Posted by
Spiceman0 on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 6:25:26 PM
Choice Determines...
... Destiny!
Understanding and choosing to live by the principles of spiritual law, is the key to progress, where our inner consciousness expands, more and more, and the desire to know all truth distills upon our soul. Expanding consciousness shifts our aim to higher purpose, as ignorance or fear of the truth and the shackles of doubt and despair vanish from our lives. In an almost joyous like attitude we begin to serve all humanity in all that is lovely, praiseworthy and of good report. Life becomes more manageable and to serve others becomes more important.
We begin to wonder why we feared the truth, or why we were so blind. Coming out of the darkness, recognizing our weakness, brings new freedom, as we begin to direct our lives. Our disposition is directed toward better things, and our attitude becomes more stable and reliable. Now we begin to realize why it is that, "When we fail to tame our nature, we fail to choose our future, because we have fallen prey out of ignorance to undesirable thoughts, habits, passions and addictions." And it follows, that if we have not learned to take care of our own affairs, we will have little ability to cooperate or harmoniously work together with others.
We as intelligent beings have the freedom of choice to learn to know and understand the difference between good or evil, righteousness or iniquity.
Good and evil exist independent of our choices. So, knowing that God
’s laws are not given to enslave, but to serve as a beacon of light, to direct and guide us to all truths, to realize that all adversities are the school master, pointing the way to endless goals that are glorious beyond our understanding; to obtain the joy of freedom for life and immortality.
The smallest hole if unattended to would sink the mightiest ship. How could we forget that, no matter how insignificant anything may seem, when it is out of harmony with our sphere of existence, it is a threat to that very existence. Principle and law in the eternal perspective are not arbitrarily placed or imposed, they are eternal and unchanging. That principle and law prevail, is self evident, infinite, constant, and ever present before us. The effect and influence of principle and law are inescapable in everything that we do.
All of our actions evolve from our feelings, thoughts and desires,
– "our purpose." Our purpose will precipitate the consequences, corresponding to physical, spiritual eternal principle and law, that are consistent with our purpose and in harmony with every sphere of discipline. Cause and effect then follow: for we are to live, grow and progress according to principles of truth and veracity, or we will suffer inevitable consequences due to our ignorance, disobedience, neglect or contempt. Good intentions are not a substitute for the knowledge , skill or ability to follow or apply the disciplines to achieve a specific goal or objective, the desired outcome or consequence.
Now as we begin to realize that it is the improper use of our free agency that creates our problems by limiting our freedom, due to false and erroneous traditions, hypocrisy and selfish notions. So now verily, we know that we are free to choose for ourselves, bondage or freedom.
"There are laws that are irrevocably decreed in the heavens before the foundation of this world." These laws make our existence possible. Even God does not change a law, or alter the principle upon which a law is dependent. It cannot be changed. Gods laws are endless; in one eternal round, form eternity to eternity. They cannot be changed.
So, it follows, that to think or consider altering a law, if it were in our power to change a law, would hold or precipitate very broad and far reaching, disastrous consequences, as it no longer would be in harmony, balance or equanimity with eternal principle and law within that sphere of discipline.
We can see the consequences today of disobedience to principle and law, in the here and now; as anarchy, chaos and ruin, envelopes our world. All because wicked designing men corrupt themselves, because of unbridled passions, greed and selfish ambition for power and personal gain as they seek the ungodly rule over the world.
By the same token, we in ignorance develop habits of feeling, thought and behavior due to the subtle conditioning and the effects of environment, or principles and laws that govern the environment we grow up in. Since an environment may be manipulated for good or ill, it is of great concern. We may even ignore how grossly out of harmony we are, with the purpose of our own existence, and the everlasting, unchanging laws of God.
The world now is and will always be plagued by wars, division, decline and fall of nations, until man learns this lesson. That corrupt means will and can only bring about more corrupt things. Why do we not learn? Because good men deceive themselves into believing that, "the end justifies the means." It never does, "for reap we do just as we sow." There is no law greater in our nature. Therefore, we can only overcome evil by returning good.
As we learn or understand the true purpose of God, stated to Moses, "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. " and to serve others unconditionally is a step in this earthly estate for progressing humanity, of which both men and women share equally together.
This is a vision selfish, greedy, carnal minded individuals ignore to their own detriment, abusing others by their exploit. God
’s purpose goes far beyond any puny selfish ambition of a corrupt misguided mind.
"When we are in the service of our fellow man, we are in the service of our God." There is no room for intolerance, bigotry, prejudice or unfair, unjust acts that hinder others in their development, growth or pursuit of happiness. We achieve this as we learn to live in harmony with eternal principle and law, as that truth is granted to our understanding, from time to time.
By learning the truth we discover our weaknesses or personal flaws, as the truth reveals them. We then will be able to make better choices, obtaining greater blessings as we learn to live by every emerging principle of truth.
We are free to act according to our desires. However, we are not free to pick the consequences.
Consequences are already predetermined by every law in nature. By the same principles and laws that govern all existence we obtain blessings or consequences. Natural law or every principle sustains our existence eternally. If we understand correctly, they protect our existence because they are inalterable.
