Latest crazy Obama Rumor: Is Obama a Secret Hindu ?
A photo posted on Time magazine’s White House Photo of the Day collection shows that Obama carries with him a bracelet belonging to an American soldier deployed in Iraq, A TINY MONKEY GOD and tiny Madonna/ child medals.
Hanuman, in the Hindu epic Ramayana, lead a monkey army to fight the demon King Ravana and rescue a kidnapped princess. Devout Hindus ascribe great strength and valour to him.
Poll of 35,000 adults shows growing religious tolerance in the U.S.
70 percent of Americans with a religious affiliation said they believe many religions can lead to eternal life.
Among the more startling numbers in the survey, conducted last year by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life: 57 percent of evangelical church attenders said they believe many religions can lead to eternal life, in conflict with traditional evangelical teaching.
Nearly across the board, the majority of religious Americans believe many religions can lead to eternal life: mainline Protestants (83 percent), Roman Catholics (79 percent), Jews (82 percent) and Muslims (56 percent).
Some religious leaders may not like these poll findings
Dobson accuses Obama of 'distorting' Bible
"I think he's deliberately distorting the traditional understanding of the Bible to fit his own worldview, his own confused theology," Dobson had said.
“The Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell, a Methodist pastor from Texas and longtime supporter of President Bush who has endorsed Obama, said Tuesday he belongs to a group of religious leaders who, working independently of Obama's campaign, launched a Web site to counter Dobson at http://www.jamesdobsondoesntspeakforme.com/ . The site highlights statements from Obama and Dobson and asks visitors to compare them. “
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apodixisPosted:
Sat Jun 28, 2008 11:20 am
What Obama Should Say On Iraq
"My objective remains to end American combat involvement in Iraq and to do so expeditiously. At some point we are going to have to take off the training wheels in Iraq. I believe that we must have a serious plan that defines when that point is reached. If we define success as an Iraq that looks like France or Holland, we will have to stay indefinitely, continue spending $10 billion a month and keep 140,000 troops in combat. And that is neither acceptable nor sustainable. We will have to accept as success a muddy middle ground—an Iraq that is a functioning, federal democracy with a central government and an army able to tackle the bulk of challenges they face. General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker have themselves said that no matter what success we achieve, there will remain some Al Qaeda presence in Iraq and some Iranian influence, since Iran is a neighbor."
Obama's campaign manager “Plouffe is throwing staff, volunteers and television advertising at 14 states won by President George W. Bush in 2004, in addition to smaller operations in states that are an even deeper shade of Republican red.”
“With a three-to-one fundraising advantage over McCain, Obama will be free to pile up advertising and get-out-the-vote operations in far more states than Kerry could ever compete in.”
“….the Obama campaign is also taking a leaf from Bush's book to mobilize local supporters -- a "persuasion army," in Plouffe's words -- who can knock on doors and spread the word among friends and family.”
“But historically, voters have liked one party in the White House and another in charge of Congress. Therein lies hope for McCain and his promise of assured leadership in troubled times. “
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paxPosted:
Sat Jun 28, 2008 11:41 am
Rolling Stone magazine asked Obama what's on his ipod. It's diverse: Miles Davis, Sheryl Crow, Bob Dylan, Jay Z. They haven't asked McCain what's on his Victrola.
It’s about time that someone put McCain’s military expertise in perspective, because other than vague generalities ( pun intended ) like “100 years in Iraq”, McCain has not told the Americn people exactly what are his rationales, metrics and conditions for U.S. military involvement in Iraq ( or elsewhere ).
____________________________
pax wrote:
Rolling Stone magazine asked Obama what's on his ipod. It's diverse: Miles Davis, Sheryl Crow, Bob Dylan, Jay Z. They haven't asked McCain what's on his Victrola.
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SavannahStarPosted:
Mon Jun 30, 2008 12:49 pm
pax wrote:
Rolling Stone magazine asked Obama what's on his ipod. It's diverse: Miles Davis, Sheryl Crow, Bob Dylan, Jay Z. They haven't asked McCain what's on his Victrola.
