NEWS & VIEWS on the World, the Church, Prophecy, Origin of Nations and British-Israel

Moves toward regionalisation

2007-12-23T11:03:00.000+11:00

It looks like the world is moving toward regional unions. I read about plans for this in the Club of Rome's book on "Re-shaping the International Order" (RIO) in the late 1970s. The Fabians have had similar plans for decades.

The thing is, 1. who will lead this attempt at world governance? And 2. will such unions actually survive? What 3. will happen to the Anglo-Saxon Powers?:

1. According to the prophecies it will be a German-led Europe and recent surveys show that people are looking to it as an alternative to the USA. When they speak with a single voice with a President, Foreign Minister and embassies in 2009/10, the EU will be taken very seriously. The world will cry 'peace and safety' once the EU forces its will upon the world and the Anglo-Saxons will disarm thinking that we will have 'peace in our time.' (I explained this in the 2 books I have published). I might add that Gene Hogberg's prediction in the late 1970s that the UNO will move to Europe (and probably Austria) is still on the cards.

2. I still recall a letter from Robert Boraker in 1977 wherein he mentioned that the closer we get to world governance the greater the tensions will be because of racial/religious/political differences. The gentile nations will tend toward fascism while the Israelites will want to mantain liberalism. So, the prophecies show the Anglo-Saxon nations being invaded and enslaved in the greatest double-cross in world history. Mexico will join with the German-led Europeans in invading the USA.

3. "Among all her lovers there is none to comfort her. All her friends have betrayed her; they have become her enemies." (Lam 1:2).
"You adulterous wife! You prefer strangers to your own husband! Every prostitute receives a fee, but you give gifts to all your lovers, bribing them to come to you from everywhere for your illicit favors." (Eze 16:32,33)

Australia is likewise being pushed toward Asianisation. As such, the House of Israel is being so weakened that we will not be able to resist the future conquests that are prophesied. See my article on slavery and the other on the necessity to warn our peoples (Ezekiel's Message) at http://www.originofnations.org/HRP_Papers/doc/index.htm

See the article below

http://www.augustreview.com/news_commentary/north_american_union/the_north_american_union_and_the_larger_plan_2007121884/

On June 14, 2007 BankIntroductions.com told their clients that in the next 10-20 years, as the global economy moves toward regional trading blocs, the amero or "North American Monetary Unit" (NAMU) will be introduced. The power elite's plan is to form regional unions with their own currencies and then link them into a world government with one global currency. Relevant to this, Reuters reporter Emmanuel Jarry on October 23, 2007 wrote "Sarkozy (French President) Calls for Mediterranean Union Launch in 2008." And the African Union's African Central Bank plans to mint the "Gold Mandela" as a single African currency by 2010 (the date the NAU is supposed to form).If you look at the top of the website for the Single Global Currency Association (SGCA), there is a quote by former Federal Reserve chairman Paul Volcker, saying: "A global economy requires a global currency." The SGCA "is dedicated to the goal of implementing a single global currency by 2025...managed by a single international central bank." I have already indicated that on the cover of THE ECONOMIST (June 9, 1988) is a picture of "The Phoenix," a global currency suggested for implementation in 2018.

An invasion of armies can be resisted, but not an idea whose time has come. — Victor Hugo

A super-German state about to emerge?

2007-12-20T22:45:00.000+11:00

I feel that it is likely that the possible breakup of Belgium into 2 or 3 parts based along ethnic lines, will herald an eventual similar redrawing of the map of the EU. For example, Austria, 2/3 of Switzerland, Alsace in France, Tyrol region of northern Italy, the Lux and pockets in Denmark and Poland are German - these may come together into a super-German state. Other areas of the EU would also reform themselves along ethnic lines.

Something to watch ...

------------------------------------

From: German-Foreign-Policy [mailto:newsletter@german-foreign-policy.com]Sent: Tuesday, 18 December 2007 10:50 AMTo: surfer11@iprimus.com.auSubject: Newsletter 2007/12/11 - Accession Plans (Crisis in Belgium)Newsletter 2007/12/11 -

Accession PlansBRUSSELS/EUPEN/DUESSELDORF/BERLIN (Own report) -

The ongoing current government crisis in Brussels is provoking discussions of secession projects in Belgium's Germanophonic eastern cantons. If the two large regions in Belgium, Flanders and Wallonia, really separate, why should the Eupen and St. Vith region not reorient itself - is a question being raised among the 70.000 Germanophones in eastern Belgium, who are also discussing their region's possible accession to Luxemburg or Germany. Intensive preparations by Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia, in close cooperation with the Germanophonic administration in eastern Belgium, point toward the German option.

The two regions initiated new forms of cooperation last summer. Flemish separatism is at the root of Belgium's current government crisis and could, eventually, lead to a breakup of the country. In the past, Flemish separatism was strongly influenced by an anti-French alliance with a westward spreading German hegemonic policy. Berlin's objective was always to roll back French influence on its western neighbor.more http://www.german-foreign-policy.com/en/fulltext/56118

Is the ECB trying to destroy the USD?

2007-12-13T21:11:00.000+11:00

The ECB website is www.ecb.int/home/html/index.en.html

The article below appeared in the Golden Eagle website.

ECB Breaks US Dollar's Neck

Yesterday, December 6, 2007, the ECB's Trichet announced that, while currently holding steady at 4.00 percent, he is willing to raise the euro's equivalent of the US federal funds rate in a heartbeat if euro-zone price inflation continues to rise next year.
EU zone inflation is widely expected to reach 2.5 percent next year, well above the ECB's tolerance level of around 2.00 percent.
The past eight years since the introduction of the euro have shown that the ECB is usually good for its word. What its president says it will do mostly turns out to be what it eventually does.
While the ECB is still a central bank and therefore not very far removed from the institution's in-bred bias toward market manipulation, it plays an entirely different game than the US Fed does. It was set up that way. The entire euro scheme was set up in that fashion, and this latest announcement from Trichet proves the point.
At a time when the global financial world is reeling from the US generated credit crunch, when most currencies are competing with the greenback as to who can fall faster, and after the Fed already saw itself constrained to drop its interest rate-trousers by a half percent in September and another quarter in October, the ECB has the audacity to announce its bias toward raising its repo rate.
How can it do that?
For one, the euro has a much easier position to start out with than the dollar has.
The EU's common currency does not have to strain under the weight of gold-adversity as the dollar does. In the US, any remnants of public memory that gold was once a currency and is still the world's best safe haven bet had to be carefully stamped out.
The euro, on the other hand is rather buoyed by appreciations in the gold price because the ECB revalues its gold reserves quarterly at then-current market prices - while the USD hangs on to a useless and outdated $42 per ounce "official gold price".
The euro also started out with a clean slate. It had no trade deficit worth mentioning with any country, much less the world. The dollar does, and its deficit is burgeoning beyond any prudent measure.
CFR-driven "globalization" efforts have caused the US to grant China "most favored nation" status, which has led to the wholesale export of US jobs and manufacturing capacity to that country. That, in turn, made Americans dependent on cheap imports from China. This has helped US price inflation somewhat, but has also caused a huge trade deficit to build up. The enormous holding of US treasuries by Asian exporters and China are hanging over the dollar's head like the proverbial Damocles' sword.
US consumers quickly became the globalized world's economic engine. The world got rich on the backs of America's profligate consumption habits.
In order to keep Americans spending, the US business cycle has been, and continues to be, constantly stoked by below-market interest rates. That fulfilled two functions: It kept the US economic engine humming while keeping Americans far removed from any ideas of saving some of their income rather than spending it all, and then some. A prolonged period of low interest rates made saving unprofitable, even "uncool". Spending and investing in overblown stocks was way cooler.
Then came the real estate bubble. Rising home prices fueled the refi boom and gave Americans a way to hock their homes in order to fund future consumption.
After 9-11, the Fed dropped the federal funds rate in several consecutive emergency rate cuts all the way down to the one percent mark, where it stayed for a considerable period of time. The ECB had the luxury of following the US Fed's rate down only slowly and haltingly while the Fed cranked the monetary inflation machine for all it was worth.
When the Fed began raising rates again in 2003, the ECB simply followed behind, slowly, carefully – prudently - allowing the Fed to pull the brakes hard after previously flooring the gas pedal, giving the US housing market a bad case of whiplash.
With Trichet's announcement of yesterday, the ECB has now suddenly and unexpectedly yanked the Fed's chain – nearly ripping its head off. The dollar's free-fall had to end somewhere, and the tact that the dollar was standing on the hangman's platform with a noose around its neck made the extent of the fall somewhat predictable. It would fall until it reached the end of its rope.
That rope was temporarily let out just a bit longer back in early 2005 when the dollar began its two-year bounce. The euro wasn't ready, yet. Its economy could not yet digest a USD exchange rate of 1.40. Too many EU exporters were still dependent on the US consumer - but that has now changed.
Whereas previously the ECB simply stood pat on many occasions as the Fed went through its wild gyrations, proving itself to be a stalwart of caution and deliberation in the eyes of the world, it has now signaled that it will move in opposition to the Fed.
This latest ECB signal is about to become the dollar's death-knell.
If the ECB really does hike its repo rate next year while the US Fed is condemned to flood its own economy with liquidity in order to (temporarily) stave off a total credit collapse and deflationary recession, the dollar is simply doomed.
The Saudi's have already gone off their dollar-peg, and so have a number of other oil producing countries. They can't afford that peg any longer because following the Fed's inflationary policies will cause them to suffer the same kind of inflation – and they simply don't see a point in that futile exercise.
Without the dollar peg, there no longer is much of a reason to accept only dollars for oil. Their ruminations on the subject have recently been broadcast to the world when a microphone to the press room was conveniently left open during a "private" session of OPEC ministers. It's no secret anymore. It's been all over the news.
On top of that, Iran just announced that it has finally severed all ties to the dollar and will no longer accept any dollars for its oil, from anyone. Coincidence? I think not.
The 'Coup de Grace'
With its move, the ECB has demonstrated to the world that the euro is a far safer bet as a world reserve currency than the dollar has ever been since it decoupled from gold in 1971. That makes the euro the top choice of currencies likely to be taken in trade for oil by the world's oil exporters.
No dollar-demand by oil importers means that fully one half of the world's dollar supply - the half that is currently floating outside the US economy - will come "home."
Those dollars will not be welcome.
Oh well, at least Bernanke won't need to worry about there not being enough liquidity in the US economy to stave off the coming deflationary depression. He may not have to crank up his proverbial cash-helicopter, after all.
Remember, through all of this, that the euro is not gold-adverse.
It would be wise to take that into consideration when figuring our how high the fiat-price of gold will go in the future.
What can the United States government do to deflect the worst effects of this development?
It can repeal all capital gains an income taxes on the dollar-appreciation of gold circulated as money. Since the current US government would rather drive a stake through its own heart (if it had one) than do anything of the sort, there is only one thing left for Americans to do in order to avert this certain catastrophe: Elect Ron Paul president in 2008.
Got gold?

9 December 2007
Alex WallenweinEditor, PublisherThe EURO VS DOLLAR MONITOR

The end of America!

2007-11-26T23:18:00.000+11:00

NEW BUCHANAN BOOK DECLARES 'END OF AMERICA'

Sun Nov 25 2007 20:40:15 ET

*Exclusive*

"America is coming apart, decomposing, and...the likelihood of her survival as one nation...is improbable -- and impossible if America continues on her current course," declares Pat Buchanan. "For we are on a path to national suicide."

The best-selling author and former presidential candidate is on the eve of launching his new epic book: DAY OF RECKONING: HOW HUBRIS, IDEOLOGY AND GREED ARE TEARING AMERICA APART.

This time, Buchanan goes all the way: "America is in an existential crisis from which the nation may not survive." The U.S. Army is breaking and is too small to meet America’s global commitments. The dollar has sunk to historic lows and is being abandoned by foreign governments. U.S. manufacturing is being hollowed out. The greatest invasion in history, from the Third World, is swamping the ethno-cultural core of the country, leading to Balkanization and the loss of the Southwest to Mexico.The culture is collapsing and the nation is being deconstructed along the lines of race and class.

A fiscal crisis looms as the unfunded mandates of Social Security and Medicare remain unaddressed. All these crises are hitting America at once -- a perfect storm of crises. Specifically, Buchanan contends:

• Pax Americana, the era of U.S. global dominance, is over. A struggle for global hegemony has begun among the United States, China, a resurgent Russia and radical Islam

• Bush’s invasion of Iraq was a product of hubris and of ideology, a secular religion of “democratism,” to which Bush was converted in the days following 9/11

• Torn asunder by a culture war, America has now begun to break down along class, ethnic and racial lines.

• The greatest threat to U.S. sovereignty and independence is the scheme of a global elite to erase America’s borders and merge the USA, Mexico and Canada into a North American Union.

• Free trade is shipping jobs, factories and technology to China and plunging America into permanent dependency and unpayable debt. One of every six U.S. manufacturing jobs vanished under Bush

• “Sovereign Wealth Funds,” controlled by foreign regimes and stuffed with trillions of dollars from U.S. trade deficits, are buying up strategic corporate assets vital to America’s security

• As U.S. wages are stagnant, corporate CEOs are raking in rising pay and benefits 400 to 500 times that of their workers

• The Third World invasion through Mexico is a graver threat to our survival as one nation than anything happening in Afghanistan or Iraq* European-Americans, 89% of the nation when JFK took the oath, are now 66% and sinking. Before 2050, America is a Third World nation

• By 2060, America will add 167 million people and 105 million immigrants will be here, triple the 37 million today.

• Hispanics will be over 100 million in 2050 and concentrated in a Southwest most Mexicans believe belongs to them

Buchanan’s Recommendations:

• A new foreign-defense policy that closes most of the 1000 bases overseas, reviews all alliances, and brings home U.S. troops

• A purge of neoconservative ideology and the “Cakewalk” crowd” from national power.

• To avert a second Cold War, the United States should “get out of Russia’s space and get out of Russia’s face,” and shut down all U.S. bases on the soil of the former Soviet Union

• To reach a cold peace in the culture war, Buchanan urges a return to federalism and the overthrow of our judicial dictatorship by Congressionally mandated restrictions on the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.

• To end the trade deficits and save the dollar, Buchanan urges a Hamiltonian solution: a 20% Border Equity Tax on imports, with the $500 billion raised to be used to end taxation on American producers

• To prevent America becoming “a tangle of squabbling nationalities” Buchanan urges: No amnesty for the 12-20 million illegal aliens; a border fence from San Diego to Brownsville; Congressional declarations that children born to illegal aliens are not citizens and English is the language of the United States; and a “timeout” on all immigration.

Developing...

Death of Mrs Hoeh

2007-11-24T21:19:00.000+11:00

Dr Hoeh's wife has died. A glorious generation of Church of God pioneers is passing away. For further information about Dr Hoeh and his research click here.
_________________________________________________

Isabell Flora (Kunkel) Hoeh
15 May 1924 to 21 November 2007

Mother is remembered for a skip in her step and a songbird's "hello" for each of us. Our days began with the sound of Mom in the pre-dawnkitchen promising a sunlit day. This prepared us for each day and Mother then had time to enjoy her garden.

Her pioneer spirit of mid-west origin had opportunity to mingle with metropolitan and even global society. In this she was friendly andhad a kind or at least a considered and tempered word for all she encountered.

Like a tree in a favorite sitting place, memory of her gives moment to contemplate the gravity of life's journey.

The family wishes to thank you for your thoughtful and heartwarming cards and letters which supported us and our Mother over the lastfew years. There will be a private service for family only.
Donations in her memory can be made to your local food bank.

Chinese vs EU economy: there is no contest!

2007-11-19T00:13:00.000+11:00

The EU is still the one to watch - it is 1/3 of the entire world's economy! China was 8%, but now seems to be much smaller! So much for the globalist propaganda ...
______________________

November 17, 2007
Economic Juggernaut Of China Just A Mirage?

