Author: The Timedok

Trump Derangement Syndrome

The news of another attempted assassination attempt on Trump made me nauseous.

The Keyword NEWS is the problem.

The excessive use of hyperbole, propaganda, NLP, and rhetoric to generate clicks and advertising revenue has become overwhelming. This nut job in Florida is just one more brainwashed lunatic that doesn’t understand the media has to sell airtime to advertisers and ratings are part of the formula that allows them to charge so much a second for you to learn about self-storage or the latest drug to combat your poor choices of foods.

Even today, after the attempt, Dana Bash is out there calling JD Vance a racist.

Do they not see, or do they not care?

Money is driving the agenda. What kinds of stories garner the public’s attention and make people click or tune in?

Way back when 30 seconds of airtime during the Super Bowl was a million dollars, that was probably a bargain by today’s standards. Imagine that: 30 seconds of airtime for a product during the Super Bowl was a million dollars and change.

If you remember the talking frogs advertising Bud Wis Er, well that was one of our commercials that my employer at the time created. Those commercials cost big money and were aired several times during the game.

To sell airtime, you needed something that drew lots of attention.

The Super Bowl is only once a year. How do we get higher ratings for the rest of the year? Well, we create a product that drives emotions. Trump Derangement Syndrome is a product. The stronger the emotional impact, the more people will tune in.

Hyperbole incites an emotional reaction.

If Trump gets in, the world is going to hell, our democracy is gone, and you will be living on the streets with the migrants.
If Harris gets in, the world is going to hell, our democracy is gone, and you will be living on the streets with the migrants.
The Sky is falling, how to survive a nuclear war, Climate Change will kill us all.

Emotional response not only invites people to tune in, but it incites the unstable into action.

Not a single word of what was mentioned holds any truth.

The simple fact is we have no idea who is controlling the country right now. It isn’t Biden and certainly not the cackling VP. Who is it? Who is setting policy? Who is keeping the country safe? Are your cats being eaten?

The media is not your friend. They are not telling the truth about anything.

If you could talk to Putin, you would learn a whole different set of facts about why he is doing what he is doing. RFK shined some light on it during his speech. Why is our CIA sponsering regime change when these folks have enough nukes to destroy the world 100 times over? What is the ultimate goal?

Are they really trying to reduce the world’s population by 33%?

Do they really think they can create a one-world government when you have so many diverse opinions, religions, ideologies, government structures, and so on?

What about the oligarchs that are pulling the strings? Sooner or later, one of them will claim God’s status, and then what happens?

If you could speak with the Ukrainians who are not pulling the strings, you would learn a new set of facts.

Someone is getting a hell of a lot of our tax dollars, and lots of human lives are being extinguished to feed the greed of a few.

We are puppets being taken to the cleaners by those who control the narrative. Do we really think the woman who slept her way into politics is the answer?

As far as the debate the other night, that was not a debate; it was an ambush.

Harris had been working with Hollywood’s best method acting coach to learn to put on a show. Knowing Trump and his temper, they ambushed him. All three wanted to get under his skin by attacking what he was proud of. Using opinion to fact-check him live, I noticed they didn’t fact-check Harris once.

Everything he says is a lie.
People leave your rallies because they are bored.
World leaders think you are a joke.
The economy was your fault, not ours.
We fixed immigration. It was you who destroyed it.

There is so much more I could say. The moderators agreed with these falsehoods. I am not sure I could have stood there and dealt with that abuse. If it were me, I would have flipped them all off and left. When he said it was a waste of time, it was, his.

While I don’t wish this lunatic who waited for a chance to kill Trump any peace whatsoever, I am glad he is alive so they can dissect what set him off. I am sure the MSM will play a massive role in the lies told that he accepted as the gospel. I am sure in his mind, he felt like he was doing the work of God Almighty saving Democracy.

One quick thought: name another president who left office poorer than when they went in. Name one other president who didn’t accept a salary.

We are not casting our votes for an individual; instead, we are casting our votes for a set of principles and policies. Trump’s were and are solid and much better than those of the current administration and the last 3.5 years.

We need to toss the assholes out and start fresh only voting for those who will enact term limits in Congress.

Thoughts?

THINK

Darwin was on to something.