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Need2KnowPosted:
Mon Jun 30, 2008 12:51 pm
apodixis wrote:
Latest crazy Obama Rumor: Is Obama a Secret Hindu ?
A photo posted on Time magazine’s White House Photo of the Day collection shows that Obama carries with him a bracelet belonging to an American soldier deployed in Iraq, A TINY MONKEY GOD and tiny Madonna/ child medals.
Hanuman, in the Hindu epic Ramayana, lead a monkey army to fight the demon King Ravana and rescue a kidnapped princess. Devout Hindus ascribe great strength and valour to him.
Poll of 35,000 adults shows growing religious tolerance in the U.S.
70 percent of Americans with a religious affiliation said they believe many religions can lead to eternal life.
Among the more startling numbers in the survey, conducted last year by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life: 57 percent of evangelical church attenders said they believe many religions can lead to eternal life, in conflict with traditional evangelical teaching.
Nearly across the board, the majority of religious Americans believe many religions can lead to eternal life: mainline Protestants (83 percent), Roman Catholics (79 percent), Jews (82 percent) and Muslims (56 percent).
Some religious leaders may not like these poll findings
Dobson accuses Obama of 'distorting' Bible
"I think he's deliberately distorting the traditional understanding of the Bible to fit his own worldview, his own confused theology," Dobson had said.
“The Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell, a Methodist pastor from Texas and longtime supporter of President Bush who has endorsed Obama, said Tuesday he belongs to a group of religious leaders who, working independently of Obama's campaign, launched a Web site to counter Dobson at http://www.jamesdobsondoesntspeakforme.com/ . The site highlights statements from Obama and Dobson and asks visitors to compare them. “
From the Bible - Gospel of John Chapter 14 Verse 16 - words of Jesus Christ:
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me".
"Christians" who change that message said by Jesus Christ Himself are stewards of the false teachers who are misleading people into a false hope.
N2K
Joined: 06 Jul 2006
Posts: 8839
dithersPosted:
Mon Jun 30, 2008 3:56 pm
N2 - this is probably not the proper thread to bring this up but since it's an active thread I'll take the opportunity.
This is from an email that's currently making the rounds. If anyone is familiar with the contents of this email let me say that I'm not looking for comments on the email itself as I'm certain the opinions would be quite devisive.
Here is the part I want to know whether it is true or not. Can you enlighten me? Thanks.
Quote:
According to The Book of Revelations:
The Anti-Christ will be a man, in his 40s, of MUSLIM descent, who will
deceive the nations with persuasive language, and have a MASSIVE
Christ-like appeal....the prophecy says that people will flock to him
and he will promise false hope and world peace, and when he is in power,
he will destroy everything.
Pretty in Blonde
Joined: 17 Apr 2006
Posts: 3468
Need2KnowPosted:
Tue Jul 01, 2008 7:25 am
dithers wrote:
N2 - this is probably not the proper thread to bring this up but since it's an active thread I'll take the opportunity.
This is from an email that's currently making the rounds. If anyone is familiar with the contents of this email let me say that I'm not looking for comments on the email itself as I'm certain the opinions would be quite devisive.
Here is the part I want to know whether it is true or not. Can you enlighten me? Thanks.
Quote:
According to The Book of Revelations:
The Anti-Christ will be a man, in his 40s, of MUSLIM descent, who will
deceive the nations with persuasive language, and have a MASSIVE
Christ-like appeal....the prophecy says that people will flock to him
and he will promise false hope and world peace, and when he is in power,
he will destroy everything.
Sorry if this is off topic for this thread - but I consider this the most important topic of all.
Dithers, it is always my pleasure and an honor to talk about my Lord and about the only truth we know, which is the Bible.
