Monday, December 15, 2008

Alden Thompson Reflects on Changes in Adventism



 Alden Thompson looks back at almost 40 years of teaching theology, and ahead to the future of the Adventist church.

Spectrum Interview
By Alita Byrd


Alden Thompson 


Alden Thompson, professor of biblical studies at Walla Walla University, is a prolific writer, frequent speaker and long-time contributor to Spectrum. Here he talks to Spectrum about how he sees the Adventist church changing, and the conflict between liberal and conservative Adventism.

Question: You have been at the Walla Walla University School of Theology since 1970. What changes have you seen in Adventist thinking and Adventist theology in the last four decades?

Answer: The first issue of Spectrum is dated Winter, 1969, just months before I became a faculty member at Walla Walla. Since then Adventism has been grappling mightily with three interlocking tensions, all of which can be described in terms of a “liberal-conservative” divide. One is more sociological, one more intellectual, and one more experiential.

1. The Sociological Question: How will Adventism relate to the allure of mainstream culture?

Even though Adventism was born as a counter-cultural sectarian movement, the educational vision that was intended to serve the church and world has had the unintended consequence of pushing us into the midst of mainstream cultural influences.

Thus we are at the crossroads: Will we succumb to “liberal” secularizing impulses on the left, becoming more like mainstream Protestantism with its diminished sense of God’s presence in the world? Or will we identify more fully with the “conservative” impulses on the right, making common cause with that other American mainstream, the Evangelical-Fundamentalist movement with its ambivalence toward intellectual exploration?

If the appearance of Questions on Doctrine in 1957 marked the temptation on the right, the publication of Spectrum in 1969 signaled the temptation on the left. The emergence of the Adventist Theological Society in the late 1980s represented an effort to address both threats.

2. The Intellectual Question: Can Adventism be “liberal” enough to explore the world with the inquiring minds on the left and “conservative” enough to worship with the devout pietists on the right?
Ever since the fundamentalist crisis divided American culture in the early 20th century, the crucial question that lurks behind every bush and tree is whether it is possible in our day and age to think and believe at the same time. Can the critical and the devotional impulses live together inside the same skin? I hope so. But Adventism continues to struggle with that question.

3. The Experiential Question: Will our sense of God’s personal presence in the world survive the onslaught of the rational impulses so characteristic of our modern secular world?
When Nancy Murphy of Fuller Theological Seminary spoke at the 2006 Association of Adventist Forums retreat in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, a quiet but audible gasp rippled through the audience when she said she believed in “answered” prayer. That’s a revealing symptom.

With reference to religious experience, Adventism’s orientation has always been conservative and I fervently hope that will continue to be the case. But it only reluctantly welcomes that more distant kind of experience represented by the book of Ecclesiastes. “God is in heaven, and you upon earth; therefore let your words be few” (Eccl. 5:2). If Adventism demands an impossible fervor from its Ecclesiastes people, their more distant God could disappear entirely. That can and does happen and is always a great sadness for me when it does. But it is an ever-present hazard of our modern world.

Question: How have your beliefs been shaped or changed since you first started your career?

Answer: I am now much more enthusiastic about recognizing change and diversity within our belief structure - two ideas that are often difficult for devout conservatives to recognize. Experiences in Scotland and Germany have enhanced my interest in the effects of culture, temperament, and personality on matters of faith.

A major challenge that continues to intrigue me stems from the pervasive tenacity of verbal inspiration in human thinking. I am committed to propagating an alternative view that makes it safe to see the human in Scripture without putting the divine at risk.
Question: What books or which people have had the greatest influence on your theological thinking?

Answer: From my undergraduate days, I am profoundly grateful for the influence of J. Paul Grove and Richard Litke, both teachers at Walla Walla College (now University).

In my early teaching years, Malcolm Maxwell was a wonderful colleague and mentor; and my former colleague, Ernie Bursey, continues to be a source of strength and encouragement.

Authors who have been influential include Ellen White, C. S. Lewis, and Brevard Childs.

Ellen White gave me the courage to see things in the Bible I thought I wasn’t supposed to see. Her classic statements on inspiration (the “Introduction” to The Great Controversy and Selected Messages 1:15-23) are a precious gift to Adventism.

Lewis’ Surprised by Joy, the story of his pilgrimage to faith, was very encouraging at an early stage of my intellectual and spiritual development.

Childs’ commentary on the book of Exodus in the Old Testament Library is a wonderful illustration of how one can look at a biblical book from a variety of illuminating perspectives. Childs was also instrumental in popularizing what is known as “canonical criticism,” a stance that grants proper weight to the finished canonical form of the biblical traditions, rather than focusing on the pre-history of the text with its preoccupation with sources and theories of origin.

Question: What Biblical concepts or issues have you found the most challenging and wrestled with the most?

Answer: I am still gripped by the mysterious challenge of that divine/human Word we call Scripture.

Another interest of mine focuses on theodicy: In the face of innocent suffering, how does one justify the existence of a God who is both all-powerful and all-good? I am appalled by the sufferings of innocent people in our world and deeply troubled by the prevalence of violence in the Bible and in our modern world. Much of my study, thinking, and writing focuses on those issues.

Question: Your book Inspiration: Hard Questions, Honest Answers has been very influential, and has caused waves in some circles. How do you feel about the book now close to 20 years on, and would you do anything differently if you were writing it now?

Answer: The response to Inspiration has been astonishing. I would change very little in the book. But I am exploring ways to refine and popularize the material in two chapters that were withdrawn from Inspiration at a very early stage. The most volatile chapter was the one on eschatology (“Eschatology: The Angels Always Say the Time Is Short”). The other one explores the three dominant strands of Adventist theology (“The Adventist Church at Corinth”).

Question: What changes have you seen in theology students during your time at Walla Walla?

Answer: For the most part, today’s theology students come to our campus knowing very little about the Bible and even less about Ellen White. They are much more open and expressive experientially, but care very little for the disciplined side of spirituality. Their commitment to the institutional church is fragile. And, like the rest of this generation of students, they read less and seldom take notes in class. We have made them handout dependent. But if we could blend the structure of my generation with the openness of the new generation, exciting things could happen in and through the church.
Question: What advice do you give Adventist young people just going into the ministry, or who are considering becoming a minister?

Answer: Stay in touch with the full range of Adventist experience. Get plenty of hands-on experience in ministry and evangelism. Read widely. Write. Pray.

Question: Where do you see the Adventist church going in the next 20 years?

Answer: In every direction at once. That’s both exciting and scary.
One of the most troubling things right now is the way in which conservative Adventism is abandoning even the pretense of education. In that respect, the closing of Weimar College is an ominous sign. In some parts of the church three months or six months evangelistic training is considered enough to qualify for ministry.

That’s a dramatic and painful departure from Ellen White’s educational vision, a vision illustrated by her characterization of John Wycliffe, a man of deep religious conviction who “sought to become acquainted with every branch of learning” (GC 80).

Question: What do you do when you are not teaching or writing or speaking?

Answer: My email correspondence is extensive. I continue to do all I can to nudge both liberals and conservatives to value each other and work together. I play racquetball to keep my body in shape and I play in the garden to renew my mind and soul.

An ordained minister in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Alden Thompson is a graduate of Walla Walla College (BA 1965) and Andrews University (MA 1966; BD 1967). Before joining the faculty at Walla Walla College, he pastored in Southeastern California (1967-1970). In 1974 he received his PhD in Old Testament and Judaic Studies from the University of Edinburgh. His dissertation was published by Scholars Press in 1977.
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Note: Bolds, Highlights, and Italics added for emphasis. ..............Arsenio

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Friday, December 12, 2008

The Vatican and Benedict XVI

The Vatican and Benedict XVI
By Pastor Hal Mayer

This is Pastor Hal Mayer bringing you vital messages to help you understand the times in which we live so you can prepare for the coming of Jesus.