Last night, as we drove home, the road stretched before us, illuminated only by the faint glow of our headlights. About an hour after the sun had set, darkness settled over the landscape. Walking along the side of the road, this person, gender unknown, blended into the surroundings, dressed head to toe in black. It was as if the world had been stripped of all signs of civilization, with no lights or reflective clothing to break the darkness. They disappeared into the shadows of the night, becoming one with their surroundings.

They were just a hair’s breadth away from the road, practically walking alongside it. In the distance, headlights emerged briefly, their glow creating a faint silhouette before fading into the night.

Let me explain; shockingly, there is actually no legislation criminalizing suicide. What would they do, lock up your dead, broken body?

If suicide is your goal, choose a method that doesn’t involve law enforcement or innocent bystanders. Let your imagination run wild as you explore the many bridges stretching across the tranquil water. You might also consider the hornet nests around; toss a rock at one of them and see what happens. The hornets will feel no sympathy, and you will not ruin their lives. They will just have to work on fixing the damage to the nest. At least that way, you can feel your heart beating and adrenaline rush, reminding you that you are alive. If the frigid water doesn’t snap you out of it. Perhaps the sharp sting of the hornets will impart some valuable lessons.

While I would strongly recommend seeking medical assistance, I would also advise against jeopardizing the well-being of others.

You are not a victim; you just make bad choices. God’s creations are not without worth or purpose, and that fact includes you. Find your purpose.

Like in the city, I observed this behavior occurring in various corners of the urban landscape. During this time of year, when the days are getting shorter, people would often go for a walk. They would set out during the daylight, but by the time they neared their homes, darkness had once again descended, and they navigated through busy roads, their dark clothing blending into the night. It’s great that you can see the headlights, but those of us behind the wheel don’t see you. Have you considered the lasting impact of your foolishness on someone else’s life?

Not all of us can afford Teslas with cameras that seek infrared silhouettes of bodies.

Survival of the fittest is not just about physical abilities but also about using common sense. The sides of the roads are littered with roadkill from animals that don’t realize what tons of steel will do to a body at 60mph. Don’t become food for vultures. And by that, I mean don’t ruin someone else’s life because you were stupid.

Think.

We Need Daddy!

Mars, our past, or our future?

Full transparency: I am a sci-fi author.
If we delve into Newtonian physics, 95% of you will likely navigate away from this page…so let’s avoid that.
My argument is simple, Mars is both.
What?
Yeah, here is the kicker, scientists are well aware of this fact, yet they continue to feign ignorance. Is it possible that the motivation behind Climate Change initiatives is driven by the potential financial gain?
Similar to how the hydrocarbons in freon remain close to the ground, climate change is unlikely to result in our catastrophic demise.
If you want a glimpse of what the Earth will become in a few million years, just look at Mars.
Billions of years ago, Mars resembled the Earth in its current state. Huh?

