Facebook Apology For Year In Review?

Lochness-Facebook

Edinburgh-Facebook

The Independent December 28 by Evan Bartlett in tech

Cited

'Why Facebook has had to say sorry for its 'Year in Review''

Cited

'You’ve probably seen it pop up on your own feed. Like many people you may have watched it and enjoyed it and shared it with your friends. But Facebook has apologised to one user after its Year in Review post - algorithmically tailored to each individual user - brought up bad memories. The Year in Review post is supposed to show the photographic highlights of a person’s year - based on views and interactions - but for one man it reminded him just how heart-wrenching his had been.'

Cited

'Speaking to the Washington Post, Facebook spokesperson Jonathan Gheller said: “[The app] was awesome for a lot of people, but clearly in this case we brought him grief rather than joy.” “It’s valuable feedback,” he added. “We can do better - I’m very grateful he took the time in his grief to write the blog post.”'

The Washington Post December 26 by Andrea Peterson

Cited

'The Switch Facebook’s ‘Year in Review’ app swings from merely annoying to tragic'

Cited

'Unless you're making an active decision to disconnect this holiday season, you've probably seen a flood of Facebook "Year In Review" posts -- a sort of digital card highlighting the biggest moments of 2014, algorithmically customized for each user. The posts are slickly designed, even if their visual uniformity can make scrolling through a newsfeed of the digital holiday letters a bit grating. However, in some cases the summaries can go beyond irritating and become downright cruel. The default tagline for the posts is “It’s been a great year! Thanks for being a part of it.” But not everyone actually had a great year. For some users, the prompts to view their own digital year in review may dig up painful memories.'

End citations

I admit that personally I do not, for the most part, like my customized version of the application as presented on my Facebook account.

I would have chosen different images and events.

I do appreciate some of the versions of the application presented by Facebook friends.

Therefore, I chose not to present my version of the application to Facebook friends and to the public, where settings allow.

I have some public settings as I have two Facebook pages, one being a Facebook blog, two Google+ pages and two Google/Blogger blogs. This being one of the Google/Blogger blogs.

I use social networking to present myself and my academic work.

Quote:

'Like many people you may have watched it and enjoyed it and shared it with your friends.'

An ethical key here is that although Facebook produces the application without express, explicit permission by the account holder, as in 'Would you like a year in review application? The application must be shared by the user, the holder of the account, for it to be viewed by any Facebook friend or by the public.

Therefore ethically, in my view, despite the questionable use of the account holder's material that may potentially cause psychological suffering for the account holder, since the user and account holder has the ability to choose not to share it with Facebook friends and the public; I do not view a Facebook apology as necessarily warranted.

Rather, perhaps a better Facebook approach is to provide the application as user, account holder interactive as in producing one's own year in review which then can potentially be shared with Facebook friends and the public.

I am not in favour of this idea as I think it would create too much negativity and conflict...
Further: 2 Timothy 2: 23 from the New American Standard Bible, verse 23 But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce [h]quarrels. Also from the Titus 3: 9, verse 9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. Arguments over 'Like' and 'Dislike' on Facebook are a potential for intellectual and spiritual foolishness.

Yes, the joys of Facebook spin...

A candidate to remain a Facebook friend although removed as one I am following...

Again, Facebook spin at work...;)

Ambassador Bridge/McDonald's

CBC

CBC December 22

Cited

'Canadian shot by U.S. border guards at Ambassador Bridge Man accused of pointing replica handgun at border guards'

Cited

'A Canadian man shot by U.S. border guards at the Ambassador Bridge crossing between Windsor, Ont., and Detroit was carrying a "replica of a handgun," U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a statement released late Sunday. The agency had said earlier Sunday that the man stopped his car before the U.S. inspection booth at around 3 a.m. and started walking towards border officers while "waving a handgun." The officers ordered him to drop the weapon, the agency said, but the man instead pointed the gun in the officers' direction, prompting them to open fire.

In an updated statement released at 10 p.m. ET, CBP said it had reviewed video of the incident and interviewed five witnesses. Two border officers fired their weapons — one once and the other three times. One of the rounds hit the man in the arm. "Investigators determined that the individual was holding a replica of a handgun," the statement said.

The man has had "previous encounters" with Canadian law enforcement.'

Cited

'The man, whose name has not been released, was treated and released from hospital before being taken into custody, the agency said.'

Cited

'Shortly before the incident at the border, Windsor police say they were called to a McDonald's parking lot at 2:40 a.m. ET to reports of a man with a gun. According to a news release, the man got out of his vehicle when officers arrived and had a gun in his hand. The man allegedly approached the restaurant, at which time police ordered him to drop his weapon. Police say the man pointed the gun in the direction of the officers and asked, "Why haven't you shot me yet?" 

Cited

'Police later learned that the suspect was involved in an incident in the United States with U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers," according to the news release.'

End Citations

And I thought I had difficulties travelling over the border driving to obtain my brother in Seattle or Bellingham, as fairly often my car is searched and I am briefly interviewed by the United States border guards.

In light of Matthew 7: 1-5, I would wish to be careful in judging the actions of this man that was shot from the article.

I do not want to risk hypocrisy or judge unfairly as we are all capable of having psychological difficulties. The level of our psychological difficulties is primarily in the hands of God who is sovereign and providential. Secondarily, there is an aspect of human free will and other secondary causes.

His actions demonstrate one that is likely not in a healthy psychological state, stating "Why haven't you shot me yet?"

