Burky's Blog

       This is a true story and the author, Rick Mathes, is a
well-known leader in prison ministry.  The man who walks with God
always gets to his destination. If you have a pulse you have a
purpose.  The Muslim religion is the fastest growing religion per
capita in the United States , especially in the minority races!!!

       Last month I attended my annual training session that's
required for maintaining my state prison security clearance. During
the training session there was a presentation by three speakers
representing the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths, who
explained each of their beliefs.

       I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to
say.  The Imam gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam,
complete with a video.

       After the presentations, time was provided for questions and
answers.  When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Imam and
asked: 'Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that most
Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war]
against the infidels of the world and, that by killing an infidel,
(which is a command to all Muslims) they are assured of a place in
heaven. If that's the case, can you give me the definition of an
infidel?'

       There was no disagreement with my statements and, without
hesitation, he replied, 'Non-believers!'

       I responded, 'so, let me make sure I have this straight. All
followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of
your faith so they can have a place in heaven. Is that correct?'
       The expression on his face changed from one of authority and
command to that of a little boy who had just been caught with his hand
in the cookie jar.'

       He sheepishly replied, 'Yes.'

       I then stated, 'Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to
imagine Pope John Paul commanding all Catholics to kill those of your
faith or Dr. Stanley ordering all Protestants to do the same in order
to guarantee them a place in heaven!'

       The Imam was speechless!

       I continued, 'I also have a problem with being your friend when
you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me!
Let me ask you a question:  Would you rather have your Allah, who
tells you to kill me in order for you to go to heaven, or my Jesus who
tells me to love you because I am going to heaven and He wants you to
be there with me?'

       You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in
shame.  Needless to say, the organizers and/or promoters of the
Diversification training seminar were not happy with my way of dealing
with the Islamic Imam, and exposing the truth about the Muslims'
beliefs.

       In twenty years there will be enough Muslim voters in the U.S.
to elect the President!

       I think everyone in the U.S. should be required to read this,
but with ACLU, there is likely no way this will be widely publicized,
unless each of us must send it on! This is our chance to make a
difference.

       FOR GODS' SAKE! SEND THIS ONE ON!

The Devil has many methods and devices which he uses to try to discourage the faith of believers. But out of all of Satan's strategies, he has a favorite "secret weapon" which has been more effective in destroying Christian lives than anything else in his arsenal. He delights in this wicked device. Each time it succeeds, I can imagine that he gleefully prances about, celebrating the downfall of another poor soul.

Unfortunately for many Christians, Satan's ultimate weapon still remains a secret. Even though its lethal strike has caused countless numbers of believers to stumble away from God and the Church, and into the clutches of the Devil, most never actually recognized what the weapon was.

By now I'm sure that you're very curious and wonder why the Bible didn't warn us about this weapon. However, it does warn us. As a matter of fact, Jesus taught about it repeatedly. He certainly knew its danger and made it a priority to instruct his followers of how to protect themselves against it. The Apostle Paul also exposed the weapon, teaching believers how to be protected from it, and made it clear that no one should be ignorant of its dangers. He said, "A further reason for forgiveness is to keep from being outsmarted by Satan; for we know what he is trying to do" (2 Cor. 2:11 The Living Bible).

There! Did you see what the Devil's secret weapon is? If it's not yet obvious, you can find one more clue in the writings of John. He also taught how to overcome this scheme so that it would never make us stumble. He wrote, "Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble" (1 John 2:10 NIV).

Are you catching on now? Satan's secret weapon is "unforgiveness and an absence of love!" Satan knows that if he can deceive us into harboring anger, bitterness, or grudges toward our fellow Christians, he can actually cause us to fall from the grace of God. The scripture says, "looking diligently lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled" (Heb. 12:15).

According to the Bible, it brings grief to the Holy Spirit if we will not forgive and love one another. The Apostle Paul said, "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you" (Ephesians 4:30-32).

Is it really possible to lose one's salvation by merely holding a grudge against someone? Jesus left no room for doubt on the subject. He clearly stated that we cannot have God's forgiveness if we choose to withhold forgiveness toward others. "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matt 6:14-15).

