Sunday, January 24, 2010

Coyote Captured in Harlem

Jan 22nd 2010 By Lisa Freedman


While Bronx residents live in fear over itty-bitty skunks, Harlem locals have something real (with teeth) to freak over -- wild coyotes.

A young coyote, no more than 2 years old, was spotted and captured yesterday in Trinity Cemetery on 155th St. and Broadway, then taken to the Bronx Zoo for observation.

She's the third evil-looking canine to be caught in the city in the last 10 years, yet authorities are not panicked. They say the coyotes "probably walk down the Amtrak rail corridor along the Hudson River or swim down the Hudson River until they get to the city."

Why do they make it sound like strolls into the city are normal behavior for these beasts?!? Guess panic only needs to set in once the coyotes actually learn how to ride inside the Amtrak trains. By then it will be too late. Trust us.


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P.S.:
If the Coyote was caught in Trinity Cemetery, it was not captured in Harlem!
Trinity Cemetery is on both sides of Broadway; One side heads towards Riverside Dr., and the other one where the Church is located ends on Amsterdam Avenue. Neither of these streets are considered Harlem; It's probably a toss up between Hamilton Heights or Washington Heights. I believe 155 Street separates these two sections.
Now if you were to go futher a few blocks east on 155 St. (heading towards the Polo Grounds, or the Bronx on Macombs Dam Bridge) past St. Nicholas Ave., then that's considered the "Sugar Hill" section of Harlem. FYI.
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New Governor of New Jersey Began Inauguration Day with Mass


20-January-2010 -- Catholic News Agency Share


New Governor of New Jersey Began Inauguration Day with Mass

Newark, N.J., Jan 19, 2010 (CNA).- The morning of his inauguration as governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie (R-N.J.) attended Mass in Newark, New Jersey, “looking at it as an opportunity to begin the day in prayer.”

Spokesman for the Archdiocese of Newark Jim Goodness told CNA that there were “close to a thousand people” in the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, and that the atmosphere was filled with “reverence” and “happiness.” This is the first inauguration Mass that has taken place at the Cathedral Basilica in Newark.

Entering the sanctuary to a standing ovation, Mr. Christie sat with his family near the front. Later in the Mass his 16 year-old son Andrew ascended the pulpit to give the first reading, said Goodness.

Archbishop John Joseph Myers of the Newark Archdiocese “was his usual charming self,” according to Goodness, who said the prelate “gave an excellent homily” drawing from the Tuesday's Scripture readings regarding King Solomon and the Beatitudes.

Archbishop Myers first discussed the reading from the Book of Kings, saying, “We will prosper if we allow God’s wisdom to direct our lives and our decisions. We will prosper if we follow our consciences. Conscience is not some 'little voice' within that directs us. For our consciences to be authentic and honest, they must allow God’s wisdom to form them, allow God’s wisdom to direct us.”

“Otherwise,” cautioned the archbishop, “we are deceiving ourselves and allowing our desires to rule our consciences. If we allow desire to direct us rather than wisdom, we follow the example of our first parents who allowed the spirit of pride to lead them to taste the forbidden fruit. This can happen to anyone. It happened to Solomon in the course of his life.”

Speaking on the Gospel reading, which contained the Beatitudes, Archbishop Myers said “When Jesus speaks of 'the clean of heart,' he does not mean a narrow notion of the heart as merely a font of emotions disconnected from the intellect and the will. Rather, he is referring to the inner person, to the seat of our moral personality.”

“Is following the Beatitudes easy?” he asked. “No. Jesus knew that and his last blessing was 'Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.' If we follow the teaching of the beatitudes, we will find that life is not always easy. The Beatitudes are a challenge. But as long as we trust in God and stand up for what is right, we can be assured that we too will be blessed.”

In his interview with CNA, Goodness also praised Mr. Christie and expressed the excitement felt within the Catholic community over his election.

“Catholics are in general very happy and proud of the fact that we have a Catholic as governor and someone who very clearly talks about his faith and lives his faith and holds his opinions according to his formation as a Catholic,” said Goodness.

The archdiocesan spokesman also described the incoming governor as a “dedicated and concerned individual who wants to do the right thing here in the state and wants to bring his talents and his ideas to help the people in the state which certainly needed it at this particular time.” New Jersey is currently faced with severe economic problems, as well as housing and employment needs.

Speaking on the recent New Jersey Senate vote against same-sex “marriage,” Goodness reiterated that Mr. Christie is opposed to same-sex “marriage” and that “throughout the last few years the bishops in the state have been reaffirming the Church's teaching to the people of the state.”

“That, we hope, is an issue that is behind us,” said Goodness.

Given the then-impending inauguration of Mr. Christie and Ms. Kim Guadagno, Archbishop Myers offered his prayers, saying, “Today we pray for Governor Chris Christie, Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno, the members of the new administration of the State of New Jersey, we pray for all state, county, and municipal officials. We pray that you will be blessed with wisdom, even more we pray that you will be blessed with the wisdom of Solomon – you will need it.”
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Ethiopian jet crashes off Beirut



An Ethiopian Airlines passenger plane with 92 people on board has crashed into the Mediterranean Sea shortly after take-off from Beirut airport.

Eyewitnesses say they saw a ball of fire in the sky before the jet crashed into the sea.

Wreckage from the plane has been seen off the Lebanese coast.

Most of the those on board Flight ET409, which was was bound for the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, were Lebanese and Ethiopian nationals.

The plane, a Boeing 737, carried 83 passengers and nine crew.

It disappeared from radar screens some five minutes after take-off in stormy weather at about 0200 local time.

The BBC's Natalia Antelava, in Beirut, reports that the Lebanese transport minister and other officials say a rescue operation is now under way, but it is unclear if there are any survivors.

Ethiopia and Lebanon share close business ties, and thousands of Ethiopians are employed as domestic helpers in Lebanon.

Ethiopian Airlines operates a regular flight between Addis Ababa from Beirut.


Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/8478060.stm
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Profile: Republican Senator Scott Brown

Page last updated at 13:34 GMT, Wednesday, 20 January 2010


Profile: Republican Senator Scott Brown



Scott Brown says his dedication to hard work grew out of a difficult childhood



Until his overwhelming victory over Democratic candidate Martha Coakley, few people outside Massachusetts had ever heard of the photogenic and energetic Republican, Scott Brown.

He captured a seat that has been a stronghold of the Democrats for more than 50 years - that of the late Senator Edward Kennedy.

