By Reverend Mark Hunnemann
Arguments consist of two parts--premise/s (which are reasons given), and the conclusion itself. Premises/reasons are given to make the conclusion plausible. The art of critical thinking is to analyze carefully the premises we deem persuasive for the conclusion we hold..often fiercely.
Hey, we all make mistakes in reasoning, but surely we would desire to minimize their occurrence. However, what I like about logic is that it reveals when we are so wed to some position, that we close our ears and eyes to any evidence that may challenge our beloved belief. Surely that is a good thing!
With minimal comment, I want to list the top-few most frequent errors in logic (common sense) that WE commit re:a whole host of subjects, with special emphasis on biblical interpretation and the paranormal. Soon, I will list fundamental rules of hermeneutics, which closely align with logic, and show even more clearly how to understand what the bible says re:the afterlife.
What I list, someone else may add thus and so. Thus is the nature of inductive logic.....
1. Though not a fallacy, when we are arguing our case, we must clarify our terms...define them carefully.
2. Ad Hominem Argument--Disputing a position or argument by attacking or criticizing its source.Talk radio hosts commit this frequently.
3. Straw Man--disputing a position by exaggerating it, misrepresenting it, or otherwise distorting it. Putting the worst possible spin on an opponents's ideas. For example, when my view is called "fundamentalist". that implies stupidity and lack of intelligence.
4. Hasty conclusion--also known as over-generalizing. A powerful anecdotal experience has misled many otherwise solid Christians.I have yet to meet anyone (exorcists, etc.) who has had an experience similar to what I had (I have to leave details ambiguous). The point being is that nobody has had a more powerful display of supernatural power, and the source IS DEMONIC. Don't drone on about what your read...I have seen and felt it..and it is demonic.Using bad analogies is another way of committing this fallacy.
5. Group think--when loyalty to a group values affects one's own judgment in ways that range from the amusing to the dangerous. I have written re: "Plausibility Structures" in which we seek safety in groups which make it easy for us to believe in commonly held, but not rationally defensed, beliefs.
6. Red Herring--this ia an attention span fallacy. Amused to death, as Postman said, we are now unable to follow a sustained logical argument, since we are addicted to constant stream of vivid images..This attention span fallacy works best on those who are unable to stay focused long enough to notice that the question answered was not the question asked. My son Jack is very good at spotting this.
7. Wishful thinking--this is basically a refusal to believe the truth.....known as "Ostrich fallacy." In prelude to my book, I pled with folks to avoid this fallacy. If conclusion is not in line with what they believe, then many will not even read differing opinion, no matter how serious the issue.
8. Argument from Popularity--if "everybody in their group believes it, it must be true." My parents taught me to not follow the crowd. Just because an issue (e.g. residual energy) is universally accepted by paranormal community, does not prove it is right.
How does each one of these fallacies effect what you believe? Are you persuadable? "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." No tonnage of anecdotal evidence--especially given Satan's deception--can compare with the clarity of God's Word.
Think clearly for God's glory.....Mark
Mark Hunnemann is the author of Seeing Ghosts Through God's Eyes: A Worldview Analysis of Earthbound Spirits. It's also available in eBook format.
Looking inside the spiritual & literary worlds
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Monday, May 4, 2015
Update on the 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake in Nepal
May 5th Update: The death toll is now over 7200. To read more about the earthquake, here's a CNN link: http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/03/asia/nepal-earthquake
If you would like to help, please read more from the Tibet Fund's website.
On April 25, 2015, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake shook Nepal, taking a huge toll on human life and property. With over 3,700 confirmed dead, and the number continuing to rise, rescue efforts are still under way. According to The Guardian, more than half the houses in the city of Bhaktapur, just outside the city of Kathmandu, have been destroyed. Hundreds of homes in Patan, Kathmandu and neighboring towns have also been lost. Thousands more in the Buddhist regions of Northern Nepal are now leveled, leaving tens of thousands homeless. The official death toll in these areas is unknown due to inadequate data, and sporadic reports from these rural areas are our only glimpses of this earthquake’s true devastation.
This disaster has devastated the Tibetan community in Nepal, especially in remote areas close to the quake’s epicenter. Currently, there are more than 20,000 Tibetan refugees and hundreds of thousands of Tibetan Buddhist practitioners living along the Himalayan Buddhist Belt in Nepal. Reports state that the Tibetan Refugee Settlement at Syabru Bensi has been heavily damaged, with the majority of homes in the settlement having collapsed. Monasteries and centers of Buddhist learning in the remote areas of Bhagang and Liphing in Tatopani have also been leveled by the quake. The rebuilding process will be a monumental task requiring financial support for years to come.
The Tibet Fund has established an Emergency Earthquake Relief Fund and is working with credible and reliable partners in Nepal, such as the Snow Lion Foundation and The Himalayan Society for Youth and Women Empowerment (HSYWE) to ensure that resources reach those most affected by the quake. These organizations are bringing urgently needed supplies and assistance to survivors and coordinating long-term efforts to rebuild communities. Even a small contribution will make a huge difference in the lives of those who have been tragically affected by the natural disaster.
The Tibet Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; as such all donations are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. You can contribute online below to donate or send a check made out to The Tibet Fund with a note "Emergency Earthquake Relief Fund" on the memo line and send it to The Tibet Fund, 241 East 32nd Street, New York, NY 10016.
A Message from The 14th Dalai Lama About The Tibet Fund
The Tibetan people are grateful for the place they hold in the hearts and minds of so many people around the world. Were it not for our community in exile, so generously supported by individuals, organizations and governments, our nation would be little more than a shattered remnant of a people…our culture, religion and national identity effectively eliminated.
Over the past 30 years, The Tibet Fund has worked closely with our Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamsala to meet the needs of the Tibetan community. The Tibet Fund has raised millions of dollars to help our people to build schools and provide housing and infrastructure, health care and education to the Tibetan community, in exile and in Tibet. The Tibet Fund has also provided resources to strengthen cultural institutions and projects that are essential for the preservation of our cultural heritage, the very seed of our civilization.