Greetings my dear friends. I am so thankful for our Lord Jesus who is taking care of everything. With the events of the last few weeks, I can see that we are so very near to the second coming of Jesus. I pray that you are daily growing in grace and in victory over sin, the world and the devil.

Now let us turn our attention to our message for today. The recent election of Benedict XVI to the papal chair has riveted the world’s attention once again as the Vatican moves her agenda forward to build an empire that will one day soon be revealed as the harlot of Revelation. The two or three weeks surrounding the time between the death of John Paul II and the election of Benedict XVI to take his place, has been one long media commercial for the Roman Catholic Church. This message is as much about the prophetic position of the Catholic church as it is about Benedict XVI. But before we begin let us pray.

Our Father in Heaven, once again we come and ask for your Holy Spirit to enlighten us as we study. Here we are at the end of time. It is so important that we watch and pray. It is vital that we pay attention to the things going on around us in the world. We need to understand that our redemption draweth nigh, but we also need to understand how Bible prophecy becoming the headlines in the morning paper, on television, and the internet. So speak to us through this message today, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Turn with me in your bibles to the seventeenth chapter of Revelation. I’m going to read from the first verse. “And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will show unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:”

Now who is the great whore? There is only one possible answer. The scripture is not addressing a really bad woman here. The Revelator is speaking of the spiritual whore, the church that has left the truth and is committing spiritual adultery. This is none other than the Roman Catholic Church. I’m not referring to the people when I say that. I am referring to the hierarchy, the Vatican or the Papacy, and all of its teachings, structure and political intrigues. Verse 15 tells us that she is sitting on many waters which refers to multitudes of people. Truly Rome rules over multitudes. In fact there are over a billion adherents to the Roman Catholic Church world wide.

Notice the relationship between this church and the kings of the earth in verse two. “With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.”

What is being said here is that the rulers or leaders of the world have been involved with Rome in and unholy and immoral alliance, thereby increasing its spiritual adultery. In fact, the unholy alliance itself is spiritual adultery. God is a god of freedom and liberty, and the mixing of church and state has always led to persecution of those that follow the Bible rather than tradition. But in reality, Rome is seeking to remove liberty by bringing kindreds, tongues and nations under her dominion. For the scripture says in Revelation 13:7 that “it was given unto him (the beast) to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.” This means that Rome is yet to rise higher in power, both spiritual and temporal.

It is important to know this because this power is going to use the arm of the state to force all in the whole world to worship the Pope. For the next verse says (vs. 8), “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”

Now coming back to chapter 17 verses 3 and 4, “So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:”

When you watched the papal funeral and the papal installation ceremony, did you see all the scarlet and purple? Did you see all the gold draped around Benedict XVI? Did you see the golden cup used in the Mass with the wine? A woman represents a church in the Bible, and these that this wicked woman has, are things that a church has and uses to teach false doctrine and practice spiritual fornication. God wants to make it very clear to those who are spiritually listening who this wicked church is, so He gives us much detail.

Let me read on from verse 5. “And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. This woman is the most amazing woman in scripture. Here is a church that claims to be Christ's church on earth, but they are doing the very opposite of what Christ commands or wishes for His people. In fact, this church cuts off the people from Christ and leads them to place their confidence in man for forgiveness of sin and salvation. The Priest and Pope have taken the place of Christ, all in the name of Christ.

The amazing thing is that Rome and the Papacy are enormously popular. Think about the late Pope John Paul II for a minute. As we noted in the sermon last month, John Paul II was perhaps the most popular pope in history. Yet it greatly interested me that flags around the world were flown at half mast. Usually this is done to honor a national dignitary or an important national figure at his death, but not a foreigner or the head of state of another nation. The nations that do this are in essence recognizing Rome as a superior entity. They don’t lower their flags memorializing the death of the leaders of other nations. By lowering their flags, these nations revealed that they don’t view the Vatican as just another nation. The only symbolism possible in lowering a nation’s flags on behalf of the Pope, the head of another nation state is to symbolically recognize the superiority of the Papacy and the Pope over their own nation or people.

For example, when President Bush ordered the flags of the United States government to fly at half mast for Pope John Paul II, he did something that the United States does for no other foreign leader. This symbolically suggested that the United States views the Vatican as a superior state. It is impossible that the United States views the Vatican as part of itself, because it simply isn't. Nor would the United States view the Vatican as an equal because it never lowers flags for the death of leaders of other “equal” nation states. Could it really be true that the United States now views itself as subordinate to Rome since a national directive from the president required the government to fly its flags at half mast? This is the only possible answer. And I’m sure that Roman curia loves to see the United States and other nations honoring the Pope, its dead head of state, suggesting that the Vatican is a superior entity. In the emotions of the moment, I doubt most people even thought about this.

The President’s executive order was not about private entities, only flags on government property were required to fly at half mast. What could be the symbolism, or the statement being made by private institutions that flew their flags half mast? This could only mean that they too recognize the Pope as a superior entity in much the same way as the government did. Therefore I was shocked when I learned that there were Seventh-day Adventist institutions that were flying their flags half mast. It left me cold when I learned that Atlantic Union College in Massachusetts lowered its flag. Quite probably there were many other SDA institutions, schools, hospitals, etc that lowered their flags. Why are Seventh-day Adventists so eager to memorialize the death of the Pope, a foreign dignitary and a man who has moved America and the world much closer to the fulfillment of prophecy? Why would Seventh-day Adventists be so ready to honor the Pope who represents everything that Seventh-day Adventists oppose? No doubt Satan was very pleased at this.

Certainly some would try to excuse it on the basis that our institutions are just being respectful. But I doubt that is the way Rome views it. By lowering Adventist Institution flags to half mast, we are telling the world that we have the same respect for the Vatican and the Pope that the government has, which is committing spiritual fornication with her. When the television cameras focus on our President kneeling before the dead pope, and our nation’s flags lowered half mast, and then they see flags lowered half mast at Adventist institutions, they very easily understand us to mean that if we were at the papal funeral, we too would have knelt before the dead pope.

But as I read the reports of the words that were said about John Paul II, I was truly shocked at the strides that have been made by Rome in winning the whole world, including some people that you might not expect.

Here are the comments from congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who is a democrat to the US House of Representatives from Texas. I’m quoting directly from her website. "He was a great humanitarian," she said, as she expressed her “profound sorrow” at the passing of Pope John Paul II.“The Pope… is deserving of the great outpouring of love he has received," she continued.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee is a well known Seventh-day Adventist. Imagine that! A Seventh-day Adventist eulogizing the Pope in such glowing terms. She went on to say that Pope John Paul II “chose to move into a more abundant life, not from a hospital bed, but from his home in Vatican City.”

What does our Seventh-day Adventist congresswoman from Texas believe about life after death? John Paul II is not in the bliss of heaven or any “more abundant life.” He is in his grave, and he’s dead, according to scripture. He is neither in heaven or hell. He is waiting for the judgment where his deeds, whether they be good or evil, will be judged. Inspiration declares the teaching that there is immediate life after death, to be one of the two principle falsehoods in the last days. Listen to what God’s prophet has to say in the book Great Controversy on page 588. “Through the two great errors, the immortality of the soul and Sunday sacredness, Satan will bring the people under his deceptions.” What Congresswoman Jackson Lee believes is spiritualism. And this Adventist congresswoman is actually teaching and affirming it by her statement on her website about John Paul II going to a more abundant life.

Still further, Congresswoman Jackson Lee reaffirmed her shocking testimony a second time by saying, “Today I, along with so many Americans, continue to pray for Pope John Paul II." Why would a Seventh-day Adventist pray for a dead pope? There is no point in praying for a dead man. What good can prayers do for the dead? His probation is over. His eternal destiny is certain, one way or the other. Vain prayers will do nothing for him now or in eternity. Does our Congresswoman think that by prayers for John Paul II, she can do anything for his soul? This is amazing. Praying for the dead originated with paganism and came over into the Catholic Church. I wonder what religion she really is.