US media have called him "Senator Beefcake" - a lawyer and former model who posed almost naked for Cosmopolitan magazine in the 1980s.

Mr Brown was born in 1959 and grew up in Wakefield, Massachusetts, where his father served as a councillor for the city of Newburyport.

He says his dedication to hard work and family grew out of a difficult childhood.

His parents divorced when he was about a year old and both have since remarried three times.

"My mom was on welfare for a period of time," he said in a recent debate.

"I really came from nothing and worked my way up."

Model looks

Mr Brown graduated from Wakefield High School in 1977 and then attended Tufts University, followed by law school in Boston.

A basketball player and athlete, he also dabbled in acting, appearing in TV commercials.

Using his photogenic looks, he also worked as a model. In 1982, while studying law, he posed in a centrefold - with a strategically placed crease - for Cosmopolitan, as the winner of the magazine's "America's Sexiest Man" competition.

He also enlisted in the National Guard and although never deployed, he has been on assignments to Paraguay and Kazakhstan.

He currently holds the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Mr Brown was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for service in home and security following the attacks of 9/11.

'Independent thinker'

His political career began in 1992.

He served three terms as a State Representative and won his current State Senate seat in 2004.
In September 2009 he announced his intention to run for the US Senate seat which became vacant following the death of Senator Kennedy, saying the state "needs an independent thinker".
While initially trailing in the polls, he soon closed the gap on his Democratic rival with his energetic campaign, criss-crossing the state and holding daily press events.

His victory is the first for the Republicans in Massachusetts since 1972.

Politically conservative, he says that his military experience gives him a wider perspective on national security issues.

He supported President Barack Obama's decision last November to send more troops to Afghanistan.

But he has been critical of the president's proposals to reform US healthcare, vowing to vote against the healthcare package.

In his victory speech, he said the reforms "would raise taxes, destroy jobs and increase debt".
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Related:
ProfileScott Brown
Claire Bolderson on newly elected Republican senator for Massachusetts, Scott Brown.
BBC Radio 4, broadcast on 23 Jan 2010
Listen Now:
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Who is "Scott Brown"?


Scott Brown
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_P._Brown)

Scott Philip Brown (born September 12, 1959) is the United States Senator-elect from Massachusetts. On January 19, 2010, he defeated Democrat Martha Coakley 52% to 47% in the special election to fill the remaining three years of the U.S. Senate term vacated by the death of Ted Kennedy. Brown became the first Republican elected to the U.S. Senate from Massachusetts since 1972.[2] While initially trailing Coakley in polling by a large margin, Brown closed the gap in the first weeks of January 2010 before going on to win the election.[3][4][5][6] Pending his imminent resignation from the Massachusetts Senate, he continues to represent the Norfolk, Bristol & Middlesex District;[7] Brown has held this office since 2004.[8] His state political experience consists of nearly three terms in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and three terms in the Massachusetts Senate.[9] Prior to entering the state legislature, he had public executive experience as a town selectman. He is a practicing attorney, concentrating in real estate law.[10][11][12] and serving as defense counsel in the Judge Advocate General's Corps of the military.


Brown is a graduate of Wakefield High School (1977), Tufts University (1981), and Boston College Law School (1985).


Early life and education
...

He graduated from Wakefield High School in 1977.[8] He received a Bachelors of Arts in History[17], cum laude from Tufts University in 1981 and a Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School in 1985. During his undergraduate career at Tufts, Brown was a member of the Kappa Chapter of Zeta Psi International Fraternity.[13][18]


Political positions

Brown has positioned himself as an independent conservative counterweight to Massachusetts' current all-Democratic, 12-member Congressional delegation.[1][14] He describes himself as fiscally conservative and socially conscious. He has said, "I'm going to be the only person down there who is going to be the independent voter and thinker...I've always been the underdog in one shape or form."[14]


Fiscal policy

Brown opposes a proposed multi-billion dollar tax on banks and prescribing bank executive compensation. Brown, discussing the proposal through a spokesperson, said that he is "opposed to higher taxes, especially in the midst of a severe recession". He also opposes it on the grounds that the tax would likely be passed onto consumers in the form of higher service and ATM fees.[48][49]

He supported the 2006 Massachusetts health care reform, which requires all residents to purchase health insurance. He opposes the bills approved in late 2009 by the Democratic-led House and Senate as fiscally unsound.[50]

...


Personal life

Family

Brown is married to WCVB-TV reporter Gail Huff; they have two daughters, Ayla Brown, an American Idol semi-finalist and star basketball player at Boston College, and Arianna Brown, a competitive equestrian and pre-medical student at Syracuse University. Besides their primary home in Wrentham, Massachusetts, the couple owns a home in Rye, New Hampshire, three condos in Boston, and a timeshare on the Caribbean island of Aruba.[14][59][60][61]

Religion

Brown and his family worship at New England Chapel in Franklin, a member of the Christian Reformed Church in North America which is a Protestant Christian denomination. They also have a relationship with an order of Cistercian[62] Roman Catholic nuns at Mount St. Mary's Abbey in Wrentham. The Brown family has raised over $5 million for the order, helping to install solar panels, a wind turbine and a candy manufacturing plant that the order operates. Sister Katie McNamara has said of the family, "[w]e pray for them every day".[14]

Modeling

In June 1982, Brown, then a 22-year-old law student at Boston College, won Cosmopolitan magazine's "America's Sexiest Man" contest. Brown was featured in the magazine's centerfold, posing nude but covering his genitalia with his left arm and hand.[1][63][64] In the accompanying interview, he referred to himself as "a bit of a patriot" and stated that he had political ambitions. He used his earnings from the shoot to pay for college.[1][63] Brown has also worked as an actor in his early career,[1] appearing in a variety of television commercials and university productions.[14]

...

