Magic….Masked Mechanization…Miraculous Might?

When Europeans first came to the Americas, many of the native inhabitants they met viewed these newcomers as super-human or god-like. Technology like gun powder, amazingly large naval vessels, and a vast assortment of other inquisitive European inventions appeared like magic or supernatural objects. To most Europeans, these objects were understood and their progress was well known and tracked. However, to peoples who had never known of their development, their sudden appearance seemed at times overwhelming and confusing. What appeared to Columbus and his men as cutting edge technology appeared to the native peoples as something from another world. (Then again, if you took Columbus or his men and fast forwarded to today, showing them your television, oven, or even bathroom…they might begin to wonder many of the same things about us…)

Take a look around us. Today our society, whether in the US or just about any other place on earth, prides itself on being not only modern, but well-informed and well-educated. With the amount of schools, universities, and information over such things as internet and cell phones it would appear that society on a global scale has entered an entirely new phase. Now world of a key news event, finding, or invention can travel the world literally in less than a second. Never before has the earth been presented with so much information…or so many inventions.

But amidst these things: Do we really notice?

For the past few generations we as Americans prided ourselves as innovators. Quick glances at magazines at almost any local news stand would find periodicals such as Popular Science trumpeting new discoveries and projects which sought to turn things seemingly ’science fiction’ into reality and tomorrow’s helpful innovation.

But out of curiosity: Where do we stand? How far have we really come? While much can be said of the vast improvements made in things like television….travel by car or airplane….or such things as kitchen appliances…How far have we advanced? And are we taking big strides…or small steps….And either way: why?

Being a man whose mind tends to shift towards philosophical, religious and historical issues….I am the first to admit that science is something that I cannot speak about with any personal authority. However, I will always remember being taught by many of my history teachers that those in society have always traditionally been behind the technological curve 40 years, or at least a few whole generations of technology ate. Currently, you may hear scientific findings making various claims, including that technology now doubles in scope every few months. (Perhaps you can personally attest to this if you have ever bought a personal computer and have tried to keep it up to date for even a year or two…Lots of small changes, correct?)

Maybe its not a big deal….Maybe its reading too much into it. And yet, I wonder just how well informed we all are. Take the internet for instance. It may be assumed that it is used regularly by the majority of households around the world (especially those in the US). Yet, how many people actually understand anything about the internet? Have you ever had to help an older person out and explain to them the difference between a web address, and an email address….Or the difference between a jpeg, gif, or pdf file? Maybe you have gotten frustrated with someone who always start by saying “w, w” before an email address…

Well, could you explain a few things for me? How up are you on current technology…(And does it matter?) If I mention a few terms, could you not only identify them…but explain briefly how they work or what they do, and what things they are used for?: ‘nanotechnology’, ‘Mosquito’ anti-deterrant technology, EMPs, Sound cannons, or audio spotlights? Many have perhaps heard of cloning, DNA mapping, genetically manufactured foods (gm foods), and other things….But how many of us actually understand these things in any detail? For those who did not quite catch all of those things and may be interested in reading more, here are a few articles describing these technologies:

Nanotechnology

http://www.nanotechproject.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanotechnology

Mosquito Sound technology (sonic weapon)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2006/04/04/mosquito_sound_wave_feature.shtml

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mosquito

Electro Magnetic Pulse (EMP’s)

http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/usnews/060308a.aspx

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_pulse

Sound Cannons (‘Active Denial System’, sonic/sound/accoustic/light weapons, etc)

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8DNUV2G3&show_article=1

http://blog.wired.com/defense/2007/11/acoustic-weapon.html

http://www.boingboing.net/2004/09/02/rncnyc-reported-pres.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonic_weaponry

Audio Spotlight

http://gadgets.boingboing.net/2007/12/13/billboard-inserts-au.html 

http://www.holosonics.com/

http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2002/02/50483

http://dvice.com/archives/2007/12/new_billboard_p.php

Perhaps you are wondering, “Why in the world is he talking about this? What does it REALLY matter, especially on a blog about prophecy?

In studying eschatology (study of the ‘end times’…from the Greek meaning ’study of the last’) in the Bible, don’t we see new technology and fantastic new global developments coming? And today…are we even keeping up, or might we one day be faced with something we consider so advanced and amazing…that it MUST be a miracle from God!! Furthermore, does history apply?: If the day comes when lots of technology is used (even all at once)…Do we as God’s flock know the voice of the Shepherd? Or will we know the truth from a trickster? Let me mention here and now: I AM NOT SUGGESTING THAT EVERYONE KEEP TRACK OF EVERYTHING. That is simply not possible even if we wanted to. But do we know God and stay in His ways so much that we can tell the difference between a true or a false miracle? (Or is that even possible?)