Bible prophesy has been fulfilled litererally and 100% accurately; that is the first thing that is 100% truth. The Bible, through the Old Testament prophets, speaks of a world leader arising out of the "second Roman Empire"; many bible scholars believe that the second Roman Empire is arising as we speak in a unified Europe. If you study the nations that made up the first Roman Empire and see those that are now coming together in this new union, you will be astonished. Never in its history have the current European nations been so aligned; one monetary system and eventually one military and very likely one government and one leader who will eventually lead the world, as did the first Roman Empire. Whether this world leader who is known as the anti-christ will be muslim or not is uncertain, but it is likely, since some Muslim nations are making up this new European union. The bible also speaks of a false world peace that this world leader will usher in; he will allow the rebuilding of the Jewish temple in Jersusalem (for which plans are already in the works) and at a certain point, this world leader will have a world religion following him and many false teachings and false hope and at a certain point in all of this he will declare himself God (or Christ) in the very temple the Jews have rebuilt after the destruction of King Solomon's temple in 70 A.D. by the Romans. This is called the abomination of desolation.
Many bible scholars also feel this new world leader or anti-christ is already alive and our generation or our children will be the ones who are witnesses to the end time events. Sadly, many have been and will continue to be deceived into believing that God either does not exist or that there are "many" ways to Him. Our only authority and our only truth is the Holy Bible and this supernatural book is full of the truths of human history and it has stood the test of time and many attempts to destroy it. The message is clear, we must all repent from our sins and accept the one and only truth; that God made Himself a man, became poor, walked among us, came to save, went to the cross, died for our sins, rose again on the third day, all to reconcile man back to God the Father so that we can all have true life and better yet, life eternal. There is nothing we can do ourselves to be able to come to God, only accept His grace and His mercy that was offered up as a living sacrifice by Jesus Christ. That is the only truth and the road is open to all, no matter who you are, what you have done or where you are in life or in your beliefs.
N2K
Joined: 06 Jul 2006
Posts: 8839
apodixisPosted:
Tue Jul 01, 2008 1:27 pm
Obama to expand Bush's faith based programs
This is going to drive the right wingers even crazier than General Clark’s anti-war hero worship comment:
Excerpts:
“ZANESVILLE, Ohio (AP) - Reaching out to religious voters, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama called for expanding President Bush's program steering federal social service dollars to religious groups and—in a move sure to cause controversy—supported some ability to hire and fire based on faith.”
“Rev. Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, criticized Obama's proposed expansion of a program he said has undermined civil rights and civil liberties. "I am disappointed that any presidential candidate would want to continue a failed policy of the Bush administration," he said. "It ought to be shut down, not continued."
This is from an email that's currently making the rounds. If anyone is familiar with the contents of this email let me say that I'm not looking for comments on the email itself as I'm certain the opinions would be quite devisive.
Here is the part I want to know whether it is true or not. Can you enlighten me? Thanks.
Quote:
According to The Book of Revelations:
The Anti-Christ will be a man, in his 40s, of MUSLIM descent, who will
deceive the nations with persuasive language, and have a MASSIVE
Christ-like appeal....the prophecy says that people will flock to him
and he will promise false hope and world peace, and when he is in power,
he will destroy everything.
Nothing in the bible describes the anti-christ as being “Muslim” The bible was completed in the second century, and Islam wasn’t founded until about 400 years later.
The following is a link to a website that debunks hundreds of such false "urban legends" circulating on the internet:
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wvgirlPosted:
Tue Jul 01, 2008 10:42 pm
Joined: 23 Mar 2006
Posts: 3644
Location: Almost Heaven
paxPosted:
Tue Jul 01, 2008 11:19 pm
Joined: 23 Mar 2006
Posts: 16031
Location: Wish You Were Here
apodixisPosted:
Thu Jul 03, 2008 9:54 am
Will McCain finally get it ? – that the terrorism on 9/11 was not from Iraq ?
“Bush says US to send more troops to Afghanistan”
"We're going to increase troops by 2009,’ Bush said, without offering details about exactly when or how many.”