References

^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Ring, Dan (November 30, 2009). "Republican Scott Brown, seeking to fill the seat held by Ted Kennedy, favors more troops in Afghanistan, opposes health insurance overhaul". MassLive.com. http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/11/republican_scott_brown_seeking.html. Retrieved January 13, 2010.
^ "Scott Brown wins Massachusetts Senate special election race". Washington Post. January 19, 2010. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/scott-brown-wins-massachusetts-senate-race.html.
^ "Poll: Scott Brown surges to double-digit lead over Martha Coakley". MyFoxBoston.com. January 18, 2010. http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/news/politics/local_politics/poll-scott-brown-surges-to-double-digit-lead-over-martha-coakley.
^ "Senate Race Competitive". Public Policy Polling. January 9, 2010. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_MA_45398436.pdf. Retrieved January 15, 2010.
^ "Senate poll results". http://insidemedford.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/ma-senate-poll-results.pdf.
^ a b c Parker, Kathleen (January 10, 2010). "A Republican Senate upset in Massachusetts?". Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/08/AR2010010803591.html. Retrieved January 15, 2010.
^ "Massachusetts Senatorial Districts". www.mass.gov. Commonwealth of Massachusetts. http://www.mass.gov/legis/sendis03.htm. Retrieved January 22, 2010.
^ a b c d "State Senator Scott Brown". ScottBrown.com. http://www.scottbrown.com/Bio.htm. Retrieved January 15, 2010.
^ a b c d Mooney, Brian C. (January 7, 2010). "Guard service a key to candidate Brown". The Boston Globe. http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/01/07/guard_service_a_key_to_candidate_brown/. Retrieved January 16, 2010.
^ Naughton, Philippe (January 20, 2010). "Twenty things to know about Scott Brown". The Times. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article6994769.ece.
^ "About State Senator Scott Brown". Scott Brown. http://www.scottbrown.com/Bio.htm. Retrieved January 21, 2010.
^ a b http://www.wbur.org/2009/11/23/campaign-trail-scott-brown
^ a b Welch, William F.; James, Steven T.. "2007-2008 Public Officers of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts". http://www.archive.org/stream/publicofficersof20072008bost#page/46/mode/2up.
^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Mooney, Brian C. (November 20, 2009). "Being the underdog never deters a driven Brown". The Boston Globe. http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/11/20/being_the_underdog_never_deters_a_driven_brown/?page=full. Retrieved December 31, 2009.
^ Katzman, Katie (January 15, 2010). "Brown's dad proud of son's political rise". Newbury Port News. http://www.newburyportnews.com/punews/local_story_014234708.html.
^ Brown, Scott (January 14, 2010). "A New Day Is Coming To Restore Faith And Balance". Opinion (Boston Globe). http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2010/01/14/a_new_day_is_coming_restore_faith_and_balance/.
^ http://enews.tufts.edu/stories/1618/2010/01/19/ScottBrown
^ a b Associated Press staff reporters (January 16, 2010). "US Senate candidate Scott Brown, at a glance". Associated Press / Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/16/AR2010011600851.html. Retrieved January 16, 2010.
^ "Mandatory Removal Date (MRD) Calculator". U.S. Army Human Resources Command. https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/reserve/soldierservices/guidance/mrdcalc.asp. Retrieved 2010-01-21.
^ a b "Guard Service a Key to Candidate Brown" The Boston Globe January 7, 2010
^ http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=veteransterminal&L=2&L0=Home&L1=Returning+Veterans&sid=Eveterans&b=terminalcontent&f=bonuses_gwot&csid=Eveterans
^ Heather McCarron (February 10, 2007). "Brown on hot seat after quoting 'F' word at school appearance". MetroWest Daily News. http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/homepage/8998943093096972286.
^ Parker, Kathleen (January 11, 2010). "This conservative will miss Ellen Goodman's columns". The Beaumont Enterprise (Beaumont, Texas: Hearst Corporation). http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/opinion/columns/kathleen_parker__this_conservative_will_miss_ellen_goodman_s_columns.html. Retrieved 2010-01-18.
^ Parker, Kathleen (January 10, 2010), "A Republican Senate upset in Massachusetts?", The Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/08/AR2010010803591.html, retrieved 2010-01-18
^ Shor, Boris (January 15, 2010). "Scott Brown is a more liberal Republican than Dede Scozzafava". http://bshor.wordpress.com/2010/01/15/scott-brown-is-a-more-liberal-republican-than-dede-scozzafava. Retrieved January 16, 2010.
^ Gelman, Andrew (January 15, 2010). "Scott Brown is a Liberal Republican". FiveThirtyEight.com. http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2010/01/scott-brown-is-liberal-republican.html. Retrieved January 16, 2010.
^ Sullivan, Andrew (January 16, 2010). "More Liberal Than Scozzafava". The Atlantic. http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2010/01/more-liberal-than-scozzafava.html. Retrieved January 16, 2010.
^ Michael Levenson (December 8, 2009). "Scott Brown wins GOP primary, readies for race against Coakley". Boston.com. http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/12/scott_brown_win.html.
^ "Candidates for Kennedy seat make final money pitch". Boston Herald. January 12, 2010. http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20100112scott_brown_claims_13_million_in_late_senate_donations/. Retrieved January 15, 2010.
^ Karl Vick; Chris Cillizza (January 16, 2010). "Democrats scramble in Massachusetts to retain Ted Kennedy's old Senate seat". The Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/15/AR2010011504069.html. Retrieved January 16, 2010.
^ Carnevale, Mary Lu (January 18, 2010). "Bay State Battle: New Indicators Show Brown Gaining Ground". WSJ blogs (Wall Street Journal). http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2010/01/18/bay-state-battle-new-indicators-show-brown-gaining-ground/.
^ Catanese, David (January 18, 2010). "New Poll: Brown Up 9". Politico. http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0110/31621.html.
^ "Massachusetts County Results". January 20, 2010. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/files/elections/2010/by_county/MA_US_Senate_0119.html?SITE=AP&SECTION=POLITICS.
^ "Brown wins Massachusetts Senate race, CNN projects". CNN.com. January 19, 2010. http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/01/19/massachusetts.senate/index.html?hpt=T1.
^ "Brown Beats Coakley in Massachusetts Senate Race". FOXNews.com. January 19, 2010. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/01/19/polls-close-competitive-massachusetts-senate-race/. Retrieved January 19, 2010.
^ http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2010/01/coakley_campaig_1.html
^ http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2010/01/coakley_campaig_1.html
^ a b Viser, Matt (January 12, 2010), "Brown's daughters call for Coakley to take down ad", The Boston Globe, http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2010/01/coakley_campaig_1.html, retrieved 2010-01-14
^ a b 96.9 Boston Talks podcast of the January 5, 2010 debate
^ a b In debate, Senate candidates seek to define differences Boston Globe, January 6, 2010
^ http://greaterbostonteaparty.com/2010/01/massachusetts-special-senate-election-update/
^ "Boston Tea Party hosts Brown campaign fundraiser on January 2, 2010". http://www.brownforussenate.com/event/2010-01-02/friends-tea-party-scott-brown-reception.
^ http://www.teapartyexpress.org/
^ American Conservative Daily (January 9, 2010). "Tea Party Express Endorses Scott Brown for US Senate Massachusetts". Press release. http://www.americanconservativedaily.com/2010/01/tea-party-express-endorses-scott-brown-for-u-s-senate-massachusetts/.
^ http://theplumline.whorunsgov.com/scott-brown-transcript/
^ Politifact, http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2010/jan/18/barack-obama/obama-says-browns-voting-record-not-independent/
^ "Scott Brown’s Victory Speech" The New York Times January 20, 2010
^ Stephanie Ebbert; Matt Viser (January 14, 2010). "Mass. Senate candidates clash on terrorism, bank bailout tax". Boston Globe. http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2010/01/brown_criticize.html. Retrieved January 17, 2010.
^ Fouhy, Beth (January 16, 2010). "Mass. Senate candidate Brown bashes Obama bank tax". The Fresno Bee. http://www.fresnobee.com/news/national-politics/story/1784255.html. Retrieved January 17, 2010.
^ Browenstein, Joseph. "Health Care Overhaul's Uncertain, Super-Majority-Free Future" ABC News. January 21, 2010.
^ "Brown and Coakley clash over terror suspects’ rights". Boston Globe. January 5, 2010. http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/01/05/brown_coakley_clash_over_suspected_terrorists_rights/. Retrieved January 19, 2010.
^ a b c Pappas, Alex (January 19, 2010). "Where Senator-elect Scott Brown stands on issues — other than health care". The Daily Caller.
^ http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-na-scott-brown22-2010jan22,0,1805237.story
^ Band, Gary (31 January 2007). "Wakefield son promoted to lieutenant colonel". The Wakfield Observer. http://www.wickedlocal.com/wakefield/local_news/x1595355833. Retrieved 2 October 2009.
^ "Senator Scott Brown Army Commendation Medal". http://www.scott-brown.us/.
^ Scott Brown's Offical Facebook Page
^ Suddath, Claire. "2-Minute Bio: Scott Brown" Time Magazine January 19, 2010.
^ "In My State: Massachusetts U.S. Senate Special Election News" www.nfib.com.
^ "Financial disclosure, April 2009" (PDF). Mass State Ethics commission. http://www.massinc.org/fileadmin/CommonWealth/Disclosure_forms/Senate/Brown_Scott_P.pdf.
^ Zillow real estate information, http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/33-Oceanview-Ave-Rye-NH-03870/86805237_zpid/
^ Compared to colleagues, Scott Brown lacks green Boston Globe, January 22, 2010.
^ http://abbey.msmabbey.org/
^ a b Ashley Womble (September 22, 2009). "Senator Is the Centerfold". Cosmopolitan.com. http://www.cosmopolitan.com/celebrity/news/scott-brown-nude-in-cosmo. Retrieved January 13, 2010.
^ http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jan/20/massachusetts-election-scott-brown

