(10/03/2019) White People Becoming Atheists?

The image depicts oneness for the races and ethnicities.

Today, reply is on responses from Christians and people of color to increases, and threats of growing support for atheism, disbelief, and skepticism among Whites in America. Such elements as compassion, empathy, shared hardship, and shared service continue to operate as a bonding force among Americans along with ideas of brotherhood and fellowship that act as a lid preventing any overflow of conflict and confusion that might arise from plurality. Even where people of color have suffered discrimination, enslavement, genocide, and other forms of social injustice, they continue to regard it as contrary to their own authentic character and heritage as survivors on the earth to condemn others (no matter how outrageous their offenses) on the basis of skin-color and racial differences. As with Christian believers, there are those who prefer to forgive and forget; there are those who put the needs and well-being of the full community before their own. To abandon hope that others can receive salvation confesses despair, magnifies doubt, and promotes the lack of faith that oneself can be saved. It is written: 1^st Corinthians 12: 12-22, King James Version (KJV): 12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? 18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?  20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.  21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee:  nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.  22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum, Society & Culture, Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Nine thugs made good” (Level 2 with 285 points, a member since September 07, 2019) posted the following:

Does it bother people of color knowing more and more white people are becoming atheists?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. (Acts 17: 24-29, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Jesus Comes Back (06/20/2019); A Wall To Sanctify? (01/16/2019); Will There Be Diversity? (10/22/2017); George Washington Owned Slaves (08/17/2017); Laws Favoring the Poor? (03/06/2017); No Less GOD’s Creation (12/01/2016); The Provision Against Racists? (01/19/2016)

“Nine thugs made good”, the operations of bias, caste, disbelief, ethnic arrogance, lawlessness, prejudice, racism, and sin have long been interwoven and inseparable in the mind of Blacks and other people of color (e.g., Asians, Native Americans, Island peoples). Even so, issues of higher priority now exist for Christian believers, and for many people of color. Included are the Second Coming of Jesus Christ; the fulfillment of end time prophecies; changes to life on earth through global warming; and the frequency of catastrophic weather events. Focusing on our shared needs as the caretakers of the future has released many from the self-contradiction and stupidity that accompanies viewing life in the narrow terms of racial differences. Many are suppressing anger, despair, fear, or resentment; yet, unprovoked distress and confusion continue to be fostered such as we presently see when viewing foreign students and workers. (While in America many Hispanics and Latinos are acknowledged as white-skinned; because they may be immigrants and non-citizens, they also are treated as a minority and non-white.)

In the same way mature Christians are saddened to see the alarming number of young people who leave the church before they have become spiritually adult and mature, people of color recognize that hidden and unannounced changes are occurring in their shared opportunities and possibilities among Americans. The response by the church to its youth must be to become set apart (sanctified), to renew sacred knowledge, and to impart fresh spiritual resources to neutralize dysfunction, underdevelopment, and violence. The response of America to its diverse population also must be to become set apart from the manipulations of politics, and to renew the commitment to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as one undivided Nation.

No one is blind or unfeeling regarding increased imbalance and instability. So to speak, without knowing what to call it, or how to describe it with words, we all can feel within our gut the difference between treatment that is righteous, and treatment that is wicked. Like the poor who are hungry for their own portion, and will use alternative behaviors to project the strength needed for survival, people of color around the world will refuse to overreact, and will continue to advance principles and values for family life, for lasting relationships, and for achieving prosperity. People of color will gladly endorse the standards and values of an America that also acknowledges and conforms to the doctrines and teachings of Christ. Few men who strive for honor and integrity will quarrel against being accountable to others, remaining interdependent, and accomplishing otherwise impossible goals through practices such as team work, mutual support, unselfish giving, and the patient endurance of suffering. All of us can correctly understand that cruelty, exaggerated pride, murder, and selfishness oppose the continued existence of the nation, of all life on the earth, and of life throughout the universe. Angry and bitter thrusts intended to antagonize a single poor man have the profound consequence of also fostering a return to the chaos, confusion, and streams of motion without direction that were in place before the founding of heaven and earth. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a presentation from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) 2^nd Timothy 3: 1-5, King James Version (KJV): 1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

(2.) Galatians 3: 27-29, KJV: 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

(3.) Colossians 3: 9-14, KJV: 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended (for example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPC0iXFGyJM). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/01/2016) No Less GOD's Creation

Today, points are shared on Black and minority people claiming the GOD of Israel as their own.  Many mistakenly seek to localize divine truth through academic disciplines and secular studies such as archeology, history, philology, philosophy, and physics.  On the basis of popular culture, long standing traditions, personal experiences, and travel others even seek to describe divinity as having origins on the basis of a location in time or space.  The oppressed, the poor and those who endure suffering are entitled to the comfort, correction, and salvation offered by GOD—not because of their geographical location upon the earth, their skin color, or their access to financial resources—because their origin in creation has been his own living heart, mind, and Spirit.  What men will receive from divinity may vary in accordance with diversity, divine law, and eternal purpose.  One of the fighters using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

 

Why do black "people" try to claim Judaism Christianity and Islam are black religions when they came from the middle east?

