More Regrets The Older One Gets?

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The longer one lives the more facts can be known, if one is wise  

This reminds me of one of the most profound things my former Pastor stated, for me anyway, and I have shared this on the Blogger blogs previously.

He stated that when one is twenty years old they have few regrets, but by the time they reach forty years old they have more regrets, and by the time they reach sixty (his approximate age) years of age they have even more and greater regrets.

I know that human beings being finite, need experience to learn, but it seems to me by being open-minded to facts and wisdom it can save one many regrets.

Theologically from a Biblical perspective it places one more likely in God's perfect will as opposed to God's permissible will.

Public Relations Assist On The Way

VR-Zone & Facebook: Volkswagen Hippy Van Cooler 

My satirical take on this photo is that Volkswagen needs all the public relations assistance it can receive at this moment in history and it was therefore rather interesting that this image suddenly appeared at this time.

On a more serious note, I view Volkswagen as a quality vehicle and automotive manufacturer.

Incidentally, my Mother used to own a Volkswagen Beetle when I was very little, which was a high quality vehicle.

The Volkswagen reputation, much like Toyota and Honda is admittedly very good worldwide.

Satirically, here is some further public relations assistance for Volkswagen, one of the largest automotive manufacturers in the world.

I did some research and I can confirm what I have heard and that is that Volkswagen was founded by...

Wikipedia

Cited

'Volkswagen was originally created in 1937 by the German Labour Front (Deutsche Arbeitsfront).[3]'

Wikipedia

Cited

'The German Labour Front (German: Deutsche Arbeitsfront, DAF) was the National Socialist trade union organization which replaced the various trade unions of the Weimar Republic after Adolf Hitler's rise to power. Its leader was Robert Ley, who stated its aim as 'to create a true social and productive community' (Smelster, 1988).' "

The flag of the DAF

Cited

Deutsche Arbeitsfront" by Oren neu dag (talk) Data from Davis/Mc Gregor: "Flags of the Third Reich" Part 3, London 1994, ISBN 1 85532 459 8 - self made

This vector image was created with Inkscape.. Licensed under Public Domain via Commons.

Wikipedia: DAF

Adolf Hitler

Hope this helps...

More Twisted In Regards To Commandments

Vancouver: New flag

I viewed this short, trashy type, hockey-related article on Facebook news while relaxing after work. But even though it is a trashy news story, there are some theological benefits that can be taken from the story.

Yahoo September 21

Cited

'Model Tries to Extort $2,000 From Jaromir Jagr With Post-Sex Selfie, Fails'

Cited

'Recently, 43-year-old NHL legend Jaromir Jagr slept with an 18-year-old model. And while that's really NBD—and none of our business—the story took a weird twist and became public knowledge after the girl that Jagr slept with took a picture of him sleeping after the deed was done. The woman—or someone associated with the woman—then threatened to sell it to the media unless he paid $2,000. She was prepared to do what other women have done to pro athletes in the past (hi, Julian Edelman and James Harden!) if he didn't pay up.

'Just one problem...he's single so he didn't have to try to hide the post-sex selfie from his wife or girlfriend. As a result, he had just one response for the blackmailer when she said she was going to put the photo up on the Internet for all to see: "I don't care."'

End Citations

This led to a photo of the affair being published online.

I provide the link for proper reference, but I am not at all interested in sorted affair photos on my blogs; I am interested in theological and philosophical lessons perhaps with a satirical angle for this website.

Biblically commandments of God were broken, adultery took place or more specifically and accurately for our 21st century context, fornication. Biblically, fornication would be under the umbrella of adultery as adults were most often married within Biblical era cultures.

The woman was also coveting money from the older man.

There was obviously no love for neighbour as self.  (Matthew 22, Mark 12).

National Hockey League great, Jaromir Jagr will be commended by many for not yielding to a blackmailer, but he also demonstrates as does the younger woman, no shame or remorse in the fornication and in particular fornication outside of loving, committed relationship.

It is typical in this modern age for people to be commended for doing sinful things, because at the same time they stood up to something else sinful.

This blog therefore has material...

I will not stand on a soapbox here regarding the commandments and sexual sin (Exodus 20. Matthew 5, 1 Corinthians 7) as I have commented on my sin with thought issues although I seek God's perfect will, but will stay consistent as I do acknowledge fornication as sin without judging human motives as that is up to God.

For those who dwell on the 25-year difference in the story, I would comment that it is not the main problem. Yes, she is now with someone closer to her own age in a relationship. according to the source. My research demonstrates that most people relate better to persons their own age.