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The place of a skull


17And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:

18Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.



John 19:17,18..
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Saturday, January 23, 2010

Bolivia, Costa Rica hit by strong earthquakes


Bolivia and Costa Rica were struck by strong earthquakes with magnitudes of up to 5.3 on the Richter scale on Saturday, the US Geological Survey reported.

Bolivia was hit by two quakes within an hour, one with a magnitude 5.3 and other 5.2, the Virginia-based earthquake monitoring centre reported.

The border region of Costa Rica and Panama experienced two quakes in the same time period, one a magnitude of 5.2 and the other 4.7.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

The earthquake that devastated Haiti on January 12 registered 7.0 on the Richter scale.


Source: http://beta.thehindu.com/news/international/article93822.ece

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Tens of Thousands of Venezuelans Protest Hugo Chavez


Saturday, January 23, 2010


Jan. 23: Opposition members shout slogans against Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez during a protest in Caracas.


CARACAS, Venezuela — Tens of thousands of Venezuelans opposed to President Hugo Chavez took to the streets Saturday, blaming him for rolling blackouts, water rationing, widespread crime and other problems they say are making daily life increasingly difficult.

Chavez backers flooded the capital's avenues with an equally impressive demonstration as the socialist leader confronts mounting criticism and an emboldened opposition ahead of upcoming congressional elections.

Waving Venezuelan flags, protesters accused Chavez of dragging the politically divided South American country into a severe crisis as he accelerates his drive to transform it into a socialist state.

"Chavez is leading the country to ruin," said 79-year-old Olga Damjanovich at the opposition protest. "He's controlled all the country's institutions for more than a decade, so how could it be possible that he's not responsible for the problems weighing down on us?"

Many wore T-shirts that read: "3 Strikes: Blackouts, Water Rationing and Crime. Chavez, You've Struck Out!"

Chavez backers rebutted the criticism, accusing opponents of exaggeration.

"Things aren't all as we would like them to be, but we know that El Comandante (Chavez) is doing what he can to help us, the poor," said Yorbert Rodriguez, a 39-year-old bricklayer.

Political rivals organized Saturday's demonstrations to coincide with the 52nd anniversary of an uprising that toppled Venezuela's last dictator, Gen. Marcos Perez Jimenez. Chavez allies argued that democracy is growing stronger, while government foes said their liberties are slipping away.

Opposition parties hope to make a strong showing in September's elections by holding Chavez responsible for rampant crime, a recent currency devaluation widely expected to boost inflation — which ended 2009 at 25 percent — and electricity rationing.

Chavez, a tireless campaigner who remains popular, has overcome bigger obstacles during his 11-year presidency. The former paratroop commander emerged unscathed from a botched 2002 coup and devastating two-month strike the following year.

Margarita Lopez Maya, a political science professor at the Central University of Venezuela, believes increasing numbers of Venezuelans are "putting the president's capacity to resolve problems in doubt," but they haven't embraced the opposition as a result.

"There may be doubts — even disapproval, but there's no alternative these people believe in," she said.
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Source: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,583747,00.html
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Keep the Faith (Ministerio Guarda la Fe) in Quisqueya


Sonador, Bonao...



