Dr. Russ donates nil

I have noted previously that during the last federal election, I received an email from the Liberal Party of Canada asking for my opinions. So I informed the Liberals that although I was a Conservative Party of Canada voter,  I would participate and 'sign up' as they requested. I provided opinions and I do appreciate the opportunity to engage in the political process, even with political parties I do not vote for. Stylishly, the emails are pretty impressive.

I signed up to the Liberal emails on my fourth Gmail account and recently noticed in Spam that the Liberal Party of Canada appears to email me virtually every day on the mobile version of Gmail. I write 'virtually' because I do not want to overstate the facts, but there were (are still) so many emails I did not want to spend the time to delete them all from Spam. I eventually chose to delete the Trash, but the emails still appeared present after supposedly deleting. I was able to delete the emails on the PC version. Of course, according to some of the emails, all of the Conservative Party choices are (automatically) bad choices. I have been informed that the Liberals provide progress and the Conservatives do not.

I pray for objectivity in life and in regards to politics. For example, I am not provincially a New Democratic Party supporter, but do think Premier Horgan is a rational, reasonable leader. However, as with Prime Minister Trudeau, I would have dealt with protesters within the law, more quickly.

I think that all kinds of progress requires, for example, the maintenance of law and order...

Sovereign nation?

The end of my street the other day...

Paraphrased discussion:

Last night 

X: A source has told me that many indigenous nations in British Columbia are not under a Canadian treaty. Therefore, there is some question on how much an indigenous nation should obey Canadian law. But, I do not support illegal protests.

DrRNM: That would seem strange, being as all groups, including nations, have submitted to Canadian sovereignty, in a sense. I would think there would be some kind of general agreement, but I will check into it. I am not an expert.

Today

DrRNM: Wikipedia

Cited

Historically only two treaties were signed with the First Nations of BC. The first of which was the Douglas Treaties, negotiated by Sir James Douglas with the native people of southern Vancouver Island from 1850-1854.[2] The second treaty, Treaty 8, signed in 1899 was part of the Numbered Treaties that were signed with First Nations outside of British Columbia.[3] British Columbian Treaty 8 signatories are located in the Peace River Country or the far North East of BC. For over nine decades no more treaties were signed with First Nations of BC; many Native people wished to negotiate treaties, but successive BC provincial governments refused until the 1990s.[4][5]

1."FAQ - Why, in this day and age, are treaties being negotiated in BC?". bctreaty.net. 2009. Archived from the original on May 7, 2009. Retrieved July 29, 2009.  
2."Douglas Treaties: 1850-1854". Executive Council of British Columbia. 2009. Retrieved July 28, 2009.
3."Numbered Treaty Overview". canadiana.org. 2009. Retrieved July 29, 2009. 
4.Helena Kajlich (2002). "The British Columbia Treaty Referendum:An Appropriate Democratic Exercise?". University of New South Wales. Australasian Legal Information Institute. Retrieved July 29, 2009. 
5.Anthony J. Hall (March 2002). "The Denigration of A Great National Question". University of Lethbridge. Department of Native American Studies. Retrieved July 29, 2009

DrRNM: It appears your source is correct. Much of British Columbia does not feature formal treaties. I reason that Canada is the de facto (in fact, right or wrong) only sovereign nation in the territory and landmass known as Canada. Admittedly, there are other nations, First Nations and Quebec, but these are not sovereign nations. I am not making a statement on whether this fact is ethically and morally right or wrong, but within this territory and landmass, those with citizenship are Canadians. They have Canadian passports.

From a biblical Christian perspective, we are to follow Romans 13 and 1 Peter and Christians should obey governments. Even if Christian freedom of worship is denied somehow, I do not reason that there is a reasonable premise and conclusion that supports civil disruptions and/or civil war. Either from a biblical or secular perspective. The infrastructure, for example, of all nations within Canada, is significantly under the sovereignty of Canada. Again, people are Canadian citizens and benefit from such, even without treaties in each nation.

X: Was the American Revolution wrong?  I do not support civil disruption, but believe that there are some indigenous arguments with merit.

Dr. RNM:  For reasons outlined in regards to following law and order, I do not theologically believe the American Revolution was biblical. Yes, I agree that some indigenous arguments have merit. I am stating that law and order should be followed and laws obeyed (allowing for civil disobedience at extreme times, but not civil disruption). If a nation within Canada, by popular vote, has residents within, eligible to vote, wishing to be a separate sovereign nation, then it should pursue a 'yes' vote for separation and sovereignty within a referendum.
---

A truth about Rush: CBC

 

John The Rage owns a record

Shutterstock

Paraphrased discussion with the main server at the fish and chip restaurant that John The Rage fell in love with in the past, today.