Some exceptions being highly intelligent, intellectual types with a wider social range. So, for example, a 60-year-old male scientist in basically, good physical condition and youthful, may relate with a 20 (+) years old female science student, who finds many, not necessarily all, men closer to her age, immature and difficult to relate too. The same could be stated for those interested in religious studies.

Having a shared worldview would often be essential for successful relationships.

An older man (youthful man) seeking his first family is also a consideration.

A secular relationship coach and Facebook friend that I emailed with, he was never my coach, agreed with my reasoning that for committed religious people having the same worldview was often essential. This can make a large age difference reasonable and workable in actuality, even with societal and social norms pointing elsewhere.

I would also add that even though the younger woman in this story had perhaps, if she was indeed involved in the blackmailing, as it seems likely as she posed for a photo, wrong motives in the affair, the two of them even though 25 years apart still had enough significantly in common, perhaps worldview, to have a type of romantic relationship, even though short term.

In other words, if the age difference was such a huge difference why did they even get together at all?

Would not at least one person, reject the other?

Yes, the younger woman can fake a relationship for potential financial gain.

Yes, the older man can fake a relationship for sexual benefits.

The classic story for millennia...

It is also more societally and socially acceptable to be in a relationship with someone close to her age. This point should not be underestimated with regard to actions.

The age issue would not be a Biblical command or significant issue, however.

But it is also reasonably possible the couple in this story connected to some degree because as the saying goes..

'Birds of a feather, flock together'.

The real issues of concern in this article are those regarding sin, blackmail, fornication and lack of significant love.

But many will twist and spin this story as per usual.

This website, therefore, has material...

Vengeance v. Reproof: Mathew 5 Brief Audio

Daily Mail: Over Syria

Notes from audio

At church today the pastor spoke on Matthew 5 38:42

New American Standard Version Matthew 5:38-42

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’
39 But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.
40 If anyone wants to sue you and take your [a]shirt, let him have your [b]coat also.
41 Whoever [c]forces you to go one mile, go with him two.
42 Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.

Footnotes: Matthew 5:40

Lit tunic; i.e. a garment worn next to the body

Matthew 5:40

Lit cloak; i.e. an outer garment Matthew 5:41

Lit will force

I agree with his basic argument that Jesus is forbidding vengeance for self, revenge for self, but this does not cancel out the need for a) legal justice b) divine justice

I would add that

Legal justice belongs to the authorities (Romans 13, 2 Peter 2).

Divine justice eventually occurs (2 Peter 5, Revelation 20, 2 Corinthians 5, Romans 12).

However, although a Christian and follower of the Biblical God is not sanctioned to seek vengeance for self, this does not prohibit standing for others and standing for concepts, principle and truth.

2 Timothy 3 has the concept and theology of Scripture being profitable for reproof, therefore one can reproof others, Biblically.

Jesus took Biblical and theological stands throughout the Gospels. To the Hebrew religious teachers, to his own disciples and to whomever God the Father willed.

The Apostle Paul stood up to the Apostle Peter in Galatians 2.

Paul defended his Apostleship in his letters, such as in, for example 2 Corinthians, also notably, 1 Corinthians and Galatians.

ELLISON, H.L. (1986) ‘Matthew’, in F.F. Bruce (ed.), The International Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids, Zondervan.

FRANCE, R.T. (1985) Matthew, Grand Rapids, IVP, Eerdmans.

Mahavishnu V. Beethoven

Hohenschwangau Castle, Bavaria, Germany+Facebook & Travel+Leisure

Columbia

Discogs

Cited

'Mahavishnu Orchestra Profile:

One of the premiere fusion groups, the Mahavishnu Orchestra was considered by most observers during its prime to be a rock band, but its sophisticated improvisations actually put its high-powered music between rock and jazz. Founder and leader John McLaughlin had recently played with Miles Davis and Tony Williams' Lifetime. The original lineup of the group was McLaughlin on electric guitar, violinist Jerry Goodman, keyboardist Jan Hammer, electric bassist Rick Laird, and drummer Billy Cobham. They recorded three intense albums for Columbia Records during 1971-1973 and then the personnel changed completely for the second version of the group.

In addition to McLaughlin, the 1974 incarnation of the band consisted of violinist Jean-Luc Ponty, Gayle Moran on keyboards and vocals, electric bassist Ralphe Armstrong, and drummer Narada Michael Walden; by 1975 Stu Goldberg had replaced Moran and Ponty had left. John McLaughlin's dual interests in Eastern religion and playing acoustic guitar resulted in the band breaking up in 1975.