For the last few years, analysts have warned that China's growing economic power would threaten America's leadership position on trade and and the global economy. Two days ago, in a mostly overlooked Financial Times report, an American economist threw a healthy dose of cold water on such speculation. The tea leaves, Albert Keidel insists, show an economy barely over half of what most analysts assumed in China:

China's economy is 40 percent smaller than most recent estimates, a US economist said Wednesday, citing data from the Asian Development Bank and guidelines from the World Bank.

Albert Keidel, a senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and a former US Treasury official and World Bank economist, made the comments in a report published by the US think tank and in a commentary in the Financial Times.

Keidel told AFP he made the calculations based on a recent ADB report that made its first analysis of China's economy based on so-called purchasing power parity (PPP), which strips out the impact of exchange rates.
"The results tell us that when the World Bank announces its expected PPP data revisions later this year, China's economy will turn out to be 40 percent smaller than previously stated," Keidel wrote.

"This more accurate picture of China clarifies why Beijing concentrates so heavily on domestic priorities such as growth, public investment, pollution control and poverty reduction."

Poverty has been sharply underestimated, hidden by the vagaries of the exchange rates in play. Instead of 100 million Chinese living below the dollar-a-day poverty line, that number moves to 300 million -- the rough equivalent of the entire US population. And while China's economy has begun to move past Japan's as the largest in the Pacific Rim, it will take two decades longer than expected for them to challenge the US for global economic leadership.

Keidel notes that the efforts to move people out of poverty in China and India -- which Keidel also re-evaluates in this report -- was much larger than first thought, and the progress made has not been as impressive as assumed. China has moved perhaps 40% of the poor as defined by the World Bank to a better standard of living over the last twenty years, but not the two-thirds most economists had assumed. Because of this, the Chinese priorities for economic development make more sense, as does its monetary policy, to which the US regularly objects.

For the rest of the article go to http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/archives/016027.php

Rare and old WCG & AC theses and papers

2007-11-10T01:10:00.000+11:00

A virtual online Ambassador College has been established at http://www.friendsofsabbath.org/ABC.htm.

Note: this is the first tentative step toward the online college. It will be developed and improved upon over the months and years.

In this site we provide you with a huge amount of resources and information which was available at Ambassador College plus old WCG books and booklets. There are other materials by CoG members that also fit with our beliefs contained within the folders. Others will be added in due course.

Feel free to print out the material and to pass them on to friends! But do not plagiarise.

Please read the list of theses and papers we are still trying to locate and contact us if you can help us obtain copies of them.

Free book offer: Occult Holidays or God’s Holy Days—Which?

2007-11-04T00:45:00.000+11:00

Tremendous free book by Fred Coulter, Christian Biblical Church of God.

Click here for further information.

What's Ahead for America?

2007-11-04T00:39:00.000+11:00

A commentary by John Ross Schroeder

Good News magazine senior writer, United Kingdom

Sensing a weakness of will, adversarial nations appear to be ganging up on the United States. Is America on its way to becoming a second-rate power?

Russia 's President Vladimir Putin recently travelled to the capital of Iran to conclude a pact with five countries bordering the Caspian Sea, stipulating that no other country be allowed to interfere militarily or politically in the affairs of this Caspian bloc of nations. Some observers understand this pact as a warning to the United States not to carry out any military action against Iran.

Iranian President Ahmadinejad has been invited to Moscow for further talks. Only a short time ago he was allowed to vent his anger against America inside our own borders, perhaps chiefly because the United Nations (UN) headquarters is located in New York City. As US News and World Report Editor-in-chief Mortimer Zuckerman observed, "Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad came to America to stick his thumb in our eye and deliver a sanitized version of 'Death to America and the Holocaust Never Occurred'" (October 8, emphasis added throughout).

Naturally, both Russia and Iran oppose the eastward movement of NATO. Iran is counting on Russia and China to oppose any proposed future sanctions against Iran by the UN Security Council. According to the Financial Times, "Russia and China have resisted every attempt to agree to a UN sanctions resolution for six months and may never agree to anything that bites" (October 27).

Further, The Guardian (London) tells us that a resurgent Sino-Russian political embrace is already well under way (October 12). " Moscow and Beijing are closer now than in the Communist period…They have frustrated Western hopes for sanctions or other tough action on disputes ranging from Burma and Darfur to Iran. They are blocking a solution on Kosovo." Russian-American tensions are clearly on the rise, alarmingly so.

We've looked briefly at the international front. Now consider some of what is happening on the American domestic scene and how it is viewed from abroad.

Alan M. Webber is founding editor of business magazine, Fast Company. On a recent business trip to Europe he heard some disturbing thoughts about the United States. At one gathering in Austria the observations came in the form of laments. "You used to be such a great country…What happened to the great idea that once defined America?"

Now consider Mr. Webber's comment on America, viewing the country from afar: "You realize how far the United States has drifted from its promise, how large the gap is between what we profess and what we do...how diminished our economic superiority has become; and how worn our once impeccable image has become."

The dollar is currently viewed as a second-rate currency in Europe. The euro is looked at as towering over the once vaunted American dollar. Alan Webber asks: "Is there a point where diminished prestige actually becomes diminished economic leadership?"

Summing up he concluded: "In America, it's business as usual. We've simply learned to accept our way of life, rather than confronting the reality of our decline. Maybe that's what happens to once-rich, once-powerful superpowers as they gradually decline. They lose track of their own standards" (USA Today, October 19).

Most disturbing today is the stubborn persistence of our moral problems: abortion, pornography, adultery, male and female homosexuality and out-of-control national and personal debt—to name just a few. In response to the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech, one correspondent wrote to a major American newsweekly: "Why does it perplex us when these violent eruptions take place? One needs only to channel surf the television any night of the week to see show after show dealing with murder, rape, stalkers, violence toward police, gangs, war and domestic violence."

We don't seem to want the Ten Commandments in our schools or in our public buildings. We break all ten of them in ways we don't even realize anymore. Yet they provide the crucial key to a much needed moral awakening. Summing up God's spiritual laws as revealed in the Bible, they reflect proper love and respect for both God and neighbour.

While you and I cannot change the world, Jesus Christ does tell us that being a light to the world is important (Matthew 5:14-16). To be a proper example each of us needs to apply the moral values embodied in the Ten Commandments. We also need an understanding of what biblical prophecy reveals about the moral decline of the United States and other Western nations and the results we can expect from it.

To learn more about how prophesied future events will relate directly to you simply request or download our free booklets, The Ten Commandments and The United States and Britain in Bible Prophecy.

The EU's war against US companies!

2007-11-01T23:06:00.000+11:00

European Imperialism

October 31, 2007; Page A20

Microsoft waved the white flag this month by dropping all appeals of the European Union's 2004 ruling against the software giant. The episode shows that Europe now writes the rules for global business across the board -- unapologetically to the benefit of its own industry. American companies are learning they have little choice but to obey.

...

The result is a quiet but concerted war on non-European commerce, and especially on U.S. companies. Antitrust policy in Brussels is a battlefield, particularly for high-tech firms. Mario Monti, the former EU competition czar who issued the ruling against Microsoft's software "bundling," told an Italian newspaper last month that putting such U.S. giants in their place was "the true strength of a united Europe." His successor, Neelie Kroes, celebrated a court decision upholding that decision by musing about how low she'd like Microsoft's market share to fall. Next in her sights are Intel, Qualcomm, Apple and Google, among others.

...

The larger theme here is that unelected officials in Brussels, and protectionist politicians in EU capitals, are using their regulatory power as a tool of economic nationalism. Under the cover of some nice-sounding social goals, they are harming U.S. companies and reducing commercial freedom. This is a growing threat to U.S. prosperity, and American politicians and regulators had better wake up to it.

[For the complete article click here]

Church of God, seventh day

2007-11-01T00:07:00.000+11:00

The Church of God, seventh day, seems to be taking a softer and softer approach against Holy Day observance over the last couple of years.

Check out their website at www.cog7.org

Cover of their latest edition of their Bible Advocate magazine is pictured.

Sarkozy Touts 'Mediterranean Union' Plan - but why?

2007-10-31T23:48:00.000+11:00

Notice the last paragraph. Has he got some inside information and is trying to stave off a fascist backlash in Europe against North Africa through this initiative, one wonders?
_______________________________

The controversial plan for a political, economic, and cultural union would tie Southern Europe with parts of the Middle East and Africa
by Renata Goldirova

French president Nicolas Sarkozy has reiterated his plan to set up a Mediterranean Union, a loose grouping of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, in 2008 -- a move that is likely to raise eyebrows in some parts of Europe.

"I invite all the heads of state and government of countries bordering the Mediterranean to meet in France in June 2008 to lay the foundations of a political, economic and cultural union founded on the principles of strict equality", Mr Sarkozy said during his visit to Morocco on Tuesday (23 October).

He added that "in the Mediterranean will be decided whether or not civilisations and religions will wage the most terrible of wars...whether or not the North and the South will clash".

The growing rift between the EU and USA

2007-10-28T17:00:00.000+11:00

Atlas Shrugs: Belien: "We're all Nazis now?"
(that is, for just wanting to discuss the danger that Islam poses for Europe.)
...
Philosopher Roger Scruton, who also spoke at a VB event:
As the British conservative philosopher and author Roger Scruton said in a speech in Antwerp last year, the charge of racism and xenophobia in the EU countries "has become the equivalent of a charge of heresy in medieval Europe, of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts, or of ‘deviationism" in the Stalinist state." However, as Mr. Scruton pointed out, "we have a duty to brave the charge of ‘racism and xenophobia’, and to discuss every aspect of immigration." ...
...
Unfortunately, some Americans realize that Europe is in for a disaster but seem to think that it is only getting what it deserves. Europe has to be destroyed by the Muslims as a punishment for the Nazis’ crimes during WWII.

Last year, I was invited to speak about the situation in Europe at one of America’s major universities. For two days my host subjected me to the most terrible accusations. He told me I would have to suffer for what my ancestors had done to his ancestors. "One cannot respect the Europeans," he said. "America should have nuked Europe during WWII instead of Japan. If ever things turn nasty in Europe I will make sure that neither you nor any white European will be allowed to seek shelter in the US. I would rather invite the Muslims in than you and your lot, because one can respect Muslims but not Europeans."...

from:
http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2007/10/belien-were-all.html

Russia moves toward Fascism

2007-10-27T21:05:00.000+10:00

As Russia moves toward fascism, it is adopting very old symbols (greatly at odds with communist symbols). I still think that, at some time in the future, a fascist European Empire and Russia will cooperate very closely against the West, before they have their own falling out. Any way, check out this article:

The holidays and symbols of the new Russian state

Excerpts from a RIA Novosti online conference with Georgy Vilinbakhov, State Heraldry Master of the Russian Federation:

Question: Who established the Russian state awards?
Answer: The Order of St. Andrew the First Called - Russia's first award - was established by Peter the Great. Russia also owes the appearance of its medals to him.

Q: What are Russia's national symbols?
A: We have the national anthem, flag and coat-of-arms. Every country has a verbal designation - that is, its name; a symbolic one - the flag and coat-of-arms; and a musical one - the anthem. These symbols occasionally go together, but it is more correct to use each independently.

For the full article go to

http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20070608/66881708-print.html

___________________________________________

June 16, 2007

Ruthless Russia

By Peter B. Martin

It was but all a dream to ever believe Russia would be benign and peaceful under Putin. Deplorably, numerous people in strategic posts misjudged Russia.Today the Kremlin is on the offensive. It has positioned military and ex-security service personal in charge of Russian industry and all key governmental posts.

It is liquidating its adversaries even across international borders, has gagged the media, suppressed civil liberties, harassed foreign diplomats, intimidated businessmen and NGOs, it's threatened to target Europe with ABM missiles, it carried out intense cyber attacks against its neighbor, Estonia and it's using pipeline power to shake down its near abroad and wrest the rest of Europe into line.

As if that weren't enough, an even more sinister development has arisen.Putin has created a very sophisticated youth movement made up of over 100,000 volunteers called "Nashi", much like a clone of the Nazi youth movement. It is a well-equipped, fanatical, nationalistic private army that is hostile to foreigners and to any political group opposing the Kremlin leadership. Their aggressive behavior is not only tolerated by the authorities but also even encouraged. They help re-enforce local police; wearing black attire, they aggressively beat anyone they consider hooligans or insurrectionist.They have been taught to believe that the United States is actively preparing a pro-western revolution in their country and that they will thwart it.

Rest of the article at http://www.americanthinker.com/2007/06/ruthless_russia.html

Does the throne of David exist today on earth?

2007-10-27T00:29:00.000+10:00

(NB: This article summarised the truth about the British Royal Throne so well, that it has been reproduced here in full)

Does the throne of David exist today on earth? If so, where can it be found?

The throne of David does exist on earth. To show where it is located today, let us consider the following facts:

(1) We are told that the scepter--a symbol of kingship, compare the margin in the New King James Bible--was given to Judah.
Genesis 49:10: "The scepter shall not depart from Judah... Until Shiloh [the Messiah, Jesus Christ] comes."

(2) We are told that David's "seed" or descendants would rule or have dominion over Israel. This could be fulfilled in ANY of the tribes of "Israel"--the name given to Jacob by God (Compare Genesis 32:28; 35:10). We are specifically told that God would establish the throne of David's kingdom forever over Israel, in his son Solomon.
2 Samuel 7:12-13: "...I will set up your [David's] seed after you, who will come from your body... and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever."
2 Chronicles 13:5: "...the LORD God of Israel gave the dominion over Israel to David forever, to him and his sons..."
Psalm 89:4: "Your seed [David's seed] I will establish forever, And build up your throne to all generations."

(3) When Christ returns, He will take over and sit down on an existing throne of David, here on earth (compare Luke 1:32).

(4) Until the last King of Judah, Zedekiah, the descendants of David ruled as kings over the house of Judah. The house of Judah consisted of the tribes of Judah, Levi and a part of Benjamin--they are the "Jews" and called "Jews" in the Bible.

(5) But the Babylonians killed all the sons of Zedekiah, and placed Zedekiah into captivity. There has never arisen since then a descendant of David to rule as king over the house of Judah, the Jews. Today, the state of Israel is not ruled by a king. Where, then, is the throne of David today? In which country do we find a descendant of David ruling as king?

(6) The prophet Jeremiah lived at the time when the Babylonians enslaved the house of Judah, and when the last king of the house of Judah, King Zedekiah, was captured. God gave Jeremiah the commission to uproot the throne of David, but also to plant it.
Jeremiah 1:10: "I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, To root out and to pull down, To destroy and to throw down, To build and to plant."

(7) God gave Jeremiah a prophecy regarding the kingship or throne of David, which was to be transferred from the nation or house of Judah to the house of Israel. [The house of Israel, the "Northern Kingdom," consisted of descendants from the other sons of Israel or Jacob, including Joseph and his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. It had been taken into captivity by the Assyrians more than 100 years prior to Jeremiah. They never returned to the Promised Land and have become known as the "Lost Ten Tribes."]
Jeremiah 33:17, 21, 26: "David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel... he shall [always] have a son to reign on his throne... [David's] descendants [will be] rulers over the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob."
Jeremiah was to be instrumental in uprooting the throne over the house of Judah, and to plant it over the house of Israel. Before, it was said that David's descendants were to rule over Israel [or Jacob; that is, ANY of the descendants of Jacob]. That INCLUDED the house of Judah, of course. But from the time of Jeremiah's prophecy, David's descendants were to rule over the HOUSE of Israel--which EXCLUDED the house of Judah.
Jeremiah "uprooted" the throne of David over the house of Judah by bringing the last remaining descendants of King Zedekiah--his DAUGHTERS[compare Jeremiah 43:6]--to IRELAND [where some of the "lost tribes" of the house of Israel had settled. For proof that the people of England, Scotland and Ireland are in fact descendants of the ancient house of Israel, please read our free booklet, "The Fall and Rise of Britain and America."]
According to historical records of Ireland, one daughter, Tea, married the Irish king--who was a descendant of Judah, but not of David. In this way, through the son of the king and the daughter of Zedekiah, Jeremiah "planted" the throne of David and the scepter of Judah over a tribe of the house of ISRAEL--in Ireland. The historical records confirm that subsequent kings of Ireland KNEW that they were descendants of King David.
Zedekiah's other daughter, Scota, married into a noble family and gave the name Scotland to the land where they settled.