Events (Eventos)
Dominican Republic · January 29, 2010 12:00 AM — January 31, 2010 12:00 AM

January 29-31, 2010 (29-31 de Enero)

Sponsor: (Patrocinador)

Fundacion Campo Real

Located at: (Ubicado en)

Finca Fundacion Campo Real
Sonador, Bonao
Dominican Republic

Meeting Times: (Horario de Reuniones)

Friday: (Viernes)

7:15 pm

Sabbath: (Sabado)

11:00 am

5:00 pm

6:00 pm

Sunday:

6:00 am

Sermon Topics: (Temas de Sermon)

The Prophetic Mindset (La Perspectiva Profetica)

Five Smooth Stones (Cinco Piedras Lisas)

Obama & Benedict, Partners in Peace? (Obama & Benedicto Socios de la Paz)

Contact:

Name:

N/A

Number:

809-304-6757 or 809-296-1591

E-mail:

fcamporeal@hotmail.com

Directions:

For directions, please call: (Para direccion llame a)

809-304-6757
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Source:http://www.ktfministry.org/events/593/dominican-republic
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Is President Obama reciting from "Caritas in Veritate"?

President Obama enthusiastically stating his agenda at Lorain County Community College in Elyria, Ohio, Friday.



As the days go by, it seems more and more as if President Obama is reciting form Caritas in Veritate, Benedict XVI's encyclical condemning greed, and calling for a compassionate, ecologically friendly - New World Order with teeth.
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The U.S. President is now denouncing greed in high places.
Is the president forgetting he is in a high-place himself; who recently received a million dollar prize for peace he hasn't achieved, yet?
Where's the peace?
What was that money for?
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Yes, folks it seems as if President Barack H. Obama is reading a script; And that teleprompter can be no other, but the one proceeding from the Vatican: Caritas in Veritate!
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Hint:
Obama's papal visit occurred within days of Caritas in Veritate's release.

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Read the headlines and verify it for yourself:
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CNS STORY: Economist: UN could create economic body with teeth, as ... - 5:33pm
Jul 7, 2009 ... VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI's call for an international authority with "real teeth" to guide the global economy could be ...www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0903106.htm - Cached - Similar


BBC NEWS Europe Pope calls for a UN 'with teeth'
Jul 7, 2009 ... Pope Benedict XVI signs his encyclical Caritas in Veritate ... so that the concept of the family of nations can acquire real teeth... there ...news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8137849.stm - Cached - Similar


Give the UN real teeth: Pope Benedict XVI The Australian
Jul 8, 2009 ... VATICAN CITY: The Pope has called for a new world body "with real teeth" to restore the global economy, and for the creation of a financial ...www.theaustralian.com.au/...teeth...benedict-xvi/story-0-1225747117577


Pope Benedict XVI Calls for NEW FINANCIAL ORDER With 'Real Teeth' - 5:34pm
Jul 7, 2009 ... July 7 (Bloomberg) — Pope Benedict XVI called for a new financial order with “real teeth” as Group of Eight leaders prepare to discuss ways ...www.infiniteunknown.net/.../pope-benedict-xvi-calls-for-new-financial-order-with-‘real-teeth’/ - Cached


*Let the gnashing of teeth begin: Barack Obama to meet Pope ...
Jul 9, 2009 ... This will be very interesting indeed. Barack Obama is scheduled to knock on the doors of the Vatican on the last day of his G8 summit trip ...bluepanjeet.net/.../gnashing-teeth-barack-obama-meet-pope-benedict-xvi-july-10/ - Cached - Similar


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Jul 9, 2009 ... POPE Benedict XVI has proposed a new world political authority “with real teeth”, possibly in place of the United Nations, to enforce an ...
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Video

Pope claims greed has 'wreaked havoc' on the ...current.com

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The Darkness of TWILIGHT



The Twilight Saga of vampire romances, written by Stephenie Meyer, has mesmerized millions of teens. Eerily, the idea started with a dream given to Meyer on June 1, 2003, and was later reconfirmed through a second dream in which the lead vampire character returned and scared Meyer out of her wits. "He was terrifying!" Meyer reports.

Published by Little, Brown and Company, Meyer's four-part series (Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn) rivals the popularity of Harry Potter. Summit Entertainment is making each novel into a movie, and the craze is stellar.

Swirling around an intense love affair between a shy "mortal" teenager, Isabella Swan, and her 108-year-old "immortal" vampire lover, Edward Cullen, it's a story of love, lust, vampires and werewolves.

As can be expected, most view Twilight as grand entertainment, coupled with positive moral messages (Bella and Edward don't have sex until after marriage), yet others are concerned about dangerous occult influences, and rising real vampirism throughout society.

In The Darkness of Twilight, Steve Wohlberg proves that there is indeed cause for alarm, while offering a more wholesome alternative to today's vampire craze.

Single copies are only a dollar. Bulk discounts available (call 1-800-782-4253).


Great for sharing!


Source: http://whitehorsemedia.com/products/details.cfm?prod=85
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How the Reformation Changed the World

How the Reformation Changed the World




Martin Luther, the German Reformer, is generally remembered as the theological professor, the Bible translator, the writer, even as the composer of hymns. However, Martin Luther was also a husband and a father of six children. He provided the church its first and most prominent example of a pastoral family.

While still a celibate priest, Luther wrote extensively on marriage. He saw marriage as an institution in as much crisis as the church - and no less in need of reform.

Martin Luther was a leading defender of the dignity of women and the foundational importance of marriage. Luther placed the home "at the centre of the universe." His teaching on marriage and the family (and his personal example) were so radical and so long-lasting that it profoundly and permanently altered the home. If his innovations don't seem so radical to us, it is because of his success in establishing these principles as Christian ideals.

For a thousand years, the single, celibate life had been upheld as the Christian ideal. Sex, though grudgingly permitted inside marriage, was not to be enjoyed. As the Church father, Jerome, declared in the 4th century: "Anyone who is too passionate a lover with his own wife is himself an adulterer."Augustine advocated sexual relations within marriage to be without emotion and primarily for procreation. A catechism of the Catholic Church written in 1494, applies the third deadly sin (impurity) to married people enjoying sex within marriage.
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Martin Luther, however, declared war on Greek philosopher Aristotle's depiction on women as "botched males". Luther also criticised Jerome, Cyprian, Augustine, Gregory and other Church fathers for "never having written anything good about marriage."

Luther and the first generation of Protestant Reformers rejected this tradition of over a thousand years, of ascetic sexuality - in both their theology and their lives. The Reformers rejection of the celibate ideal of the Middle Ages was as great a revolution in the home as their teachings were in the Church. Luther literally transferred the praises and esteem that Christians had traditionally heaped upon the celibate monks and nuns, to marriage and the home.

