Homophobia.

At the root of the persecution of LGBT+ people in our world is fear.

Fear of immorality, fear of illness, fear of death.....

And it is this fear that drives Conversion Therapy.

Religious people are so afraid of homosexuals that they feel compelled to force us to change.

They still think that AIDS is caused by homosexuality.

And they still think that AIDS is God's punishment.

But because these errors are caused by irrational fears they can be changed by eduacation.

AIDS is caused by a virus, HIV, it is not moral in its behavior.

And in any case AIDS is cured so it cannot be punishment from God. 

And it never was.

So if you are homophobic look at the fears that drive you.

And when the fear is gone homophobia will be gone.

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Prosperity.

There is a widespread belief that prosperity will lead to universal happiness.

But injustice is endemic to Capitalism.

And unbridled Capitalism has not brought happiness.

Only a fairer system will lead to universal happiness.

And a fairer system can only be achieved by legislative controls of the economy.

So do not be deceived by those who tell you that more money will bring happiness.

It does not.

Happiness will only be achieved when everyone has enough.

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Enough.

I had an aunt who worked into her old age even though her husband had a well-paid job.

My mother asked her why she continued to work when they had millions.

My aunt said: "Because I never felt that I had enough."

She had grown up during the Great Depression and the fear of poverty was great indeed.

Perhaps this is how it is with those who chase after more and more wealth and possessions in our world.

Perhaps they are just afraid.

And as such we can feel sorry for them.

They don't have the courage or faith to stop.

For with God there will always be enough.

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Ecclesiastes.

In the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible King Solomon is saying: "I was the richest man in the world; I had all wealth, all power, all pleasure; and yet I found no satisfaction in it." 

"All is vanity and chasing after the wind,"  Ecclesiastes 2:11 (NRSV)

He became disillusioned and hated life.

He developed a death wish. 

Even wisdom and knowledge seemed futile.

The wicked and the righteous experience the same fate: 

Naked we came into the world and naked we shall leave it.

And the ways of God are inscrutable.

But he does not find the answer.

All he can say is that God will bring everything to Judgement whether good or evil.

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The Blacklist.

When we pray for others we must remember that some rock stars, sportsmen, writers, and entertainers have turned to the devil for fame and fortune.

And so those for whom there is evidence of evil* must be placed on the Blacklist.

Not that we should not pray for them but that they would try to take advantage of us and benefit from our prayers but not change.

So for others we can pray for heaven and salvation.

But for those on the Blacklist we must pray that they change.

They must denounce the devil and all his works and turn to God through love - the unseen hook.

For the devil denounces love because God is love and those who love abide in God and God abides in them.  (1 John 4:16)

(*Images of the devil, his name, the Beast, monsters, hate, death, or hell.)

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Tough and Teeth.

Generation X insist that the answer is tough and teeth.

Meaning you have to be tough to endure life.

And the answer is teeth or superior strength.

But hidden behind this rigid facade is a black heart.

A heart of pure evil that resorts to violence and murder to achieve their ends.

And they project these qualities onto God.

And they force others to submit to their errors.

But at the root of this is fear.

Fear of losing, fear of being dominated, fear of weakness.....

But God does not resort to violence or force.

He will not coerce us.

God is non-violent.

He is merciful, forgiving, and gracious.

And His inmost nature is Love.

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Our Thoughts.

"With our thoughts we make the world." - the Buddha.

Our thoughts actually affect other people.

If we have bad thoughts about others it will affect them badly.

If we have good thoughts about others it will affect them positively.

 

So prejudice matters, and malice and vindictiveness count.

It has recently been suggested that prejudice and malice play a role in mental illness.

And this is my experience.

So working to alleviate prejudice and hatred is a worthwhile cause.

And our prayers for others will help.

These problems are caused by fear.

So getting to the root of the fears that inspire prejudice and hatred is essential.

Then the benefits will come to everyone.

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