At the same time I am not denying whatsoever the existence obviously of wrong actions which led to the incidents; these coming from sinful human nature and sinful choices.

Also noting...'The man has had "previous encounters" with Canadian law enforcement.''

Satirically, one of the things that intrigued me about the article, however, was the statement,  "Why haven't you shot me yet?" came from a McDonald's parking lot early in the morning.

I will not state any more...

Mynooks.ca

Interlaken, Switzerland, Facebook-Travel+Leisure

Grandmother Assaulted For Rejecting Facebook Friend Request

Rome-Facebook-Travel+Leisure

New York Daily News: December 18

Cited

By ALEJANDRO ALBA

'Florida woman arrested for allegedly assaulting grandma who refused Facebook friend request 

Rachel Anne Hayes, of Clearwater, is accused of slapped her grandmother multiple times in the face for not accepting her friend request on Facebook.'

Cited

'Facebook can really ruin relationships.'

Cited

'Rachel Anne Hayes, of Clearwater, Fla., was arrested Thursday morning after she slapped her grandmother multiple times in the face. Hayes was upset because her 72-year-old grandmother had refused to accept her Facebook friend request. The arrest affidavit shows that Hayes, 27, was under the influence of alcohol. Clearwater deputies arrested Hayes on a felony charge of domestic battery on an elderly person.'

Cited

Hayes has been arrested three times before, according to Pinellas County Jail records.

End citations

'Rachel Anne Hayes, of Clearwater, is accused of slapped her grandmother'

I realize 'slapping' would be a better word choice, but I also admit the obvious that writers make mistakes at times. There is also a level of subjectivity in writing and language.

The danger of too much alcoholic consumption is highlighted with this story.

Assaulting one's grandmother is obviously not following the Biblical commandment to love your neighbour as you love yourself (Matthew 23 and Mark 12) as part two of loving God, with all your heart, soul and mind. To love God is consistent with loving one's brother (or sister) (I John 2).

Also to assault one's grandmother is to oppose law and order (Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2).

I noted on Facebook

'Imagine if someone blocked or deleted her...'

Very likely there were offline issues and differences that preceded the rejected Facebook friend request.

'Facebook can really ruin relationships.'

Likely an overstatement in this case as the problems were probably primarily offline.

I do however, see some difficulties with the use of Facebook and social media highlighted in this story.

I have been both blocked and deleted on Facebook. I have gained and lost friends and followers on social media sites.

It is the difficult technical philosophical nature of my sites which can also be controversial, and I try not to be particularly controversial.

Such is the state of the Western World and the Western Church, in particular. There is also lack of civility and dialogue far too often demonstrated.

Sometimes when there is open dialogue, issues can be reconciled. However, even when there is not, from a Biblical perspective, the Christian is to follow the two commandments in summary and to love the fellow Christian mentioned in 1 John and in John 15. There is also the command to forgive others such as in Mathew 18, seventy times seven.

Offline and online.

It seems troublesome that the assault in this story was caused by the Facebook rejection as if this potential online friendship and relationship was more important to the granddaughter than the offline relationship the two relatives possessed.

I view any Facebook or social media, friend or follower, that seems a true friend as a potential for a more important offline friendship and relationship that could occur.

There are of course distance issues that would need to be overcome for persons to meet in many cases.

Social media needs to be in its proper place, secondary to offline relationships (obvious mode).

And don't assault grandma...(obvious mode).

Facebook: Reads familiar...Also similar to that of A German Shepherd's Rules of Possession, minus #10 as they will chew on broken stuff.

Paris-Facebook-Travel+Leisure

Bizarre Faceless Islamic Doll

Daily Mail

Reuters

Daily Mail December 15

Cited

''Islamic doll' for children launched in Britain with no FACE in line with strict Sharia rules on depiction of prophet and his contemporaries

Featureless doll with no eyes, nose or lips produced for Muslim children

It complies with Muslim teachings that living things should not be created

Doll took 4 years to design and is aimed at children in strict Muslim homes

Has been designed by Ridhwana B, a former Lancashire school teacher 'Deeni doll' is being sold for £25 and is marketed as 'Shariah compliant'

But academic said it was 'foolish' as Muslims are not 'frozen' in history

By CLAIRE CARTER FOR MAILONLINE'

Cited

'A doll with no facial features has been launched for Muslim children in line with Islamic rules about avoiding the depiction of faces. The featureless toy comes dressed in a hijab and red dress but has no eyes, nose or mouth. It has been designed to comply with strict Muslim teachings which rule against the representation of humans and animals in other forms, and specifically Muslim gods and their companions. However critics have dismissed the doll as 'foolish' and say it represents antiquated views of Islam teachings and fails to acknowledge that Muslim's are part of modern culture.'

Cited

''There is an Islamic ruling which forbids the depiction of facial features of any kind and that includes pictures, sculptures and, in this case, dolls,' the designer, who is known as Ridhwana B, told the Lancashire Telegraph. 'I spoke to a religious scholar in Leicester who guided me through what was and what was not permissible when producing the product. 'The Deeni Doll has no face on it whatsoever and is Shariah compliant.'

End citations

Interestingly, according to this article from the Daily Mail, to be Shariah compliant, Islamic teaching is against human and animal representation in other forms.

However, photography and imagery can be seen in the Islamic world and Islamic society for political and religious leaders when it is politically beneficial.

Theologically and philosophically would there not be a risk of persons and followers making an idol of political and religious leaders?

