By Reverend Mark Hunnemann
What does it mean that the fastest selling paperback in history is a trilogy of soft-porn novels that wallow in sadomasochism? Erika Leonard--aka E.L. James--is British author of The Fifty Shades of Grey trio of novels. This unholy literary trinity is defiling the consciences and imaginations of millions of women, including many professing Christians. So many young woman are reading Fifty Shades, these books have been dubbed "mommy porn". Very sad...
As with many cultural phenomenon, the popularity of these novels is both symptom and cause of the status of our culture. It is symptom in that, the author expresses the spiritual/moral collapse of Western Civilization (similar to dynamics of the decline of the Roman Empire--moral rot from within). Moral/ethical relativity is at the core of Ms. Leonard's worldview as expressed in these books. On the other hand, its incredible popularity is effecting many millions of women in a deleterious way.This book is not merely being read, it is being experienced--in a variety of ways, but the minds/imaginations (which is where the spiritual battle normally begins) of its readers are being defiled. That can be a gateway to the demonic.
My purpose is not to write a book review, nor an in-depth discussion of demonic sex, but to think aloud with you as to what is happening in our country. The explosion of interest in the paranormal is not happening in a cultural vacuum, and I am passionate about understanding the dynamics of what is feeding into this continuing fascination with the paranormal.
Two simultaneous trends, both of which are experiencing explosive growth: fascination with all things paranormal, and popular"art" expressing graphic sex. The common denominator of these two trends is the primacy of experience over reason and God's revealed truth. Whether it be erotic or the spirit realm (or both), lusting for direct experience is what I see as the link between these two phenomena.The desire behind experience is the idolatrous quest for happiness.
It was Francis Schaeffer who commented that personal peace (happiness) and affluence have become the dominant life values of most people. This is tragic in light of the fact that glorifying and loving God is our purpose, and happiness will often (but not always) follow. Certainly joy will...
Another connection we must note is that this mass defilement of minds and imaginations is a cause for the increase of cases of incubii and succubii....demonic sex.
I have no doubt that demonic sex is increasing in frequency.
However, there are many women (and some men) who are ashamed to admit their diabolical sexual encounters to a pastor or priest. And as horrible as it may sound, some folks do not want the encounters to stop, because of how pleasurable it is.They are addicted... Personally, I have spoken to perhaps 3 dozen women and men who were/are in agony over this horrific reality. Make no mistake--people are really being sexually aroused and assaulted by demonic entities. The folks I talked to were mostly wide awake when the episodes take place...and they ranged from exquisite sexual arousal/orgasm to violent demonic rape....ripping,and tearing of genital flesh. Some are being touched and diabolically pleasured while walking down the sidewalk.
If this blog helps one person to commit to living a disciplined, holy life, or encourages them to overcome their fear and seek help, then it will been a "success."
Please keep this in mind as I discuss the sexual component--I have written of how our country has seemed to have reached a critical mass of interest in the paranormal. I THINK this has simultaneously removed (to some degree) God's restraining common grace protection, and unleashed an unprecedented amount of overt demonic activity in the US. Please don't lose track of that as we discuss this other.It has become more dangerous because fascination with the paranormal has opened the floodgates to spiritual darkness/oppression.
The "Twilight" series (which had a major impact on (E.L. James), "Being Human" and scores of other TV shows and books, have replaced the "old bad boy" with a vampiric bad boy. He's a lot badder...This interest in vampirism and/or the pornographic Fifty Shades are a step towards creating an invitation to the demonic, because the daydreaming/lust may include the desire for an illicit supernatural encounter.Combine that with a super-heated paranormal atmosphere (demonized), then we have a potent brew.
Often moving progressively, it starts with sexually explicit dreams....moves to sleep paralysis episodes....and finally one night they see the footsteps on their bed. and the touching begins. And a wide-awake nightmare ensues...
Now, here is the problem--reading a book like Fifty Shades of Grey primes the woman for adultery/fornication by proxy ( I am not picking on women, because everyone knows that many men have terrible problems with pornography....and this book is being read primarily by women).Their imaginations are being corrupted by the antics of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele.
Not long into the book, they are going at it, in graphic detail. The plot is not even worth mentioning because it boils down to this sequence, which repeats itself over and over--two pages of various characters interacting, and then 3 pages of wild, S&M sex. Over, and over, and over....Christian (curious choice of name) is a 27-year-old billionaire who makes Brad Pitt look like an ugly nerd. Her constant, breathless descriptions throughout the book of Mr Grey makes any living man/husband/boyfriend look hopelessly inadequate.
The demon cannot read their mind, but it knows what they are reading has put them in a spiritually compromised position. Some are then tempted to lust for a midnight "visitor" .In other words, reading pornographic trash is a door-opener because it can give them the "legal right" to attach and attack. Some readers or viewers of pornography may even yearn aloud, "If only I had..." Any demon within earshot will be eager to surprise them one night with an experience that is other-worldly pleasurable.
I am having trouble knowing which direction to take this (maybe because I am in the midst of the chaos of moving). Let me say two things.
First, please...I beg of you to get the help that you need. You can always contact me and I will find someone to help if you are too far away. Please do not remain silent out of embarrassment. And if addicted to demonic sex--it happens--you must look beyond the pleasure and see that you are being used and destroyed. Demons are incapable of loving humans...they hate you.
Second, as I pondered this issue, I was reminded of the Song of Solomon in the bible. It contains beautiful and sensuous poetry expressing erotic love between a man and a woman in the covenant commitment of marriage. Eros was created by God, as were all the lawful pleasures. The Word of God is not prudish, and a proper appreciation of the attractiveness of the of the opposite sex, of both form and face, is explicitly celebrated in the The Song of Solomon. It is amazing to me that this part of the inspired bible can be so "earthy", but without a hint of the pornographic.
Here are the key themes in that amazing book.
1. God's covenant, which commands sexual purity, provides just the right framework (marriage) within which His people may properly enjoy the gift of sexual intimacy (Gen. 2:23-24) Thus God's people honor Him and commend Him to the world when they demonstrate with their lives that obedience in such matters brings genuine delight.