(8) The throne of David was to be transferred three times, before Christ would return to occupy it.
Ezekiel 21:27: "Overthrown, overthrown, I will make it [the crown, compare verse 26] overthrown!"
The crown or throne of David was overthrown first in Judah and transferred to or planted in Ireland.

(9) The throne or rule of David's descendants was later overthrown in Ireland and transferred to Scotland [where some of the tribes of the house of Israel had settled]. It was transferred to the royal house of the descendants of David in Scotland--to the offspring of Scota, the other daughter of Zedekiah.

(10) Thirdly, it was overthrown in Scotland and transferred to England, where the Stewart line of David had settled around 1600, in the person of James I. Also, descendants of Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph, had settled there. The subsequent royal rulers in England all descended from King David, and so the throne of David is today in England. Queen Elizabeth sits on that throne, and Prince Charles' firstborn son is expected to sit on it soon.

Nowhere else could the existing throne of David be today, but in England. It is not in the state of Israel [which is part of the house of Judah], and it is not vacant, either. Jesus Christ will occupy it when He returns (Compare Luke 1:32; Isaiah 9:6-7); He has not occupied it so far. And it is a throne here on earth--not somewhere in heaven. Christ, from the house of Judah, will come back to this EARTH, and it says that He will then SIT on the throne of His father David, here on earth. Jesus will once again establish rule over Israel in Jerusalem (Compare Zechariah 1:17; 2:12). Remember, the scepter would not depart from Judah.

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

America Wake Up! Europe Wants to Be a Superpower

2007-10-25T18:29:00.000+10:00

Fascist Europe is on the - way to rival the Anglo-Saxon Powers ...

October 24, 2007
America Wake Up! Europe Wants to Be a Superpower
By Soeren Kern

European Union leaders have reached agreement on a new treaty that many Europeans hope will transform the 27-nation bloc into a superpower capable of counter-balancing the United States in global affairs.

The 250-plus page Reform Treaty, which EU leaders will formally sign in Lisbon on December 13, calls for a permanent EU president, a European foreign minister and a European Union diplomatic service. The agreement also calls for EU nations to surrender sovereignty in many areas to centralized decision-making; and it reduces national veto rights to allow more decisions to be made by majority voting instead of by unanimous consent.

If the treaty is ratified by all 27 governments, it will take effect in January 2009.

But can Europe become a superpower? And should Americans care? No and yes.

For Europeans, multilateralism is all about neutering American hard power, not about solving international problems. It is about Lilliputians tying down Gulliver.

Europeans may understand even better than do many Americans just how much is at stake in the upcoming US presidential election.

European elites are pushing the EU in a direction that should be deeply disconcerting to Americans concerned about international security and stability. The Reform Treaty will make Europe more centralized and far less democratic than it already is. In practice, this means that many foreign policy decisions that directly affect the United States, ranging from economics and trade to transatlantic cooperation on Islamic counter-terrorism, increasingly will be made by unelected anti-American bureaucrats in Brussels rather than by national governments.

Europeans claim they are American allies, but increasingly their conduct says they are rivals. Americans should take another look and see if further European integration is really in the US interest. At the very least, Washington should send an unambiguous message to free-riding Europeans: future attempts at anti-American coalition building will be very costly. International security depends on it.

Soeren Kern is Senior Fellow for Transatlantic Relations at the Madrid-based Grupo de Estudios Estratégicos / Strategic Studies Group

The EU, not the USA, is supported by the world

2007-10-24T20:39:00.000+10:00

A survey of public opinion in 52 countries released today shows the EU is the only great power in the world whose leadership is widely supported.

A global public opinion survey by Gallup International - conducted in collaboration with the European Council on Foreign Relation (ECFR) - shows that there is growing public support for a more multi-polar world, and one in every three citizens around the world (35%) would like to see the European Union's influence to grow. In an ECFR policy brief (PDF - 1 MB), Ivan Krastev and Mark Leonard point out that "the EU is unique among the four big powers (the other three being the US, China and Russia) in that no-one wants to balance its rise".

The 2007 edition of Voice of the People© - the world's largest survey this year based on interviews with 57,000 people from 52 countries - shows that world citizens most disapprove of an expansion of Iranian and US power. 39% of respondents would like to see Iran's power decrease, while 37% would like less US power in the world. Russia and China also provoke more negative than positive reactions. Whilst 23% and 24% of respondents, respectively, would like Russia's and China's importance to increase, 29% and 32% believe the world would benefit from a decline in their power. Accompanying the policy brief is a Love and Hate map (PDF - 3 MB), showing graphically how people in many countries around the world are calling for an increase in the EU's global influence to make the world a better place.

ECFR making an impact

The launch of ECFR has made an impact across Europe, and our Statement of Principles has received significant press coverage in the vast majority of EU member states, and further afield. The website has featured expert analysis and commentary, for example on the Ukrainian elections, on how the EU should respond to the situations in Burma and Pakistan, on the EU Reform Treaty and much more. In the coming weeks we will publish our first major policy report looking at EU's relationship with Russia. We also have forthcoming analysis on how to increase EU power at the United Nations, and on what strategies the EU should be pursuing in Afghanistan.

EU is creditor - USA is debtor

2007-10-24T19:50:00.000+10:00

The Global US Dollar Showdown
William (Bill) Buckler, Captain of The Privateer
Oct 24, 2007
Extracted from the Late October Issue of Bill Buckler's "Global Report"

(snip)

The Importance of True Global Scaling:

The European Union (EU) stands with a $US 16 TRILLION plus economy and is the largest trading bloc in the world accounting for nearly a third of the global economy. The $US 13.8 TRILLION US economy accounts for 27 percent, Japan 9 percent and China less than 6 percent. Europe is the creditor nation, the US is the debtor nation. Unless this fact is kept firmly in mind, the events surrounding the G-7 meeting which starts on October 19 will, on the surface, not make any sense at all. The US, of course, will maintain the facade that it is still the number one in the world, at least for internal consumption. The Europeans will see straight through this as empty and hollow blustering. What the EU wants to see is direct and concrete US actions to rein in its ongoing internal credit expansion.

The US wants to reaccelerate that same credit expansion. There is a huge collision ahead.

(snip)

More and more Protestants lean toward the Biblical food laws!

2007-10-23T20:09:00.000+10:00

I have seen books by Protestants which advocate adhereing to the clean/unclean health law. In fact, there is a growing interest in both this doctrine and the holy days by them. In this contex, check out this article by a Protestant who has seen the light!

CAN EATING PORK & SHELLFISH DESTROY YOUR HEALTH?

By Greg Ciola
October 20, 2007
NewsWithViews.com

This topic is one that some will disagree with, others may not want to hear, or in some cases with Christians, they will take offense with because they believe Jesus doesn’t care what we eat. I’m not trying to be legalistic when it comes to why we should avoid pork and shellfish. I’m trying to be realistic and share some health insights into why these foods could be dangerous to your health. If you want to live a long, disease-free life while you’re occupying your body, then this issue is one you need to pay close attention to.

The cold hard truth is consuming pork and shellfish regularly can guarantee you an early trip to the grave. Pork and shellfish rank near the top of the list as some of the worst foods you can put into your body right along with trans fats, refined sugar, and artificial sweeteners. Consumption of these foods was forbidden to the ancient Israelites in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy because they were considered unclean. To this day Orthodox Jews and Muslims avoid pork and shellfish.

There’s a very simple reason why God wanted the Israelites to avoid these foods and it wasn’t because He wanted to make arbitrary rules just to test their obedience. Here’s what the passage from Leviticus says:

“And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you. Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you. These shall ye eat of all that are in the waters: whatsoever hath fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them shall ye eat. And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you: They shall be even an abomination unto you; ye shall not eat of their flesh, but ye shall have their carcases in abomination. Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you.” (Leviticus 11:7-12)

From pigs we get pork, pork chops, ribs, ham, bacon, pepperoni, sausage, Chitterlings (chitlins), and other by-products. Let’s examine a few of the reasons why God considered a pig an unclean animal and why He said they shouldn’t be eaten.

Pigs are scavengers. They are notorious for eating anything, including their own waste and garbage. A pig will eat sick and infected animals, including its own piglets that die from disease. Pigs also have one the quickest, yet poorest digestive systems of any animal. On average a pig can completely digest its food in four hours. Since it processes everything so fast, many times the toxins aren’t removed and they are stored in the pig’s fat. Many pigs are traumatized physically before being slaughtered. Under these conditions, which are generally the case in large factory operations, pigs will release toxins and hormones into their muscles that affect the quality of their meat.

Pigs are also notorious for being infected with parasites and tapeworms because they roll around in poop most of their lives. Anyone that knows anything about cooking pork knows that it is important to cook it long enough and warm enough to make sure all the parasites and tapeworms have been killed off. If not, you could become infected.

Somehow eating pork containing cooked, dead parasites doesn’t sound much better either. All parasites lay eggs to create more parasites. Just because a parasite dies during cooking doesn’t mean that you can’t become contaminated by the eggs. Some health experts believe that over 90 percent of our population today has parasites in their body that reside primarily in the intestinal system. Certainly our society’s desire for pork products has played a major factor in this. People that consume pork products all the time tend to be overweight and unhealthy. Body odor is usually a problem too.

A doctor that I know personally says that pig fat is the best medium there is for cancer growth. He runs a high-tech laboratory where all sorts of microbiological research and tests are conducted. Their lab puts a lot of emphasis on diagnosing and treating cancer naturally. They actually have the ability to isolate cancer viruses from a patient’s blood and view them under a microscope to determine the strain and then develop herbs to help rid the body of that specific virus. They also have the ability to replicate the cancer virus in a Petri dish. What he told me is that the best medium he works with for growing cancer viruses is pig fat.

If they can do that in a lab, what’s all the pig fat doing to your body internally if you’re eating high amounts of pork products regularly? It would be interesting to see a study where that question was asked of cancer patients. My guess is we would find that many cancer patients and people with poor health are pork eaters.

Did you know that all of the clean animals God said we could eat live only on vegetation? They also digest their food much slower and more effectively so they aren’t storing all these toxins and wastes in their body. Would you rather eat an animal that eats filth and waste and is potentially contaminated with parasites or would you rather eat an animal that processes its food properly and eliminates the toxins from its body?

Don’t Gamble Your Health On Shellfish Either

Now let’s examine why you should avoid shellfish. Shellfish consists of lobster, shrimp, oysters, clams, crabs, scallops, and mussels. All shellfish can be a serious health risk. Like pigs, they are scavengers that live at the bottom of the ocean and eat the waste of other animals and the pollutants that man dumps into the ocean. Although only 0.1 % of all shellfish consumed is eaten raw, that tiny percentage is responsible for a large proportion of reported food-caused illnesses. Poisoning from shellfish can come from bacterial or viral contamination. Generally adequate cooking eliminates this danger, but is it worth the risks in the long run. Poisoning can also arise from heat-stable toxins derived from the food that the shellfish have been eating. Shellfish are notorious for being high in mercury, heavy metals, and industrial contaminants in the environment because they’re bottom feeders that eat the ocean’s waste. I’m sure I don’t have to explain in detail how damaging these heavy metals and toxins can be to your health.

God didn’t give the Israelites dietary laws because he was a mean, restrictive God that didn’t want them to enjoy their food. He gave them these laws because He knew best how the human body functions and that by following His dietary laws they would live their best without succumbing to disease and pre-mature death so they can serve Him. God knows far more than we can understand or comprehend. While things definitely changed after Jesus came to the earth, we should examine the Old Testament scriptures further to try and understand why God wanted things done a certain way, especially with the foods we eat.

Greg Ciola is the editor and publisher of Crusador, a hard-hitting alternative health publication that sheds light on many critical health issues. Ciola believes that there is a conscious effort going on to sabotage our health. His mission is to actively educate others by explaining the reasons why many health problems are occurring, and what can be done so you, your family, and your loved ones can stay well.

website: Healthtruthrevealed.com

2007-10-21T21:00:00.000+10:00

Judah's Sceptre and Joseph's Birthright
by J. H. Allen - free!

This book by Allen is noted as one of the major textbooks on the subject of British-Israelism. Here it is, FREE, for you to download!

It is a must read for any avid British-Israel believer and those that are still considering the subject.

Should Christian hymns be accompanied by music?

2007-10-21T00:02:00.000+10:00

Some are beginning to fall into the same error as the Church of Christ and others with the view that it is wrong to accompany the singing of hymns with music.

Their argument is that there is no proof that music was used in the early church - not for several hundred years after Christ. Alas, instead of focussing on the true Church which structure was based on the synagogue, they look at the early proto-Catholic Church's practice to support their stance. They are simply looking at the wrong Church!

But notice:

AQUINAS "Our church does not use musical instruments, as harps and psalteries, to praise God withal, that she may not seem to Judaize." (Thomas Aquinas, Bingham's Antiquities, Vol. 3, page 137)

LUTHER "The organ in the worship Is the insignia of Baal… The Roman Catholic borrowed it from the Jews." (Martin Luther, Mcclintock & Strong's Encyclopedia Volume VI, page 762)

CAMPBELL "[Instrumental music in worship] was well adapted to churches founded on the Jewish pattern of things and practicing infant sprinkling. That all persons singing who have no spiritual discernment, taste or relish for spiritual meditation, consolations and sympathies of renewed hearts should call for such an aid is but natural. So to those who have no real devotion and spirituality in them, and whose animal nature flags under the opposition or the oppression of church service I think that instrumental music would... be an essential prerequisite to fire up their souls to even animal devotion. But I presume, that to all spiritually-minded Christians, such aid would be as a cow bell in a concert." (Alexander Campbell, recorded in Robert Richardson's biography, Memoirs of Alexander Campbell, Vol. 2., p366)

So, it was anti-Semitism that led to the absence of music in the early neo-pagan Church. BUT, the true Church would have used music given that it is Biblical - and also because it based its structure on the synagogue. For further information, see:

http://www.myjewishlearning.com/culture/Music/TOSynagogueMusic/SynagogueMusic.htm

http://www.smithcreekmusic.com/Hymnology/Early.Hymnody/Jewish.influence.html

EU agrees on new Treaty!

2007-10-19T18:13:00.000+10:00

EU agrees new 'Lisbon Treaty'

19.10.2007 - 06:49 CET

By Renata Goldirova

EUOBSERVER / LISBON – The European Union has overnight agreed the precise text of its new 'Lisbon Treaty' to be formally signed off on 13 December in the Portuguese capital. At around 02:00 local time on Friday morning - following shorter-than-usual discussions - Portuguese prime minister Jose Socrates announced that a deal has been struck, describing it as "victory for Europe".

"With this agreement we have managed to get out of stalemate...we will be ready to tackle the world's challenges", Mr Socrates said. European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso also branded the accord as "historic", providing the EU with the "capacity to act". The decision effectively ends a six-year long period of trying to internally reform.

[For the rest of the article click here]

EU Treaty - drafting a new world power to challenge the USA

2007-10-17T22:48:00.000+10:00

Very soon, when the EU has its foreign minister etc in place, it will present itself as an alternative to the USA in world affairs. The world will gasp at Europe's wealth, splendour and peaceful outlook (well, at least initially). 'Peace, peace' or 'peace and safety' they will cry, for the German-led EU will dominate the world's trading system etc and bring stability to the world. Perhaps the United Nations may even move to the EU - Austria has been touted.

In due course, it will turn angrily on the Anglo-Saxon powers as it unveils its fascist intent ...

---------------------------

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
Drafting a Global Player
By MARK LEONARD
October 17, 2007

Unless something goes badly wrong, European Union leaders will agree a new treaty at this week's summit in Lisbon. Unlike the doomed Constitution of 2005, which aimed to supersede all earlier agreements with a grandiose state-building exercise, this will be just another amending treaty shorn of the trappings of statehood.
...

