tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49728832262731711152024-03-19T19:46:32.774+11:00Michael E. EastProgressive Christianity, Gay Rights, and Social Issues.Michael E Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14150489048038035479noreply@blogger.comBlogger3335125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4972883226273171115.post-64185405880594877862024-03-19T11:00:00.001+11:002024-03-19T11:00:32.747+11:00The Church.There is homophobia in the Church.Many Christians persist in condemning homosexuals.They will exclude us from God's House, cut us off from God, torture us, and condemn us to hell for eternity.But the irrational anger of their attacks betrays their fear.The fear of God's punishment.The fear of death.But their fears are no longer valid.AIDS is virtually cured.And Gay Marriage is legal in Michael E Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14150489048038035479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4972883226273171115.post-9927514256350526942024-03-16T01:30:00.001+11:002024-03-16T01:32:40.230+11:00The Presence of God.We can experience the Presence of God but we can also experience what seems to be the absence of God.Although God is never completely absent because God is in all things and more.But through prayer, study, contemplation, and action we can experience God's Presence.This is God breaking into History usually through human beings. The prophet Habakkuk complained."O Lord, how long shall I cry forMichael E Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14150489048038035479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4972883226273171115.post-47837018874693313642024-03-13T11:00:00.002+11:002024-03-13T11:30:32.225+11:00Nature and God.As our autonomic nervous system functions without our conscious intervention so Nature functions without God's conscious intervention*.This is cause and effect** - the Laws of Nature.And it explains why there are differences between Nature and God.In ancient times men observed the influences of Nature and ascribed these attributes to the gods.This is why the gods were cruel and indifferent.But Michael E Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14150489048038035479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4972883226273171115.post-66278873944268522032024-03-07T11:00:00.002+11:002024-03-07T11:49:44.742+11:00The Hippies.The world hated the Hippies.Because the Hippies challenged the materialism and corruption of the corporations and their political puppets.Jesus said: "'If the world hates you, be aware that the world hated me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world - thereforeMichael E Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14150489048038035479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4972883226273171115.post-51649100404889713232024-03-04T11:00:00.001+11:002024-03-04T11:00:07.287+11:00Homophobia.After watching the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade I spoke to several friends about it.I was surprised at the homophobic comments they made.These are people who you would expect to have reasonably tolerant attitudes.They both, however, reinforced the stereotype that gay people are excessively sexual, promiscuous, and lascivious.I expressed my disappointment at their prejudiced Michael E Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14150489048038035479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4972883226273171115.post-4093528731566171072024-03-03T11:30:00.001+11:002024-03-03T11:44:22.035+11:00The Domination System.The Western Liberal Democracies pride themselves on their peaceful, civilized societies.But it must be remembered that these governments are backed up by huge modern armies.This is the Domination System.And peace is maintained so long as these Democracies are not challenged.But the unfortunate side-effects of the Domination System are oppression and exploitation.And the capitalist corporations Michael E Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14150489048038035479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4972883226273171115.post-29428757485899285192024-03-02T11:00:00.002+11:002024-03-02T11:02:38.964+11:00The Powers.In his book Engaging the Powers Walter Wink describes the powers of this world as fallen. This is far from the Fundamentalist attitude towards the corporate plutocrats of this world.Conservative Christians have allied themselves with the corporations in a way that is totally in contradiction of scripture.This can only be the result of Prosperity Theology which believes that wealth and power Michael E Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14150489048038035479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4972883226273171115.post-15556396744863539242024-03-01T12:30:00.001+11:002024-03-01T12:44:35.614+11:00Dune.The Dune series is grossly misunderstood.It is not a prophetic vision of the future.It is a biting critique of religion and prophesy itself.Frank Herbert's thesis was that prophesies of the Chosen One are dangerous and they create ego-maniacs who oppress and kill millions.This is borne out by the sequel in which Paul Atreides' (the original Chosen One) son Leto accepts the sacrifice his father Michael E Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14150489048038035479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4972883226273171115.post-75252864884585529672024-02-28T11:00:00.002+11:002024-02-28T11:17:33.078+11:00My Other Blog.Check out my other Blog at:https://michaeledwineast.blogspot.com/ More posts, more personal material, poetry etc..Photo Credit: Michael E. East.Michael E Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14150489048038035479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4972883226273171115.post-66521010041852216922024-02-27T12:30:00.001+11:002024-02-27T12:54:17.487+11:00Conversion Therapy.Conversion Therapy is fear.Fear of homosexuality.Fear that God disapproves of gay sex.Fear of punishment.So they disguise their fear as good works.And they demonize gay and lesbian people. But God does not discriminate.God loves gay people as He loves all His children.And so as AIDS passes out of the consciousness of humanity homosexuality will be lifted to its rightful place of equality Michael E Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14150489048038035479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4972883226273171115.post-4704854901930229812024-02-25T11:00:00.002+11:002024-02-26T03:53:32.709+11:00Justified.The Hippies and Baby-Boomers never rejected God or Jesus.What they rejected was the hypocrisy of the Church.The false teachings of blind guides.Even the motivation for their drug-taking was an attempt to find enlightenment.We were seekers."'And everyone who searches finds.'" Matthew 7:8 (NRSV)But we were betrayed by our rock stars.Peace and love became sex and drugs and rock and roll.And a Michael E Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14150489048038035479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4972883226273171115.post-47799674278573290152024-02-24T11:00:00.003+11:002024-02-24T11:02:27.207+11:00Loving the Devil.Jesus said: "'If you continue in my word you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.'" John 8:31,32 (NRSV)But "'if you cannot accept my word. You are from your father the devil, and you choose to do your father's desires.'" John 8:43,44 (NRSV)Jesus uses hyperbole to illustrate his point.*Many today love the devil - they love: money,Michael E Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14150489048038035479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4972883226273171115.post-41875823896318300102024-02-23T11:00:00.001+11:002024-02-23T11:26:11.594+11:00AIDS.IF AIDS was punishment from God for homosexuality then how come AIDS is virtually cured?Doctors can stop HIV from developing into AIDS.And PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) can prevent you catching HIV.So what happened to the punishment?The facts of the matter are that AIDS was not punishment from God in the first place.This was just a panic reaction rooted in homophobia.And who was God punishing Michael E Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14150489048038035479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4972883226273171115.post-57549580548051804262024-02-12T11:00:00.002+11:002024-02-12T11:09:57.319+11:00Black.Black is black.Bad is bad.No angel is no angel.Pure evil is pure evil.Delinquents are delinquents.Generation X are all these things by their own admission.But they were justified by conservative political forces and corporate plutocrats with vested interests.They won the day by violence, hate, and evil.But nothing lasts forever.A new generation is rising.The Millennials (born 1996-2010) are Michael E Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14150489048038035479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4972883226273171115.post-32270697005665349882024-02-07T11:00:00.002+11:002024-02-07T12:44:10.608+11:00A Ticket to Paradise.To many Jesus is just a ticket to Paradise.To merely mouth that Jesus is your personal Lord and Savior and then do nothing that he said is not Salvation.In fact those who practise this are the enemies of Jesus.They are those who practise greed and oppression.They are hard-hearted and hypocritical.They are selfish and they love the devil.They are free-loaders.And those who preach this Michael E Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14150489048038035479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4972883226273171115.post-19708201919847020952024-02-06T12:00:00.001+11:002024-02-06T12:00:08.456+11:00Bad News.The bad news is:Most preachers in God's Churches do not know the God they serve.The Orthodox Theology of sin and punishment predominates.And Judgement is taught to everyone.So they are captives of fear.And they do not partake of the full experience of God's Presence.For there is no fear in God.It is fear that separates us from God.So look for a church with a preacher who preaches love.For there Michael E Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14150489048038035479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4972883226273171115.post-70455841562287726362024-02-05T11:00:00.001+11:002024-02-05T11:01:42.048+11:00Good News.The Good News is: God does not judge us.God does not punish us.God loves us like our mother.His steadfast love is absolutely reliable.He speaks the truth.And He is totally trustworthy.Put your faith in Him.He will deliver you.Photo