I'm sure many of us already know that there are limitations that Satan and his demons have on them. They are terrified Jesus Christ because they are truly petrified of being thrown into the lake of fire for eternity before the appointed time. Demons know they do not have the power that Gods Angels do. Satan knows he does not have the same power and wrath that God has. They know they can only do so much.
Satan is not omnipresent
Satan is an individual personality, so he can be in only one place at a time (as seen in Job 1:7). So when we say that the devil is personally tempting us, more than likely it is his power working through his network of demons.
Satan is not omnipotent
Because of this, many references to Satan or the devil include his whole kingdom. The person of Satan does not personally tempt each of us for he simply cannot do that. Satan must rely on the following agents to carry out his temptation: His Army of demons, the world system which lies under his control, carnal or ignorant Christians he is able to use as he did Peter (Matthew 16:22-23), unbelievers under his influence or domination therefore, he can surely be resisted and made to flee in the name of Jesus Christ. but only by the strength of God all mighty made available to believers in Christ (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Satan is not omniscient
Satan is an angel and angels don’t know everything (1 Peter 1:11-12). There is no indication in Scripture that Satan can really read our thoughts despite it is a common belief. Because he’s an expert on human nature, he’s pretty good at predicting our behavior and can easily tempt and corrupt weak humans.
Satan is not self-existent.
He was created by God . It can even been said that God created and uses Satan to his own ends (2 Corinthians 12:7).
Another one of Satan’s limitations is that he is not allowed to reveal or show himself, being forced to work solely by secrecy and deceit. He is NOTHING but our vicious enemy to all human souls, but non-appearance is a significant containment of his power. 2 Thessalonians shows us that Satan must content himself with an appointee, the man of sin, who will appear on his behalf at the end of time, only to be immediately destroyed by the brightness of the coming of Christ.
Satan is now a spiritual vagrant, powerful, yes, with a vast host of fallen angels doing his bidding, but he must tempt us from ‘outside’, and secure our co-operation for everything he wants us to do. He is certainly the prince of this world, but a prince with no palace or rights a dispossessed and a doomed prince. This limiting of Satan is also referred to in the book of Revelation, chapters 12 and 20, the last of these telling us that Satan would be bound during the Christian era so that he would not be able to deceive the nations any more by keeping them in total spiritual darkness. All nations would be penetrated by the Gospel of Christ.
Lying is Satan main weapon against God’s children. He uses the tactic of deceit to separate people from their Heavenly Father. The most common lie is "there is no God,” “God doesn’t care about you,” “the Bible cannot be trusted,” But we must remember the apostle Paul tells us that Satan “masquerades as an angel of light” so that what he says and does sounds good and seems reasonable. Another example would be "familiar spirits" demons masquerading as your past love one in order to get a foothold into your life. Of course they would know exactly what to say that only your grandmother would know and they could appear to look like you're lost and dearly departed. The Bible warns us to "be aware of the familiar spirit"
What makes these demons dangerous Is they are very cunning, and very patient. They lie and manipulate better than the best lawyers and politicians. And they will subtly influence someone for decades if they have to, to gain the coveted result. They have no boundaries of what they will not do to further their own ends. They kill people, they cause severely debilitating illness. They tear families apart, they take all that is good and pure and drag it through the dirt and blood until there is nothing left. They are never to be taken lightly or as a joke. It is not adventurous or romantic or 'cool' to be as hunter. It is dangerous. Not just physically, but spiritually. Whatever they can do to you physically will end, because life is short. But spiritually... the soul is immortal. We who are filled with faith and the Holy Spirit we have nothing to fear,..absolutely not. We all know how this ends and so does the enemy and his network of demons and they know how this all ends. And it isn't good for them. It's only a matter of time.
Here is more great news on his limitations God set forth:
He was casted out of heaven. Isaiah 14:12-14 stipulates: "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didn't weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
2. He cannot devise a temptation that is so great that God cannot deliver us from it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Satan is no where near as powerful as God. And he knows this too.
Revelation 20:10; 'And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.'
Written by Jennifer L Auld
Looking inside the spiritual & literary worlds
Saturday, September 19, 2015
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Is it Wrong for a Christian to have a Dreamcatcher?
By Reverend Mark Hunnemann
“When you come into the land that the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations. 10 There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering,5 anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer 11 or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or cone who inquires of the dead, 12 for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD. And because of these abominations the LORD your God is driving them out before you. 13 You shall be blameless before the LORD your God, 14 for these nations, which you are about to dispossess, listen to fortune-tellers and to diviners. But as for you, the LORD your God has not allowed you to do this.
“If a person turns to mediums and necromancers, whoring after them, I will set my face against that person and will cut him off from among his people. 7 Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, for I am the LORD your God. 8 Keep my statutes and do them; I am the LORD who sanctifies you.
Psalm 3:5 I lay down and slept;
I woke again, for the LORD sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid of many thousands of people
who have set themselves against me all around.
Psalm 4:8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king win haste and said thus to him: “I have found among the exiles from Judah a man who will make known to the king the interpretation.” 26 The king declared to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, “Are you able to make known to me the dream that I have seen and its interpretation?” 27 Daniel answered the king and said, “No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked, 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. Your dream and the visions of your head as you lay in bed are these: 29 To you, O king, as you lay in bed came thoughts of what would be after this, and he who reveals mysteries made known to you what is to be. 30 But gas for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because of any wisdom that I have more than all the living, but in order that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your mind.
Dream catchers have long been a part of Native American religion, lore, and art, originating with the Ojibwe, or Chippewa, and the Lakota, a confederation of seven Sioux tribes. Dream catchers are webbed and beaded circles hung with feathers from the base of the circle. As the name suggests,, the purpose of a dream catcher is to catch dreams—that is, to trap bad or evil dreams and channel good dreams to the sleeper. Dream catchers are usually placed in a window or above the bed, allowing the good dreams to drip down the feathers onto the sleeper below.
Millions of Americans adorn their bedrooms,front porches, and various rooms in their homes with dream catchers. It has become extremely popular and fashionable to own a dream catcher. The motive or intent of why folks buy and display them vary—for some it is merely an interesting piece of historical art…..looks cool….Others do so for protection while sleeping. However, since the name is so self-explanatory, when a person purchases/displays one, they can’t help but know what their purpose is. Besides, we usually have mixed motives when doing most anything. For example, while a person may primarily buy a dream catcher simply because they think it is cool, deep down they know the crystal clear intentions of those who originally made and used them. It is, after all, a DREAM CATCHER!
My guess is that the vast majority of folks who buy them do so with at least some desire for them to produce the results for which they were originally created….positive vibes while sleeping and warding off bad dreams. But regardless of intent, is there any problem or danger in the use of a dream catcher? To answer that, consider the following fact….
Essentially, a dream catcher is intended to manipulate the spirit world.
You may wish to re-read the last sentence. Folks have become enamored with all things Native American. What many folks may not realize is how much of their religion is focused on spiritism and other attempts to manipulate the spirit realm.
Most Native American tribes believe that the souls of the dead pass into a spirit world and become part of the spiritual forces that influence every part of their daily lives.
Deuteronomy 18, Leviticus 19, 20 list forbidden practices…they are all attempts to communicate/manipulate the spirit world. While dream catchers are not explicitly mentioned in the bible, what they purport to do (protect our dreams) is a demonic lie. We are to look to God alone for protection, while awake or asleep. God demands that we look to Him alone for protection (Psalm 125:2…see verses above) If we are anxious we are to look to Him alone (Philippians 4:6-7)
To look to a man-made object to protect our dreams is idolatry. That in itself should be enough to steer clear of them. God is jealous, and He will not share His glory with His creation.
By their very nature, dream catchers are unclean. Spiritually polluted. Objects which are unclean and are used for unclean purposes, can attract demonic attention or even attachment to the object. Recently I cleansed a young woman’s room which had a dream catcher on her door (and a voodoo necklace), which were removed.. I don’t think that her room was infested, but better safe than sorry…many others have not been as fortunate..
Am I saying that every person who owns a dream catcher is under demonic oppression? No. I’m not. However, not every person who owns and uses a Ouija board is under demonic oppression either.Nevertheless, owning a Ouija board is playing with fire….playing spiritual Russian Roulette.The purpose of a Ouija board is manipulating the spirit realm, as is a dream catcher. This will become clearer as we see the connection between spirits and dreams in Native American thought.
There are many stories about folks coming under attack when they placed a dream catcher in their home, and the activity stopped when it was removed….similar to the experience countless other folks have had when they played around with many other types of occult objects.Those of us who do cleansings of homes know how important it is to extract/destroy any and all objects that may have some ritualistic connection to the occult.
Some things are mysteries, but one thing is crystal clear—dream catchers, are by their very nature, spiritually unclean objects. Even if you only view your dream catcher as purely adornment, we need to ask how God views your dream catcher. In the above texts He makes it abundantly clear that ANY objects whose purpose is to manipulate the spirit realm is an abomination in His eyes.(Deuteronomy 18:9-14) As I mentioned last week God is love, but He is an intellectual authoritarian. He demands that our thoughts conform to His Word, and not be conformed to sentimental or romantic ideas of false religions.
According to Romans 1:18ff non-Christian religions (though they all have noble elements in them), are essentially demonically originated lies, designed to flee from the Living God. This may not be politically correct, but we must seek to please God and not man. Throughout the bible non-Christian religions are seen as attempts to flee from the Living God, and not an attempt to seek Him.(Isaiah 40-48) In Colossians 2:8 elemental spirits (stoichea) are the demonic forces behind the false teachings of humans.
In Genesis 40-41 Joseph, and in Daniel (see text above), are both given interpretations of the kings dreams. It is important to note that both of these godly men deflected the glory away from themselves and towards the Living God, who alone can interpret the king’s dreams. No pagan occultist could accomplish this. The point is that God is in control of all things (Ephesians 1:11), including our sleep and dreams. To impute to a pagan artifact the ability to control or interpret part of God’s world—our sleep and dreams—is cosmic treason. It is idolatry. The texts in the Psalm 3 and 4 state that we are safe while we sleep only because the Living God protects us! (see Psalm 91) Yahweh is our refuge, our fortress, our protector, and only under His wings do we find redemption and protection.
Perhaps I should have placed this earlier, but we need to understand dream catchers in the context of Native American spirituality in general, and the Ojibwe in particular. The first article summarizes what most Native Americans believe regarding ghosts and spirits. The second article summarizes the spiritual beliefs of the Objibwe, the tribe thought to have created the dream catcher.
Native Americans: Ghosts & Spirits
American spiritual beliefs hold rich accounts of ghosts and spirits - that the dead live on and even visit us. Death is typically viewed as a door into the next life, or world, and not something to be feared but embraced.
"We believe that the spirit pervades all creation and that every creature possesses a soul in some degree, though not necessarily a soul conscious to itself. The tree, the waterfall, the grizzly bear, each is an embodied force, and as such an object of reverence." - Ohiyesa, Sioux 1902 (aka Charles Eastman)
The Native American belief in spirit (and ghost) visitation can be found in an amazing speech made in 1854, by Chief Seattle:
"And when the last red man shall have perished from the earth and his memory among white men shall have become a myth, these shores shall swarm with the invisible dead of my tribe, and when your children's children shall think themselves alone in the field, the store, the shop, upon the highway or in the silence of the woods, they will not be alone." - Chief Seattle, 1854
This incredible Native American idea of spirit interaction with the living, what we call spirits or ghosts, could be understood as meaning that Chief Seattle's people (Suquamish) will be with us, for we are all connected as one, great humanity - brothers. However, his address from 1854 is also haunting as we continue to read his words for he seemed to give a warning that, in the afterlife, ghosts and spirits affect the living:
"The white man will never be alone. Let him be just and lindly deal with my people, for the dead are not powerless. Dead - I say? There is no death. Only a change of worlds."
We might say that Native American beliefs in the afterlife reveal a hidden, spirit world that interacts with this earthly plane - a greater, underlying connection that exists before our eyes - many remaining unaware of its existence. Black Elk, a Lakota Sioux medicine man, had much to say about the unseen world of Spirit co-existing with the physical world we know:
“The first peace, which is the most important, is that which comes within the souls of people when they realize their relationship, their oneness with the universe and all its powers, and when theyrealize at the center of the universe dwells the Great Spirit, and that its center is really everywhere, it is within each of us.”
"The Great Spirit is everywhere; he hears whatever is in our minds and our hearts, and it is not necessary to speak to him in a loud voice."
This idea of a Great Spirit being everywhere and within everything is the meaning behind Black Elk's words. Here are two more quotes from this great Native American:
“Peace will come to the hearts of men when they realize their oneness with the universe. It is everywhere.”