DrRNM: Do you remember my friend John, the Chinese, Singaporean (looking friend) that ate 10+ fish with the all you can eat fish and chips?

Server: (Smiles) Yes, he has the record! He 'crazy'.

New Canadian Monopoly Game

Not sure if that is supposed to be near my
residence or not...

The stickiness was the worst thing about it for me
(years ago).

An acquaintance called me Professor Sumo/Protesters close to home

Today near our estate.

BBC News February 21, 2020

So last week the Prime Minister indicated these blockades had to end, but yet these protests still go on this week. Rail blockades 'must come down', says Trudeau. "The fact remains the barricades must now come down and the [court] injunctions much be obeyed and the law must be upheld."

I can agree with the Prime Minister in desiring a peaceful resolution, but law and order should also be maintained. Despite the countless wrongs of the past committed against indigenous peoples and other minorities, and any in the present; Canada is the only sovereign country within this issue. This is true whether or not people agree or disagree with it. An apparent small minority of indigenous claimants and their radical supporters, most often of the radical left, I reason, of various ethnic backgrounds, can only falsely claim sovereignty for such and such an indigenous group, even when it is recognized as an indigenous nation. There are indeed aspects of indigenous self-government, which is First Nations governance, in Canada. But Federal, Provincial, Territorial, Municipal government (s) and First Nations governance are all under sovereign Canadian law.

This law and order, to maintain such things as the economy, is not racial. I am not being heated here, just stating the truth. The Canada of today is not the 'white man' but all peoples within those types of government I mentioned.

Agreement and disagreement is an aspect of democracy but based on what I have seen and heard, many of these radical protesters are not in favour of democracy, but favour a form of government, most often from the radical left. They do not favour democracy and do not obey its laws in this case.

Democracy means not getting one's way much of the time. I am definitely included.

View from the estate.

 

Walls painted black with white skulls

Port Coquitlam: But NOT our former neighbourhood.

This last Friday, some family and I had lunch with a former neighbour and still family friend from Port Coquitlam. We had lunch in Maple Ridge and then drove back to our old neighbourhood in Port Coquitlam and met up with his Mrs. which is also a former neighbour and family friend. She actually used to babysit me when I was little.

It is amazing how much the area has developed over the decades. Every few years I would drive by our old home and up until recently, the house and property looked not kept up. But I think the last time I drove by the house and property looked renovated and the well kept up.

Our former neighbour stated (paraphrased): Your old place was rented out for years and at one point the renter had the walls painted black with white skulls. He was probably a Satanist.

Trudeau's choo choo: Thomas got bills to Pay-CN the economy disrupted

Facebook: Note, this is satire. I do not support running over people.

Bullet Wednesday: To follow teachers

• I do not claim to 'follow' any particular Christian or non-Christian teachers. I have sources.

• I do follow divinely inspired Scripture.

• A good friend stated (paraphrased) that he and another friend need to 'follow' teachers, whereas I can do my own research and writing. I agree, based on my background, as God has guided me by grace through faith.

• However, I am, and will always be more of a student than a teacher, so I rely heavily on Scripture, sources (teachers), fellowship within the Church, and prayer.

 • As I do not 'follow' teachers, I do not embrace the term 'Calvinist' for myself. I did find John Calvin incredibly useful and enlightened with his writings in regard to free will and determinism. I learned much and found ideas I had from my earliest studies enhanced and confirmed by an expert. As I have noted twice recently, in conversations, Martin Luther was Reformed and not a Calvinist. I am Reformed and not a Calvinist, although I do hold to TULIP. But, I favour believer's baptism over infant baptism theologically. I am also not a Lutheran.

• I view the Scripture as the final authority in religious matters. I hold to Sola Scriptura as the Scripture is the supreme authority in religious and spiritual matters. The Pocket Dictionary of Theological terms writes that Sola Scriptura is from the Latin, 'Scripture only' (108). This dogma is in the context of Scripture against the theology of Scripture and tradition. (108). This was clearly a Reformed, Protestant doctrine opposed to the Roman Catholic use of tradition. Scripture is the final authority within the Church. It does not oppose all tradition, but tradition elevated to anywhere close to the authority of Scripture.

• However, quite apparent from my academic reading and research, the use of philosophy can be found with the Apostle Paul (Acts) and within the writings of Church Fathers such as Augustine. Philosophy was sought as a source of intellectual truth. This was an aspect of Reformed tradition as well as Roman Catholic and Orthodox. I, by God's guidance via prayer, use philosophy of religion and philosophy as a source of God's truth while acknowledging Sola Scriptura in the sense it was originally intended.