While Tibet needs the compassion of the world community to survive, we cannot hope through mere words to convince the world of Tibet's value. We must set an example by our own practice. We are hard at work creating a modern society and democratic institutions based on the values of compassion, nonviolence and justice. Our communities are striving for self-sufficiency and self-determination.
I would like to express my gratitude to all the friends who have generously contributed to The Tibet Fund over the years, with the hope that you will continue to support us until our difficulties have been finally and justly resolved.
Saturday, May 2, 2015
God Can Minister To Us In Dreams...But Can Satan And His Demons Influence Us While We Dream?
The Bible says God speaks through the dream, and we have about 50 dreams in the Bible proving this. My experience also confirms this.his topic has been discussed hundred times over along with the feelings of many that demons can come to you in your dreams and physically harm one. I'll keep it brief and it's just my humble opinion from A biblical point of view. The bible has examples of God speaking to people in dreams and telling us he will speak through dreams. The following are some examples.
And they replied "we both had dreams but no one can tell us what they mean.”
“Interpreting dreams is God’s business,” Joseph replied.
“Go ahead and tell me your dreams"
"Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers."
Freud once opined that dreams are the "royal road to the unconscious." That road, my friend, is a public conveyance. Incubi and succubi wait around for a hackney-cab to your hallucinations, and, once inside, can roam the streets with impunity, like vandals sacking Rome, like Michigan fans after the Rose Bowl. I feel saying some kind of protection prayer from this possible phenomenon after your initial prayers.
Interpreting dreams
Some people feel dreams usually need interpretation unless an angel is involved where God would be giving us a direct instruction.
If you really truly in your heart of hearts feel you have heard from God, does not mean everyone will welcome your dream. In fact the contrary is true. Your dream will be opposed just like Joseph’s and Jesus’ and Nehemiah’s or Paul’s. However this should not stop you from sharing if someone happens to come to you with questions about the Bible or the proper opportunity arises where you could maybe speak about it. But you never be embarrassed or deny Jesus Christ or God The Father if you are a believer!! Never deny that to anybody! I don't care if it's the president of the United States. The Gospel says it "if you deny me to man I will deny you to the Father". You will not be in the book of life. If you know your dream is from God, hold on to it, pray it back to God when the storms and wind come storming in. The brothers of Joseph conspired against him. They threw him into the pit sold him into slavery and he ended up in Potiphar’s house as a servant. It was as if his dream bought and brought him trouble.
"For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God." "And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry."
Habakkuk 2:2-3 (KJV)
Genesis 40:8 (NLT) Jacob Dreamed
11 Then the Angel of God spoke to me in a dream, saying, 'Jacob.' And I said, 'Here I am.'24 But God had come to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said to him, "Be careful that you speak to Jacob neither good nor bad."
Gen 31:11,24
Genesis 28
12 Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.
"And the Lord said to them, “Now listen to what I say: “If there were prophets among you,I, the Lord, would reveal myself in visions. I would speak to them in dreams."
Numbers 12:6 (NLT)
"He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they lie in their beds." Job 33:15 (NLT)
"And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams" Acts 2:17
What I do is keep a pen and paper next to my bed to take notes of any odd dreams so I can remember them because many people, and I am among them tend to forget what they have dreamed the longer they are awake. What took place seems to fade rather quickly upon waking up from these. I'm not sure why that happens. Could be a number of reasons for this but if you write down some notes upon waking that will really up possibly in understanding what exactly took place in the dreams you are having.
What is the difference between a dream and a vision? In my humble opinion is a dream is a story communicated in picture that takes place when you are asleep. A vision is when you are awake and see reality part and are either watching or end up participating in it as John did in the book of Revelation. Both can have similarities, though the visions oftentimes appear more symbolic. But we all have our own feelings on this subject.
God can be everywhere at the same time. Satan cannot be everywhere at the same time. Since Satan was booted out of heaven, there has been a fight for dominion. Satan tries to accomplish his goal of dominion of your life through his demons he sends forth into our realm to torment us. Satan however, cannot be everywhere at the same time.
The enemy sends forth and assigns his demons or demonic spirits to people, you, your family, your church, cities, denominations, governments, countries, hospitals, institutions, leaders, through music, through television, through drugs, through immoral sex, through perverted sex, through alcohol, etc. In very simple terms, God represents the light or the good and satan represent the dark or the bad. Just as God and His Holy Spirit is active daily, so is satan and his demons or demonic forces and principalities.
Written by Jennifer Lori Auld
And they replied "we both had dreams but no one can tell us what they mean.”
“Interpreting dreams is God’s business,” Joseph replied.
“Go ahead and tell me your dreams"
"Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers."
Freud once opined that dreams are the "royal road to the unconscious." That road, my friend, is a public conveyance. Incubi and succubi wait around for a hackney-cab to your hallucinations, and, once inside, can roam the streets with impunity, like vandals sacking Rome, like Michigan fans after the Rose Bowl. I feel saying some kind of protection prayer from this possible phenomenon after your initial prayers.
Interpreting dreams
Some people feel dreams usually need interpretation unless an angel is involved where God would be giving us a direct instruction.
If you really truly in your heart of hearts feel you have heard from God, does not mean everyone will welcome your dream. In fact the contrary is true. Your dream will be opposed just like Joseph’s and Jesus’ and Nehemiah’s or Paul’s. However this should not stop you from sharing if someone happens to come to you with questions about the Bible or the proper opportunity arises where you could maybe speak about it. But you never be embarrassed or deny Jesus Christ or God The Father if you are a believer!! Never deny that to anybody! I don't care if it's the president of the United States. The Gospel says it "if you deny me to man I will deny you to the Father". You will not be in the book of life. If you know your dream is from God, hold on to it, pray it back to God when the storms and wind come storming in. The brothers of Joseph conspired against him. They threw him into the pit sold him into slavery and he ended up in Potiphar’s house as a servant. It was as if his dream bought and brought him trouble.
