Luke_Wilbur

Adnan, I consider this your best post. It puts light on the day-to-day lives of a culture we rarely get to see and fully understand. Unemployment is a big issue in the United States. We have a similar problem where immigrants are doing all the hard labor and we are doing the managerial work. We are goods from foreign countries who produce them with cheap labor. While the Middle East is a big issue here, China's growing economic power is starting to fuel a more nationalist approach to Economics. But, the greater fear lies in the near future where robots and programs replace more and more human jobs. What will we all do when that happens? There is truth to what you say from your point of view. But when it comes to equality I firmly believe my faith is committed to equality as well. [quote ]As we warn of the dangers concomitant with abuses against human dignity, equality and liberty, we reiterate the Church’s often repeated appeal to banish all discrimination, in law or in fact, which is based on “race, origin, color, culture, sex or religion.” http://www.vatican.v...artheid_en.html But, just as there are different branches in your faith, there are many branches in Christianity. Some do not have the same principles and do consider Catholics an abomination to Christianity. Many have tried to covert me. It is my hope is Islamic schools see the good in the New Testament as they see in the Torah. Starting off with the words that we firmly believe came from Jesus Christ. Jesus pronounces the unfortunate blessed. Matthew 5 I will think of you in my prayers today.

I know that Christians have been very hard on Jews up to the recent past. I have listened to the racial slurs. Now I see the same thing happening with people who are Islamic. I am sure it is the same where you live. Probably worse with opposite sentiment. Islamic people get stereotyped as being part of Al-Qaeda, or trying to take over America with sharia law. When in fact there are American soldiers, federal employees, doctors, police officers, etc... that are Islamic. What you need to discuss is the children getting affected by this tragedy. Look at Syria. It very well could start World War III if it is not handled delicately. It cost approximately $5000.00 USD to purchase an automatic rifle not including ammunition. It cost approximately $600.00 USD to purchase a metric ton of rice. This equates to roughly 8.33 metric tons of rice for one automatic rifle. It horrifies me to think about all the starving children suffering, while adults risk their lives in what they believe they are doing right. These wars are not about religion and morality, these wars are about money and power. I sometimes think all the oil that is in the region is a black curse to everyone that lives near it.

Adnad, What needs to be done is separating faith from political power. I truly believe that the Golden Rule of 'Do no harm to thy neighbor can be applied without infringing on ones religious beliefs. Those that fight by the sword, die by the sword. That is why a dialogue of respect needs to be nurtured and trust needs to be gained. From your writings and others I realize that there is a clear difference between Judaism and Zionism. If you show the positive things about Judaism you might gain more traction with those on the fence to what is going on. Case in point, I have many Jewish friends who I greatly admire and we are able to discuss freely about Israel and Zionism. Did you know there is Christian Zionism as well? I am the guardian of a mentally disabled Persian man who comes from the Islamic faith. Although, I am Catholic, I really try not to challenge his faith. Through him I have been blessed with a greater understanding that in humility one can see that God is truly with children and the disabled. It is we who understand Right from Wrong are judged. I believe if we personally follow truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and spirit in our daily lives then it will be reflective in public opinion and seep into public law. I think it is proper to give voice to those that cannot defend themselves. As long as you speak truth for those that are oppressed and not fall into harmful rhetoric of anger you will gain the admiration of many. I want peace between our cultures. I want to walk the footsteps of Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed, so I can really understand what it means to be a servant of Yahweh. If it means washing the feet of those that may persecute me, then I am ready. http://www.dcmessage...udicial-system/

God’s faithfulness to us should never be put to the test and demand his presence. It is our faith to follow His plan for humanity that is being tested. God has given us moral laws for humanity. Deuteronomy 6 Luke 4 The Devil disdains like principles of morality (truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, spirit) and his rhetorical cunning to follow his ways of testing our Lord and rebelling against his moral commandments. John 20 Ephesians 6 Today, there are many who are challenging our Lord to reveal his ancient Spirit on the earth once again to nonbelievers. When He has always been with each and everyone of us.