• I am not a 'bible only' Christian. I use other academic disciplines along with Biblical Studies where warranted.

• All truth is God's truth, but only divine revelation provides salvific theology. Philosophy of Religion (theistic as opposed to non-theistic) as an academic discipline can provide at times useful truth about God and humanity, from outside Scripture. God is reasoned as the first cause, primary cause, and what is necessary and of necessity in every possible world, as examples, but I fully acknowledge that only God as revealed in Jesus Christ, God the Son, provides salvation.

• But make no mistake, there are many parallel truths within theology and (theistic) philosophy of religion, such as the existence of God and his infinite and eternal nature. But Scripture and the New Testament alone, reveals God as triune.

• It seems to me that the Biblical Christian should expose and oppose false teaching and heresy (Galatians, 2 Peter, Jude as examples); but each 'heretic hunter' should continually examine one's own theology and worldview, as a finite and sinful entity,  even as those in Christ are sanctified. There is a need for continual prayer and reflection. Lord, please guide me to be in the truth, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

CALVIN, JOHN (1539)(1998) The Institutes of the Christian Religion,, Translated by Henry Beveridge, Grand Rapids, The Christian Classic Ethereal Library, Wheaton College. http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/institutes.html

CALVIN, JOHN (1540)(1973) Romans and Thessalonians, Translated by Ross Mackenzie, Grand Rapids, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

CALVIN, JOHN (1543)(1996) The Bondage and Liberation of the Will, Translated by G.I. Davies, Grand Rapids, Baker Book House.

CALVIN, JOHN (1550)(1978) Concerning Scandals, Translated by John W. Fraser, Grand Rapids, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

CALVIN, JOHN (1552)(1995) Acts, Translated by Watermark, Nottingham, Crossway Books. 

CALVIN, JOHN (1553)(1952) Job, Translated by Leroy Nixon, Grand Rapids, Baker Book House. 

CALVIN, JOHN (1554)(1965) Genesis, Translated by John King, Edinburgh, The Banner of Truth Trust.

Zombieing

I am listing this because my good friend's nickname is Zombie, due to a sleepy nature.

I heard about this dating term 'Zombieing', Monday evening and other related terms on

Boundless: February 10 2020

and read about related here

Huff Post: Updated December 6, 2017

Cited

Zombieing What is it? Here's the first documented definition I could find: "To be zombied is to have someone you care about disappear from your life altogether only to have them bring a relationship back from the dead with an out-of-the-blue text or interaction on social media." I would add to that it doesn't have to be a text or social media contact -- that's the easiest way to dip a toe in the water, but some people go full-blown -- a phone call, an old-school letter, or showing up in person somewhere you know they'll be. The point is -- a person from your past rises from the metaphorical dead and wants back in your life.
---

In Christ, if mistakes were made in an initial parting of ways, and the Holy Spirit is leading us toward renewed relationship, I am for a fix; otherwise I would flee from the Zombie!!!

The plight of a modern man?

Paraphrased comments

DrRNM: (Satirical) Is that Maple Ridge?

DrRNM: The 'white trash' country music fits the video.

X: Yes, that could be Pitt Meadows.

(I, we are not without sympathy, but we found this video with the music, very humourous)

Z: I am impressed with the ability to stay upright during such fluid and intense movement
     through a state of altered consciousness.

Thank you, Arne...

Facebook: USA?

Whatever...

Meidum.com: Nothing to do with communism.

Whatever (slang): Wikipedia

Cited

Whatever is a slang term meaning "whatever you say" , "I don't care what you say" or "what will be will be". The term is used either to dismiss a previous statement and express indifference or in affirmation of a previous statement as "whatever will be will be".[1] Michael McKenna (2012-11-04), Doris Day - Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera) (w Children's Chorus) - 1964 version, retrieved 2016-04-13

'Whatever' is often a red flag term when I hear or read it, especially during an argument. Not claiming intellectual perfection here, but seems to me, 'whatever' is sometimes used to dismiss key intellectually, uncomfortable,  premises within a discussion and debate.

Dismissed premises as opposed to dealt with premises.
---

This just in from Facebook.

X: Sometimes I think I'd have fun being a protester.

DrRNM: Meet lots of women.

(I realize there are plenty of protesters that are men)

Disney Presents Bambi on Ice

Facebook

I do not eat deer...

Is this a reason some of my good friends are single?

Facebook

I do not think this is in regards to me.

Must be my friend's then, considering their nicknames representing physical traits; some of these nicknames...villainous.

(Chucky, The Red Skull, Zombie, FrankenZombie, The Rage, Manson)

Signed

The Kingpin

My Mom's Filipina care-aide, very recently, told me I should be married and was good looking...again.