"I don't have troops I can reach for, brigades I can reach to send into Afghanistan until I have a reduced requirement in Iraq," The nation's top military officer, Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said.
Will McCain finally explain to the voterswhy he supports the Iraq war disaster, at the Presidential foreign policy debate scheduled for October 15, 2008 at Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY ?
_____________________________________
Conspiracy Theories:
Annagram of “Barack Husein Obama” - A Irksome Bush Cabana
Annagram of “Senator Barack Hussein Obama” - “I shone, babe, a USA rock star man!”
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dithersPosted:
Thu Jul 03, 2008 2:11 pm
apodixis wrote:
Will McCain finally explain to the voters why he supports the Iraq war disaster, at the Presidential foreign policy debate scheduled for October 15, 2008 at Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY ?
No disaster. The Iraqi govt. has met 15 of 18 benchmarks set out for them. That's one helluva lot more than one can say for the clowns in DC. What an embarrassment they are. And there is zero movement afoot to throw them out of office this election cycle. That means no matter who is elected POTUS that this country will be mired in shit for at least another 4 years at the very least.
Pretty in Blonde
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Posts: 3468
apodixisPosted:
Thu Jul 03, 2008 5:40 pm
Obama says McCain camp mistates his Iraq policy
Obama called a second news conference today to say that what he learns from military commanders on his upcoming trip to Iraq will refine his policy but "not the 16-month timetable" for withdrawing U.S. troops from combat in Iraq.
He said that it would be "a strategic error for us to maintain a longterm occupation in Iraq" when conditions in Afghanistan have worsened, Al-Qaeda has been regrouping in Pakistan and U.S. resources have been strained as the nation spends $10 billion to $12 billion a month in Iraq; And, " I have always said that the pace of withdrawal would be dictated by the safety and security of our troops and the need to maintain stability.”
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apodixisPosted:
Fri Jul 04, 2008 8:19 pm
Have you read the Declaration of Indepence Lately ?
July 4th is the celebration of the principles proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence.
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apodixisPosted:
Sun Jul 06, 2008 11:07 am
"Analysis: McCain struggles to regain footing"
Excerpts:
"The GOP presidential candidate trails Democrat Barack Obama in polls, organization and money while trying to succeed a deeply unpopular fellow Republican in a year that favors Democrats."
"The political environment is dreadful for the GOP, with Bush's approval rating at low levels as the country teeters economically and fights two wars."
"National polls vary widely, but they have one commonality: None show McCain ahead of Obama. And, on voters' most important issues, McCain trails on every subject but Iraq and terrorism."
"McCain is working to match Obama's organization. For now, McCain's campaign is roughly 300-strong compared with Obama's 1,000-person plus operation."
"Obama has 1.5 million donors and had raised more than $287 million by the end of May. McCain has far fewer donors and had raised $115 million"
"When it comes to message and strategy, McCain has appeared to flounder….. His attempts to derail Obama are scattershot;"
“The outlook for the GOP is so grim that party leaders have readily conceded there is no chance they can regain control of the Senate in 2008, even though Democrats' current majority is slim, 51-49.”
"If you have an R in front of your name, you better run scared," said Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.), chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, who says the party will do well if it holds its losses to three or four seats.”
“The stakes for Obama in the Senate races are high. If he is elected president, the biggest obstacle to his goals could be in the Senate, where parliamentary rules mean that it can take 60 votes to approve legislation. The Senate currently includes 49 Democrats and two independents who are aligned with the Democratic caucus.”
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apodixisPosted:
Mon Jul 07, 2008 6:20 pm
Which government economic policy do you support ?
In a 15-page document released today, Senator McCain pledges to “Bring The Budget To Balance By 2013”
"This Congress and this administration have failed to meet their responsibilities to manage the government," McCain said in Denver. "Government has grown by 60 percent in the last eight years. That is simply inexcusable." He promised to veto "every single bill with wasteful spending."