It's no wonder why Satan works so hard to stir up turmoil, and tries to keep us from forgiving and loving each other. If he can deceive us into harboring bitterness, he knows that we will exempt ourselves from God's forgiveness of our sins, and will ultimately go to the lake of fire (Rev. 20:15). The consequences of unforgiveness is reiterated in many scriptures: Matt. 18:21-35, Mark 11:25-26, Matt. 6:12, Luke 6:37, Luke 11:4.

The scriptures make it very clear that the person who withholds forgiveness in not right with God. Their prayers go unanswered, they lack the Lord's joy and peace. They will usually mainfest a critical and judgmental attitude, along with a dissatisfaction with with the people and circumstances around them. They may blame their unhappiness on a variety of other things, but the problem lies within themselves -- they're simply out of fellowship with the Lord.

Friends, it's time to wise up and become aware of Satan's most effective weapon! Many believers still seem to be ignorant of these tactics of the enemy. They coddle offenses and grudges as though they were "pets" to be fed and watered. There is probably nothing else that has been more devastating to the body of Christ than unforgiveness. It has split Churches, destroyed families, and ruined lives forever! No wonder Christ spent so much time on the subject.

Jesus taught that loving God and loving one another were the highest ideals of His followers (Luke 10:27). Love and forgiveness is the most basic standard of Christianity -- it is the mark of followers of Christ -- the highest display of spiritual maturity! Love is the evidence necessary to convict you as a true follower of Jesus Christ. "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35).

Therefore, Satan's secret weapon is not really so secret after all! Every Christian can be totally protected and immune from its effect by merely obeying this simple scripture:

"Dear friends, let us practice loving each other, for love comes from God and those who are loving and kind show that they are the children of God, and that they are getting to know Him better. But if a person isn't loving and kind, it shows that he doesn't know God - for God is love" (1 John 4:7-8 The Living Bible).

One Sunday morning, we were studying about Abraham's faith.  One question was "How might we by partial obedience compromise our profession of faith?  I especially like one answer, "Partial obedience makes one confused."

            The reason I love that statement is because it is very true in all points.  How do I know that it is true in all points?  Simple.  Just think that it is true in one way and then see if it is true in the opposite way.  If part obedience or half-hearted obedience makes one confused, then what about if one is confused or uncertain about what is good and right is really obeying partially?  I think so.

            After all, didn't the Bible say "The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble."? (Proverbs 4:19)  Plus, Jesus confirms this, "these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone."

            I learn from experience that surrender as referred by the Bible is really letting go everything that was part of you.  Apostle Paul wrote, "I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ," (Philippians 3:8)  All things, even what was taught to you.  Even the teachings of the church where you grew up.  All things, period.

            I always find it puzzling that preachers preach about submission, surrender, repentance, nonresistance or humility, but seldom, if ever, preach about boldness in the same message.  What about the seldom-mentioned verse, "But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him."? (1 John 2:27)

            And guess what?  As I hold Bible studies with such people, I notice one thing common about them.  They become so detailed about their doctrines, quite forgetting that the gospel of Christ is very simple.  (There is some teaching in the Bible that confirms this fact, although I can't find the reference at this time of writing)  They would say that the teaching of separation applies to all areas of life, but not prayer without ceasing to apply that church is to have all-night prayer meetings.  Interestingly, they all admit the difficulty of living Christian life.  May I ask you: if you experienced years of frustration in trying to live a victorious Christian living and then suddenly realize the real meaning of Christianity that helps and established you to be victorious, would you want to go back?  I certainly do not.

            Some people seem to feel that preaching is serving God, but they forget that God is everywhere and that Jesus talks about a cup of cold water will reap its reward.  If God create the world, why can't we take into account that there are reasons for our emotions?  I like one man say that our guilty conscience is a blessing, because it causes us want to return into the peaceful bosom of our loving Father.  Did he take into account about the inner peace and joy in the everyday life?

            More and more scientists marveled at the fine-tuning of the universe.  Everything is just right.  So where was the problem?  Obviously, it is human who have power of choice and can choose against the laws of the Universe.  The fundamental laws of the Bible really are all about restoring to the laws of the Universe.  It is all about getting back into the tune and harmony with everything around us. 