2. Marriage is a gift of God, and is to be founded on loyalty and commitment which allows delight to flourish. As such, it is a fitting image for God's relationship with His people, in both the OT and the NT.
The fall of mankind damaged every aspect of human lives, and God's work of redemption aims to restore every aspect to its proper functioning. God's goal is that romantic love, with all its potential pain and degradation, should be an arena of enjoyment for His redeemed people. (ESV Study Bible, pg 1213) Amen.
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
Showing posts with label Song of Solomon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Song of Solomon. Show all posts
Friday, October 23, 2015
Friday, October 17, 2014
Fifty Shades of Mommy Porn and Demonic Sex
By Reverend Mark Hunnemann
What does it mean that the fastest selling paperback in history is a trilogy of soft-porn novels that wallow in sadomasochism? Erika Leonard--aka E.L. James--is British author of The Fifty Shades of Grey trio of novels. This unholy literary trinity is defiling the consciences and imaginations of millions of women, including many professing Christians. So many young woman are reading Fifty Shades, these books have been dubbed "mommy porn". Very sad...
As with many cultural phenomenon, the popularity of these novels is both symptom and cause of the status of our culture. It is symptom in that, the author expresses the spiritual/moral collapse of Western Civilization (similar to dynamics of the decline of the Roman Empire--moral rot from within). Moral/ethical relativity is at the core of Ms. Leonard's worldview as expressed in these books. On the other hand, its incredible popularity is effecting many millions of women in a deleterious way.This book is not merely being read, it is being experienced--in a variety of ways, but the minds/imaginations (which is where the spiritual battle normally begins) of its readers are being defiled. That can be a gateway to the demonic.
My purpose is not to write a book review, nor an in-depth discussion of demonic sex, but to think aloud with you as to what is happening in our country. The explosion of interest in the paranormal is not happening in a cultural vacuum, and I am passionate about understanding the dynamics of what is feeding into this continuing fascination with the paranormal.
Two simultaneous trends, both of which are experiencing explosive growth: fascination with all things paranormal, and popular"art" expressing graphic sex. The common denominator of these two trends is the primacy of experience over reason and God's revealed truth. Whether it be erotic or the spirit realm (or both), lusting for direct experience is what I see as the link between these two phenomena.The desire behind experience is the idolatrous quest for happiness.
It was Francis Schaeffer who commented that personal peace (happiness) and affluence have become the dominant life values of most people. This is tragic in light of the fact that glorifying and loving God is our purpose, and happiness will often (but not always) follow. Certainly joy will...
Another connection we must note is that this mass defilement of minds and imaginations is a cause for the increase of cases of incubii and succubii....demonic sex.
I have no doubt that demonic sex is increasing in frequency.
However, there are many women (and some men) who are ashamed to admit their diabolical sexual encounters to a pastor or priest. And as horrible as it may sound, some folks do not want the encounters to stop, because of how pleasurable it is.They are addicted... Personally, I have spoken to perhaps 3 dozen women and men who were/are in agony over this horrific reality. Make no mistake--people are really being sexually aroused and assaulted by demonic entities. The folks I talked to were mostly wide awake when the episodes take place...and they ranged from exquisite sexual arousal/orgasm to violent demonic rape....ripping,and tearing of genital flesh. Some are being touched and diabolically pleasured while walking down the sidewalk.
If this blog helps one person to commit to living a disciplined, holy life, or encourages them to overcome their fear and seek help, then it will been a "success."
Please keep this in mind as I discuss the sexual component--I have written of how our country has seemed to have reached a critical mass of interest in the paranormal. I THINK this has simultaneously removed (to some degree) God's restraining common grace protection, and unleashed an unprecedented amount of overt demonic activity in the US. Please don't lose track of that as we discuss this other.It has become more dangerous because fascination with the paranormal has opened the floodgates to spiritual darkness/oppression.
The "Twilight" series (which had a major impact on (E.L. James), "Being Human" and scores of other TV shows and books, have replaced the "old bad boy" with a vampiric bad boy. He's a lot badder...This interest in vampirism and/or the pornographic Fifty Shades are a step towards creating an invitation to the demonic, because the daydreaming/lust may include the desire for an illicit supernatural encounter.Combine that with a super-heated paranormal atmosphere (demonized), then we have a potent brew.
Often moving progressively, it starts with sexually explicit dreams....moves to sleep paralysis episodes....and finally one night they see the footsteps on their bed. and the touching begins. And a wide-awake nightmare ensues...
Now, here is the problem--reading a book like Fifty Shades of Grey primes the woman for adultery/fornication by proxy ( I am not picking on women, because everyone knows that many men have terrible problems with pornography....and this book is being read primarily by women).Their imaginations are being corrupted by the antics of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele.
Not long into the book, they are going at it, in graphic detail. The plot is not even worth mentioning because it boils down to this sequence, which repeats itself over and over--two pages of various characters interacting, and then 3 pages of wild, S&M sex. Over, and over, and over....Christian (curious choice of name) is a 27-year-old billionaire who makes Brad Pitt look like an ugly nerd. Her constant, breathless descriptions throughout the book of Mr Grey makes any living man/husband/boyfriend look hopelessly inadequate.
The demon cannot read their mind, but it knows what they are reading has put them in a spiritually compromised position. Some are then tempted to lust for a midnight "visitor" .In other words, reading pornographic trash is a door-opener because it can give them the "legal right" to attach and attack. Some readers or viewers of pornography may even yearn aloud, "If only I had..." Any demon within earshot will be eager to surprise them one night with an experience that is other-worldly pleasurable.
I am having trouble knowing which direction to take this (maybe because I am in the midst of the chaos of moving). Let me say two things.
First, please...I beg of you to get the help that you need. You can always contact me and I will find someone to help if you are too far away. Please do not remain silent out of embarrassment. And if addicted to demonic sex--it happens--you must look beyond the pleasure and see that you are being used and destroyed. Demons are incapable of loving humans...they hate you.