Luther described marriage as the only institution where a chaste life could be maintained. He insisted that "one cannot be unmarried without sin."

"Marriage pervades the whole of nature". Luther taught that nothing was more natural and necessary than marriage, "for all creatures are divided into male and female."

Luther actively encouraged fathers to remove their daughters from convents. Protestant towns and territories dissolved the cloisters and nunneries and freed women from the sexual repression, cultural depravity, dominance by male clergy and Catholic practices. Wherever the Reformation succeeded monks and nuns who wished to marry received automatic permission to do so.

Luther had a high regard for the ability of women to shape society by moulding its youth and civilising its men through the institution of marriage.

"A companionable woman brings joy to life" Luther wrote. "Women tend to and rear their young, administer the household and are inclined to compassion. God has made them compassionate by nature, so that by their example men may be moved to compassion also."
Luther also wrote: "People who do not like children are swine, dunces and blockheads, not worthy to be called men and women, because they despise the blessings of God, the Creator and Author of marriage."

"Love begins when we wish to serve others." There is no better school for humility and for loving sacrificial service than marriage and parenthood.

Luther wrote that his entrance into the monastery was "a cowardly act". He saw marriage and fatherhood as an essential requirement for effective pastors. Luther had six children (Hans, Elizabeth, Magdalene, Martin, Paul and Margaretha).

Luther urged parents to always discipline their children with forethought and caution, taking into account the unique personality of each. He taught that: "no power on earth is so noble and so great as that of parents."

Luther also wrote: " There is no bond on earth so sweet nor any separation so bitter as that which occurs in a good marriage."

"A wife is easily taken, but to have abiding love, that is the challenge. One who finds it in his marriage, should thank the Lord God for it. Therefore, approach marriage earnestly and ask God to give you a good, pious girl, with whom you spend your life in mutual love. For sex alone establishes nothing in this regard; there must also be agreement in values and character."

Because of the importance attached to companionship in marriage the Reformers endorsed, for the first time in the Western Christendom, genuine divorce and remarriage. Although they viewed marriage as a spiritual bond transcending all other human relationships, a marriage could definitely end this side of eternity and a new one begin for separated spouses. "Christ permits divorce for adultery and compels none to remain unmarried thereafter; and St. Paul would rather have us remarry than burn now with lust and later in hell."

The Protestants, in contrast to the Catholics, generally permitted divorce and remarriage on five grounds: adultery, willful abandonment, chronic impotence, life-threatening hostility and willful deceit. The Strasbourg Reformer, Martin Bucer, declared that no proper marriage exists where affection is not regularly shared and where all conversation has ceased.

Protestant marriage courts did not permit divorce and remarriage to occur without first making every effort to re-unite the estranged couple and to revive the dead marriage. However, the Reformers held that the community formed by husband and wife was so fundamental to society, that when all conversation, affection and respect between a husband and wife had irretrievably broken down, it could not be allowed to continue. The marriage bond was so important that one had to fight to save it, and failing success in genuine restoration, the marriage should be recognised to have come to an end.
Never before had women been empowered to divorce abusive husbands. Women from all over Europe fled to Protestant areas, particularly Geneva, to find protection and freedom from abuse.
Luther wrote: "Women have narrow shoulders and wide hips. Therefore they ought to be domestic. Their very physique is a sign from the Creator that He intended them for the home." Luther also wrote: "In domestic affairs, I defer to Katie, otherwise I'm led by the Holy Spirit!"
Luther's wife, Katherine, was smuggled out of a cloister, hidden in an empty herring barrel. She became a model housewife and an accomplished businesswoman. Luther dubbed her: "the morning star of Wittenberg" as her day began at 4:00am. Even in his last will and testament, Luther revolutionised the home by ignoring the prevalent practice of appointing a male trustee to administer the estate. Luther directly designated his wife Katherine "heir to everything."

Luther wrote: "It is impossible to keep peace between man and woman in family life if they do not condone and overlook each other's faults, but watch everything to the smallest point. For who does not at times offend?"

Luther's home was described as "half home, half hotel". The Luthers housed up to 30 people in their home at a time - students, orphans, the sick and former monks and nuns. Even on his wedding night, Luther couldn't refuse a person in need. At 11:00pm, after all the guests had left, the radical Reformer and critic of Luther, Andreas Karlstadt, knocked at the door. Karlstadt was fleeing the Peasants' War and needed shelter. Luther took him in.

Luther not only made the Bible part of the daily routine in the home, but he also made the singing of hymns central. He played the flute and the lute, and led his children in singing hymns of praise.

He also introduced the Catechism to explain the faith to children, incorporating Scripture memorisation in the daily routine.
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Perhaps it is time for us to recognise Martin Luther as the true and original founder of Focus on the Family.

Reforming Worship

Congregational singing remains one of Martin Luther's most enduring legacies.

"Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise," wrote Luther. "I am not of the opinion that all arts are to be cast down and destroyed on account of the Gospel, as some fanatics suggest. On the other hand, I would gladly see all arts, especially music, in the service of Him Who has given and created them."

Luther himself was a well-trained musician with a fine voice. He played the lute, composed intricate hymns and was well acquainted with the work of the leading composers of his day.

"I always love music; who so has skill in this art, is of a good temperament, fitted for all things. We must teach music in schools; a schoolmaster ought to have skill in music, or I would not regard him. Neither should we ordain young men as preachers, unless they have been well exercised in music."

Luther insisted that we are to "praise God with both word and music." "God has preached the Gospel through music." The common people need to hear and sing the Word of God in their own language, so that they might be edified. (Before the Reformation such singing as had been done in Churches was in Latin and sung by choirs).
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"Let everything be done so that the Word of God may have free course." Luther loved to cite examples like Moses who praised God in song following the crossing of the Red Sea, and David who composed many of the Psalms. "Music is a vehicle for proclaiming the Word of God" declared Luther.

Urging pastors to write German hymns based on the Psalms, Luther advised "use the simplest and most common words, preserve the pure teaching of God's Word, and keep the meaning as close to the Psalm as possible."