Then I read a statement on the web by an Adventist hospital administrator who praised the Pope by quoting some of his writings over and over again.

Then I read another Adventist Congressman’s comments about the dead pope. Rosco Bartlett, from Maryland said, “Pope John Paul II was an extraordinary man, and inspiring witness of faith in God, and an influential world leader. He expanded peace and freedom for millions of people…”

Was John Paul II really an “inspiring witness of faith in God?” I think he was more likely an inspiring witness of faith in Mary. While we can grant him whatever sincerity he is due, I can't hardly imagine that he can really be an inspiring witness of faith in God when he reaffirmed the most diabolical and unbiblical doctrines of Rome during his pontificate, including indulgences, the punishment of heretics, and veneration of Mary.

But why all the praise from some Seventh-day Adventists? John Paul II certainly made an impact on the world, but was he somehow more venerable than any other human being because he held the office of pope? Perhaps we have not done a good enough job in training God’s people concerning the teachings of scripture about the “man of sin.”

But it goes much farther. Let me read you a shocking statement from a newspaper at a Adventist Christian college. Here is the quote.

“Perhaps we, too, can gain by looking to Pope John Paul II as a good example of what it means to be a Christian. I find it ironic that we criticize Catholics for looking to one man who they consider appointed by God to be a leader in their church. Do we not do the same with Ellen White? Were they not both godly individuals [Ellen White and John Paul II] whom God used in a powerful way to lead His people [Adventists and Catholics] through hard times. I imagine if they met each other and looked back at their respective churches, they might both shake their heads and say with a sigh. ‘Oh, those rowdy kids.’ May we live in such a manner as to meet them both someday.” Campus newspaper, Walla Walla College in the April 14, 2005 edition of The Collegian.

What does the writer mean by suggesting that John Paul II and Ellen White are on the same level? What blasphemy! Ellen White is a prophet God to the Last Generation who upheld God’s law. John Paul II represents the antichrist and leads a church steeped in the tradition of changing God’s laws and persecuting those that do them. There is no comparison! They are complete opposites.

Now, how can John Paul be a good example of what it means to be a Christian? Here is a man devoted to Mary, not Jesus. Here is a man that believes in Sunday worship and advocates Sunday laws in opposition to the law of God. How could he be an example of a good Christian?

How can the writer say that the Pope was used by God to lead His people…? The Pope is not leading God’s people to truth. He may be leading them to darkness, but not truth.

The Collegian is the official weekly newspaper of Walla Walla College, which is read by all the students. The writer concluded that paragraph by saying “if we make it to heaven, we will be sure to meet John Paul II there.”

This shocking statement in such a newspaper in one of our liberal colleges is over the edge. How can God-fearing, three angels message believing parents send their children to that school? Who is responsible for permitting this kind of writing at Walla Walla College?

Let us now come back to Revelation 17. I’m reading from verse 6 and onward. “And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns. The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.” The world is truly wondering! This is the same Rome that murdered those that opposed her doctrines. This is the same Rome that used the rack, the thumbscrew and the stake to torture and maim those who stood for Bible truth. Rome is indeed drunk with the blood of the saints – the true saints of God.

But many argue that Rome has changed. Has Rome really changed? Does a dead pope really deserve praise and flattery? Certainly not, in spite of the outward appearances, Rome has not changed. Remember that Satan comes as an angel of light so that he can deceive the people into believing that he is of God. So we should expect that his agents will do the same. They will come in popularity and in the best form, so that the people will think that they are working for God when in reality they are working for Satan.

Great Controversy, page 571, plainly tells us that “The papacy is just what prophecy declared that she would be, the apostasy of the latter times. 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4. It is a part of her policy to assume the character which will best accomplish her purpose; but beneath the variable appearance of the chameleon she conceals the invariable venom of the serpent.”

Some time I would like to do a sermon on the encyclicals and declarations of John Paul II and the doctrines that he upheld during his pontificate. But for now, let us remember that Revelation 13:3 tell us that “all the world wondered after the beast.” As I have read the news reports, I was amazed at how literally this prophecy is being fulfilled.

Let us read Revelation 17:12 and 13, “And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.”

Do you realize that the world is being divided up into ten regions? The rulers of these ten regions no doubt work in conjunction with the UN for global control. The scripture says these rulers or whatever rulers will be ruling, will help Rome achieve her goal, the spiritual control of the world.

Rome is not able to control the world by military force. Rome doesn’t have one tank, one jet bomber, or one machine gun. The Vatican only has a few Swiss guards. But the scripture says that Rome is going to wage war with the Lamb! How can that be when Rome has no tools of war? It is because Rome is popular. The Vatican is popular. The Pope is popular. This draws the leaders of the world to unite with Rome to fulfill their objectives. By public interaction with Rome the world leaders get support from their Catholic constituencies. The Vatican builds credibility with the people, giving it substantial political power. She will then use those nations to work her will and oppress God’s faithful people.

Revelation 17:14 says “These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. Are you called, chosen and faithful? Are you with the lamb? If so, you will be assaulted by the forces of evil. You will become the target of the Vatican.

Having said all that, let us study about Benedict XVI. The world was still highly emotional about John Paul II when Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected pope in papal conclave. Born in Bavaria, Germany Cardinal Ratzinger was seen as the most likely candidate before the conclave. He had been the Prefect for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and a close confidant of Pope John Paul II. He had a very powerful position in the Vatican and was an intimate insider with all the Vatican secrets and agendas.

Conclave is when all the cardinals gather together in the Sistine Chapel and elect a new pope. All are sworn to secrecy about the deliberations. Even the nuns who attend the cardinals have to take an oath of secrecy. The cardinals elect the leader of the church and the head of the Vatican state. Outside influences are minimized. They are accountable to no one. The cardinals are not subject to political influences, nor is the new pope accountable to anyone but himself. All must be accountable to him. The new pope and world leader is then to be revered and respected as the Holy Father by all faithful Catholics. At the same time, the new pope is respected by most national leaders world wide. But they do not respect him merely as one on a level with themselves. They respect him as one who is above them. They respect him as the one who is the moral voice of the world. This gives him an authority that is way beyond the average world leader. He is also respected by religious leaders from nearly all religions. This adds still more to his authority and moral voice. The position of pope has become, especially under the leadership of John Paul II, the most powerful position in the world. It is even more powerful than the Secretary General of the United Nations or the president of the United States.

Never before has there been so many of the people in the world so interested in all that is happening at the Vatican. Never before has there been such a reservoir of popular support world-wide for the position held by a single man. Never before has a pope been elected in such a climate.

Benedict the XVI has a good deal of papal experience and is very familiar with the halls of power, but what makes this man so respected? The answer lies in scripture. “And his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered...” Revelation 13:3. It is the popularity of his position that gives him power.

Benedict XVI has already met many of the world leaders during his 24 Vatican years. He knows world politics very well and has a close eye on all that affects the church. He also knows the discussions and agreements between his church and other churches, between his nation state and other nation states.

When Cardinal Ratzinger was elevated to the position of pope, he gained the title “Holy Father,” I wondered what made him more holy than before his election? How does human election to a human position make one holy? Holiness is a matter of the heart, not of position. Herein is one of the greatest blasphemies of the Roman Catholic Faith. It is taught that the church structure and the positions within that structure are holy and therefore the men (and women) in those positions are also holy. “There is none good but one,” Jesus said, “that is, God.” Matt. 19:17. How then can a man be holy? The term “Holy Father” is blasphemous because it separates the people from true holiness, the holiness that comes when the heart is pure. It also implies that the Pope is to be worshipped as holy.