Surprisingly, an attempt to revive the Mahavishnu Orchestra in 1984 (using Cobham, saxophonist Bill Evans, keyboardist Mitchel Forman, electric bassist Jonas Hellborg, and percussionist Danny Gottlieb) was unsuccessful; one Warner Bros. Records, Inc. album resulted. However, when one thinks of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, it is of the original lineup, which was very influential throughout the 1970s.'

End Citation

From my reading and listening, Mahavishnu Orchestra is primarily considered of the jazz fusion genre, or jazz rock, being mainly jazz and secondarily rock and classical.

The first two bands were phenomenal, but the third band, 1984 and onward sounds more to me like modern jazz than jazz fusion or jazz rock; therefore it lacked the originality of sound.

Quote

'John McLaughlin's dual interests in Eastern religion and playing acoustic guitar resulted in the band breaking up in 1975."

Mahavishnu is by far primarily, instrumental and without vocals and lyrics. Even so the very name itself is religious and much of the music, at least, has religious purpose.

Mahavishnu

Cited '

Mahavishnu (Devanāgarī : महाविष्णु) is an aspect of Vishnu, the Absolute which is beyond human comprehension and is beyond all attributes.'

End Citations

A fundamentalist Christian perspective may be in many cases that a band such as Mahavishnu Orchestra should be avoided.

This would be considered by some as spiritually and intellectually dangerous, or potentially spiritually and intellectually dangerous, even if from a listening Christian perspective there is disagreement with the Eastern religious views.

This is often a fear of the spiritually unknown and how it may effect the Christian believer, spiritually and intellectually.

I prefer to deal with the reasonably known with the use of faith and reason in God's guidance.

Note two recent articles.

Philippians 4:8

Philippians 4:8 II

As a theological Christian I can disagree with the Eastern religious views of Mahavishnu Orchestra and at the same enjoy the musicality.

At the same time I can intellectually learn from the music in regards to the need for technical excellence, creativity, innovativeness and open-mindedness in my own life work.

I own all the five albums already but am buying the collection at a reasonable price for eight bonus tracks.

Again to 'appease the Christian fundamentalist types'; I readily admit that my previous CD purchase was more traditional, and may be considered culturally Christian acceptable.

Decca

This includes that classic historical track by Beethoven Choral Symphony: Ode To Joy.

By far musically my least favourite track on the disc...

However, Beethoven may not pass the fundamentalist Christian musical test much better than Mahavishnu Orchestra.

Hollowverse:The religions and political views of the influentials

Cited

'Ludwig van Beethoven was born and grew up in Bonn, Germany.

Beethoven was raised a Catholic, and his baptism records still exist to this day,1 though it seems unlikely that his was a religious family. Beethoven’s father was an alcoholic and his mother died when he was a teenager.

And it is widely agreed upon by historians that Beethoven didn’t attend Mass very often,2 nor did he claim allegiance to any church as an adult.3

However, Beethoven seems to have turned to religion when it might serve him. For example, one of his lifelong patrons and cheerleaders was Archduke Rudolph, the Cardinal Archbishop of Olmütz.4' Cited 'Religion Beethoven was born a Catholic, but except for a few instances, didn't appear to be very devout.'

Cal Tech

Cited

'From historical evidence, today’s scholars know that Beethoven did not attend Mass regularly, and from that they inferred that he was not an orthodox Christian. His actual religious beliefs are not clearly defined, but references in his letters imply a firm belief in an ultimate, benign, and intelligent Power.'

End Citations

Beethoven was documented as likely nominally Roman Catholic, not Protestant, and he may have believed simply in a higher intelligent Power.

Time to toss out those Beethoven CDs?

After all, who knows what spiritual and intellectual damage might be done through his mainly, like Mahavishnu, instrumental music?

I just purchased mine, and although not a huge fan with only one Beethoven CD, I am keeping it for musical and intellectual growth and interest.

Live Snakes Taste Like Chocolate?

News Zimbabwe.com

Daily Mail July 20, 2015

An article from July, but I saw this on my Facebook feed this week.

From Jane Flanagan

Cited

'Penuel Mnguni, 27, told parishoners live snakes would taste like chocolate

Police arrested self-styled 'Prophet' after by animal charity SPCA saw the disturbing pictures of worshippers eating rare, protected snakes

'Miracle worker' Mngungi also turned one parishoner into a horse and rode on his back, fed another a purple rag 

Pastor faces charges for animal cruelty after he caught the Striped Skaapsteker in Shshanguve near Pretoria'

Cited 

'A priest in South Africa is facing trial for animal cruelty after he fed his congregation live snakes in a bizarre ritual to test their faith. Penuel Mnguni quoted verses from the Bible as he told his followers that mouthfuls of the reptiles would taste like chocolate. 