Luther wrote a variety of hymns, intended for Church services and for devotions at home. To teach the Catechism, he wrote two hymns on the Ten Commandments, a hymn for the Apostles' Creed, one for the Lord's Prayer and others for baptism and the Lord's Supper. Through these hymns, Luther demonstrated his on-going desire to teach the Faith, especially to children.
In 1527, during one of the most trying times of Luther's life, (he suffered severe illness for 8 months of that year) with his entire body in pain, the plague had erupted in Wittenberg and he watched many friends die. Then his own son became ill. Even though his wife was pregnant, Luther's house was transformed into a hospital. During that horrific year, surrounded by sickness and death, Luther took time to remember the 10th anniversary of his publication against indulgences. A Mighty Fortress is our God, based on Psalm 46, was composed during this time of severe trial. It has endured as one of the most popular and most translated hymns in history: "And though this world with devils filled, should threatened to undo us, we will not fear for God has willed, His truth to triumph through us. The prince of darkness grim? We tremble not for him. His rage we can endure, for lo his doom is sure, one little Word shall fell him."

Luther made singing a central part of Protestant worship. He dispensed with the choir and assigned all singing to the congregation. Luther would often call the whole congregation into the church during the week for congregational rehearsals so that the people could learn new hymns.

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord." Psalm 150:6


The Reformation and Science

Modern Science as a discipline is a fruit of the Reformation. As Francis Bacon, the father of the scientific method, once put it: "There are two books laid before us to study; to prevent us falling into error; first, the volume of the Scriptures which reveal the will of God; then the volume of the Creatures, which express His power."

Historian Robert G. Frank points out: "The predominant forms of scientific activity can be shown to be a direct outgrowth of a Puritan ideology."

The great astronomer Johannes Kepler (1571 - 1630), the founder of Celestial Mechanics declared: "My wish is that I may perceive the God whom I find everywhere in the external world in like manner within me." Kepler was a "brilliant mathematician and astronomer, he contributed to the scientific revolution with his work on the planetary orbits, laws of motion and the scientific method. Kepler's accomplishments formed the foundation of modern theoretical astronomy."

Kepler saw astronomy as a glimpse of God's glory. Kepler argued: "Truth in religion is based on the Word of God in Scripture, while truth in natural science is based on evidence and reason." Kepler viewed all of science as man attempting to "think God's thoughts after Him." Kepler was the father of the modern satellite, and of modern space travel.

Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727), the father of calculus and dynamics, was a scientific genius and a dedicated Christian. Newton formulated the theory of gravitation and the laws of motion. He discovered that white light is composed of the colours of the spectrum. He made vital contributions to mathematics, astronomy and physics. Newton maintained that there were two key sources of knowledge - one revealed in the Bible and the other revealed in nature. Newton believed that in order to "truly know the Creator, one must study the natural order of things." Newton dedicated his life to know the Word of God (the Bible) and to know the works of God (creation).

Blaise Pascal (1623-1662) made vital contributions to mathematics and technology that helped with the development of the computer. Pascal invented the first adding machine. In his honour, a computer language is named after Pascal.

Charles Babbage (1792-1871), the father of modern day computer science, described the world as a great computer, and God as the programmer. Babbage was essentially a mathematician and regarded mathematics as the best preliminary preparation for all other branches of human knowledge. He believed that the study of the works of nature, with scientific precision, was a necessary and indispensable preparation for the understanding and interpreting their testimony of the wisdom and goodness of the Divine Author.

Samuel F.B. Morse (1791-1872) was the man responsible for the development of the modern telegraph and the Morse Code. This was one of the greatest innovations in the world of communication. Samuel deeply absorbed his family's Calvinism, which he eventually translated and applied to all his scientific work. In 1844, he astonished the US Congress, gathered in the Supreme Court chamber, by sending words from Numbers 23:23: "What hath God wrought?" The first inter-city telegraph line in the world communicated these Words of Scripture to inaugurate this great invention. Morse, as an inventor, saw his work as a service to the Lord. He laid the foundations for the development of modern communications.

In the realm of physics, Sir Michael Faraday is acknowledged as one of the greatest scientists of all times. He discovered electro-magnetic induction, without which we could have no motors or engines. He invented the generator. Faraday was a devout Christian who declared: "The Bible, and it alone, with nothing added to it nor taken away from it by man, is the sole and sufficient guide for each individual, at all times and in all circumstances. Faith in the Divinity and work of Christ is the gift of God and the evidence of this faith is obedience to the commandments of Christ."

Lord Kelvin, one of the greatest scientists of all times, formulated the metric temperature scale. He formulated the science of thermodynamics, giving us the first and second laws of thermodynamics. Lord Kelvin was the first scientist who used the concept of energy. He declared: "With regard to the origin of life, science positively affirms Creative power."

Joseph Lister, the English surgeon who developed antiseptic surgery and the use of chemical disinfectants, stated: "I am a believer in the fundamental doctrines of Christianity."

Karl von Linnaeus (1707-1778) was the pioneer of modern botany. He laid the foundation of natural history by devising a system of classification whereby any plant or animal could be identified and related to an overall plan. He introduced the method of naming each type of living being with universal terms that could be recognised in any language. He used the Bible to provide the framework for scientific classification of plants and animals.

James Simpson (1811-1870), the founder of gynaecology and anaesthetics, was inspired by the Scriptural passage that God had made Adam fall into a deep sleep before taking the rib from him, to develop chloroform, and pioneer the beginnings of modern surgical anaesthetics. Before this, operations were conducted on conscious patients.

Matthew Fontaine Maury (1806-1873), the father of modern oceanography and hydrology, derived many of his ideas from the Bible. He was the first person to chart shipping routes throughout the world, pioneered the establishment of sea-lanes and made possible the laying of electric cables across the ocean floor. Maury was inspired by a verse from the Bible (Psalm 8:8, which speaks of the fish that passed through "the paths of the seas"). Maury declared that: "The Bible is true and science is true … the Bible is authority for everything it touches … God is the Great Architect Who planned it all."

It has been pointed out that science could not have developed amongst those who worship Allah, because of Islam's fatalism. Nor could science have been birthed from Hinduism or Buddhism, because of their belief that the world is an illusion. Neither could modern science have risen in our modern humanistic culture, because of the humanist's belief that life is irrational and illogical. By rejecting the notion of absolutes, humanists reject the very foundation of science. If there are no absolutes in nature, then results in experimentation can only be relative. If everything is relative, then engineering, and other branches of science, becomes impossible.