Or perhaps this is not a concern for Islamic leadership that wishes to maintain power and understands the obvious benefits of 'positive' images in the context of political power?

This also demonstrates the problem of being theologically and philosophically consistent within radical fundamentalism; it is philosophically difficult to always prohibit images on a practical basis and for it to always be beneficial for those making the rules.

Definitions of Idolatry

Browning writes that it is 'the cult surrounding a statue of a god or goddess'. Browning (1997: 181).

'Paul warns the Corinthian Christians about a kind of idolatry (I Cor. 10: 14) which might have been a form of civic ceremony'. Browning (1997: 181).

'Idolatry is also used metaphorically for evil desires (Col. 3:5)'. Browning (1997: 181).

P.C. Craigie defines idolatry as 'The worship of an idol or of a deity represented by an idol, usually as an image. Craigie (1997: 542).

He as did Browning acknowledges that the New Testament deals with idolatry in a more metaphorical context than the Hebrew Bible. Craigie (1996: 542).

As in one should not covet for example (Ephesians 5: 5 and Colossians 3: 5).

With these definitions, a doll made for a child, even with a face, is not by definition, by nature, an idol or idolatrous. It is not made to be worshipped as a god or God, even with the acknowledgment that all created things could theoretically become idols or idolatrous for persons.

BROWNING, W.R.F. (1997) Dictionary of the Bible, Oxford, Oxford University Press.

CRAIGIE, P.C. (1996) 'Idolatry', in Walter A. Elwell (ed.), Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Grand Rapids, Baker Books.

Reuters, Tehran, November 2009-Notice the image!

Google+-No snow here presently, which is helpful with long work and church commutes.

Non-Exhaustive On Every Knee Will Bow, Every Tongue Will Confess/The Non-Conformist of the Year 2014

Scotland-trekearth

Philippians 2:9-11

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation

Briefly some possible interpretations, non-exhaustive:

Plain literal

All those in Christ (both Testaments, both Covenants) bow the knee and confess.

All those outside of Christ (both Testaments, both Covenants) bow the knee and confess.

This could take place perhaps simultaneously in a ceremonial fashion.

All those in Christ would do this willingly through compatibilistic freedom.

If those outside of Christ are forced or coerced to bow the knee and confess, this is very problematic as it would not be with significant freedom and a compatibilistic model.

If those outside of Christ willingly bow the knee and confess in intellectual acceptance only, this would be with significant freedom and a compatibilistic model, although not worship and not relationship with the Biblical God.

Plain literal

All those in Christ (both Testaments, both Covenants) bow the knee and confess.

This could take place perhaps simultaneously in a ceremonial fashion.

Those in Christ would do this willingly through compatibilistic freedom.

Figurative literal

All those in Christ (both Testaments) bow the knee and confess.

This is done through a Holy Spirit directed life and compatibilistic freedom being guided by God in Christ.

It does not require a plain literal bowing of the knee or confession, perhaps in a ceremonial fashion, because one's life is lived in a way to figuratively bow the knee to Christ and confess Christ with the tongue.

All those outside of Christ (both Testaments) intellectually and spiritually via knowledge and acceptance of reality within the new realm without worship or relationship, acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord. Therefore, bowing the knee and confessing with the tongue in a figurative literal context.

Figurative literal

All those in Christ (both Testaments) bow the knee and confess.

This is done through the Holy Spirit directed life and compatibilistic freedom being guided by God in Christ.

It does not require a plain literal bowing or confession in perhaps a ceremonial fashion because one's life is lived in a way to bow to Christ and confess Christ.

Ralph E. Martin writes that 'The cosmic authority of our Lord Jesus Christ is expressed in the triadic phrase, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.' 

There is one view that an overall universal homage to God is being described, but Martin prefers that the 'reference is a personal one'. Martin (1987: 110).

He notes it is 'intelligent beings' in heaven, earth and underworld that bend the knee and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Martin (1987: 110).

By personal, perhaps this means it is more likely that it is believers alone that are acknowledging the Lordship of Christ, at least in a relational sense.

Post Revelation 20, it can be reasoned those in the lake of fire may have a spiritual understanding of the Lordship of Christ, minus submission to the Biblical God in worship and relationship.

MARTINS, RALPH P. (1987) Philippians, Grand Rapids, IVP.

End

The Non-Conformist of the Year 2014

The Winners

Bobby Buff-10x winner
Chucky-5x winner
Documentary Man-2x winner
Jeff Jenkins-2x winner
Zombie-2x winner
Cousin Buff-1x winner
Manson-1x winner
PMH-1x winner
thekingpin68-1x winner
Super Secret Fan Club-1x

2014 Winner: Chucky

When his sweet and dear Mother was alive he stated that he could not change his monastery lifestyle because it would effect the mental state of Mother Mary. Not to be confused in any way with Pope Chucklin's Roman Catholic faith, which is non-existent. He is of Mennonite heritage true and blue.

Predictably, now a well-fed orphan; Chuck's lifestyle does not change, nor his mental state which is likely set in stone.

Not stoned.

He now shifts the focus for the need for stability, also known as rut, to his dear brothers, whom he now can conveniently care for until he dies and goes to Paradise (2 Corinthians 12: 4).

If somehow, the brothers were to be raptured, ruptured, depart or what have you, before Chuck, somehow 'work' or Father time would prevent a change in Chuck's lifestyle from that same family life that he has lived since good old 1966...

That is a non-conformist, Chuck, that is non-conformist...

Also..

Chuck mentioned that he ran into 'Manson' in Vancouver and that Mr. Manson is still basically the same old, same old.