"For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God." "And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry."
Habakkuk 2:2-3 (KJV)
Genesis 40:8 (NLT) Jacob Dreamed
11 Then the Angel of God spoke to me in a dream, saying, 'Jacob.' And I said, 'Here I am.'24 But God had come to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said to him, "Be careful that you speak to Jacob neither good nor bad."
Gen 31:11,24
Genesis 28
12 Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.
"And the Lord said to them, “Now listen to what I say: “If there were prophets among you,I, the Lord, would reveal myself in visions. I would speak to them in dreams."
Numbers 12:6 (NLT)
"He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they lie in their beds." Job 33:15 (NLT)
"And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams" Acts 2:17
What I do is keep a pen and paper next to my bed to take notes of any odd dreams so I can remember them because many people, and I am among them tend to forget what they have dreamed the longer they are awake. What took place seems to fade rather quickly upon waking up from these. I'm not sure why that happens. Could be a number of reasons for this but if you write down some notes upon waking that will really up possibly in understanding what exactly took place in the dreams you are having.
What is the difference between a dream and a vision? In my humble opinion is a dream is a story communicated in picture that takes place when you are asleep. A vision is when you are awake and see reality part and are either watching or end up participating in it as John did in the book of Revelation. Both can have similarities, though the visions oftentimes appear more symbolic. But we all have our own feelings on this subject.
God can be everywhere at the same time. Satan cannot be everywhere at the same time. Since Satan was booted out of heaven, there has been a fight for dominion. Satan tries to accomplish his goal of dominion of your life through his demons he sends forth into our realm to torment us. Satan however, cannot be everywhere at the same time.
The enemy sends forth and assigns his demons or demonic spirits to people, you, your family, your church, cities, denominations, governments, countries, hospitals, institutions, leaders, through music, through television, through drugs, through immoral sex, through perverted sex, through alcohol, etc. In very simple terms, God represents the light or the good and satan represent the dark or the bad. Just as God and His Holy Spirit is active daily, so is satan and his demons or demonic forces and principalities.
Written by Jennifer Lori Auld
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Paranormal Monsters on TV---River to Mountains
By Reverend Mark Hunnemann
At the risk of seeming like I am "beating a dead horse" I want to briefly address a couple other TV shows that highlight the paranormal, albeit in a different way. I am referring to the additional craze of seeking for monsters, but not all these 'monsters' are what some would refer to as cryptozoology.
A favorite TV show of mine is River Monsters, starring Dr. Jeremy Wade, biologist and extreme angler. That is, he seeks, via fishing, river monsters which have wrecked havoc on people. He is an academic who thrills in solving mysteries that surround us in rivers all across the world. I admire his dedication and his respect for the fish which he catches, which Wade almost always gently puts back into the water.
I've learned alot about God's world while watching episodes of River Monsters. As an aside, may I suggest that any documentary type show/movie (or everything for that matter) should be viewed through a biblical worldview, which I outline in detail in my book. In addition, the wild, beautiful, and sometimes bizarre world which is highlighted on River Monsters opens up vistas for reflecting on the glory of God as revealed in nature. I don't know if Dr Wade professes to be a Christian but he is a model to me on how to relish the beauty of God's world. And no doubt he has saved lives by uncovering the watery assailant.
My burden these last few years is in revealing how widespread the occult has spread across the globe, and especially the USA, and helping people to be discerning of supernatural evil. We are a culture that has become addicted to entertainment and we are amusing ourselves to death. Even a scientific show like River Monsters is not immune to this occultic juggernaut.
In a recent episode, Dr Wade was in some remote place (I forgot where) in search of a river monster which was attacking people. The epicenter of the attacks was in an area controlled by a certain indigenous 'Indian' peoples. After consulting with the village elder it was discovered that 'Spirit Rock', which is a very tiny outcropping of rocks in the body of water, was considered sacred by these people and the key to solving this mystery.
Wade visited this sacred place which was feared by the locals and discovered to his dismay that there were no fish, none. He left and then went looking elsewhere. Compressing the story, he becomes convinced that the Muskie fish was the culprit.However, no matter how many times he cast his line he couldn't catch it. He estimated that he casted 13,000 times and remarked that he was exhausted and had lost his confidence. So (and this is crucial), he went back to Spirit Rock out of desperation and did something that shocked me and broke my heart...more importantly it broke God's heart. On that tiny rock island, he offered up an offering to the spirits of that place...an offering of tobacco. With millions of rational 'non-paranormal' type folks watching, think of the effect that one occultic act had on many of them--especially in light of his passion for rational thought and commitment to hard science, and what followed.
With his tackle virtually all used up, he used a rod and line that was woefully inadequate to catch a large muskie. After giving his offering, he cast his line, and IT appeared in the water. This large muskie was snared (remember before he didn't even see a fish there...it was eerily desolate of all things living) It was gripping to watch this epic struggle to reel the fish in without his line snapping. But catch it he did!
While commenting that it was the most exhausting catch of his life, it was also apparently his most supernatural (read demonic). I do NOT view everything that is bizarre or mysterious in nature as supernatural. Not at all! However, Dr Wade's offering to the spirits, which resulted in a Muskie virtually ensnaring itself on the line raised my eyebrows. Even if it was a coincidence, his actions still had the effect on many viewers of the power of the occult. For heavens sake, this is River Monsters and not a cryptozoology or paranormal show! And yet, the tentacles of the occult have reached into this TV show as well....pushing more people off the wrong side of the supernatural fence.