Credit: Pinterest.Michael E Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14150489048038035479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4972883226273171115.post-78187280721201387042024-01-28T12:30:00.002+11:002024-01-31T13:52:16.637+11:00Contemporary Rock Stars.Contemporary rock stars are not exempt from the curse of Satanism.Excess, drunkenness, and darkness infect their music.Sex and drugs and rock and roll ruined the Hippie Generation.And darkness, death, hate, and evil ruined Generation X.Now they are trying to corrupt and ruin Millennials.They encourage sin in order to induce a spiritual death which in turn leads to damnation and hell.Or so they Michael E Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14150489048038035479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4972883226273171115.post-17679855702479341812024-01-27T11:00:00.001+11:002024-01-27T11:14:35.530+11:00The Kingdom of Heaven.What we experience here on Earth is pleasure and suffering.Evil lurks in the shadows.Ambushing us and sabotaging our quest.But for love we should barely survive.But human love is fickle and fleeting.It is barely enough to sustain us.But God's Love is steadfast and enduring.It bares us up and allays our fears.And we glimpse a vision of everlasting joy.For ours is the Kingdom of Heaven!Photo CreditMichael E Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14150489048038035479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4972883226273171115.post-10780496190755520592024-01-26T11:00:00.002+11:002024-01-26T11:01:05.680+11:00The Reality.In order to come into line with the Reality the Church will have to swallow its pride and admit that the theology they have been preaching for 2000 years is wrong!The traditional theology of sin and redemption is not in line with the facts. (Adam and Eve is a myth.)And stumbling blocks like punishment and judgement are not from God.Jesus taught forgiveness.And he said that God judges no one. Michael E Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14150489048038035479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4972883226273171115.post-2663456876585164262024-01-24T11:00:00.002+11:002024-01-24T11:04:28.524+11:00Sublimation. Sublimation of the sex drive is not the same as repression.When people encounter religious teachings about controlling the sex drive they assume this means repressing your sexual urges.But this results in perversion of the sexual energy which then finds expression in unwelcome ways.Sublimation of your sex drive means enlisting your sexual energy in support of the love that is the source of Michael E Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14150489048038035479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4972883226273171115.post-73100968712801226522024-01-22T11:30:00.001+11:002024-01-22T11:46:59.805+11:00Lowdown.When Boz Scags released Lowdown in 1976 little did we know who he was talking about."I wonder, wonder, wonder, wonder who."The dirty lowdown scoundrels he was referring to were the rock musicians we so avidly listened to. Little did we know that they had secretly sold their souls to the devil and sold us down the river.This explains why the fruits of the 1960s and 1970s were: degradation, Michael E Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14150489048038035479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4972883226273171115.post-3881067409602357182024-01-14T12:00:00.004+11:002024-01-14T12:16:02.870+11:00The Search.We are all searching.Searching for something.We feel a lack in our lives.And we look for something in the world to fill that lack.At last we realize that what we lack is love.And we look for love in the world around us.With limited success.To be loved is good but to love is even better.We look for love in the outside world.But we find love in our own hearts.And when we observe the First Michael E Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14150489048038035479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4972883226273171115.post-47492228139548002332024-01-13T11:00:00.001+11:002024-01-13T11:00:07.469+11:00Gay Theology.Many say that a gay man's search for a lover is his yearning for his father's love.And all too often a gay man's love is rejected.But our ultimate Father is God Himself.And God's Love is steadfast.Jesus called God Papa.An affectionate name for father.And he commanded us to love God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind, and with all our might.If we do this we find that our loveMichael E Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14150489048038035479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4972883226273171115.post-61131764374458111172024-01-10T11:00:00.002+11:002024-01-10T18:46:29.010+11:00Pluto in Aquarius.Generation X used violence, force, intimidation, and evil to win. But with Pluto entering Aquarius on January 21st 2024 the tables will turn.Pluto in Aquarius in 2023 saw the insurrectionists from Generation Z (born 1984-1995), who had Pluto in Scorpio, thrown in jail.A similar fate may await Donald Trump.But the fate of Generation X is yet to be decided.The Millennials (born 1996-2010) willMichael E Easthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14150489048038035479noreply@blogger.com0