Second, as I pondered this issue, I was reminded of the Song of Solomon in the bible. It contains beautiful and sensuous poetry expressing erotic love between a man and a woman in the covenant commitment of marriage. Eros was created by God, as were all the lawful pleasures. The Word of God is not prudish, and a proper appreciation of the attractiveness of the of the opposite sex, of both form and face, is explicitly celebrated in the The Song of Solomon. It is amazing to me that this part of the inspired bible can be so "earthy", but without a hint of the pornographic.
Here are the key themes in that amazing book.
1. God's covenant, which commands sexual purity, provides just the right framework (marriage) within which His people may properly enjoy the gift of sexual intimacy (Gen. 2:23-24) Thus God's people honor Him and commend Him to the world when they demonstrate with their lives that obedience in such matters brings genuine delight.
2. Marriage is a gift of God, and is to be founded on loyalty and commitment which allows delight to flourish. As such, it is a fitting image for God's relationship with His people, in both the OT and the NT.
The fall of mankind damaged every aspect of human lives, and God's work of redemption aims to restore every aspect to its proper functioning. God's goal is that romantic love, with all its potential pain and degradation, should be an arena of enjoyment for His redeemed people. (ESV Study Bible, pg 1213) Amen.
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.
What does it mean that the fastest selling paperback in history is a trilogy of soft-porn novels that wallow in sadomasochism? Erika Leonard--aka E.L. James--is British author of The Fifty Shades of Grey trio of novels. This unholy literary trinity is defiling the consciences and imaginations of millions of women, including many professing Christians. So many young woman are reading Fifty Shades, these books have been dubbed "mommy porn". Very sad...
As with many cultural phenomenon, the popularity of these novels is both symptom and cause of the status of our culture. It is symptom in that, the author expresses the spiritual/moral collapse of Western Civilization (similar to dynamics of the decline of the Roman Empire--moral rot from within). Moral/ethical relativity is at the core of Ms. Leonard's worldview as expressed in these books. On the other hand, its incredible popularity is effecting many millions of women in a deleterious way.This book is not merely being read, it is being experienced--in a variety of ways, but the minds/imaginations (which is where the spiritual battle normally begins) of its readers are being defiled. That can be a gateway to the demonic.
My purpose is not to write a book review, nor an in-depth discussion of demonic sex, but to think aloud with you as to what is happening in our country. The explosion of interest in the paranormal is not happening in a cultural vacuum, and I am passionate about understanding the dynamics of what is feeding into this continuing fascination with the paranormal.
Two simultaneous trends, both of which are experiencing explosive growth: fascination with all things paranormal, and popular"art" expressing graphic sex. The common denominator of these two trends is the primacy of experience over reason and God's revealed truth. Whether it be erotic or the spirit realm (or both), lusting for direct experience is what I see as the link between these two phenomena.The desire behind experience is the idolatrous quest for happiness.
It was Francis Schaeffer who commented that personal peace (happiness) and affluence have become the dominant life values of most people. This is tragic in light of the fact that glorifying and loving God is our purpose, and happiness will often (but not always) follow. Certainly joy will...
Another connection we must note is that this mass defilement of minds and imaginations is a cause for the increase of cases of incubii and succubii....demonic sex.
I have no doubt that demonic sex is increasing in frequency.
However, there are many women (and some men) who are ashamed to admit their diabolical sexual encounters to a pastor or priest. And as horrible as it may sound, some folks do not want the encounters to stop, because of how pleasurable it is.They are addicted... Personally, I have spoken to perhaps 3 dozen women and men who were/are in agony over this horrific reality. Make no mistake--people are really being sexually aroused and assaulted by demonic entities. The folks I talked to were mostly wide awake when the episodes take place...and they ranged from exquisite sexual arousal/orgasm to violent demonic rape....ripping,and tearing of genital flesh. Some are being touched and diabolically pleasured while walking down the sidewalk.
If this blog helps one person to commit to living a disciplined, holy life, or encourages them to overcome their fear and seek help, then it will been a "success."
Please keep this in mind as I discuss the sexual component--I have written of how our country has seemed to have reached a critical mass of interest in the paranormal. I THINK this has simultaneously removed (to some degree) God's restraining common grace protection, and unleashed an unprecedented amount of overt demonic activity in the US. Please don't lose track of that as we discuss this other.It has become more dangerous because fascination with the paranormal has opened the floodgates to spiritual darkness/oppression.
The "Twilight" series (which had a major impact on (E.L. James), "Being Human" and scores of other TV shows and books, have replaced the "old bad boy" with a vampiric bad boy. He's a lot badder...This interest in vampirism and/or the pornographic Fifty Shades are a step towards creating an invitation to the demonic, because the daydreaming/lust may include the desire for an illicit supernatural encounter.Combine that with a super-heated paranormal atmosphere (demonized), then we have a potent brew.
Often moving progressively, it starts with sexually explicit dreams....moves to sleep paralysis episodes....and finally one night they see the footsteps on their bed. and the touching begins. And a wide-awake nightmare ensues...
Now, here is the problem--reading a book like Fifty Shades of Grey primes the woman for adultery/fornication by proxy ( I am not picking on women, because everyone knows that many men have terrible problems with pornography....and this book is being read primarily by women).Their imaginations are being corrupted by the antics of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele.
Not long into the book, they are going at it, in graphic detail. The plot is not even worth mentioning because it boils down to this sequence, which repeats itself over and over--two pages of various characters interacting, and then 3 pages of wild, S&M sex. Over, and over, and over....Christian (curious choice of name) is a 27-year-old billionaire who makes Brad Pitt look like an ugly nerd. Her constant, breathless descriptions throughout the book of Mr Grey makes any living man/husband/boyfriend look hopelessly inadequate.
The demon cannot read their mind, but it knows what they are reading has put them in a spiritually compromised position. Some are then tempted to lust for a midnight "visitor" .In other words, reading pornographic trash is a door-opener because it can give them the "legal right" to attach and attack. Some readers or viewers of pornography may even yearn aloud, "If only I had..." Any demon within earshot will be eager to surprise them one night with an experience that is other-worldly pleasurable.
I am having trouble knowing which direction to take this (maybe because I am in the midst of the chaos of moving). Let me say two things.