“The Holy Land is everywhere.”
Another example of this idea is reflected in the story of how the great warrior, Crazy Horse, was said to have found his courage and strength. According to the book, Black Elk Speaks, Crazy Horse shared with Black Elk his vision that occurred in the spirit world:
“Crazy Horse dreamed and went into the world where there is nothing but the spirits of all things. That is the real world that is behind this one, and everything we see here is something like a shadow from that one.”
Crazy Horse also described his horse floating and moving differently above the field (thus, "Crazy Horse") in his powerful vision. It's been said that he was able to move in and out between the spirit realm and the physical world, able to see both, and so his courage and power was greater than most men.
Let's consider the concept that people can make a choice to move beyond this plane after death of the body but still interact with the living (at times, as loving, guiding spirits often seen in dreams and visions), or consistently remain behind, earthbound and troubled (what we would call ghosts). We can find this choice upon death of the body reflected in Native American beliefs by reading A Speech to the Dead by Native American (Luiseno) Chief Fox:
"Now this day you have ceased to see daylight.
Think only of what is good.
Do not think of anything uselessly.
You must think all the time of what is good.
You will go and live with our nephew.
And do not think evil towards these your relatives.
When you start to leave them this day you must not think backwards of them with regret.
And do not think of looking back at them.
And do not feel badly because you have lost sight of this daylight.
This does not happen today to you alone, so that you thus be alone when you die.
Bless the people so that they may not be sick.
This is what you will do.
You must merely bless them so that they may live as mortals here.
You must always think kindly.
Today is the last time I shall speak to you.
Now I shall cease speaking to you, my relative."
Ojibwe Spirituality and Beliefs
Spiritual Connections
The Ojibwe people believe in the Great Spirit or Creator. Their Creator holds a supernatural power that it shares with all aspects of nature, humans, and the forces of the universe, such as the sun, moon, lightning, ghosts, and thunder. All of these non-living and living things posses animistic spirits, some of which are evil and some of which are good. The Ojibwe oral tradition states that these good spirits can help the people in their quest for self-awareness, growth, and spiritual development because everyone and everything in nature are spiritually connected and influence each other.
The Vision Quest
When a young Ojibwe boy or girl reaches the age of adolescence, they are expected to begin a journey called a "vision quest". This quest leads them into the wilderness, where one can find seclusion from the outside world. On these quests, the young Ojibwe practices fasting and meditation in an attempt to invoke a vision or dream. Through these dreams, one becomes capable of being guided on a spiritual path. The main purpose of a vision quest is to discover a spiritual guide. This guide typically comes in the form of an animal, only revealing itself with an important message when it so chooses. The success of a young Ojibwe's vision quest may determine their potential role as a Shaman, or spiritual leader, later in life. Spiritual development continues into adulthood where one discovers the meaning of life and moral responsibilities. Transitioning through each stage of life, an Ojibwe eventually reaches old age, and their sacred journey becomes fulfilled. It is then the responsibility of the elder to impart their wisdom and teachings unto the young tribal members.
The Medicine Man and the "Shaking Tents"
The Ojibwe medicine man is both a physical and spiritual healer. He is the tribe's connection to the spiritual world, who calls upon powers and knowledge through song and prayer. The medicine man is responsible for a great deal of knowledge concerning the tribe's ways of life, spiritual healing, and plant and herbal properties. Most importantly, the medicine man is responsible for teaching his young tribal members the Ojibwe way of life and the importance of spiritual healing.
The Ojibwe practice a ritual known as the "shaking tent". The main purpose of a shaking tent is to consult with the spirits about a health issue or an important event in the future. During this ritual, the ailing person lays outside the tent, or wigwam, while the medicine man goes inside to sing or pray to the spirits. Then, when the spirits are present, the tent begins to shake back and forth. The medicine man asks for their advice, and they answer with many different voices, sounding like a crowd. The medicine man then treats the ill person and tells them of the message sent by the spirits.
While there is great diversity of belief amongst Native Americans, they generally share an occultic cosmology….shamnism. Though Native Americans decry the abuse of the dream catcher by New Agers, their spirituality is quite similar to New Age, which is actually quite old.Hopefully the above quotes/article clarify the dangerous side of Native American spirituality.
It is common knowledge that Native American lands are prone to being infested. (For many paranormal investigators one of the first things they seek is whether or not there is an Indian connection.) Many folks assume that the reason for the infestation is that these people, and especially their dead, have been desecrated. And there is no doubt that this has happened on a large scale, which is tragic.
However, given the intensely spiritistic nature of Native American spirituality, may I suggest that the land was spiritually polluted by their beliefs and practices…and generations of occultic ceremonies. Remember, ALL non-Christian religions originated and are continually energized by demons.(see Colossians 2:6ff) When you combine that with the fact that Native American spirituality is occultic to the core (all is one….animism….daily seeking of interaction with ‘spirits. ect) Suppose a group of 10,000 witches settled on a land and for generations practiced their incantations, ect, What do you think would happen to that land? In the Old Testament we are told that the spiritistic practices of the Canaanites polluted the land so badly that the land vomited them out.Witches have a high view of nature, like Native Americans, and many similar beliefs. Why would we think that generations of witches may spiritually pollute the land (causing infestation), but not with Native Americans?
Americans, including many Christians, have a high regard for Native American religion. Perhaps we feel that way due to their being the ‘original inhabitants”…..or that they were treated so horribly (which they were)….or that they have such a high regard for nature. Even though almost all religions have some good traits, we must not forget that Jesus is the only way to salvation (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 John 5:13, ect.). Apart from Christ we are not merely spiritually sick, but we are DEAD. It was Jesus, and not Christians, who created this “narrowness”. However, given our rebellion, we are blessed that God provided one way of salvation!
Once we understand the context/cosmology of dream catchers and how they are tied to an occultic spirituality, then that should put them in proper perspective.For God’s glory, and for your safety, please get rid of all Native American artifacts, especially dream catchers or masks.
One of the most critical issues facing the Native Christian Church today is the effort to revive, adapt and utilize Native cultural forms in worship of the church. In the light of the resurgence of Native religious traditionalism, the coming of the peyote movement (Native American Church), the influx of New Age philosophy, and questions concerning Native spirituality and Biblical truth, we as Native believers in Christ, from a score of tribes and with hundreds of combined years of experience in tribal ministry among us, have gathered together to speak with one voice on these subjects to the body of Christ at large, basing our responses on the clear statements of the revealed Word of God.
1Tm 4:1, 2Tim 4:3-4, 2Cor. 4:1-2, 1Pet 4.- 1.
1. As Native leaders,
3. We believe our salvation is in the finished work of Christ and that we cannot add anything to that work to improve our relationship with God. As believers, we should not, therefore, use or attach any spiritual value to items regarded as sacred such as tobacco, cedar smoke, sweet grass, peyote, prayer feathers, fetishes, masks, drums, dances, etc.; to places regarded as sacred such as mother earth, kivas, mountains, sweat lodge, longhouse, or other traditional religious places of worship, etc.; or to spirit beings
Acts 4:12, 1Tim. 2:5-6, Josh. 24.14-15, Mark 7:1-9,
5. We believe we are redeemed and purified only through the blood of Christ for forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation; therefore, we should not teach that a Native can be purified by any other means (smoke, sweats, smudging, other blood sacrifices, etc.). To do so is to substitute or add Native rituals and ceremonies to the finished work of Christ.
1Pet. 1:18-19, Eph. 1:7, Heb. 9:12-14, 22, 1Jn. 1:7, Col. 1:14, Tit. 3:5, Eph. 2:8-9, Col. 2:7-10, Col. 2:20 - 3:2.
6. We believe that Christ has set us free and that the liberty we have in Christ should not be used as a license to introduce anything from the native traditional ways that would hinder our lives in Christ, that would offend any of our fellow believers, or that would hinder our witness to unbelievers.
Gal. 5:1, Jn. 8: Gal. 5:13-15, 1Cor. 8, 1Cor. 10:31-33, Rom 6:16-18.
7. We believe that Christ reigns supreme above all cultures. When Christ redeems and transforms us through faith and obedience to His Word, then Christ will transform our culture through us. (We believe that Christ only redeems people by His blood; the Bible does not teach redemption of culture). At the same time, we affirm that there are many good traditions within our Native cultures, which enhance the lives of both Christians and non-Christians. Such traditions include: respect for elders, love for children, sharing with others, entertaining strangers, considering others before oneself, honoring the accomplishments of others, etc. These all are outstanding examples of the scriptural "law of love" and are to be encouraged.
Eph. 1:20-23, Col. 1:16-18, Phil. 2:9-11, 1Pet. 2:9-12, Gal. 2:20, 2Cor. 5:17, Rom. 12:1-2, Rom. 1:5-6, Tit. 3:5, Gal. 2:16, Eph. 2:8-9, Rev. 5:9, Heb. 9:22, Eph. 1:7-8, Eph. 2:12-13, 1Pet. 1:18-19, 2Thes. 2:15, Phil. 4:8-9.
By biblical truth, we mean the sole authority of the divine revelation of God to man, clearly inspired by the Holy Spirit in the Holy Scriptures, and not what man thinks about God.
By native religious traditionalism, we mean the influence of the unwritten rules concerning spiritual conduct in our historical cultures which are not in accord with the revealed Word of God.
One of the most critical issues facing the Native Christian Church today is the effort to revive, adapt and utilize Native cultural forms in worship of the church. In the light of the resurgence of Native religious traditionalism, the coming of the peyote movement (Native American Church), the influx of New Age philosophy, and questions concerning Native spirituality and Biblical truth, we as Native believers in Christ, from a score of tribes and with hundreds of combined years of experience in tribal ministry among us, have gathered together to speak with one voice on these subjects to the body of Christ at large, basing our responses on the clear statements of the revealed Word of God.
1Tm 4:1, 2Tim 4:3-4, 2Cor. 4:1-2, 1Pet 4.- 1.
1. As Native leaders, we believe that God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is personal, eternal, and pre-exists all of creation. God is both the Creator and the Reason for all creation, including the heavens and the earth, plant life, animal life, and man. Life originated from God who is our true heavenly Father, not from earth as our "mother".
Gen. 1:26, Heb. 4.14, Jn 1:14, 1Tim. 1:17, Jn 1:1-3, Col. 1:16-17, Neh. 9:6, Rom. 1:20, Acts 17:26-30, Gen. 2:7, Deut. 32:39, Psa. 104:5, Isa 51:6, Job 12.7-9.
2. We believe that Christ should have preeminence and permeates all aspects of our l ves and, through us, all aspects of our cultures, to promote the glory of God. God will not share His glory with anything in creation. To do so is idolatry. To combine elements of Native religion and Biblical truth is syncretism. We must renounce and avoid any form of idolatry and syncretism, because they are forbidden in Scripture.
Deut. 32:39, Col. 1:17-19, Eph. 1:6,12,14, Heb. 1:3-4, 1Cor. 10:31, Isa 42:8, Ex. 20:3-6, Rom. 1:23, CoL 3:5, 2Ki. 40:41, 2Cor. 6:14-17, 2Cor 4.2, Acts 19:18-20, ICor. 5:11, Isa 42:17.
3. We believe our salvation is in the finished work of Christ and that we cannot add anything to that work to improve our relationship with God. As believers, we should not, therefore, use or attach any spiritual value to items regarded as sacred such as tobacco, cedar smoke, sweet grass, peyote, prayer feathers, fetishes, masks, drums, dances, etc.; to places regarded as sacred such as mother earth, kivas, mountains, sweat lodge, longhouse, or other traditional religious places of worship, etc.; or to spirit beings such as kachinas, skin walkers, animal and nature spirits, etc.
Jn. 19:30, Eph. 2:8-9, 5:8-12, Ex. 20:1-5, Isa. 1:13-16, Deut. 18:9-13, Jn. 4:21-24, Deut. 12:2, 2Chron. 34:4, Thes. 1:9.
4. We believe that Christ has always been and always will be the one and only mediator between God and man. Man is totally helpless to reach God through any traditional spiritual efforts such as Native ceremonies, rituals and forms of worship.
Jn. 14:6, Acts 4:12, 1Tim. 2:5-6, Josh. 24.14-15, Mark 7:1-9, Rom. 3:9-18,23, Col. 2:20-23.
5. We believe we are redeemed and purified only through the blood of Christ for forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation; therefore, we should not teach that a Native can be purified by any other means (smoke, sweats, smudging, other blood sacrifices, etc.). To do so is to substitute or add Native rituals and ceremonies to the finished work of Christ.