Furthermore, Cardinal Ratzinger and all the popes, prelates and priests use the term “father” to refer to themselves even though Jesus deliberately said in Matt 23:9 to “call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.” Again this term as applied to a priest is blasphemous.

Cardinal Ratzinger chose the name Benedict XVI. The term Benedict comes from the same word as benediction meaning blessing. A benediction is the last word, a fitting name for the one in charge of disciplining those who disagree with Rome. But Benedict is not going to have the last word. The one with the last word is Jesus. For it is the lamb that overcomes the beast according to Revelation 17:14.

Cardinal Ratzinger, who turned 78 years of age three days before his election, is the first German Pope in nearly a millennia. He was in charge of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith since 1981 when John Paul II appointed him to that position. This position, called the “prefect,” or “chief magistrate,” is responsible for the department formerly known up to 1965 as the Holy Office, and before 1542 as the Holy Inquisition, the Vatican engine of terror. In fact, in former times Cardinal Ratzinger would have been known as Grand Inquisitor. It was Ratzinger’s responsibility to protect the doctrine of the church. He was known as the “enforcer of the faith” reported MSNBC (April 19, 2005), because “he disciplined church dissidents and upheld church policy.”

Since the Ronald Reagan years in the US White House, Cardinal Ratzinger has been close to the action and the cultivation of a US-Vatican alliance which has helped the United States to reach across the Atlantic Ocean; across the political and spiritual gulf, in large public steps toward Rome. John Paul II, with Ratzinger and other key Vatican curia have worked very hard in forging other political alliances as well. Benedict XVI knows very well how to carry on the work of John Paul II in both the political and religious arenas.

John Paul II was able to accomplish much in ecumenical lines, but Benedict XVI intends to take it much farther assuming he lives long enough. He is calling for the unity of all churches. But it is not a unity built on equality of all. It is a unity under one head, the Pope of Rome. This will bring the ultimate spiritual compromise and complete the work of undoing the Reformation.

For a great new book on this subject, get a copy of the “Perils of Ecumenism” by Colin and Russell Standish from Hartland Publications. This enlightening book goes into the background of the current developments in preparing the world churches for unity.

How is the work of the Reformation going to be undone? Let me read it to you from scripture. Turn to Revelation chapter 2, verse 20. Speaking to the church of Thyatira, Jesus says; “Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.”

This scripture is not referring to the literal woman Jezebel that lived in the time of Ahab and Elijah, but spiritual Jezebel, who is all decked out with Jewelry and is a spiritual whore. This is none other than Rome. Thyatira represents the period of time when the true churches were descending into apostasy and compromise. It was the time when imposters were usurping the authority of the Bible and replacing it with the authority of tradition. It was a horrible time in history when God’s servants were seduced and taught how to commit spiritual fornication through compromise with pagan doctrines that Rome brought into the church like a flood. They were taught how to mix politics and religion, to usurp temporal power and thereby control the bodies and minds of the multitudes. They adopted the practices and teachings of Rome and the whole of the western empire became enslaved to the spiritualism, superstition and seduction of Catholicism. But it also represents some aspects of the time of the end, as do all of the seven churches of Revelation, when again the Vatican is seducing the servants of God, the ministers and religious leaders and even some rather overtly religious political leaders. Again the Vatican is teaching for commandments the doctrines of men and gathering the support of religious leaders.

Jezebel represents the Papacy today. How does the Papacy seduce the churches, even those that arose out of the Reformation when men and women gave their lives for their spiritual and temporal freedom? She does this by adopting a kindly, peaceful attitude toward those that have opposed her. She asks forgiveness for the things that her sons and daughters have done in the name of the church. She “presents a fair front to the world, covering with apologies her record of horrible cruelties. She has clothed herself in Christlike garments; but she is unchanged.” That’s from Great Controversy, page 571.

The reformers would not recognize the Pope as head of the church. They would not recognize her customs, many of her rituals and many of her ceremonies. But now the Reformation is over. Now those very churches that arose during that powerful moment in history, have muted their voice of protest. They have left their mission, and are actually helping Rome regain her supremacy. Benedict XVI, like his predecessor John Paul II, has come out and said plainly that Rome (and the Pope) is to be the head of all the churches again.

Listen to what some religious leaders have to say about Benedict XVI…

Rowan Williams, the Anglican archbishop of Canterbury said, “I look forward to meeting him and working together to build on the legacy of his predecessor, as we seek to promote shared understanding between our churches in the service of the gospel and the goal of Christian unity.”

Rabbi David Rosen of the American Jewish Committee said, “Cardinal Ratziner already has shown a profound commitment to advancing Catholic-Jewish relations and we look forward to continuing our close working relationship with the church.”

Masduki Baidlowi, senior figure of the largest Muslim group in Indonesia said, “I hope the new pope would carry the same spirit of peace and inter-religious harmony as Pope John Paul II.”

But world leaders were more enthusiastic about Benedict XVI. The following comments are from CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation), April 20, 2005.

“I think he will be a worthy successor to Pope John Paul II,” said German President Horst Koehler. “I congratulate him on behalf of the government and all Germans.”

Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General said, “His Holiness brings a wealth of experience to this exalted office.” Did you understand that? He spoke of the papal office as exalted. This strongly implies how all nations represented at the UN view the Papacy. It is indeed exalted, to the point where even the UN looks to Rome for moral leadership. He continued, ”The United Nations and the Holy See share a strong commitment to peace, social justice, human dignity, religious freedom and mutual respect among the world’s religions.”

George W. Bush, President of the United States described him as “a man of great wisdom and knowledge. He’s a man that serves the Lord… We join our fellow citizens and millions around the world who pray for continued strength and wisdom as His Holiness leads the Catholic Church.” Amazing words from a US president.

Listen now to Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the Spanish Prime Minister, “I… state the willingness of the government of Spain to sustain the historic relations between Spain and the Holy See and to cooperate with Your Holiness during your mandate. I take this opportunity, Your Holiness, to send you the testimony of my highest consideration and esteem.” Do you know what the historic relationship is between Spain and the Vatican? Spain was the center of the Inquisition. It was the most Catholic of all nation states during the middle ages. Spain brutally punished supposed “heretics” mercilessly. Does he really mean what he said? Is Spain going to help Rome re-establish her former persecutions? Remember, Cardinal Ratzinger was the most recent head of the Holy Office of the Inquisition.

Bill Frist, US Senate Majority Leader said, “I’m confident that pope Benedict XVI is blessed with the same compassion and vision that made Pope John Paul II one of the world’s most revered and respected voices.”

“We want to congratulate him and tell him we’re on his side,” said the President of Mexico, Vicente Fox. “We want to build and keep growing this magnificent extraordinary relationship that has been built between our country and the Vatican…” Extraordinary relationship? What does that mean? It means that the relationship between Mexico and the Vatican is far more important to him than this relationship with the United States or any other nation.

Now listen to Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian Prime Minister. “I certainly express the feelings of all Italians, and am particularly delighted, when I present Your Holiness with the warm and respectful homage of the Italian government.” Did you hear that? He gives the Pope the HOMAGE of the Italian government. What does the word homage mean? It means submission and reverential regard. It also means that the entity giving homage is a vassal. Imagine that, the Italian government giving the Pope assurance that they are under his control.