I checked Manson's Facebook profile and can verify that he still looks like Dr. David Bruce Banner the day after he turned into the Incredible Hulk as Manson walks the street of Vancouver.

After all, he is a veteran of outdoor Woodstock type concerts all over North America and so he might as well wear the uniform.

Chuck predicting how much rain and clouds for the Vancouver area...

Brief On Our Lady Of Death Cult/Santa Muerte

Daily Mail: The Grim Reaper, apparently. Can one rationally, seriously for the sake of spiritual worship, imagine taking a friend or relative here for a church service?  This sort of dark death celebration is not spiritually beneficial. 'Sure Grandma, I can take you to my church on Sunday'. I can understand attending critically as a religious scholar and philosopher but as a serious adherent bringing others into the fold...hardly. But the world is full of those that do not take religion and philosophy very rationally. One can understand why critics within naturalism do sometimes generalize religious people as irrational idiots. Of course one can have a reasonable, rational, religious faith and worldview.

Daily Mail December 9, 2014

By Oriana Gonzalez and Alasdair Baverstock In Mexico City

Cited

'Back-street exorcisms, tequila, bullets and Breaking Bad: Inside the Our Lady of Death cult the world's 'fastest growing religion' - which the Vatican brands 'infernal''

On what documentation is it the world's fastest growing religion?

Which experts?

I found this article on my Facebook 'Home' page while at work Tuesday evening. I had not heard or read of the movement previously and therefore my opine shall be limited.

Cited

Cult first grew out of Mexican criminal underworld - drug gangsters pray to 'White Lady' for the 'chance of a good death' in a world where life is cheap

Cited

Made famous by episode of Breaking Bad - where Cousins worship shrine Practices based on Catholicism but Vatican brands it 'sinister and infernal'

Cited

'I had paid the equivalent of £10 for an 'exorcism' with a witch of the Santa Muerte - or Our Lady of Death - which is the fastest growing religion in the world, according to some experts.

It was born out of the Mexican criminal underworld, where the violent wars between rival drugs cartels has made the murder rate soar and the value of life plummet. Here criminals will unthinkingly take your life for less than the value of a new pair of shoes. Followers began building shrines hidden in their homes to pray to her for protection, help and the 'gift' in this violent society of the chance to die a peaceful and 'holy' death without judgement.'

Cited

'The first Western exposure came in an episode of Breaking Bad, the hit series about Walter White, a teacher-turned meth dealer in New Mexico. When twin brothers, the Cousins supposedly belonging to the brutal Sinaloa cartel, are sent to wipe out White, they are seen praying to a shrine covered with candles surrounding a statue of Santa Muerte. They crawl on their hands and knees to reach her altar and make offerings, just as her real-life adherents in Mexico City do. But Santa Muerte cannot be dismissed as fiction, it's lure has become very real. The Santa Muerte cult now has an estimated ten million followers from Buenos Aires, Los Angeles to Japan and Australia.' 

'The rate of its growth is staggering in the seventeen years since the first church was publicly established in Mexico's capital. The exorcism which I was undergoing is said to help people filled with sadness or negativity; a shamanistic ritual which purport to purify the soul, ridding it of destructive spirits which have taken hold within.'

Cited

'The Vatican is very keen to distance itself from the cult, calling it 'sinister and infernal'. 'Even if this cult is bringing people disillusioned with religion closer to God, it still uses witchcraft and belief in dark magic in its ceremonies,' said Monsignor Enrique Glennie, the rector of the Virgin of Guadelupe Basilica in Mexico City, one of Latin America's most popular catholic pilgrimage sites. 'Santa Muerte does not represent Christian values'. 'The White Lady doesn't judge me for what I do', says Alejandro Herrera, who robs people at gunpoint throughout Mexico City.'

Respectfully, I would state the Vatican response is inadequate. 

If the cult according to the Vatican and Roman Catholic Church is quote 'sinister and infernal', it is satanic and is of the sinful human nature.  

The Holy Spirit is not guiding this cult.

Theologically, therefore, it is not of God and at least directly does not bring disillusioned persons closer to God.

If the cult uses witchcraft and dark magic, it is of the occult and not of God.

Indirectly, some could turn to the triune God of the Bible in Christ, after experiencing such evil. 

However, if so, that would be an indirect result and would not make the Our Lady Of Death Cult 'good'.

Satanic power is definitely spiritual and can be experienced by humanity, for example, Biblically Jesus Christ was tempted by Satan for forty days in the Gospels. Christ rebuked the satanic power behind the temptation as not being of God, as an inferior, finite, sinful source.

The Scripture is God's revealed religious history and word, inspired by the Holy Spirit and inerrant in the original autographs that provides spiritual guidance through surviving copies.  

The Our Lady Of Death Cult as documented appears to be an occultic, movement borrowing from Roman Catholic traditions. The movement being in drastic contrast theologically and philosophically from Biblical Christianity.

Cited

'In addition to exorcisms, the church also holds sacrificial masses on the first day of each month, when pigeons and farm animals are slaughtered on the saint's altar. Every Friday at midday sees a 'prisoner mass', when family members of individuals who are languishing in prison pray for Santa Muerte to 'release the locks' of their cells. 'If Santa Muerte has attracted a large following, many of whom are dedicated to crime and witchcraft, it is because she is not a judgmental saint', says Monsignor Ávila. 'She accepts you for who you are'.'