The most compelling reason for supporting the reform treaty is the fact that it could help the EU become a more effective power in the world. The EU has the resources to be a real global player: It is the largest single market in the world, it is involved in over half of the world's trade, and it has over 50,000 peacekeepers deployed from Bosnia to Beirut and an even larger army of diplomats and aid workers. But despite all of this latent power, the EU punches way below its weight. When its member states disagree, as over Iraq, the EU cannot hope to be credible. But even when the governments do agree to pursue a common foreign policy, the EU's fragmented institutional machinery often prevents it from delivering in an effective and timely manner. The big problem is that EU institutions and member states often fail to coordinate their various policies and instruments -- including trade, aid, defense, policing and diplomacy -- in the pursuit of common objectives.

For the rest of the article click here.

Vatican publishes Knights Templar papers

2007-10-16T20:58:00.000+10:00

Vatican publishes Knights Templar papers
By FRANCES D'EMILIO, Associated Press Writer Fri Oct 12, 7:53 PM ET

VATICAN CITY - It's not the Holy Grail, but for fans of "The Da Vinci Code" and its tantalizing story line about the Knights Templar, it could be the next best thing.
Ignored for centuries, documents about the heresy trial of the ancient Christian order discovered in the Vatican's secret archives are being published in a limited edition — with an $8,377 price tag. They include a 14th-century parchment showing that Pope Clement V initially absolved the Templar leaders of heresy, though he did find them guilty of immorality and planned to reform the order, according to the Vatican archives Web site.

But pressured by King Philip IV of France, Clement later reversed his decision and suppressed the order in 1312.

Only 799 copies of the 300-page volume, "Processus Contra Templarios," — Latin for "Trial against the Templars" — are for sale, said Scrinium publishing house, which prints documents from the Vatican's secret archives. Each will cost $8,377, the publisher said Friday.

An 800th copy will go to Pope Benedict XVI, said Barbara Frale, the researcher who found the long-overlooked parchment tucked away in the archives in 2001.

The Knights Templar, which ultimately disappeared because of the heresy scandal, recently captivated the imagination of readers of the best-seller "The Da Vinci Code," which linked the order to the legend of the Holy Grail.

The new Vatican work reproduces the entire documentation of the papal hearings convened after Philip IV of France arrested and tortured Templar leaders in 1307 on charges of heresy and immorality.

The military order of the Poor Knights of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon was founded in 1118 in Jerusalem to protect pilgrims in the Holy Land after the First Crusade.

As their military might increased, the Templars also grew in wealth, acquiring property throughout Europe and running a primitive banking system. After they left the Middle East with the collapse of the Crusader kingdoms, their power and secretive ways aroused the fear of European rulers and sparked accusations of corruption and blasphemy.

[For the rest of the article click here ]

Further update on Raymond F McNair's condition

2007-10-16T00:25:00.000+10:00

From: Eve McNair
Sent: Friday, 12 October 2007 3:35 AM
To: surfer11

Please continue to pray that the pain in my husband's back will subside so that he will have the "energy" needed to do more of the things he desires to do.

He is coming along, has a wonderful appetite, which is always good. Tuesday's visit by a nurse who comes to take his "vital signs" once a month, commented that his heart is that of a young man. All other organs are in tip top shape. She commented that my husband did not have cancer and that years ago the doctors were totally mistaken.

For one who is 77 years of age, this is good news. She told us that when the heart is in that good condition, the rest of the body lives a long time.

We know that God has kept him alive and has performed miracles along the way for some reason, when a list of many evangelists, ministers, etc., died in just a few months time (Carl McN, Dean Blackwell, John Ogywn, Garner Ted, and others, or in Dr. Hoeh's situation, just minutes.
We patiently wait for God's promise to heal my husband totally and to guide us as to what His will is.

Warm regards, and thanks,

Mrs. McNair

Revival of Prussia

2007-10-14T11:55:00.000+10:00

The forces of fascism were beaten down by the British (and allies) in 1814/15 (Napoleon) and again in WWI (with the help of the Americans).

But by the end of WWII, the fascists were utterly smashed and scattered. And Prussia was identified by the Allies as having a 1,000 year tradition of militarism and the cause of most of the wars. They thus removed the Junker class, eliminated their assets and outlawed Prussia - their power was broken!

Germany and Prussia were so broken that it has taken them 60 years to regain their confidence and national identity. The traditional enemies of the House of Israel have been struggling to unite and become a force ever since, but are making progress.

Yet today, Prussia is slowly re-forming:

- lands and property of the old Junker class are being bought back

- the Prussian flag is flying again

- various Prussian symbols and statues have been restored

- attempts have been made to restore the name of Prussia to a combination of some German states

- they even have their own website

The Prussian Junkers were the landed artisocracy – the name alludes to a ‘young lord’ or even a country squire. They were regarded as the backbone of German imperialism, sometimes called the ‘1,000 year conspiracy’ for war-mongering. Today, however, they are very gradually regathering their lands.

See “Noblesse oblige returns to Eastern Germany” by Colin Nickerson in The Boston Globe:

“In the depressed hinterlands of Eastern Germany, scores of gentry are quietly returning to hard-luck realms, buying back from governmental agencies and other quasi-public holders the lands, buildings
and, yes, castles that would have been their inheritances, had history not intervened …

"The Communists were here for 45 years," von Maltzahn said during an interview in the main keep.

"What's that? The blink of an eye. My family had been here for 800 years … Today, European royalty watchers estimate, some 70,000 Germans hold inherited titles … Under Germany's reunification law, owners who lost large holdings to the Soviet occupiers have no legal right to their properties, although the government will help negotiate the repurchase of lost lands.”

One organisation to watch is the Prussian Claims Society, established in 2000 AD, was set up to regain Prussian properties which their families had held for centuries. The problem is, part of the former Prussia is now within Poland.

Note also the following information taken from Wikipedia (article “Kyffhäuser Monument”):

“The Kyffhäuser Monument (German: Kyffhäuserdenkmal), also known as the Barbarossa Monument (Barbarossadenkmal) or the Kaiser Wilhelm Monument (Kaiser-Wilhelm-Denkmal), is a monument on the summit of the Kyffhäuser Mountain … recalls the castles and fortresses of the Hohenstaufen period in Germany in the 12th and 13th centuries. It was intended to suggest that the Prussia-dominated German Empire founded in 1871 was the legitimate successor to the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, which existed from the 10th century until 1806. It also signifies the national theme of decline and rebirth."
.

See also the article 'Germans Warm to Vilified Prussia' at http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070821/lf_nm/germany_prussia_dc

And, as Adolf Bastian, German anthropologist simply declares: “Prussia is a country of warriors; so it was and so it will remain.” Do we care to heed that warning?

How Far We Have Come!

2007-10-07T23:34:00.000+10:00

I couldn't resist doing this :)

How Far We've Come
(to the lyrics by Matchbox20)

I'm waking up at the start of the Lao Era and its sore
but its feeling just like every other morning before,
but thankfully the Phily Era is not gone,
the Churches are moving like a half a mile an hour if that
and I started staring at the apostates who're waving goodbye
can you tell me what was ever really special about us all this time?

chorus:
but i don't believe the Church is burning to the ground
oh well i guess we have found out
let's see how far we've come
let's see how far we've come
Well I, believe, it all, is not coming to an end
oh well, i guess, we're not gonna end,
let's see how far the Church has come
let's see how far we've come

i think it turned ten o'clock but i don't really know
then i can remember caring for two decades or so
started crying and i couldn't stop myself
i started running but there's no where to run to
i sat down on the street and took a look at myself
said you know that Tkach tried to lead us into hell
say your goodbyes if you've got someone you can say goodbye to

i don't believe the Church is burning to the ground
oh well i guess we have found out
let's see how far the Church has come
let's see how far we've come

Well I, believe, it all, is not coming to an end
oh well, i guess, we're not gonna end,
let's see how far we've come
let's see how far we've come

its not gone gone baby its not all gone
although there are still a few in the Church and a few at home
it was cool cool under HWA, it was just all cool
but it's not over for me and it's not over for you
its not gone gone baby its not all gone
although there are still a few in the Church and a few at home
it was cool cool under HWA, it was just all cool
but it's not over for me and it's not over for you

Well I, don't believe, the Church is burning to the ground
oh well, i guess, we have found out
let's see how far the Church has come
let's see how far we've come
Well I, believe, it all, is not coming to an end
oh well, i guess, we're not gonna end,
let's see how far the Church has come
let's see how far we've come
let's see how far we've come
let's see how far we've come
let's see how far we've come
let's see how far we've come
let's see how far we've come
let's see how far we've come
let's see how far we've come

European Defence Agency

2007-10-06T10:31:00.000+10:00

The European Defence Agency has been created to help EU Member States develop their defence capabilities for crisis-management operations under the European Security and Defence Policy. Click here to read more about the genesis of a German-led European military superpower.

Getting ready for an EU Foreign Minister

2007-10-05T11:39:00.001+10:00

[see also http://www.onevoiceforeurope.eu/]

New EU foreign policy think tank created
03.10.2007 - 09:10 CET By Helena Spongenberg

A group of European politicians and intellectuals have started a new think tank aimed at pushing EU capitals to creating a "more coherent and vigorous" foreign affairs policy in an attempt to make Europe a stronger player on the global stage.The new think tank - European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) - was launched on Tuesday (2 October) by fifty founding members such as former prime ministers, presidents, European commissioners, MEPs and ministers as well as intellectuals, business leaders, and cultural figures from the EU member states and candidate countries ...

They call on European governments "to adopt a more coherent and vigorous foreign policy in support of European values and interests backed by all of Europe's power: political, cultural, economic and – when all else fails – military."The centre will be based in seven EU capitals - Berlin, London, Madrid, Paris, Rome, Sofia and Warsaw - and headed by Mark Leonard - a writer and former director of Foreign Policy at the UK-based Centre for European Reform."Europe needs to come of age. We need to stop complaining about what others are doing to the world, and start thinking for ourselves. We want a can-do foreign policy, where European power is put at the service of European values," he said in a statement after the launch.

Imperial Council of Princes and Counts of Germany and Europe

2007-10-04T21:34:00.000+10:00

Recently I tried to access the website for the 'European Council of Princes.' But alas! It seems to have been removed. As have www.royalhouseofstewart.org.uk/ and www.mediaquest.co.uk/RHSsite/RHShome.html The probable reason can be found at www.jacobite.ca/essays/lafosse.htm However, another website is available with a lot more information: 'The Imperial Council of Princes and Counts of Germany and Europe.' You can access it here.

Something may be afoot by the European royals and princes ... an attempt at eventual Imperial revival?

Eurofor - beginnings of a Euro Defence Force

2007-09-25T18:24:00.000+10:00

Check out their website at http://www.eurofor.it/

In addition, the EUOBserver webisite - http://euobserver.com/9/24827/?rk=1 reports that French President Sarkozy is pushing for a European Defence Force. Here is a snippet:

"A Europe capable of defending itself independently would not be a risk for the Americans; it would be an asset" ... a return to a favourite topic of Mr Sarkozy - the creation of a European defence policy. It is set to be a big theme when France takes over political leadership of the EU in the second half of 2008 ... "The basis for a European defence exists. We must make it grow," he said, adding "I want Europe to be capable of ensuring its security autonomously."

EU is now surpassing the USA in setting global standards - the rivalry of 2 forms of capitalism

2007-09-24T22:18:00.000+10:00

I have provides snippets from the article. The complete article is available online at http://www.economist.com/

Brussels rules OK
Sep 20th 2007
From The Economist print edition

How the European Union is becoming the world's chief regulator

A VICTORY for consumers and the free market. That was how the European Commission presented this week's ruling by European judges in favour of its multi-million euro fine on Microsoft for bullying competitors. American observers had qualms.

But though the EU is a big market, with almost half a billion consumers, neither size, nor zeal, nor sneaky protectionism explains why it is usurping America's role as a source of global standards.

A gripping new book* by an American, Mark Schapiro, captures the change. When he began his research, he found firms resisting the notion that the American market would follow EU standards for items like cosmetics, insisting that their American products were already safe. But as the book neared completion, firm after firm gave in and began applying EU standards worldwide, as third countries copied European rules on things like suspected carcinogens in lipstick. Even China is leaning to the European approach, one Procter & Gamble executive tells Mr Schapiro, adding wistfully: “And that's a pretty big country.”

One American official says flatly that the EU is “winning” the regulatory race, adding: “And there is a sense that that is their precise intent.” He cites a speech by the trade commissioner, Peter Mandelson, claiming that the export of “our rules and standards around the world” was one source of European power. Noting that EU regulations are often written with the help of European incumbents, the official also claims that precaution can cloak “plain old-fashioned protectionism in disguise”.

* “Exposed: The Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Products and What’s at Stake for American Power”, by Mark Schapiro. Chelsea Green Publishing.

New book release! The amazing secret of Germany's origin and future prophetic role

2007-09-23T12:46:00.000+10:00

Unveiling the Amazing SECRET Behind

Germany’s Historic Role as a Leading Nation

Did you know that Germany has a secret? A secret kept close to its pounding heart! For Germany hides one of the great secrets of the ages - known to very few! If revealed, our whole understanding of international affairs would be drastically altered. Statesmen and diplomats would wake up and take a new look at the nation taking the lead in the powerful European Union.

It is time to explore that secret and to expose it to the world. In a new book containing detailed research, the German SECRET is answered in the first book dedicated completely to the question:

The Great German Nation. Origins and Destiny

Have you ever wondered why Germany has on one hand been a glorious nation of achievement and enterprise but on the other has instigated major crises. For centuries the German peoples have displayed tremendous qualities of inventiveness, leadership, efficiency and cultural achievements. At other times they have been in the centre of strife and war. WHY this enigma?

In a landmark book, author Craig White reveals the stunning answer. It is the complete answer you won't find anywhere else. And it brings a whole new dimension to understanding world affairs. Your entire thinking about the origins of Germany, plus other European nations, will dramatically change when you learn about "Germany's greatest secret.” The cost has been kept down to only USD$16.30.

Go to http://www.originofnations.org/ for further details

Book details
8 detailed chapters
17 appendices
43 illustrations
Over 800 footnotes
suggested reading
bibliography (over 200 references)
index
soft cover (colour)
bound
over 300 pages in length
size is 8.25 x 11"

Ways to order

· You can order online at www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/BookHome.aspx (USD$16.30), or if you live in North America, telephone the Book Order Hotline, at 888.280.7715. Using this number, you can place an order and pay with your credit card by phone (or send in a check after the phone call). You can also use this phone no. to enquire about bulk and discount orders
· In Australia only order from the above website or: History Research Projects, GPO Box 864, Sydney 2001 (price tba)
· You can order direct from Amazon.com and soon from Barnes & Noble or via any bookshop by mid October.

Comments about the book
"This book is a monumental contribution to the study of the Assyria-Germany connection. It is thoroughly researched and well documented. The author is clearly well read in both ancient and modern history. The book even takes us into the future, painting a vivid picture of the role that Germany will play as the leader of Europe in the coming years."
– MELVIN RHODES (Senior Editor, Good News magazine and World News and Prophecy)

“Craig White's latest work The Great German Nation: Origins and Destiny is a must read for serious Bible students who want to know more about the roots and prophesied events for Germany. It is several hundred pages in length and has scores of footnotes and a number of graphics. It is the most comprehensive material that I have ever read on the topic, a compilation of decades of research.”
– Rainer Salomaa (Pastor and church board chairman, writer and researcher)

“When Craig White provided me with a draft copy of his book on The Great German Nation: Origins and Destiny, I was particularly pleased. I have long felt that good research on the Germany–Assyria connection has been badly needed for any serious tribe-tracker of the Israelites and other ancient peoples. My preliminary perusal of the book proved that it contains such an amazing breadth of information and sources laid out in a pleasantly readable format. I think any researcher of history will appreciate it. I know that I will keep my copy ensconced within easy reach on my bookshelf.”
– Randall Stiver (National TV and radio commentator, magazine writer, editor, educator, and church pastor)

“This is a well-researched volume which adds greatly to the evidence, believed for years in many Churches of God, that modern Germany is descended from ancient Assyrian peoples. This is important for our understanding and interpretation of prophecy. I have been studying the identity of Germany since first coming in contact with the teachings of the late Herbert W. Armstrong in the late 1960s, and Craig White's book is the best and most-thorough treatment of the subject I've seen.”
– Mac Overton (editor of a community newspaper in Texas, a long-time member of the Church of God, and a well-known free-lance writer and a frequent contributor to Church of God publications)

“I recently finished [reading] your book Who are the Germans? [forerunner to this book] I have a Bachelor Degree and a Master Degree in History, and from a professional point of view, I was very impressed with your work. I was especially impressed with your documentation. As you know in a work of this type, it is crucial to document sources”
– Calvin Lashway, MA

Go to http://www.originofnations.org/ for further information about the book and free information, resources and downloads

New version of the pop song 'Fight For Your Right (To be pro-HWA)'

2007-09-23T01:29:00.000+10:00

Kick it!