When I distill both President Obama's and Senator Rubio's speeches to the Nation, I get the following. Defending our freedom means to make sure our God-given human rights are protected at every stage of life. In Defending our freedom we accept certain obligations citizens have for one another without limiting the American dream to reward individuals the fruits of their labor in their pursuit of happiness. I was amazed to notice that both the President and the Senator used the phrase "God-given right" in their speeches. But, if we as a Nation do not really believe in a Creator we are bound to remain adrift suffering while staring at Liberty in the far off distance. John 3

Pope Benedict XVI on Monday said he plans on resigning the papal office on February 28th. Below please find his announcement. Full text of Pope's declaration Dear Brothers, I have convoked you to this Consistory, not only for the three canonizations, but also to communicate to you a decision of great importance for the life of the Church. After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry. I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only with words and deeds, but no less with prayer and suffering. However, in today’s world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the bark of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me. For this reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of Saint Peter, entrusted to me by the Cardinals on 19 April 2005, in such a way, that as from 28 February 2013, at 20:00 hours, the See of Rome, the See of Saint Peter, will be vacant and a Conclave to elect the new Supreme Pontiff will have to be convoked by those whose competence it is.Dear Brothers, I thank you most sincerely for all the love and work with which you have supported me in my ministry and I ask pardon for all my defects. And now, let us entrust the Holy Church to the care of Our Supreme Pastor, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and implore his holy Mother Mary, so that she may assist the Cardinal Fathers with her maternal solicitude, in electing a new Supreme Pontiff. With regard to myself, I wish to also devotedly serve the Holy Church of God in the future through a life dedicated to prayer. From the Vatican, 10 February 2013 BENEDICTUS PP XVI

We all are human. http://www.bloomberg...ng-scandal.html The Vatican bank, whose reputation took a blow over an investigation into money laundering, has fired Chairman Ettore Gotti Tedeschi after a tenure stained by a financial scandal. In a vote of no-confidence, the board of directors unanimously agreed to remove Tedeschi, a Banco Santander SA (SAN) banker who took the job in 2009, from his post for failing “to carry out various duties of primary importance,” according to a statement yesterday by Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi. Tedeschi said he was “torn” between wanting to explain the truth and not upsetting Pope Benedict XVI, according to an interview with Italian news agency Ansa today. “My love for the Pope prevails even over defending my reputation, which has been cowardly questioned,” he was cited as saying. The bank, which is formally called the Institute for the Works of Religion, said it’s now hunting for a replacement who can “restore” relations with the financial community. Set up in 1942 by Pope Pius XII to manage the Vatican’s finances, the bank, known by its Italian initials as the IOR, reports directly to the pope. Matthew 6

American companies need to be ready for the upcoming infrastructure wave abroad that will need heavy machinery to meet the demands of a rising international middle class that will be need to get to and from work.

In the next 5 years we will see the emergence of a world middle class that will want goods just like we do. Now is the most opportune time to invest in United States companies manufacturing here that will be ready to meet the world demand.

Dr. Carson's overall speech lacked scripture, but was a good moral sermon. His statement about the fourth branch of government is right on the mark. Professional lobbyists advise, write, and execute laws mandated by Special Interest groups and large corporations. Greater emphasis needs to be helping today's youth to become tomorrow's leaders. This can be done by our government partnering more with our youth in building a strong sense civic and moral responsibility. We need to commit to moral truths that will keep the United States as a beacon of Freedom and Human Rights to all. America is incrementally and systematically Rejecting God. But, there is still hope for implementing His Golden Rule.

I see no way a priest of any Christian or Mormon faith can go to war. Matthew 5 Matthew 6