First, please...I beg of you to get the help that you need. You can always contact me and I will find someone to help if you are too far away. Please do not remain silent out of embarrassment. And if addicted to demonic sex--it happens--you must look beyond the pleasure and see that you are being used and destroyed. Demons are incapable of loving humans...they hate you.
Second, as I pondered this issue, I was reminded of the Song of Solomon in the bible. It contains beautiful and sensuous poetry expressing erotic love between a man and a woman in the covenant commitment of marriage. Eros was created by God, as were all the lawful pleasures. The Word of God is not prudish, and a proper appreciation of the attractiveness of the of the opposite sex, of both form and face, is explicitly celebrated in the The Song of Solomon. It is amazing to me that this part of the inspired bible can be so "earthy", but without a hint of the pornographic.
Here are the key themes in that amazing book.
1. God's covenant, which commands sexual purity, provides just the right framework (marriage) within which His people may properly enjoy the gift of sexual intimacy (Gen. 2:23-24) Thus God's people honor Him and commend Him to the world when they demonstrate with their lives that obedience in such matters brings genuine delight.
2. Marriage is a gift of God, and is to be founded on loyalty and commitment which allows delight to flourish. As such, it is a fitting image for God's relationship with His people, in both the OT and the NT.
The fall of mankind damaged every aspect of human lives, and God's work of redemption aims to restore every aspect to its proper functioning. God's goal is that romantic love, with all its potential pain and degradation, should be an arena of enjoyment for His redeemed people. (ESV Study Bible, pg 1213) Amen.
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.
Friday, January 3, 2014
The Beauty of God
By Reverend Mark Hunnemann
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year!
Aesthetics is that branch of philosophy which deals with theories of beauty. At the beginning of 2014 I want to try and paint a picture of God's unspeakably infinite beauty.
I think it is safe to say that we all know beauty when we see or hear it, but it is a bit more of a challenge explaining what beauty IS. For example a beautiful sunset, a beautiful song, a beautiful woman, a beautiful novel, and so on. What is it that all representations of beauty seem to have in common?
When our children were young, we took great delight in the simple beauty of their stick figures. They somehow learned instinctively that symmetry was part of their goal to make the picture "pretty for mommy". I remember my children's stick figure drawings with much fondness, as I'm sure you do.
Consider other expressions of beauty. Normally, the more complex the beauty, the more intense it is. There is simple beauty and their is complex beauty...the more complex, the more beautiful it appears. For example, we marvel at the extraordinary wonderment of Michelangelo's "David". Or we think of Rembrandt and how his balancing of light with dark was genius and the result was complex, intense beauty.
Think of music...in a symphony, the more instruments you have playing in sync with each other, the more extraordinary the beauty. Personally, I am more into classic rock. My favorite band is the Allman Brothers. Most bands have one lead guitarist and one drummer (in addition to a bassist and others), but they were blessed with two of the best guitarists--the late Duane Allman and Dickie Betts. Their guitar inter-play was almost transcendental at times--to me anyway! Have you ever had the experience of listening to music that affected you so profoundly, that you forgot you were listening, and were transported up into the music itself?
The key is taking all the disparate elements and bringing them ultimately together--resolution. A simple but beautiful floral design is made more intensely beautiful by adding more color and intricacy to the design. A really good movie (the Hebrew word for good and beauty are from same root) or beautiful play or novel is where all these sub-plots are intricately woven together and resolved by the end....leaving no loose threads or irresolution.Symphony and not cacophony! Twice in the Song of Solomon the same Hebrew word for beauty is used that is in Psalm 27:4 for God....and both lovers describe the traits that make the other so beautiful and desirable. Notice the focus on symmetry in their descriptions.
Asymmetry sticks out like a sore thumb.I am thinking of Satan now as "pure ugly"...his soul is misshapen and assymetrized.
What happens when you have infinite complexity and symmetry? This where it gets exciting--there is INFINITE BEAUTY. That kind of beauty would certainly blur the distinction between sight and sensation!
Some of God's attributes seem so polar opposite,making Him appear at first glance, as asymmetrical. (e.g. wrath/hatred and mercy/love) "Note then the kindness and severity of God..." (Rom.11:22) However, when put together, there is infinite,complex beauty! Like a rainbow, here is a list of some God's attributes...which taken together are astonishingly beautiful!
God is transcendent and immanent
infinity and immensity (all of God is everywhere)
immutability and His emotions.
unity (one God) and His tri-personality as Trinity
omniscience, omnipotence, wisdom, truth
goodness, love, grace, mercy, hesed, holiness, righteousness, justice, and glory
sovereignty of God and our moral responsibility
heaven and hell....blessing and cursing.
All these traits are in perfect balance...symphonic symmetry in infinite complexity and intensity.God's beauty is primary and all human beauty is derivitive from Him.
ON THE CROSS, JUSTICE AND MERCY KISSED
In Rev. 4--5 Jesus is revealed as a Victorious Lamb, but who has the scars of having been slain. We blink, and this Lamb is now the mighty Lion of the tribe of Judah. Such is the incredible complexity of the Person and Work of Christ.
So that is why the beatific vision has always been considered the most wonderful experience of heaven...seeing Jesus face to face. It seems that human language is not adequate to convey the infinitely complex, infinitely intense beauty of our ascended Savior!
Every experience of beauty here on earth is momentary, and reflects a longing for heaven. As we gaze upon the infinitely complex intense beauty of God, every pore of our being will dance with sheer pleasure and delight. It will be ravishing and unending delight.
The next time you experience the pleasure of beauty, let it turn your heart in contemplation of the beauty of God...and worship Him!
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year!
"One thing have I asked of the Lord, that I will seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple."
(Psalm 27:4)
Aesthetics is that branch of philosophy which deals with theories of beauty. At the beginning of 2014 I want to try and paint a picture of God's unspeakably infinite beauty.
I think it is safe to say that we all know beauty when we see or hear it, but it is a bit more of a challenge explaining what beauty IS. For example a beautiful sunset, a beautiful song, a beautiful woman, a beautiful novel, and so on. What is it that all representations of beauty seem to have in common?