A proper, philosophical base for investigating the universe was needed, and only the Christian doctrine of Creation has provided that base. The Creator established Laws for people and Laws for the natural world. A created universe was expected to have design, order and purpose. Man using his created, rational mind, could study this ordered universe in a rational way and seek to discover its laws. Modern science is based upon this assumption of scientific law. In addition, the moral laws given by the Creator established the ethical basis for science. Scientists must be honest and truthful. If this universe were not created, if it is merely the product of chance, then no intelligence would be involved. There could be no reason to expect such a universe to operate in a rational or consistent way. Man's mind would also be the product of chance and would not be capable of reason or logic. Hence, a materialistic philosophy could not provide any foundation for science. Many ardent atheists dominate science today, but they are working off the foundations and pre-suppositions of Christianity.
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The irrefutable fact is that Christianity gave birth to modern science. The scientific revolution began in the Protestant Reformation and the Bible played a vital part in the development of scientific discovery. Every major branch of science was developed by a Bible-believing Christian. The Bible essentially created science.

When we get into a car, start the engine, turn on the lights, drive to hospital, receive an anaesthetic before an operation, and have an effective operation done in a germ-free environment, we need to remember that we owe it to the Reformation. As Isaac Watts declared in his great Christmas carol: "Joy to the World", Jesus makes His blessings flow "far as the curse is found."

"No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow, far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found, far as, far as, the curse is found."

The Reformation and Education

The phenomenon of education for the masses has its roots in Christianity. Christianity is a teaching religion. The greatest universities worldwide were started by Christians in fulfilment of the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The roots of education for the common person goes back to the Reformation, and, especially, to John Calvin.

"The modern idea of popular education - that is, education for everyone - first arose in Europe during the Protestant Reformation." (Dr. Samuel Blumenfeld - Is Public Education necessary?)

American educator, Dr. Samuel Blumenfeld, came to Christ through reading Calvin's Institutes of the Christian religion. As Blumenfeld did his research on education, he found that, when it came to the concept of education for the common man, all roads led to Calvin. It was as he read the primary documents, that he came to place his faith in Christ.

"Wherever Calvinism has gone, it has carried the school with it and has given a powerful impulse to popular education. It is a system which demands intellectual manhood. In fact, we say that its very existence is tied up with education of the people." (Dr. Loraine Boettner - The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination).

Calvin's Academy at Geneva was the model for many of the early colleges and universities established by the Puritans and their successors in America.

Calvin advocated that the purpose of education is for people to know God and to glorify Him as God - that in our vocation and in our life we might know "the knowledge of God, the Creator and Redeemer." The content of education must begin with the Scriptures, and continue into God's Creation.

In Geneva, Calvin promoted education for everyone, which has become the pattern for our day. When John Knox fled from Scotland and sought freedom from persecution in Geneva, he declared that Geneva had become the greatest school of Christ since the time of the Apostles.

Calvin emphasised the importance of education having moral relevance. Calvin also was insistent that it was the parents' responsibility to educate their children. Therefore the control of education should remain with the parents.

Of America's first 126 universities, 123 were Christian. This included Harvard, Yale, Princeton, etc.

The Reformation also produced some of the greatest works of literature. William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was one of the world's greatest writers. Scriptural quotes and Biblical images from the Geneva Bible permeate Shakespeare's writings.

Similarly, John Bunyan (1628-1688) gave the world one of the greatest novels ever written - Pilgrim's Progress. This parable of the Christian life is one of the all-time most published and widely read books in the history of the world.

John Milton (1608-1674) author of Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained was the secretary to Oliver Cromwell, and also a Puritan.
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Many music critics declare that Bach was the greatest musician that ever lived. J.S. Bach was an unsurpassed genius, and is acknowledged as the father of modern music. He left no musical form as he found it, says one critic. On the other hand, with every form he touched, he seemed to have said the last word. Bach's teaching notebooks and violin books have been the basis for music theory and practice ever since. Johan Sebastian Bach was a Protestant Christian, a Lutheran. Most of his library consisted of Protestant writings, including all of Luther's writings. Bach taught his pupils that music is an act of worship and all musicians need to commit their talents to the Lord Jesus Christ.

As one critic said: "Bach is to music what Shakespeare is to literature. They are both the greatest." And they were both Protestant Christians.


Free Enterprise and the Work Ethic

Along with some of the greatest art and literature, the Reformation brought about the greatest industrial advances and prosperity ever experienced in history.

The Protestant work ethic, which helped to bring about great prosperity in Western Europe and North America, arose mostly through the Protestant Reformers - particularly John Calvin. "The most dynamic businessmen were to be found in Protestant Holland and the most vigorous industrial growth in Protestant England, both states heavily tinctured with Calvinism." (Historian Richard Dunn).

Max Webber, in his famous book: "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism" (1905), attributed the Capitalist Revolution to Calvinism, its worldly asceticism and Protestant work ethic.

Calvin upheld the right of private ownership of property, taught the Biblical concept of stewardship, promoted free enterprise and freed money from the bondage to which it had been held for centuries by the forbidding of interest being charged. By allowing interest and promoting the work ethic, Calvin unleashed all the powers that capitalism has produced. As a result, the free enterprise system has generated the highest standards of living, the longest life expectancy and the greatest advances in industry and medicine ever experienced in history.

For these and so many other reasons, the Reformation in Europe during the 16th century has to be seen as one of the most important epochs in the history of the world. The Reformation gave us the Bible - now freely available in our own languages. The Reformation also pioneered the now-almost universally acknowledged principles of religious freedom, liberty of conscience, the rule of law, separation of powers and constitutionally limited Republics. All of these foundational principles were unthinkable before the Reformation. The Reformers emphasis on God's sovereignty, that Scripture alone is the final authority, that Christ alone is the head of the Church, that justification is by God's grace, on the basis of the finished work of Christ, received by grace alone. Their teachings on the depravity of man, the Covenant and Church government has influenced law and liberty throughout the Western world and beyond. All of us are beneficiaries of this tremendous movement for Faith and Freedom. It is time that we re-examined the history and the principles of the Reformation.

"If I profess with the loudest voice and clearest exposition every portion of the truth of God, except precisely that point which the world and the devil are at that moment attacking, then I am not confessing Christ, however boldly I may be professing Him. Where the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is proved; and to be steady on all the battle front besides is mere flight and disgrace if he flinches at that point." Martin Luther

Dr. Peter Hammond
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Source:http://www.frontline.org.za/articles/howreformation_changedworld.htm
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