These amazing statements tell us that Revelation 13 is being fulfilled. At his inaugural address Benedict XVI made obvious overtures to the worlds religions reaching out to Christians and Jews. He called Jews his “brothers and sisters” in a “shared spiritual heritage.” He also several times called for the full communion of Christians, reported the Sacramento Union. At his inauguration he told ecumenical leaders, “Your presence, dear brothers in Christ, beyond that which divides us and casts a shadow over our full and visible communion, is a sign of sharing and support for the bishop or Rome, which can count on you…”

Can Benedict count on you to work for full visible communion with Rome? I hope not. But that is what Benedict is pursuing. Cardinal Ratzinger was the one who issued the document Dominus Jesus in 2000 in which he declared that the only way to salvation is the Roman Catholic Church. This doctrine is the basis for the teaching that ecumenical unity is only possible through full visible communion with the church of Rome. Benedict stated in Dominus Jesus that non-Catholic Christian churches have “defects” and are not “churches” at all in the proper sense. Full, visible unity is the only option in his mind, and the only purpose for ecumenical dialog.

Many world leaders also attended his inauguration including nearly 40 heads of state, and representatives of royal houses. During Sunday mass, Muslims, Buddhists, and representatives of most of the world’s religions were in attendance.

It is patently obvious that we are in a new day in world relations with the Vatican. It is also obvious that in the years leading up to the third millennium there has been much behind-the-scenes activity to prepare for this time of popularity and public profile for the Vatican. Think about it. This did not happen by chance.

My friends, Jesus is coming very soon. We need His power in our lives to overcome and live for Him. Your eternal destiny is at stake. As we see events unfolding and as we think about their implications, surely we can see that we cannot delay to prepare. I urge you to put away anything unlike Christ. I urge you to put away anything that you know is not part of God's will. We don’t have to be afraid of the future, but we must prepare. That means that we must study our bibles, and the Spirit of Prophecy with diligence and with prayer that the Holy Spirit will awaken us to anything that needs His refinement.

The reign of Benedict XVI is likely to be rather short. He could also be the last pope this world will ever have. If so, he will be a key player in the final oppression of God's faithful people. Either way we can see that Jesus’ coming is very near.

Let us pray. Our Father in Heaven, you are the only one we can call our father. We see that the events of recent weeks have stirred our souls. We see that there are those that are not living, acting or believing as they should, even among those claiming to be part of the remnant, and it grieves our hearts. We see that our own lives are not what they should be. Please Father, help us to overcome. We want to be saved, and we want your Holy Spirit and the angels to protect us during the coming crisis. We know that your word tells us that if we search for you with all our hearts, we will find you, and you will save us. Keep us in your care, and keep us faithful we pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.


Source: http://www.ktfministry.org/sermons/103/the-vatican-and-benedict-xvi


Note: This article was modified on 12/19/08 to reflect the Sermon's edited text.
  • URL edited on 12/22/08***
Arsenio

If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city...



Genesis 18





1And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;

2And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,

3And said, My LORD, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:

4Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:

5And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.

6And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.

7And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetcht a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it.

8And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.

9And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.

10And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him.

11Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.

12Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?

13And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?

14Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

15Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.

16And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.

17And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;

18Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?

19For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

20And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;

21I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.

22And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.

23And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?

24Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?

25That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

26And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.

27And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the LORD, which am but dust and ashes:

28Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it.

29And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for forty's sake.

30And he said unto him, Oh let not the LORD be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do it, if I find thirty there.

31And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the LORD: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty's sake.

32And he said, Oh let not the LORD be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake.

33And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.

What do Illinois and New York have in common?






  1. Both have had their Governors under investigation for corruption.


  2. Both had major Democrat Presidential Candidates running in the 2008 elections.


  3. Both have a Senate seat to fill since their occupants will now be Executives at the White House.


  4. Both have highly desired Senate seats that are up for grabs.


Differences

  1. Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is refusing to resign after he was recorded (by the FBI) trying to "sell" the Senate seat left empty by Barack Obama.


  2. New York Governor Eliot Spitzer has been linked to a high-end prostitution ring with ... He finally resigned. David A. Paterson was elected New York’s lieutenant governor on November 7, 2006 . ... Lt. Governor Paterson, who is legally blind; later Paterson admitted to having been unfaithful (cheated with other women) to his wife.........


  3. New York State's vacant Senate seat is rumored to soon be filled by Caroline Kennedy.


  4. Regarding Illinois's vacant Senate seat it's uncertain who will occupy it since the Governor got busted trying to sell it to the highest bidder.



Which reminds me that when President Nixon was caught red handed during

the Watergate Scandal, (among many things) he said:



"I played by the rules of politics as I found them",



"I am not a crook."



Is this the Status quo?.The Modus Operandi? The more things 'change'.............Arsenio

Let's Print More Money!


Hyper-Inflation will soon follow...
What's a Billion here, or a Billion there?

Thursday, December 11, 2008

David Michael Gregory


David Gregory reporting on a Democratic Presidential candidates debate from Dartmouth College in 2007.


David Gregory (journalist)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
David Michael Gregory

Born
David Michael GregoryAugust 24, 1970 (1970-08-24) (age 38)
Occupation
Television journalist
Spouse(s)
Beth Wilkinson (2000 - present)



David Gregory (born August 24, 1970 in Los Angeles, CA) is the moderator of Meet the Press[1] and is NBC News Chief White House Correspondent. Since June 2000, Gregory has been married to former federal prosecutor and former Fannie Mae executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary, Beth Wilkinson.[2] They met while Gregory was covering the Oklahoma City Bombing as a reporter and Wilkinson was serving as prosecutor on the case.[3] The couple have a son and twins - one daughter and one son.

Education
Gregory graduated from American University in 1992. He worked for the campus television station, ATV, while there, and received a degree in International Studies from the School of International Service. Gregory was named the School of International Service's alumnus of the year in 2005 and sits on the Dean's Advisory Council.[4][5]

Accomplishments
In 2005, Gregory shared an Emmy Award with his colleagues for the network's coverage of President Ronald Reagan's death and funeral the previous summer.[5]

Journalism career

Early career
Gregory began his journalism career at the age of 18 as a summer reporter for KGUN-TV in Tucson, Arizona. He also worked for NBC affiliate KCRA-TV in Sacramento.

Today
Gregory has been the substitute co-anchor of Weekend Today, filling in for Lester Holt on that program since 2003. He has filled in for Matt Lauer on the Today show from 2005 to the present. Gregory was also the anchor of News Chat, Crosstalk NBC, and Newsfront on MSNBC from 1998 to 2000.

NBC Nightly News
Gregory has also filled in on NBC News Weekend Nightly News since 2005.

Imus In The Morning
Gregory also filled the Imus in the Morning time slot on MSNBC after the Don Imus controversy involving the Rutgers Basketball team while MSNBC searched for a permanent host. He served as a guest host in the morning time slot for MSNBC (while also being simulcast on WFAN) for one week in May. The morning radio program was known as Gregory Live.

Race for the White House/1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Since March 17, 2008, David Gregory has hosted a show on MSNBC weekday evenings, which replaced Tucker Carlson's Tucker.[6] The show was called Race for the White House until the conclusion of the 2008 U.S. Presidential election. From November 5, 2008, forward the show is known as 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.[7]

MSNBC anchor for election coverage in 2008
Due to internal fighting amongst the talent at MSNBC, Gregory was appointed as anchor on MSNBC during the Presidential debates and November election for 2008.[8][9][10][11] On November 4-5, he teamed with Rachel Maddow, Eugene Robinson, Chris Matthews and Keith Olbermann to cover the presidential election.

Meet the Press
On December 7, 2008, it was formally announced that Gregory would be the full-time moderator of Meet the Press with his first episode as official moderator being December 14, 2008.[1] This would also be the last episode hosted by interim moderator Tom Brokaw.