You wake up late for church man you don't wanna go
You ask some members, "Please?" but they still say, "No!"
You missed two services and no fellowship
Because liberals preaches class like you're some kind of jerk

You gotta fight for your right to be pro-Armstrong

Your friends caught you reading MOA - and they said, "No way!"
Those hypocrites read protestant junk two times a day
Man, putting up with this is such a drag
Now your friends threw away your best HWA books. Busted!

(repeat chorus)

Don't come in here if your are pro-HWA they say
I'll kick you out if you don't quit advocating the original doctrines
Your friends busted in and said, "What's those audios?"
Aw, friends why do you harass us - we're the pro-HWA boys!

(repeat chorus)

Raymond F McNair update

2007-09-23T01:00:00.000+10:00

Forwarded on for you to consider and prayer about Mr McNair's situation. Mr McNair was one of the top pioneers of the old WCG and deserves our respect.

From: Eve McNair
Sent: Sunday, 23 September 2007 12:30 AM
To: surfer11
Subject: Re: Raymond F McNair

We continually update my husband's condition to those who are on our list to receive our GOG-21 "Dear Brethren" letters.

My husband continues to make progress. For months our main concern has been the bedsores. I believe all totaling, about six or seven have appeared on his body. The small ones on his feet have now healed. The larger on his upper body are in excellent condition, showing improvement every day. The minute layers of skin are beginning to grow.

For the past few days my husband has mentioned that the pain (he has suffered for so long) on his back is beginning to diminish, but there is still a little pain there. We are very, very grateful for this.

A physical therapist came to our home to evaluate my husband's condition, as we wanted to begin therapy for him to walk again. We were told that my husband needed extensive tests (MRI's, scans, etc.) to see what the "blockage" below the waist is, if any, perhaps some restriction resulting in his not being able to walk.

My husband and I discussed this, and together we decided NOT to seek help from the medical profession, but rather, trust God for healing. He knows the circumstances and we are leaving it all in His care. His legs and feet are beginning to move slightly, showing signs of life and nerve healing. This is very encouraging to us.

We ask your continued prayers, that God will perform a miracle and totally heal my husband so that we can continue with the Work He has given us. My husband has not once complained during his illness, but rather, praises God and is continually trusting Him.

Sincerely,

Mr. and Mrs. Raymond McNair

Rape Epidemic Sweeping Over Europe

2006-03-11T20:12:00.001+11:00

White women are being raped all over the world. And the White slave trade is being ignored by both Governments and media.

Why? Recall that in many Western countries racial profiling is outlawed. So, if 90% of a certain crime is undertaken by a certain ethnic group, this is not allowed to be published by racial category - it can only be mentioned in a non-racial manner. This allows the liberals and media to hide the facts while they continue with their goals to finish off Caucasians.

These same people constantly set Europe against America to divide Whites amongst themselves while offering the populace other allies that are not European.

But the same media turns around and portrays White men, anti-homosexuals and Christians as committing most crimes in police TV shows.

There must be a reason for this anti-Caucasian racism.

Further, in movie after movie, White women are regarded as the prize for the beaten down non-White. See such movies as 'Perfect Storm', 'The Last Dance' and the latest propagand 'Goal!'. The movie review is as follows: "Like millions of kids around the world, Santiago harbours the dream of being a professional footballer. However, living in the Barrios section of Los Angeles, he thinks it is only that - a dream. Until, one day an extraordinary turn of events has him trying out for Premiership club, Newcastle United." He then finds a White girlfriend etc, etc.

Whites are being killed off by the million in the womb and encouraged to intermarry - while a coalition of Fabians, globalists, liberals, one-worlders, misceganists, satanists, perverts, Leninists, the media and university professors and such like rub their hands in glee - their aims at one world race is rushing to fruition.

But what about the coming backlash in Europe? Currently Europe is reported in the media as 'frozen with fear' of its 'dying race' status and unable to do anything. When Islamics etc riot and burn Europe, the media gangs up and pushes for more welfare and 'positive discrimination' to result (ie jobs given to them as a priority). Europe is 'frozen' because of the psychological war on them via the universities, legislation and the media. It is now deep within the European psyche - but the hatred for this is just below the surface and will burst to the fore in due time, giving rise to a fascist European Union.

I am afraid that is the leadership of the Anglo-Saxon nations that are pushing for globalism that even Lenin would be proud of - they are to blame for this madness and are bringing upon us world fury.

The 'dying Europeans' is a subject being pushed in the media in Australia - but Whites are dying out in America quicker than Europe!

Today only about 9 or 10% of the world is White and 2% Israelitish. Satan knows what he is doing ...

------Original Message-----
A Muslim rape epidemic in sweeping over Europe -- and over many other nations host to immigrants from the Islamic world. The direct connection between the rapes and Islam is irrefutable, as Muslims are significantly overrepresented among convicted rapists and rape suspects. The Muslim perpetrators themselves boast that there crime is justified since their victims were, among other things, not properly veiled. ...http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1591543/posts

We will NOT give in!

2006-02-06T00:10:00.001+11:00

There are those that have been busying themselves to wear down the brethren. Constantly attacking them or spreading untruths about them. It is a non-stop spiritual war by 'jekyls and hydes' who prefer to try and hound out the members instead of the heretics.

To those that oppose the children of God, I quote the following prose (author unknown):

I Shall Succeed
Regardless of Outside Circumstances (or non-stop harasment)
You will either see me victoriously
Pounding My Chest from the Summit of the Mountain or
Find Me Dead along the Way
Because I Refuse to Give Up
I Shall not be Defeated!

Should dying Europeans just give in to the media and university professors?

2006-01-15T01:53:00.000+11:00

This article in the Wall Street Journal is bizzare - seems to call for Europe to just accept its doom and train coloureds to become democrats etc. To him it is the only thing that matters - see the last paragraph. JFK followed by the 1968 revolutionaries have made their views on a worldwide 'melting pot' Government policy, right across the West.

They reckon we will have fast GDP or some such thing. As if having higher figures on paper is more important than the survival of your own kind! For the entire article go to http://www.opinionjournal.com/extra/?id=110007760

It's the Demography, Stupid The real reason the West is in danger of extinction.
WALL STREET JOURNAL

BY MARK STEYN Wednesday, January 4, 2006 12:01 a.m. EST

Most people reading this have strong stomachs, so let me lay it out as baldly as I can: Much of what we loosely call the Western world will not survive this century, and much of it will effectively disappear within our lifetimes, including many if not most Western European countries. There'll probably still be a geographical area on the map marked as Italy or the Netherlands--probably--just as in Istanbul there's still a building called St. Sophia's Cathedral. But it's not a cathedral; it's merely a designation for a piece of real estate. Likewise, Italy and the Netherlands will merely be designations for real estate. The challenge for those who reckon Western civilization is on balance better than the alternatives is to figure out a way to save at least some parts of the West.

One obstacle to doing that is that, in the typical election campaign in your advanced industrial democracy, the political platforms of at least one party in the United States and pretty much all parties in the rest of the West are largely about what one would call the secondary impulses of society--government health care, government day care (which Canada's thinking of introducing), government paternity leave (which Britain's just introduced). We've prioritized the secondary impulse over the primary ones: national defense, family, faith and, most basic of all, reproductive activity--"Go forth and multiply," because if you don't you won't be able to afford all those secondary-impulse issues, like cradle-to-grave welfare.

"What do you leave behind?" asked Tony Blair. There will only be very few and very old ethnic Germans and French and Italians by the midpoint of this century. What will they leave behind? Territories that happen to bear their names and keep up some of the old buildings? Or will the dying European races understand that the only legacy that matters is whether the peoples who will live in those lands after them are reconciled to pluralist, liberal democracy? It's the demography, stupid. And, if they can't muster the will to change course, then "What do you leave behind?" is the only question that matters.

Mr. Steyn is a syndicated columnist and theater critic for The New Criterion, in whose January issue this article appe

Low American Birthrates will result in U.S. having a second rate economy

2006-01-15T01:51:00.000+11:00

The media applaudes an Islamo-Europe and the browning of Europe which may be as much as 8-10% non-White (France is 25% non-White and the UK 20%) and growing. America is 38% and one could call it Mex-America.

Check out this item below.

http://www.townhall.com/opinion/columns/JennniferRobackMorse/2006/01/09/181427/comments.html?comid=7631&f=item
Low American Birthrates will result in U.S. having a second rate economy
by BRigby, Jan 9 2006 09:44 AM

Steyn and the author are correct. There are a number of effects that this "consumer sex" culture has had on the U.S.The U.S. population is slowing its growth and will eventually begin to decline. This will have a number of effects on the economy.As one example, as the U.S. population growth slows and then contracts, the growth of the U.S. economy will slow and then contraction will begin. The U.S. economy is sum of the value of the productivity of each worker multiplied by the number of workers. While the U.S. worker is the most productive worker in the world, he will soon be outnumbered 2 or 3 to one by Chinese or Indian workers. When this happens, the U.S. economy will eventually shrink until the U.S. GDP is less than the GDP of India or China. When the U.S. is no longer the biggest economy, the U.S. will loose market power in the world and our way of life will change. As one small example, world commodities will likely not be priced in Dollars, but instead in the currency of the largest economy.

[go to the above link to read the rest of the article]

Anniversary of Herbert W Armstrong's death

2006-01-15T01:48:00.000+11:00

Herbert W Armstrong, God's Apostle, died 20 years ago on 16 January (on the Roman Calendar) which was 6 Shebat on the Hebrew Calendar (= 4 February in 2006).

It is almost unbelievable that 20 years have flown by - one wonders what the state of the Church and the world will be like in 10 years.

Almost none of the offshoots have fully stood by what HWA taught. The watering-down is gaining momentum and political correctness is sweaping across the Church. It has had a devastating impact upon the Churches of God.

I have spoken to or been in contact with many all over the world and there is great concern at what is happening. Is political correctness the next apostasy to hit the Church I wonder?

I am amazed at the number of elders and leading folk who think that just by keeping the Sabbath and Holy Days and by church attendance they are keeping the faith. They actually say stuff such as 'people are more committed' nowadays than in the old WCG. Amazing!

The fact is one can be a protestant while holding on to a semblance of the truth by observing the Sabbath etc while watering-down the British-Israel and other truths; accepting political correctness and becoming left-liberal. The Sabbath gives an appearance of holding on; but when you talk to so many, including elders, it is shocking what is going on in their minds.

No wonder some are so against the Council of Elders - they consider the COE to be 'too conservative'; 'fuddy duddies' they call them; 'let the youth take over because they will do a better job' and such like they cry. Some elders proclaim radical ideas - but not to visiting overseas ministers - to their faces they pretend to be onside. Or they spread their rubbish via their wives - talk about cowards!).

So, keeping the Sabbath and Holy Days amount to about 2% of our beliefs, albeit very important beliefs. But what about all the other precious treasures - by what authority are they watered-down?

How should a former homosexual be treated?

2006-01-11T00:28:00.000+11:00

A tiny few ask the question "How should a former homosexual be treated?" (note: there is no such thing as a 'Christian homosexual').

Answer: like we always did in the WCG - with respect like everyone else! Why not?

If onewere an ex-homosexual who now hates that sin, members would treat him as all others. But, in this politically correct charged world, it would be best for the ministry to check out such a one first prior to them attending Church.

However, no homosexual has the right to come along appealing to the liberal bleedin heart types and get them onside against the majority of members. It is a well taught tactic by the homosexual lobby groups - get as much sympathy as possible and get the liberal to take a soft line while attacking conservatives.

This clever tactic, taught at their gatherings and universities, is used to soften up individuals and organisations prior to the final assault on them.

Globalist pressure for Europe to take in 10s millions of Africans

2006-01-08T12:05:00.000+11:00

They are encouraging this supposedly to fill in the gaps in European demography to afford essential services and to provide a workforce for this purpose.

... As it was in the time of Noah - the attractive White Race was sought after to marry into. Perverted and mentally ill White leaders encourage it to bring about the One World One Race - apparently this will also forge One Religion and bring world peace. It also means a faster GDP they say - they claim we have to compete with China - the only case they present daily in the media is to increase non-White immigration and to lower worker's rights and living standards via a libertarian economic system.

Well, many are conservative capitalists and opposed to globalisation - true believers stand by the 2 major planks of conservatism - racial preservation/patriotism and religious conviction (Judeo-Christian heritage). Without these 2 major planks one is not a conservative.

The White Race is being deliberately murdered in the womb to enable race replacement. In Australia 100,000 White kids are aborted each year and replaced by 100,000 non-White immigrants. This is a deliberate attempt, well-planned out by the internationalists, liberals, globalists, One-worlders, Leninists, Fabians, professors, media, religious people etc (the leaders of which are White), to end the White Race and bring about One Race.

America is already 38% non-White; France 25%, Britain 20%; Europe perhaps as much as 10%. Stop abortion tomorrow and the White Race in Europe will explode in growth.

... And so it will.

Not that one needs huge numbers or armies to conquer other nations. Just look at how the Greeks, Romans, Napoleon, Hitler were outnumbered. The won due to clever outmanouverings, plotting etc, etc. So, Europe will invade the King of the South which is 'pushing at' Europe right now.

-----Original Message-----

Thoughts from the Frontline (demographic timebomb)

...Another important shift will be in the 10 major Islamic countries. By 2050 their population will be about the same as the developed countries.

Today, Russian has 145 million people and at its current rate it will be 100 million it 2050. Iran and Iraq currently have 87 million people combined. Today they are roughly 60% of the population of Russia, and in 2025 those two countries will have 10 million more people than Russia.

Iran alone will have a greater population than Russia in 45 years. How do you think a nuclear power and militaristic power like Russia is going to be able to deal with that change? It makes me wonder if the reason Iran wants nuclear power is simply the US?

Yemen will be bigger than Germany in 45 years. Yemen is a small country, where will they go?6 We have already witnessed the largest migration of human population in human history. Over 200 million Chinese have moved from the interior and the west to within 90 miles of the coast in the last 20 years. That is almost too large to grasp. It is as if half the population of the middle part of United States decided to move to the coast in the next 20 years.

What implications does demography have on the aging population of the world? The population over 60 years old will grow dramatically in the developed world from 2005 to 2040. The US will go from 16% today to 26%; Japan grows from 23% to 44%; Italy from 24% to 46%. Those are major problems which will affect worker productivity, health care and strain the economy. The percentage of GDP that countries will have to tax if they keep the promises they made to the retirees will be a problem, as there will be less workers to pay into the pay as you go retirement systems. France will be at 64% and Germany will be at 60% of GDP just for social services, without adding other government costs such as education, military, roads, etc. ...

http://www.frontlinethoughts.com/printarticle.asp?id=mwo042205

ANOTHER BRICK IN THE POLITICALLY CORRECT WALL

2006-01-07T22:51:00.000+11:00

The members are horrified at the political correctness entering the CoGs without a thing being done about it. Instead of being constantly down on the members about issues which, in reality, are not issues but jealousies (week in and week out, non-stop), there are plenty of real sins to attack: homosexuality, abortion, euthanasia and such like.

ANOTHER BRICK IN THE POLITICALLY CORRECT WALL

We don't need no re-education or changed doctrines
We don’t need no liberal thought control
No nepotism, bias and persecution in the congregation
Liberals and the rich, leave them majority alone
Hey! Bullies and radicals! Leave them members alone!
All in all it's just another brick in the anti-HWA wall
All in all you're just another brick in the anti-Philadelphia Era wall.