“Asked to react to descriptions of the candidates' economic plans, 50 percent said their views more closely resembled McCain's goal of cutting taxes for the middle class and for businesses, simplifying the tax code, maintaining free trade and eliminating government waste.”
“Forty five percent said their views more closely resembled Obama's goal of cutting taxes for 95 percent of American families, eliminating special tax breaks for big corporations, renegotiating trade treaties, creating jobs by investing in research and education and in new energy sources.”
“Jason Furman, Obama's economic policy director, called McCain's pledge “preposterous." Furman pointed out that the Congressional Budget Office now estimates a 2013 deficit of $443 billion, assuming the Bush tax cuts are extended. And he estimated that McCain would have to cut discretionary spending—including defense—by roughly one-third to bring the budget into the black by then."
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DocTarPosted:
Mon Jul 07, 2008 7:32 pm
dithers wrote:
N2 - this is probably not the proper thread to bring this up but since it's an active thread I'll take the opportunity.
This is from an email that's currently making the rounds. If anyone is familiar with the contents of this email let me say that I'm not looking for comments on the email itself as I'm certain the opinions would be quite devisive.
Here is the part I want to know whether it is true or not. Can you enlighten me? Thanks.
Quote:
According to The Book of Revelations:
The Anti-Christ will be a man, in his 40s, of MUSLIM descent, who will
deceive the nations with persuasive language, and have a MASSIVE
Christ-like appeal....the prophecy says that people will flock to him
and he will promise false hope and world peace, and when he is in power,
he will destroy everything.
Dithers, I am not N2K, but have personally made in depth studies of end time theology for over 30 years, having personally spoken to and studied with several famous authors of end times books, whom my late husband corresponded with.
First of all, what N2K posted is absolutely NOT the only way to interpret Revelation or any other end time prophecy. What he related to you is simply a very popular view. But it is hardly the only view, nor has it been around as long as the other views, which more traditional Christianity believe, as opposed to the 'Hal Lindsey' fiction N2K has related to you.
Theother views do not believe that one can pick and choose which parts of the Bible are to be translated literally andwhich parts figuratively. This is the main weakness in N2K's theory...he has no rule of thumb that says which verse must be literal, which must be symbolic, therefore, it is a very skantily believable, IMO, fiction, worthy of a hearty laugh. I held that same view for a number of years myself until I studied the various ways of interpreting the end times verses.
It is a fact that neither N2K's view, nor mine, can be proven right or wrong. My theory is every bit as much accurate as his. Mine can be traced back to the early church, whereas his is only a little over 100 years old.
My theory says that any anti-Christ does not have to be Muslim or any other religion...that is not the point. But I am certain all the heavy duty evangelical hate mongering and rumor mongering about Obama can certainly lay claim to him being the anti-Christ!
PS...N2K...I will try to check in here to read your response, if you have one....but I am normally not logged in here anymore, as I am being forced to read everyone and can no longer have you on ignore.
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SavannahStarPosted:
Mon Jul 07, 2008 7:36 pm
**SuperStar**
Joined: 24 Mar 2006
Posts: 20779
Location: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
apodixisPosted:
Tue Jul 08, 2008 12:13 pm
Yankee Go Home.
Iraq's national security adviser, Mowaffaq al-Rubaie said today that his country will demand specific dates for the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces. The statement came a day after Iraq's prime minister al-Maliki first said publicly that he expects some type of timetable for withdrawal of U.S. troops.
The White House had said on Monday that it opposes a timetable, claiming it would allow militant groups to plan tactics for when the 150,000 U.S. troops in Iraq leave. The White House, in denial, had said Monday it did not believe al-Maliki was proposing a rigid timeline.
Iraq's deputy parliament speaker Khalid al-Attiya also said that Iraqi lawmakers will probably reject any agreement if American troops are immune from Iraqi law, a position the U.S. rejects.