The crucial habit that leads to self-mastery, follows principle and law, to do what we ought to do, for the right reason, in the right spirit, because we desire to serve the interests of everyone. It is to realize that positive attention gets positive results and that negative attention gets negative results. The crucial habit is the habit of positive change, in self awareness, to humbly recognize each weakness, to strive to over come them with all our heart, mind and strength. Until we understand spiritually and physically what is beneficial and correct to do, we do not change, nor could we ever happily "follow our bliss" or to avoid needless sorrow.
What then molds or shapes the will, or what determines our disposition and attitude that motivates and controls all behavior? There is a law in our nature that makes us who we are. Yes, that motivates and kindles the fires of desire.
This has been known since the beginning of time. It is so simple, so neglected and misunderstood. It works upon us every moment throughout our lives. It is behind everything we have done and all that we will ever do. It is the ignored law of our nature. It is the principle behind our disposition, our attitude and behavior.
What is this force in our nature that makes us who we are? Do not over look it! Do not underestimate its power! Do not misuse it; because it is a double edged sword! Cast it off and you will never achieve anything of worth! Use it wrongly or selfishly and you will cause misery, unhappiness and sorrow to unborn nations! We are what we are because, "We are attracted to the things that we secretly and openly most love." Yes, "We are attracted to the things that we secretly and openly most love." That is the real passion and value in our life, leading to bliss or misery.
The power of "love" is like a burning fire that consumes or unifies. It destroys or it creates depending on the objective of one's love. "The power of love is great, but the power to create and kindle in the heart the object of that love is still the greatest power of all." The objective of one's love determines the direction of our lives. It determines the choices that we make from moment to moment, every day of our life.
So, here we are again. We know what the greatest power is, but do we do not know how to cultivate or shape the object of our desire, love and passion for life, and that is even a greater power that determines the correct purpose and direction of our lives?
What cultivates or shapes the object of our love? It is like a mighty oak that springs from a tiny acorn. It is very small, barely noticed, if not perceived at all. It is so tiny, yet it sends its influence through our whole being. It is like the dawning of the day, as the soft unbroken shadows flee the awakening rays of the morning sun, revealing all things hidden by the dark of night. Yet through our neglect, it
’s a double edged sword, by refusing to see things as they are, then the light of truth is darkened to our mind, like the dimming of the sun, as dusky shadows hide the day, ushering forth the dark of night, revealing only the glory of the lesser light.
What we love in our heart and desire coexist and are part of our core nature, in spirit , mind and body, and the nature of all intelligence. And we, as an intelligence and spirit clothed in this physical body; are capable of comprehending the nature of all things within this temporal abode, as well as all things pertaining to the Kingdom of God, as they are revealed by the Spirit of God.
"God clothed our intelligence with spirit and made it possible to enjoy the wonder of a physical body."
–
Elder Richard R. Scott
174th General Conference,
April 4, 2004
A human soul is a dual being, possessing an intelligence capable of experiencing both the physical and spiritual worlds in which they dwell. Here in mortality, we as an intelligence, a dual being, having both a spiritual and physical nature, we may discern the physical and spiritual world through the physical and spiritual eye and hear with the physical and spiritual ear.
The gift of physical intellectual sight, just as any talent or ability, becomes sharper and clearer by correct righteous use; or it becomes dim by misuse and abuse. So, who we are and what we may become, is determined by the choices that we make, that stimulate our thoughts and emotions, that shape our disposition and attitude, which determine all behavior.
What we choose emerges from the values that we cherish. Our choices likewise cultivate and nurture those same preferred precious values. The values that we give our time, effort, life and energy too. Our values emerge from what we feel and believe will bring our greatest benefit or satisfaction, to solve problems or to achieve goals that protect and sustain us in our lives. Goals we believe and feel will make for us all a better world.
Some darkened minds have no such hope. They are in the pit and gall of misery, bitterness and sorrow; seeking only to satisfy their carnal pleasures, at the expense of others, because they cannot see beyond insufficiency.
As free-agents we may share the same values and therefore work together, but if we do not have the same understanding, we might chooses to be in opposition. Our lack of understanding of shared values is the cause of all conflict, opposition, discord and division.
Come out of that darkness! Renew your faith and hope. Increase your love for all things great and small. Let not the dimness of the past determine our present or future. Take a good look. We are not unlike each other, but in the choices that we make, and that because of values we love and cherish, that determine all that we attract to ourselves, for good or ill.
"That which holds the attention, determines the action." said William James the -- The father of modern American psychology.
The recreation we entertain that holds our attention determines our actions. So, the recreation we choose to entertain arouses similar like dispositions or emotional habits. Entertainment also provokes similar like attitudes, or mental habits. Our disposition and attitude are the "composer and director" behind the scene, that control all our behavior. Our attitude and disposition, foster the desire and mold the intent of our heart. Thus, we seek those things we openly and secretly most love. The entertainment that holds our attention that we cherish or contemplate and meditate upon, is the power, that cultivates the heart felt love or passion in our life. So, as the opportunity or occasion arises, we easily choose and indulge.
So each act that we indulge in will shape our environment. Anything we choose to entertain will shape our lives and our environment, after the likeness and image of every object or concept, we choose to cherish in our heart. So, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." This also, ironically shapes, our environment and our entertainment.
We are not ignorant to this fact. We know it is true. It is a law of our nature, that makes us who we are, day by day.