Hence, the precious teaching of nonresistance.  Because we choose to stop resisting, we cease to have problems.  Because we choose to focus on the now, rather than pine about the past, we become synchronized with the eternal and timeless Father.  Because we choose to act upon the laws of love, we reap love.  I could go on, but sufficient is it to say that the fundamental laws in the Bible are same as the law of Universe.  If everyone, regardless of religion, would practice all the fundamental laws in the Bible, this world would exactly be a foretaste of heaven.  And there will be no darkness, confusion, and uncertainty.  The Lord's Prayer, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven," will be answered.

One points out about Jesus sending not peace, but a sword.  (Matthew 10:34)  That reminds me of two other verses that I may have overlooked in my first article.  There is a verse about truth as a double-edged sword, (Hebrews 4:12) and one about resisting the devil (James 4:7).

            Let us look at those verses in context of their verses.  Hebrews 4:12 is easy, the truth is obvious.  James 4:7 is easy too, although the trick of words can confuse us.  In my experience, I find that nonresistance is the primary key of Christian life.  It is same as surrendered life, submission, humility, and self-denial that we all seem to be fond of talking about as part of Christian life.  Because of nonresistance (none resistance) is the key to rejoicing in time of adversity, resisting the devil is more like stop resisting.  Since everything is gift from God, it is our choice to react what we will.  When we resist something, we tend to feel negative and unhappy.  When we let go and accept things joyfully, we tend to feel positive and rejoicing in the Lord.  So what do you choose?

            One morning, at work, I was carrying a tray, so I had my hands full.  My co-worker would open the doors for me on some mornings.  But that particular morning, I was expecting my co-worker to open the door for me.  He got frustrated and told me to hurry up because I was in his way.  I could see that he wasn't having a good morning.  If he was in good mood, he would have opened the doors as he does some mornings.  But that morning he wasn't, so he didn't think about courtesy.  I thought about that is very true of myself.  Whenever I was in bad mood, I tend to do wrong things more quickly than when I was in good mood.  Because of this, I am determined to stay in good mood.

            I noticed that when I am in bad mood, it is usually because I am resisting something.  Whenever I am tempted to feel negative something, I bring my thoughts into captivity.  I stop and re-think before I would wallow in negative feelings.  Why am I feeling this way?  Nearly always, if not always, I find myself resisting something.  When I resist, the inner peace is gone.  When I let go and relax, the inner peace returns.

            In this context from my actual experiences and my knowledge of Scriptures, I concluded that when Jesus refers to sending sword was talking about when people seek to ensure inner peace would find themselves at variance at each other.  It is very natural for a father to wish the best for his children, but the reality is often the children find the very best for themselves much differently than what their parents may wish for them.  Human nature will always find something to resist.  Whenever one resists, there will be "sword".  Good example could be found in reading stories about famous people.  Like, for example, Florence Nightingale wants to be a nurse when it is not a social norm for women to be one, and of course, that cause variance between her and her family and friends.

            Some people notice that when nonconformity goes out the window, nonresistance does too.  I can see why they see it that way.  When one stops resisting the progress, he will tolerate others to go to military.  Hence, the church that doesn't practice separation in lifestyle will also have some members going to military.  History shows that conscientious objectors are not always those of Anabaptist descendent; there were some objectors from other faiths such as Lutherans and others.  The evidence from this is that those who don't resist and recognize the power of love wouldn't go to military, but will tolerate others to go if they wish to go.  It is much better to be real than to be "hypocrite", just because you are doing what you are told.

            Let us not forget the primary focus of Christian living: Matthew 22:37-40.  Or we will be as guilty as Pharisees (see Matthew 23, especially verse 23).

     Let not waste your time reading something that you wouldn't have anything to do with.  What would you rather be—a close-minded puppet or an open-minded thinker?  A close-minded puppets are the victim of their circumstances and, to them, obstacles are hinderances.  An open-minded thinkers are the makers of their circumstances and, to them, obstacles are opportunities to overcome.

            Most people are in different degrees between the puppet and the thinker.  But do you rather be part of the mediocrity?  What consequences do most people envy?  It is easy to let others do the thinking for you and complain than to do the thinking for yourself and be the change that you want to see.  However, most people envied the rich and the popular, who would tell you that you can be like them.