In extraordinary pictures the controversial priest, 27, performed 'miracles' by turning one parishoner into a horse and climbing on his back, he fed a young girl the hair of another worshipper and put a purple rag into the mouth of another.'

Cited

'Mnguni calls himself 'Prophet Penuel' and his congregation boast he is a 'man of God' with the power to perform miracles. They said he has the power to put worshippers into a trance and turn them into horses - and turn live snakes into chocolate.

The self-styled 'prophet' was arrested after South Africa's biggest animal charity, the SPCA tipped off police.

SPCA inspector Andrew Kekana said that Mnguni had caught protected snakes from the bush near the End Times Disciples Ministries Church in Shshanguve, north of Pretoria, South Africa.

Cited

The protected species, which grows to around of 60cm, is indigenous to South Africa and does not pose a threat to humans.

On the church's Facebook page, there are disturbing photos of worshippers performing humiliating acts to prove the strength of their belief.

On the site one parishoner wrote: 'Those with little faith eat only vegetables but the ones with a great faith eat everything. '

During the service the Man of God commanded a snake to change into a chocolate and it obeyed. People ate it and enjoyed it.'

Cited

'But the 'Prophet' has been accused on social media of being 'satanic'.

Morongwa Thapelo Chiloane wrote on Facebook: 'Eating a snake with a holy Bible in your hand? Satanic.'

Calvin Mokabane added: 'This young man is out of his mind. We should condemn this kind of satanic behaviour.'

Gift Murwisi added: 'You mustn't call him a pastor. People just want to be famous even if it means working with the devil. Jesus fed the hungry using common food. These people need spiritual food not snakes.'''

Cited '

'Following a brief court appearance, Mnguni was released on a bail of £75 and will reappear at a later date.''

New Zimbabwe.com

From Learnmore Zuze, September 5, 2015

Cited '

'Enough said; in the last months, there has been an on-going frenzy of bizarre miracles that has gripped southern Africa precisely. We have heard of ‘Atmosphere for miracles”, “Miracle centres’ and ‘Miracle clinics’, the list goes on. In essence, miracles have become the watchword with self-anointed apostles, bishops and prophets are now using their purported anointing in ways that are truly repugnant to the Bible.'

Cited

'It would appear a very critical and basic thing is being omitted in the purported miracles as preachers pursue the elusive dollar. People who teach the Bible have a duty to rightly interpret it. From a biblical perspective, nearly each miracle Jesus performed was done to meet a need and that is fundamental. No miracle was ever performed for the fun of it. Even when he was tempted to perform miracles on the mountain (by the devil) as a show-off, Jesus Christ resisted that temptation (Matt 4:6). Miracles that have no semblance to meeting the immediate needs of the people are ungodly and no different from the exploits of a magician entertaining high school children.

However, despite it being clearly at variance with the Bible, it would appear that it is becoming more fashionable to show off miracles.'

End Citations

Learnmore Zuze states: 'In essence, miracles have become the watchword with self-anointed apostles, bishops and prophets are now using their purported anointing in ways that are truly repugnant to the Bible.'

Self-anointed, yes. repugnant to the Bible, yes.

Biblical miracles met needs of persons, but I hold to the theology that they were also used by God to demonstrate divine power and foreshadow and demonstrate the complete future healing within the culminated Kingdom of God (Revelation 21-22).

'No miracle was ever performed for the fun of it. Even when he was tempted to perform miracles on the mountain (by the devil) as a show-off, Jesus Christ resisted that temptation (Matt 4:6). Miracles that have no semblance to meeting the immediate needs of the people are ungodly and no different from the exploits of a magician entertaining high school children.'

Yes, Jesus Christ resisted the temptation of the devil...

Matthew 4: 1-7 and Luke 4: 3-12: Jesus was tempted by the devil to perform miracles as a test of his divinity as the Son of God and Jesus rebuked the devil stating that the Lord your God should not be put to the test.

Luke 4 has a parallel account.

The miraculous was done Biblically within God's divine will in the promotion of the Kingdom of God and not in the context of divine test and not in the context of human fun. Jesus Christ resisted the temptation of miracles for personal human gain in this present realm, which quite obviously seems the very opposite motives of the extremely likely pseudo miracles of the South African 'Pastor'.

And I thought my newish primarily fruit and vegetable diet, breakfast and lunch, Monday to Friday was extreme...