From river to mountains we come to Mountain Monsters. This is a TV show starring some trackers and hunters from close to my neck of the woods, the Appalachian mountains. These guys do focus on attempting to capture creatures many would classify as cryptozoology. As I have suspected, SOME of these cryptic creatures have revealed themselves on this show as being demonic. For example, in the last couple episodes two of the backwoodsmen have seemingly become possessed while in hot pursuit of their prey. Unless the cameraman used tricks, I also saw the little Indian girl in the shack only for her to suddenly vanish. However, it was the effects upon these two men that was deeply disturbing. One of the men was found raving mad without a stitch of clothing on (remind you of an incident in the bible?). It was deeply disturbing to see the fear that had gripped these men as they faced an unseen foe while trying to whoop it up in their hunt of mountain monsters. They were terrified....Both lost all control and could not remember what had happened while under it's control. Losing control and not remembering are classic signs of possession.
These are simple men (not stupid) who are unwittingly hunting the demonic with rifles and home-made traps. Like River Monsters it makes for good entertainment. Entertainment (with a capital 'E') has become a huge idol in our culture. Many are willing to jettison all semblance of rationality or even morality just be amused or entertained.
No doubt there are yet undiscovered species in the rivers and mountains, BUT Satan is using this cryptic craze to broaden his supernatural assault....via entertainment. How awful...how terribly awful.
It is with tears that I wonder about the welfare of these two mountain men, after the camera is gone. And I have to wonder if Dr Jeremy Wade is also experiencing aftershocks from opening a door he should have kept shut. Please be discerning and let us teach our children to be discerning amidst this demonic entertainment whirlwind. For Scripture says that if we sow the wind we shall reap the whirlwind. Jesus have mercy on us, please.
Mark Hunnemann is the author of Seeing Ghosts Through God's Eyes: A Worldview Analysis of Earthbound Spirits. It's also available in eBook format.
At the risk of seeming like I am "beating a dead horse" I want to briefly address a couple other TV shows that highlight the paranormal, albeit in a different way. I am referring to the additional craze of seeking for monsters, but not all these 'monsters' are what some would refer to as cryptozoology.
A favorite TV show of mine is River Monsters, starring Dr. Jeremy Wade, biologist and extreme angler. That is, he seeks, via fishing, river monsters which have wrecked havoc on people. He is an academic who thrills in solving mysteries that surround us in rivers all across the world. I admire his dedication and his respect for the fish which he catches, which Wade almost always gently puts back into the water.
I've learned alot about God's world while watching episodes of River Monsters. As an aside, may I suggest that any documentary type show/movie (or everything for that matter) should be viewed through a biblical worldview, which I outline in detail in my book. In addition, the wild, beautiful, and sometimes bizarre world which is highlighted on River Monsters opens up vistas for reflecting on the glory of God as revealed in nature. I don't know if Dr Wade professes to be a Christian but he is a model to me on how to relish the beauty of God's world. And no doubt he has saved lives by uncovering the watery assailant.
My burden these last few years is in revealing how widespread the occult has spread across the globe, and especially the USA, and helping people to be discerning of supernatural evil. We are a culture that has become addicted to entertainment and we are amusing ourselves to death. Even a scientific show like River Monsters is not immune to this occultic juggernaut.
In a recent episode, Dr Wade was in some remote place (I forgot where) in search of a river monster which was attacking people. The epicenter of the attacks was in an area controlled by a certain indigenous 'Indian' peoples. After consulting with the village elder it was discovered that 'Spirit Rock', which is a very tiny outcropping of rocks in the body of water, was considered sacred by these people and the key to solving this mystery.
Wade visited this sacred place which was feared by the locals and discovered to his dismay that there were no fish, none. He left and then went looking elsewhere. Compressing the story, he becomes convinced that the Muskie fish was the culprit.However, no matter how many times he cast his line he couldn't catch it. He estimated that he casted 13,000 times and remarked that he was exhausted and had lost his confidence. So (and this is crucial), he went back to Spirit Rock out of desperation and did something that shocked me and broke my heart...more importantly it broke God's heart. On that tiny rock island, he offered up an offering to the spirits of that place...an offering of tobacco. With millions of rational 'non-paranormal' type folks watching, think of the effect that one occultic act had on many of them--especially in light of his passion for rational thought and commitment to hard science, and what followed.
With his tackle virtually all used up, he used a rod and line that was woefully inadequate to catch a large muskie. After giving his offering, he cast his line, and IT appeared in the water. This large muskie was snared (remember before he didn't even see a fish there...it was eerily desolate of all things living) It was gripping to watch this epic struggle to reel the fish in without his line snapping. But catch it he did!
While commenting that it was the most exhausting catch of his life, it was also apparently his most supernatural (read demonic). I do NOT view everything that is bizarre or mysterious in nature as supernatural. Not at all! However, Dr Wade's offering to the spirits, which resulted in a Muskie virtually ensnaring itself on the line raised my eyebrows. Even if it was a coincidence, his actions still had the effect on many viewers of the power of the occult. For heavens sake, this is River Monsters and not a cryptozoology or paranormal show! And yet, the tentacles of the occult have reached into this TV show as well....pushing more people off the wrong side of the supernatural fence.
From river to mountains we come to Mountain Monsters. This is a TV show starring some trackers and hunters from close to my neck of the woods, the Appalachian mountains. These guys do focus on attempting to capture creatures many would classify as cryptozoology. As I have suspected, SOME of these cryptic creatures have revealed themselves on this show as being demonic. For example, in the last couple episodes two of the backwoodsmen have seemingly become possessed while in hot pursuit of their prey. Unless the cameraman used tricks, I also saw the little Indian girl in the shack only for her to suddenly vanish. However, it was the effects upon these two men that was deeply disturbing. One of the men was found raving mad without a stitch of clothing on (remind you of an incident in the bible?). It was deeply disturbing to see the fear that had gripped these men as they faced an unseen foe while trying to whoop it up in their hunt of mountain monsters. They were terrified....Both lost all control and could not remember what had happened while under it's control. Losing control and not remembering are classic signs of possession.