We don't need no re-education or changed doctrines
We don’t need no liberal thought control
No destroying moderates in the Church
Extremists leave them members alone
Hey! Leftists! Leave the majority alone!
All in all it's just another brick in the wall.
All in all you're just another brick in the Politically Correct wall.

"Wrong, Do it again!""If you don't accept political correctness, you can't have any opportunities to serve. How can you be given opportunities if you don't accept what the minority are forcing on you?""You! Yes, you behind the computer, stand still laddy!" [I'm gonna persecute you and lie about you]

ORIGINAL WORDS
Another Brick in the Wall Part 2 (Waters) 3:56

(this was an anthem of rebellion against Western values. Let’s reverse it)

We don't need no education
We don’t need no thought control
No dark sarcasm in the classroom
Teachers leave them kids alone
Hey! Teachers! Leave them kids alone!
All in all it's just another brick in the wall
All in all you're just another brick in the wall.

We don't need no education
We don’t need no thought control
No dark sarcasm in the classroom
Teachers leave them kids alone
Hey! Teachers! Leave them kids alone!
All in all it's just another brick in the wall
All in all you're just another brick in the wall.

"Wrong, Do it again!""If you don't eat yer meat, you can't have any pudding. How can you have any pudding if you don't eat yer meat?""You! Yes, you behind the bikesheds, stand still laddy!"

Can a Christian be a homosexual?

2006-01-06T22:48:00.000+11:00

From various postings on CoG forums advocating the title of 'Christian homosexual', it is alarming to see how far into the psyche political correctness has marched in the Churches of God. This is just one of dozens of postings on various issues by members who want to cosy up as much as they can to political correctness - yet feel safe by keeping the sabbath and holy days - as if that is all to God's Way.This is only going to get worse and worse as these types work their way up in the CoGs (in the main they seldom openly espouse their beliefs or they keep them well hidden - and they deny it when confronted. They prefer to be 'subtle', seeding their ideas all over the place).

See what I mean?

What is this doctrinal change that has taken place without any approval - that one can be a 'Christian homosexual'? What a massive compromise with the world and that WILL lead to further softening of standards. It seems to us that:

1. One can be a repentant homosexual who becomes a Christian;
2. one can be a homosexual who wants to be a Christian;
3. one can be a homosexual who does not wish to be a Christian (or is not called);
4. one can be a homosexual who was a Christian.BUT, one cannot be a 'Christian homosexual' that several are espousing.

Who made this doctrinal change - there are just tooooo many of these crackpot and unthinking PC ideas floating around?Similarly, one cannot be a 'Christian Sunday-observer', 'Christian adulterer', 'Christian murderer' etc.One can only be a Christian. But one can be a Christian who was a FORMER homosexual or former this or that who suffers temptations. But one cannot be a 'Christian homosexual' which implies staying homosexual mentally while entering the CoGs.

Man, I have heard so many arguments from people over this. Some clever and others silly. But the bottom line is that people want to feel comfortable with the world; they don't wish to offend the homosexual lobby (but they are quite prepared to offend loyal members); certain ones no doubt want to use this as a stepping stone to the next level - that has always been the case. Step-by-step.

This not so subtle change in language is leading us into the next step on this issue. See my response to this shocking change in my paper on 'Homosexuality and the Problem with Language' located at http://www.originofnations.org/HRP_Papers/doc/index.htm This paper was written after hearing this poorly thought out and unscriptural tripe being espoused some months ago by CoG members.

All political observers know that the use of language is the biggest tool that the Left have used over the past 50 years - and now it is entering the CoGs.

The Biblical Role for Women

2006-01-06T21:25:00.000+11:00

I downloaded this paper today and it looks good. Thanks to the UCG to the doctrinal committee for it. If it is not attached, you can download it at www.ucg.org

We know that some here are advocating that women should be able to give opening and closing prayers and do song leading during Church services.

Would that be prevented under the overall concept of a woman's Biblical role?

I believe that this idea is driven by the following:

1. a desire to get as close to the world's position as possible (some fear that they might be going against legislation or anticipated legislation without any knowledge of this at all);
2. some who would use this as a stepping stone to ordaining women to eldership (some quite senior).

The problem is that so many people are not hearing messages or seeing articles countering this world's views on this and many other social issues. As such, they absorb the world's Leftist positions. Particularly the youth.

I have noticed over the years that parents are not fully aware to the extent that their offspring absorb political correctness from the media, schools and especially universities - the feeling seems to be that so long as they can observe the Sabbath and Holy Days then all is well (in other words many social values are 'up for grabs' - political correctness is not seen in a bad light).

A Hymn To Tolerance (Apologies to 1 Corinthians 13)

2005-12-06T01:02:00.000+11:00

This remarkable poem was sent to me. It is amazing how the Left always preach tolerance. Yet they are less tolerant than conservatives - both within and outside the Church:

A Hymn To Tolerance (Apologies to 1 Corinthians 13)

1. Though I speak with the tongue of actors and lawyers, but have not tolerance, I am become as nothing.
2. And though I am able to discern the trends of public opinion, and understand all political theory, and am able to move civil servants to do my bidding, but have not tolerance, I am nothing.
3. And though I pay all my taxes, and practise safe sex, but have not tolerance, it profits me nothing.
4. Tolerance is detached and remote. It does not engage anything, but thinks itself humble.
5. It is not dogmatic, it believes in nothing, embraces all things, and rejects all absolutes.
6. Tolerance does not delight in truth, but rejoices that there is no truth.
7. Tolerance always bends, always manoeuvres, always manipulates, is always pliable.
8. Tolerance never fails. Where there is truth, it will be suppressed; where there is purity, it will be sullied; where there are convictions, these will be maligned.
9-10. For now we know in part, and are certain there can be no certain absolutes.
11. When I was a child, I believed in truth, purity and love, but now I have put away childish things.
12. Now we see as in a mirror dimly, but we are on the way to seeing all. All shall be as one, even now as we seek to be one with all.
13. And now these three remain: anti-discrimination, rights, and tolerance. But the greatest of these is tolerance.

Germany and the original Assyrians

2005-12-06T00:57:00.000+11:00

For those that are interested in Germany's Assyrian roots, see Dr Winnail's article at http://www.lcg.org/cgi-bin/lcg/studytopics/lcg-st.cgi?category=Prophecy1&item=1116548355

It is a shame that some are compromising and think that Iraq is Assyria in prophecy or that the Assyrians are both the Germans and the Iraqis - something that is genetically not feasible.

Also, in the growing interest in this doctrine, there is a new 'Germany in Prophecy' booklet which is now available (if you can read German): http://www.churchofgodacf.ca/german/booklets/germanyprophecy/germanyprophecy_txt_de.htm

The truth is being preserved and further research and proofs are forthcoming. God Almighty will not allow His end-time truths to die out.

Place of Safety papers

2005-12-05T22:48:00.000+11:00

Papers on the place of safety doctrine have been uploaded to http://www.originofnations.org/ and http://www.friendsofsabbath.org/~surfer/Leroy%20Neff%20articles%20&%20sermons/

This includes a paper by Mr Leroy Neff sent me which I received today. Also Bible study notes by Carn Catherwood on the subject.

Are Church of God folk more committed to the Truth nowadays?

2005-11-27T00:36:00.000+11:00

Some speculate that the Church of God folk today are superior to those that spent years in the old WCG. I contend with this.

My favourite poet, Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936), wrote:

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.

To be your own man is hard business.

If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself."

To become too entangled or submersed into a group may well lead to a lack of clear judgment on issues, doctrines and such like. It thus means impaired vision and not thinking through issues properly. Allowing one to go from one extreme of submersing oneself into the mass group on the one hand and becoming independent on the other (unless unjustly forced into such a position) does not assist in honing the skills of righteous judgment (see John 5:30; 7:24).

Some, through a sort of self deception, or a ‘love blinds’ emotional reaction, will always ‘talk up’ a situation. An example may be stating that Church of God members today are stronger and more stirdy than those within the old WCG. Unbeknown to those that advocate such positions, this is a sleight on those that endured much in those days, including members now deceased. They endured bad bosses (today the workforce is more flexible), oppression, undertook serious Bible study, talked about God's Word and so on.

The facts speak for themselves:

-Many of the hard fought for doctrines have been abandoned (Titus 1:9; 2:1,7)
-The younger generation, in the main, do not believe in so much or understand what they do know
-Pro rata, there is much less fellowship (Matt 24:12)
-Pro rata, there is much more cliquishness
-There is certainly much less Bible talk – instead talk on piffle dominates, even after Church services
-To make matters worse, when many do mention or discuss God’s Word, it is in a flippant manner. Or so shallow that it is beyond belief
-Slander is much more openly used to attack members than ever before (which is a sign of the times - 2Tim 3:1-7). Constant prickliness to try and 'get under their skins' is an old and tired weapon used for years
-The rich are much more influential nowadays and get their way as they forge political alliances and attempt to influence or gain positions. They entertain those in power and abandon or despise the lowly (Ps 49:16-20; Prov 14:20; 10:15; 13:7; 18:11; 28:11; Matt 13:22; Mark 10:23)
-An unrepresentative rowdy minority holding sway over the conservative majority

So how on earth people are stronger, I fail to see. See Hos 12:8.

Jesus Christ and, more recently, Herbert W Armstrong, set the above example of not permitting themselves to be overwhelmed by the group. And in 1833, Justice Joseph Story (1779-1845), US Supreme Court Justice, wrote:

"Republics [the principle applies to organisations as a whole] are created [or sustained] by the virtue, public spirit, and intelligence of the citizens.

They fall, when the wise are banished from the public councils, because they dare to be honest, and the profligate are rewarded, because they flatter the people [or ministry], in order to betray them."

Similarly Albert Einstein warned:

“Great spirits have always met with violent opposition from mediocre minds.”

And to survive, according to Sun Tzu, famous Chinese general and military strategist of the 6th century BC:

"He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot will be victorious."

Has anything changed?

So, dare we study the Bible, seeking God’s will and His truths? For it is a Biblical principle that we dig deep into issues. As the scriptures say:

“It is the glory of God to conceal a matter but the glory of kings is to search out a matter. As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable.” (Prov 25:2) [are not Christians kings in the making?]

Similarly, in Proverbs chapter we are instructed to search out God’s treasures:

“My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you,
So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding;
Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding,
If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures;

Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God.
For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;

He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;

He guards the paths of justice, And preserves the way of His saints.
Then you will understand righteousness and justice, Equity and every good path.
When wisdom enters your heart, And knowledge is pleasant to your soul,
Discretion will preserve you; Understanding will keep you,
To deliver you from the way of evil, From the man who speaks perverse things.” (Prov 2:1-12)

Now notice some applicable words by Sun Tzu:

"All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved." [ie there are secrets to success]

"Now the reason the enlightened prince and the wise general conquer the enemy whenever they move and their achievements surpass those of ordinary men is foreknowledge."

"The general [read Church member] who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country [read Church] and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom."

Wise words indeed. Christians are fighting a spiritual battle to inherit the kingdom. They are kings in the making – therefore let all of us take on the characteristic outlined in Prov 25:2. Eschew jealousy and the spirit of competition. Instead, unleash the Godly energies within you – demonstrate the spiritual gifts and natural talents God has given you. In other words allow the zeal within you to pour forth.

Do not allow jealous flesh and blood to suppress God’s will for you.

Will any Caucasians survive by 2125AD?

2005-11-26T22:55:00.000+11:00

'As it was in the days of Noah' - the deliberate breeding out of the White line. The university professors, media, globalists, Leninists and a host of others are pushing and pushing and pushing for One World - One Race.

Pro rata, many more Whites are being murdered in the womb than other races. Here in Australia, 100,000 abortions occur every year - and 100,000 migrants enter the country to replace them, mainly Asians. One may term this 'race replacement.'

The global planners since the days of their political ancestors (JFK, Edward Kennedy, Martin Luther King, the 1968 revolutionaries with their war cry of 'melting pot') have succeeded beyond their wildest dreams.

The USA is already 38% non-White, Europe is 10% (France 25%).

Every night on TV they show different races pairing off, marrying each other or dating each other. On the news, they almost invariably have a Black male newsreader with a white female. Almost every cop show has the Black cop chiefs ordering around stupid White men. Whites are 99% the criminals, sadists and madmen on these shows - non-Whites or multi-racial teams are the good guys killing or arresting White men.

Even James Bond movies (and other movies) show this with a Black killing a bad White. Whites are being programmed to think that they are bad and should not marry each other, but rather to marry other races.

Even National Geographic, Discovery and Animal Planet channels constantly criticise Whites, particularly the British (and British Empire) while simultaneously praising the superiority of African culture and the wisdom on the Orient.

Just 3 or 4 years ago the war-cry in the US universities was 'hey hey, ho ho, Western culture has gotta go'. Today this is being translated into White self-hatred as we are being taught to think of ourselves as stupid, inferior, criminal etc, etc - thanks to the media and the schools. And into Government legislation and policy to fulfill JFK's dream of One Brown Race.

There will come a backlash from a German-led Europe. Mankind tends to descend into one ditch or the other ...

___________________________________

Europe's 'baby bust' signals major change
By David R. Sands
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
November 24, 2005

In the cradle of Western civilization, the cradles are empty. From the Atlantic to the Urals, in good and bad economies, in Protestant and Catholic societies, the countries of Europe are witnessing an unprecedented decline in birthrates.

This "baby bust," analysts warn, will affect economic growth, social-welfare programs, patterns of immigration and Europe's ability to pull its weight diplomatically, culturally and militarily in the 21st century. In 1900, according to U.N. estimates, one out of four human beings on the planet -- 24.7 percent -- lived in Europe.

Today, the European population share is a little more than 10 percent. By 2025 -- with the average woman in the European Union bearing just 1.48 children in her lifetime -- the ratio of Europeans to everyone else is projected to be less than one in 14 -- 7 percent.

The dearth of babies, coupled with longer life spans for today's elderly, "have major implications for our prosperity, living standards and relations between the generations," according to a "green paper" on demographic change issued by the European Commission earlier this year.

With fewer younger workers in Europe supporting more older pensioners, the immediate worry has been the fate of generous welfare and social protection systems across the continent.

But "the issues are much broader than older workers and pension reform," said Vladimir Spidla, EU social affairs commissioner. "This development will affect almost every aspect of our lives, for example the way businesses operate and work is being organized, our urban planning, the design of [apartments], public transport, voting behavior and the infrastructure of shopping possibilities in our cities.

"All age groups will be affected as people live longer and enjoy better health, the birthrate falls and our work force shrinks. It is time to act now," he said.

Outside threat

One direct fallout from the demographic slump was on vivid display during the riots that rocked the suburbs of Paris and a string of French cities this month.

The rioters were overwhelmingly drawn from the ranks of young, unemployed sons of immigrant families from North and West Africa. As in countries across Europe, the largely Muslim immigrants were drawn to France to take low-end jobs that the native population could not or would not do.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/world/20051124-121045-6980r.htm

“What doesn’t kill you only serves to strengthen you”

2005-11-08T21:56:00.000+11:00

A common proverb goes something like this:

“What doesn’t kill you only serves to strengthen you”

The continuous slander, harassment and lies against the glorious ones (Christians) places God’s holy and righteous children under stress and only serves to make them stronger. They become pillars of stainless steel. We are in good company – for the Patriarchs, Prophets, Christ Himself, the Apostles and Herbert W Armstrong similarly suffered at the hands of the jealous and the liars.

Strategies for Christians - principles from a wise old general

2005-11-08T00:26:00.000+11:00

It seems to me that some of the sayings by Sun Tzu, famous Chinese general and military strategist of the 6th century BC, are applicable to us today:

"The more you read and learn, the less your adversary will know."

"He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot will be victorious."

"All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved."

"Now the reason the enlightened prince and the wise general conquer the enemy whenever they move and their achievements surpass those of ordinary men is foreknowledge."