Is there some kind of cultural thing happening?

This lead image reminds me of many Christian Cafe profiles...

Girl Scouts cash in selling cookies outside of Chicago marijuana dispensary: February 11, 2020

Cited

CHICAGO (WKOW) — Rather than going door-to-door in hopes of selling a few boxes of cookies, one group of Chicago Girl Scouts went straight their potential customers.

Wrex.com

Did they give up?

Today

Not an issue for me, but just reporting what I viewed...

Smoking diet?

You Tube

Unless you look like a model, you may receive diet suggestions...

Choose battles wisely

More general truths from Proverbs:

Proverbs 23:20-21 New American Standard Bible (NASB) 20 Do not be with heavy drinkers of wine, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat; 21 For the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe one with rags.

Proverbs 20: 1 New American Standard Bible (NASB)  1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.

No like Moonie from the land of the Loonie

Paraphrased conversation from today:

A local television station, during the news, on in another room from where I was, and in the room where X was, was discussing a mass wedding in South Korea.

DrRNM: That is the Unification Church, also known as the Moonies.

X: Never heard of them.

DrRNM: Their late founder, Sun Myung Moon claimed to be a second coming of Jesus Christ. He is dead now, of course.

(Not resurrected, I was thinking)

Wikipedia: Sun Myung Moon

Cited

Moon has said that when he was fifteen years old Jesus anointed him to carry out his unfinished work by becoming parent to all of humanity.

Wikipedia: Unification movement

 Cited

Moon being a self-declared messiah; in effect, the Second Coming of Jesus. Moon's followers regard him as a separate person from Jesus but with a mission to basically continue and complete Jesus's work in a new way, according to the Principle.

X: How come that didn't happen to you?

DrRNM: God by grace through faith, has helped me to see the truth, and have more common sense than those described.

X: So he wasn't crucified?

DrRNM: No, he was a wealthy businessman.

X; Figures.

DrRNM: Yes.

Wikipedia:Jesus

Sun Myung Moon (1920–2012), believed by members of the Unification Church to be the Messiah and the Second Coming of Christ, fulfilling Jesus' unfinished mission. Church members ("Unificationists") consider Sun Myung Moon and his wife, Hak Ja Han, to be the True Parents of humankind as the restored Adam and Eve.

Food for thought (Philosophy)

Maple Ridge

Local restaurant visit after a good report from VGH (UBC): Eye Care Centre in regards to my 'bionic eye.' 

Paraphrased

X: Those carrots are sh****.

Dr:RNM: Those carrots do not look pleasant. I do not like cooked carrots (I eat them raw; I enjoyed them from Grandma's garden in Calgary), but when I have tried mushy carrots like that previously, I have almost thrown up.

(Soon later)

Server: How was the meal?

X: Those carrots were awful.

Server: Well, don't order carrots next time.
---

Me thinking. Would it not be better for a server to state: 'I will mention that to the chef...'

X and I agreed that a top tier restaurant (generally) would have a server take the comment to the chef.

A business that wishes to grow should take constructive criticism.

22-year-old man pushed a brand-new BMW into a river because he wanted a Jaguar

Cited

August 15, 2019

This 22-year-old dumped his new BWM into a river — and reports say it was because his parents didn't get him a Jaguar.

CBS India

August 14, 2019

A 22-year-old man pushed a brand-new BMW into a river because he didn't like the car he received as a birthday gift. The Times of India reports the man wanted a Jaguar instead. According to the report, an Indian man named Akash was so upset upon being gifted a BMW 3 Series two months ago that he deliberately moved the luxury vehicle into the Western Yamuna Canal.

End citations

Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 English Standard Version (ESV) 10 He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. 11 When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes? 12 Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep.
---

It has been stated: perfect is the enemy of the good. Sometimes the (supposed) better is the enemy of the good, this story appears an example.

My theological position is to prayerfully seek God's perfect will and therefore the highest good.

Cleaning the filth off of television?

Facebook

I see I missed this while I was at a church event

From Calgary Flames official website: 8-3 Oilers.

Just like most people on the planet

Yes, most people (even many in metal, progressive rock and jazz-rock) are not really Rush fans, that is a reason why Rush is not as popular as the Beatles, Elvis Presley, Michael 'Fruitcake', Mozart...

I can appreciate the media celebrating the life and death of people with
significant cultural impact. But 'milking' these deaths in some cases becomes laughable.

I think more people need to ponder on what happens post mortem and 
spend less time pondering on dead celebrities.

Hebrews 9:27-28 New American Standard Bible (NASB) 27 And inasmuch as it is (a) appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, 28 so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him. Footnotes: (a) Hebrews 9:27 Lit laid up