Ten Tips for Power Thinking

1.      Remember that experience is the only teacher, that you cannot form sound conclusions until you have some basis for these conclusions.

2.      Don't offer judgments unless you have factual, rather than simply emotional, ground for the judgments.

3.      Pay close attention to the meanings of words.  Remember that different words mean different things to different people.

4.      Use words carefully, keeping in mind that they are effective instruments only if they are used with precision.

5.      Never abandon your common sense, even if your experience seems to conflict with it.

6.      Apply to new problems everything relevant that you have learned in the past.

7.      Examine sources of information who interpretations do not agree with your own.

8.      Try to keep an open mind even when you disagree strongly with the other person's viewpoint.

9.      Recognize glittering generalizations when you come across them.  Remember that Cow₁ is not Cow_2.

10.  Cultivate a desire to learn.  Let no obstacles stand in the way of achieving this desire.

Ten Tips for Effective Listening

1.      Don't say a subject is uninteresting, for all subjects are interesting.  There are, however, uninterested listeners.

2.      Gauge the speaker's expertise on the subject under discussion.  Listen carefully to the person who knows what he or she is talking about.

3.      Don't equate eloquence with intelligence.  A very poor speaker may say a great deal, while a brilliant speaker may say nothing.

4.      Make every effort to understand the big words used by a speaker.  Demand understandable English of people addicted to jargon.

5.      Require concrete statements in place of emotion-laden clichés.

6.      Determine the speaker's motive before you try to evaluate the message.

7.      Don't draw conclusions too quickly.  Give the speaker a chance to make his point before trying to contradict it.  Evaluate only when comprehension is complete.

8.      Learn how to get the nonspeaker into a group discussion.

9.      Use every possible method to silence the haranguer and teller of tall tales.

10.  Retain your composure and sense of humor.  Effective listening demands real effort, and such effort is impossible in an atmosphere highly charged with emotion.

Ten Tips for Logical Thinking

1.      Wherever possible, gather evidence before reaching a conclusion.

2.      Be careful of generalizations containing the words all, always, and never.  There are very few rules which do not have exceptions.

3.      Examine statistics with an eagle eye.  Statistics can lie, and many statistics are nothing more than special pleadings.

4.      Beware of the words average and typical.  These are often words of prejudice, not reason.

5.      Learn how to make sensible hypotheses.  Don't just guess at answers to problems; set up a method for testing them.

6.      In reasoning deductively, make sure you know what your major premise is.  Determine whether this major premise is really true.

7.      Always check your reasoning to make sure it is valid.

8.      Avoid inadequate sampling, post hoc, ergo propter hoc fallacies, false analogy, and non sequiturs.

9.      Remember that logic involves the meanings of words.  Even after something has been logically proved to your satisfaction, it will not necessarily be accepted by everyone.

10.  Read and listen carefully and critically.  Recognize logical fallacies from your own arguments.

--Selected from Mental Dynamics by K. Thomas Finley

Observe the law of justice.  The best rule is the famous Golden Rule.  It is true in all religions.

1.      CHRISTIANITY:

v  "All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." (Matthew 7:12)

v  "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." (Luke 6:31)

2.      BAHA'I WORLD FAITH:

v  "Blessed is he who preferreth his brother before himself."  (Baha'u'llah, Tablets, p. 71)

v  "Lay not on any soul a load which ye would not wish to be laid on you, and desire not for any one the things ye would not desire for yourselves."  (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings LXVI, p. 128)

v  "Ascribe not to any soul that which thou wouldst not have ascribed to thee, and say not that which thou doest not. This is my command unto thee, do thou observe it."  (Baha'u'llah, The Hidden Words, Arabic # 29)

v  "Choose for thy neighbor that which thou choosest for thyself."  (Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 30)

3.      JUDAISM:

v  "What is hateful to you, DO NOT to your fellow man. That is the law: all the rest is commentary."  (Talmud, Shabbat 31a)

v  "Thou shalt LOVE thy neighbor as thyself: I am the LORD."  (Moses, Leviticus 19:18)

v  Brahmanism: "This is the sum of duty: Do naught unto others which would cause you pain if done to you"  (Mahabharata 5:5157).