"The general [read Church member] who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country [read Church] and do good service for his sovereign [read Christ], is the jewel of the kingdom."

Dr Hoeh

2005-11-06T15:37:00.000+11:00

“Scripture stands above the Pastor General. The Pastor General does not stand above Scripture.” (Dr. Herman L. Hoeh, sermon, 1/92 concerning the then new “Statement of Beliefs” booklet)

Helping the Poor - is that socialism?

2005-11-06T00:01:00.000+11:00

I know that some will consider this to be socialism. But God has His form of welfare.

Good News
October 1961
Vol. X, Number 10
HELP THE POOR
Have many of us been neglecting the responsibility of helping the poor -- God's way?

by A.J. Portune

IN these crisis times -- with unemployment at a critical level -- many of God's people are having to endure financial hardship. Many families find themselves without the bare necessities of life. Some are unable to adequately feed and clothe their little children.

Even in times of prosperity and great abundance in the nation, there are still those in God's Church who, because of unusual circumstances and local conditions, are in critical need.

How are these "poor" among us to be provided for? Have they been over-looked in God's plan, or is there a responsibility that perhaps many of us have not understood?

Jesus Christ knew the poor would always be among us -- regardless of the times (Mat. 26:11). Even in ancient Israel that same Christ said: "For the poor shall never cease out of the land" (Deut. 15:11).

Christ did not OVERLOOK the poor and needy. Rather, he gave definite COMMANDS concerning their care. We need to understand this VITAL point -- and to comprehend OUR PART in Christ's planning. From Tithes? Many have inadvertently assumed the poor were to be cared for out of tithes and offerings sent to the work, or from the special THIRD tithe commanded by God. However, when closely examined, there is no mention of the POOR in ANY of the tithe commands. Let's notice them!

God ordained the FIRST tithe originally for the Levitical Priesthood. "And, behold, I have given the children of LEVI all the tenth [tithe] in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation" (Num. 18:21).

The Levites were occupied solely with the service of the tabernacle and therefore had no time to care for cattle, raise crops or indulge in a trade. God gave them the FIRST tenth of all the increase in the land. They were able to treat this tithe as if it were their own corn and wine (verse 27).
These same tithes today are utilized similarly to pay all those serving DIRECTLY in the service of God's people; and also to pay for services rendered to carry this Gospel to the world as a witness and to feed the flock (compare I Cor. 9:13-15 and Heb. 7:12).

No mention of helping the poor is included in this FIRST TITHE. Second Tithe -- Its Use God mentions another tithe -- the SECOND tithe. Notice Deuteronomy 14 beginning in verse 22. This tithe is to be used before the Eternal in the place which HE shall choose (verse 23). This tithe is a specific command for all to come and rejoice before God on His annual Feast days -- especially the Feast of Tabernacles. Included in this tithe -- THE SECOND TITHE -- are also the Levite -- because his life is devoted solely to the service of the people (verse 27).

Again there is no mention of the POOR in this specific SECOND tithe command. The Third Tithe The Eternal further commands a THIRD tithe to be kept and utilized right in the area -- "within thy gates." This tithe is to be saved every THIRD year -- or twice in seven years (Deut. 14:28).
This special third tithe is to be used for designated purposes. Notice, "... and the LEVITE, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the STRANGER, and the FATHERLESS, and the WIDOW, which are WITHIN THY GATES, shall come and shall eat and be satisfied" (Deut. 14:29; also compare Deut. 26:12-13).

Under certain emergency situations, the LEVITE needed additional third tithe help from time to time. Occasionally a STRANGER (sojourner, wayfarer or foreigner) entering the community needed temporary help until he got his feet on the ground. Special THIRD tithe help was REGULARLY given to support FATHERLESS children and widows whose husbands had either died or deserted them. Again, no specific mention of help for the POOR and NEEDY. Direct Command for Poor In all three of God's tithing commands we find no direct mention of helping the poor. Yet God HAS given a direct command concerning helping the poor. Let's notice it!

"If there be among you a poor man of one of thy BRETHREN WITHIN ANY OF THY GATES ... thou shalt NOT harden thine heart nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother" (Deut. 15:7).

Here, in the 15th chapter of Deuteronomy -- after having just reviewed the use of the SECOND and THIRD tithes -- the Eternal now shows how the poor among us are to be helped. He continued, "But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shall surely LEND him sufficient for his need in that which he wanteth (Vs. 8).

Continuing in verse 9, the Eternal shows -- even though the year of release be near, (Vs. 1) our hand should be OPEN to the poor among us.

Because of our willingness to GIVE to the poor among us, God promises us a blessing, "... because that for this thing the Eternal thy God shall BLESS thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand to do" (Vs. 10).

This is not an INVOLUNTARY choice, but it is a COMMAND! "For the poor shall NEVER CEASE out of the land: therefore, I COMMAND THEE, saying, thou shalt open thine hand WIDE unto thy brother, to thy POOR, and to thy NEEDY in thy land" (verse 11). A Loan to God Failing to loan to or help the poor and needy in this way is a failure to TRUST GOD, because God PROMISES: "He that hath pity upon the poor LENDETH UNTO THE LORD: and that which he hath given will HE [God] pay him again" (Prov. 19:17). God shows that when we withhold our hand from helping the poor, we, in actuality, are withholding our hand from Him since He considers every loan to the poor as a direct loan to Him, and God, himself promises to repay us.

A Basic Principle

Now, let's notice a basic principle that many of us have NOT been applying. Since the Eternal knew the poor would always be present, He gave a living principle that would constantly remind the people to CONSIDER the poor. That principal is mentioned in Leviticus 19:9-10. "And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the CORNERS of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest. And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather EVERY grape of thy vineyard, thou shalt leave them for the POOR and stranger [wayfarer]: I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD."

Let's CONSIDER this principle a moment! The Eternal is showing -- by command -- that it is actually WRONG for us to use every last cent of our income or increase on ourselves.

How inconsiderate many of us have been!

Every harvest season, when the children of Israel reaped their INCREASE, they remembered they had a responsibility to the poor. They remembered God had said not to take the very last head of grain and ripe grape for themselves -- but to consider the poor and needy in the land -- to leave a little for them.

Many of us -- payday after payday -- reap our increase and have no thought or consideration for the poor. The Eternal, knowing the poor would always be among us and need OUR help, gave this living command. Today we still have the poor, yet God's command is too often neglected. A Missed Blessing God promises direct blessings for obeying this command. "BLESSED is he that considers the poor: the Lord will DELIVER HIM in time of trouble. The Lord will PRESERVE HIM and KEEP HIM ALIVE; and he shall be BLESSED upon the earth: and Thou will not deliver him into the will of his enemies. The Lord will STRENGTHEN HIM upon the bed of languishing: Thou wilt make all his bed in his SICKNESS" (Ps. 41:1-3).

Think of the blessings many of us have been missing because of not applying this command! More Examples Jesus Christ, in the 6th chapter of Matthew, taught His disciples to help the poor. "Take heed that ye do not your ALMS [gifts to poor] before men ... But when thou doest ALMS [give gifts to poor] let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: that thy ALMS may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret shall REWARD THEE openly" (verses 1, 3 and 4).

This was one of Christ's primary teachings, mentioned in the SAME chapter in which He taught the disciples to PRAY and FAST. Yet, many of us are letting down in this responsibility -- and place no stress upon it.

Because of the diligent prayer and ALMS of Cornelius, a Gentile, God sent an APOSTLE to baptize him and his family. "There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius ... a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much ALMS to the people and prayed to God alway." An angel of God appeared to him and said, "... Thy prayers and ALMS are come up for a MEMORIAL before God" (Acts 10:1-4).

Yes, God takes NOTE when we obey this law. God is very concerned with our diligence in helping the poor. Our Responsibility Each one of us personally should make it our responsibility to help those among us who -- although diligent -- are poor and in need because of special circumstances. We should be eager to fulfill this command of God.

Perhaps we may not know of any family or individual in need. Then, we should tactfully inquire of the minister or one of the deacons or leaders in the Church who may know of a special case, or anonymously give to a special POOR FUND that your minister may use for this purpose.

There are always poor among us. There will always be this need -- God says so. It is OUR responsibility to do our part.

With your support and obedience every Church area can have a reserve to help the poor. Used clothing and shoes are always in need and also a very welcome gift. If you do not have a local church, send them to headquarters in Pasadena.

Remember, Brethren, although this is our responsibility, it is also a blessing to help the poor. "If ye know these things, HAPPY are ye if ye DO them" (John 13:17).

Just what is 'the Synagogue of Satan'?

2005-11-05T23:50:00.000+11:00

The following is extracted from my paper on 'The Seven Restorations of the Work of the Church of God' available at http://www.originofnations.org/HRP_Papers/doc/index.htm It may be of some interest.

"The Philadelphia Era ... quickly wilted under pressure of apostasy. A synagogue of Satan once again grew up within God’s Church and led the people into apostasy. Note what the WCG traditionally taught: “The synagogue of Satan refers to the great apostasy that occurred at the close of the apostolic age, the apostasy which gave rise to the host of denominations we have today—a great mother church and her daughter churches (Rev. 17).” (AD Letter 938, Radio Church of God, 1956) [emphasis mine]

The Abingdon Bible Commentary concurs: “Perhaps the synagogue that claimed to be the synagogue of Jehovah but was really the synagogue of Satan (Rev. 3, v. 9; cf. 2:9) had excommunicated the Philadelphian Christians.” (The Abingdon Bible Commentary,1929, p. 1376)

Herman L Hoeh wrote: “Whenever they were able to influence a majority in a local church…false ministers began to expel the true Christians.” “In the letter of the apostle John to Gaius, we read: ‘I wrote unto the church, but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the pre-eminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, AND CASTETH THEM OUT OF THE CHURCH’ (III John 9 and 10).”

“The true Christians, who alone comprised the true Church, were being put out of the visible, organized congregations.” “But that did not mean the scattered individuals were not part of the Church. They were the Church because they were joined to Christ through the Holy Spirit. Those who drove them out became the false church—the church of the god of this world—‘the synagogue of Satan’.” “This synagogue of Satan is the great apostate church which developed after 80 A.D. and ultimately became recognized as the State Religion of the Roman Empire. That Church has had many Protestant daughters which are also Satan’s churches (Rev. 17).” (H. L. Hoeh, A True History of the True Church, pp. 7-8, 17)

“God reserves His strongest condemnation for those who claim to be speaking for Him, but are actually leading people away from the true God.” “‘Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that use their tongues, and say, He saith. Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams…and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all…for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the Lord of hosts, our God…’ (Jer. 23).” “Not all false prophets come from outside the Church. Some were formerly faithful servants of God, but swerved from the ‘straight and narrow’ path.” “Faithful pastors protect the flock from those who would spoil them. But some of those called and ordained in God’s true Church would covet Christ’s sheep. So they would turn from the teachings and the teachers they had originally acknowledged.” “Why does God allow wolves to have access to His flock? Why doesn’t He expose them before they do any harm? He has his reasons!” “The first and most basic scripture about false prophets explains why. ‘If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the Lord your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul’ (Deut. 13:1-3).” “God wants his flock to stay with Him and the truth no matter what. The flock of God is certain to encounter many trials and tests—false prophets and treasonous pastors among them. But the true sheep of His pasture, who seek His leadership and His will, won’t be led astray and devoured. Thankfully, it is just not possible. Christ’s sheep will see the fake fleece and run!” (Robert E. Fahey, “Beware of False Prophets,” Good News magazine, May 1979). [emphasis mine]

Herbert W Armstrong wrote similarly: “First, remember this Church was never large, never politically powerful, or a world-known organization of men. It is a spiritual organism, not a political organization. It is composed of all whose hearts and lives have been changed by the Spirit of God, whether visibly together, or individually scattered.” Under the lash of continual persecution and opposition from the organized forces of this world, it is difficult for such a people to remain united and organized together. Even in Paul’s day, many among those attending at Antioch, at Jerusalem, at Ephesus, at Corinth, and other places, began to apostatize and turn away from the truth. Divisions sprang up. Those individuals, unconverted or turned from God’s truth and way of life, were no part of God’s true Church, though visibly assembling with those who were.

The ‘mystery of iniquity’ was already working within these visible churches. This apostasy increased! By the year A.D. 125 the majority in most churches, especially those Gentile-born, were continuing in many of their old pagan beliefs and practices, though professing to be Christian! Gradually, a smaller and smaller portion of the visible churches going by the name ‘Christian’ remained truly yielded to God and His truth, and led of His Spirit. After Constantine took virtual control of the visible, professing Church in the early fourth century, this visible organization became almost wholly pagan, and began excommunicating and persecuting all who held to the true Word of God! Finally, it became necessary for real Christians, who, even as a scattered people, alone composed the true Christian Church, to flee from the jurisdiction of Rome in order truly to worship God! Thus, the visible, organized Church which rose to power was the FALSE Church—the ‘Great Whore’ of Revelation 17.” (The Plain Truth About Easter (1973), pp.11) [emphasis mine]

In one of his works, concerning The Seven Churches (published in the early years of the twentieth century), Glengarry Rupert (who seems to be a precursor of HWA) noted: “Verse 9 shows there is a great apostacy during the history of the Philadelphia church. Yet there are some few in that age that have kept his word ... How truly all this history is fulfilled before the eyes of those who can see, having eyes anointed to discern truth ... Now is the time to not be ashamed of his truth and proclaim it." (pages 19-20) [emphasis mine]

Rupert had predicted the apostasy of the Philadelphia era about 80 or so years prior to it occurring by understanding what the following verses in Revelation indicate: “Behold, I give of the synagogue of Satan, of them that say they are Jews, and they are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. [why? Because they caused the apostasy] Because thou didst keep the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of trial, that hour which is to come upon the whole world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” [why? Because they resisted apostasy] (Rev 3:9-10)

Did HWA read the works of EW Bullinger?

2005-11-05T23:49:00.000+11:00

This week I got side-tracked from some research into a certain subject. Instead, I ended up assembling data on HWA and Bullinger which I have been meaning to do for so many years now. This is what I wrote on page 1 of the research notes:

"In papers such as Seven Restorations of the Work of the Church of God and Roots of Our Beliefs I explained how HWA was a sifter of fine literature. Under inspiration he poured through excellent literature and after a time of testing he incorporated the appropriate beliefs found in that into Church of God doctrines. Among those mentioned was Ethelbert William Bullinger.

Bullinger did not believe in British-Israel (indeed at least two of his notes in the Companion Bible pooh-poohed the idea). Neither did he observe the Sabbath and Holy Days. However, it is said that he rejected the trinity doctrine later in life – this led to his falling out with traditional Christianity.
Nevertheless God used him to research many truths. And these truths found their way into the Church of God via HWA.

To prove this point, the following are some old WCG quotes from or about Bullinger ..."
For the rest of the evidence read the notes attached. Please download it at http://www.originofnations.org/HRP_Papers/HWA%20&%20Bullinger.pdf

Feedback direct to me is, as always, appreciated.

Truth about the Cross

2005-11-05T23:23:00.000+11:00

See the booklet on the cross at http://www.eternalcog.org/ecoglibrary/BookletTruthCross.html Recommended reading.

Modern-day capitalism is not the Biblical economic model

2005-11-05T21:38:00.001+11:00

I recently read the plight of a Church of God member. The health crisis and the consequent harasment at work. Her plight forces me to make the following comments.

As the western world gradually adopts Third World practices for the workers (as does China), expect the oppression of the workers to worsen. This is not a socialistic statement - it is a capitalist statement. The workers need protection from centuries of oppression and to be able to enjoy proper participation in the capitalist system.

Now Australia is bringing in industrial relations legislation which will make things even worse for the suffering poor. Their rights and protection are being stripped away. Work hours are getting longer and longer; stress getting worse; health decreasing; people forced to use every available minute to seek other jobs, study further etc, etc; families are being smashed by this. It is just becoming a work, work, work focussed system. It should be more balanced than that. People are just getting worn out and lives will begin to shorten again as every ounce of energy gets sucked out of us. I don't expect the rich to agree with this. Most rich get there by oppressing others, ripping people off, avoiding taxes and such like. Most are work aholics who make money their god - at any price.
I have spoken to so many people whose lives are just taken up by work, work, work; study, study, study etc - just to survive on a low wage with no real prospects now. More and more jobs are temporary and casual - as a result Aussies have to get into deeper debt just to survive or keep a standard of living. We have the worst private debt in the western world per capita.