1Pet. 1:18-19, Eph. 1:7, Heb. 9:12-14, 22, 1Jn. 1:7, Col. 1:14, Tit. 3:5, Eph. 2:8-9, Col. 2:7-10, Col. 2:20 - 3:2.
6. We believe that Christ has set us free and that the liberty we have in Christ should not be used as a license to introduce anything from the native traditional ways that would hinder our lives in Christ, that would offend any of our fellow believers, or that would hinder our witness to unbelievers.
Gal. 5:1, Jn. 8:32,, Gal. 5:13-15, 1Cor. 8, 1Cor. 10:31-33, Rom 6:16-18.
7. We believe that Christ reigns supreme above all cultures. When Christ redeems and transforms us through faith and obedience to His Word, then Christ will transform our culture through us. (We believe that Christ only redeems people by His blood; the Bible does not teach redemption of culture). At the same time, we affirm that there are many good traditions within our Native cultures, which enhance the lives of both Christians and non-Christians. Such traditions include: respect for elders, love for children, sharing with others, entertaining strangers, considering others before oneself, honoring the accomplishments of others, etc. These all are outstanding examples of the scriptural "law of love" and are to be encouraged.
Eph. 1:20-23, Col. 1:16-18, Phil. 2:9-11, 1Pet. 2:9-12, Gal. 2:20, 2Cor. 5:17, Rom. 12:1-2, Rom. 1:5-6, Tit. 3:5, Gal. 2:16, Eph. 2:8-9, Rev. 5:9, Heb. 9:22, Eph. 1:7-8, Eph. 2:12-13, 1Pet. 1:18-19, 2Thes. 2:15, Phil. 4:8-9.
Definitions:
By biblical truth, we mean the sole authority of the divine revelation of God to man, clearly inspired by the Holy Spirit in the Holy Scriptures, and not what man thinks about God.
By native religious traditionalism, we mean the influence of the unwritten rules concerning spiritual conduct in our historical cultures which are not in accord with the revealed Word of God.
By native culture, we mean the dynamic learned lifeways, beliefs and values of our people as revealed in our languages, customs, relationships, arts and rituals. In native culture, religion permeates all aspects of life and is often identified as being the culture, even though it is only an aspect of it.
• By syncretism, we refer specifically to the subtle attempt to integrate Biblical truth and faith in Christ with non-biblical Native religious beliefs, practices, and forms. The result is an adulteration of biblical truth and the birth of "another gospel (Gal 1: 6-9)."
By idolatry, we mean exchanging the worship of the Creator for the worship of the creation. The Bible teaches that we must not "exchange the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures (Ro. 1:23)."
Copyrighted 1998 by CHIEF Inc.
Indian Bible College, Flagstaff, AZ - All Rights Reserved | 928-774-3890 | 928-774-2655 | PO Box 30880, Flagstaff, AZ 86003-0880, USA.
"Seeing Ghosts through God's Eyes" (also in a Kindle edition)...please consider purchasing my book which uses science, logic, and the bible to analyze the true source of power behind paranormal activity.
“When you come into the land that the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations. 10 There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering,5 anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer 11 or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or cone who inquires of the dead, 12 for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD. And because of these abominations the LORD your God is driving them out before you. 13 You shall be blameless before the LORD your God, 14 for these nations, which you are about to dispossess, listen to fortune-tellers and to diviners. But as for you, the LORD your God has not allowed you to do this.
“If a person turns to mediums and necromancers, whoring after them, I will set my face against that person and will cut him off from among his people. 7 Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, for I am the LORD your God. 8 Keep my statutes and do them; I am the LORD who sanctifies you.
Psalm 3:5 I lay down and slept;
I woke again, for the LORD sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid of many thousands of people
who have set themselves against me all around.
Psalm 4:8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king win haste and said thus to him: “I have found among the exiles from Judah a man who will make known to the king the interpretation.” 26 The king declared to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, “Are you able to make known to me the dream that I have seen and its interpretation?” 27 Daniel answered the king and said, “No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked, 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. Your dream and the visions of your head as you lay in bed are these: 29 To you, O king, as you lay in bed came thoughts of what would be after this, and he who reveals mysteries made known to you what is to be. 30 But gas for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because of any wisdom that I have more than all the living, but in order that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your mind.
Dream catchers have long been a part of Native American religion, lore, and art, originating with the Ojibwe, or Chippewa, and the Lakota, a confederation of seven Sioux tribes. Dream catchers are webbed and beaded circles hung with feathers from the base of the circle. As the name suggests,, the purpose of a dream catcher is to catch dreams—that is, to trap bad or evil dreams and channel good dreams to the sleeper. Dream catchers are usually placed in a window or above the bed, allowing the good dreams to drip down the feathers onto the sleeper below.
Millions of Americans adorn their bedrooms,front porches, and various rooms in their homes with dream catchers. It has become extremely popular and fashionable to own a dream catcher. The motive or intent of why folks buy and display them vary—for some it is merely an interesting piece of historical art…..looks cool….Others do so for protection while sleeping. However, since the name is so self-explanatory, when a person purchases/displays one, they can’t help but know what their purpose is. Besides, we usually have mixed motives when doing most anything. For example, while a person may primarily buy a dream catcher simply because they think it is cool, deep down they know the crystal clear intentions of those who originally made and used them. It is, after all, a DREAM CATCHER!
My guess is that the vast majority of folks who buy them do so with at least some desire for them to produce the results for which they were originally created….positive vibes while sleeping and warding off bad dreams. But regardless of intent, is there any problem or danger in the use of a dream catcher? To answer that, consider the following fact….
Essentially, a dream catcher is intended to manipulate the spirit world.
You may wish to re-read the last sentence. Folks have become enamored with all things Native American. What many folks may not realize is how much of their religion is focused on spiritism and other attempts to manipulate the spirit realm.
Most Native American tribes believe that the souls of the dead pass into a spirit world and become part of the spiritual forces that influence every part of their daily lives.
Deuteronomy 18, Leviticus 19, 20 list forbidden practices…they are all attempts to communicate/manipulate the spirit world. While dream catchers are not explicitly mentioned in the bible, what they purport to do (protect our dreams) is a demonic lie. We are to look to God alone for protection, while awake or asleep. God demands that we look to Him alone for protection (Psalm 125:2…see verses above) If we are anxious we are to look to Him alone (Philippians 4:6-7)
To look to a man-made object to protect our dreams is idolatry. That in itself should be enough to steer clear of them. God is jealous, and He will not share His glory with His creation.
By their very nature, dream catchers are unclean. Spiritually polluted. Objects which are unclean and are used for unclean purposes, can attract demonic attention or even attachment to the object. Recently I cleansed a young woman’s room which had a dream catcher on her door (and a voodoo necklace), which were removed.. I don’t think that her room was infested, but better safe than sorry…many others have not been as fortunate..
Am I saying that every person who owns a dream catcher is under demonic oppression? No. I’m not. However, not every person who owns and uses a Ouija board is under demonic oppression either.Nevertheless, owning a Ouija board is playing with fire….playing spiritual Russian Roulette.The purpose of a Ouija board is manipulating the spirit realm, as is a dream catcher. This will become clearer as we see the connection between spirits and dreams in Native American thought.
There are many stories about folks coming under attack when they placed a dream catcher in their home, and the activity stopped when it was removed….similar to the experience countless other folks have had when they played around with many other types of occult objects.Those of us who do cleansings of homes know how important it is to extract/destroy any and all objects that may have some ritualistic connection to the occult.
Some things are mysteries, but one thing is crystal clear—dream catchers, are by their very nature, spiritually unclean objects. Even if you only view your dream catcher as purely adornment, we need to ask how God views your dream catcher. In the above texts He makes it abundantly clear that ANY objects whose purpose is to manipulate the spirit realm is an abomination in His eyes.(Deuteronomy 18:9-14) As I mentioned last week God is love, but He is an intellectual authoritarian. He demands that our thoughts conform to His Word, and not be conformed to sentimental or romantic ideas of false religions.
According to Romans 1:18ff non-Christian religions (though they all have noble elements in them), are essentially demonically originated lies, designed to flee from the Living God. This may not be politically correct, but we must seek to please God and not man. Throughout the bible non-Christian religions are seen as attempts to flee from the Living God, and not an attempt to seek Him.(Isaiah 40-48) In Colossians 2:8 elemental spirits (stoichea) are the demonic forces behind the false teachings of humans.
In Genesis 40-41 Joseph, and in Daniel (see text above), are both given interpretations of the kings dreams. It is important to note that both of these godly men deflected the glory away from themselves and towards the Living God, who alone can interpret the king’s dreams. No pagan occultist could accomplish this. The point is that God is in control of all things (Ephesians 1:11), including our sleep and dreams. To impute to a pagan artifact the ability to control or interpret part of God’s world—our sleep and dreams—is cosmic treason. It is idolatry. The texts in the Psalm 3 and 4 state that we are safe while we sleep only because the Living God protects us! (see Psalm 91) Yahweh is our refuge, our fortress, our protector, and only under His wings do we find redemption and protection.
Perhaps I should have placed this earlier, but we need to understand dream catchers in the context of Native American spirituality in general, and the Ojibwe in particular. The first article summarizes what most Native Americans believe regarding ghosts and spirits. The second article summarizes the spiritual beliefs of the Objibwe, the tribe thought to have created the dream catcher.
Native Americans: Ghosts & Spirits
American spiritual beliefs hold rich accounts of ghosts and spirits - that the dead live on and even visit us. Death is typically viewed as a door into the next life, or world, and not something to be feared but embraced.
"We believe that the spirit pervades all creation and that every creature possesses a soul in some degree, though not necessarily a soul conscious to itself. The tree, the waterfall, the grizzly bear, each is an embodied force, and as such an object of reverence." - Ohiyesa, Sioux 1902 (aka Charles Eastman)
The Native American belief in spirit (and ghost) visitation can be found in an amazing speech made in 1854, by Chief Seattle:
"And when the last red man shall have perished from the earth and his memory among white men shall have become a myth, these shores shall swarm with the invisible dead of my tribe, and when your children's children shall think themselves alone in the field, the store, the shop, upon the highway or in the silence of the woods, they will not be alone." - Chief Seattle, 1854
This incredible Native American idea of spirit interaction with the living, what we call spirits or ghosts, could be understood as meaning that Chief Seattle's people (Suquamish) will be with us, for we are all connected as one, great humanity - brothers. However, his address from 1854 is also haunting as we continue to read his words for he seemed to give a warning that, in the afterlife, ghosts and spirits affect the living:
"The white man will never be alone. Let him be just and lindly deal with my people, for the dead are not powerless. Dead - I say? There is no death. Only a change of worlds."
We might say that Native American beliefs in the afterlife reveal a hidden, spirit world that interacts with this earthly plane - a greater, underlying connection that exists before our eyes - many remaining unaware of its existence. Black Elk, a Lakota Sioux medicine man, had much to say about the unseen world of Spirit co-existing with the physical world we know:
“The first peace, which is the most important, is that which comes within the souls of people when they realize their relationship, their oneness with the universe and all its powers, and when theyrealize at the center of the universe dwells the Great Spirit, and that its center is really everywhere, it is within each of us.”
"The Great Spirit is everywhere; he hears whatever is in our minds and our hearts, and it is not necessary to speak to him in a loud voice."
This idea of a Great Spirit being everywhere and within everything is the meaning behind Black Elk's words. Here are two more quotes from this great Native American:
“Peace will come to the hearts of men when they realize their oneness with the universe. It is everywhere.”
“The Holy Land is everywhere.”
Another example of this idea is reflected in the story of how the great warrior, Crazy Horse, was said to have found his courage and strength. According to the book, Black Elk Speaks, Crazy Horse shared with Black Elk his vision that occurred in the spirit world:
“Crazy Horse dreamed and went into the world where there is nothing but the spirits of all things. That is the real world that is behind this one, and everything we see here is something like a shadow from that one.”
Crazy Horse also described his horse floating and moving differently above the field (thus, "Crazy Horse") in his powerful vision. It's been said that he was able to move in and out between the spirit realm and the physical world, able to see both, and so his courage and power was greater than most men.
Let's consider the concept that people can make a choice to move beyond this plane after death of the body but still interact with the living (at times, as loving, guiding spirits often seen in dreams and visions), or consistently remain behind, earthbound and troubled (what we would call ghosts). We can find this choice upon death of the body reflected in Native American beliefs by reading A Speech to the Dead by Native American (Luiseno) Chief Fox:
"Now this day you have ceased to see daylight.
Think only of what is good.
Do not think of anything uselessly.
You must think all the time of what is good.
You will go and live with our nephew.