These are simple men (not stupid) who are unwittingly hunting the demonic with rifles and home-made traps. Like River Monsters it makes for good entertainment. Entertainment (with a capital 'E') has become a huge idol in our culture. Many are willing to jettison all semblance of rationality or even morality just be amused or entertained.
No doubt there are yet undiscovered species in the rivers and mountains, BUT Satan is using this cryptic craze to broaden his supernatural assault....via entertainment. How awful...how terribly awful.
It is with tears that I wonder about the welfare of these two mountain men, after the camera is gone. And I have to wonder if Dr Jeremy Wade is also experiencing aftershocks from opening a door he should have kept shut. Please be discerning and let us teach our children to be discerning amidst this demonic entertainment whirlwind. For Scripture says that if we sow the wind we shall reap the whirlwind. Jesus have mercy on us, please.
Mark Hunnemann is the author of Seeing Ghosts Through God's Eyes: A Worldview Analysis of Earthbound Spirits. It's also available in eBook format.
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Please Help the Victims of the 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake in Nepal
Dear Readers of the Eye on the Paranormal,
Every Tuesday I post a blog about the Dalai Lama and hope that it inspires you in some way. Yesterday, it was a joyous blog about the Dalai Lama meeting with Archbishop Desmond Tutu. That meeting took place only two days before the devastating earthquake in Nepal.
The initial report of 3,700 confirmed dead has now increased to more than 5,000. Many survivors in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal, as well as those within remote regions, are without food and water -- their shelter having been leveled by the 'quake. Aftershocks are expected, which will bring more damage.
May 5th Update: The death toll is now over 7200. To read more about the earthquake, here's a CNN link: http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/03/asia/nepal-earthquake
If you would like to help, please read more from the Tibet Fund's website.
On April 25, 2015, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake shook Nepal, taking a huge toll on human life and property. With over 3,700 confirmed dead, and the number continuing to rise, rescue efforts are still under way. According to The Guardian, more than half the houses in the city of Bhaktapur, just outside the city of Kathmandu, have been destroyed. Hundreds of homes in Patan, Kathmandu and neighboring towns have also been lost. Thousands more in the Buddhist regions of Northern Nepal are now leveled, leaving tens of thousands homeless. The official death toll in these areas is unknown due to inadequate data, and sporadic reports from these rural areas are our only glimpses of this earthquake’s true devastation.
This disaster has devastated the Tibetan community in Nepal, especially in remote areas close to the quake’s epicenter. Currently, there are more than 20,000 Tibetan refugees and hundreds of thousands of Tibetan Buddhist practitioners living along the Himalayan Buddhist Belt in Nepal. Reports state that the Tibetan Refugee Settlement at Syabru Bensi has been heavily damaged, with the majority of homes in the settlement having collapsed. Monasteries and centers of Buddhist learning in the remote areas of Bhagang and Liphing in Tatopani have also been leveled by the quake. The rebuilding process will be a monumental task requiring financial support for years to come.
The Tibet Fund has established an Emergency Earthquake Relief Fund and is working with credible and reliable partners in Nepal, such as the Snow Lion Foundation and The Himalayan Society for Youth and Women Empowerment (HSYWE) to ensure that resources reach those most affected by the quake. These organizations are bringing urgently needed supplies and assistance to survivors and coordinating long-term efforts to rebuild communities. Even a small contribution will make a huge difference in the lives of those who have been tragically affected by the natural disaster.
The Tibet Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; as such all donations are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. You can contribute online below to donate or send a check made out to The Tibet Fund with a note "Emergency Earthquake Relief Fund" on the memo line and send it to The Tibet Fund, 241 East 32nd Street, New York, NY 10016.
A Message from The 14th Dalai Lama About The Tibet Fund
The Tibetan people are grateful for the place they hold in the hearts and minds of so many people around the world. Were it not for our community in exile, so generously supported by individuals, organizations and governments, our nation would be little more than a shattered remnant of a people…our culture, religion and national identity effectively eliminated.
Over the past 30 years, The Tibet Fund has worked closely with our Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamsala to meet the needs of the Tibetan community. The Tibet Fund has raised millions of dollars to help our people to build schools and provide housing and infrastructure, health care and education to the Tibetan community, in exile and in Tibet. The Tibet Fund has also provided resources to strengthen cultural institutions and projects that are essential for the preservation of our cultural heritage, the very seed of our civilization.
While Tibet needs the compassion of the world community to survive, we cannot hope through mere words to convince the world of Tibet's value. We must set an example by our own practice. We are hard at work creating a modern society and democratic institutions based on the values of compassion, nonviolence and justice. Our communities are striving for self-sufficiency and self-determination.
I would like to express my gratitude to all the friends who have generously contributed to The Tibet Fund over the years, with the hope that you will continue to support us until our difficulties have been finally and justly resolved.
The initial report of 3,700 confirmed dead has now increased to more than 5,000. Many survivors in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal, as well as those within remote regions, are without food and water -- their shelter having been leveled by the 'quake. Aftershocks are expected, which will bring more damage.
May 5th Update: The death toll is now over 7200. To read more about the earthquake, here's a CNN link: http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/03/asia/nepal-earthquake
If you would like to help, please read more from the Tibet Fund's website.
On April 25, 2015, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake shook Nepal, taking a huge toll on human life and property. With over 3,700 confirmed dead, and the number continuing to rise, rescue efforts are still under way. According to The Guardian, more than half the houses in the city of Bhaktapur, just outside the city of Kathmandu, have been destroyed. Hundreds of homes in Patan, Kathmandu and neighboring towns have also been lost. Thousands more in the Buddhist regions of Northern Nepal are now leveled, leaving tens of thousands homeless. The official death toll in these areas is unknown due to inadequate data, and sporadic reports from these rural areas are our only glimpses of this earthquake’s true devastation.