Relationship with the White House
Gregory was assigned by NBC to the press corps covering George W. Bush when he ran for president in 2000. During the campaign, Bush threw a party for Gregory's 30th birthday, complete with cake, on the campaign plane.[12] Bush has nicknamed Gregory "Stretch" because of his height (6'5").[13]

After the election, Gregory became a White House correspondent for NBC. The Media Research Center awarded him Best White House Correspondent for coverage of Bush's first 100 days.[14]
It has been mentioned Michael Chertoff, a George W. Bush appointee, attended a baby shower for his children.[3]

He also participated with Karl Rove, advisor to George W. Bush in a skit for the White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington DC.[15]

Press secretary conflicts
Gregory's interaction with President George W. Bush's press secretaries has been contentious at times, garnering media attention in several instances. Conservative commentators have seized these opportunities to point out what they observe as a left-wing bias on Gregory's part.[16][3]
On December 7, 2006, Gregory posed a question regarding the Iraq Study Group Report, asking how the President could view the report's content as anything but a "rejection of the President's policy". Press secretary Tony Snow then responded that Gregory was framing the question in a partisan manner and would not answer. Several media outlets, such as Fox News' The O'Reilly Factor, used it as evidence that NBC's coverage was taking a more partisan attitude towards the Bush Administration.[16]

References
1"NBC names David Gregory host of 'Meet the Press'", Associated Press (December 7, 2008).

2 "Weddings: Beth Wilkinson, David Gregory", New York Times (June 11, 2000).

3 Kurtz, Howard (March 13, 2006). "Retorting From The White House David Gregory Is 6-5, but He Can Be A Little Short. Just Ask Scott McClellan.", The Washington Post.
6 Steinberg, Jacques (March 11, 2008). "At MSNBC, 'Tucker' Is Out, and David Gregory Is In", The New York Times.
7 "With Race Nearly Over, Gregory's Show Gets New Name", Media Bistro (November 3, 2008).
8 Bauder, David (September 8, 2008). "MSNBC: Olbermann, Matthews won't anchor political coverage", USA Today.
9 Stelter, Brian (September 8, 2008). "MSNBC Takes Incendiary Hosts From Anchor Seat", New York Times.
10"MSNBC Infighting Boils Over", The Huffington Post (August 28, 2008).
11Kurtz, Howard (September 8, 2008). "MSNBC Drops Olbermann, Matthews as News Anchors", Washington Post.

12"Gregory to host 'Meet the Press'" (2008-12-02).
13"NBC's David Gregory Accidentally Reveals His George Bush Impression", The Huffington Post (October 14, 2006).
14 "Media Research Award". Media Research Center.
15Kornbluth, Jesse (March 29, 2007). "David Gregory: Dancing with the Devil", The Huffington Post.

16 O'Reilly, Bill. "Who Is Looking Out for You as Far as Iraq Is Concerned?", The O'Reilly Factor, FOXNews.com.


Further reading

"Media Capital", Washington Life Magazine (June 2006).
Gillette, Felix; John Koblin, Choire Sicha (April 30, 2008). "David Gregory Understatement: 'Story Of The Bush Administration Has Really Taken A Dip'", New York Observer.
Gillette, Felix (July 22, 2008). "David Gregory: NBC's Lame-Duck?", The New York Observer.


Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Gregory_(journalist)

The variable appearance of the chameleon


The Roman Church now presents a fair front to the world, covering with apologies her record of horrible cruelties. She has clothed herself in Christlike garments; but she is unchanged. Every principle of the papacy that existed in past ages exists today. The doctrines devised in the darkest ages are still held. Let none deceive themselves. The papacy that Protestants are now so ready to honor is the same that ruled the world in the days of the Reformation, when men of God stood up, at the peril of their lives, to expose her iniquity. She possesses the same pride and arrogant assumption that lorded it over kings and princes, and claimed the prerogatives of God. Her spirit is no less cruel and despotic now than when she crushed out human liberty and slew the saints of the Most High. {GC 571.1}

The papacy is just what prophecy declared that she would be, the apostasy of the latter times. 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4. It is a part of her policy to assume the character which will best accomplish her purpose; but beneath the variable appearance of the chameleon she conceals the invariable venom of the serpent. "Faith ought not to be kept with heretics, nor persons suspected of heresy" (Lenfant, volume 1, page 516), she declares. Shall this power, whose record for a thousand years is written in the blood of the saints, be now acknowledged as a part of the church of Christ? {GC 571.2}

It is not without reason that the claim has been put forth in Protestant countries that Catholicism differs less widely from Protestantism than in former times. There has been a change; but the change is not in the papacy. Catholicism indeed resembles much of the Protestantism that now exists, because Protestantism has so greatly degenerated since the days of the Reformers. {GC 571.3}

As the Protestants churches have been seeking the favor of the world, false charity has blinded their eyes. They do not see but that it is right to believe good of all evil, and as the inevitable result they will finally believe evil of all good.
572
Instead of standing in defense of the faith once delivered to the saints, they are now, as it were, apologizing to Rome for their uncharitable opinion of her, begging pardon for their bigotry. {GC 571.4}

A large class, even of those who look upon Romanism with no favor, apprehend little danger from her power and influence. Many urge that the intellectual and moral darkness prevailing during the Middle Ages favored the spread of her dogmas, superstitions, and oppression, and that the greater intelligence of modern times, the general diffusion of knowledge, and the increasing liberality in matters of religion forbid a revival of intolerance and tyranny. The very thought that such a state of things will exist in this enlightened age is ridiculed. It is true that great light, intellectual, moral, and religious, is shining upon this generation. In the open pages of God's Holy Word, light from heaven has been shed upon the world. But it should be remembered that the greater the light bestowed, the greater the darkness of those who pervert and reject it. {GC 572.1}

A prayerful study of the Bible would show Protestants the real character of the papacy and would cause them to abhor and to shun it; but many are so wise in their own conceit that they feel no need of humbly seeking God that they may be led into the truth. Although priding themselves on their enlightenment, they are ignorant both of the Scriptures and of the power of God. They must have some means of quieting their consciences, and they seek that which is least spiritual and humiliating. What they desire is a method of forgetting God which shall pass as a method of remembering Him. The papacy is well adapted to meet the wants of all these. It is prepared for two classes of mankind, embracing nearly the whole world--those who would be saved by their merits, and those who would be saved in their sins. Here is the secret of its power. {GC 572.2}

A day of great intellectual darkness has been shown to be favorable to the success of the papacy. It will yet be
573
demonstrated that a day of great intellectual light is equally favorable for its success. In past ages, when men were without God's word and without the knowledge of the truth, their eyes were blindfolded, and thousands were ensnared, not seeing the net spread for their feet. In this generation there are many whose eyes become dazzled by the glare of human speculations, "science falsely so called;" they discern not the net, and walk into it as readily as if blindfolded. God designed that man's intellectual powers should be held as a gift from his Maker and should be employed in the service of truth and righteousness; but when pride and ambition are cherished, and men exalt their own theories above the word of God, then intelligence can accomplish greater harm than ignorance. Thus the false science of the present day, which undermines faith in the Bible, will prove as successful in preparing the way for the acceptance of the papacy, with its pleasing forms, as did the withholding of knowledge in opening the way for its aggrandizement in the Dark Ages. {GC 572.3}

In the movements now in progress in the United States to secure for the institutions and usages of the church the support of the state, Protestants are following in the steps of papists. Nay, more, they are opening the door for the papacy to regain in Protestant America the supremacy which she has lost in the Old World. And that which gives greater significance to this movement is the fact that the principal object contemplated is the enforcement of Sunday observance--a custom which originated with Rome, and which she claims as the sign of her authority. It is the spirit of the papacy--the spirit of conformity to worldly customs, the veneration for human traditions above the commandments of God--that is permeating the Protestant churches and leading them on to do the same work of Sunday exaltation which the papacy has done before them. {GC 573.1}

If the reader would understand the agencies to be employed in the soon-coming contest, he has but to trace the record of the means which Rome employed for the same
574
object in ages past. If he would know how papists and Protestants united will deal with those who reject their dogmas, let him see the spirit which Rome manifested toward the Sabbath and its defenders. {GC 573.2}

Royal edicts, general councils, and church ordinances sustained by secular power were the steps by which the pagan festival attained its position of honor in the Christian world. The first public measure enforcing Sunday observance was the law enacted by Constantine. (A.D. 321; see Appendix note for page 53.) This edict required townspeople to rest on "the venerable day of the sun," but permitted countrymen to continue their agricultural pursuits. Though virtually a heathen statute, it was enforced by the emperor after his nominal acceptance of Christianity. {GC 574.1}



The Great Controversy, Ellen G. White, pp. 571-574.

