Hallowed.

The Lord's Prayer begins with these words:

"Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name....."  Matthew 6:9b (NRSV)

Note that it says hallowed be your name not hallowed is your name.

And because the name of a god indicates his essential nature this is an important distinction.

Too often this has been understood as hallowed - i.e. holy - is your name - i.e. your essential nature.

But this is not what it says.

It says hallowed be your name - i.e. blessed and respected be your name.

So God is not distant, sacrosanct, and separate.

God is approachable.

And the name of God is Love.


[Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.]

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Evil Unmasked.

Rock legends, sporting heroes, superstars, divas.....
Movie stars, famous directors, writers, T.V. personalities.....

Many among these have sold their souls and secretly practise Satanism and the dark arts.

It is from here that much of our suffering comes.

They have betrayed us.

They have stabbed us in the back.

They have sabotaged our spiritual quest.

But modern Satanism wears a mask:

They pose as saviors and prophets.

They say, "We are gods."

But they are dogs (gods backwards).

See beneath the mask.

Beware of any dark or wicked words.

Avoid any deathly or hellish images.

And know the truth at at last.


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Global Village.

We now live in a global community.

No longer can we see only as far as our borders.

The Glass Curtain works both ways.

We can see out but they can also see in.

Issues like: modern slavery, land grabs, persecution of gays and lesbians, economic oppression, corruption, war, and starvation are global concerns.

And those who would build walls to block our sight cannot win.

Globalization has reached its final phase - people.

And we can escape our responsibilities no longer.


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Desire.

Some say that desire is the source of suffering.

But desire plays an important part in the perpetuation of life.

If we had no desire the human race would die out.

But like many things in life if desire is taken to extremes it becomes destructive.

So moderation is important.

I see little point in banning desire altogether.

Or developing a guilt complex about the inevitable.

So desire in moderation is a good thing.

And it is not to be feared.


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The River of Love.

Homosexuality is love.

The desire that derives from masculine beauty is none other than love.

The power of that desire is the power of love.

So we should let go of all thoughts of fear and guilt.

And immerse ourselves in the River of Love.


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Sex Education.

There is nothing wrong with sex education.

And gay sex education is no different.

Sex should be approached from a human perspective - i.e. as a desire for union with another.

But it should be made clear that incest and pedophilia are not acceptable, in fact they are illegal in our society.

This is not because of any moral objections but because they are extremely damaging to the individuals involved.

You should always respect the object of your desire - respect her or his wishes, respect her or his rights.

If you can do these things then there should be no great problems.


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The Next Generation.

After the positive media of the 1990s it seemed as if the pandemic of homophobia which was triggered by the AIDS crisis was largely over.

Especially when Churches like the Uniting Church in Australia conducted wide ranging discussions about homosexuality and religion.

But we failed to take into account the effect on the next generation.

Homophobia in the young has hardened into a snub-nosed prejudice that has made gay a put down used to bully and torment young gay people.

And the decline in religion means that the only message young gay people hear from the Church is that God hates them.

This is a tragedy of major proportions.

Much work needs to be done to redress the damage that has been done to the next generation.


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AIDS.

Some Evangelical Christians still say that AIDS is God's punishment on homosexuality.

This is plainly ridiculous because AIDS does not only affect homosexuals in any case.

But say, for example, your wife gets breast cancer, would you say that God was punishing her for being a woman?

Or say you get prostate cancer, would you say that God was punishing you for having sex?

Obviously you would not.

So why persist in saying that AIDS is God's punishment on homosexuals?

It is demonstrably untrue.

And it should be denounced for good!


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Rage, Rage.

In 1984 when Generation X began to rise and Reagan and Thatcher ruled I heard Sir Lawrence Olivier quote Dylan Thomas, "Rage, rage against the dying of the light."

Although the original poem is about human death the quote resonated with the time - the dying of the idealism and spirituality of the 1960s and 1970s.

In the I-Ching there is a hexagram called "Darkening of the Light" which refers to a time when the light is withdrawing and the darkness rising.