4.      ISLAM:

v  "Not one of you is a believer until he desires for another that which he desires for himself."  (Muhammad, 40 Hadith of an-Nawawi 13)

v  "Do unto all men as you would they should do unto you, and reject for them that which you would reject for yourself."  (Mishkat-el-Masabih)

5.       BUDDHISM:

v  "Hurt not others with that which pains yourself or in ways that you yourself would find hurtful. One should seek for others the happiness one desires for one's self" (Udana-Varqa, 5:18)

6.      HINDUISM:

v  "This is the sum of duty: do naught unto others that which would cause pain if done unto you." (Mahabharata 5:1517)

v  "Do not to others what ye do not wish done to yourself; and wish for others too, what ye desire and long for, for yourself. This is the whole of Dharma, heed it well." (The Celestial Song, 2:65)

7.      JAINIST:

v  "A man should wander about treating all creatures as he himself would be treated." (Sutrakritanga 1.11.33)

8.      SIKH:

v  "Precious like jewels are the minds of all. To hurt them is not at all good. If thou desirest thy Beloved, then hurt thou not anyone's heart." (Guru Aranj Devji 259, Guru Granth Sahib)

9.      WESTERN SCHOOLS:

v  "What you wish your neighbors to be to you, such be also to them." (Pythagorean)

v  "We should conduct ourselves toward others as we would have them act toward us." (Aristotle, from Plato and Socrates)

v  "Avoid doing what you would blame others for doing."  (Thales)

v  "Do not to your neighbor what you would take ill from him." (Pittacus)

v  "Cherish reciprocal benevolence, which will make you as anxious for another's welfare as your own"  (Aristippus of Cyrene).

v  "Act toward others as you desire them to act toward you" (Isocrates)

v  Confuciansim: "Surely it is the maxim of loving-kindness: Do not unto others what you would not have them do unto you"  (Analects 15:23).

10.    TAO:

v  "Pity the misfortunes of others; rejoice in the well-being of others; help those who are in want; save men in danger; rejoice at the success of others; and sympathise with their reverses, even as though YOU WERE in their place."

v  "The sage has no interests of his own, but regards the interests of the people as his own. He is kind to the kind, he is also kind to the unkind: for virtue is kind." (T'ai Shang Kan Ying P'ien)

11.  NATIVE AMERICAN:

v  "Love your friend and never desert him. If you see him surrounded by the enemy do not run away; go to him, and if you cannot save him, be killed together and let your bones lie side by side."  (Sur-AR-Ale-Shar, The Lessons of the Lone Chief)

v  "Do not kill or injure your neighbor, for it is not him that you injure, you injure yourself. But do good to him, therefore add to his days of happiness as you add to your own. Do not wrong or hate your neighbor, for it is not him that you wrong, you wrong yourself. But love him, for The Great Spirit (Moneto) loves him also as he loves you."  (Shawnee)

v  "Respect for all life is the foundation."  (The Great Law of Peace)

12.  AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION:

v  "A SAGE is ingenuous and leads his life after comprehending the parity of the killed and the killer. THEREFORE, neither does he cause violence to others nor does he make others do so."  (Yoruba Proverb, Nigeria)

v  "One going to take a pointed stick to pinch a baby bird should first try it on himself to feel how it hurts."  (Yoruba Proverb, Nigeria)

v  Zoroastrianism:

v  "That nature ONLY is good when it shall NOT DO unto another whatever is not good for its own self."  (Dadistan-i-Dinik, 94:5)

v  "Whatsoever is disagreeable to yourself do not do unto others." (Shayast-na-Shayast 13:29)

v  That which is good for all and any one, for whomsoever - that is good for me. What I hold good for self, I should for all. Only Law Universal, is true Law."  (Zoroaster, Yasana-Gathas)

13.  BAHA'U'LLAH:

v  "O son of man! If thine eyes be turned towards mercy, forsake the things that profit thee and cleave unto that which will profit mankind. And if thine eyes be turned towards justice, choose thou for thy neighbour that which thou choosest for thyself."  (Baha'u'llah, The third Leaf of the Most Exalted Paradise, Tablets, p. 64)

To summarize: be open-minded, objective, honest, and practice Golden Rule at all times in all situations in all areas as much as humanly possible.  It is same as surrendering and submitting yourself to the facts, totally accepting the most obvious truth.