This disaster has devastated the Tibetan community in Nepal, especially in remote areas close to the quake’s epicenter. Currently, there are more than 20,000 Tibetan refugees and hundreds of thousands of Tibetan Buddhist practitioners living along the Himalayan Buddhist Belt in Nepal. Reports state that the Tibetan Refugee Settlement at Syabru Bensi has been heavily damaged, with the majority of homes in the settlement having collapsed. Monasteries and centers of Buddhist learning in the remote areas of Bhagang and Liphing in Tatopani have also been leveled by the quake. The rebuilding process will be a monumental task requiring financial support for years to come.
The Tibet Fund has established an Emergency Earthquake Relief Fund and is working with credible and reliable partners in Nepal, such as the Snow Lion Foundation and The Himalayan Society for Youth and Women Empowerment (HSYWE) to ensure that resources reach those most affected by the quake. These organizations are bringing urgently needed supplies and assistance to survivors and coordinating long-term efforts to rebuild communities. Even a small contribution will make a huge difference in the lives of those who have been tragically affected by the natural disaster.
The Tibet Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; as such all donations are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. You can contribute online below to donate or send a check made out to The Tibet Fund with a note "Emergency Earthquake Relief Fund" on the memo line and send it to The Tibet Fund, 241 East 32nd Street, New York, NY 10016.
A Message from The 14th Dalai Lama About The Tibet Fund
The Tibetan people are grateful for the place they hold in the hearts and minds of so many people around the world. Were it not for our community in exile, so generously supported by individuals, organizations and governments, our nation would be little more than a shattered remnant of a people…our culture, religion and national identity effectively eliminated.
Over the past 30 years, The Tibet Fund has worked closely with our Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamsala to meet the needs of the Tibetan community. The Tibet Fund has raised millions of dollars to help our people to build schools and provide housing and infrastructure, health care and education to the Tibetan community, in exile and in Tibet. The Tibet Fund has also provided resources to strengthen cultural institutions and projects that are essential for the preservation of our cultural heritage, the very seed of our civilization.
While Tibet needs the compassion of the world community to survive, we cannot hope through mere words to convince the world of Tibet's value. We must set an example by our own practice. We are hard at work creating a modern society and democratic institutions based on the values of compassion, nonviolence and justice. Our communities are striving for self-sufficiency and self-determination.
I would like to express my gratitude to all the friends who have generously contributed to The Tibet Fund over the years, with the hope that you will continue to support us until our difficulties have been finally and justly resolved.
Monday, April 27, 2015
His Holiness the Dalai Lama & Archbishop Desmond Tutu
On arrival at TCV His Holiness and the Archbishop were escorted into the small library adjacent to the basketball court. Amidst the neat bookshelves and displays of projects the children had done writing about ‘joy’, several students, girls and boys, recounted their own journeys from Tibet to the school. The first, who had come with her grandmother, leaving the rest of her family behind, broke down in sobs and tears. Archbishop Tutu’s daughter, Mpho, stepped forward to hug and comfort her. She completed her tale, but when the next student too was overcome with emotion His Holiness intervened, suggesting:
“You should think about how as a result of coming here you have been able to receive not only a modern education, but also to learn about our rich culture. You’ve been able to study our language. This is the best language for explaining the profound traditions of Nalanda University. This is something to be proud of. And yours may be the generation that can rebuild Tibet.”
The final student to make a presentation spoke of his appreciation for what he had received and how he tries to take joy in everything.
The children, who filled the basketball court, sang a song in Tibetan celebrating His Holiness’s 80th birthday as he and Archbishop Tutu emerged to take their seats in the middle of the throng. They then followed it up with a Tibetan rendition of ‘If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.’
When His Holiness was invited to address the gathering, he turned to the Archbishop and said that since he teases him so much about his English, on this occasion he would speak in Tibetan. He stated that although our various religious traditions have different philosophical viewpoints, they share a common message of love and compassion. This is clearly reflected in the Archbishop and is why he admires him.
Commenting on the hardships faced by the parents of the students who were present His Holiness said:
“We received immense help from the Indian government. The world helped us. Because of the kindness we have received you have the opportunity to study today. Please, work hard. We Tibetans are going through a very difficult time, but we still have our own language and culture. Please take full advantage of your educational opportunities.”
Archbishop Tutu acknowledged His Holiness, the beautiful children and those in the crowd who were not children.
“It’s a great honour and privilege to be here. You are beloved throughout the world and we want to say to you, young people, that it might not seem possible to you that you will one day return to a free Tibet. But we in South Africa lived for many years under a system of injustice and oppression. Many of our leaders and young people went into exile. It seemed as if the chains of oppression would never be broken, that our prisoners on Robben Island would never come home. And yet,” and he let out his characteristic high pitched chuckle, “it happened.”
“In 1995, our beloved Nelson Mandela and the others were released and the exiles came home. One day, you too, all of you, will see your beloved Tibet again. You’ll be free of the oppression that has driven you here. The Chinese government will discover that freedom is actually cheaper than oppression.”
He spoke of the deep honour he feels to count His Holiness as his friend and that the world feels the same way. He continued:
“I want to thank the Indian government and the Indian people who opened their arms to welcome you, because they preserved for us a great treasure that would otherwise have been lost.”
Looking round at the students, he exclaimed:
“Look how beautiful you are! One day you’ll be dancing and singing in the streets of Tibet.”
Students were then able to put questions to the two spiritual leaders starting with one to His Holiness asking whether we can ever hope to live in a violence free world. He replied that there are many different kinds of violence, including exploitation and corruption.
“If you are thinking about serious physical violence involving war and people killing each other, then yes, I think we can eliminate that if we make the right effort.”
Archbishop Tutu was asked his advice about the way people seek happiness in material things. He answered that more and more people are realizing that they will not get real satisfaction from things alone. He said you can have many possessions while your heart remains empty.
“I meet many young people from well-off homes who go out to help others and find a much greater satisfaction in that.”