Only now can we see what was lost.


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The World.

The way of the world is the way of power and might.

The way of the devil is to steal and kill and destroy.  (John 10:10a)

That is why Jesus calls them children of the devil (John 8:44a) because they steal and kill and destroy.

"'Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of hosts.'"  Zechariah 4:6b (NRSV)

The way of God is non-violent.

God punishes no one.

It is the way of truth.

That is why I will not sing, "God of power and might."

He is not a God of power and might.

He does not use force or coercion.

He is a God of Love.

He is a God of mercy.

And His forgiveness is infinite.

"'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.'"  Matthew 5:9 (NRSV)


[Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.}

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Fear or Faith.

When we allow fear to control us we become part of the problem.

How can we overcome fear?

We say "God has forsaken the earth."

We have little faith.

If we had faith in the Love of God we would not be afraid.

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear." 1 John 4:18a (NRSV)

Were we to believe that God cares for us we would not need to build up huge reserves of money and possessions.

There would always be enough.

We could live with less.

And less is more.


[Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.]

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Ruin.

In the 1960s several Indian gurus migrated to the West.

Their message was meditation that led to enlightenment.

Unfortunately this coincided with the rise of rock music in our world.

And rock music promoted activities which transgressed Eastern religious laws.

The use of drugs, promiscuous sexual practises, and anti-social behavior - all of which were promoted in rock music - led to problems in the various sects.

The messages in the music were designed to get us into trouble and sabotage our search for God.

It is interesting to note that all of these gurus were eventually ruined.
Scandals of various kinds saw the demise of their enterprises.

I believe that they were deliberately set-up to fail so that their light would be extinguished.

If we look back to the 1960s we will see that the darkness has prevailed.

But there is new light in the ruins of the temples.

God is doing a new thing.

Old negative doctrines are being replaced by new positive ideas.

But unless people realize the evils of rock music and celebrity culture this light will meet the same fate as the gurus.


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The Way of God.

The way of God is the way of mercy.

The way of non-violent forgiveness and Love.

It is a way of peace.

God does not judge us as earthly authorities do.

God does not punish us.

There will be no Day of Judgement.

There will be no hell.

God is trustworthy, reliable, and steadfast in Love.

God is responsive when called upon.

And He wishes to communicate.

Above all the way of God is the way of the heart.

We can give thanks for that.


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Sex.

The basis of the popular rebellion against religion is that God is anti-sex.

This, of course, is demonstrably ridiculous.

God is the author of sex.

He has made us sexual beings.

So why would God be anti-sex?

The basis of religious objections to sex dates from ancient ascetic practises.

This is the source of St. Paul's hysterical writings on sex which the Christian Churches adopted.

You will not find these ideas in Jesus' teachings.

Jesus taught that God is Love.

And sex is closer to love than self-denial.

Those who practise self-denial seek to bargain with God.
They try to trade earthly pleasure for heavenly pleasure.

But you cannot bargain with God.

And why would God grant pleasure in Heaven if He was opposed to pleasure on earth?

These things are not logical.

And they insult God.

God is not opposed to sex.

Sex is an integral part of God's good creation.

And as such we should celebrate our sexuality as part of our redeeming love.


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Inconvenient.

Many people reject what I say because it is inconvenient.

Unorthodox views about Jesus and Christianity are highly inconvenient.
They put you out on a limb and they force you to take risks.

Uncustomary views about Satanism in our popular culture are most inconvenient for a population which is addicted to celebrity.

But a commitment to the truth requires us to act with courage and integrity.

Only then will God say, "Here I am."


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The Truth.

Jesus said, "'I came into the world, to testify to the truth.'"  John 18:37b (NRSV)  And, "'But because I tell you the truth, you do not believe me.'"  John 8:45 (NRSV)

I have discovered a Satanic conspiracy centered in popular rock music.

But you do not believe me.

I am committed, however, to the truth.