In describing the ‘end times’, Matthew 24:21-26 records Jesus as saying:

“21For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

22And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.

23Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.

24For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

25Behold, I have told you before.”

Didn’t Jesus himself talk about the sheep knowing the true shepherd? John 10:1-21 says:

“1Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

2But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

3To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

4And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

5And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

6This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.

7Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

8All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.

9I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

10The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

11I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

12But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

13The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

14I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

15As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

16And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

17Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

18No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

19There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.

20And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?

21Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?”

Many people like to talk about the Devil as an evil looking man, perhaps wearing a fiery red cape and holding a pronged pitchfork…And yet, is that how the Bible describes him? In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul talks about false teachers and Satan himself (note: emphasis mine):

2 Corinthians 11: 1-14

” 1I hope you will put up with a little of my foolishness; but you are already doing that. 2I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. 3But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough. 5But I do not think I am in the least inferior to those “super-apostles.” 6I may not be a trained speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way.

7Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of God to you free of charge? 8I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you. 9And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so. 10As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, nobody in the regions of Achaia will stop this boasting of mine. 11Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! 12And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. 13For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.”

When the last stages of the ‘end times’ do indeed start falling into place in plain view of the world, will we know the Shepherds voice? Will we have paid attention enough to know the truth from a deception? Will we have a close enough knowledge of scripture…of prophecy….Will we be in constant communion with God to be able to wade through these times of great deception? If faced with this coming great deception: Will you be prepared? Who will you be relying on: God? Or your own understanding? Will you let scripture be your guide? Or will possible new technologies so astound you that they may make you question everything you have ever known…or believed? Is it even possible?

What do you think?

Legislating ‘Unwanted’ Behavior: What Benefit? And at What Cost? (And who decides its ‘unwanted’?

The BBC posted an article yesterday entitled, “ ‘£10 licence to smoke’ proposed”. You can find it at:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/7247470.stm

The basic premise is supposed to be that people will see even more taxes on smoking, and then decide that it is ‘not worth it’ and quit. However, wasn’t that the reason behind cigarette taxes…and why they continue to go up, up, up? Have they worked? And will this help people who have enough money that they are not concerned with their finances?

This reminds me of many similar articles discussing ‘unwanted’ behavior (termed so by politicians, at least as far as I can tell). But when have the people demanded these things, and how do we know other than we are told we want these things? And furthermore: Is it legal to make these laws? Are these restrictions even legal under current law?) Have you noticed these types of laws? They range from many areas including :

…..Proposed new taxes on driving (for example: to cut down on carbon dioxide, current tests are in place taxing drivers based on distance and time of day driven. For more information, check websites such as this one here:

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/Jan/25/weekend-rush-hour-fees-proposed-to-unclog-i-70/

http://www.wired.com/cars/energy/news/2003/06/58616

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-09-20-roads_N.htm

http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/25/scientists-test-pay-as-you-go-driving/

….Not allowing people termed by authorities as ‘overweight’ to be served at restaurants in Mississippi

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22997073/wid/11915773

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/02/03/wobese103.xml

House Bill 282 : http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2008/pdf/history/HB/HB0282.xml

(From the bill at the link and article listed above:

“Any food establishment to which this section applies shall not be allowed to serve food to any person who is obese, based on criteria prescribed by the State Department of Health after consultation with the Mississippi Council on Obesity Prevention and Management established under Section 41-101-1 or its successor. The State Department of Health shall prepare written materials that describe and explain the criteria for determining whether a person is obese, and shall provide those materials to all food establishments to which this section applies. A food establishment shall be entitled to rely on the criteria for obesity in those written materials when determining whether or not it is allowed to serve food to any person.”

…..Charging ‘Rush Hour’ fees on busy flights

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CE7DE1031F936A25751C1A967958260

……Charging extra carbon tax on tickets for ‘frequent fliers’ (What does that mean? Who decides that?)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2007/jun/11/conservativeparty.greaterlondonauthority

….Not allowing people to control the thermostats in their own homes…..