This is first words of wisdom that I have gained from the Book of Mormon that I deem to be true moral wisdom that can be applied to to many situations where power has been given. The Doctrine and Covenants : Section 121 34 Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? 35 Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson— 36 That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness. 37 That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man. 38 Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints, and to fight against God. 39 We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. 40 Hence many are called, but few are chosen. 41 No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; 42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile— 43 Reproving* betimes** with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved*, lest he esteem*** thee to be his enemy; 44 That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death. 45 Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven. 46 The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever. *Reproving is to speak disapprovingly to (a person); rebuke or scold **Betimes acting upon early; once in a while; on occasion. ***Esteem is to regard as; consider I would take this to mean Scolding a transgressor should only be done only on occasion when moved by the Holy Spirit, then followed by an increase display of love, unless the person regards you as an enemy. I would take this to mean We lose the power of the Holy Spirit when we try to use it in a sinful way harm our fellow man. I would take this to mean The power of the priesthood in the Mormon faith can be given only to those that a pure in the knowledge and following the scripture in its full intent. Therefore I take this whole passage to mean. That Priests of the Latter Day Saints must be pure in the Holy Spirit and only on occasion scold the transgressor in a constructive way that will better their relationship with God. Further, a Priest cannot harm or condone harm on any human being even if the transgressor dishonors them. The enemy part I will need to pray upon.

Our President's words of Dr. King and President Lincoln struck me with awe. Two mighty men sacrificed their lives to promote God's Golden Rule. I see clearly now that this is President Obama's moment to incorporate a piece of God's plan. He laid the keystone last year that proves that Golden Rule protects those of faith and those that do not. Thus, the Golden Rule does not infringe on the Separation of Church and State and further protects and defines our Human Rights. Lincoln and King one with the Spirit

The fundamental problem I experienced being a student of public education was a failure to properly incorporate a system of rules that regulate the social interactions and social relationships of students. Just like prisons, many school systems have implemented armed guards, sophisticated security systems and detentions designed to be deterrents to moral violations. These deterrents only make problem students angrier and takes them down a road of creating coping skills that risk harming themselves and others around them. Counselors have a difficult time evaluating true mental illness because the discussion of morality and faith is off limits. But, most parents do not understand this point. What makes matters worse is just like our prison system, public schools are being privatized where profit replaces the ethical greater good. Financial bottom line is accepted, but God is not. The teaching of moral responsibility is fully on the parent. But, I wonder if they are truly aware of this. Just like education parents relies on our government to teach morality to students. They expect the entitlement system to do all the work for them. Unfortunately, today's cost of living dicatates a workforce that has to put in longer hours to survive. Many parents do not have the time to nurture their kids on why an action is right or wrong. This could be from working long hours to a growing number of single parent homes. This dysfunction exposes children to greater examples of unexplained adult bad behavior and less teaching of positive values and virtues. I see the only hope is to immediately implement the Principles of the Golden Rule into our education system. As stated above I firmly believe it can be now implemented without harming the Separation of Church and State. Incorporating the Golden Rule gives children a greater chance to gain their natural and legal right to pursue happiness. Until the Gold Rule is fully implemented. I can only share my faith in Yahweh's Law and scripture delivered through the Prophets. Proverbs 3 My solution to proper discipline is applying the Golden Rule as a fundamental principle in explaining the reasons for rules and responding appropriately to a moral violation. I have learned the importance of taking the time to properly stimulate my children to think reflectively about actions taken. I try to share positive life experiences or literature that emphasize positive values and heroic actions. I believe when parents provide a morality it will help a child's decision making when confronted with other types of social knowledge, through their social experiences with adults (parents, teachers, other adults), peers, and siblings. Start teaching your child early the right path to a successful and happy life. Proverbs 22 It is my goal to have my children understand how good happens in the worst of times. Matthew 24

The Melchizedek are the Royal Priesthood mentioned by the Apostle Peter. 1 Peter 1

John 15 15:1 “I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. 15:2 He takes away every branch that does not bear fruit in me. He prunes every branch that bears fruit so that it will bear more fruit. 15:3 You are clean already because of the word that I have spoken to you. 15:4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me – and I in him – bears much fruit, because apart from me you can accomplish nothing. 15:6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown out like a branch, and dries up; and such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire, and are burned up. 15:7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want, and it will be done for you. 15:8 My Father is honored by this, that you bear much fruit and show that you are my disciples. 15:9 “Just as the Father has loved me, I have also loved you; remain in my love. 15:10 If you obey my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 15:11 I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be complete. 15:12 My commandment is this – to love one another just as I have loved you. 15:13 No one has greater love than this – that one lays down his life for his friends. 15:14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15:15 I no longer call you slaves, because the slave does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because I have revealed to you everything I heard from my Father. 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that remains, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you. 15:17 This I command you – to love one another.