"If you would be a real seeker after truth, it is necessary that at least once in your life you doubt, as far as possible, all things." (Rene Descartes)  One problem with this is that it can eventually confuse one from finding the right truth.  The safest bet is to doubt all truths where there are disagreements.  However, it is noteworthy to see that Descartes arrives at only a single principle: thought exists. Thought cannot be separated from me, therefore, I exist (Discourse on the Method and Principles of Philosophy). Most famously, this is known as cogito ergo sum (English: "I think, therefore I am"). Therefore, Descartes concluded, if he doubted, then something or someone must be doing the doubting, therefore the very fact that he doubted proved his existence. "The simple meaning of the phrase is that if one is skeptical of existence, that is in and of itself proof that he does exist."

Observe science.  When I refer to science, I am not referring to any specific branch.  I am including philosophy, psychology, psychiatry, geology, and so on.  Because of our limitation, we tend to specialize in some specific field.  Hence we have the problem of missing out the whole truth, so it is good to read all angles as much as possible.  Even go as far as thinking opposite of your observations, such as any specific moral standard you believe in.  Think like this: what would happen if someone else have similar beliefs and impose them on you?  This is where Golden Rule can be observed.  For example, if you hate someone, how would you feel if that person hates you?  What feeling would you feel at the very thought?  Remember, feelings are the part of reality, in which science have studied.  Observe why you react the way you do and try to find ways to avoid such reaction—especially if you don't like that reaction.  But don't let emotions control you.  Emotions are very fickle, extremely undependable.  Rather, look at cold, hard facts—even if it makes you feel uncomfortable.  Then check why it made you uncomfortable.  Be honest at all times. 

Note five keys that require philosophy, which is also a branch of science: rationality, life, consciousness, thought, and the self.  How come we have ability to rationalize?  How come we have life?  How come we are conscious of being conscious?  We even can make conscious choice.  Why do we think?  How can science explain all that?  Finally, we see the self very fascinating.  As we read before, thought cannot be separated from me.  We may hear people say, "I hate myself."  Our body is not the self, because the cells are always replacing.  Cut open any corpse and you cannot find thoughts, consciousness, and rationality.  You only see physical cells.  So what is the Self?  Although our whole body replaced itself every 2 years, our personality remains the same.

When you study or observe different religions, try finding their authoritative book or sacred writings in which they believe in.  Which sacred literature would make sense out of science?  In other words, which sacred writings most agrees with what science has proved?  Once when you find which sacred writings that meets to your observations, follow after that book.  We all know that each religion have their good people and bad people, so don't let changeable mob control you.  Be rational.  Think for yourself.  Even if you are not strictly religious, it is always best to stick to truths provable by science.  By agreeing with the truth, it is much easier to be in control of yourself.  When I mean provable by science, I am referring to following after the common sense.

After you find such sacred writings that most agree with factual science, the writings may include few examples that cannot be proved by science.  That is where Golden Rule comes into play.  Would you rather have us hold you guilty until proven innocent or would you feel better if we hold you innocent until proven guilty?  Then treat such sacred writings as you would want us to treat you.  After all, some people have experiences that most people don't have and how would you feel if no one would believe your actual experience?

Finally, you should be able to say, "I am because I think."

             As I read about church history, I notice one point.  All church problems or splits were never about Jesus, which the Bible clearly says is the cornerstone of the church.

            Take, for example, there were only two church splits in history affecting to my childhood church brotherhood.  The first one occurred because one minister resists compliance to the agreement of the Conference.  He allows his children have their way even in points where the Conference forbids.  He was not being a good example to his flock.  He could have become proud of his achievements, because very few ordinate brethren in his day are as educated and carry message very well over the pulpit as he was.