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/11/us/11control.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1203179021-RioZxx0c95dx8IE+GNCTMA

….to laws requiring motorists to use seatbelts, or motorcycle riders to wear helmets…..

http://www.kentuckyvotes.org/2006-HB-117

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F0CE5D71630F936A2575BC0A965958260

What am I getting at? Could a case be made that there is a pattern here? Many have heard of stories or slogans which describes an age-old problem of how to get a mule to move. Perhaps you have heard of it…Many know it as using the ‘carrot or the stick’ method. The theory states that it is much more useful to get that mule to move if it has positive reinforcement which motivates that mule to move itself (thus accomplishing what the owner wanted all along). However, was the mule actually forced to do anything? The theory also discusses what happens when the Mule is given the ’stick’, or beaten into doing what its owner intended. In the end, the mule is negatively influenced, and does what it can to avoid another punishment or hit with the stick. However, the mule only does so in fear in the hopes of not being hurt again.

Does this in any way apply to current political situations around the world? Or not? And if it does: Who is the ‘owner’, and who is the ‘mule’? There is a lot of talk of improving society, whether it be by cutting out smoking habits linked to cancer, helping people eat correctly and employ healthy living habits, taking care of the environment, and so forth. In and of themselves, are these not good and positive things? Yet at the same time, we live in a free society, correct? Knowing what we know of the human condition, to people make mistakes? Do people make better decisions by being motivated to doing the right thing, or forced into doing the right thing? (And does this apply to how God treats our decision to follow him or not as well?). If politicians have our best interests at heart, can’t they find ways to positively motivate people into wanting to change, instead of simply forcing it down people’s throats whether they want it or not? While some may say that in the end, people sometimes refuse to act responsibly…But to that I wonder…in a free society…Do we not recognize that God made each of us free to fail or to succeed….to act wisely or foolishly? And even if we think we do know better than those around us: Are we living in a free society by forcing them to do the right thing? What gives us the right?

There is a lot of talk by popular ‘people’s parties’ about the growing financial gap between the richer and poorer classes. When we see policies like these which penalize people by tax for acting in certain ways: Does that really change the behavior? If it did, would it be worthwhile if it is forced? And if these things do not change behavior, why do we keep taxing and making more regulations trying to legislate people into living in a certain manner? Is this even allowed in a free society? And where are these supposed populist parties: Why are they not screaming for the rights of the common man to, for example, drive to work and daycare without being penalized because he needs to get to work at 8am instead of 7 9?

While I am all for making personal and societal improvements, I have to wonder how we can, in a free society, try to force or penalize people into living in a manner fitting to some, but not all, of us. Who gets to make these decisions? And who is forced to follow the will of someone else? Can a case be made that everything we do personally affects everyone else personally? And if that is the case….Do we all need to have collective global laws governing each of our own personal actions? And furthermore…if this is the case….Who gets to decide what is right and wrong…what can or cannot be done? And if policies like this persist in not stamping out behavior, but adding both penalty (tax) or control/oversight by a bureaucratic body: What is really happening? Are we improving our way of life, or setting up an invisible prison around us?

How might this apply to prophecy? Well, if these things are being done about general health….How far can these types of laws go? What is and is not off limits in legislating how people must live…or face penalty (whether by further taxation, forfeiture, or incarceration)? Speaking of health laws….How long until calls are made about mental and spiritual health? Perhaps you have already heard people who claim to not be religious who want a completely religious-free society, as they blame religion for the wars and problems throughout human history….Or you may have already heard people who are extremely religious discuss ‘better ways of government’ through a theocratic, or religious type of government. Do people really want either of these things? And whether we do or we do not: With this current trend of trying to penalize people into doing the right thing (remind you of a parent and a child relationship? If so, what does this say about our ‘free society’?)…..Can we see a coming global government who might want to use this type of total control to establish a strong one-world religion and governmental system?

Furthermore, I would ask Believers: Is this Biblically correct? What does the Bible teach will change our hearts? Can we really create a society which will make us want to be good? Does the Bible promote personal responsibility (with support from others)…or does it promote public responsibility over each individual…..Or does it promote something else entirely different? What does scripture say should show us how we live? And how should that be enforced…or not?

While I believe there are many people who want to improve society, I also believe many people do not think before they act. History is full of examples of peoples who did not think far enough before they acted…and many paid with their freedom, and their lives. Are we considering the consequences of our actions…whether secular…or spiritual? What do we see? Or does the ends really justify the means? Are we following Biblical values….Are we understanding our human condition, and taking into consideration Biblical examples and concepts to apply to our lives?

What do you think?