Vocativ 12/23/13

Cited

'Inside Santa Muerte, Mexico’s Fast-Growing Death Cult Roman Catholicism is still by far the dominant religion in Mexico, but the Santa Muerte is quickly gaining followers. And not everyone is happy about it'

Gulf of Mexico-trekearth

Propaganda & Spin

Vancouver-trekearth

Dean and I took Saint Chucklins of Ridge out for his birthday party Saturday night. We went to a Orchestra event at my former church, featuring very fine classical music largely made up of members of a well-known classical Orchestra. It was good to listen to guitar (classical guitar) in church that was not yet another version of campfire classics.

This was followed by dinner.

You are welcome, Chuck...

At the dinner a friend significantly older than myself and long time ministry worker made some interesting points which I shall paraphrase...

In the Vancouver area only the political correct view is acceptable, one perspective is permitted, politically and socially. Contrary views will be shunned.

At least in the United States there are two perspectives provided politically and socially, even though the polarization can become tiresome and annoying.

Propaganda is a tool used by the politically correct movement to dull the minds of the masses by flooding them with repetitive information and messages. This allows their perspective to be fed to the masses.

The agenda of the elite is a way I would state it.

I would also state that propaganda is a tool used by the elite to influence the masses into accepting the views of the elite as the only acceptable philosophical views and overall worldview.

This gentleman also stated, wisely, that propaganda is lies and untruths and that the persons behind such know the untruthful nature of the information. He cited Goebbels as example.

By using propaganda the elite are attempting to counter the views of opponents, which is often also propaganda and therefore resort to using propaganda themselves.

He also noted that once one resorts to propaganda is it 'impossible' to not use it anymore.

I take it this is because lies have been built upon lies and if some layers of lies are removed the entire philosophical structure would be in danger of collapse.

Propaganda:

Cited

‘Selected information, true or false, which is promoted with the aim of persuading people to adopt a particular belief, attitude or course of action. During the 20th Century all the major political ideologies have employed propaganda and made use of modern media to reach a mass audience. It has an important role in modern warfare and by WWII separate bureaus and ministries were established to promote morale and subvert the enemy. The Nazi Ministry of Propaganda, headed by Goebbels was one of the most effective. In the West there has been an increase in professional propagandists such as people in public relations and advertising.’ Concord (1982: 995).

THE CONCORD DESK ENCYCLOPEDIA (1982) New York, Concord Reference Books, Inc, Time.

The Time encyclopedia documents propaganda as selected information true or false. But, my older friend in ministry raises some reasonable philosophical points. I see truth from propaganda as questionable at best. There is the philosophical saying that a half truth is no truth at all, and as propaganda would exaggerate by nature even factual truths, these facts when exaggerated for political and social purposes soon become untruths. 

A Scriptural, Biblical, Christian alternative to propaganda or propaganda of any kind is a reasonable, rational, prayerful use of truth.

Jesus Christ calls himself the way, truth and life and only way to the Father in John 14: 6, and certainly God's followers, need to walk in spiritual and intellectual truth.

Not by intellectual spin for the sake of Christianity but through reasonable, rational use of Scripture, Theology, Philosophy of Religion and related disciplines.

Followers need to be willing to admit the failures of Christians and cultural Christianity, while proclaiming the Gospel and Scriptural message supernaturally revealed from God.

Yet another photo of Zakynthos, Greece, Facebook-Travel+Leisure

Green Santa,Expressive Arts-Politically correct Santa. Santa has cut his sleigh power consumption by 75% from the old red and sometimes blue uniform days. He also now recycles reindeer, elves and even Mrs. Claus when needed. Yes, I do recycle and am green...

Talesofcuriosity.com-Yellow Santa-Back to his days as a Monk before Mrs. Claus.

Costumes Unlimited-For Arctic and Antarctic Santa present drops only.

Merry ???

Blue Santa-Coca Cola

I will preface by admitting that this is not a particularly researched article, but rather a fairly short philosophical and deduced one. I am not certain however, that much research would greatly limit the speculative, philosophical nature of such a post.

I see seasonal decorations on a corporate site minus any textual or contextual explanation.

The meaning of the decorations are philosophically left open for interpretation.

A difference from decades past seems to me, even in a secular context.

There are wreaths on this site without Christmas lights and with rather dull colours.

Frankly many of the wreaths remind me of funeral wreaths...

There are some rather moderate Christmas lights on site I admit, but not the elaborate Christmas lights that will be viewed in the general public, which I have blogged on previously. Many to be viewed at residences. 

Christmas wreath-The Guardian

Funeral wreath-Blogger-Google+Ajay

On this site there is one rather intriguing tree that simply reflects light. Perhaps this is a 'green' idea to save energy. The tree actually looks well lit and very impressive from a distance, but close up looks metallic and dull and it becomes clear it has no lights. I will admit it is quite creative I suppose as an optical illusion from a distance.

I remember that growing up in previous decades in a very secular British Columbia, even in secular corporate contexts, Christmas decorations would often have textual and contextual explanation for the Christmas season and holidays.

This would usually include combinations such as:

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Season's Greetings

If there was not a nativity type scene present there was often some kind of Santa Claus, perhaps with reindeer, scene present.

But now on this corporate site I see absolutely no textual explanation or contextual explanation of the decorations.

It is basically 'Merry ???' or whatever one wants to make of the decorations and days.

Now, I can understand to be clear that there is a difference between decorations at a corporate business site as in office buildings and decorations at corporate places of business.

The latter decorations being more elaborate in order to entice more purchasing of Christmas related gifts.