And do not think evil towards these your relatives.
When you start to leave them this day you must not think backwards of them with regret.
And do not think of looking back at them.
And do not feel badly because you have lost sight of this daylight.
This does not happen today to you alone, so that you thus be alone when you die.
Bless the people so that they may not be sick.
This is what you will do.
You must merely bless them so that they may live as mortals here.
You must always think kindly.
Today is the last time I shall speak to you.
Now I shall cease speaking to you, my relative."
Ojibwe Spirituality and Beliefs
Spiritual Connections
The Ojibwe people believe in the Great Spirit or Creator. Their Creator holds a supernatural power that it shares with all aspects of nature, humans, and the forces of the universe, such as the sun, moon, lightning, ghosts, and thunder. All of these non-living and living things posses animistic spirits, some of which are evil and some of which are good. The Ojibwe oral tradition states that these good spirits can help the people in their quest for self-awareness, growth, and spiritual development because everyone and everything in nature are spiritually connected and influence each other.
The Vision Quest
When a young Ojibwe boy or girl reaches the age of adolescence, they are expected to begin a journey called a "vision quest". This quest leads them into the wilderness, where one can find seclusion from the outside world. On these quests, the young Ojibwe practices fasting and meditation in an attempt to invoke a vision or dream. Through these dreams, one becomes capable of being guided on a spiritual path. The main purpose of a vision quest is to discover a spiritual guide. This guide typically comes in the form of an animal, only revealing itself with an important message when it so chooses. The success of a young Ojibwe's vision quest may determine their potential role as a Shaman, or spiritual leader, later in life. Spiritual development continues into adulthood where one discovers the meaning of life and moral responsibilities. Transitioning through each stage of life, an Ojibwe eventually reaches old age, and their sacred journey becomes fulfilled. It is then the responsibility of the elder to impart their wisdom and teachings unto the young tribal members.
The Medicine Man and the "Shaking Tents"
The Ojibwe medicine man is both a physical and spiritual healer. He is the tribe's connection to the spiritual world, who calls upon powers and knowledge through song and prayer. The medicine man is responsible for a great deal of knowledge concerning the tribe's ways of life, spiritual healing, and plant and herbal properties. Most importantly, the medicine man is responsible for teaching his young tribal members the Ojibwe way of life and the importance of spiritual healing.
The Ojibwe practice a ritual known as the "shaking tent". The main purpose of a shaking tent is to consult with the spirits about a health issue or an important event in the future. During this ritual, the ailing person lays outside the tent, or wigwam, while the medicine man goes inside to sing or pray to the spirits. Then, when the spirits are present, the tent begins to shake back and forth. The medicine man asks for their advice, and they answer with many different voices, sounding like a crowd. The medicine man then treats the ill person and tells them of the message sent by the spirits.
While there is great diversity of belief amongst Native Americans, they generally share an occultic cosmology….shamnism. Though Native Americans decry the abuse of the dream catcher by New Agers, their spirituality is quite similar to New Age, which is actually quite old.Hopefully the above quotes/article clarify the dangerous side of Native American spirituality.
It is common knowledge that Native American lands are prone to being infested. (For many paranormal investigators one of the first things they seek is whether or not there is an Indian connection.) Many folks assume that the reason for the infestation is that these people, and especially their dead, have been desecrated. And there is no doubt that this has happened on a large scale, which is tragic.
However, given the intensely spiritistic nature of Native American spirituality, may I suggest that the land was spiritually polluted by their beliefs and practices…and generations of occultic ceremonies. Remember, ALL non-Christian religions originated and are continually energized by demons.(see Colossians 2:6ff) When you combine that with the fact that Native American spirituality is occultic to the core (all is one….animism….daily seeking of interaction with ‘spirits. ect) Suppose a group of 10,000 witches settled on a land and for generations practiced their incantations, ect, What do you think would happen to that land? In the Old Testament we are told that the spiritistic practices of the Canaanites polluted the land so badly that the land vomited them out.Witches have a high view of nature, like Native Americans, and many similar beliefs. Why would we think that generations of witches may spiritually pollute the land (causing infestation), but not with Native Americans?
Americans, including many Christians, have a high regard for Native American religion. Perhaps we feel that way due to their being the ‘original inhabitants”…..or that they were treated so horribly (which they were)….or that they have such a high regard for nature. Even though almost all religions have some good traits, we must not forget that Jesus is the only way to salvation (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 John 5:13, ect.). Apart from Christ we are not merely spiritually sick, but we are DEAD. It was Jesus, and not Christians, who created this “narrowness”. However, given our rebellion, we are blessed that God provided one way of salvation!
Once we understand the context/cosmology of dream catchers and how they are tied to an occultic spirituality, then that should put them in proper perspective.For God’s glory, and for your safety, please get rid of all Native American artifacts, especially dream catchers or masks.
One of the most critical issues facing the Native Christian Church today is the effort to revive, adapt and utilize Native cultural forms in worship of the church. In the light of the resurgence of Native religious traditionalism, the coming of the peyote movement (Native American Church), the influx of New Age philosophy, and questions concerning Native spirituality and Biblical truth, we as Native believers in Christ, from a score of tribes and with hundreds of combined years of experience in tribal ministry among us, have gathered together to speak with one voice on these subjects to the body of Christ at large, basing our responses on the clear statements of the revealed Word of God.
1Tm 4:1, 2Tim 4:3-4, 2Cor. 4:1-2, 1Pet 4.- 1.
1. As Native leaders,
3. We believe our salvation is in the finished work of Christ and that we cannot add anything to that work to improve our relationship with God. As believers, we should not, therefore, use or attach any spiritual value to items regarded as sacred such as tobacco, cedar smoke, sweet grass, peyote, prayer feathers, fetishes, masks, drums, dances, etc.; to places regarded as sacred such as mother earth, kivas, mountains, sweat lodge, longhouse, or other traditional religious places of worship, etc.; or to spirit beings
Acts 4:12, 1Tim. 2:5-6, Josh. 24.14-15, Mark 7:1-9,
5. We believe we are redeemed and purified only through the blood of Christ for forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation; therefore, we should not teach that a Native can be purified by any other means (smoke, sweats, smudging, other blood sacrifices, etc.). To do so is to substitute or add Native rituals and ceremonies to the finished work of Christ.
1Pet. 1:18-19, Eph. 1:7, Heb. 9:12-14, 22, 1Jn. 1:7, Col. 1:14, Tit. 3:5, Eph. 2:8-9, Col. 2:7-10, Col. 2:20 - 3:2.
6. We believe that Christ has set us free and that the liberty we have in Christ should not be used as a license to introduce anything from the native traditional ways that would hinder our lives in Christ, that would offend any of our fellow believers, or that would hinder our witness to unbelievers.
Gal. 5:1, Jn. 8: Gal. 5:13-15, 1Cor. 8, 1Cor. 10:31-33, Rom 6:16-18.
7. We believe that Christ reigns supreme above all cultures. When Christ redeems and transforms us through faith and obedience to His Word, then Christ will transform our culture through us. (We believe that Christ only redeems people by His blood; the Bible does not teach redemption of culture). At the same time, we affirm that there are many good traditions within our Native cultures, which enhance the lives of both Christians and non-Christians. Such traditions include: respect for elders, love for children, sharing with others, entertaining strangers, considering others before oneself, honoring the accomplishments of others, etc. These all are outstanding examples of the scriptural "law of love" and are to be encouraged.
Eph. 1:20-23, Col. 1:16-18, Phil. 2:9-11, 1Pet. 2:9-12, Gal. 2:20, 2Cor. 5:17, Rom. 12:1-2, Rom. 1:5-6, Tit. 3:5, Gal. 2:16, Eph. 2:8-9, Rev. 5:9, Heb. 9:22, Eph. 1:7-8, Eph. 2:12-13, 1Pet. 1:18-19, 2Thes. 2:15, Phil. 4:8-9.
By biblical truth, we mean the sole authority of the divine revelation of God to man, clearly inspired by the Holy Spirit in the Holy Scriptures, and not what man thinks about God.
By native religious traditionalism, we mean the influence of the unwritten rules concerning spiritual conduct in our historical cultures which are not in accord with the revealed Word of God.
One of the most critical issues facing the Native Christian Church today is the effort to revive, adapt and utilize Native cultural forms in worship of the church. In the light of the resurgence of Native religious traditionalism, the coming of the peyote movement (Native American Church), the influx of New Age philosophy, and questions concerning Native spirituality and Biblical truth, we as Native believers in Christ, from a score of tribes and with hundreds of combined years of experience in tribal ministry among us, have gathered together to speak with one voice on these subjects to the body of Christ at large, basing our responses on the clear statements of the revealed Word of God.
1Tm 4:1, 2Tim 4:3-4, 2Cor. 4:1-2, 1Pet 4.- 1.
1. As Native leaders, we believe that God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is personal, eternal, and pre-exists all of creation. God is both the Creator and the Reason for all creation, including the heavens and the earth, plant life, animal life, and man. Life originated from God who is our true heavenly Father, not from earth as our "mother".
Gen. 1:26, Heb. 4.14, Jn 1:14, 1Tim. 1:17, Jn 1:1-3, Col. 1:16-17, Neh. 9:6, Rom. 1:20, Acts 17:26-30, Gen. 2:7, Deut. 32:39, Psa. 104:5, Isa 51:6, Job 12.7-9.
2. We believe that Christ should have preeminence and permeates all aspects of our l ves and, through us, all aspects of our cultures, to promote the glory of God. God will not share His glory with anything in creation. To do so is idolatry. To combine elements of Native religion and Biblical truth is syncretism. We must renounce and avoid any form of idolatry and syncretism, because they are forbidden in Scripture.
Deut. 32:39, Col. 1:17-19, Eph. 1:6,12,14, Heb. 1:3-4, 1Cor. 10:31, Isa 42:8, Ex. 20:3-6, Rom. 1:23, CoL 3:5, 2Ki. 40:41, 2Cor. 6:14-17, 2Cor 4.2, Acts 19:18-20, ICor. 5:11, Isa 42:17.
3. We believe our salvation is in the finished work of Christ and that we cannot add anything to that work to improve our relationship with God. As believers, we should not, therefore, use or attach any spiritual value to items regarded as sacred such as tobacco, cedar smoke, sweet grass, peyote, prayer feathers, fetishes, masks, drums, dances, etc.; to places regarded as sacred such as mother earth, kivas, mountains, sweat lodge, longhouse, or other traditional religious places of worship, etc.; or to spirit beings such as kachinas, skin walkers, animal and nature spirits, etc.
Jn. 19:30, Eph. 2:8-9, 5:8-12, Ex. 20:1-5, Isa. 1:13-16, Deut. 18:9-13, Jn. 4:21-24, Deut. 12:2, 2Chron. 34:4, Thes. 1:9.
4. We believe that Christ has always been and always will be the one and only mediator between God and man. Man is totally helpless to reach God through any traditional spiritual efforts such as Native ceremonies, rituals and forms of worship.
Jn. 14:6, Acts 4:12, 1Tim. 2:5-6, Josh. 24.14-15, Mark 7:1-9, Rom. 3:9-18,23, Col. 2:20-23.
5. We believe we are redeemed and purified only through the blood of Christ for forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation; therefore, we should not teach that a Native can be purified by any other means (smoke, sweats, smudging, other blood sacrifices, etc.). To do so is to substitute or add Native rituals and ceremonies to the finished work of Christ.
1Pet. 1:18-19, Eph. 1:7, Heb. 9:12-14, 22, 1Jn. 1:7, Col. 1:14, Tit. 3:5, Eph. 2:8-9, Col. 2:7-10, Col. 2:20 - 3:2.
6. We believe that Christ has set us free and that the liberty we have in Christ should not be used as a license to introduce anything from the native traditional ways that would hinder our lives in Christ, that would offend any of our fellow believers, or that would hinder our witness to unbelievers.
Gal. 5:1, Jn. 8:32,, Gal. 5:13-15, 1Cor. 8, 1Cor. 10:31-33, Rom 6:16-18.
7. We believe that Christ reigns supreme above all cultures. When Christ redeems and transforms us through faith and obedience to His Word, then Christ will transform our culture through us. (We believe that Christ only redeems people by His blood; the Bible does not teach redemption of culture). At the same time, we affirm that there are many good traditions within our Native cultures, which enhance the lives of both Christians and non-Christians. Such traditions include: respect for elders, love for children, sharing with others, entertaining strangers, considering others before oneself, honoring the accomplishments of others, etc. These all are outstanding examples of the scriptural "law of love" and are to be encouraged.