Why have we allowed the greedy to capture and control, the environment of information and entertainment under false assumptions? They rationalize that freedom of expression includes the dissemination of corrupt, vile, acts, images, thoughts and feelings in every imaginable form. Freedom of expression is lost, by this kind of double minded rationalization.
We believe, that positive, honest, truthful, virtuous communication, is what freedom of expression is about! This does not give a license to corrupt, violent, or vile communications, in any form, any more than we have a right to dump toxic waste on to our neighbor
’s property.
Preventing the pollution of our physical environment can be accomplished, when we curb and prevent the pollution and corruption of our mind and heart, by avoiding unfit corrupt communications and avoiding entertainments that provoke erroneous thoughts, emotions and behavior. Prevention is the only remedy! It is the only cure! "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners."
1 Corinthians 15:33
Come out of that darkness! Spare yourselves and flee from their false illusions. Let the truth distill upon your soul as the dew from heaven. Do not let your spirit be darkened by these spoilers, reprobates, of corrupt manners and minds. They destroy all hope, every good intent, every worth while goal and desire, through their corrupt and misleading entertainments.
The true path to freedom, is first to learn to fill our lives with light and to abandon these darkened illusions! Dream no small dreams! Think no corrupt thing! Fill your life with all things virtuous, lovely, praiseworthy, and of good report. This is the road to freedom. It is true emancipation.
~~~~~~
What are entertainment and recreation?
The entertainment and recreation we cherish, cultivates the object of our love that shapes our life.
The recreations that we entertain shape our thoughts, feelings and behavior.
The choices of recreation we choose to entertain are fashioned after the image and object of the things that we secretly most love, that indicate the path on which we tread.
The recreations that we choose to entertain are spiritual, mental, and emotional rehearsals of that which we desire, that we allow to influence the solutions, we experience, think, feel, or act out in our own lives.
So the recreation that we choose to entertain are fashioned after the image and object of the things that we secretly most love that shape our thoughts then our emotions that motivate all behavior.
~~~~~~
As long as the, recreations we choose to entertain, are considered only a distraction from the boring, dull, tedious life we live, we are fooling ourselves. The recreations that we choose to entertain, that are out of harmony with everything in life, make freedom a mockery, by giving license to thoughts, feelings, and actions that promote and foster weakness, thus promoting irresponsible behavior and every undesirable consequence in our lives. Better recreation and entertainments, inspire and help us all to cultivate and nurture better feelings, thoughts and behavior; leading to a better world for us all.
The recreations that we choose to entertain are the hammer and chisel that shape, and carve the marble after the image of our own thoughts, feelings and desires. When the marble crumbles and brakes, it is not the fault of the marble, but our ignorance in recognizing the marbles characteristic and accidental flaws.
If we are going to master the life that we live, we must first master ourselves. We must learn to know and under stand the characteristic and accidental flaws in our own nature. Until then our dreams will continue to crumble before our eyes, because our thoughts, feelings and behavior are out of harmony with the nature of our own being. Ignorance leaves us with no excuse.
Let us shape our lives with the help of the master's hand! Know this, that, "Reap we will just what we sow, there is no law in our nature that is greater." As we yield our heart and our mind to the Master, with faith in Him, the Son of the living God, our Savior, we become more like Him. To emulate Him in our heart, mind and soul, to desire to be as He is, live as He lived, to overcome as He overcame all corrupt things. Let us learn from wholesome recreation and entertainment! Let us cherish and meditate on goodly deeds that lead to self-mastery. If we do this we too shall overcome, as we must over come all corrupt things!
"As we think we travel. As we entertain we choose. So as we dream and aspire we plan and pursue."
This I know is true. This I testify by the power of God and in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen!
~~~~~~
Then He Grants Us
Everything
Aug. 10, 2005 - 5:15 am - Phillip L. Hansen
We ask for knowledge,
He leads us to meet the challenge.
We ask for power,
He leads us to serve the weak.
We ask to know the glory of God,
He brings us down into humility.
We ask to be justified,
He makes us accountable.
We seek all things,
He gives us a heart to follow His Spirit.
We seek wisdom,
He helps us to learn a better way.
We seek for understanding,
He gives us a difficult neighbor.
We want justice,
So he teaches us compassion.
We knock, and
He shows us how to open the door.
We ask to know what He knows,
He then answers, "Then follow me!"
We ask for what we want,
He offers us all we need.
As we learn to be like Him,
He grants us everything.
~~~~~~
Fancies, Do Come True
1982 Phillip L Hansen
Beware of fancies we might shame,
For thoughts in fancy shape our name,
By changing slightly unawares,
That shameful means, I do not dare
To fancy means to like a lot,
A Shameful fancy should be not,
For a fancy will take us to,
A place where fancies do come true
Beware of thoughts that bring disgrace,
For they trace lines upon our face,
For a fancy will take us to a place
where fancies do come true.
If shameful fancies are our game,
Our name in time will end in shame,
For a fancy will take us to,
A place where fancies do come true.
Let
’s fill our life with lofty dreams,
Not with shallow idle schemes,
For a fancy will take us to
A place where fancies do come true.
~~~~~~
Choice of Values and
Solution Tools
In our Image
Copyright(C)1997 Phillip L. Hansen
The tools we use
The means we employee,
The purpose pursued
To build or destroy,
Is first created in
workshop of mind,
Good or bad disposition
Weak or strong mind.
The fruit we reap,
The shrine we build
Is in our image,
that is fulfilled.
~~~~~~
We become what we think about!
~~~~~~
A Most Important Tool
Copyright(C)1997 Phillip L. Hansen
Without it nothing lives.
To define it, philosophers and sages have but managed to talk about it in regards to its use and function. To really know what it is, is like defining and understanding the source of life.
Intelligence's were never created. They have always existed, without beginning or end. We each are an intelligence in spirit, mind and body. We have the power to sense and think. We can perceive our world, interpret it, and react and respond, according to our needs. our disposition, attitude and understanding. Every act is an act of faith, leading to increased knowledge, wisdom and understanding; then onto increased faith.
How we use our spiritual gifts or endowments bring us closer to the infinite reality, of reaching beyond the known and knowable, onto the unknown and perhaps to what is considered unknowable. It is ours to choose. Our greatest evolvement is not with separation, but in union; it is not with individual achievements alone but in collectively striving to achieve together, everyone's mutual progress and well-being.
Freedom comes by sharing our feelings, thoughts and ideas of how to abandon the darker side of vain and prideful ambitions; to emerge into the sublime light of universal good will to all. Then to seek, ever and ever, increasing light and truth, no matter where we are, no matter who and what we may be.
It will not be an easy road. Many believe only in what they can take by force, or deception. So the few blinded by false security in the material possession, live in their self made prison. Their sleep at night is in fear. They fail to find peace in spirituality or living by the light of Gods eternal love. The spiritual truly are free from the dross and tinsel of this world. Captivity is self made and so is our freedom.
"Pray for them who despitefully use you." Have compassion on those who have only found torment, through there false traditions of wickedness and inequality, as their joys and glories are found only in this world. But the spiritual minded will endure hardships patiently and despair not. The spiritual mind is like the morning spring, blooming and blossoming with new life; having eternal increase.
"Reap we will, just what we sow, their is no other law."
So, " Do what is right, let the consequence follow."
The greater intelligence's feed upon the precious jewels, only the finest elements of light and truth.
Who will develop this intelligence to choose to rise above greed, to better serve the spiritual and material needs of others? Yes, even those of a fallen enemy
~~~~~~
Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
(Old Testament | Psalms 2:11)
2
For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
(Old Testament | Isaiah 66:2)
—
†—
Can We Do It?
There are principles and laws in every sphere of discipline that must be followed if we are to prosper within that sphere.
Health and wellness embrace several spheres of discipline. What is more, there are countless ways to consider them. The hierarchy or each layer contributes to all the other layers by influence. We have the tangible and the intangible spheres that influence all the others without exception. So it becomes a complex maze that makes it difficult to determine what effected or determined what.
I believe that we can conclude that we as free agents can act upon, or be acted upon. We are free to choose, and to learn from the outcome or consequences that result. We have our internal environment and the external environment and their influence that evoke and promote or determine the outcome from our choices.
Our choices are paramount as we can choose and determine the outcome as we learn the disciplines that control the results of every situation or event, when we are aware of the causative agents involved. When the truth is really sought, then there is no reason not to find it.
There are however other situations that involve our pride or fear of disclosure of our weaknesses or deceptive motives and intent, that no one wants to broadcast in the least. We rationalize, we justify, we lie, and we hide even more just to avoid disclosure. We are not wanting the truth, we want to be right without correcting our mistakes or overcoming our weaknesses. This is where we become fools, unwise in that sphere of discipline because we are more concerned with what others think than to realize the truth of a weakness that is holding us all back.
Change is inevitable when we are seeking the truth. Some times it does not flatter our ego. Sometimes it is downright cruel if our mistake is that careless. So if, we desire to uncover our indiscretions we must be humble and have the courage to face up to the challenge there is to overcome and master them.
Consequences do not determine what we do, as much as what we do, determine the consequences. We cause the event by what we do and we learn from the experience of that event, and measure and determine the value of that event by the consequence that follow. This is how we acquire or develop our value system, or standards that we live by. The reason we have a diversity of thoughts even on the same subject or event is because our intent or motives are not the same. Not necessarily the right motive or intent; never the less for this reason we have diversity.
When we hear people say,
“That’s the way I am, take it or leave it!” Now let us multiply that by 40 billion, times and we have a lot of people leaving it, instead of taking it, for sure. That leads only to chaos and ruin. So obviously their is a better choice in that matter, and we all should be considering it, no matter what the case may be. Diversity in this situation thwarts progress
If we claim we cannot adapt or change, what we are really saying is, there is not a big enough reason for us to want to change. We need to know the benefit and the consequences on the matter.
Because not everyone has the same motive for doing even the same things as we all have different needs and problems to solve, so we choose to do the same things for different reasons that fail to benefit everyone. Motive and intent are a very big thing in the courtroom. Because the motive or intent will determine if a person is doing something for the right reason and in the correct way. Then our sanity or insanity is thus revealed as well.
Marriage was never a concern for homosexuals until they figured they could cash in on some economic advantages of a traditional marriage, along with other motives like overriding spiritual morals though their crooked deceptive logic, using political pressure and support of politicians already compromised or mislead. Also to force their ideological values on everyone else what they consider a hate crime, if levied against them.