Philosophically, however, in corporate contexts, I gather from observing modern 21st century society online and offline, the secularist elite largely want Christianity out of Christmas, therefore, 'Merry Christmas' cannot serve as textual or contextual explanation for corporate decorations.

I also understand that the majority of Western society is not Christian. I do not think Christian faith and philosophy should be forced on anyone.

But the last couple of decades by observing the media and especially online there seemingly has been a conservative backlash against a secular only type of Christmas celebration where the Christian tradition, has been negated.

After-all, Christmas traditionally as known, is a Christian celebration and holiday and it makes little philosophical sense to completely remove Christianity from it.

To do so, is to remove its core meaning, as in the birth of Christ and the related Gospel message.

Today, visually there is no Biblical nativity scene on site.

But on this corporate site even secular textual and contextual terms of explanation are missing such as:

'Happy Holidays' and 'Seasons Greetings'

Therefore, according to the secular elite, perhaps even these need to be discarded in a corporate secular context for the sake of political correctness today?

There is also no Santa Claus, no reindeer, because perhaps that could offend those that view Santa Claus as replacing Jesus Christ as the core of Christmas?

Even with Christians being a minority of the Western population, perhaps in regard to Christmas, there are enough conservatives to raise concerns with this issue, even if not Christians.

As a Christian theologian and philosopher, the adapted cultural concept of Christmas, which is not in the Bible, to celebrate the birth of Christ, should centre around the birth of Christ as the synoptic Gospels describe.

From

BROWNING, W.R.F. (1997) Oxford Dictionary of the Bible, Oxford, Oxford University Press.

But in moderation, I do not have a problem with the Santa Claus fictional concept when used by parents in regard to children as a type of Christ, in the sense of a finite, fictional character that sacrificially gives of himself to the world by providing presents each year.

Biblically, via religious documented history, the infinite God the Son, became incarnate as a finite man and gave himself for sin to save humanity, those in Christ (John 1, John 3, Mark 10: 45, Hebrews 7-10, Ephesians 1-2).

With no Jesus Christ, with no Santa Claus and no textual explanation or contextual explanations these decorations represent to me an attempt at celebrating Christmas with no definite meaning. Leaving it ambiguous enough in a politically correct fashion to hopefully from a corporate perspective not offend anyone.

There is minimal corporate meaning as there is no corporate, as in societal agreement, on what the decorations and season represents and means.

The meaning is left to individual private interpretation.

What this corporate type of treatment means for the long term future of Christmas as a Western holiday, time will tell...

Additional: For balance I should add that at one building on site, for which I am familiar, traditional Christmas music is being played.  I suppose this provides some contextual explanation for the season.

Don't Get Funny With Me!

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I visited Mr. Matt in the Vancouver snow after work late Friday night, once again.

It has been several weeks and so situations could change.

As usual Matt stated to park in front of the small parkade gate as 'no one' parks there that late. He later received a call on his mobile as we were meeting.

We needed to head back to my car and there a group of people were waiting for my car to be moved.

There were complaints to Matt.

I simply stated that I parked where I was told.

I then see some Euro like gentleman follow Matt outside, behind me, very angry stating 'Don't get funny with me!" to Matt.

Not sure why he did not speak with me. It was my vehicle. Maybe because I am larger and more intimidating? I was in my corporate security uniform (covered up by civilian winter jacket).

The first thing I thought was 'Inspector Clouseau' with that 'Don't get funny with me!', comment. Clouseau, once I moved my car stormed off away in his car, having been robbed of a precious whole ten to twenty minutes, perhaps.

Another late night, early morning klassic, thanks Matt.

Bob Ross

Daily Mail November 27

Cited

'John Cleese says you can't make jokes about Muslims - because 'they'll kill you'

The British comedian argued that political correctness is 'condescending'

He said it starts out as 'a halfway decent idea' then goes 'completely wrong'

Cleese added that you can make jokes about Muslims but 'they'll kill you'

The comedian was being interviewed on HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher

He also said that he finds any type of fundamentalism 'terribly funny''

Cited

'The British comedian then goes on to say suggest that the reason you can't make jokes about Muslims is because 'they'll kill you'. 'Who are the people you can't make jokes about?' he asks

Maher who instantly responds: 'Muslims'' Cited 'He said: 'Because the thing about fundamentalism is that it's taking whatever the book is - the book Qur'an or the bible - absolutely literally. 'I've met some pretty smart people in life and you know not a single one of them was literal-minded.''

End citations

Mr. Cleese makes some reasonable and good points that Muslims (Islamists) are not joked about, at least not much, I would state, as it is not considered politically correct.

Also because of fear.

Fear of death.

Fear of other types of political and social persecution, I would suggest as well.

In regard to not being literal-minded, it is not necessary for a historical religious text to always be written in wooden, plain literal language. A text can be written in sections in figurative literal language, as there can be metaphorical language used, as is the case in apocalyptic literature, found in sections of Revelation, for example.

This would make strictly 'plain literal' 'fundamentalistic' interpretations of sections from the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, not always very accurate ones.

However, to remove all literalness from religious texts, including the Hebrew Bible and New Testament is to downgrade them to fictional, mythology and not religious history.

Both an English read of these texts and a serious academic, scholarly study of the Hebrew Bible and New Testament demonstrate neither contain texts intended as fictional mythology.

But texts intended as religious history.

Therefore, those texts had to be written literally by original authors and read literally in proper context to be understood correctly.