Eph. 1:20-23, Col. 1:16-18, Phil. 2:9-11, 1Pet. 2:9-12, Gal. 2:20, 2Cor. 5:17, Rom. 12:1-2, Rom. 1:5-6, Tit. 3:5, Gal. 2:16, Eph. 2:8-9, Rev. 5:9, Heb. 9:22, Eph. 1:7-8, Eph. 2:12-13, 1Pet. 1:18-19, 2Thes. 2:15, Phil. 4:8-9.
Definitions:
By biblical truth, we mean the sole authority of the divine revelation of God to man, clearly inspired by the Holy Spirit in the Holy Scriptures, and not what man thinks about God.
By native religious traditionalism, we mean the influence of the unwritten rules concerning spiritual conduct in our historical cultures which are not in accord with the revealed Word of God.
By native culture, we mean the dynamic learned lifeways, beliefs and values of our people as revealed in our languages, customs, relationships, arts and rituals. In native culture, religion permeates all aspects of life and is often identified as being the culture, even though it is only an aspect of it.
• By syncretism, we refer specifically to the subtle attempt to integrate Biblical truth and faith in Christ with non-biblical Native religious beliefs, practices, and forms. The result is an adulteration of biblical truth and the birth of "another gospel (Gal 1: 6-9)."
By idolatry, we mean exchanging the worship of the Creator for the worship of the creation. The Bible teaches that we must not "exchange the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures (Ro. 1:23)."
Copyrighted 1998 by CHIEF Inc.
Indian Bible College, Flagstaff, AZ - All Rights Reserved | 928-774-3890 | 928-774-2655 | PO Box 30880, Flagstaff, AZ 86003-0880, USA.
"Seeing Ghosts through God's Eyes" (also in a Kindle edition)...please consider purchasing my book which uses science, logic, and the bible to analyze the true source of power behind paranormal activity.
Monday, September 14, 2015
Refugee Crisis: Dalai Lama in Plea to put 'Interests of Humanity' First
National interests should come second to the interests of humanity, the Dalai Lama has said in relation to the global refugee crisis, as he praised the response of Germany and Austria to those “crying, starving and asking for help”.
However, speaking in Oxford on Monday at the start of a nine-day trip to the UK, the Tibetan spiritual leader declined to criticise the UK government’s proposal to take only 20,000 refugees over five years. “You have to consider many factors, whether you can take care of these people,” he said, adding that Britain was a small country and “you have to be practical”.
Ultimately the only solution to the mass movement of people fleeing war and persecution was “genuine peace” in their home countries and regions, added the Dalai Lama, who will address MPs at Westminster and give a talk at London’s O2 arena during his visit.
Referring to conflict and instability in the Middle East, a major factor behind the current refugee crisis, he said that the US’s forceful response to 9/11 had produced “a lot of unintended consequences”. He added: “The billions of dollars spent on weapons could be spent on education and health instead.”
He called for religious harmony across the globe, saying that faith was depicted as the cause of conflict. “People feel religion is a troublemaker [but in fact] religion teaches compassion, tolerance, forgiveness and contentment.”
The media, he said, should report love and harmony, not just focus on division. “The idea of a clash of civilisations is dangerous,” he said, adding that Islam emphasised love, not bloodshed.
The Dalai Lama, who turned 80 this year, also criticised China’s “politics of suppression”, which he said makes it impossible for people to express their real views. The Chinese government has said it will designate the next Dalai Lama, rather than the figurehead being chosen through the traditional method where Buddhist monks identify their reincarnated spiritual leader after his death.
The Beijing regime routinely vilifies the Dalai Lama – who has lived in exile in India since 1959 – over his demands for greater autonomy for Tibet. China says his true intention is independence for Tibet, and it strongly objects to heads of state, dignitaries and high-profile figures meeting with him.
The Dalai Lama is to meet MPs at the invitation of the all-party parliamentary group on Tibet, of which the new Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, is a member. The group exists to pressure the government “to encourage negotiations between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile, whilst recognising that Tibet is an occupied country which had independent links with Britain”.
There are no scheduled meetings with David Cameron or any government ministers. The Dalai Lama’s visit comes just a month before the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, is due to travel to Britain for the first state visit in 10 years.
Cameron and his then coalition partner, Nick Clegg, met the Dalai Lama in 2012, triggering a furious response from the Chinese, who accused the government of “conniving at and supporting separatist attempts to achieve Tibetan independence”.
The following year Cameron led a large trade delegation to China, partly to repair the diplomatic damage over the Dalai Lama meeting. At the time, Downing Street said the prime minister had “turned a page” on the issue and had no plans to meet the Tibetan spiritual leader in the future.
Last week, the Chinese authorities cancelled two Bon Jovi concerts in Shanghai and Beijing, reportedly because the rock band used an image of the Dalai Lama as a backdrop during a 2010 performance in Taiwan.
The Dalai Lama’s main public event during his trip is a talk at the 20,000-seat O2 on Saturday, entitled Compassion: the Foundation of Well-being. Proceeds from the sale of tickets – with prices ranging from £24.75 to £90 – will go to the Tibet House Trust, the Dalai Lama’s UK charity, a spokesman said.
The spiritual leader will also join Rowan Williams, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, in leading a two-day private symposium at Cambridge University. The purpose was “to shape humane, compassionate, intelligent responses to the various crises that confront us today”, Williams said.
original link & video: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/14/dalai-lama-uk-refugee-crisis-plea-interests-humanity
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Act of Smudging -- Witchcraft Ritual
During this blog I hope to help you understand how Witchcraft is not only false but very dangerous. Many of the diabolic cases I have worked are the result of Witchcraft which was done not only in the bloodline, but also by those who sought out Deliverance from the demonic forces that were upon them. So what caused these people to seek out witchcraft in the first place when they know of Lord Jesus Christ as well as God the Father?
So let us begin shall we. What is witchcraft? Is this the same as Wicca? Is it a form of Satan worship, as critics allege? Or can witches be good? Can they really cast spells that somehow call forth the spirits beyond the world of nature to help them accomplish their will – whether good or evil? Is magic real? Why do witches often perform their ceremonies naked? And most of all, why do so many people today aspire to be witches?
So the answers to these questions are Witchcraft and Wicca are the same. Both are satanic worship at its finest (worship of the creation vs. the creator). There is no such thing as a good or bad witch, they are witches. When people have said there are good witches and bad witches to me, I have simply replied so then you’re saying there is a good Satan and a bad Satan then right? Those people look at you with “deer in the headlights” glaze and then realize good or bad this is the same.
So can witches really call forth some spirit from beyond? Yes, but the spirit is a demonic spirit posing as a helpful and kind spirit thus to deceive. Can witches cast spells? Absolutely and these are actually curses which not only affect them, but can affect others much like Voodoo, since that craft too is a form of Witchcraft. Do witches always perform rituals in the nude? Some “ceremonial” aspects involve being nude called ‘skyclad’ which is more designed for gathering more power from the source they want. The naked body is to represent truth and this truth goes deeper than social custom. The naked body is a sign that a Witch's loyalty is to the truth before any ideology or any comforting illusions.
So what is the fascination regarding witchcraft? Well popular culture and a satiated appetite for sexualized supernatural characters is popular. There was a time when witches, witchcraft and general feminine maleficium (malevolent sorcery) held a prominent place in our hearts. I personally believe this desire to be in Witchcraft is to be a result of personal empowerment.
The collective obsession with witches has been exaggerated over the years thanks to the literature, film and television shows that gave us the Weird Sisters, the Wicked Witch of the West and Sabrina the Teenage Witch along with other shows. Whether we feared them, envied them or were utterly enchanted by them, witches have held the attention of readers and cinema viewers.
The art world has certainly played a role over the last few centuries too, amping up our fear and infatuation with wicked women with an indissoluble fascination with the phenomenon of witches. Art history anthologies are filled with images of female characters endowed with magical, sometimes malevolent abilities, echoing the general long-lasting cultural obsession of these characters.
If you did not know, Wicca is an official, legal religion in the U.S., and a fast-growing one at that. Judges have ruled that witches must be allowed to lead prayers at local government meetings, and that Wiccan convicts must be provided with requested “sacred objects” so they can perform spells in their cells. Witches in the armed services have even formed covens and routinely “worship” on U.S. military bases.
How did this happen – and why? Simple – Continue to remove God out of our lives from the Government on down to each of our own lives. That’s how!
Witchcraft, sorcery, magic and idol worship have been around since the earliest days of man. This does indeed, pre-date Christianity as we know it today – just as their practitioners certainly like to point this out with great pride. I wonder who had PRIDE in them and fell from Heaven above? Sadly, they do not pre-date the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – the one who created the universe and all that is. They are, in fact, part of the rebellion against Him and His laws.
So why is this occurring then? Unfortunately as more and more people turn from God and living according to the rules God has governed, witchcraft offers ways to bend these rules so to speak by changing outcomes. I would say the attributes for why this is occurring is because of several aspects:
1. Humans like power – witchcraft offers a person to become empowered.
2. Humans like rituals and traditions – witchcraft offers ancient aspects.
3. Humans like mystery – witchcraft offers a mysterious and legitimate experiences.
Now the interesting aspect to the ploy of witchcraft is this. Witchcraft says this – do as thou will, and harm no one”. They believe that chanting and spell casting is akin to prayers to influence the will of others. This is in direct violation of God for it is the will of God that is to be done.
Witchcraft states we don’t do evil with our powers ‘that is the black witchcraft that does this and we are white witches’. Once again a bad Satan vs. a good Satan the logic does not appear to be true. They say they won’t do evil because it comes back 3 fold. This is not a deterrent from them at all. The issue is spell casting to control the will of someone else – violates doing the will of God.
Witchcraft also states we don’t do evil with our power. What that is really saying is we can do it but we just choose not to do that. So the question becomes what deity would give them a choice to do evil or good? God the Father clearly states we are to do his HOLY and righteous will while on earth. See the contrast here?
Witchcraft worships the nature aspect. So therefore since nature is able to heal itself then we might as well stop all environmental projects and hazards because nature can heal itself due to the power that it possesses. Once again a false claim they hold and have bought into.
Witchcraft and wiccans feel this is the most discriminated against religion. They constantly go against Christians because they feel they are experiencing harsh and extreme harassment and gives them a martyr appeal to their cause and voice. When in truth Christians have been the ones harassed and destroyed more than ANY other religion.
Bottom line is this, do you feel witchcraft is okay to do and partake as well? Understand you are playing and giving permission to diabolic forces to have you. It will be a matter of time before that pendulum has swung so to speak against thee…Then what will thee do? Something those who are in this ‘darkness’ truly need to ponder…
Blessings…
Rev. Bradley Luoma, Exorcist Minister
So let us begin shall we. What is witchcraft? Is this the same as Wicca? Is it a form of Satan worship, as critics allege? Or can witches be good? Can they really cast spells that somehow call forth the spirits beyond the world of nature to help them accomplish their will – whether good or evil? Is magic real? Why do witches often perform their ceremonies naked? And most of all, why do so many people today aspire to be witches?
So the answers to these questions are Witchcraft and Wicca are the same. Both are satanic worship at its finest (worship of the creation vs. the creator). There is no such thing as a good or bad witch, they are witches. When people have said there are good witches and bad witches to me, I have simply replied so then you’re saying there is a good Satan and a bad Satan then right? Those people look at you with “deer in the headlights” glaze and then realize good or bad this is the same.
So can witches really call forth some spirit from beyond? Yes, but the spirit is a demonic spirit posing as a helpful and kind spirit thus to deceive. Can witches cast spells? Absolutely and these are actually curses which not only affect them, but can affect others much like Voodoo, since that craft too is a form of Witchcraft. Do witches always perform rituals in the nude? Some “ceremonial” aspects involve being nude called ‘skyclad’ which is more designed for gathering more power from the source they want. The naked body is to represent truth and this truth goes deeper than social custom. The naked body is a sign that a Witch's loyalty is to the truth before any ideology or any comforting illusions.
So what is the fascination regarding witchcraft? Well popular culture and a satiated appetite for sexualized supernatural characters is popular. There was a time when witches, witchcraft and general feminine maleficium (malevolent sorcery) held a prominent place in our hearts. I personally believe this desire to be in Witchcraft is to be a result of personal empowerment.
The collective obsession with witches has been exaggerated over the years thanks to the literature, film and television shows that gave us the Weird Sisters, the Wicked Witch of the West and Sabrina the Teenage Witch along with other shows. Whether we feared them, envied them or were utterly enchanted by them, witches have held the attention of readers and cinema viewers.