Inconvenient and dangerous as that may be.

I am vindicated by my experience and justified by God.

So don't discard what I say.

It is the absolute truth.


[Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.]

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The Light.

We are subject to fears in the darkness.

But when the Light comes it reveals that our fears are groundless.

And what is the Light but Love.


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Gay.

Homosexuality is Love.


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Gay Sex in the Kingdom of God.

Is it possible to practise gay sex in the Kingdom of God?

I believe that God does not discriminate.

So the answer should be: Yes!

But within the Kingdom of God there are still many people who oppose gay sex.

So we may experience hostility and opposition within the Kingdom.

Many gay people would say that it is better to reject the Kingdom than to have the Kingdom reject you.

But I say it is better to remain in the Kingdom and trust in God's Love.

If we pray for those around us who are persecuting gay men and lesbians perhaps God's Light may dawn upon them and they will see that God does not discriminate.


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Children of God.

"'The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.  I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.'"  John 10:10 (NRSV)

Do not be fooled by the subterfuge of Satanism which is hidden in rock music, popular entertainment, and sports.

They come only to steal and kill and destroy.

"'He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him.'"  John 8:44b (NRSV)

Do not believe their lies.

"'Whoever is from God hears the words of God.'"  John 8:47a (NRSV)

I speak the truth:

God does not punish us.

Hell is totally out of character for a loving God.

There is no devil in reality, only devil worshippers.

They worship a lie.

There is only God.

God is Love.

Love God with all your heart.

Love your neighbor as yourself.

Then you will be Children of God.


[Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.]

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Goodness.

We should not confuse being good with being well-behaved.

As children we are told that we are good when we do what we are told.

But this is not true goodness.

Goodness is an orientation of being.

Goodness is an attitude of benevolence.

Goodness is a habit of giving.

Goodness is a readiness to love.

So do not confuse goodness with mere behavioral compliance.

Goodness is so much more than that.


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Good People.

Good people tend to think that other people are good like themselves.

This naivety, some might call it gullibility, is the primary cause of the advance of evil in our world.

Evil people deceive good people and pose as saints, even saviors and messiahs.

And because these evil people are in positions of influence - mostly through the popular media - they lead good people astray.

So be careful who you follow.

They may not be as good as you think.


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Mass.

All men desire mass.

Good Works.

The old way of preaching was to do good works to earn a place in heaven.
Otherwise you would go to hell.

This fear-based message is not what Jesus taught.

It is the carrot and stick religion of the conservative establishment whose motivation is to control the masses.

Jesus taught to love God and love your neighbor.

Salvation is a free gift from God not something you have to earn.

And while much good has been done by the Churches in the past this fear undermines the central message of Love.

So overcome your fear and your lack of faith and love with all your heart.

Good works will follow.


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Gay.

I am gay.

I am a child of God.

I am a citizen of the world.

I am bound for Heaven.


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Thesis.

How have we finished up like this?

The world is darker, colder, more unequal than it has ever been.

My thesis is that since the 1960s rock bands have been practising covert Satanism in their music and videos and the negative influences which have flowed from this are the cause of many of our problems.

Drug addiction, promiscuity, adultery, divorce, hatred of the Church, witchcraft, magic, corruption, and evil.....

All these things derive from the rock music of the 1960s onwards.

But it is covered in darkness.

It is hard to see.

If you know what is at the root of it, however, you will know what to look for.

The negative interpretations of each generational group's astrological planets and signs gives a clue.

This is deliberate sabotage.

It is no wonder things are worse.

So look beneath the surface and take note of any negative references, especially those with religious overtones.

They may not be as harmless as you think.


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Brother Jesus.

When my friend Sean joined our church our minister Ian Brown said to him, "You should think of God as your Father and Jesus as your brother."

I agree.

Even though I believe that we are entering the Age of Aquarius and the new revelations from God are symbolized by the Water Carrier, I still believe that Jesus is the guiding spirit of the Age of Pisces.

Jesus is not my enemy.