Read by literally-minded persons and scholars.

The gospel message, the life and ministry of Christ and his death and resurrection are primarily written in plain literal language in order to demonstrate events as historical religious events.

Yes, Christ is called the 'gate' in John 10: 9 metaphorically, for example, but again predominantly the gospels and gospel message feature plain literal language and need to be interpreted as such.

I would disagree would Mr. Cleese if he would attempt to interpret the Hebrew Bible and New Testament as fictional, mythology for some solely humanistic purpose devoid of God's revealed message.

Saudi Arabian Restaurants Ban Single Women As Supposedly 'Mentally Unstable'...

Daily Mail 

On a satirical note with those black 'outfits' I would not be shocked to find out that few supermodels and beauty contest winners originate from Saudi Arabia...

Daily Mail November 24

Cited

'Saudi Arabian restaurants ban single women from entering because of their 'mentally unstable' behaviour such as flirting, smoking and using mobile phones

Restaurants in Saudi Arabia ban single women from entering premises

Some owners have put signs up on their doors saying 'women not allowed'

Complaints of 'mentally unstable' behaviour such as using mobile phones

Saudi Arabia is one of the worst nations in the world for women's rights

Women cannot drive and should be accompanied by a man at all times'

Cited

'Restaurants in Saudi Arabia have banned single women from entering because of their 'mentally unstable' behaviour such as using flirting, smoking and using mobile phones.

Opine

These attitudes arise from centuries and millenniums of male dominated culture and associated religion (s).

A contextual and reasonable worldview instead from the beginning of Scripture would view both male and female as made in the image and likeness of God, the creator (Genesis 1: 26-27).

Both finite male and female humanity representing, although limited, the infinite nature of God.

Therefore, even acknowledging a human fall (Genesis 3, Romans 1-3) and human imperfection, certain particular female like qualities, feminine qualities, which would tend to differ from male, masculine qualities, would not necessarily be 'mentally unstable', but would instead represent different aspects of God's human creation.

Several restaurants have put up signs that say 'women are not allowed' in another blow for women's rights in the conservative Muslim kingdom.

There is no law banning women from travelling alone in Saudi Arabia but deeply-held religious beliefs dictate that they should be accompanied by a male family member when out in public.'

Cited

'Bloggers in the Middle Eastern state also described women who smoke and use mobile phones as 'mentally unstable'.

'One wrote: 'The best thing is to keep women away from restaurants unless they have a male custodian. 'That way the restaurant is not shut down because of the misbehaviour of an adolescent or mentally unstable woman.'

Saudi Arabia is one of the worst nations in the world for women's rights, with women expected to be accompanied by a male Saudi Arabia is one of the worst nations in the world for women's rights, with women expected to be accompanied by a male guardian in public

The blogger added that one woman crossed the line when she came in alone and 'focused on her mobile'.'

Cited

'Saudi Arabia has one of the worst record's for women's rights in the world. Women will be allowed to vote and run for office in local elections for the first time next year but are still not allowed to drive.'

Cited

'Women can ride bicycles, but only in 'recreational areas' if they are wearing full Islamic body coverings and are accompanied by a male guardian.'

The New Testament does encourage young women to marry and submit to husbands (Colossians 3, Ephesians 5) and raise children 1 Timothy 2.

This can be traced back to Genesis 2-3 and the natural order of creation; but there is a problem of evil in creation and it is not a perfect realm.

This problem of evil can certainly be seen in relationships, or lack of, marriages and related not working perfectly in love in how the Bible would command.

However, the natural order presented does not cancel out what is previously presented in Genesis 1:26-27. 

By disrespecting and downgrading females and treating them as less than males in value, although not the same functionally, admittedly, any culture or religion that does so is not true religion from God and is certainly not compatible with the Biblical Gospel or Scripture. 

Saudi Arabia-Apple

Perhaps On The Bright Side, The New Art Form Of Circular Saw Tattoos Could Be Created...

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It appears that much of North America, although not this area, has Winter like weather in Autumn.

Religion On The Record

I noticed yesterday that both of my academic blogs are listed here. I am not certain of the site credibility, but I received a pageview from the source.

It is good to receive recognition. There are multiple reasons for me to blog academically. These include to keep studying within the Scripture (2 Timothy 2: 15) and also to continue with theological and philosophical research and other related study.

I hope to offer a good ministry, although limited of course in an online context, to others and also promote myself for potential work with my PhD and related degrees.

More shenanigans from work...

Verbal report @ work...

'The black guys are not giving a briefing at shift end'. There is only one black guy...

I then shared this report with the one African at work, also a Christian friend, and we laughed and he semi-seriously stated it was racist. However, one would think his name would be known by now, and it should be known that that the other African gentleman had left the company weeks ago.

This leaves a bizarre possibility that the other so called 'black guy' according to consensus was a Sikh security officer with a turban.

On the other hand, it is true at least that my one friend from Africa refuses to brief at shift change, instead racing out of the office building near shift end.

Racism?

Doubtful.

Corporate shenanigans?

Likely.

Daily Mail November 23

Cited

'Now former Playboy playmate accuses Bill Cosby of drugging and sexually assaulting her in 1970 - as his lawyer brands mounting accusations 'increasingly ridiculous'

Former playmate Victoria Valentino, now 71, claims Bill Cosby 'drugged her at Hollywood dinner in 1970, tried to rape her friend, then raped her instead' She claims she didn't come forward because 'what credibility did I have?'