The art world has certainly played a role over the last few centuries too, amping up our fear and infatuation with wicked women with an indissoluble fascination with the phenomenon of witches. Art history anthologies are filled with images of female characters endowed with magical, sometimes malevolent abilities, echoing the general long-lasting cultural obsession of these characters.
If you did not know, Wicca is an official, legal religion in the U.S., and a fast-growing one at that. Judges have ruled that witches must be allowed to lead prayers at local government meetings, and that Wiccan convicts must be provided with requested “sacred objects” so they can perform spells in their cells. Witches in the armed services have even formed covens and routinely “worship” on U.S. military bases.
How did this happen – and why? Simple – Continue to remove God out of our lives from the Government on down to each of our own lives. That’s how!
Witchcraft, sorcery, magic and idol worship have been around since the earliest days of man. This does indeed, pre-date Christianity as we know it today – just as their practitioners certainly like to point this out with great pride. I wonder who had PRIDE in them and fell from Heaven above? Sadly, they do not pre-date the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – the one who created the universe and all that is. They are, in fact, part of the rebellion against Him and His laws.
So why is this occurring then? Unfortunately as more and more people turn from God and living according to the rules God has governed, witchcraft offers ways to bend these rules so to speak by changing outcomes. I would say the attributes for why this is occurring is because of several aspects:
1. Humans like power – witchcraft offers a person to become empowered.
2. Humans like rituals and traditions – witchcraft offers ancient aspects.
3. Humans like mystery – witchcraft offers a mysterious and legitimate experiences.
Now the interesting aspect to the ploy of witchcraft is this. Witchcraft says this – do as thou will, and harm no one”. They believe that chanting and spell casting is akin to prayers to influence the will of others. This is in direct violation of God for it is the will of God that is to be done.
Witchcraft states we don’t do evil with our powers ‘that is the black witchcraft that does this and we are white witches’. Once again a bad Satan vs. a good Satan the logic does not appear to be true. They say they won’t do evil because it comes back 3 fold. This is not a deterrent from them at all. The issue is spell casting to control the will of someone else – violates doing the will of God.
Witchcraft also states we don’t do evil with our power. What that is really saying is we can do it but we just choose not to do that. So the question becomes what deity would give them a choice to do evil or good? God the Father clearly states we are to do his HOLY and righteous will while on earth. See the contrast here?
Witchcraft worships the nature aspect. So therefore since nature is able to heal itself then we might as well stop all environmental projects and hazards because nature can heal itself due to the power that it possesses. Once again a false claim they hold and have bought into.
Witchcraft and wiccans feel this is the most discriminated against religion. They constantly go against Christians because they feel they are experiencing harsh and extreme harassment and gives them a martyr appeal to their cause and voice. When in truth Christians have been the ones harassed and destroyed more than ANY other religion.
Bottom line is this, do you feel witchcraft is okay to do and partake as well? Understand you are playing and giving permission to diabolic forces to have you. It will be a matter of time before that pendulum has swung so to speak against thee…Then what will thee do? Something those who are in this ‘darkness’ truly need to ponder…
Blessings…
Rev. Bradley Luoma, Exorcist Minister
Saturday, September 12, 2015
What is Demonic Infestation?
Hello my friends. I pray everyone had a wonderful weekend and everyone you love is healthy.
Last week I spoke about demonic possession and demonic oppression. I was asked this week by a few if I could give some insight to what exactly demonic infestation is. I know these titles can be very confusing but never doubt, they are ALL very dangerous and require immediate help from your Priest or local Minister. The longer someone lives with these kind of symptoms the more power these creatures continue gain from us. You will only become more weak and in bondage by these evil entities. It can't be ignored. It won't just go away by ignoring it.
What is demonic infestation?
It is believed this is a phenomenon in which a demon possesses a location or place, such as a house or building, or an object. A demon, by possessing a place, can move things at will and cause various noises and smells. Infestation never causes the possession of any of the people who live there. An infestation may occur in a particular place due to some esoteric or satanic rites being performed with frequency. Such infestation may result from a hex, spell, or curse, or from voodoo or witchcraft. To end the infestation of a place, the rite of exorcism lists several specific prayers that need to be prayed. Without the complete cooperation of the family the priests/ministers prayers will not work.
The following I found at theblaze.com:
Home’s Secret History Led to a ‘Demonic Infestation’ That Terrorized them for Years — and share Some of Their Terrifying Photos
It’s an eerie story of a so-called “demonic infestation” that seems so terrifying that it is perfectly suited for the pages of a horror novel. But Bob Cranmer, a former commissioner in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, insists that it was a horrific and life-altering reality for him and his family.
From a mysterious, blood-like substance coating the walls of his home to crucifixes purportedly snapping in half on their own and scratches randomly appearing on his body, Cranmer told TheBlaze earlier this year that something profoundly evil was terrorizing his family.
He claims that the demonic force was eventually expelled, but only after the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Fr. Michael Salvagna, a local priest, Protestant pastors and Adam Blai, a self-described demonologist, spent two years fervently battling its presence by repeatedly holding Mass and blessing the home.
Cranmer, who has four children, said his kids also once saw the entity, describing the figure as “a really strange-looking person” wearing a black dress.
But that was the only overt apparition, as he said the demon would typically manifest itself as a shadowy figure moving about the home.
Blai, a demonology expert, has a degree in psychology and said he saw shadows with no origin and experienced phantom smells.
“I observed black shadows sliding along floors and walls that were not being cast by anything,” Blai told TheBlaze. “I also smelled a column of air with a horrific death-like stench that moved like a person walking. This column of air left no lingering scent behind it like natural odors would.”
The obsession society seems to have with the dark side and evil will probably turn into a obsession and become a addictive influence on said person. That's why in the past I have blogged about all of these movies and reality TV shows constantly coming out and being marketed can easily open doors and give these demonic entities legal right to be in your life. Chances are some of you know somebody who loves horror movies like just the ones that are about possession and the devil and things to that nature. Eventually the persons personality begins to change. The person in question can seem normal most of the time, but he'll have "dark moments" when his inner demons start injecting thoughts into the person's head and manipulating them to believe things that are just not true. basically that's the start of their work to manipulate in the beginning as most people think it is a spirit guide helping but it's these evil entities who are trying to take over. And the end goal is to get as many souls driven crazy make them homicidal, suicidal and a whole number of things.
Difficulty in diagnosing demonic influence is that these same symptoms may indicate substance abuse problems, mental illness, social maladjustment, emotional inadequacy, relationship problems or a complex web of such difficulties. Demonic influence will cause these symptoms, but these symptoms are not necessarily a sign of demonic activity. People really need to not jump the gun and assume everything is demonic as that just gives the devil attention and we suffer already from people being told we are the nuts if we believe in demons and we're the ones that need mental help when people make stuff up and it hurts us all honest ones called by God trying to do the right thing and help people.
In the first 2'stages of demonic attachment/ the inhuman entity (Demons!) is still outside the personality. Next these demons attempt to enter the whole person in a spiritual, mental and even physical dimension. This level of influence is called infestation when the person exhibits disturbing physical, mental, and spiritual signs of infestation. These evil creatures are very tricky they can mimic general valid depression but in reality it's oppression and then somebody maybe has a problem that goes deeper than that, which then happens to be a valid demonic attack and these people end up in a mental institute. And the ones that are not there permanently are just doped up on a bunch of different medication that just suppresses the voices through hearing or visions they're seeing that's all it does or they don't get to go home at all and all they need is an exorcism and or deliverance. From what I understand having the gift of discernment allows me to be able to help in the situations to decipher what is a true illness and what is a demon as well as the knowledge coming upon me what type of demon whether it be a demon of fear or a demon of anger and at that point I try to get the name but you don't have to have the demons name in order to get rid of it. It is important to break the strongholds. My. point is if you're not sure it's the Holy Spirit and it something in your own thoughts it doesn't hurt to follow through anyway and gather what you're being told to take to the property or to pray with the person afflicted.
The individual is "taken over" by the demonic spirit and will surely do some terrifying paranormal antics and when they start doing things that are paranormal it is only to distract you from completing what you done to them and at the same time they're trying to scare you and freak you out so over the years I've learned to ignore any and all attempts of supernatural event such as levitation, body contorting, spewing out intimate information no one else would know in order just to humiliate you, throwing this using the mind etc...
I had a case recently where the person completely contorted their body in a way that was just The freakiest in the most scariest thing that I have seen in a while . It all started when I walked in the room. And when that didn't work they tried saying things that nobody else would know just very mean and for that quick five seconds I lost my train of thought it started speaking some very very personal and hurtful things to me. And I just simply asked if Jesus Christ the Son of God give it permission to speak to me that way and I wait for an answer yes or no if he did or did not have that permission. They don't like that at all. I then commanded it to shut it's mouth that it was under the authority of Jesus Christ through me for it to silence it's tongue. This person responded terribly to anointed oil literally it created a burn in smoke from the flesh of the vessel this demon managed to possess. I don't know what made me make sure to actually go out of my way to get anointed oil which on that particular day was going to be time-consuming and very challenging to put it lightly however, when you have a calling it's not a good idea to ignore doing something harmless even if by chance it was just a thought in your mind and not directed from God.
Demons do nothing but lie in general. I'm not a huge believer spending a lot of time talking to them just enough to make you wonder and all it does is take the focus off at what the situation at hand is to be exercised that they end up back in hell where they are tortured by Satan and they want to find another body on earth to take over because apparently Satan tortures his own demons their job is nothing except to kill and ruin lives and create mental disorders and drag all souls to hell. When the signs of preternatural strength are seen, horrible alien voices come from the person, vile blasphemies are heard and perverted and violent actions are witnessed, one can be fairly sure that a demonic infestation is happening. However, many of these symptoms may also be signs of a deep mental or spiritual illness which is not demonic in origin.
The difficulty in diagnosing demonic influence is that these same symptoms may indicate substance abuse problems, mental illness, social maladjustment, emotional inadequacy, relationship problems or a complex web of such difficulties. Demonic influence will cause these symptoms, but these symptoms are not necessarily a sign of demonic activity.
People also need to remember the Bible is very clear and stipulates a verse which I can't seem to remember which one to save my life at this point ( no sleep and a very ill mother ) however, it reads the following: " THE DEAD KNOW NOTHING, BEWARE OF THE FAMILIAR SPIRIT" I will paraphrase this so you understand what it means or what the Bible means is demons are known to mimic passed loved ones or a child or maybe the person who died in your home 50 years ago and he started to get attached to the spirit feeling bad for it so you continue to play with the EVP'S and spirit boards etc...
Just like in the very first Exorcist was based on a true story and look what happened when the mother took the Ouija board away from the little girl? All hell broke loose so evidently he had not been speaking to his Aunt who recently passed who he loved dearly. But he did use the Ouija board by himself a lot! When she was alive he used to use that board with her daily. In real life it was a little boy and thank God he remembers nothing and he's a believer in Christ and he's doing great has grandkids and I'm just very glad that he doesn't remember any of that. A lot of it is sensationalized for movies but like I said they'll use supernatural antics to to mess with the mind of the person doing the exorcism or deliverance and the people who are helping and assisting. You cannot hesitate you cannot allow any room for it one bit that's why I choose to try not to have too much conversations with them and allow them The possibility to distract me even for a moment means they could easily jump me new and my body is their new vessel they've been known to jump to clients family anybody in the room is in danger that's why when these things take place it's really not good to have five or six family members and cousins coming over to be in there and watch I mean this isn't entertainment it is very dangerous you are dealing with something you can't see as I've said before this is this beer sure thing not physically you cannot see you got your fighting dangerous not to mention the more people the harder it is in my opinion because you've got more talking going on so that's more contamination on your audio which seems to be the best way that I can say hey listen to this and you tell me I've done it many times to a couple different people who were analysts of audio and screen spotting any manufacturing and 4 different ones all said the same thing " I can't say this is paranormal all I can say is I have no answer for why that voice came through" we will never have all the answers I have been at this 26 years my dad did it for 50 well it was part of what he did he also married people in the baptisms but there are just some things we won't know till we pass on however, while we're on the earth and do our best to avoid anything summoning demons is one of one of them.