When His Holiness was asked about how he controls his anger in daily life, he replied that when he’s angry he shouts. He told a story of an occasion in 1956 when he was watching the driver and mechanic who looked after one of the cars that had belonged to the 13th Dalai Lama. While working on it he accidentally banged his head on the car. In anger he then deliberately banged it against the car again and His Holiness wondered: “What’s the use of that?” He remarked that anger destroys our peace of mind.
“Reciting ‘manis’ won’t help, even reciting the refuge prayer won’t help. Training our minds is the only solution.”
Asked whether joy could really be a source of world peace, His Holiness replied:
“I think so and that’s why people should have a clear understanding of how to create joy. Doing harm to others may bring some temporary satisfaction, but being helpful to them is the only real source of lasting joy.”
Archbishop Tutu was also asked how true joy and happiness can be achieved and he answered:
“If we think we want joy for ourselves that’s short-sighted and will only be short-lived. Real joy is the reward of acting to bring joy to others. Deep joy is what happens when you show love, care and compassion to others. You can’t get it any other way. You can’t buy it.”
In reply to a final question about the environment, the Archbishop said:
“We have to remind people that this is our only home and if we treat it badly we’re done for. The ice caps are melting. The summers and winters are too long. We need to say ‘Yes, something is wrong’. People are beginning to hear what many religious leaders are saying, that this is our only home and we have to care for it.”
A band on the stage led the whole crowd in singing, ‘We are the world’. Archbishop Tutu got to his feet, dancing and swaying to the music. At the end he took the microphone and led everyone in singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to His Holiness as a large cake ablaze with candles was placed before them. He called for children to come and help His Holiness blow the candles out. The cake was cut and as it was distributed among children and guests, His Holiness, the Archbishop and Team Joy returned to McLeod Ganj.
Tomorrow will see the final day of the conversations that are to become the ‘Book of Joy’.
Click here to see the original article and photos http://dalailama.com/news/post/1268-his-holiness-the-dalai-lama--archbishop-tutu-at-tcv
Symptoms of Spiritual Pollution, Part 3
Continued from:
Symptoms of Spiritual Pollution, Part 1
Symptoms of Spiritual Pollution, Part 2
In our continuation on the blog series Spiritual Warfare from the last time I discussed the critical aspect of Submission. I first started off the blog series with Reverence for the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, which I laid this out so that you will understand and learn that one must fear God. The second part was that to truly understand God you need to submit to his ways and thus not your or other human’s ways.
God is a loving God, yes but God is also a God of wrath! Time and time again the Holy Bible discusses the wrath and penalties from God. Just because you know and have accepted Jesus Christ as your savior does not mean you comply with the Kingdom plan.
To truly comply as a person you must submit to Jesus Christ and make him the Lord of your life. This is why the battle of Spiritual Warfare takes place. This is a pure test to see if the person will truly follow and serve the Kingdom of God as they are called to do, or are they just wanting to “go with the flow” and the “ways of the world”.
Today I will discuss the third aspect which is Dependency. Webster's online describes DEPENDENCY as follows:
1. Dependence
2. Something that is dependent on something else; especially: a territorial unit under the jurisdiction of a nation but not formally annexed by it
3. A building (as a stable) that is an adjunct to a main dwelling
When it comes to dependency as relating to God we need to focus on point two (2) from above, something that is dependent on something else. As humans we are to be dependent upon God for all our needs. Sadly, our ancestors Adam and Eve chose to cast this dependency aside when both were tricked to eat the "forbidden fruit".
As a result of our ancestors actions many people, as well as fellow Christians feel they do not need to be dependent upon God, because it is God who created them with an innate desire to be creatures who can do all as long as they give God some sort of credit.
Sadly, this is where we get in trouble and thus the Demons know this about us. As humans we desire to control and thus we have been given an illusion so to speak. Wikipedia describes human’s innate drive to not be controlled as follows: "The illusion of control is the tendency for people to overestimate their ability to control events; for example, it occurs when someone feels a sense of control over outcomes that they demonstrably do not influence.”
The effect was named by psychologist Ellen Langer and has been replicated in many different contexts. It is thought to influence gambling behavior and belief in the paranormal. Along with illusory superiority and optimism bias, the illusion of control is one of the positive illusions.
This is where we as humans get into trouble because we will not give the control to the Lord Jesus Christ who is truly in control, yet we profess him as Lord but we do NOT make him the Lord fully over our lives.
Our God is awesome God and our God is huge as well. It is this very God who is the one who holds every molecule in this universe together. God is the one making your lungs work, and your heart beat. Thus you can’t lift your arm without His empowerment. Everything you have is a gift from God.
But while God is a generous provider, none of God's gifts become or are your property. God's gifts are all loans to the person which God could suddenly take back at any time. Your intelligence, your health, your joy, your strength—they are all loans from God. Given this knowledge, what can you truly do apart from God? Absolutely nothing. Which means you are dependent on God for all things, but many refuse to submit to God and become dependent in this manner and that is why they face issues from the Demonic forces.
In the Church, a person is taught to think this is some kind of amazing aspect or gift if you can detect the presence of demons. This person is spoken to that they have “the gift of discernment”, if you can sense some evil aura around you or around others. However, discernment is about wisdom. How much wisdom do you truly have if you won’t or refuse to grasp the super obvious truth that you are dependent on God for all things?
How misguided are you to think it is you who can do anything apart from God? How dense are you to miss how awesome God is and that it is you who will never be anything more than a powerless molecule who was created to love and to serve the One who made you? Sadly in the Church, it is stupidity which is exalted as wisdom, while true wisdom is adamantly rejected. In the Church, a person is taught to memorize a whole list of the glorious powers and attributes we must obtain through the Lord Jesus Christ.