            The second one occurred because one bishop resists the progressive changes, especially the changes that may threatened the Mennonite doctrines.  I did wonder if he became more aggressive after he was the senior bishop of the conference, as the Conference gives such a responsibility of a moderator of the Conference.  One may forgive him to be like that because of the situations that bishop finds himself in.  In those days, people start to lack a necessary respect for the leadership of the church.  Whatever the case, it is interesting to notice that in both church splits, it all start with one church leader resisting something.

            One Sunday School we study about the Tower of Babel.  We analyze the story and try to make it practical to our day.  When I see the question, "In what ways might we become guilty of uniting in a wrong cause?", I couldn't help but think about my church history.  Since human nature are basically same since Adam, I wouldn't be surprised if all other church splits originated with one church leader resisting something.

            The first church split happens because one church leader has too much pride.  He resists the admonishment of others.  He knew the Conference would prefer if he keep quiet about his premillennial views, but did not do so.  His case was very blatant, and if he would be honest with himself, he could easily see he was in wrong.   The second church split is a whole different story.  Everyone wants to be Biblical and they have different ways of going about it.  Some ordinate brethren felt it is necessary to be considerate of how lay members feel, but one bishop felt it is necessary to make the changes regardless of how others feel.  He wants to keep his church conservative.  He felt church standards need to be enforced.  If he would be honest with himself, he would have much harder time recognizing his sin.  In fact, he is not sinning intentionally.  He only wants uniformity and harmony in the Conference.  However, recognizing human nature as it is, we can noticed that the reason they want to build the Tower of Babel was so that they would not be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.  Isn't that the similar idea as that bishop who desire conservative standards harmonizing the Conference?

            We study about Tower of Babel and say we do not want to be like them.  The Bible did not explain that situation very well, but it did say that God is displeased with them.  For "punishment", God confound their language.  As the result, people start to single out others who they can communicate with and understand.  Notice the same pattern in the history of the church.  Whenever they split, they go with their like mind.  Human nature is always the same since Adam.

            One more thing I notice in this whole situation is that the Bible teaches sowing and reaping.  When you resist, you will reap resistance.  The progressive side is more forbearing than the conservative side—according to the second situation here. 

I am aware this is not always the case.  There are situations like the book, Uncle Dale and His God, shows.  In that book, the conservative broke off, because of reaction to the leadership.  The church leaders discourage testimony and confessional before the congregation.  If the permissive church leaders would recognize the confessions and bless it instead of putting it down, the church may become stronger.  They were suppressing the spiritual growth in their congregation.  Therefore, the honest Christians who desire spiritual growth noticed that and break off.  Generally, you can tell which group is right by their earnest effort to preserve peace.

To summarize the whole picture, you can see why I don't approve of Conference.  I like one comment that his leading church, or "Conference headquarters", is the church in Jerusalem.  It is where Christianity all begins.  I believe in tolerance that each church group has their own standards or traditions.  After all, the world has great variety of cultures, which means that what is Biblical in one culture may not be Biblical in other.  When one church doesn't tolerate other church's practice, there will be dissatisfaction and problems.  Let every church to her own.

            Also, I notice that the more conservative the group, the least likely they practice the Great Commission and collective prayer (I mean, really praying together like the book of Acts talks about).  They are also more negative and judgmental prone.  If they would experience liberating power of Christ and observe that God is the Creator of free will, they would be more positive prone and less condemning.

            We can't force others to think like us, but we can leave an example.  I admire one Amish man who starts practicing Holy Kiss without demanding it, and by his example, his church eventually all practice it because of one man's conviction.  We can do the same. 

            If we want peace, let us sow peace and be peacemaker.  Remember the law of sowing and reaping!  We say the Lord's Prayer, "Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven."  Let us sow heaven if we want to reap heaven.  That is applicable to when others may mistreat or disregard us, and we are to sow love and peace even to our enemies.  Let us stop resisting to anything—ideas or circumstances—and surrender to them, acknowledging that everything is God's gift to us.  Think about it: nonresistance, surrendered will, and self-denial are all the same thing.  They are the only way we can experience and influence peace and serenity in this changing world, because it is truth that last and God is truth eternal.  Even church structure is earthly and is subject to change.  If we all stick to the truth eternal and focus on Christ alone, we will have peace within and without.