When our children were young, we took great delight in the simple beauty of their stick figures. They somehow learned instinctively that symmetry was part of their goal to make the picture "pretty for mommy". I remember my children's stick figure drawings with much fondness, as I'm sure you do.
Consider other expressions of beauty. Normally, the more complex the beauty, the more intense it is. There is simple beauty and their is complex beauty...the more complex, the more beautiful it appears. For example, we marvel at the extraordinary wonderment of Michelangelo's "David". Or we think of Rembrandt and how his balancing of light with dark was genius and the result was complex, intense beauty.
Think of music...in a symphony, the more instruments you have playing in sync with each other, the more extraordinary the beauty. Personally, I am more into classic rock. My favorite band is the Allman Brothers. Most bands have one lead guitarist and one drummer (in addition to a bassist and others), but they were blessed with two of the best guitarists--the late Duane Allman and Dickie Betts. Their guitar inter-play was almost transcendental at times--to me anyway! Have you ever had the experience of listening to music that affected you so profoundly, that you forgot you were listening, and were transported up into the music itself?
The key is taking all the disparate elements and bringing them ultimately together--resolution. A simple but beautiful floral design is made more intensely beautiful by adding more color and intricacy to the design. A really good movie (the Hebrew word for good and beauty are from same root) or beautiful play or novel is where all these sub-plots are intricately woven together and resolved by the end....leaving no loose threads or irresolution.Symphony and not cacophony! Twice in the Song of Solomon the same Hebrew word for beauty is used that is in Psalm 27:4 for God....and both lovers describe the traits that make the other so beautiful and desirable. Notice the focus on symmetry in their descriptions.
Asymmetry sticks out like a sore thumb.I am thinking of Satan now as "pure ugly"...his soul is misshapen and assymetrized.
What happens when you have infinite complexity and symmetry? This where it gets exciting--there is INFINITE BEAUTY. That kind of beauty would certainly blur the distinction between sight and sensation!
Some of God's attributes seem so polar opposite,making Him appear at first glance, as asymmetrical. (e.g. wrath/hatred and mercy/love) "Note then the kindness and severity of God..." (Rom.11:22) However, when put together, there is infinite,complex beauty! Like a rainbow, here is a list of some God's attributes...which taken together are astonishingly beautiful!
God is transcendent and immanent
infinity and immensity (all of God is everywhere)
immutability and His emotions.
unity (one God) and His tri-personality as Trinity
omniscience, omnipotence, wisdom, truth
goodness, love, grace, mercy, hesed, holiness, righteousness, justice, and glory
sovereignty of God and our moral responsibility
heaven and hell....blessing and cursing.
All these traits are in perfect balance...symphonic symmetry in infinite complexity and intensity.God's beauty is primary and all human beauty is derivitive from Him.
ON THE CROSS, JUSTICE AND MERCY KISSED
In Rev. 4--5 Jesus is revealed as a Victorious Lamb, but who has the scars of having been slain. We blink, and this Lamb is now the mighty Lion of the tribe of Judah. Such is the incredible complexity of the Person and Work of Christ.
So that is why the beatific vision has always been considered the most wonderful experience of heaven...seeing Jesus face to face. It seems that human language is not adequate to convey the infinitely complex, infinitely intense beauty of our ascended Savior!
Every experience of beauty here on earth is momentary, and reflects a longing for heaven. As we gaze upon the infinitely complex intense beauty of God, every pore of our being will dance with sheer pleasure and delight. It will be ravishing and unending delight.
The next time you experience the pleasure of beauty, let it turn your heart in contemplation of the beauty of God...and worship Him!
Friday, December 13, 2013
Fifty Shades of Mommy Porn and Demonic Sex
By Reverend Mark Hunnemann
What does it mean that the fastest selling paperback in history is a trilogy of soft-porn novels that wallow in sadomasochism? Erika Leonard--aka E.L. James--is British author of The Fifty Shades of Grey trio of novels. This unholy literary trinity is defiling the consciences and imaginations of millions of women, including many professing Christians. So many young woman are reading Fifty Shades, these books have been dubbed "mommy porn". Very sad...
As with many cultural phenomenon, the popularity of these novels is both symptom and cause of the status of our culture. It is symptom in that, the author expresses the spiritual/moral collapse of Western Civilization (similar to dynamics of the decline of the Roman Empire--moral rot from within). Moral/ethical relativity is at the core of Ms. Leonard's worldview as expressed in these books. On the other hand, its incredible popularity is effecting many millions of women in a deleterious way.This book is not merely being read, it is being experienced--in a variety of ways, but the minds/imaginations (which is where the spiritual battle normally begins) of its readers are being defiled. That can be a gateway to the demonic.
My purpose is not to write a book review, nor an in-depth discussion of demonic sex, but to think aloud with you as to what is happening in our country. The explosion of interest in the paranormal is not happening in a cultural vacuum, and I am passionate about understanding the dynamics of what is feeding into this continuing fascination with the paranormal.
Two simultaneous trends, both of which are experiencing explosive growth: fascination with all things paranormal, and popular"art" expressing graphic sex. The common denominator of these two trends is the primacy of experience over reason and God's revealed truth. Whether it be erotic or the spirit realm (or both), lusting for direct experience is what I see as the link between these two phenomena.The desire behind experience is the idolatrous quest for happiness.
It was Francis Schaeffer who commented that personal peace (happiness) and affluence have become the dominant life values of most people. This is tragic in light of the fact that glorifying and loving God is our purpose, and happiness will often (but not always) follow. Certainly joy will...
Another connection we must note is that this mass defilement of minds and imaginations is a cause for the increase of cases of incubii and succubii....demonic sex.
I have no doubt that demonic sex is increasing in frequency.
However, there are many women (and some men) who are ashamed to admit their diabolical sexual encounters to a pastor or priest. And as horrible as it may sound, some folks do not want the encounters to stop, because of how pleasurable it is.They are addicted... Personally, I have spoken to perhaps 3 dozen women and men who were/are in agony over this horrific reality. Make no mistake--people are really being sexually aroused and assaulted by demonic entities. The folks I talked to were mostly wide awake when the episodes take place...and they ranged from exquisite sexual arousal/orgasm to violent demonic rape....ripping,and tearing of genital flesh. Some are being touched and diabolically pleasured while walking down the sidewalk.
If this blog helps one person to commit to living a disciplined, holy life, or encourages them to overcome their fear and seek help, then it will been a "success."
Please keep this in mind as I discuss the sexual component--I have written of how our country has seemed to have reached a critical mass of interest in the paranormal. I THINK this has simultaneously removed (to some degree) God's restraining common grace protection, and unleashed an unprecedented amount of overt demonic activity in the US. Please don't lose track of that as we discuss this other.It has become more dangerous because fascination with the paranormal has opened the floodgates to spiritual darkness/oppression.
The "Twilight" series (which had a major impact on (E.L. James), "Being Human" and scores of other TV shows and books, have replaced the "old bad boy" with a vampiric bad boy. He's a lot badder...This interest in vampirism and/or the pornographic Fifty Shades are a step towards creating an invitation to the demonic, because the daydreaming/lust may include the desire for an illicit supernatural encounter.Combine that with a super-heated paranormal atmosphere (demonized), then we have a potent brew.
Often moving progressively, it starts with sexually explicit dreams....moves to sleep paralysis episodes....and finally one night they see the footsteps on their bed. and the touching begins. And a wide-awake nightmare ensues...
Now, here is the problem--reading a book like Fifty Shades of Grey primes the woman for adultery/fornication by proxy ( I am not picking on women, because everyone knows that many men have terrible problems with pornography....and this book is being read primarily by women).Their imaginations are being corrupted by the antics of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele.
Not long into the book, they are going at it, in graphic detail. The plot is not even worth mentioning because it boils down to this sequence, which repeats itself over and over--two pages of various characters interacting, and then 3 pages of wild, S&M sex. Over, and over, and over....Christian (curious choice of name) is a 27-year-old billionaire who makes Brad Pitt look like an ugly nerd. Her constant, breathless descriptions throughout the book of Mr Grey makes any living man/husband/boyfriend look hopelessly inadequate.
The demon cannot read their mind, but it knows what they are reading has put them in a spiritually compromised position. Some are then tempted to lust for a midnight "visitor" .In other words, reading pornographic trash is a door-opener because it can give them the "legal right" to attach and attack. Some readers or viewers of pornography may even yearn aloud, "If only I had..." Any demon within earshot will be eager to surprise them one night with an experience that is other-worldly pleasurable.
I am having trouble knowing which direction to take this (maybe because I am in the midst of the chaos of moving). Let me say two things.
First, please...I beg of you to get the help that you need. You can always contact me and I will find someone to help if you are too far away. Please do not remain silent out of embarrassment. And if addicted to demonic sex--it happens--you must look beyond the pleasure and see that you are being used and destroyed. Demons are incapable of loving humans...they hate you.
Second, as I pondered this issue, I was reminded of the Song of Solomon in the bible. It contains beautiful and sensuous poetry expressing erotic love between a man and a woman in the covenant commitment of marriage. Eros was created by God, as were all the lawful pleasures. The Word of God is not prudish, and a proper appreciation of the attractiveness of the of the opposite sex, of both form and face, is explicitly celebrated in the The Song of Solomon. It is amazing to me that this part of the inspired bible can be so "earthy", but without a hint of the pornographic.
Here are the key themes in that amazing book.
1. God's covenant, which commands sexual purity, provides just the right framework (marriage) within which His people may properly enjoy the gift of sexual intimacy (Gen. 2:23-24) Thus God's people honor Him and commend Him to the world when they demonstrate with their lives that obedience in such matters brings genuine delight.
2. Marriage is a gift of God, and is to be founded on loyalty and commitment which allows delight to flourish. As such, it is a fitting image for God's relationship with His people, in both the OT and the NT.
The fall of mankind damaged every aspect of human lives, and God's work of redemption aims to restore every aspect to its proper functioning. God's goal is that romantic love, with all its potential pain and degradation, should be an arena of enjoyment for His redeemed people. (ESV Study Bible, pg 1213) Amen.
What does it mean that the fastest selling paperback in history is a trilogy of soft-porn novels that wallow in sadomasochism? Erika Leonard--aka E.L. James--is British author of The Fifty Shades of Grey trio of novels. This unholy literary trinity is defiling the consciences and imaginations of millions of women, including many professing Christians. So many young woman are reading Fifty Shades, these books have been dubbed "mommy porn". Very sad...
As with many cultural phenomenon, the popularity of these novels is both symptom and cause of the status of our culture. It is symptom in that, the author expresses the spiritual/moral collapse of Western Civilization (similar to dynamics of the decline of the Roman Empire--moral rot from within). Moral/ethical relativity is at the core of Ms. Leonard's worldview as expressed in these books. On the other hand, its incredible popularity is effecting many millions of women in a deleterious way.This book is not merely being read, it is being experienced--in a variety of ways, but the minds/imaginations (which is where the spiritual battle normally begins) of its readers are being defiled. That can be a gateway to the demonic.
My purpose is not to write a book review, nor an in-depth discussion of demonic sex, but to think aloud with you as to what is happening in our country. The explosion of interest in the paranormal is not happening in a cultural vacuum, and I am passionate about understanding the dynamics of what is feeding into this continuing fascination with the paranormal.
Two simultaneous trends, both of which are experiencing explosive growth: fascination with all things paranormal, and popular"art" expressing graphic sex. The common denominator of these two trends is the primacy of experience over reason and God's revealed truth. Whether it be erotic or the spirit realm (or both), lusting for direct experience is what I see as the link between these two phenomena.The desire behind experience is the idolatrous quest for happiness.
It was Francis Schaeffer who commented that personal peace (happiness) and affluence have become the dominant life values of most people. This is tragic in light of the fact that glorifying and loving God is our purpose, and happiness will often (but not always) follow. Certainly joy will...
Another connection we must note is that this mass defilement of minds and imaginations is a cause for the increase of cases of incubii and succubii....demonic sex.
I have no doubt that demonic sex is increasing in frequency.
However, there are many women (and some men) who are ashamed to admit their diabolical sexual encounters to a pastor or priest. And as horrible as it may sound, some folks do not want the encounters to stop, because of how pleasurable it is.They are addicted... Personally, I have spoken to perhaps 3 dozen women and men who were/are in agony over this horrific reality. Make no mistake--people are really being sexually aroused and assaulted by demonic entities. The folks I talked to were mostly wide awake when the episodes take place...and they ranged from exquisite sexual arousal/orgasm to violent demonic rape....ripping,and tearing of genital flesh. Some are being touched and diabolically pleasured while walking down the sidewalk.
If this blog helps one person to commit to living a disciplined, holy life, or encourages them to overcome their fear and seek help, then it will been a "success."
Please keep this in mind as I discuss the sexual component--I have written of how our country has seemed to have reached a critical mass of interest in the paranormal. I THINK this has simultaneously removed (to some degree) God's restraining common grace protection, and unleashed an unprecedented amount of overt demonic activity in the US. Please don't lose track of that as we discuss this other.It has become more dangerous because fascination with the paranormal has opened the floodgates to spiritual darkness/oppression.
The "Twilight" series (which had a major impact on (E.L. James), "Being Human" and scores of other TV shows and books, have replaced the "old bad boy" with a vampiric bad boy. He's a lot badder...This interest in vampirism and/or the pornographic Fifty Shades are a step towards creating an invitation to the demonic, because the daydreaming/lust may include the desire for an illicit supernatural encounter.Combine that with a super-heated paranormal atmosphere (demonized), then we have a potent brew.
Often moving progressively, it starts with sexually explicit dreams....moves to sleep paralysis episodes....and finally one night they see the footsteps on their bed. and the touching begins. And a wide-awake nightmare ensues...
Now, here is the problem--reading a book like Fifty Shades of Grey primes the woman for adultery/fornication by proxy ( I am not picking on women, because everyone knows that many men have terrible problems with pornography....and this book is being read primarily by women).Their imaginations are being corrupted by the antics of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele.
Not long into the book, they are going at it, in graphic detail. The plot is not even worth mentioning because it boils down to this sequence, which repeats itself over and over--two pages of various characters interacting, and then 3 pages of wild, S&M sex. Over, and over, and over....Christian (curious choice of name) is a 27-year-old billionaire who makes Brad Pitt look like an ugly nerd. Her constant, breathless descriptions throughout the book of Mr Grey makes any living man/husband/boyfriend look hopelessly inadequate.
The demon cannot read their mind, but it knows what they are reading has put them in a spiritually compromised position. Some are then tempted to lust for a midnight "visitor" .In other words, reading pornographic trash is a door-opener because it can give them the "legal right" to attach and attack. Some readers or viewers of pornography may even yearn aloud, "If only I had..." Any demon within earshot will be eager to surprise them one night with an experience that is other-worldly pleasurable.
I am having trouble knowing which direction to take this (maybe because I am in the midst of the chaos of moving). Let me say two things.
First, please...I beg of you to get the help that you need. You can always contact me and I will find someone to help if you are too far away. Please do not remain silent out of embarrassment. And if addicted to demonic sex--it happens--you must look beyond the pleasure and see that you are being used and destroyed. Demons are incapable of loving humans...they hate you.
Second, as I pondered this issue, I was reminded of the Song of Solomon in the bible. It contains beautiful and sensuous poetry expressing erotic love between a man and a woman in the covenant commitment of marriage. Eros was created by God, as were all the lawful pleasures. The Word of God is not prudish, and a proper appreciation of the attractiveness of the of the opposite sex, of both form and face, is explicitly celebrated in the The Song of Solomon. It is amazing to me that this part of the inspired bible can be so "earthy", but without a hint of the pornographic.
Here are the key themes in that amazing book.
1. God's covenant, which commands sexual purity, provides just the right framework (marriage) within which His people may properly enjoy the gift of sexual intimacy (Gen. 2:23-24) Thus God's people honor Him and commend Him to the world when they demonstrate with their lives that obedience in such matters brings genuine delight.
2. Marriage is a gift of God, and is to be founded on loyalty and commitment which allows delight to flourish. As such, it is a fitting image for God's relationship with His people, in both the OT and the NT.
The fall of mankind damaged every aspect of human lives, and God's work of redemption aims to restore every aspect to its proper functioning. God's goal is that romantic love, with all its potential pain and degradation, should be an arena of enjoyment for His redeemed people. (ESV Study Bible, pg 1213) Amen.
Friday, June 8, 2012
The Supernatural & Satan's Speech Therapy
By Rev. Mark Hunnemann
If I were the devil (no comment) there is one small muscle in the human anatomy that I would work over-time trying to influence—the tongue.
“Possession and oppression are okay, but this is where we are inflicting maximum damage without being detected…and it all seems soooo mundane and natural. Without a hint of our diabolical presence, we are destroying: marriages, friendships, churches, and cultures; we have even caused these verminized humans to start wars with it. He he…on Sundays they praise the Enemy and on Monday they murder-mouth each other! And by muzzling their mouths, we can get the Enemy’s preachers to be silent about my most extreme deceptions. I know a few are bound to slip through the cracks, but you better not let them talk about my darling—ghosts… growl…And make them embarrassed to mention that NAME. Yes, human words are spreading the dust of darkness faster than anything else. Now, say after me: sticks and stones….” (over heard at a daily Satan-led strategy meeting discussing his “speech therapy”)
What happened? Thirteen years after our divorce, I am still plagued by that question. After starting off so well, not a day goes by that I don’t grieve the destruction of my family—as a family. I ask this question here, because this is where the paranormal rubber meets the road of hard reality. I usually speak of supernatural type occurrences, but along with sin, there is a demonic ploy that seems to be a common denominator in all relational meltdowns. Keeping an eye on the paranormal is useless unless it can shed some light on the ever growing problem of marital distress—the most basic, God-ordained institution that is the cement of a culture. Satan is culture wise, and he knows that if he can get marriage in trouble, then that society will begin to unravel and self-destruct. Tragically, much of what occurs between many husbands and wives is the result of the influence of the demonic denizens of the paranormal realm. My intent is to educate and equip us to be discerning of Satan’s relational schemes and discuss practical insights in how to achieve beauty in our earthly relationships.
Though much is uncertain, and varies from one situation to the next, I am certain of the primary cause of why a marriage either flourishes or flounders. Communication…what we say, and how we say it, is by far, the chief determiner of marriage wellness. If a digital recorder were strapped to you, what communication patterns would it reveal? .Since self-examination is fast becoming a lost art, then self-awareness is at all-time low.….Couples can experience all manner of stressors (finances, in-laws, sex, and so on), but it is how they talk to each other in times of stress that will make them either bitter or better. Stress is, in a sense, neutral; whether it pulls people together or drives them apart, is largely dependent on how they communicate…what is said, and how it is said. If you walk into some folk’s houses you are immediately hit with a stench; like something died. The friction is palpable.. I remember with sadness what one of my children said at a young age, “Daddy, I like it when we have people over because the house is happy then.” What and how we say things will either create an ambience of security, warmth, and sweetness, or it will create a palpable sense of insecurity (walking on eggshells), chilled anxiety, and sourness.
One couple forecloses on a house, and they become even more devoted to each other. Another couple forecloses on a house, and they start sleeping in separate beds. The difference? One listens to the demonic temptation and the blame game begins, but the other resists the same temptation and encourages each other in the Lord. Statistics show that being a Christian (or professing so), sadly, makes no difference in how this couple handles the stress. Recently, a friend went through a cluster of serious setbacks (some might call them crises), and there is good reason to suspect demonic attack. Though smashed with initial anguish, they chose…CHOSE…to believe that God is good.. all the time. And they verbalized their contentment in the Lord. I was, and continue to be, amazed and blessed by their attitude and tongue control.
The power of life and death is in the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Prov. 18:21) How does one comment on a verse like that, except to urge each of us to really embrace and acknowledge the reality of the life and death nature of our words. In James 3:1-12) James laments that hardly anyone has good tongue control. In v. 6 he says that a word can set the whole course of our lives on fire, and that this tongue fire is itself lit by hell. We spread Satan’s kingdom when we sin with our mouths; he is known as the Accuser of the brethren. We should be very cautious before we open our mouths, but many let dribble out whatever comes to our minds. “Where there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his tongue is wise. (Prov. 10:19) Introvert or extrovert, it makes no difference—we are not to engage in diareha of the mouth. Also, you will look in vain for a text that minimizes mouth-sin due to how we feel. (some medical conditions can make obedience more difficult) We would not use feelings as an excuse for stabbing a person’s body, so why use it as an excuse for stabbing someone’s heart?. The power of life and death lies in what we say; we should control our tongues as if it were a 44 magnum handgun, with the safety off….VERY carefully.:
Listen to the words of Jesus, “For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart.” (Mat. 12:34) What we say is an accurate indicator of what is habitually happening in our thoughts. With Satan, the mind or heart is where the real battle is waged because the mind is the contact or entry point for the words of temptation, accusation, anxiety, and so on. Right then and there is where the battle is won or lost. Are you still wearing the digital recorder? I hope so because listen to what Jesus says next, “I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”(Matt. 12:36-37) Believers will undergo a judgment, and much of the divine scrutiny will center on our communication. How you speak to your spouse or family will be the area of closest scrutiny. Before the eternal pleasures of heaven, there will be a real judgment…if that does not get our attention, I don’t know what will.
Most everyone is probably familiar with Eph. 4:27 where we are warned to not let the sun go down on our anger, or we will give the devil an opportunity or foothold. Paraphrased…”Hey, if you have had an argument with your spouse, make sure it is dealt with before you fall asleep. Because if you don’t, that gives the demonic a green light to graduate from mere temptation to demonic influence. The protection is lowered, a door is opened, and they are allowed to begin oppressing you.” It then becomes a vicious cycle, as the oppression increases so does the anger; harsh words flow and then the door is opened wider..and so on.. Friends, please make it a habit to not fall asleep angry. Christian couples are to help accelerate each other’s sanctification; .to be ministers of each others joy; to help them FEEL the security and significance we have in the Lord by what we say; to increase each other’s fruitfulness in extending the Lord’s kingdom; to enjoy each other and experience a piece of heaven here on earth. ”I am sorry, please forgive me. ” and “I do forgive you” should come out of our mouths more frequently as we mature in Christ, because more spiritual nerves are exposed…we become more sensitive to motives and tone. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting, but it does mean not bringing the matter up again and holding it against the person. God cannot forget because He knows all things, but the beauty is that he does not hold our sins against us anymore.
One way to test your tongue control is to look at compliments versus criticisms, and the ratio between the two. Under criticism would come: constructive criticism, destructive criticism,, helpful hints, advice, suggestions, comments, and so on (you get the picture) When we mention criticism we usually are thinking about overtly destructive criticism, but any comments that “corrects” the other person has the potential to be destructive if:
it is said too often, spoken in an unloving tone, and is not balanced by a preponderance of overtly constructive compliments.. In this context, kindness is NOT correcting every mistake you see or hear; Jesus didn’t. "Love covers a multitude of sins." Let me hasten to add that some constructive criticism is necessary in a healthy relationship. My point is that we should compliment each other much more than we correct or criticize. This is where some of us will need to do some repenting, because the compliment versus criticism ratio is way out of whack. No wonder the “Song of Solomon” is so lovely; it is filled with compliments and no criticisms! If we did that one thing, our relationships would be a thing of real and observable beauty. Would the digital recorder show a preponderance of compliments or criticism? Let us offer up to God our mouths as a living sacrifice—it may keep trying to crawl of the altar but we put it right back.
Looking back now, I know that our house was infested, and we were under demonic oppression because of Satan’s speech therapy at work. My ex-wife cannot keep tenants in the house, because there is “something wrong with it.” I literally ran out the back door and fled…an utterly broken man. The Lord has been so kind and tender to such an unworthy sinner. Praise be to the Name—JESUS!
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