Torture.

Torture is not O.K. under any circumstances.

We see gay and lesbian people abducted and tortured, some even murdered, in Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia; even in a liberal country like Brazil.

But torture is not O.K. under any circumstances.

Those who perpetrate these crimes feel justified by hatred and fear.

Others stand idly by and rationalize what they see.

Some sit on the fence.

Others claim that it is God punishing them.

But torture is not O.K. under any circumstances.

God is not a torturer.

And we should not condone torture.

Because torture is not O.K. under any circumstances.


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The Reality.

Satanism targets the mind.

But it cannot control the Reality, only what you are thinking about it.

So in the end it is powerless to change what God has done.

God lifts us up.

And touches our hearts.

God loves us.

And restores us to health.

Satanism may try to change what we think.

But in the long run it cannot.

This is God's Salvation.


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Temptations.

Rather than the traditional idea that temptation is all about sex I would suggest that the most damaging temptations are about power and cruelty.

The temptation of religious people to take the law into their own hands and execute judgements and punishments on those they disapprove of is perhaps the greatest temptation of all.

And the violence and torture which follow upon their judgements are great sins.

But the temptation of those in authority to implement the carrot and stick religion of heaven and hell is equally damaging to humanity and religion alike.

To deflect disapproval of these great sins onto sexual behavior is a temptation in itself.  And ignoring other transgressions like corruption and exploitation is tantamount to collusion.

So don't accept the idea that temptation is all about sex there are greater temptations that keep our world in darkness.


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A Father's Love.

The rich say: "What can we do to please God?"

Pay your taxes.

Do not oppress your workers.

Have compassion and consideration for them like sons and daughters.

Do not plot against your brothers and sisters.

Let no evil thought enter your minds.

Provide for others as God has provided for you.

But above all open your hearts!

Love your workers as the Father loves you.

Then you will please God.


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Broken.

Christians often refer to the world as broken.

It refers to the imperfect nature of life on Earth.

It does not refer to God breaking our wills as some commentators have suggested.

So what does broken mean?

I believe that because love is the source and purpose of life that broken refers to our broken hearts.

And the world is the vale of the broken-hearted.

But God mends our broken hearts.

If we love God and love our neighbor God returns our love abundantly.

And it is this that makes us whole.


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White Privilege.

Western white privilege is supported by a network of social conventions which hide the perpetrators of injustice while whitewashing the beneficiaries.

This has solidified into what we call the System.

Business and legal conventions combine to protect the System at every turn.

This System was established by violence and is maintained by fear.

It is now global.

Solid barriers distance us from the consequences of our actions.

Bargains do not tell you about the slave labor that created them.

Corporations subcontract to companies using slave labor and ask no questions.

If it is discovered they merely say they knew nothing about it and no one is charged.

But we benefit from the cheap goods they produce.

And we ask no questions.

We are all implicated.

But who can challenge this Behemoth?

Corporate activism is emerging. 

Shareholder activism is beginning.

But it is yet to be seen whether these moves can challenge the giants of corporate ownership.

Media moguls use the media to hide corruption and sanitize the privileged.

And anyone who dares to challenge them is hit with a beat-up hate campaign.

So we are stuck with the System.

We can only pray for change.


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Risk.

In order to grow spiritually we must be prepared to take risks.

And in order to take risks we must have courage.

So have the courage of your convictions and strengthen your integrity.

If you do this there may be consequences.

A backlash of fear, threats, even violence may follow.

But our course is set.

It is better to follow your heart than to be imprisoned by fear.


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