The Car Czar?

http://www.fortunecity.com/victorian/hornton/890/LAsttsar.html


What's with naming a Car Czar?


The last Czar was Nicholas II (Nicholas Alexandrovich Romanov);


Nicholas II, his wife, his son, his four daughters, the family's medical doctor, his personal servant, the Empress' chambermaid and the family's cook were all murdered in the same room by the Bolsheviks on the night of 17 July 1918. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicholas_II_of_Russia


The next Mock-Czar was the Drug Czar in the United States of America:


The term Drug Czar is a name for the person who directs drug-control policies in the United States. The title was first published in a 1982 news story by United Press International which reported that “Senators... voted 62-34 to establish a ‘drug czar’ who would have overall responsibility for U.S. drug policy.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_Czar


We've reached a point in the back and forth (between Congress and the U.S. Auto Giants) negotiations for a Bail-Out for the Big Three (GM, Ford, and Chrysler), that a government appointed bureaucrat will be assigned to oversee the administration of the Billions doled out by the U.S. Treasury. They've chosen to call him the Car Czar.
Why would they name him or her, Czar?
Why not Car Kaiser? It rhymes!
Or, perhaps Car Caesar? It's Latin!
Why Car Czar?
I wonder if there's something cryptic or subliminal in using a Russian word to refer to a government administrator in the U.S.? Would Putin or Gorbachev be flattered by such an act?
It baffles me when an extinct title is used in our great democracy to describe a government employee's duties.; There's something is fundamentally wrong with this.
When they name this official called the Car Czar, keep your eyes on the comrades in the Kremlin (Capitol Hill).
Arsenio.

Fla. Gov. Crist to wed on Friday


Mary Altaffer AP
In this Friday, Aug. 1, 2008 picture, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, left, his fiancee Carole Rome and her daughter Skylar Rome walk down the stairs of the campaign charter flight of Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., in Panama City, Fla. Crist and Rome are expected to marry Friday, Dec. 12, 2008 at the First United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)


By BRENDAN FARRINGTON Associated Press Writer © 2008 The Associated Press
Dec. 10, 2008, 5:22PM


TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — For someone who waited nearly 30 years between marriages, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist fell in love fast.

Crist met Carole Rome during a trip to New York in September 2007 and was immediately smitten. In the weeks that followed, they were spotted almost everywhere: political events, sporting events — even a Jimmy Buffett concert. Less than 10 months later, Crist proposed, giving Rome a sapphire engagement ring surrounded by diamonds. She said yes.

And on Friday, Crist will become the first Florida governor since Claude Kirk nearly 42 years ago to be married while in office.

"I was taken with her right away," Crist, 52, said this week. "You know how it is when you fall in love. It's pretty overwhelming — a very cool thing."

Crist was married in 1980 to a college sweetheart, but the marriage lasted less than a year. It's not something he talks about often, but it did make him more cautious about commitment.

"I was definitely gun-shy," Crist said. "It really took somebody special to have my brain get itself around the notion of marriage again ..."

Not that Crist didn't have girlfriends — but until meeting Rome he often kept his affections low-key. Not so now. He has professed his love to her in front of crowds large and small, and he isn't afraid of a little PDA — the couple is often seen holding hands and kissing.

"It's been since college since I've seen Charlie act like this," said Brent Sembler, a longtime friend who says Crist is walking around with "those puppy dog eyes."

The wedding will be held at First United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg. About 200 people are expected to attend, though the guest list hasn't been disclosed.

"It's not a political event, it's a wedding and weddings have friends and family," said Jim Greer, who Crist picked to chair the state Republican Party. Greer will be attending.

The couple has asked for no gifts because of a Florida gift ban for politicians.

Rome, 39, will wear a floor-length classic silk gown by a Spanish designer and train-length veil. She purchased the gown at the upscale Wedding Atelier in Manhattan. She will be wearing 3-inch heels by British designer Filippa Scott.

Rome, a socialite millionaire, is president of Franco American Novelty Co., her family's New York-area Halloween costume company. She stopped managing its daily business when she moved to ritzy Fisher Island near Miami in 2006. Rome finalized her divorce from Blue Star Jets president Todd Rome last March.

Crist, who has never owned his own home, earns $132,931.56 as governor.

Former Gov. Kirk, who married his wife Erika a month after taking office in 1967, pointed out that they conceived two children while living in the governor's mansion. He said Crist should, too, if he wants. Other than that, Kirk had little advice for Crist.

"Just get married and be a good husband and continue to be a good governor," Kirk said.


Meet Carole Rome, the governor's fiancee


Crist and his fiancee, Carole Rome, who became engaged on July 3, stroll from an interview on Friday. She moved from New York to Florida with her children in 2006 but they met in New York.


By Stephanie Hayes and Ben Montgomery, Times Staff Writers
In print: Sunday, July 13, 2008


The governor had the evening planned.

He bought the ring on a Wednesday from a jeweler near Publix in northeast St. Petersburg. He took his date to Ceviche on Beach Drive that evening, and outside were the city lights and the warm breeze off the bay. They would eat tapas and stroll to his apartment, where the 51-year-old bachelor would ask the woman to marry him.

But alas, a couple who live in his building saw them, said hello, and asked if they'd like to come up and watch the Rays play the Red Sox.

The governor did not get his job by disappointing people, so he and his date watched the Rays come from behind with six runs in the seventh inning. By the time it was over, proposing marriage didn't feel quite right.

He waited till morning. She was sitting on the couch when he took a seat beside her.

He checked the clock: a few minutes before 11.

Nine months earlier, they met at an Italian restaurant in New York; five months earlier, he introduced the mystery woman publicly as "my girlfriend."

That morning, July 3, she saw that he was holding a small box. He opened it. She smiled.

With a word — Yes! — Carole Rome became Florida's first fiancee, the curiosity of a state.

Roslyn, N.Y., is picturesque suburbia, sandwiched between Manhattan grit and Hamptons glamor. Strip mall marquees have gold-leafing. Fancy restaurants look like Grandma's house. Even the liquor store has charm.

Roslyn was home to writer Michael Crichton and former Vermont first lady Judith Steinberg Dean.

It was home to Carole Rome, now 38.

She was the last of five babies born to Bob and Margaret Oumano. Carole was a sweet child with pretty brown eyes who toddled around in pink sundresses. She was doted on, captured in photos her older sister showed off at summer camp.

"I was very proud of her," said Michele Oumano Powell, 51.

Bob Oumano operated his father's gag gift business. He loaded boxes and crunched numbers. He pitched hooting owls and whoopee cushions to novelty shops, hoping they'd carry his stock. His kids helped; tales swirl that a young Carole drove the forklift in his warehouse.

He brought home samples — the girls especially loved plastic Hope diamond rings. But at home after his long commute, Bob had little energy for banana peel slapstick.

"We used to call him the unconscious comedian, because he'd make jokes when he didn't even realize," said Carole's sister. "He wasn't really the practical joke type who was testing out new products at home. He worked hard."

At Roslyn High, Carole cheered for the varsity squad in her sweater vest and shoe poms. She made honor society. She had big bangs and 1980s power curls.

She wrote cryptic notes under her 1987 senior yearbook picture — WOW!WhatATrip! RHShasNEverSeen Such A WildBunch!... Mom&Dad:Thx4Evrythg-URThe Best!LY!