My new resolution is to better understand humility. For I believe that to be in communion with the Trinity we must fully embrace Love.

The idea that everyone can ascend to a station of being that God was before and thus manifest God' to a greater glory appears like a pyramid scheme of Pride to me. But, with God everything is possible. I know that I know little to fully judge the The King Follett Sermon of Joesph Smith. The Bible does state that through Christ's sacrifice we all become heirs of God with the holy spirit. But, I do not accept we will have equal power with Jesus or our Almighty Father. I do not believe that before Christ died on the cross that the Mormon revelation of Adam being being the first prophet was transformed to his former self as Michael the Archangel in a more powerful glorified form. I do not believe that before Christ died on the cross that the Mormon revelation of Noah being being transformed to his former self as Gabriel the Archangel in a more powerful glorified form. For this contradicts scripture stating that it was only after Christ's Atonement for our sins that we were set us free from the bondage of decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children. Because Jesus lives, we live with the certainty of eternal Salvation if we truly want it. Romans 8 1 Peter 1 John 17 Joesph Smith revelation reminds me of Zaphon, the Canaanite version of Olympus, was the “mountain of assembly” where the gods met. Isaiah 14 Manly P. Hall, another 33rd Degree Mason, writes, "Man is a God in the making Be still -- and know -- that I am God ... That I AM GOD -- the final recognition of the All in All, the unity of the Self with the Cosmos -- the cognition of the DIVINITY OF THE SELF!" [Emphasis in the original; George H. Steinmetz, The Lost Keys of Freemasonry, Richmond, Virginia, Macoy Publishing and Masonic Supply Company, 1923, p. 92

Indeed all religions main purpose is moral teachings. The Book of Mormon reveals God plan to divide the wicked from the righteous. But, their first prophet and founder, Joesph Smith, believed Liberty allows people the human right to follow their own beliefs. 1 Nephi 15 Doctrine and Covenants Section 38 Latter Day Saints believe that man evolves from a spirit to a temporal body which after death transform to a glorified body. From what I understand of their faith God judges both their spiritual works and temporal works. So there may be hope for the wicked here on the material plane. Genesis 3 Moses 3 The Church of Latter Day Saints also believe that their priesthood is able to eternally bless and curse individuals. Doctrine and Covenants 132 Joesph Smith taught that Liberty gives individuals the moral rights to define their own personal revelation of the Creator. Joesph Smith sermon of personal liberty was affirmed by the Supreme Court decision allowing the continuation of Abortion rights to women a century and half later. During initial deliberations for Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992), an initial majority of five Justices (Rehnquist, White, Scalia, Kennedy, and Thomas) were willing to effectively overturn Roe. Kennedy changed his mind after the initial conference, and O'Connor, Kennedy, and Souter joined Blackmun and Stevens to reaffirm the central holding of Roe, saying, James 2 The "royal law" which is referred to in the new covenant is expressed in the ten commandments which Yahweh spoke into existence as a revelation of the nature of God and the way for man to live in harmony with Him. It was channeled to Israel in a spiritual form through sound waves into audible speech and then transcribed onto tablets written by the Spirit of God as a written testimony or witness to the spoken Word.

Should the Declaration of Independence be replaced by a new Declaration of Interdependence? Should the word "Creator" be changed to "Collective Consciousness?" I just received this email from Al Gore about his new book, "The Future." Will we change our deepest values? Or will we protect human dignity? 1 Peter 1

I had the pleasure interviewing Professor Andrew Guthrie Ferguson on his view of morality in and discussing his new book, ""Why Jury Duty Matters, A Citizen’s Guide to Constitutional Action." Professor Ferguson's response: I am impressed with Professor Ferguson's advocacy of engaging our community to discuss the principles of morals in ethics in our democracy. Could it be that our Republican form of government is slowly evolving to a pure Democracy? Our Country's Founding Fathers based our Constitution on Laws of Nature and of Nature's God. It appears that Life, Liberty Pursuit of Happiness is now given more weight than Our Creator who endowed us with these entitlements. I agree that sharing knowledge and information is important to properly engage issues on what is Truth and Untruth. From the Truth we are able to gain what is Right and what is Wrong. A full book description is available at NYU Press, http://nyupress.org/...82#.ULfVEuOe8Vw Professor Ferguson’s full bio can be found at UDC School of Law http://www.law.udc.edu/?page=AFerguson