Jesus is my brother.


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Living Proof.

I am living proof that God accepts gay people.

I am gay.

I am a member of the Uniting Church in Australia.

I receive communion.

I am a member of the Church Council.

I have received the gift of Grace.

I partake of God's Blessing.

I am affirmed.

I am Loved.


Photo: My Confirmation.

Love.

Over the years the Church has taught moral obedience and good works.

It has threatened people with hell.

Love has come a distant last.

So it is no wonder that conditions under Christendom were little better than before.

The Churches were teaching the wrong things.

Jesus said to love God and love your neighbor.

Jesus' only commandment was that we love one another.

So in the 21st Century we should return to the primary teaching of Jesus.

And that is to Love.


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Help People.

When asked what I wanted to do with my life as a teenager I said I wanted to help people.

This was an awkwardly expressed, vague feeling of benevolence towards others.

I did not know myself how I would do this.

Jesus said, "'first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor's eye.'"  Matthew 7:5 (NRSV)

So when I set out to discover what was wrong with the world I was on the right track.

What I have discovered is that there is not enough love in the world.

Human beings thrive on love.
Without love we struggle.

So if you want to help people show them love.

Love will guide you.
Love will care.
Love will help.

Jesus  said to love God and love your neighbor.

You could not get better advice than this.


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God's Name.

"'Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you, and these know you that you have sent me.  I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.'"  John 17:25,26 (NRSV)

In the ancient world to know a god's name was to know his nature.

Jesus says that the world does not know God.

The world thinks that God is angry, judgemental, harsh, even tyrannical. But Jesus shows us a loving Father who forgives even His most prodigal sons and daughters.

How could it be that Jesus knew God and the Pharisees - the keepers of the temple - did not?

"The shepherds also have no understanding, they have all turned to their own way, to their own gain, one and all."  Isaiah 56:11b (NRSV)

The Pharisees had no understanding because they were motivated by their own greed.

"'Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it!  How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!'"  Matthew 23:37 (NRSV)

This is God's desire to gather His children to His bosom but those in authority are not willing.

"Thus says the Lord God: Ah, you shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves!  Should not the shepherds feed the sheep?  You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fatlings; but you do not feed the sheep.  You have not strengthened the weak, you have not healed the sick, you have not bound up the injured, you have not brought back the strayed, you have not sought the lost, but with force and harshness you have ruled them."  Ezekiel 34:2b-4 (NRSV)

"With force and harshness you have ruled them."

Because they have no understanding of God and seek their own benefit.

Jesus shows us that God's nature is not that of a moral judge but of a loving Father.

Relationship with God is not about obeying but about love.

Love is considerate, love is forgiving, love is patient, love is kind.....

God's Church does not reflect God's love because the shepherds seek their own benefit.  They want power and authority, they are full of fear, not love.

Jesus knows God because he loved God.

"'"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind."  This is the greatest and first commandment.  And a second is like it: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.'"  Matthew 22:37-40 (NRSV)

So it is through love that we come to know God.

Jesus loved God.  The Pharisees feared God.

And this fear has been handed down from generation to generation to this very day as tradition.

Jesus criticized tradition as "human precepts."  Matthew 15:9b (NRSV)

And practised love above all things.

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love."  1 John 4:18 (NRSV)

So we are not to fear punishment - i.e. hell - we are to practise love.

The way of love still exists.

Love God and love your neighbor.

And you will come to know the name of God.


[Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.]

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Fear.

If we accept that it is the powers and authorities of this world which insist on the carrot and stick religion of rewards and punishments then what is it that causes them to ignore God's messengers and institute this punitive approach?

I believe that the reason is fear.

A lack of faith in God's benevolence and love results in a life ruled by fear.

"Forgiving people and restoring them to society just won't work."

"People are bad and unless you punish them they'll get worse."

This is fear talking.

So we have punishment disguised as justice.

But God does not punish anyone.

He loves us and restores us to life.

And His Love takes away our fear.


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