ETA: I wanted to make it known you that I am in the Orlando area and if there's any Zaidi who got going on somebody jet who serious extra help feel free to contact address I will stay as an underwriter so there are a lot of things I can do at home during the day as well. I can provide credentials I was ordained through the church properly I also have references going back to 99 also I attended Trinity Bible college for four years just to take courses on biblical demonology and everything related to demonology as well and I received a certificate of completion. You can find my bio here on the website under special contributors. I also have a Google Plus account and Twitter. I have a website I pay for and its very basic my bio and there's a place where you can submit your name and email from just answering your questions to Skype talks helping somebody explain to a friend or a loved one the dangers of provoking demons or possible help. I'm legit and I'm pretty much independent I have learned in the past and being a part of teams and being on Facebook unfortunately I ran into 90% of the folks in the paranormal looking to gain some kind of fame and notoriety that will complain 15 years 10 years whatever experience and they had no way nothing no phone number nothing of any sort that would be able to be verified or even indicate the truth. I'm certainly not saying because I've had 26 years and my father was a minister that that makes me better I'm simply saying heck somebody three years I could learn something from each other but there's just so many of you guys and that's what I'm trying to avoid that out there. With what I do is very difficult when the paranormal became popular there were ghost hunters popping up on every corner they were everywhere, and there's just a lot of drama and I want to avoid anything like that but I want to follow my calling as well. I also work with Reverend Bradley little Roma who's an Exorcist and he knows exactly what he's doing. I have had the pleasure to have his guidance at times. He is very dedicated to what he does and I just thought I would put it out there anybody closer to me knows I don't just build someone up. He gives Christ ALL the glory and a humble servant of God just like me. If your in his area he can help and he does travel and there is never any fees.
Written By Jennifer L Auld
Biblicaldemonologist@gmail.com
Last week I spoke about demonic possession and demonic oppression. I was asked this week by a few if I could give some insight to what exactly demonic infestation is. I know these titles can be very confusing but never doubt, they are ALL very dangerous and require immediate help from your Priest or local Minister. The longer someone lives with these kind of symptoms the more power these creatures continue gain from us. You will only become more weak and in bondage by these evil entities. It can't be ignored. It won't just go away by ignoring it.
What is demonic infestation?
It is believed this is a phenomenon in which a demon possesses a location or place, such as a house or building, or an object. A demon, by possessing a place, can move things at will and cause various noises and smells. Infestation never causes the possession of any of the people who live there. An infestation may occur in a particular place due to some esoteric or satanic rites being performed with frequency. Such infestation may result from a hex, spell, or curse, or from voodoo or witchcraft. To end the infestation of a place, the rite of exorcism lists several specific prayers that need to be prayed. Without the complete cooperation of the family the priests/ministers prayers will not work.
The following I found at theblaze.com:
Home’s Secret History Led to a ‘Demonic Infestation’ That Terrorized them for Years — and share Some of Their Terrifying Photos
It’s an eerie story of a so-called “demonic infestation” that seems so terrifying that it is perfectly suited for the pages of a horror novel. But Bob Cranmer, a former commissioner in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, insists that it was a horrific and life-altering reality for him and his family.
From a mysterious, blood-like substance coating the walls of his home to crucifixes purportedly snapping in half on their own and scratches randomly appearing on his body, Cranmer told TheBlaze earlier this year that something profoundly evil was terrorizing his family.
He claims that the demonic force was eventually expelled, but only after the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Fr. Michael Salvagna, a local priest, Protestant pastors and Adam Blai, a self-described demonologist, spent two years fervently battling its presence by repeatedly holding Mass and blessing the home.
Cranmer, who has four children, said his kids also once saw the entity, describing the figure as “a really strange-looking person” wearing a black dress.
But that was the only overt apparition, as he said the demon would typically manifest itself as a shadowy figure moving about the home.
Blai, a demonology expert, has a degree in psychology and said he saw shadows with no origin and experienced phantom smells.
“I observed black shadows sliding along floors and walls that were not being cast by anything,” Blai told TheBlaze. “I also smelled a column of air with a horrific death-like stench that moved like a person walking. This column of air left no lingering scent behind it like natural odors would.”
The obsession society seems to have with the dark side and evil will probably turn into a obsession and become a addictive influence on said person. That's why in the past I have blogged about all of these movies and reality TV shows constantly coming out and being marketed can easily open doors and give these demonic entities legal right to be in your life. Chances are some of you know somebody who loves horror movies like just the ones that are about possession and the devil and things to that nature. Eventually the persons personality begins to change. The person in question can seem normal most of the time, but he'll have "dark moments" when his inner demons start injecting thoughts into the person's head and manipulating them to believe things that are just not true. basically that's the start of their work to manipulate in the beginning as most people think it is a spirit guide helping but it's these evil entities who are trying to take over. And the end goal is to get as many souls driven crazy make them homicidal, suicidal and a whole number of things.
Difficulty in diagnosing demonic influence is that these same symptoms may indicate substance abuse problems, mental illness, social maladjustment, emotional inadequacy, relationship problems or a complex web of such difficulties. Demonic influence will cause these symptoms, but these symptoms are not necessarily a sign of demonic activity. People really need to not jump the gun and assume everything is demonic as that just gives the devil attention and we suffer already from people being told we are the nuts if we believe in demons and we're the ones that need mental help when people make stuff up and it hurts us all honest ones called by God trying to do the right thing and help people.
In the first 2'stages of demonic attachment/ the inhuman entity (Demons!) is still outside the personality. Next these demons attempt to enter the whole person in a spiritual, mental and even physical dimension. This level of influence is called infestation when the person exhibits disturbing physical, mental, and spiritual signs of infestation. These evil creatures are very tricky they can mimic general valid depression but in reality it's oppression and then somebody maybe has a problem that goes deeper than that, which then happens to be a valid demonic attack and these people end up in a mental institute. And the ones that are not there permanently are just doped up on a bunch of different medication that just suppresses the voices through hearing or visions they're seeing that's all it does or they don't get to go home at all and all they need is an exorcism and or deliverance. From what I understand having the gift of discernment allows me to be able to help in the situations to decipher what is a true illness and what is a demon as well as the knowledge coming upon me what type of demon whether it be a demon of fear or a demon of anger and at that point I try to get the name but you don't have to have the demons name in order to get rid of it. It is important to break the strongholds. My. point is if you're not sure it's the Holy Spirit and it something in your own thoughts it doesn't hurt to follow through anyway and gather what you're being told to take to the property or to pray with the person afflicted.
The individual is "taken over" by the demonic spirit and will surely do some terrifying paranormal antics and when they start doing things that are paranormal it is only to distract you from completing what you done to them and at the same time they're trying to scare you and freak you out so over the years I've learned to ignore any and all attempts of supernatural event such as levitation, body contorting, spewing out intimate information no one else would know in order just to humiliate you, throwing this using the mind etc...
I had a case recently where the person completely contorted their body in a way that was just The freakiest in the most scariest thing that I have seen in a while . It all started when I walked in the room. And when that didn't work they tried saying things that nobody else would know just very mean and for that quick five seconds I lost my train of thought it started speaking some very very personal and hurtful things to me. And I just simply asked if Jesus Christ the Son of God give it permission to speak to me that way and I wait for an answer yes or no if he did or did not have that permission. They don't like that at all. I then commanded it to shut it's mouth that it was under the authority of Jesus Christ through me for it to silence it's tongue. This person responded terribly to anointed oil literally it created a burn in smoke from the flesh of the vessel this demon managed to possess. I don't know what made me make sure to actually go out of my way to get anointed oil which on that particular day was going to be time-consuming and very challenging to put it lightly however, when you have a calling it's not a good idea to ignore doing something harmless even if by chance it was just a thought in your mind and not directed from God.
Demons do nothing but lie in general. I'm not a huge believer spending a lot of time talking to them just enough to make you wonder and all it does is take the focus off at what the situation at hand is to be exercised that they end up back in hell where they are tortured by Satan and they want to find another body on earth to take over because apparently Satan tortures his own demons their job is nothing except to kill and ruin lives and create mental disorders and drag all souls to hell. When the signs of preternatural strength are seen, horrible alien voices come from the person, vile blasphemies are heard and perverted and violent actions are witnessed, one can be fairly sure that a demonic infestation is happening. However, many of these symptoms may also be signs of a deep mental or spiritual illness which is not demonic in origin.
The difficulty in diagnosing demonic influence is that these same symptoms may indicate substance abuse problems, mental illness, social maladjustment, emotional inadequacy, relationship problems or a complex web of such difficulties. Demonic influence will cause these symptoms, but these symptoms are not necessarily a sign of demonic activity.
People also need to remember the Bible is very clear and stipulates a verse which I can't seem to remember which one to save my life at this point ( no sleep and a very ill mother ) however, it reads the following: " THE DEAD KNOW NOTHING, BEWARE OF THE FAMILIAR SPIRIT" I will paraphrase this so you understand what it means or what the Bible means is demons are known to mimic passed loved ones or a child or maybe the person who died in your home 50 years ago and he started to get attached to the spirit feeling bad for it so you continue to play with the EVP'S and spirit boards etc...
Just like in the very first Exorcist was based on a true story and look what happened when the mother took the Ouija board away from the little girl? All hell broke loose so evidently he had not been speaking to his Aunt who recently passed who he loved dearly. But he did use the Ouija board by himself a lot! When she was alive he used to use that board with her daily. In real life it was a little boy and thank God he remembers nothing and he's a believer in Christ and he's doing great has grandkids and I'm just very glad that he doesn't remember any of that. A lot of it is sensationalized for movies but like I said they'll use supernatural antics to to mess with the mind of the person doing the exorcism or deliverance and the people who are helping and assisting. You cannot hesitate you cannot allow any room for it one bit that's why I choose to try not to have too much conversations with them and allow them The possibility to distract me even for a moment means they could easily jump me new and my body is their new vessel they've been known to jump to clients family anybody in the room is in danger that's why when these things take place it's really not good to have five or six family members and cousins coming over to be in there and watch I mean this isn't entertainment it is very dangerous you are dealing with something you can't see as I've said before this is this beer sure thing not physically you cannot see you got your fighting dangerous not to mention the more people the harder it is in my opinion because you've got more talking going on so that's more contamination on your audio which seems to be the best way that I can say hey listen to this and you tell me I've done it many times to a couple different people who were analysts of audio and screen spotting any manufacturing and 4 different ones all said the same thing " I can't say this is paranormal all I can say is I have no answer for why that voice came through" we will never have all the answers I have been at this 26 years my dad did it for 50 well it was part of what he did he also married people in the baptisms but there are just some things we won't know till we pass on however, while we're on the earth and do our best to avoid anything summoning demons is one of one of them.
ETA: I wanted to make it known you that I am in the Orlando area and if there's any Zaidi who got going on somebody jet who serious extra help feel free to contact address I will stay as an underwriter so there are a lot of things I can do at home during the day as well. I can provide credentials I was ordained through the church properly I also have references going back to 99 also I attended Trinity Bible college for four years just to take courses on biblical demonology and everything related to demonology as well and I received a certificate of completion. You can find my bio here on the website under special contributors. I also have a Google Plus account and Twitter. I have a website I pay for and its very basic my bio and there's a place where you can submit your name and email from just answering your questions to Skype talks helping somebody explain to a friend or a loved one the dangers of provoking demons or possible help. I'm legit and I'm pretty much independent I have learned in the past and being a part of teams and being on Facebook unfortunately I ran into 90% of the folks in the paranormal looking to gain some kind of fame and notoriety that will complain 15 years 10 years whatever experience and they had no way nothing no phone number nothing of any sort that would be able to be verified or even indicate the truth. I'm certainly not saying because I've had 26 years and my father was a minister that that makes me better I'm simply saying heck somebody three years I could learn something from each other but there's just so many of you guys and that's what I'm trying to avoid that out there. With what I do is very difficult when the paranormal became popular there were ghost hunters popping up on every corner they were everywhere, and there's just a lot of drama and I want to avoid anything like that but I want to follow my calling as well. I also work with Reverend Bradley little Roma who's an Exorcist and he knows exactly what he's doing. I have had the pleasure to have his guidance at times. He is very dedicated to what he does and I just thought I would put it out there anybody closer to me knows I don't just build someone up. He gives Christ ALL the glory and a humble servant of God just like me. If your in his area he can help and he does travel and there is never any fees.
Written By Jennifer L Auld
Biblicaldemonologist@gmail.com
Friday, September 11, 2015
Are We Merely Clusters of Energy?
By Reverend Mark Hunnemann
Energy…what is it? Some would answer, “E=mc squared”. Don’t want a mathematical equation… “Okay, energy is the ability to do work.” That is only a functional definition of what it can do—I want to know what it IS. Do you realize that physicists cannot even explain what energy is, and yet a growing number of people believe that energy is ultimate reality, instead of a personal God? The basis of a 1,001 self-help books, wellness techniques and therapies, is this undefined concept, and it is re-shaping our perception of what under-girds both the natural and the supernatural realms.