Many may think that the Golden Rule is now defined as treat others according to the opinion polls. The opinion results override any religions morals for the greater good of upholding our justice system. You might want to then ask who is running the opinion polls and designing the questions. Then you realize that once again it is The One That Owns The Gold Rule. In essence a person or corporation can lie, steal, cheat, kill, etc... and still be within the confines of not breaking the law. And if a person or entity does cross the line there are thousands of lawyers waiting to turn law into a lucrative game of semantic chess. The better the settlement litigator, the better the chance of not going to trial. The better trial lawyer, the better chance of getting acquitted of all damages. http://youtu.be/UZc3KYOSOQs From my experience lawyers seek a quick finality to a case and may pressure the client to accept a settlement. Good lawyers will wisely advise whether the odds are in your favor or not. It may better to accept a less costly predictable outcome than to outlay a large amount of capital and lose the case in trial. The decision whether to settle or not belongs to the client. Aside note. Remember when speaking to your attorney to read all documents thoroughly before giving consent (verbal or correspondence). Watch out for intimidating legal terms and attitudes from council. Otherwise, you may be bound by a irrational emotional decision that may have life long consequences. Many cases are settled or lost due to the lack financial capital to compete with opposing council. This is happening in politics as well. We know that there are many good candidates from many different parties. Yet, we only see two sides in the final debates. The Ones that Own the Gold may think they rule our existence. But do not despair, for through our Creator's humility the perfection of Good has already triumphed over the imperfection of Evil. John 16

I get it now. Midian and Median are two regionally and historically different people. The Midians were also known as the Midianites. The Medians were also known as the Medes. The Midians or Midianites were a tribe that was around 1162 BC. Median Empire or Median Confederation (Mādai) lasted from 678 BC through 549 BC.

I agree that world leaders should not take advantage of people's faiths to gain their political agenda. During the Fifth Crusade Francis of Assisi (We call him Saint Francis) sat down with Sultan Al-Malik al-Kamel and discussed with him the Muslim and Christian faiths. Both men tried to convert the other. In the end the two parted friends. To this date Franciscans are respected in many Islamic nations. They are in Syria today. http://www.francisca...g/index.php/en/ We need more emissaries of all cultures coming together similar, but separate from the United Nations or Economic Summits. Politics and monetary policy would not be discussed and are left at each members respective homelands. The feeling of national pride and the spirit of comrade would similar to the World Cup and the Olympics but, different that it would not based on competition. There would be no expected outcomes of peace. But, rather a dialogue of Universal tolerances and cultural understandings that can be taken to each participants homeland. Some discussion should be on the future of our children. We need to figure out what they will be doing when machines and software replace our jobs.

Good thoughts to you Adnan, Wise leaders do what is in the best interest of their people and other nations that are friendly to them. What is difficult is we are in a new age that no longer has geographic boundaries. We have Multinational Corporations and International Organizations at odds with Nation States. This is similar to what are defined as cults competing with Major Religions. The difficulty lies with understanding the medium of protocol to communicate understanding and mediating the interests of all involved parties to the public at large. Much of this communication gets filtered (censored) by those that oppose the idea to speak freely and take clips and sound bytes out of context to their advantage. What I think the disadvantaged need to learn is how to better market their feelings. This can only be done if there are established independent outlets that respect the anonymity and value of the message given. Corporation controlled media outlets cannot be trusted to not bias the message. Resistant movement organizations that control media outlets cannot be trusted either. The only way to do this now to properly communicate is through marketing the message through internet and trusted non biased media outlets. I think you are a great example of an individual that understands what it takes to get the message to the masses. If you know some respected outlets, please share. If we as individuals can get past the anger and objectively reveal the problem to the opposition. There is a chance that some in power will see the wisdom of changing direction in the desire of peace. I know that as an American who has a passion for International History and Theology that I someday wish to visit the Middle East and have an open discourse about spiritual truths. For now I am confined to reading books, watching videos, and having discourse through the internet.