Marriage is a sacrament and a covenant made to between a man and a woman, before God, to be true and faithful through out their life in better or worse, rich or poor, in sickness and in health. That is not the case with homosexuals. They have the worst case scenario with and average of 8 different partners a year. Heterosexuals unfortunately are not perfect as they average 1.2 partners.
It is easy to see that it will only be respected by a virtuous man and woman. Sexual aversion or addiction is the motive for homosexuals because they were introduced to same sex experiences at an early age, or in jail, the military or in a same sex boarding school, yes and at times by a respected undisclosed adult citizen.
A young man told me that as a young boy he spent some time living in a religious institution where he was subjected to sexual attentions by same sex persons. Sexual addiction is at the root of homosexuality. This indeed may happen in any institution where we entertain low standards of moral conduct and without restraint give into base emotional passions.
Personally I know that we can control and master our passions and appetites, but we should never condemn others who have not learned to mastery them. Persons who are addicted are afflicted because of emotional, mental, biological imbalance, and low standards of moral conduct. This leads to abnormal behaviors and addictions.
When a young lady tells you, that she would never have chosen that lifestyle, if she had a decent father when she was growing up, clearly indicates that it was determined by her personal choice.
Close to 40% admit that it was a same sex adult that introduced them to homosexuality, though same sex, sexual encounters that started it for them. They are the honest ones to be sure.
Are these homosexual adults not considered pedophiles. So, now as we legalize same-sex marriage we are opening the door to another can of worms. Constitutional law, if not founded upon ethical, moral principle and law will corrupt the society where everything is governed by preference.
“If all things are a matter of preference, and nothing is a matter of principle; why not put Dracula in charge of the blood bank?”
--Neil A. Maxwell
Ensign July 1976
There is a cure and solution that will work. while saving a lot of money, due to the problem, being spent on politicians, judges, lawyers, doctors and psychiatrists. So then profit is another reason why it takes so long to discover the cure of all diseases. It would kill the goose with the golden egg. Another addiction then is money.
----------
How Sexual Experiences
Become Addictions
S
exual pleasure is one of the most intense human experiences. Physically speaking, when a
man or woman reaches sexual excitement, nerve endings release a chemical into the brain called "opioid." "Opioid" means opium-like and is a good description of the power of this chemical. Apart from a heroin-induced experience, nothing is more physically pleasurable than sex. This is a wonderful thing in a committed marriage relationship, because it helps to bond two people together and bring joy to living together and building a relationship.
There can be a downside to the pleasure of sex, however. If sexual experiences happen outside of marriage and are constantly repeated, a sex act can move from being a simple pleasure to an addiction. Instead of being bonded with a person, you become bonded to the act itself. If the sexual experiences are pornography, your flesh will instantly recall the images you viewed for "re-lusting" purposes. These images are stamped into your brain with the aid of hormones released during sexual arousal.
If sexual experiences happen repeatedly with members of the same sex, a homosexual addiction will result. Sex will no longer be a matter of choice and the will, but will become a "must have at any cost" obsession. Jeffrey Satinover, a psychiatrist with degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Texas, and Harvard University, explains how sexual pleasures can overpower the will in Homosexuality and the Politics of Truth. "In very short order," writes Satinover, "unregulated sexual tendencies become habits, then compulsions, and finally something barely distinguishable from addictions."1
The process is not simply a theory. There are actual physical changes that take place in the brain. Satinover points to the neocortex area of the brain
— where the human will resides — comprising neurons or brain cells connected to each other by synapses. These neurons are slowly connected or disconnected from other neurons over time, depending upon one's experiences. As a result, one's choices of behavior and actions, especially if repeated, actually become imbedded in tissue changes. Satinover notes: "Behaviors become increasingly strengthened through repetition. This strengthening physically alters the brain in a way that cannot be entirely undone, if at all; it is modified with great difficulty."2
The dangers for young people who are unsure of their sexual identity are especially serious. One study of Minnesota teens found that as many as 10 percent of the teens were uncertain of their sexuality until their later years.3 If you take a teenager who is wrestling with their sexual identity and put this together with experiments in homosexual behavior, a teen may find himself eventually trapped in an addiction that is difficult to break. A 1990 study of homosexual men showed that 37 percent had been seduced into same-sex relationships at an early age.4 According to psychiatrist Charles Socarides:
Childhood sexual seductions are an obvious cause of homosexuality. When these seductions give pleasure and comfort, the same-sex sex can become addictive, especially when it overtakes someone caught up in a traumatic family situation. The sex
— too quick and easy — can help relieve a person's anxiety. Thus, it becomes a kind of habit. Like any habit, smoking for instance, it is acquired by repeated acts. And, like smoking, it is a habit that can be hard to kick. That's the way it is with addictions that give great pleasure.5
The earlier a person becomes involved in addictive sexual behavior, the more hardened the brain patterns become that reinforce the behavior. The result: an addiction that is difficult to overcome.
FOOT NOTES
”
1- Jeffrey Satinover, Homosexuality and the Politics of Truth (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1996), p. 142.
2- Ibid., p. 136.
3- Gary Remafedi and others, "Demography of Sexual Orientation in Adolescents," Pediatrics 89 (1992): 714-721.
4- Charles W. Socarides, Homosexuality: A Freedom Too Far (Phoenix: Adam Margrave Books, 1995), p. 19.
5- Ibid.