Al-Rubaie spoke to reporters after briefing Shiite Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in Najaf on the progress of the government's security efforts, and the talks. That consultation reveals again that the U.S. Iraq war has succeeded in strengthening the control over Iraq of the co-religionists of Iran.
What will the Neo-con Republicans say now, after their dissing of Obama’s call for a timetable for U.S. Iraq withdrawal ?
Will McCain finally get real about Iraq to try to win back the libertarians ?
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PhantomPosted:
Tue Jul 08, 2008 5:14 pm
The Change That Works For Obama
Barack Obama, whose campaign slogan has been all about change, has really been doing just that. In order to get the nomination Barack moved far to the left, especially in his touting that he's been against the war from the very beginning. Now, we are all watching in awe as he flip-flops his way back to the center while the MSM doesn't question a thing.
Joined: 05 Jun 2006
Posts: 3332
Location: My only friend, the end
Need2KnowPosted:
Tue Jul 08, 2008 6:56 pm
DocTar wrote:
Dithers, I am not N2K, but have personally made in depth studies of end time theology for over 30 years, having personally spoken to and studied with several famous authors of end times books, whom my late husband corresponded with.
First of all, what N2K posted is absolutely NOT the only way to interpret Revelation or any other end time prophecy. What he related to you is simply a very popular view. But it is hardly the only view, nor has it been around as long as the other views, which more traditional Christianity believe, as opposed to the 'Hal Lindsey' fiction N2K has related to you.
Theother views do not believe that one can pick and choose which parts of the Bible are to be translated literally andwhich parts figuratively. This is the main weakness in N2K's theory...he has no rule of thumb that says which verse must be literal, which must be symbolic, therefore, it is a very skantily believable, IMO, fiction, worthy of a hearty laugh. I held that same view for a number of years myself until I studied the various ways of interpreting the end times verses.
It is a fact that neither N2K's view, nor mine, can be proven right or wrong. My theory is every bit as much accurate as his. Mine can be traced back to the early church, whereas his is only a little over 100 years old.
My theory says that any anti-Christ does not have to be Muslim or any other religion...that is not the point. But I am certain all the heavy duty evangelical hate mongering and rumor mongering about Obama can certainly lay claim to him being the anti-Christ!
PS...N2K...I will try to check in here to read your response, if you have one....but I am normally not logged in here anymore, as I am being forced to read everyone and can no longer have you on ignore.
THIS WILL BE A LONG RESPONSE
Doc - sadly, it seems all you want to do is get personal with me and I will avoid any of that. I apologize to you if what I have posted you have taken personally or have taken me in what I post the wrong way. We are both believers and we are called not only to love one another as Christ loved us, but everyone else as well. I fail many times, but I get back up and keep trying. I will stick to the subject matter because there is nothing more important, especially now. My response is long but I think it is important to speak biblical truths.
This has nothing to do with personal views or personal opinions or theories, the Bible is the only reference point and I can give you detailed references of scripture of what I am posting. What you claim about my "theory" being only 100 years old is completely wrong. I have studied the Bible in depth, which includes bible prophesy, both at my church's School of Discipleship and also under scholarly review and instruction at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association through the School of Evengelism in North Carolina.
There probably is no topic in eschatology that has evoked more fanciful conjectures and speculations throughout history than the identification of the one whom is called the "coming world leader" and who is commonly known as the Antichrist.
There are at least thirty-three different allusions used in the Old Testament and thirteen in the New Testament for this key personage. First hinted of as "the seed of the serpent" in the Garden of Eden, he is the "prince that shall come" in the seventy weeks of Daniel 9. He is the "man of sin," the "son of perdition," and "the man of lawlessness" in the New Testament. It is interesting that the term "antichrist" only appears in John's epistles. Even though John was the author of the book of Revelations, he actually means pseudochrist--in place of Christ, a counterfeit, rather than simply an adversary agains Christ.