As parishioners we are taught to think that we are incredible creatures who God depends upon to make Him feel complete. We are taught that our happiness is God’s top priority (prosperity gospel and feel good gospels) and that God lives and exists to only bless us. This is all just lies—a smelly pile of manure, which we use to fertilize our growing egos that God exists to please us humans. Therefore those people are already receiving the doctrine of Demons - which we have been warned of.
God does not need us, we need God. Read in the bible in which God stated his great displeasure with us humans, Genesis 6:7 states, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.” Right there this is a stern warning from God that we are to be in reverence, submission and dependency upon him but our egos get in the way.
Understanding that our absolute dependency on God is what slams us out of our Narcissistic Personna and drives us back down onto our faces in front of Him saying, “Apart from you God I can do nothing, and I am nothing. All that matters is you God being pleased with me and that I glorify you in my life. It is your approval as the only reward that I seek.”
So is this the attitude that is being cultivated in you when you sit around contemplating your wonderful life? You best prepare for a massive spiritual onslaught from demonic forces then as one would deserve this because of not wanting to be dependent upon God at all.
I will continue with the next aspect of TRUST in a blog next time.
Rev. Bradley Luoma, Exorcist
Symptoms of Spiritual Pollution, Part 1
Symptoms of Spiritual Pollution, Part 2
In our continuation on the blog series Spiritual Warfare from the last time I discussed the critical aspect of Submission. I first started off the blog series with Reverence for the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, which I laid this out so that you will understand and learn that one must fear God. The second part was that to truly understand God you need to submit to his ways and thus not your or other human’s ways.
God is a loving God, yes but God is also a God of wrath! Time and time again the Holy Bible discusses the wrath and penalties from God. Just because you know and have accepted Jesus Christ as your savior does not mean you comply with the Kingdom plan.
To truly comply as a person you must submit to Jesus Christ and make him the Lord of your life. This is why the battle of Spiritual Warfare takes place. This is a pure test to see if the person will truly follow and serve the Kingdom of God as they are called to do, or are they just wanting to “go with the flow” and the “ways of the world”.
Today I will discuss the third aspect which is Dependency. Webster's online describes DEPENDENCY as follows:
1. Dependence
2. Something that is dependent on something else; especially: a territorial unit under the jurisdiction of a nation but not formally annexed by it
3. A building (as a stable) that is an adjunct to a main dwelling
When it comes to dependency as relating to God we need to focus on point two (2) from above, something that is dependent on something else. As humans we are to be dependent upon God for all our needs. Sadly, our ancestors Adam and Eve chose to cast this dependency aside when both were tricked to eat the "forbidden fruit".
As a result of our ancestors actions many people, as well as fellow Christians feel they do not need to be dependent upon God, because it is God who created them with an innate desire to be creatures who can do all as long as they give God some sort of credit.
Sadly, this is where we get in trouble and thus the Demons know this about us. As humans we desire to control and thus we have been given an illusion so to speak. Wikipedia describes human’s innate drive to not be controlled as follows: "The illusion of control is the tendency for people to overestimate their ability to control events; for example, it occurs when someone feels a sense of control over outcomes that they demonstrably do not influence.”
The effect was named by psychologist Ellen Langer and has been replicated in many different contexts. It is thought to influence gambling behavior and belief in the paranormal. Along with illusory superiority and optimism bias, the illusion of control is one of the positive illusions.
This is where we as humans get into trouble because we will not give the control to the Lord Jesus Christ who is truly in control, yet we profess him as Lord but we do NOT make him the Lord fully over our lives.
Our God is awesome God and our God is huge as well. It is this very God who is the one who holds every molecule in this universe together. God is the one making your lungs work, and your heart beat. Thus you can’t lift your arm without His empowerment. Everything you have is a gift from God.
But while God is a generous provider, none of God's gifts become or are your property. God's gifts are all loans to the person which God could suddenly take back at any time. Your intelligence, your health, your joy, your strength—they are all loans from God. Given this knowledge, what can you truly do apart from God? Absolutely nothing. Which means you are dependent on God for all things, but many refuse to submit to God and become dependent in this manner and that is why they face issues from the Demonic forces.
In the Church, a person is taught to think this is some kind of amazing aspect or gift if you can detect the presence of demons. This person is spoken to that they have “the gift of discernment”, if you can sense some evil aura around you or around others. However, discernment is about wisdom. How much wisdom do you truly have if you won’t or refuse to grasp the super obvious truth that you are dependent on God for all things?
How misguided are you to think it is you who can do anything apart from God? How dense are you to miss how awesome God is and that it is you who will never be anything more than a powerless molecule who was created to love and to serve the One who made you? Sadly in the Church, it is stupidity which is exalted as wisdom, while true wisdom is adamantly rejected. In the Church, a person is taught to memorize a whole list of the glorious powers and attributes we must obtain through the Lord Jesus Christ.
As parishioners we are taught to think that we are incredible creatures who God depends upon to make Him feel complete. We are taught that our happiness is God’s top priority (prosperity gospel and feel good gospels) and that God lives and exists to only bless us. This is all just lies—a smelly pile of manure, which we use to fertilize our growing egos that God exists to please us humans. Therefore those people are already receiving the doctrine of Demons - which we have been warned of.
God does not need us, we need God. Read in the bible in which God stated his great displeasure with us humans, Genesis 6:7 states, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.” Right there this is a stern warning from God that we are to be in reverence, submission and dependency upon him but our egos get in the way.
Understanding that our absolute dependency on God is what slams us out of our Narcissistic Personna and drives us back down onto our faces in front of Him saying, “Apart from you God I can do nothing, and I am nothing. All that matters is you God being pleased with me and that I glorify you in my life. It is your approval as the only reward that I seek.”
So is this the attitude that is being cultivated in you when you sit around contemplating your wonderful life? You best prepare for a massive spiritual onslaught from demonic forces then as one would deserve this because of not wanting to be dependent upon God at all.
I will continue with the next aspect of TRUST in a blog next time.
Rev. Bradley Luoma, Exorcist
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