~~~~~~~~
The Integrity of
the Multicultural Imperative
Integrity
n. moral, soundness, probity || wholeness, complete-ness, to perform a work in its integrity || the quality or state of being unimpaired [fr. L. integritas, wholeness]
Culture
n. the training and development of the mind || the refinement of taste and manners acquired by such training || the social and religious structures and intellectual and artistic manifestations etc. that characterize a society.
Cultural Imperative
* FUNCTIONAL REQUISITE
Seek first to understand, then to be understood. Steven Covey
What is our multicultural imperative? What is our functional requisite?
The duality implied by our multi-cultural philosophy needs to be understood and the benefits or consequences considered.
The do what we want, and allow others the same, as a respect and right, is in conflict first with the very foundations of a culture. A culture is a series of functional mental, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and behavioral skills, attitudes and values considered to be necessary for a wholesome, productive, cooperative and harmonious life that is deemed to be moral. All that is virtuous, lovely, praiseworthy and of good report.
Adding another level, or another culture, there are bound to be some conflicts by the diversity of values that both cultures consider necessary and what they consider of value, moral and ethical under each of their cultural standards and personal view.
This does not make them, right or wrong, but to function as a whole as a unit, they must share the same values for what they may want to develop together as a team, as they cooperate for the benefit of the two distinct cultures. Not a problem. This is the same between any two or more individuals.
Where the problem comes in, is that now with this arrangement nobody can do just what they want, and contribute to the team. There is a concession to be made, a sacrifice of something of lesser import for something of greater import by working together.
The development of culture, the setting of priorities, determining the imperatives, or functional requisites are needed to obtain the greater benefits and to avoid undesirable consequences.
Civilizations rise where they learn the ability to discipline themselves in
“esprit de corps,” a common feeling of purpose, pride, loyalty and responsibility. This does not destroy diversity, it cements the diversities harmoniously though their respect toward one another. With this spirit we would not do something that would hinder others within this common cause and purpose we all desire. Otherwise division, discord and failure would be the result. Each one then earns the privilege from the harmonious, respectful, caring and compassionate service they render together.
As time passes and conditions change, then the dynamics begin to shift the way a culture may need to adapt in an ongoing basis. Nothing is written in stone. Natural and other disasters occur where new skills, knowledge and courage in the same
‘esprit de corps,” is needed to meet the new demands to bring back that healthy balance and joyful happy condition obtained by caring and working together.
Now this brings us to another hurdle or functional requisite for this to really work.
There is nothing more beautiful than an innocent, precious new born child. It is perfect in every way. Tiny exquisite fingers and toes connected to slender beautiful, sometimes, wrinkled limbs. They are the most powerful and capable learning machines. If they learn it right in the first place their success and triumph is assured, otherwise success comes by way of hard knocks where they develop the faith and determination to learn and overcome their weakness, as they learn to clear the hurdles, and as they acquire the disposition, knowledge, skills and abilities required to succeed.
In a relatively short time they acquire 50% of their adult intelligence. That takes all of 4 years. Now if we would learn their secret, who would not benefit. Their ability to adapt, adopt and apply is a literal transformation that can be seen and felt. Why do we lose this ability? Why do we become so inflexible and intolerant? There are many causes, not just one. We all become addicted to our comfort zone. We fall back into it every time we feel afraid, hurt or unhappy.
Just like a child sucking its thumb, and hiding under the covers, we seek escape from things that we have learned that now cause us to be more defensive and protective. Fear and uncertainty now block a childlike curiosity, and excitement for adventure, caused by some disappointing event or injury.
Fear, not faith, impairs the trusting confidence that once animated a tiny frame. As our emotions become more complex, and curiosity is frozen by fear, our learning slows, and our experiences become more narrow and restricted. Now we cry out for freedom, and without understanding it, we seek liberation from this pain and uncertainty. Without proper guidance, some seek to numb the pain, but doesn
’t last that long. Addictions begin to develop that seemingly stave off the anxiety, uncertainty, boredom and unhappiness without really dealing with the real cause. Life gets out of control and our ability to adapt, adopt and apply, and to be transformed as needed, becomes almost an impossibility. Without compassionate, loving, loyal, reliable and trusted assistance, it is impossible.
Without help it may lead to our own self-destruction.
This, in fact, is a mini-culture comprised of persons of similar problems getting together, sometimes helping, but most of the time as co-dependents exploiting each other, Co-dependant cultures do exist but by other titles or names. But the unhealthy nature of such a relationship hinders more than helps. The addictive nature of this arrangement moves from one such arrangement on to another, and on and on in an endless hopeless cycle.
Civilization become dysfunctional by neglecting to help those who fall into this state of addiction. As rules and laws are multiplied to address the misbehaviors, things just get worse because this sets up another fear/pain/relief/guilt cycle that caused it in the first place. Laws and rules do not address the need of these victims who have resorted to the addictive behavior or substance. When this is recognized, we at times swing completely to the opposite extreme. Allowing the, do as you please, while allowing others the same. No culture can be productive with this kind of legacy. Failure is just a matter of when with this kind of impairment, unwholesome state; lacking physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness..