Are middle easterners black? No
Are North Africans black? No.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;  Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;  And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;  That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:  For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.  Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.  And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:  Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.  (Acts 17:  24-31, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Relationships With GOD? (11/30/2016); Is GOD A Racist? (11/27/2016);  Access Through The Cross? (05/11/2016);  Thoughts On The Kingdom? (11/18/2015); Diversity and the Church? (07/22/2015); Ye Are Abraham’s Seed (07/10/2015); Holiness (07/01/2015)

 

“Anonymous”, existence and divine truth are not shared on the basis of skin color.  Mature Christian believers acknowledge divinity as all-encompassing, omnipresent, and ubiquitous, for divinity exists as spirit substance that can not be manipulated or shut out, and is diffuse, unbounded, and without limit.  In addition to appearing through operations displaying divine authority, ownership, power, and sovereign will, the character, content and makeup of GOD are easily recognized as being supportive of coherence, continuity, life, order, truth, and lasting value.  Throughout the earth, Black people, the oppressed, and the poor are correct to seek change, deliverance, prosperity, relief, rescue, hope, and refreshing by repeatedly turning to the source of existence, judgment, and righteousness, the Creator who is capable of addressing every need.  Ethnic bias and racial hatred, so common among men, are in accordance with emotional, intellectual, psychological, and social processes under the influence of sin, and are in no way the expression of holiness, sanctity, and divine will.  Diversity is in accordance with divine preference and sacred prerogative.  Even so, the human condition is such that, all men face death, eternal destruction, hardships, and the continual challenges of life experience that include bereavement, discharging duty, establishing and maintaining healthy relationships, meeting obligations, and obtaining food and shelter.  Black people will be no less the creation of a true and wise GOD than the stars, the sun, or the universe.  Carefully consider how the following are intended for your understanding:

(1.)   Romans 3:  23, King James Version (KJV):  23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

(2.)  Romans 3:  29-30, KJV:  29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:  30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.

(3.)  Isaiah 63:  15-16, KJV:  15 Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory:  where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained?  16 Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not:  thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Isaiah 54:  5-10, KJV:  5 For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.  6 For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God.  7 For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.  8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.  9 For this is as the waters of Noah unto me:  for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee.  10 For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/20/2015) The Religious Freedom Restoration Act?

Today, a PDF document (3 p.) is described discussing Federal legislation that provides necessary legal protections for people of faith who seek to live out their spiritual commitments in daily life.  Nearly unanimous bipartisan support was garnered within both houses of Congress for this law addressing restoration of religious liberty.  A decision by the U.S. Supreme Court (called Employment Division v. Smith) made it more difficult for religious believers to challenge laws that constrained their ability to live out their faith.  In that case, Native Americans were fired from their jobs because they used peyote as part of their religion.  The RFRA was intended to affirm and buttress the First Amendment of the Constitution that guarantees the free exercise of religion.  Twenty states are reported as having adopted their own versions of RFRA, and another eleven states have similar provisions in place provided by state court decisions.  RFRA is reported as supplying a balancing test when the government attempts to restrict the free exercise of religion.  In general, RFRAs help people of minority faiths who cannot secure legislative exemptions for specific practices maintained among themselves.


THE KINGS SPEAR:  I am continuing to review documents posted in the “Bishop’s Advocacy Activity on Religious Liberty” page at the Internet site of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB).  The Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty has published a “must read” PDF document on the Federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) [http://usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/upload/Why-the-Religious-Freedom-Restoration-Act-Works.pdf].

The Federal law enacted in 1993 under Bill Clinton is described using a Q&A format that presents the following six questions:

1. Does RFRA provide a “license to discriminate” against gay people?

2. What are the safeguards built into RFRA?

3. Why is any RFRA necessary at all?

4. Since there is already a federal RFRA, why do states need their own?

5. Who really benefits from RFRAs?

6. What is the impact of RFRA on current debates over “same-sex marriage” and laws prohibiting “sexual orientation” and “gender identity”
discrimination?

See Why the Religious Freedom Restoration Act Works/The Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, April 07, 2015.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together:  and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.  Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.  But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.  For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you:  because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.  And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.  But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest:  for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.  And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.  And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.  (Acts 28:  17-24, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Human Law, Divine Favor? (03/23/2015); The American Covenant? (03/03/2015); On Christians Being Inclusive? (07/16/2014); War and Peace (07/17/2014); Separation of Church and State (07/04/2014); The Point of Wisdom? (07/05/2014); Holiday Displays? (12/07/2012); An Attack Upon Creation? (12/08/2012); The Crux of the Matter (10/26/2012); Women Ordained to Minister? (10/27/2012)


There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  (For example, members of minority faiths in the U. S. (e.g., Baha’i, Hindu, Muslims and Sikhs) and those operating family-owned businesses must have further protection through the law when their beliefs continue and promote practices in opposition to state or local antidiscrimination laws.  Their legitimate conscientious objections may appear as expressions of “unjust discrimination,” yet, are exactly what is intended when America speaks of religious freedom protected by strong law.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC