Faith Scholars: Stephen Hawking ‘Missing the Point’
September 14, 2010
By Eric YoungChristian Post Reporter Physicist Stephen Hawking made headlines this past
(Photo: AP Photo: / PA Wire, David Parry) In this April 29, 2010, file photo, Stephen Hawking watches the first preview of his new show for the Discovery Channel, Stephen Hawking's Universe.
Newton, who left enduring legacies in mathematics and the natural sciences, had centuries ago warned against using the law of gravity – which he discovered – to view the universe as a mere machine, like a great clock.
“Gravity explains the motions of the planets, but it cannot explain who set the planets in motion. God governs all things and knows all that is or can be done,” the 17th century scientist and non-Trinitarian Anglican stated.
“This most beautiful system of the sun, planets, and comets, could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent Being,” he added.
Hawking, however, says “the universe can and will create itself from nothing” because there is a law such as gravity.
“Spontaneous creation is the reason there is something rather than nothing, why the universe exists, why we exist,” he writes in his soon-to-be-released book, The Grand Design. “It is not necessary to invoke God to light the blue touch paper (fuse) and set the universe going.”
While Hawking has long been known to be a deist – believing in the existence of an impersonal god on the evidence of reason and nature only – his denial of a personal god was notably more explicit in the excerpts from his latest work.
In The Grand Design, Hawking refers to the 1992 observation of a planet orbiting a star other than the sun and says it “makes the coincidences of our planetary conditions – the single sun, the lucky combination of Earth-sun distance and solar mass – far less remarkable, and far less compelling as evidence that the Earth was carefully designed just to please us human beings.”
Not surprising, Hawking’s comments sparked a number of responses from Christian apologists and theologians of different faiths.
In the United Kingdom, where Hawking resides, Denis Alexander, director of The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion, said Hawking was “missing the point.”
“Science provides us with a wonderful narrative as to how [existence] may happen, but theology addresses the meaning of the narrative,” he said, according to CNN.
Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, similarly, accused Hawking of making a “misinterpretation” – one that he said “is damaging to religion and science in equal measure.”
“Science is about explanation. Religion is about interpretation,” he wrote in the U.K.-based Times, which first printed excerpts from The Grand Design on Thursday.
“Science takes things apart to see how they work. Religion puts things together to see what they mean. They are different intellectual enterprises,” Sacks added.
Meanwhile, in the United States, scholars at the ministry Reasons To Believe have argued against the idea that God is not necessary because laws such as gravity exist and said even with the laws there is the requirement for something that transcends the universe to bring it into being.
Hawking, said RTB research scholar Dr. Jeffrey Zweerink, “is putting the laws of physics or the mathematics on that basis of … this transcendent entity … that is ultimately responsible for the cause of the beginning of the universe.”
“It’s a transcendent impersonal entity but nonetheless it’s a transcendent entity,” he added.
Furthermore, RTB President and Founder Dr. Hugh Ross said there a “fundamental flaw” in Hawking’s reasoning.
“A fundamental flaw in this Hawking idea is that God is no longer personal, and yet we human beings are personal,” he said in his ministry’s podcast Friday. “We have a mind, we have a spirit, and you’re attributing the development of the human mind, the human spirit, the minds for that matter we see in the higher animals, the personalities that we see in all of us from completely impersonal soul-less and spirit-less laws of physics. How can the lesser produce the greater?”
Like Hawking, RTB scholars agree that God is “the Grand Mathematician” but go further by saying He is more than that.
And, they say, the laws of physics in nature “are a reflection of God’s intimate sustaining care for the universe.”
“From a naturalist perspective, there need not be any laws of physics,” said Zweerink. “But from a Christian perspective, we expect to see these laws of physics given God’s character and what He’s revealed to us.”
With only excerpts of the book having been released, the discussion is expected to continue and expand with the release of Hawking’s upcoming book.
The book, co-authored by physicist Leonard Mlodinow, is scheduled to be published by Bantam Dell on Sept. 9.
The Grand Design is Hawking’s first major work in nearly a decade.
One Tank Trip for Iowa Camping
August 17, 2010
by Woodalls Editorial Staff
A great many farms run through this region, producing a sizable portion of America’s output of corn and soybeans, but there’s a lot more to Iowa than just cornfields and farming. Make Iowa your one tank trips destination and come see for yourself.
Cedar Rapids is a perfect place to start off your vacation, as it provides a blend of city and country living. You’ve got the theaters, nightlife, and fine dining opportunities available in any big city, but there’s a small town feel at work here that gives Cedar Rapids a charm all its own. There are city parks, state parks, and wide-open county parks within Cedar Rapids, providing you with plenty of places to park the rig and sit for a spell. The Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Corridor is a hiker’s dream, with a maze-like network of interconnected trails that run through the city and countryside. There are car and motorcycle museums in town to attract even the most casual automotive enthusiast, and don’t forget to cruise through the local wine country and sample the incredible vintages they’ve got for sale.
Getting back on the road, head south on the I-380 for close to 20 miles until you pull into Coralville, a town that definitely rolls out a warm welcome to the RVer. You’ll have no trouble finding a place to hook up the rig for some convenient Iowa camping. The town’s got plenty of activities to keep you occupied for as long as you care to stay, with museums and galleries and nearby Coralville Lake. Spend a day or so by the water, and be sure to investigate the Devonian Fossil Gorge, where you’ll be able to get a close-up look at the fossilized remains of a 375-million year old ocean floor. This is definitely not something you see every day, nor will you forget it once you’ve visited.
From Coralville, drive west on the US-6 for 11 miles to your next stop, Oxford. In addition to providing ample opportunities for camping and sightseeing, there’s a very active golf community here with several courses that range from fairly basic to challenging. Whether you are on the Pro Tour, or if you’ve never picked up a club before, spend a day at any of these peaceful golf retreats and relax in the fresh air and sunshine.
Continuing west on the US-6, it’s another 5 miles before you reach Amana, site of the fascinating and historic Amana Colonies. This area is composed of buildings whose construction dates back to the mid 1800s, with wood fences and fruit trees in the yards. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped through a doorway into a simpler, slower-paced age. Pay a visit to the Amana Heritage Society Museum, where you’ll learn about the German immigrants who colonized this area in the mid-19th century. A blacksmith, general store, and original one-room schoolhouse still stand to honor those souls who settled the area. You can rent a bike and tour the surrounding area, maybe pack a picnic lunch and sit out in the middle of nowhere and just simply be. This charming town will no doubt win your heart as it has for so many who’ve come before.
History is alive and well in Marengo, your last stop on this one tank trips adventure through the Hawkeye State, which lies another 8 miles west on the US-6. Here you’ll find the Pioneer Heritage Museum, which showcases buildings from the mid 1800s into the 1930s, including log cabins, a railroad depot, and a gas station from the late 20s.
When it’s time to point the rig toward home, hopefully you’ll have seen that Iowa camping is where the past meets the present; its feet firmly planted in the old world and the new.
This One Tank Trip seen in the Woodall’s 2010 North American Campground Directory
Court Nixes Permit Rule for National Park Speech
August 15, 2010
By Annie Youderian
“These regulations penalize a substantial amount of speech that does not impinge on the government’s interests,” Judge Janice Rogers Brown wrote for the three-judge panel in Washington, D.C.
The ruling has been hailed as a significant First Amendment victory for Michael Boardley, who claimed he was blocked in 2007 from distributing Christian materials in the Mount Rushmore National Park in South Dakota.
“Requiring individuals and small groups to obtain permits before engaging in expressive activities within designated ‘free speech areas’ (and other public forums within national parks) violates the First Amendment,” Brown wrote.
“We have no choice but to hold the regulations unconstitutional in their entirety.”
as appeared on Courthouse News ServiceRiding High in Nova Scotia
August 11, 2010
RVing across Canada may be the best way to see the country, because you can get out of the cities and still enjoy comfortable amenities. Lorraine Sommerfeld photo/for the Toronto Star
This was the rugged young man who would be
piloting the dinghy his Nova Scotian lilt sneaking in on some broadened vowels. Six of us sat in the inflatable rubber boat, staring mutely at our feet that were encased in several kilograms of rapidly hardening red mud.
We’d descended the banks of the Shubenacadie River in central Nova Scotia. It’s the largest river in the province, but as I could safely see the other side, as well as several sandbars, I tumbled into the boat and anticipated a nice couple of hours on the water on a lovely day.
Instead, I had the most amazing experience of my life.
Shubenacadie Tidal Bore Rafting Park is one of several companies offering Tidal Bore rafting on the river. Daily from June to the end of September, groups head out to meet the incoming tide. As the sea water rushes in, it mixes with the fresh river water. In a mind bending visual that challenges all you know, one layer of water races atop another as the two combine to create one of nature’s greatest feats: a tidal bore.
The ensuing turbulence is “read” by river guides who then pilot the boats into the heart of the bore. Into. At strongest tides (we had a good moon—waves were about eight metres), you blast upriver into the cresting waves. The boat is nearly vertical as water pours over you from all directions, and it crashes to safety only to be filled with the raging river.
You get soaked. There is no way around it. This is a rodeo on the river, with the river bucking every way to toss you. Clutching the ropes and boat handles, I asked what happens if someone falls in. “Oh, it’s fine, I’ll just pop you back into the boat,” he said, unworried. Two hours later as we approached the dock, it felt like we’d been gone 10 minutes. Our shoes now clean from the pounding water, we headed for the showers.
Nova Scotia is the only place in the world you can do this. With prices starting at $55 for a two-hour tour, if you’re old enough to hold on tight and young enough to still get soaked this experience is not to be missed.
We were trekking through Nova Scotia in an RV; it’s still one of my favourite ways to see Canada, with the ability to leave the beaten path of the cities, but leave none of the comforts behind. With a series of classic trails (we were following the Lighthouse Trail), Nova Scotia is incredibly tourist friendly. And while it may not be hard to get lost in Nova Scotia, it’s definitely hard to stay that way. You can literally ask anyone, anywhere, for help, and be back on your way. Doing a multi-point turn in a 10-metre rig may be cause for concern elsewhere, but not here in the laid-back nest of lobsters, fishing boats and endless shores.
If you’re new to campgrounds or RV parks, reading between the lines of amenities can be overwhelming. Each destination has its strengths; larger grounds will have pools, parks for kids and larger showers and washrooms. In-town sites might feature more concrete than trees, but are frequently provincially run and more modern. My favourite? Hands-down the small, family-owned sites that often don’t translate in the splashy advertisements.
If you’ve never considered an RV holiday, much has changed from even 10 years ago. New units are marvels of space-saving configuration. Pop-outs on some units feature bunk beds, head space has been increased in higher sleeping areas, hot-water tanks are bigger, steps are automatic and even things like outlets are where they need to be. For $150 a day, the large unit we had let us take in the winding roads of Nova Scotia, cook, camp and vacation in comfort. We spent $250 on gas during six days; hardly exhorbitant.
Our first night on the road was minutes from Peggy’s Cove. Situated in a tiny perfect arc of Indian Harbour, King Neptune’s Campground is run by Kay Richardson and her family. As we packed up the barbecue and prepared to take in a promised glorious sunset, Kay rounded the corner of her home with a tray. Homemade gingerbread cake, whipped cream, coffee and tea. Here was our Nova Scotia welcome mat, in the form of a tiny white-haired lady who treated guests at her campground like guests in her home.
The following morning, she led me into her white frame house. An ancient wood stove dominated the living room. “It’s the only heat source in the house,” she said.
Deep in the heart of Kejumkujik National Park, you can bed down in the towering forest, and tour the efforts of experts and volunteers in protecting endangered species of turtles and birds.
We ate cod we’d caught while deep sea fishing; lobster we’d selected from the Bay of Fundy at Hall’s Harbour; a raw scallop that had been clacking at us moments before, on a dock overlooking a gorgeous golf course at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic in Lunenburg, a town of 2,300. And every night we gathered around a campfire, listened to the surf and marvelled at the star fields.
In a world of false promises, bait-and-switch and not-exactly-as-shown, Nova Scotia truly is better than advertised.
Lorraine Sommerfeld is a freelance writer based in Burlington. Her trip was subsidized by GoRVing Canada and the Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture & Heritage.Not Just For Seniors
August 4, 2010
by HobyAs appeared on Woodall’s camping Blog I wanted to share what I consider an excellent precaution that everyone should take when traveling or camping in their RV and have a medical condition or take medications. While this project is designed for Seniors, it would be beneficial for any family member. When traveling, anything can happen, so you should take precautions and be prepared.
This project was brought to my attention by the Safety Committee in Retama Village (an adult living community for RVers down in the Rio Grande Valley) after one of the residents experienced medical issues that required calling 911. The Committee recommended it as a standard for all residents and their RVs.
The specific item I’m referring to is called the Vial of Life Project (sponsored by Senior Safety.com). The goal of the project is to ensure all Seniors have the Vial of Life kits in their homes. It also makes sense, though, to have them in your RV (for some of us the RV and home are the same) and even your car.
Vial for Life packet
The way the system works is that you receive a kit, which contains 2 stickers and a medical information form for each person. The form contains basic medical information that covers everything from hearing and vision to medical conditions and medications to doctor and insurance information.
Once you receive the kit, you fill out the form for each person, and you put the completed form into a zip-lock bag. You place one sticker on the bag and then tape it to your refrigerator door (remember not to cover it with all those magnets or artwork from the kids).
Sticker for door
You then place the other sticker at eye level at your front door. This notifies any rescue workers that might enter your RV that there is medical information available on the refrigerator. For the car, you might put one sticker on the windshield and the other on the glove compartment with the medical information.
This is a simple effort that may seem like a waste of time. And, nobody wants an ugly zip-lock bag with a red sticker on their refrigerator. However, in an emergency situation, ensuring that the responders have as much information as possible can help save your life. A secondary benefit is that this information can help reduce unnecessary medical tests at the hospital (which could be expensive, delay your treatment, and is stressful on the body).
Please contact the Vial of Life Project if you are interested in taking advantage of this easy way to be prepared for an emergency.
Green Alcohol, Duct Tape & WD-40
July 21, 2010
by Professor95 – July 16, 2010as appeared in Woodall’s Campground Management
No, it is not a recipe for a new mixed drink. They are three of the most important items for any camper to have with them – any means those with tents to big motor homes.
I’ll start with the green alcohol.
All RV’s have sewage holding tanks that eventually need to be emptied. Tent campers often carry porta- potties that also need emptying. The amount of harmful fecal bacteria present in the effluent is overwhelming. There is enough stuff in one of those tanks to infect the entire population of my home town and still have some left over.
I am appalled at the number of people I see dumping their sewage tanks with bare hands and no apparent method of disinfecting themselves. Some use heavy canvas work gloves or rubber gloves. But, unless they are disinfected all they do is spread the bacteria to their container and even the person using them. Disposable vinyl or latex gloves should always be used. Disinfecting is also necessary, but many campers ignore this important step because they do not know what to use.
Years ago I used a solution of bleach and water mixed together in a spray bottle as a disinfectant. But, if any bleach happened to get on my clothes they were ruined. I also found the smell unpleasant and it was not good for my skin. I switched to Lysol in an aerosol can, but it could get kinda expensive. Then, one day when I had to take Oscar to the veterinarian, I was introduced to wintergreen isopropyl alcohol as a disinfectant.
The Vet used it in the bottle it came in and just screwed on a spray top. After one animal was examined, they would spray down the tables with the green alcohol and then wipe them off with a paper towel. I thought this was a great idea! Wintergreen 70% isopropyl alcohol is available at Wal-Mart for about a buck and a half a bottle. The wintergreen has a nice scent. Once I have dumped my holding tanks, I spray down my gloves, peel them off into a trash can and then spray down my hands with enough alcohol to disinfect the spray bottle handle as well. Next I spray all the dump levers and caps. Lastly, I spray down the soles of my shoes before climbing into our truck. An application of a little hand lotion once in the truck helps to prevent any dryness the alcohol may cause on my hands.
For tent campers green alcohol is great for spraying down your hands after using a porta-potty. You can recycle or purchase small spray bottles that hold a couple of ounces and fit in your pocket. These small bottles of green alcohol are beneficial as a disinfectant for public porta-jons or restrooms. If you check the ingredients of a small hand sanitizer bottle you will discover that it is isopropyl alcohol. Buying it in a pint bottle is much less expensive. It is great stuff and no camper should be without it!
Duct Tape was first used in WWII as a sealing tape for ammo boxes.
Silver duct tape is also called Hurricane Tape, Racer Tape and now Camper Tape
At the time it was called Duck Tape (as in quack-quack). Truthfully, it is not a good tape for sealing heating or air conditioning ducts. Its adhesive is a natural rubber compound that dries out and releases its adhesion after a few months. But, for temporary or emergency repairs to a RV or tent it is unsurpassed by other tapes.
I keep a big roll of 3M duct tape in the RV all the time. Rarely do we set up camp that I do not use duct tape for something. There are many other brands of quality duct tape such as Scotch, Duck and Nashua. Unfortunately, some brands are of inferior grade. Sticking with a brand you know is good is the best way to go – it does not have to be 3M if you know the quality of the brand. Another brand of duct tape that has recently come on the market is Gorilla Tape. It is thicker than regular duct tape and its adhesive is awesome.
Pop-Up Camper with canvas/vinyl material completely recovered with silver duct tape.
I have used duct tape to fix torn awnings, rips in rubber roofs, torn aluminum camper siding, rips in tents, lawn chair repairs, tarp tabs, leaking pipes and hoses, and I have even twisted it into a rope for tying items down. I have friends that have used it to hold in broken
Director's Chair completely recovered with silver duct tape - a new life for camping furniture!
windows, hold a compartment door closed that had a broken latch, seal where gaskets are missing around slide-outs, repair a broken fender on a golf cart, patch a leaking air mattress and even patch a crack in a camper grey water holding tank.
I have seen wallets, jackets, pants, boats, tents, door mats, and drinking cups made entirely of duct tape.
I used a piece of duct tape today to make a tie to hold one of my tomato plants to a post. Without a doubt is it the most useful tape a camper can have with him. The only downside is that one must understand that the tape is a temporary repair. While it is extremely strong, has a really sticky adhesive and is somewhat water proof, it will deteriorate when exposed to the elements and the adhesive will dry out and release over a period of several months.
Now, duct tape is being used as a “fix” for a reception problem on the new Apple Iphone 4– who would have ever thought……… ?
The TV show Myth Busters recently did two episodes on duct tape that included putting a car back together that Carrie totally cut apart, making a black powder cannon from the stuff and even a suspension bridge that Jamie and Adam walked across. In summary, don’t leave home without at least one roll of duct tape. The stuff is amazing and its use is only limited by your imagination.
Last but definitely not least is WD-40
This amazing liquid in an aerosol container can make anything you have not secured with duct tape move. I have used it on my camper’s screw jacks, as a fire starting fluid, to clean chewing gum off of the carpet, as a cleaner for bugs splattered all over the front of the camper, waterproofing for shoes, a cleaner to remove road tar from both the truck and camper. It is useful as a cleaner and rust preventer for tools that are exposed to salt air or high humidity. It also works well to remove the gooey residue left after removing duct tape from a smooth surface. Having spent the past two weeks at the ocean-front I have used up a full can on my golf cart, lawn furniture, beach umbrella, tools, beach cart wheels and even the snap on Oscar’s leash which filled with sand and salt water. A light spray on the polished aluminum wheels of our truck that is wiped down with paper towels leaves a clean, shiny surface that easily repels brake dust and road grime. It is great for removing paint, grease and dirt from your hands.
I remember my grandfather polishing his big black DeSoto sedan with a can of kerosene and a rag. The kerosene would leave a brilliant shine, remove dirt and make it easier to get the next round of tar and bugs off of the paint. Today, WD-40 has replaced kerosene as the preferred petroleum based polish and cleaner for the fiberglass front cap on many trailers and can make sun aged plastic parts look new again. It also helps to preserve and protect these parts. WD-40 should NOT be used on your rubber camper roof.
You can scroll through a list of other uses for WD-40 by downloading the PDF at
http://www.wd40.com/files/pdf/wd-40_2042538679.pdf [6]
When combined as a three-pack, green alcohol, duct tape and WD-40 are indispensable items for any camper.
One Tank Trip For South BC
July 15, 2010
July 14, 2010 by Woodalls Editorial Staffas seen in the 2010 Woodall’s North American Campground Directory.
You’ll find a coffee shop on virtually every corner, and there’s always a poetry reading or live music going on somewhere. Take a walk through Stanley Park, which sprawls over several acres and allows you to lose yourself among the trees as you follow the winding trails. Be on the lookout for the dark brown ground squirrels, which are only too happy to block your way and demand food for allowing you to pass through their turf.
The aquarium at Stanley Park features many exhibits of fresh and salt water fish, some of which are rare or endangered. Traverse further through the park and you’ll find yourself transported to the Amazon rain forest and will come face-to-face with several types of wildlife from that region, including the dreaded anaconda.
Up in North Vancouver, you can traverse the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which is touted as being the number one tourist attraction in Vancouver. The swaying boards take you across a 200-foot chasm that provides you with a world-class view, and the surrounding park is filled with restaurants, shops, and activities guaranteed to make this an experience to remember.
What makes this area great for one tank trips and vacations is that you’ve got every type of terrain available to you within a short driving distance. Beaches, snow-covered mountains, marshland, even desert, are all easily accessible, and waiting for your exploration at this South British Columbia camping destination.
Heading north out of Vancouver via the PR-1A, take it for 12 miles until you come to the PR-1. Along the way, you’ll see signs for the Sea to Sky Highway, which runs alongside a steep fjord that offers up unparalleled views between the West Vancouver and Squamish areas. Take the PR-1 for 7 miles, then head north on the PR-99 for just under 30 miles until you pull into the Squamish/Britannia Beach area. This area is considered to be the Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada, with more opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, rappelling, or watching wildlife than just about any other part of the province. In the fall, avian enthusiasts from all around gather to get lingering looks at the rarely-sighted bald eagles, which return to Squamish every year and make it their winter home. In nearby Britannia Beach, the BC Museum of Mining provides a change of pace, and gives visitors a comprehensive look at the mining operations at work in the Vancouver area, dating back to the earliest prospecting days.
Take a drive through 40 miles of breathtaking greenery via the PR-99 and before you know it you’ll find yourself in Whistler, site of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Walk in the steps of some of the world’s greatest athletes and try your luck with the downhill ski courses, or maybe just sip a hot toddy by a warm fire in any one of the numerous ski lodges in the area. In the summertime, you’ll have your pick of such fair weather activities as golf, tennis, canoeing and kayaking, rock climbing, and renting an ATV for some off-road adventure. Go whitewater rafting down the Elaho-Squamish River, or ride the gondolas to the top of a 6,000 foot mountain peak and work up an appetite by hiking back down. Add to this a myriad of shopping and fine dining opportunities, and you’ll see why Whistler is considered one of the most treasured jewels in British Columbia’s crown of tourist destinations and the perfect spot for ending South BC one tank trips when possible.
When you experience this area for yourself, you’ll see that British Columbia camping blends elegance and ruggedness, relaxation and adventure, like no other area in the world can.
Pastor Warns of Scocialism & Departure From God
July 11, 2010
By Lillian Kwon – Christian Post Reporter America currently stands in a very dangerous position, said renowned pastor
and author Dr. Charles Stanley. Today more than ever, the country is turning away from God and moving closer toward socialism, he warned.
And the consequences will be grave.”We know the truth, we know the principles of God. In spite of all that, we find ourselves as a nation violating the laws of God, heading in a direction that is going to be disastrous for us, for our children and the generations that are to come unless there is a change,” he said.
Speaking to thousands at First Baptist Church of Atlanta and to a live Web audience on Friday, Stanley delivered a sobering 4th of July message about a dangerous spiritual tide that is engulfing the country and the crucial need for prayer.
“There is a tide that has touched the shores of our land and reached the heart of our nation,” he said against the backdrop of the U.S. flag. “It is a tide that is bringing with it ideas and philosophies, actions and attitudes that will ultimately destroy the way of life that you and I have.”
The influential pastor and founder of In Touch Ministries listed 12 things involved in the tide. Among them are the financial crisis and the move toward socialism.
With the national debt rising by the billions every day and increasing taxation, future generations will likely be left with a debt so heavy that they’ll never be able to spend most of what they make, he said.
Addressing the idea of spreading the wealth, Stanley emphasized, “It is not the government’s responsibility to take care of us. It is to protect us.
“We’re responsible for taking care of ourselves.”
Socialism, he pointed out, is opposed primarily to Christianity and Judaism.
“In Christianity, we’re taught to do our best because we’ve been gifted by God. So there’s motivation, willingness and we cooperate,” he explained. “We use our spiritual gifts for the good of everyone.”
But under a socialist society, in which the government controls all means of production and distribution, there is no motivation for diligence and creativity is stifled, he said.
When there is less reward, there is less to give. And as evidenced in the recent downturn, what suffers first is supporting missionary work.
“You see, it affects every single aspect of society,” Stanley warned.
He added, “Naturally, when the government takes control, do you think that freedom of speech is always going to be there?”
“The tide is bringing in a control that will indeed attempt to silence the truth and will attempt to squash the religious devotion and worship of the people of God.”
That tide began creeping in many years ago, he noted, when the government and the courts began banning prayer at schools and removing references to Jesus, God and the Ten Commandments from the public square, Stanley noted.
“It is an attempt to destroy the Christian spirit in America,” he said.
“There is a war going on against Jesus,” he declared. “It’s part of the strategy. The primary reason for this war against Him is He is interfering with the plan to make this a socialist nation. Mark it down. It is the truth.”
Among the other elements of the dangerous tide are: terrorism, turning our backs on Israel, the announcement that the United States is not a Christian nation, increasing national disasters, a departure from the biblical view of marriage, and support for killing the unborn, Stanley listed.
“Mark this down for socialism because these three groups of people who do not contribute to the state … are of no value: unborn babies, the elderly and those who are disabled,” said the Atlanta pastor.
With the tide moving fast, Stanley issued a charge to Christians to turn it around.
He called believers to join him in 140 days of humbling themselves, repenting of sins and praying to God.
“The Bible says judgment begins at the house of God. We’re not expecting lost people to do all this because this is the work of the people of God; it is our responsibility,” he stressed. “A lot of where we are is because of our apathy. We haven’t prayed for these men who are making decisions.”
“Do you want this nation to keep going where it’s going or do you want us to get back on track?” he posed.
Prayer, he said, is the one thing he knows that works.
“Do you believe God answers prayer?” he asked. “Pray for God to change the direction of this tide.”
He added that those prayers have to be backed up with righteousness and a godly life if they are to be effective and nation-altering.
“There has never been a nation like these United States. We do not want it to fail or to fall.”
To join Stanley in 140 days of prayer, visit: http://intouch.org/
Can Chritians Explain Their Faith?
June 9, 2010
By Edmond Chua| Christian Post Correspondent
Josh McDowell
This is a concern because pastors’ inability to present biblical truth comprehensibly and relevantly has led to children from Christian families leaving the church, research has shown.
In the United States, the age at which nearly all such children leave church has decreased to 18 years.
Not even the children of many successful ministers are spared.
McDowell made his comments at a recent networking dinner among various men’s ministries organized recently by Men-in-Covenant. MiC is the men’s ministry of Covenant Evangelical Free Church.
He recalled speaking with the pastor of one of the largest U.S. churches, a man known for his expository preaching. Confiding in him, the pastor said their church was losing its youth right after high school graduation.
In his 50 years of ministry, McDowell has asked several thousand pastors and leaders how they could be certain Jesus Christ said “I am the truth” and not one of many truths or a truth.
“Not one person has ever given me an intelligent, biblically-based answer,” said the author of The New Evidence that Demands A Verdict.
During the past six years, he asked hundreds of Christians and leaders why they see themselves as Christians. Again no one gave him an “intelligent” answer.
In the past 17 years, he has asked over 4,000 pastors, leaders and parents why they believe the Bible is true.
A mere six “came close to giving an intelligent answer,” McDowell noted.
“If anything is based upon truth, it’s the Christian faith,” he said. “Christians who do not know why they have faith or believe have a very difficult time expressing themselves to others.
“The saddest thing is people come to me and say, ‘What’s the answer?’”
“I say, ‘There’s no answer… There are hundreds of answers.’”
Most Christians, even some pastors, don’t even know one. On the other hand, the apologist said he could give 50 reasons for his belief that the Bible is true.
Ninety-five percent of Christians gave disappointing responses when asked why they believe Jesus is the Son of God.
Asked why the Bible is true and historically reliable, Christians replied that it was what they had been taught by their church or parents.
A common response that most Christians gave to both questions was that it is “what I believe.”
McDowell responded: “That’s voodoo thinking. Where did we ever get that crazy idea that something is true just because we believe it?
“If that is true, then there will never be heresy. Everybody would be right.”
On one occasion, 13 youth pastors at a large convention were unable to reasonably answer the apologist’s question.
Finally one young person stood up, walked toward him and told him he knew the answer.
The young man promptly held up his Bible and said, “Because I believe it.”
And to McDowell’s dismay, all the youth pastors applauded him.
McDowell said, “Young man, do you know the difference between you, me and the majority of Christians in the world?
“To you, it is true because you believe it. For me, I believe it because it is true.”
Another response the apologist received was: Because I have faith.
He commented, “Where did we ever get the crazy idea that faith makes something true? That’s idiotic. That’s so unbiblical you can call it heresy.
“God doesn’t use faith to create truth. He uses truth through the Holy Spirit to create faith.”
Christians, the apologist stressed, are called to explain their faith when asked. They are set free by the faith in the truth, he expressed, referring to John 8:32.
Yet others say Christianity is true because Jesus changed their lives.
Even this will not stand up to intellectual scrutiny, McDowell argued.
“Lies change lives; cults change lives,” he said.
To make such an appeal is “not the essence of Christianity,” the author emphasized.
McDowell said: “We owe it to ourselves, we owe it to our children, we owe it to our neighbors, we owe it to the lost, to tell them not just what we believe but why do we believe it.”
Speed Cameras – Thumbs Up or Down?
May 30, 2010
by Jaimie Hall Bruzenakas appeared on RV Home Yet? May 8, 2010 My first experience with a speed camera was actually in New Zealand while RVing with my granddaughter. Out in the middle of nowhere a sign warned that we were approaching one. Later in our trip, we read in the newspaper that a man was contesting his ticket – he had to speed to get around someone. I doubt he beat the ticket with that excuse.
Arizona has had them set up on highways, more than any other state. In January, on our way to Quartzsite in our RV, and then back to Phoenix, we passed several on each trip. That is now changing. In an article at Yahoo News, Arizona is ending its program to use speed cameras along Phoenix-area highways and in vans deployed across the state. While governor, Janet Napolitano instituted the program, anticipating that it would bring in $90 million in revenues in the first year, it failed to meet its goal. In fact, many people ignore the tickets with apparently no consequences.
Governor Jan Brewer is ending the program when the contract is up on July 16. The program had received many complaints and has been the target of an initiative measure proposed for the November ballot. Local cities can still use speed cameras though not for both speeding and running red lights. (Now that makes no sense to me.)
Supporters say they slow down speeders and reduce accidents. Detractors see them as opening the door for wider “Big Brother” surveillance and are more about making money than safety. Personally, seeing how fast many Arizona drivers go, I’m in favor of them. You don’t get a ticket unless you are going at least 11 miles over the speed limit. Isn’t that enough leeway?
So, what do you think? Thumbs up for getting rid of them? Or thumbs down for caving? Or is it thumbs down for another reason?
Jaimie Hall Bruzenak
Please add your comment below or email Jamie at calamityjaimie@gmail.comreprinted with permission
How to Cut Insurance Costs
May 28, 2010
by Mark PolkMark is a regular contributing author When it comes to your RV, one way to save a little money is to look for some discounts on your RV insurance premium. Having the proper type of insurance coverage on your RV is extremely important but it can be a little pricey too, especially when you are not always using your RV. In this day and age finding ways to lower any of our bills is just the smart thing to do.
Let’s take a closer look at some simple ways to trim a little off of your RV insurance premium.
- Many RV insurance companies provide discounts to customers who are members of some type of RV association or club. Discounts vary by insurance company. Call your RV insurance company agent and ask for a listing of associations or clubs you can join to receive a discount.
Note: Association discounts are often given for participants in RV manufacturing associations and clubs too.
- Driver safety courses often qualify an RV owner for discounts with some RV insurance companies. Your insurance agent can inform you of what programs qualify for discounts.
Note: Qualified driver safety courses are often offered at large RV rallies such as at FMCA rallies.
- A clean driving record will reduce your insurance premium. It usually takes 3 years (36 months) for accidents and moving violations/citations to stop impacting your insurance rates.
- Another way to reduce your insurance premium is to buy multiple policies from the same insurance company. This is called a multi-policy discount. As an example, companies like National Interstate Insurance Company offer discounts when an individual buys an RV policy and a companion auto policy.
- Homeowner’s discounts are a common way to lower your insurance premium. Ask your insurance agent for more information.
- Some insurance companies offer discounts if you pay your premium in full up front.
- Adding a security device to your RV such as an audible alarm will often qualify for a discount.
As an added note your credit score can heavily impact your insurance rates, so improving your credit score may improve the premium you pay. Credit usage is not allowed in all states, so it varies from state-to-state and carrier-by-carrier. Ask your insurance provider for more information about using credit scores.
Keep in mind that most insurance companies will not stack discounts. As an example, even if you are a member of multiple qualified associations and you have taken a qualified driver safety course, the insurance company will most likely give you one 5% discount.
I would like to thank National Interstate Insurance Company for its contributions to this article.
Happy Camping,
Mark
Mark Polk is founder of RV Education 101 and RV University
Interesting RV Poll Results
May 19, 2010
by Mark PolkMark is a regular contributing author
Of course the outcome of any poll depends on several factors like what type of poll it is, how the questions are presented, who is asking the questions and of course who does and does not participate in the poll.
Our weekly RV poll is not a scientific poll, a political poll or a marketing poll. It is basically used to give me some idea of what our newsletter readers are interested in, how they use their RVs and just for the fun of it.
So, here is a look back at some past polls and how the participants responded.
- 30% of the participants have experienced problems with rodent control in their RV’s and 70% have not.
- 48% have spent a night in a Wal-Mart parking lot and 52% have not. Of those, 58% asked permission to stay in the Wal-Mart parking lot and 42% did not.
- 68% connect to the internet every day when traveling by RV and 32% do not. 82% experience trouble getting an internet connection on the road and 16% do not. 58% of the respondents depend on free Wi-Fi to connect, 27% used a wireless card to connect and 15% relied on other methods like paid Wi-Fi, cell phones and satellite service.
- When asked who drove the most 92% responded male, 5% female, 1% female traveling alone and 2% male traveling alone.
- 74% said their RV came with a spare tire and 26 % did not get a spare when they purchased their RV.
- 84% make campground reservations in advance and 16% do not.
- 9% of respondents see closing state parks as a way to decrease state budgets and 91% do not.
- 55% are currently financing their RV and 45% are not. 51% of those financed think they owe more than the RV is worth and 49% do not think they owe more than the RV is worth.
- 85% of participants have an Emergency Roadside Service (ERS) plan and 15% do not.
- 18% travel 200 miles or less per day during RV trips, 47% average 300 miles per day, 26% average 400 miles per day and 9% travel 500 or more miles per day.
- 54% own motorized RV’s and 46% own towable RV’s.
- 94% use rest stops along the way when traveling by RV and 6% do not.
- At one time or another 35% of respondents have had a damaged RV holding tank waste valve and 65% never have. Of those with damaged waste valves 58% repaired it themselves and 42% did not attempt repairs.
- 36% use some type of digital line monitor to monitor campground electricity and 65% do not. 40% always test the campground wiring prior to plugging the RV in and 60% do not.
- 82% check the tire pressure before each trip and 18% don’t.
- 58% use checklists to perform maintenance and routine tasks on their RV and 42% do not.
- 12% of the respondents have work camped before and 88% have not.
- 90% said they use environmentally friendly holding tank chemicals and 10% don’t.
- 63% use their RV in the winter and 37% don’t.
- 70% have stayed in a friends or relatives driveway before and 30% have not.
- 19% frequently stay at state or federal campgrounds, 34% stay at private campgrounds, 5% stay at public campgrounds and 42% stay at a combination of all three.
- 67% use a pre-departure checklist when they RV and 33% don’t.
- 98% have one or more slide outs on their RV and 2% don’t have any slide outs.
Well that brings us up to date on the poll results. When we gather more results I will keep you posted.
Happy Camping,
Mark
Mark Polk is founder of RV Education 101 and RV University
-
Subscribe
-
Recent Posts
-
Archives
- May 2012
- April 2012
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- December 2008
 |
Tell a Friend |
|
Share |