As long as we are ignorant, or indifferent to the principles and laws that naturally exist that are not a contravention from the base nature of man we will fail to address this ongoing unhappy and destructive tendency of a dysfunctional society. We are at this point, and we need to acknowledge and understand the cause and the unhappiness, and to have compassion without condemning or condoning that; in a respectful, caring, loyal and reliable manner; to be trust worthy and trusted, by whomsoever we intend to serve. There is no other way to help these precious children, or suffering persons who do not deserve to have insult added to their pain .
We must become as a little child, trusting, seeking, adapting, adopting and transforming in our nature, to met the needs of all those who
’s lives we may touch.
Truly
“charity shall cover the multitude of sins” 1 Peter 4:8
Note Update:
It was a pleasant surprise to find a complementary article in yesterdays National Post of Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - page A14. It is from The Spectator, by Miles Douglas on the essential elements of modern gay culture; promiscuity and victim-hood. Title ‘Backstabbing and Bitchiness’
Miles Douglas on the
essential elements of modern gay culture:
promiscuity and victim hood
'BACK
STABBING
AND BITCHINESS'
MILES DOUGLAS
in London
A
few months ago I persuaded one of my oldest and best gay friends to invite his lively,
articulate heterosexual neighbour to dinner. The meal was, as I'd expected, a great success. Conversation was amusing, flowed. naturally along with the wine, and covered an impressive range of subjects. Like any good dinner party, it left a warm afterglow. I have had a long and, many would say, complicated relationship with my host, and later that night I asked him to admit that the party was far more successful than his many all gay evenings. He did so, somewhat wistfully,and then fell back into a "what's-a-chap-to-do?" fatalism.
"The trouble is, we have to live in the gay world:' he said, and by no means for the first time. We have no choice; If we believe the media and our own wishful thinking, this is the best-ever time to be gay: At law, we have achieved near parity with heterosexuals. Yet the public face of gay male life, noisily hedonistic and self-consciously triumph-a-list, glosses over the reality of personal unhappiness and collective callousness."
"The culture war is largely won, but we are still fleeing from our inner demons. It is this flight, more than residual prejudice, that helps us to understand why levels of depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug dependency and suicide remain so high among gay men, young and old."
Since the dinner party, I have talked to gay male friends of widely varying ages and backgrounds. Admittedly, it is an unscientific poll, but I have found reserves of unhappiness with the much-celebrated "gay lifestyle" that confirm my sense of a deeper malaise. There are many familiar complaints: the shallow commercialism of the scene: "the petty emotional cruelties that dog so many of our friendships and even long-term relationships, the ageism, the embarrassing glibness of the activists."
"Behind all these problems is the sense of stress involved in so many of our social
interactions. They are not relaxed but self-conscious affairs, at which competition and jealousy, rivalry and sexual intrigue always bubble beneath the surface. Unlike the ethnic and religious minorities with which we compare ourselves, gay men have failed to create a community of shared values and mutual support."
________________
"Jealousy, rivalry and
sexual intrigue always bubble beneath the
surface of gay life"
________________
"The word 'community' is trotted out for political purposes, but the stereotypes of bitchiness and backstabbing remain all too prominent features of gay men's lives."
"Thus, the defining myth of gay liberation has been turned on its head. Rather than finding security and support from each other, we seek relief in our relationship with "straight society;' This is admitted with great reluctance and spoken of in hesitant whispers."
"For at a time when the mainstream is more welcoming than ever before, the ethos underlying gay life still militates strongly against integration. While demanding equality, it stresses separateness, holding up the idea of the gay community as part ghetto, part laager, a defensive subculture demanding our loyalty on quasi ethnic grounds."
"Today, the most striking feature of gay politics is its lack of nuance. Feminists increasingly acknowledge the complexity of women's (and men's) lives, the anti-racist movement passionately debates multiculturalism, but the gay movement remains remarkably unreconstructed. Our problems, it maintains, do not arise from within ourselves, or from the choices we make, but from oppression by heterosexual society and anything perceived as traditional values."
"That simplistic narrative holds sway across the spectrum of gay organizations, from the most radical to the ostensibly conservative. It at once denies us our individuality and absolves us of personal responsibility."
"We can see the results of this approach in the gay press, where politically correct victim culture is allied with rampant consumerism. Freedom is identified with a shopping list, whether of possessions or political demands. Just as the ideology of victim hood is pervasive, so is the low-grade pornography, criticism of which is taboo. Self-restraint is condemned as oppressive."
"The result is a male homosexual culture that is unable to address its own shortcomings. When we criticize the gay lifestyle, we are accused by activists of self oppression, but the true oppression comes from within that lifestyle rather than from hostile external forces. In an age of equal rights, we have become our own victims, devoured by the movement we created."
The Spectator
London
~~~~~~~~
Biblical Ref:
1- Spiritually created male and female.
Gen. 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
2- Homosexuality violates God
’s laws of moral conduct.
Jude 1:7 Even as Sodom and Gomorra, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
~~~~~~
Read Levi chapter 18 for more detail
Levi 18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
Levi 18:23 Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself there with: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion.
Levi 18:24 Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you:
Levi 18:25 And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants.
~~~~~~
3- Became a law unto themselves
Rom. 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
Rom. 1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
Rom. 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
Rom. 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
Rom. 1:29 Being filled with all unright-eousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
Rom. 1:30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
Rom. 1:31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
Rom. 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
~~~~~~
Abraham told of Sodom and Gomorrah
’s wickedness.