“Sending prayers and positive energy”…gosh, how many times have I heard, or read on Facebook, a comment similar to that? How many times have you? The sending of positive energy has equaled, and in many cases eclipsed, the pledge of praying to the Living God from a friend to someone experiencing a trauma. Clearly, energy has taken on such a profound and practical significance for countless numbers of people—nothing reveals more about a person’s real, basic spiritual convictions than how they pray—that it has become THE central organizing principle in their worldviews. Hence, it is incumbent for Christians that we understand this issue and sift it through a biblical worldview grid…pulling down strongholds and arguments… that are raised against the knowledge of God (2 Cor.10:5).
Those who research and investigate the supernatural realm—from quantum jumping to spirit hunting—are increasingly seeing ultimate reality in terms of energy. Again, how many times have you heard, or said yourself, that trapped spirits are made of energy? EMF gauges certainly seem to verify that whatever is out there is emitting energy…that much is certain. However, it is a huge leap to go from energy to Energy, where the ultimate source of all reality is this Energy or cosmic consciousness. It has become not only personified but deified as well. This impersonal stuff that we call energy has now become our new god…our new reference point for defining the cosmos, mankind, and our relationship to the cosmos. In the beginning God created (bara—act of personal creating)…,has been replaced by… In the beginning, Energy has always been there and is evolving….It has become commonplace to believe that we are currently experiencing a quantum leap into a higher form of consciousness or energy, and it is often stated that we are spirit energy in a body, and NOT vice versa. Welcome to Halloween 2012…
As I alluded to, this is no mere dry as dust academic theory, because it has become a paradigm or worldview shift in how one understands who they are, and how to become better at living and being human. Watch the plethora of energy healers attempting to adjust folk’s vibrational levels to harmonize with the vibrations of primal Energy. And what must be noted with tears, is that often these energy therapies seem to work in terms of affecting vibrational change(what is really happening is not within our scope). May I suggest, though, that we are playing god in this respect, and are opening ourselves to deep demonic intervention. They (demons) are clever, and all it takes is openness to this Energy to potentially begin the possession process. Usually, at some opportune time, the demonic will find some imaginative way to gain permission for entry. We should have known better than to reject God and begin to call energy ultimate reality/god--Energy. Romans 1:18f speaks of the endarkenment, instead of the desired enlightenment, which comes when we deify, make ultimate, or worship any aspect of the Creator’s creation—including one of His greatest creations, which is energy.
To define human beings primarily in terms of energy clustering is to commit the reductionist fallacy. In other words, just because, in some sense, we are made of energy, it does not follow that we ARE energy. Consider a poem which is written in a book. There are levels of defining what that poem is, but we know instinctively that, saying that the poem is a collection of chemicals on a piece of paper, hardly does justice to explaining what a poem IS. Reducing a poem to ink on paper shows the absurdity of reductionism. Though at the most basic level, this is technically correct, it hardly is the best, and certainly not the most comprehensive definition of a poem. What has happened to the distinctly human aspect of poetry—the expression of deep emotion, with an artistic, metric economy of wordsmithing, which is meant to communicate on a visceral level with others? You may define poetry differently, and much better, than I just have, but certainly this is much closer to the reality of what poetry is, rather than chemicals on paper. How much more horrible to take God’s image bearers and reduce them to matter/energy in motion? And if you are consistent, by rejecting an infinite/personal God, then this nihilistic definition of man is all you are left with.
It is not being intellectually consistent or honest to spell energy as Energy, because the bottom line is that this notion (energy is ultimate reality) implies that there was an impersonal beginning, and by adding upper-case you have imported personality—creating it out of thin air. The only reason why we sense or detect personality with the energy entities, is because they ARE personal beings—demons. Like humans, demons and Satan have a will, intelligence, and emotions. We have not dealt with ghosts per se, in this newsletter, but the concept of ultimate reality that often accompanies the belief in ghosts. In coming blogs we will look at specific examples of this Energy-centric worldview, as well as philosophical, scientific, and biblical problems it encounters. In the meantime, be wary of any talk of tapping into primal Energy or cosmic consciousness. In our weakness, let us cling to the God who was manifested through the burning bush—the infinite-personal God of the bible who has inexhaustible, omnipotent energy and power. The Lord is good…all the time.
"Seeing Ghosts through God's Eyes" (also in a Kindle edition)...please consider purchasing my book which uses science, logic, and the bible to analyze the true source of power behind paranormal activity.
Energy…what is it? Some would answer, “E=mc squared”. Don’t want a mathematical equation… “Okay, energy is the ability to do work.” That is only a functional definition of what it can do—I want to know what it IS. Do you realize that physicists cannot even explain what energy is, and yet a growing number of people believe that energy is ultimate reality, instead of a personal God? The basis of a 1,001 self-help books, wellness techniques and therapies, is this undefined concept, and it is re-shaping our perception of what under-girds both the natural and the supernatural realms.
“Sending prayers and positive energy”…gosh, how many times have I heard, or read on Facebook, a comment similar to that? How many times have you? The sending of positive energy has equaled, and in many cases eclipsed, the pledge of praying to the Living God from a friend to someone experiencing a trauma. Clearly, energy has taken on such a profound and practical significance for countless numbers of people—nothing reveals more about a person’s real, basic spiritual convictions than how they pray—that it has become THE central organizing principle in their worldviews. Hence, it is incumbent for Christians that we understand this issue and sift it through a biblical worldview grid…pulling down strongholds and arguments… that are raised against the knowledge of God (2 Cor.10:5).
Those who research and investigate the supernatural realm—from quantum jumping to spirit hunting—are increasingly seeing ultimate reality in terms of energy. Again, how many times have you heard, or said yourself, that trapped spirits are made of energy? EMF gauges certainly seem to verify that whatever is out there is emitting energy…that much is certain. However, it is a huge leap to go from energy to Energy, where the ultimate source of all reality is this Energy or cosmic consciousness. It has become not only personified but deified as well. This impersonal stuff that we call energy has now become our new god…our new reference point for defining the cosmos, mankind, and our relationship to the cosmos. In the beginning God created (bara—act of personal creating)…,has been replaced by… In the beginning, Energy has always been there and is evolving….It has become commonplace to believe that we are currently experiencing a quantum leap into a higher form of consciousness or energy, and it is often stated that we are spirit energy in a body, and NOT vice versa. Welcome to Halloween 2012…
As I alluded to, this is no mere dry as dust academic theory, because it has become a paradigm or worldview shift in how one understands who they are, and how to become better at living and being human. Watch the plethora of energy healers attempting to adjust folk’s vibrational levels to harmonize with the vibrations of primal Energy. And what must be noted with tears, is that often these energy therapies seem to work in terms of affecting vibrational change(what is really happening is not within our scope). May I suggest, though, that we are playing god in this respect, and are opening ourselves to deep demonic intervention. They (demons) are clever, and all it takes is openness to this Energy to potentially begin the possession process. Usually, at some opportune time, the demonic will find some imaginative way to gain permission for entry. We should have known better than to reject God and begin to call energy ultimate reality/god--Energy. Romans 1:18f speaks of the endarkenment, instead of the desired enlightenment, which comes when we deify, make ultimate, or worship any aspect of the Creator’s creation—including one of His greatest creations, which is energy.
To define human beings primarily in terms of energy clustering is to commit the reductionist fallacy. In other words, just because, in some sense, we are made of energy, it does not follow that we ARE energy. Consider a poem which is written in a book. There are levels of defining what that poem is, but we know instinctively that, saying that the poem is a collection of chemicals on a piece of paper, hardly does justice to explaining what a poem IS. Reducing a poem to ink on paper shows the absurdity of reductionism. Though at the most basic level, this is technically correct, it hardly is the best, and certainly not the most comprehensive definition of a poem. What has happened to the distinctly human aspect of poetry—the expression of deep emotion, with an artistic, metric economy of wordsmithing, which is meant to communicate on a visceral level with others? You may define poetry differently, and much better, than I just have, but certainly this is much closer to the reality of what poetry is, rather than chemicals on paper. How much more horrible to take God’s image bearers and reduce them to matter/energy in motion? And if you are consistent, by rejecting an infinite/personal God, then this nihilistic definition of man is all you are left with.
It is not being intellectually consistent or honest to spell energy as Energy, because the bottom line is that this notion (energy is ultimate reality) implies that there was an impersonal beginning, and by adding upper-case you have imported personality—creating it out of thin air. The only reason why we sense or detect personality with the energy entities, is because they ARE personal beings—demons. Like humans, demons and Satan have a will, intelligence, and emotions. We have not dealt with ghosts per se, in this newsletter, but the concept of ultimate reality that often accompanies the belief in ghosts. In coming blogs we will look at specific examples of this Energy-centric worldview, as well as philosophical, scientific, and biblical problems it encounters. In the meantime, be wary of any talk of tapping into primal Energy or cosmic consciousness. In our weakness, let us cling to the God who was manifested through the burning bush—the infinite-personal God of the bible who has inexhaustible, omnipotent energy and power. The Lord is good…all the time.
"Seeing Ghosts through God's Eyes" (also in a Kindle edition)...please consider purchasing my book which uses science, logic, and the bible to analyze the true source of power behind paranormal activity.
Monday, September 7, 2015
Why The Dalai Lama Matters: His Act of Truth As the Solution for China, Tibet and the World
By Robert Thurman
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is an extraordinary example of a life dedicated to peace, communication, and unity. What he represents, and what he has accomplished, heals and transcends the current tensions between Tibet and China.
Why the Dalai Lama Matters explores just why he has earned the world’s love and respect, and how restoring Tibet’s autonomy within China is not only possible, but highly reasonable, and absolutely necessary for all humans to have a peaceful future.
In the few decades since the illegal Chinese invasion of Tibet, Tibetans have seen their ecosystem destroyed, their religion, language, and culture repressed, and systematic oppression and violence against anyone who dares acknowledge Tibetan sovereignty. Yet, above it all, the Dalai Lama has been a consistent voice for peace, sharing a ‘Middle-Way’ approach that has gathered accolades from the Nobel Peace Prize to the Congressional Gold Medal. Modeling this peaceful resistance shows the world that nobody is free unless everybody is free—and that a solution exists that can benefit all parties, not just one. And more than just his nation has taken notice. His inter-religious dialogues, honest, humble demeanor, and sense of compassionate justice sets him apart in a world at war with itself.
Robert Thurman, renowned Tibetan scholar, president of Tibet House, and longtime personal friend of the Dalai Lama, presents a bold, reciprocal five-point plan for establishing Tibet’s genuine autonomy within China, letting China renew its image with the world by allowing the Dalai Lama to guarantee freedom for his people. When China changes policy and lets Tibetans be who they are, Tibet can, in turn, join with China in peaceful coexistence.
Why the Dalai Lama Matters is not merely a book about Tibet or the Dalai Lama. It is a revealing, provocative solution for a world in conflict, dealing with the very fundamentals of human rights and freedoms. By showing the work that the Dalai Lama has done on behalf of his people, Thurman illuminates a worldwide call-to-action, showing that power gained by might means nothing in the face of a determined act of truth.
original link and photos: http://dalailamamatters.com
Why the Dalai Lama Matters explores just why he has earned the world’s love and respect, and how restoring Tibet’s autonomy within China is not only possible, but highly reasonable, and absolutely necessary for all humans to have a peaceful future.
In the few decades since the illegal Chinese invasion of Tibet, Tibetans have seen their ecosystem destroyed, their religion, language, and culture repressed, and systematic oppression and violence against anyone who dares acknowledge Tibetan sovereignty. Yet, above it all, the Dalai Lama has been a consistent voice for peace, sharing a ‘Middle-Way’ approach that has gathered accolades from the Nobel Peace Prize to the Congressional Gold Medal. Modeling this peaceful resistance shows the world that nobody is free unless everybody is free—and that a solution exists that can benefit all parties, not just one. And more than just his nation has taken notice. His inter-religious dialogues, honest, humble demeanor, and sense of compassionate justice sets him apart in a world at war with itself.
Robert Thurman, renowned Tibetan scholar, president of Tibet House, and longtime personal friend of the Dalai Lama, presents a bold, reciprocal five-point plan for establishing Tibet’s genuine autonomy within China, letting China renew its image with the world by allowing the Dalai Lama to guarantee freedom for his people. When China changes policy and lets Tibetans be who they are, Tibet can, in turn, join with China in peaceful coexistence.
Why the Dalai Lama Matters is not merely a book about Tibet or the Dalai Lama. It is a revealing, provocative solution for a world in conflict, dealing with the very fundamentals of human rights and freedoms. By showing the work that the Dalai Lama has done on behalf of his people, Thurman illuminates a worldwide call-to-action, showing that power gained by might means nothing in the face of a determined act of truth.
original link and photos: http://dalailamamatters.com
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