like it or not your site is entertaining at time. Also can be toxic.
Humans are supposed to take care and manage animals. Personally nI believe, anyone who says they don’t have a spirit and or personalities is a pretty self-centered person. They probably hate the humans around them also.
Note:
I will bet money Candace says the same thing about her research. I know she says this, “Do your own research.” Kind of an excuse for her.
All people attend church only because they want to associate with people of like mind and be entertained? That’s a false generalization. And you’re drawing a false equivalence between what Michael does on this blog and what Owens does.
Robert
Check out the stats and be careful, I didn’t write ALL people. Quit looking for an argument.
Depending on the spin of the stats the majority of people choose a church for the sermons and the connections.
You make the call and define what entertainment is to people. It’s not just watching a Hallmark holiday film, but like what we watch it makes us feel something. You choose what that is.
Could it be the message and like minded people which brings you here to PP?
Robert
Could you define why Owen’s does what she does? You know maybe she is as passionate about her message as Michael is and maybe as you are. Did that ever occur to you?
TH, You didn’t write some people either. It was not clear to me what you meant because you made a general statement, so I asked a question. How is that picking a fight?
Michael speaks from experiences he’s personally had in evangelical subculture, and out of his concern for those who are oppressed by the treatment they’ve received at the hands of American Christians. In the time I’ve been reading this blog, which admittedly hasn’t been very long, he has not posted poorly investigated exposes against anyone, as is Owen’s wont. The other thing he posts is inspirational articles and Scripture readings. I see little similarity between Michael and Owens. I also am convinced that Owens is a dog-whistling anti-Semite, which makes a world of difference between her and Michael. My mind was open to Owens when I first heard about her; but my mind, like me digestive tract, is open at both ends.
As far as being passionate about one’s message, that means nothing. Sometimes”….the worst/Are full of passionate intensity…”
These programs are what is toxic to the mind and souls of those who watch them.
People like Owens are destroying society under the lie that they are saving it.
Over the years I’ve been supplied with literally thousands of “tips” and accusations.
I only publish what I could prove in court if necessary…
“These programs are what is toxic to the mind and souls of those who watch them.
People like Owens are destroying society under the lie that they are saving it.”
I agree, however that was never the point, and you don’t need to defend yourself.
The point is why do people go/come to any sort of presentation, group, podcast, YouTube… or even PP?
Robert, you could be the most accurate scientist in the world, or a theologian who knows hordes of texts and can speak and understand all the versions of Greek and Hebrew, but will people come to you,and gather around to hear what you have to say?
That is my question and idea. Why do people go to a Mormon Church, it obviously has a rather flawed history and theology?
The answer to me is we like the people, message, identify with or need something filled in our life.
I first came to PP because of an encounter with the ego of Calvary Chapel Pastors.
I come back because, in spite of the conflict, it is stimulating and makes me ask questions of myself and what listen to what others believe is worthwhile.
It is a form of entertainment, but not in the classical sense of music, fiction or video story telling.
The truth is I’m as flawed as the politically charged people but am so tired of the drama of it all I rest in the grace of God for all of us. I just turn off Owens and move on.
TH, The point you’re making about what draws people together is a sociological commonplace. I’m not going to deny that there is truth in it. But there are aspects of what draws and keeps us together that go beyond that. Using your logic one could say that a man dying of thirst is drawn to an oasis because it entertains him; he certainly is interested in the oasis, but his interest is driven by existential need, not a need for diversion or even the expansion of his mind. There are other kinds of needs, and PP is an oasis for meeting one of those kinds needs. I think the use of the word entertainment, however subtly defined, is a misnomer for the force that draws people to and keeps them together in such community.
Robert
What you speak of is the old pyramid of needs.
You remember, once the basics are met we get to the self-actualization where all the morality, experience, inner purpose and stuff happens.
From my teen years until now I have searched for truth. Though history, faith, religion, Christianity…. Raised my children, struggled with life, experienced death…
You know what I found out?
I found I have to be content with who I am and secondarily I can’t change anyone, they all just have to live it out themselves. All I can do is be there for those in my circle.
If people want to support Candace, a church, MAGA, Trump or even PP they have their reasons.
In the end I just hope it brings peace to them and fills that peak in their pyramid.
There will always be another religion, Candace, Michael, or anyone coming along to follow.
It wasn’t too long ago I loved watching Top Gear. These three men and their program were the most watched tv show in the world. And they changed the whole super car industry because of it.
Far more entertaining than Candace.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner.
TH,
If what people, including myself, believe is not true but based in lies, then it not only can’t, but shouldn’t bring peace.
A Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
TH,
One last thing. I don’t think the pyramid of needs is entirely accurate. Even where needs are not adequately met, or hardly met at all, people participate in social and cultural activities, and adhere to moral standards, that give meaning to their lives and sustain them in the face of pain and suffering. Also, even where the so-called “essential” needs are met, they are not enough to sustain life. A human child raised in permanent solitary confinement, where only their “essential” needs are met, would be in a state of constant psychological torture.
Robert
“If what people, including myself, believe is not true but based in lies, then it not only can’t, but shouldn’t bring peace.”
We all believe in lies and go to our death bed believing those lies were true.
There are just too many examples throughout history other than to say that statement itself is true.
Never forget the whole philosophical story about being raised in the shadows.
As far as the pyramid goes, it is just a simplified way Maslow tried to describe human life and its inequalities.
You mentions this, “A human child raised in permanent solitary confinement, where only their “essential” needs are met, would be in a state of constant psychological torture.”
There is actually a documented syndrome, detachment or RAD, for such people raised in orphanages, especially in the Soviet Union era. I knew a loving family who adopted such a child after the fall of the Soviet Union. It was very difficult for them as parents.
Thank you for the wishes.
TH,
I know I must be wrong about many things, some of them tremendously important, and will be at the time of my death. But one of the things I believe is that there are real truths; if that isn’t true, then we, you and I and everybody else, are just speaking gibberish at this moment and all the time. Even your examples throughout history would just be gibberish that we could learn nothing from if they were not founded in actual truth that we can perceive
Robert
For something to be true it has to always be true, no matter what the circumstances or politics. That is why the old saying “death and taxes” are the only true things in life.
We learn from history, think we have gained some sort of insight and then BOOM an unexpected consequence shows up.
Yes, I think you are correct, most of what we speak about is gibberish and has no more meaning than to make connections with others and fill our days.
I will be quite frank and honest, as I learned about church doctrines and history, I came to the conclusion I was lied to. I found a lot of what were “truths” are really just opinions, or something used to dominate other people. I know pretty cynical of me.
Good exchange, thank you!
PS, I think my favorite book in the Bible is Judges. Why? Because it tells stories about how this new Nation of people, Israel, with God’s instructions screws it up.
My two favorite characters are Gideon and Jephthah, both heroes and yet the final chapters of their lives are how they screwed up, the damaging consequences of earlier decisions.
“I will be quite frank and honest, as I learned about church doctrines and history, I came to the conclusion I was lied to. I found a lot of what were “truths” are really just opinions, or something used to dominate other people. I know pretty cynical of me.”
I would add to this that the more I learned about the formation of New Testament canon, the harder it was for me to understand in what sense it could’ve, in its entirety, been guided and inspired by God.
Yet I believe in Jesus.
I don’t think I have favorite books in the Bible. I do have favorite texts. One of them is in Genesis, where Abraham drives Hagar and her child into the wilderness, and, with no water left, Hagar puts the child down out sight so that she doesn’t have to watch it die, and she wails in her grief. But God intervenes, saving Hagar and the child, and protecting them in their sojourn. This text never fails to bring tears to my eyes; unlike so many other texts in the Bible, here I see the full and astonishing extent of God’s mercy and love and tenderness to those abandoned and despised and cast out.
“Call me Ishmael.”
Robert F,
Are you the one who signed onto the Pequod and Ahab’s vendetta with the white whale?
Well, like him I’m saved through death, but personally, I prefer to tilt at windmills.