Cosby's lawyers blast the 16 sex abuse claims as 'increasingly ridiculous' 16 women including supermodel Janice Dickinson have come forward'

End citations

Without judging, in ignorance of many facts, guilt or innocence, based on news and media the evidence is building against Mr. Cosby and I reason he is likely finished as a career celebrity in a similar fashion as was (is) O.J. Simpson.

Images From

Answers.com

A new K-9 sunscreen? With that attitude toward the public that K-9 should apply for security work at our corporate site.

A sort of, car wash. 

Hmm, should I warn any of the people below, or take matters in my owns hands and break these icicles when no one is below to prevent a potential injury to the public? Nah, there is a hockey game on, this is just a commercial break.

Even if that police officer is perhaps 'Deputy Dog', that idiot reaching for the gun looks like one dumb pothead...

Perhaps on the bright side, the new art form of circular saw tattoos could be created...

A new reality television show? I think it stinks and looks bad for the environment.

No problem, one just needs a 4x4 truck to make it up this incline; therefore the real estate agent just needs to find a buyer with a 4x4 truck. However, the garage does not look large enough to house such a vehicle...

Manson Marriage?

Image by Jeff Jenkins: This post receives by far more pageviews than any other article on either one of my Blogger sites. Therefore, as it may be first on my 'All-Time Most Pageviews' list for years,  I might as well advertise and I certainly do not want Mr. Manson as the image.

Polaris/Yahoo

Yahoo November 18

No, not 'Manson' from 'The Non-Conformist of the Year', yearly saga on this blog...let us be realistic.

Cited

'CORCORAN, Calif. (AP) — Mass murderer Charles Manson plans to marry a 26-year-old woman who left her Midwestern home and spent the past nine years trying to help exonerate him. Afton Elaine Burton, the raven-haired bride-to-be, said she loves the man convicted in the notorious murders of seven people, including pregnant actress Sharon Tate. No date has been set, but a wedding coordinator has been assigned by the prison to handle the nuptials, and the couple has until early February to get married before they would have to reapply.'

Cited

'The Kings County marriage license, viewed Monday by The Associated Press, was issued Nov. 7 for the 80-year-old Manson and Burton, who lives in Corcoran — the site of the prison — and maintains several websites advocating his innocence.'

End citations

An eighty-year old man and twenty-six year old woman?

Is this the primary philosophical, ethical problem here?

My co-worker and senior colleague stated that obviously they would have nothing in common because of the massive age difference.

However, that is not for me to judge with any significant accuracy.

In general I tend to think that 'birds of a feather flock together'.

Philosophically and theologically, marriage Biblically via Genesis 1-3 is tied to the production of family.

Under normal circumstances, to be fair in this fallen realm.

My issue with a fifty-four year year age difference, even if the two persons do actually relate romantically, is that because of a typical eighty-year old man's limited life expectancy, it is not a good reasonable choice for the twenty-six year old woman to enter into such a relationship, based on a Biblical model.

Significant limited marriage length and family possibilities.

That is based philosophically on the idea that the man would be a typical biological eighty-year old.

In other words, an old man and a young woman is not a reasonable and good romantic relationship.

In this case, Charles Manson appears biologically a typical old man.

A marriage between a twenty-six year old woman and one such as or similar to well-known celebrity Chuck Norris that is seventy-four years old that could potentially live another thirty years, because he is extremely youthful and fit could be reasonable.

That would be a union of two youthful persons, even with a large biological age difference.

There would still be significant marriage length and family possibilities.

This is an example of philosophical subtlety.

However, the age difference is obviously, if one uses reason not the primary concern in this Manson case.

I mention it because I reason many observers will overly dwell on the age difference.

Far more importantly, no rational young woman, no sane young woman, should desire to be with a mass murderer in a romantic capacity.

Including in marriage, obviously.

CNN November 18

Cited

'Manson intends to marry Afton Burton, who goes by Star. Several years ago, she moved from Illinois to Corcoran, a small central California city that's home to Corcoran State Prison, where the 80-year-old convicted murderer has lived for the past 25 years.

She talks to Manson almost every day by phone and visits him on most weekends. No date has been set for the wedding, the source said. The couple has 90 days to exercise the license, without having to reapply. According to Jeffrey Callison, a spokesman with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the wedding must happen on a visiting day.'

Cited

'The prison limits physical contact. During visits, Star and Manson can only hug each other at the beginning and end. Because Manson is serving a life sentence, they won't be allowed conjugal visits, even when they're married.'

Yahoo November 18

Cited

'Afton Elaine Burton, the raven-haired bride-to-be, said she loves the man convicted in the notorious murders of seven people, including pregnant actress Sharon Tate.' Cited 'Burton gave an interview a year ago to Rolling Stone magazine in which she said she and Manson planned to marry.

But Manson, who became notorious in 1969 as the leader of a roving "family" of young killers, was less certain about tying the knot.

"That's a bunch of garbage," Manson said in the December 2013 interview. "That's trash. We're playing that for public consumption."

Asked Monday about those comments, Burton said, "None of that's true," adding that they're waiting for the prison to complete their paperwork.'

End citations

I reason that there is likely something significant to my senior co-worker's suggestion that there are financial considerations at work here with this story.

I will not speculate how that works in regard to someone in prison for life in the State of California as I am not expert, but Charles Manson is one of the most famous mass murderers in modern Western history and there would be financial considerations I reason.

My co-worker comparing this situation to eighty-eight year old Hugh Hefner of Playboy and his young girlfriends...

Worth consideration.

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