Gen. 18:20 And the Lord said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;
Gen. 18:21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.
~~~~~~
Lot is warned to leave Sodom and Gomorra
Gen. 19:10 But the men put forth their hand, and pulled Lot into the house to them, and shut to the door.
Gen. 19:11 And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door.
Gen. 19:12 And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place:
Gen. 19:13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the Lord; and the Lord hath sent us to destroy it.
Gen. 19:14 And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law.
Gen. 19:15 And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.
Jd 1:5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
Jd 1:6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
Jd 1:7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
Jd 1:8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
Jd 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
~~~~~~
(New Testament | 1 Timothy)
CHAPTER 4
Paul describes the latter-day apostasy
—Christ is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe.
1
NOW the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2
Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
3
Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanks-giving of them which believe and know the truth.
4
For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
5
For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
6
If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
~~~~~~
(Old Testament | Leviticus )
CHAPTER 18
Israel shall not live as the Egyptians and the Canaanites
—Marriages to many close relatives and others forbidden—Homosexuality and other sex perversions are an abomination—Land spues out those nations which practice sexual abominations.
1
¶ AND the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
2
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, I am the LORD your God.
3
After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances.
4
Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am the LORD your God.
5
Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD.
6
¶ None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the LORD.
7
The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover: she is thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.
8
The nakedness of thy father's wife shalt thou not uncover: it is thy father's nakedness.
9
The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, whether she be born at home, or born abroad, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover.
10
The nakedness of thy son's daughter, or of thy daughter's daughter, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover: for theirs is thine own nakedness.
11
The nakedness of thy father's wife's daughter, begotten of thy father, she is thy sister, thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.
12
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's sister: she is thy father's near kinswoman.
13
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister: for she is thy mother's near kinswoman.
14
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's brother, thou shalt not approach to his wife: she is thine aunt.
15
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law: she is thy son's wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.
16
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother's wife: it is thy brother's nakedness.
17
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, neither shalt thou take her son's daughter, or her daughter's daughter, to uncover her nakedness; for they are her near kinswomen: it is wickedness.
18
Neither shalt thou take a wife to her sister, to vex her, to uncover her nakedness, beside the other in her life time.
19
Also thou shalt not approach unto a woman to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is put apart for her uncleanness.
20
Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour's wife, to defile thyself with her.
21
And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.
22
Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
23
Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion.
24
Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you:
25
And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants.
26
Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you:
27
(For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled;)
28
That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you.
29
For whosoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit them shall be cut off from among their people.
30
Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that ye commit not any one of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I am the LORD your God.
~~~~~~
(Old Testament | Leviticus)
CHAPTER 20
Death penalty prescribed for sacrificing children to Molech, cursing father and mother, adultery, homosexuality, bestiality, spiritualism, and other abominations
—Divers laws and ordinances set forth.
1
¶ AND the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
2
Again, thou shalt say to the children of Israel, Whosoever he be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn in Israel, that giveth any of his seed unto Molech; he shall surely be put to death: the people of the land shall stone him with stones.
3
And I will set my face against that man, and will cut him off from among his people; because he hath given of his seed unto Molech, to defile my sanctuary, and to profane my holy name.
4
And if the people of the land do any ways hide their eyes from the man, when he giveth of his seed unto Molech, and kill him not:
5
Then I will set my face against that man, and against his family, and will cut him off, and all that go a whoring after him, to commit whoredom with Molech, from among their people.
6
¶ And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.
7
¶ Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.
8
And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the LORD which sanctify you.
9
¶ For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him.
10
¶ And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.
11
And the man that lieth with his father's wife hath uncovered his father's nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.
12
And if a man lie with his daughter in law, both of them shall surely be put to death: they have wrought confusion; their blood shall be upon them.
13
If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.
14
And if a man take a wife and her mother, it is wickedness: they shall be burnt with fire, both he and they; that there be no wickedness among you.
15
And if a man lie with a beast, he shall surely be put to death: and ye shall slay the beast.
16
And if a woman approach unto any beast, and lie down thereto, thou shalt kill the woman, and the beast: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.
17
And if a man shall take his sister, his father's daughter, or his mother's daughter, and see her nakedness, and she see his nakedness; it is a wicked thing; and they shall be cut off in the sight of their people: he hath uncovered his sister's nakedness; he shall bear his iniquity.
18
And if a man shall lie with a woman having her sickness, and shall uncover her nakedness; he hath discovered her fountain, and she hath uncovered the fountain of her blood: and both of them shall be cut off from among their people.
19
And thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister, nor of thy father's sister: for he uncovereth his near kin: they shall bear their iniquity.
20
And if a man shall lie with his uncle's wife, he hath uncovered his uncle's nakedness: they shall bear their sin; they shall die childless.
21
And if a man shall take his brother's wife, it is an unclean thing: he hath uncovered his brother's nakedness; they shall be childless.
22
¶ Ye shall therefore keep all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: that the land, whither I bring you to dwell therein, spue you not out.
23
And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them.
24
But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land that floweth with milk and honey: I am the LORD your God, which have separated you from other people.
25
Ye shall therefore put difference between clean beasts and unclean, and between unclean fowls and clean: and ye shall not make your souls abominable by beast, or by fowl, or by any manner of living thing that creepeth on the ground, which I have separated from you as unclean.
26
And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.
27
¶ A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them.
—
†—