She left for Georgetown University, unsure what to become. She earned a business and accounting degree, graduating with honors. She moved to Manhattan to start her career, and in 1993 married Todd Rome, now president of a private jet company, Blue Star Jets. Three years later, they had their first daughter, Jessica. In 1998, they had Skylar.

Carole juggled family life with work. She was an auditor at an accounting firm. She didn't love it. She worked in high-end real estate. She didn't love it.

Her father, ailing from heart problems, wanted Carole to run the family business, Franco American Novelty Co. She was dynamic and high energy. She was the baby. She could carry on the legacy.

Bob Oumano died in 2000. Before, he gave the family his blessing to take the company in a new direction, focused on costumes.

Carole dived in. She invented a slogan: "Where Fashion Meets Halloween." She designed figure-flattering costumes, including a red goddess dress. A sequined child's devil outfit became a top seller.

Dressed exquisitely in suits, she strutted into the company's modest office in Glendale, a quirky Queens neighborhood surrounded by cemeteries. She got her hands dirty, unpacking boxes. Once, while feet of snow fell outside, she stayed overnight working out finances.

"She'll get you motivated," said David Arce, Franco's warehouse manager. "On days that were real hot, she'd say, 'Go get ice, get sodas, get water. … Get the air-conditioning on, buy fans.' Anything to keep the morale going."

Under her lead, the company turned in record profits.

Her life outside was lavish. She and Todd Rome owned homes all over New York City. They built a townhouse on Manhattan's exclusive Upper East Side. They had a 10,000-square-foot vacation home in Southampton. Carole decorated it with a palette of pale blue, white and silver.

The couple threw fundraisers for the Red Cross and other charities, raising thousands of dollars by auctioning trips, cruises, jewelry, paintings, a Gucci bag, a diamond bracelet.

Carole hobnobbed with Tommy Hilfiger, John McEnroe, Patty Smyth, Kelly Clarkson, the Hilton family. She appeared in the society pages wearing flowing baby doll dresses she designed with Erisa Dilo, design director at Franco.

"She loves custom-made dresses," Dilo said. "She loves Roberto Cavalli, which is also my favorite designer, which I think is why Carole and I click. That's why when I design for her, she loves it."

She frequented Nobu, a New York restaurant co-owned by Robert De Niro, and Pink Elephant, a bar that offers Krug Clos du Mesnil champagne for $2,100. She had her long, wavy hair styled on Madison Avenue.

• • •

The governor and his fiancee sit for an interview in a comfy poolside room on a private island south of Miami Beach, where the sand is imported from the Bahamas and caged toucans squawk under a giant banyan tree. You can reach Fisher Island only by boat, helicopter or ferry, and according to the 2000 census, its 1,400 residents had the highest per capita income in the United States.

Carole Rome has a 3,690-square-foot, $4.1-million condo.

She moved from New York to Florida with her children in 2006, when her marriage was in trouble.

"In a million years, I never understood why she wanted to move out of New York, except for what she said, which is, she wanted a simpler life for her children," said Carole's friend Jill Zarin, a cast member on the Bravo reality series The Real Housewives of New York City. "She wanted to slow down, which is funny, because now she's on a treadmill."

In their Florida divorce file, Todd Rome alleges that Carole took the kids to Miami without his blessing, lured him to Florida to work out the marriage — and then served him with divorce papers.

He says Carole became inexplicably unhappy with their $6-million Upper East Side townhouse. She wasn't happy with any of their homes, he says.

"No sooner was a new home built, bought or rented, but that defendant became dissatisfied with it," Todd Rome says in the records. "In the first 11 years of our marriage, we lived for an average period of one to two years in a succession of no less than five apartments and three houses. … We also have had a total of four vacation houses in the Hamptons."

Todd Rome, who is now engaged to be married, did not return calls for an interview.

As news of the divorce spread through society circles, so did whispers that he couldn't abide Carole's spending. The society press delighted in the rumor.

"That's just gossip," said Zarin. "The truth is, I like to shop, so do you; everyone likes to shop. She gives a lot of money to charity. … She doesn't just write a check. She does a lot of the work at these events. Carole Rome has no problem rolling up her sleeves."

• • •

Florida's wedding of the year will most likely be in the spring. The newlyweds will divide their time among Fisher Island, Crist's rented condo in St. Petersburg, and the Governor's Mansion in Tallahassee. Carole and her former husband share custody of their children, according to Todd Rome's lawyer. They go to a private school in Miami.

"The girls are wonderful," Crist said, "and I think the world of them and I look forward to spending a lot of time with them."

In the hourlong interview on Fisher Island, Crist and his fiancee never stop touching. He rubs her hands and her back and her shoulders. She squeezes his thigh and stares at his face.

"We just kind of hit it off from the get-go," he says. "It was classic."

They met in late September, when mutual friends got them together to talk about GOP fundraising at an Italian restaurant in New York, a romantic place called Campagnola, on the Upper East Side. They sat next to each other.

She thought he was handsome and sincere. He thought she was beautiful, sweet, smart.

They talked about politics and sports. They hit a club after dinner and listened to music. They ended the night with a kiss. She gave him her number, told him to call.

The next day, he had to deliver a lecture at Bill Clinton's Global Climate Initiative, but he couldn't get the woman out of his head.

Crist was faced with the most human of challenges: How long should I wait before I call?

He saw her again that Friday, at a fundraiser in South Florida.

There was an immediate connection.

"I felt it," he says.

"I did, too," she says.

"She was so friendly, so sweet, and so knowledgeable about a lot of stuff," he says. "It was very nice to find someone so beautiful, so brilliant, and so sweet as well. So I fell in love."

"I find him to be the most handsome man," she says. "I just so enjoyed his personality, his charm, his grace, his goodness."

They began seeing each other more regularly, and the news media eventually caught on. But the girlfriend remained mostly a mystery.

• • •

"We're not identical," the governor says, "but I've never met someone more like myself in a woman than Carole."

This from a man known for eating one meal a day, a man who rents an apartment and carries no credit card debt, a man whose entire net worth — $457,262 — might not be enough to buy him a nice condo in any of the neighborhoods his fiancee is used to living in. Is this a case of opposites attracting?

"My parents were very simple people," she says, "and always instilled that in their children, and I always valued that. And that really is my core and my roots. Meeting Charlie, and seeing the life of a public servant and somebody who's so selfless and is not driven by material things and by money, and is so simple and so humble and so pure, was really something that was very attractive to me, and it reminded me very much of my upbringing."

She says Crist has changed her. "Maybe it's more accurate to say I'm getting back to my roots and my solid foundation of who I really am and what's really important in life," she says.

So was hobnobbing with the rich and famous insincere?

"I don't have any regrets whatsoever," she says. "I think in life it's important to experience all things. But at the end of the day you need to come to terms with who you are and what really fulfills you and inspires you, and I have found great inspiration and fulfillment through Charlie."

She says she loves St. Petersburg. She loves eating shrimp salad at Fish Tales and dining at Fred's at the Vinoy and going out on Crist's boat on Tampa Bay.

"I find it to be the most beautiful, wholesome, wonderful community," she says. "I love St. Petersburg."

"Can't beat the 'burg," Crist says.

Crist has heard skeptics say his wedding proposal was politically motivated. He has heard the speculation that he's marrying to make himself a more appealing vice presidential candidate. He says those people are wrong.

"It's all about being in love with Carole."

They stand, hold hands, walk outside near the pool. Pausing in front of a bougainvillea, they embrace. Then, as a photographer snaps pictures, they kiss.

Ben Montgomery can be reached at bmontgomery@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8650. Stephanie Hayes can be reached at shayes@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8857. Times researcher John Martin contributed to this report.



[Last modified: Jul 19, 2008 10:10 AM]