"The prince that shall come" will apparently emerge from vestiges of the old Roman Empire. This understanding has caused many authors to assume he will come from Western Europe. What is apparently overlooked is that the eastern leg of that empire outlasted the western leg by more than one thousand years. A number of references expressly indicate that this Coming World Leader will be an Assyrian. It is interesting that the first world dictator was Nimrod, an Assyrian, and (despite traditional Egyptology) the Pharaoh who oppressed Israel prior to the Exodus apparently was also an Assyrian.
A number of arguments supports that the Coming World Leader could be either Jewish or Non-Jewish (Gentile), but we must also remember that "he" isn't a solo. There are actually two key figures detailed in Revelation 13: a global political leader who is accompanied by a "false prophet" who forces virtually everyone to worship him. Some have suggested that these sinister three, Satan and his two devotees, aspire toward a "satanic trinity" as counterfeit pretenders of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The leader will be the son of Satan. He will be the most attractive and popular leader the world has ever seen. He will be an intellectual genius. He will be a skilled orator. And he will be very arrogant--six times he is described as a "Mr. Big Mouth." He will be a political genius, a commercial genius, a military genius, a governmental genius, and a religious genius. The policital leader will begin as a peacemaker, and, among other things, will seek to partition the land of Israel. This, in all liklihood, will involve the enforcement of the covenant that actually defines the 70th Week of Daniel. But he ultimately becomes so powerful that he abrogates this covenant and "exalts himselft above all that is called God." His signal desecration of the coming temple divides the 70th Week into two halves.
There is frequent mention of a deadly head wound from which he is miraculously healed. In fact, this distinguishing feature is used as an identifier in several passages. It may come as a surprise to many that the Old Testament even has a physical description of him: "Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! The sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened" (Zechariah 11:17). This may explain why those pledging their allegiance to him take an isignia upon their right hand or their foreheads.
The Coming World Leader's "false prophet" is empowered as his ambassador and estblishes his image to be worshiped:
And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the
image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save be that the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beat: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six (Revelation 13:15-18-
This is another topic that has inspired many fanciful conjectures applying various speculations to the "mark of the beast" and the "number of his name." Through his widespread control of the global economy--through electronic funds transfer, credit cards, RFIC chips, and the "cashless society"--personal economic viability will require a pledge of personal allegiance and commitment with and identifying insignia.
Many books have been written attempting to link advanced technologies, such as bar codes, insertable electronic chips, and the like, to this "mark of the beast." Clearly, these emergent technologies, enabling the world's move toward a cashless society, will ultimately place enormous political power into centralized hands. But it is important to recognize that it is his number and name that is the issue, not our PIN numbers and the like. It is the taking of a pledge of allegiance to him that becomes a permanent barrier to salvation and a guarantee of perdition to everyone who does.
In the Bible, the numerical significance of six (one less than the complete seven) appears to be used with subtle but definable consistency. It always alludes to an inadequacy: the sinfulness of man and the evil of Satan. Examples include the six fingers of the Nephilim and Anakim, the six steps to Solomon's throne, the 666 talents of gold of Solomon's annual salary, the seal of Soloman itself--known today as the Magen David (Shield of David")--and, of course, the 666 of Revelation. Nebuchadnezzar's famous image, also the subject of compulsory worship, was six cubits wide and sixty cubits high.
Both the Hebrew and Greek alphabets exploited the letters with assigned numerical values. The study of this is called gematria, and most scholars take for granted that this riddle is to be addressed through its application. (Only a few letters in Roman reckoning have numerical values: they, curiously, sum to 666.) Libraries are full of volumes speculating the centuries. Martin Luther, among others, attempted to tie it to the Vatican regime. There are contrived suggestions linking it to virtually every major personage throughout history--the same applies to our day as well.
I believe it is futile to attempt to identify him until after the Harpazo (Rapture of the Church). The apostle Paul indicated that his shocking event is a prerequisite to the Coming World Leader being revealed publicly (2 Thessologians 2:6-9)
Jesus identified the Coming World Leader's signal desesacration of the comint temple as the milestone that ushers in the greatest time of tribulation the world has ever seen.