... And the rich are getting richer. We, in the west, are setting ourselves up for a massive plummet in living standards and quality of life as we adopt the Darwinian 'only the strong survive' type of capitalism. Sure, such a variation of capitalism would mean faster GDP to enable corporations, the rich and governments to grow even fatter. But it also means a worsening of lifestyles; crackpot immigration policies (with subsequent increases in diseases, crime, unhappy natives upset at their own kind being replaced, genetic damage to the races of mankind), environmental damage, cities being planned with smaller and smaller residences, bigger debts and so). This is NOT God's way.
Some are work fanatics or have very strong constitutions. Many like to fight and claw their way to the top. But most don't and hate that sort of capitalist model. We cannot discriminate against the majority for the few that want to work 12 hour days and not be with their families or who should be delegating more or hiring more staff.

There is another way - and it is God's. His system is not fascism, communism, socialism, laissez-faire etc.

From what can be deduced from scripture and the various laws contained in the Torah, it is a form of capitalism, some welfare and Government intervention for the people. That is not socialism, folks. One of these days I shall get around to assembling my notes on God's economic system into a paper. Biblical evidence points toward an economic system that does offer rewards for hard work, inventiveness etc.

But it also offers stability (no wild stock and currency markets with incorrect and fluctuating values), protection for the family, plenty of time to enjoy life etc. In other words the economic rewards are a by-product of righteousness, not an end in itself. Religion and race come first - those are also the most important principles for conservatives.

One of these days I shall write that paper ...

Are there 5 parts to the Philadelphia Era?

2005-11-05T15:21:00.000+11:00

Just an idea. Are there 5 parts to the Philadelphia Era? See my comments below:

Rev 3:7-12

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is set-apart, He who is true, He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts; and shuts and no one opens, says these things:
I know your works. Behold, I have given before you an open door, and no one can shut it. For you have a little strength and have kept My Word and have not denied My name. [first phase – undertaking a Work]

Behold, I give out of those of the synagogue of Satan, those saying themselves to be Jews and are not, but lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. [second phase – apostasy]

Because you have kept the Word of My patience, I also will keep you from the hour of temptation which will come upon all the habitable world, to try those who dwell upon the earth. [third phase – keeping His Word – including a revived Work and then Great Tribulation]

Behold, I come quickly. Hold fast to that which you have, so that no one may take your crown. [fourth phase – Christ’s return]

Him who overcomes I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will go out no more. And I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of Heaven from My God, and My new name.” [finally – granting of rewards in His Kingdom]

Were the First-Century Jews Strict Monotheists?

2005-11-05T14:04:00.000+11:00

It was great to read the section on 'Were the First-Century Jews Strict Monotheists?' in UCG's latest paper. Indeed, a minority of Jews did indeed believe in a second Divine Being.

There is a rapidly expanding belief that Christ did not have pre-existence. This is taught by the Christadelphians, Church of God (Abrahamic Faith), Ken Westby. Was taught by John Kiesz, CoG7, now deceased. Some CoG7 affiliates have readopted this belief recently. Messianics are going to war over it. On one end some Messianics are compromising more and more with Protestantism. On the other extreme others are becoming so Judaic as to minimise Christ - the war is over Christ's true identity and I wonder where it will all end?

This variation of Unitarianism is known as Socianism after Laelius Socinus and Faustus Socinus. The latter formed the Unitarian Church in Poland in the 1500s. Although this extreme form of Unitarianism predated them by centuries. Some are even trying to attribute this belief to Dr Arius. Although I have seen quotes by him which are clearly Unitarian. But at other times Binitarian.

My recommended references to people are:
- Margaret Barker - The Great Angel, A Study of Israel's Second God
- Alan Segal - Two Powers in Heaven
- Matthew Alfs - Concepts of Father, Son and Holy Spirit
One work which I have seen mentioned but do not have a copy of is: “The Gospel of the Memra: Jewish Binitarianism and the Prologue to John,” Harvard Theological Review 94:3 (July, 2001), 243-284.

Now, I just hope we don't over-react to Socianism that we put greater emphasis on Christ than the Father. For instance, some have said that the sabbath-observing groups over the ages chiefly proclaimed Christological connections to the holy days is inaccurate. As far as I know:

1. IF one can find them being kept in every century since the first, then good luck to them! I believe that they have been kept, but cannot find them kept in every century YET;

2. What we know of what was taught was more on they are a ceremonial requirement and prophetic connections;

3. IF they taught mainly Christological connections in the past, why should we go back? We must go forward with deeper understanding because during this century we have witnessed an explosion in Biblical knowledge.

The Scriptures indicate that knowledge shall increase in the end time (Dan. 12:4). This is often accomplished by building on the understanding, knowledge and research of predecessors. Not only is raw knowledge increased, but so is qualitative value-adding to doctrine with deeper and more meaningful insights.

4. Finally, it is the few Protestants that take an interest in feast day typology who chiefly see Christ in them. Not us! And it is those within our various fellowships that have watered-down so many of our beliefs that want to preach Christ. He is indeed in the Holy Days, but that is not the Biblical emphasis: He is the agent for the Father to guide His Plan which is outlined in the Holy Days. That is the chief emphasis for those days.

Regards to all,
Craig

_________________________________________________________________

The Nature of God and Christ
Doctrinal Study Paper
Approved by the Council of Elders
August 2005

Page 59
September 2005
© 2005 United Church of God, an International Association

Appendix E
Were the First-Century Jews Strict Monotheists?

One of the arguments against the deity of Christ is the argument from silence. This argument assumes that the Jews of Christ’s day were strictly monotheistic and if Christ had professed to being God in the flesh this would have been a big issue at that time. But is it true that the Jews of the first century believed in “strict” monotheism?

There is no question but that the Jews were monotheistic, but how were they monotheistic? In the past 30 years much new information has come to light that sheds doubt on the traditional view of Jewish belief about the Godhead. More and more evidence shows that the Jews did struggle with the issue of plurality in the Godhead.

The Jewish Backgrounds of the New Testament: Second Commonwealth Judaism in Recent Study by J. Julius Scott, Jr. of the Wheaton College Graduate School shows clearly that it is a mistake to believe that the Jews of the New Testament period were “strict monotheists” and they would never have accepted Jesus as God. Scott shows that the idea of “strict monotheism” did not develop until the Middle Ages and was an attempt to stop the encroachment by Christianity. Here are some quotes from Scott:

The immediate Jewish background of the New Testament was shaped by three cataclysmic events and their results as various groups of Jews reacted to them differently.

First came the destruction of the Jewish state by the Babylonians in 587/6 BCE. The Hebrews lost their land, monarchy, holy city and temple and were scattered throughout the world. Consequently, they faced a theological crisis involving the nature, power, and goodness of God. They were also threatened culturally, racially, and ceremonially as they were thrown into proximity with other peoples and religious groups. In addition, the absence of recognized prophets left the Hebrews without divine guidance at a time when they felt most in need of support and direction.

Debate and disagreement continue about many facts and interpretations of the remains of Second Temple Judaism. Yet, something of a general agreement on a number of significant points has emerged. This includes new understandings, recognitions of previously obscure facts and emphases, and changed opinions. Some of the more important elements in this “new consensus” may be described as follows.

1. Intertestamental Judaism is a descendant of the Old Testament Hebrew faith and culture but is not identical with it… [Also we] must distinguish it from Rabbinic Judaism, which developed after the destruction of Jerusalem, the temple, and the Jewish state. This distinction must be carefully noted in, among other things, attempting to use certain types of source materials, especially the Old Testament and Rabbinic writings, as witnesses to the faith and practices of this period.

2. Although Second Commonwealth Judaism had cardinal tenets, such as monotheism [which was not clearly defined], covenant, Torah, and the implications of these, it was essentially a religion of orthopraxy rather than orthodoxy. Behavior and practice, not precise theological subscription, demonstrated faithfulness to the national or sectarian commitment.

3. The society, culture, faith and practice of Intertestamental Judaism were far from a monolithic whole. As we have already mentioned diversity was a major characteristic of the society and period; accordingly it is folly to seek a mainline or correct position or to assume that one particular group or trajectory can be identified as the “normative Judaism” of the period. The diverse elements which made up the fabric of Intertestamental Jewish society must be taken into account, both individually and together, in attempting to understand the period.

4. Our “new consensus” sees Second Temple Judaism, not as a “holding pattern” between the Jewish and Christian Scriptures, but as a dynamic civilization which faced and was given form by its response(s) to genuine tensions arising from political, cultural, sociological, existential, and religious situations and issues. This challenge took place within the context of commitment, on the one hand, to the abiding relevance of Jewish socio-nationalistic-religious heritage, as it was then understood, and, on the other hand, to the need to face realistically the changing circumstances of life in the world in which they lived.[64]

Samson H. Levey, in The Messiah: An Aramaic Interpretation: The Messianic Exegesis of the Targum published by Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati in 1974, further confirms this diversity in Jewish thought in the time of the first century when it came to the Messiah. There is evidence that would include the Messiah being “divine” or God.

The diversity of this period is probably no where more evident than in eschatological expectations. Would the Consummation be simultaneous with or subsequent to the arrival of the Final Age? Would there be a divine agent (a Messiah), or would God personally intervene? If the former, would the Messiah be human, spiritual-angelic, or divine? Is the “Messiah” a personal, corporate, or idealized figure? Would there be a single Messianic figure or several? Would the role or task of the Messiah or Messiahs be primarily political, military, social, or religious? Would he be concerned solely for the affairs of the Hebrews or would he also benefit Gentiles and the natural order? What would be the status of Temple and Torah during the Final Age, of various Jewish groups, of the Gentiles? Although the majority of common people in The Land of Israel (the “Am Ha-Eretz” or “Average Jews”) seem to have held to some loosely defined hope of an essentially military-political-nationalistic Messiah(s) who would both deliver from enemies and enable God’s people to “serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness,” it is impossible to speak categorically about “the single pre-Christian Jewish belief” of almost anything [emphasis added].[65]65

Survey of the New Testament—Intertestamental Judaisms by Thomas L. Long has this to say about Judaism of the first century and just prior:

The period between the second century BCE and the second century CE is known to biblical historians as the “Intertestamental Period,” that is it marked the closure of the canon of the Hebrew scriptures and the formation of the canon of the Christian scriptures.

This period is important to Jews because it includes the devastating Jewish revolt against the Roman empire, which resulted in the destruction of the Second Temple and the end of sacrificial worship, and it is important to Christians because it represents the matrix in which Jesus of Nazareth and his earliest disciples were formed. Because it was a period of tremendous theological diversity within Jewish practice, recent scholars of religion have tended to characterize it in the plural—Judaisms—rather than representing it as a single monolithic religious orthodoxy. What we know about this period comes from several sources: the Christian scriptures (not a particularly reliable historical document because they were often hostile to Jewish authorities), the first-century Jewish historian Flavius Josephus and the philosopher Philo of Alexandria, the Dead Sea Scrolls, archeological remains, and inscriptions.[66]

In “Monotheism—A Misused Word in Jewish Studies?” Peter Hayman states:

In the academic world of twenty or thirty years ago it was conventional to hold that the story of Judaism was one of a gradual, but inexorable, evolution from a Canaanite/Israelite pagan and mythological environment into the pure light of an unsullied monotheism. It is hardly ever appropriate to use the term monotheism to describe the Jewish idea of God, that no progress beyond the simple formulas of the Book of Deuteronomy can be discerned in Judaism before the philosophers of the Middle Ages, and that Judaism never escapes from the legacy of the battles for supremacy between Yahweh, Ba’al and El from which it emerged.[67]

It is also quite revealing to read the writings of the early writers as to how they viewed Christ. Ignatius (A.D. 110 to 117) wrote in his epistle to the Ephesians: “By the will of the Father and of Jesus Christ, our God… God Himself being manifested in human form.” In his epistle to the Trallians he writes: “Jesus our God.” In his epistle to the Romans: “Jesus Christ our God.” In Magnesians 6, Ignatius writes: “Jesus was with the Father before the beginning of time…”

Polycarp was another early writer. In his epistle to the Philippians he wrote about Jesus Christ as “God and our Lord.” This is further proof that the Jews and the Christians of the first century did have a grasp of the concept of plurality in the Godhead. While they were monotheistic, one needs to explain exactly what is meant by the term. There was clearly room in their theology for Christ to be God.

[64] J. Julius Scott, Jr., The Jewish Backgrounds of the New Testament: Second Commonwealth Judaism in Recent Study.
[65] Samson H. Levey, The Messiah: An Aramaic Interpretation: The Messianic Exegesis of the Targum, Cincinnati: Hebrew Union College, 1974.
[66] Thomas L. Long, Survey of the New Testament—Intertestamental Judaisms.
[67] Peter Hayman, “Monotheism—A Misused Word in Jewish Studies?” Journal of Jewish Studies, Vol. 42, 1991.

Giant German companies ready to go on the offensive against British companies?

2005-11-05T14:00:00.000+11:00

Newsletter 2005/09/29 - Big challenges
BERLIN/PARIS (Own report) - The top companies of the German economy have built up a liquidity reserve of more than 100 billion euros and now prepare new takeover offensives in competing nation states after strengthening their own basis of capital resources. This is the result of a study of German company analysts recently published. The profits have mainly been made in the export business and verify the lasting German dominance in the European Union that goes at the expense of other national economies. An additional study forecasts that the German industrial locations will win considerable competitiveness in the next five years while at the same time the European neighbours - especially Great Britain and Italy - will have to suffer heavy losses.
The German self-assessments terminate years of lamentation according to which the national basic conditions hinder the upswing of the production and reduce viable profit margins. Such announcements have been taken at face value not only in Paris, but also in London, and provide tactic signals, given the numbers now available.
more
http://www.german-foreign-policy.com/en/fulltext/55947

Thatcher plotted to block German unity

2005-11-05T13:59:00.000+11:00

The Times Online
November 03, 2005Thatcher plotted to block German unity, says KohlFrom Roger Boyes in Berlinhttp://www.timesonline.co.uk/printFriendly/0,,1-13090-1855829-13090,00.html
NI_MPU('middle');
MARGARET THATCHER has been depicted by her erstwhile arch-rival Helmut Kohl as a foot-stamping harridan who plotted behind his back to stop German reunification.
In a new volume of memoirs Herr Kohl, the Christian Democrat Chancellor when Baroness Thatcher was at No 10, says that she was convinced that Germany should stay divided and above all that its East stay out of Nato. “I told her that not even Margaret Thatcher could stop the people from deciding its own fate,” Herr Kohl writes. “She was beside herself with rage and said, ‘That’s how you see it! That’s how you see it!’ ” The conversation took place in Paris soon after the 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall. Mrs Thatcher stamped her feet in rage, Herr Kohl says in Recollections.
He deplores what he calls her “double game”, saying she plotted against him and against Germany. His memoirs are based on contemporaneous notes, his memories and recently opened archives. “What I could only guess at has been proven by the opening of all the protocols. Margaret Thatcher wanted to prevent the reunification of Germany by all possible means.”
Casting doubt on her claim to be a world-class statesman, he says: “The Prime Minister’s biggest problem was her complete miscalculation of the attitudes towards German reunification held by Gorbachev, Mitterrand and President Bush. Mrs Thatcher only wanted to hear what she wanted to hear in the talks.”
It is payback time for Herr Kohl, who has never made a secret of his personal animosity towards Baroness Thatcher. His first volume of memoirs called her a “difficult” woman. She now counts as “very, very disagreeable”.
He still resents the way she, in his view, conspired against him. In interviews she gave during negotiations on German unity, he writes, “Margaret Thatcher dropped her mask completely. The things she had attacked me for behind the scenes were now out in public and she reinforced those attacks through her asperity — her tone, her denigration of ideas and her caustic asides.”