The real issue, of course, goes deeper than any conjectures about our prophetic horizon. Any professional proficiciency in this regard is only a means to an end. The overriding issue is one of identity.
The ultimate issues is the identity if Jesus Christ: Is Jesus really who He said He is?
His crucifixion was not a tragedy: it was an achievement , targeted before the foundation of the earth. A most revealing discovery is that He also was the most antireligious person who ever walked the planet. ("Religion" is man's attempt to reconcile himself to God. And there is almost as much confusion on this subject among Christian groups as among non-Christian groups.)
The real issue is relationship, not rituals. It is just like the business world: it's not what you know, it's who you know.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in tha day, Lord, Lord, have we not prphosied in thy name? and in thy name case out devils" and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unot them, I never knew you, depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Mathew &:21-23)
Does He know you? He leaves each of us without excuse; Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they wich testify of me" (John 5:39).
Now is the opportunity to take advantage of the challenge that He gave those in the Church of Laocicea: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me (Revelation 3:20).
Now that is a commitment.
Yet for many, the "preaching of the cross" is foolishness. That's exactly what the Apostle Paul pointed out: "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18-.
Notice that there are only two categories; those that perish, and those that are saved. Which are we? How do you know? There should not be the slightest doubt in your mind. It is far too important to be left to guesswork or an unfounded hope.
N2K
Joined: 06 Jul 2006
Posts: 8839
apodixisPosted:
Thu Jul 10, 2008 2:00 pm
“Jackson's `Crude' Remarks May Give Boost to Obama”
Excerpts:
[ Jesse ] “Jackson was appearing on Fox News on July 6 when a microphone picked up his remark suggesting that Obama was ``talking down to black people'' in recent speeches at black churches,…..”
“He then said, referring to Obama, ``I want to cut his nuts off,'' according to the Fox News Web site. ………”
[ Jackson's comments apparently referred to:] "The Illinois senator, ……, spent Father's Day last month at one of Chicago's largest black churches telling the audience that they should set better examples for their children and shouldn't abandon them."
“……..The comments may turn out to help Obama by emphasizing his call for personal responsibility, a favorite topic of Republicans, said Mark Rozell, a professor of public policy at George Mason University in Arlington, Virginia.”
Joined: 06 Aug 2006
Posts: 3202
Location: State of Jefferson, Ecotopia
apodixisPosted:
Sun Jul 13, 2008 12:12 pm
Has Obama “flip-flopped” ( buzz word ) on various issues?
It is standard operating procedure for the Republican to run right, and the Democrat to run left to attract their party’s hard core. Then to run to the center in the general election to attract the broadest common denominator during the general election.
Moreover, it only makes sense for a candidates to modify their positions as real world conditions change:
“In Campaign, One Man's Pragmatism Is Another's Flip-Flopping”
The Republican base attracts followers of right-wing polemicists/propagandists like Limbaugh and Hannity, who have accepted the mental programming of buzz words which do not convey factual information, but instead indoctrinate their followers in an ideological belief system which clouds critical thinking skills.
“Flip-Flop” is such a buzz word that the Republican attack machine used against Kerry. It’s purpose was to undercut Kerry’s intellectual credibility compared to Bush; And to divert attention from discussion of real issues. The same thing is being done to Obama in this campaign.
Joined: 06 Aug 2006
Posts: 3202
Location: State of Jefferson, Ecotopia
paxPosted:
Sun Jul 13, 2008 12:41 pm
Thanks apo. I'm getting more moderate and appreciate the libertarian notions you discuss. There's propaganda from the far right, far left, neocons, corporatists, extremists, fundamentalists, marketers, special interest groups and isms. I try and think critically and reject propaganda. It ain't easy, but it's fun.
Joined: 23 Mar 2006
Posts: 16031
Location: Wish You Were Here