The sun, in a relentless display of power, consumes a mind-boggling 4.3 million tons of fuel per second. For those who don’t see the big picture, the sun, that glowing orb in the sky, consumes a staggering 371.52 billion tons of fuel every 24 hours.
Over billions of years, the sun has been steadily losing mass, either through fission or the cosmic wind.
Our little blue dot, like all the celestial bodies in our solar system, is inexorably drawn towards the sun, its gravitational force exerting a powerful pull. But wait, as we soar through space at a staggering velocity of 67,000 miles per hour we are in orbit.
Why are these details important?
Similar to those who reject the concept of evolution, their narrow perspective limits their ability to comprehend a timeline spanning millions of years. No, it’s not just a belief or opinion, it’s supported by scientific evidence and facts.
About 430 million years ago, the scorpion is thought to have been the first creature to crawl out of the ooze and start breathing oxygen. Fun fact.
Around 4.3 billion years ago, the Earth and Mars were likely much closer to the scorching heat of the sun.
Why?
Back then, the sun was much bigger and had a stronger gravitational pull.
Two things are happening today that people aren’t aware of.
In addition to the sun losing mass daily, the earth is also experiencing a gradual decrease in its own mass.
What?
Have you seen the news blurb or clickbait telling you the moon is pulling further away from the Earth? Why would that be?
It is true that the Earth’s mass decreases by roughly 96,616 tons each day. There are two main mechanisms responsible for this loss:
Each day, approximately 95,000 tons of hydrogen and 1,600 tons of helium evaporate into the void, escaping from the Earth’s atmosphere.
According to Einstein’s famous equation E=mc2, the Earth’s core converts mass into energy, causing the Earth to lose approximately 16 tons of mass daily.
Part of that loss is water.
Approximately 25,920 liters of water evaporate into space from Earth each day. This figure is based on research that measures the release of water vapor from the atmosphere, specifically examining the evaporation of hydrogen and oxygen within water molecules.
Throughout Earth’s existence, approximately 25% of its initial water has been lost, equating to a substantial depletion of roughly 42,000 cubic kilometers. The loss is mainly caused by hydrogen escaping into space, as the water vapor in the atmosphere can decompose under specific conditions, leading to the release of these elements.
Now, my friends, take a look at Mars today and marvel at its vibrant red hue. What happened to the water that was once here?
Now comes the pandering part, where I try to win you over. My book Earth’s Last Hope takes you there in story format.
Being a science fiction writer fills me with a sense of pride as I have the opportunity to create unique and thought-provoking stories. Remember to distinguish between short-term weather patterns and the long-term effects of climate change. Climate change isn’t solely caused by human activity; natural factors like the Sun’s eleven-year cycle of pole reversal also play a significant role.
-Best

Retiring is Stupid!

Those were the words of one Elon Musk. Were they out of context? I hope so.

Should you retire?
The choice to retire is a personal one that depends on several factors, including financial stability, health, interests, and personal preferences. Here are a few significant points that should be considered.

To attain financial stability, one must possess ample savings, investments, or pension income to sufficiently cover one’s living expenses during retirement.

Now here is the rub: I don’t see Gen Z or even the Millennials preparing for retirement. What I see is them living for today and not planning for tomorrow. It’s almost as if they never heard of Dave Ramsey.

The simple fact is that many could not pull together $500 in case of an emergency. It’s true, and the credit card folks love it. If you save money, you know that .50% is about all you can get unless you adopt some high-yield account of 5.5%

Conversely, if you use a credit card, which many Americans do, the interest rate has reached an all-time high of 28.4% APR. We should ask why the current administration is allowing the fat cat bankers to do this, but we can deduce the reasoning.

This administration creates inflation, forces people to use their savings and borrow money, and allows bankers to raise interest rates to encourage predatory lending. I’m sure it’s all on the up and up.

I was curious about what it would cost to borrow $10,000 and repay the loan by making minimum payments. Are you ready for this?
The total cost of borrowing $10,000 at an APR of 28.4% with minimum payments is infinite.

The minimum payment is assumed to be 2% of the outstanding balance each month, a common minimum payment percentage for credit cards. Suppose the minimum payment is less than the interest accrued in a month. In that case, the balance increases, leading to a situation where the balance never decreases, and the total cost of borrowing becomes infinite.

Since they don’t seem to teach introductory economics or critical thinking skills, what are the chances of retirement? Is that why Elon says Retirement is stupid?

Health and wellness: Reflect on your existing state of health and the potential healthcare needs. The presence of a well-developed plan addressing potential health issues can enhance the comfort of one’s retirement. Until you are 65, health insurance is a budget killer. The sad fact is that many companies will not hire older Americans. By older I mean over 50. Yeah, I know the HR bit about not discriminating, but trust me, they do. Getting a job over 50 is doable, but not for the average Joe.

Your track record must be exceptional and free from the embellishments often found in contemporary resumes.

Playing video games is not a career move, nor would it impress a boss who needs someone with critical thinking skills. Unless you are a developer of such games, turn off the game and get your hands dirty.

It’s not enough to have funds or adequate health to retire. What will you do when the day of the week no longer matters?

All too often the day and time of the week only matter to retired folks when a medical appointment is looming. That’s a sad fact, stay healthy.

Consider your interests and hobbies when contemplating how you would prefer to allocate your time during retirement. Certain individuals may enjoy pursuing hobbies, traveling, or engaging in volunteer work, while others may prioritize spending additional time with family or friends.

The ability to lead a satisfying life post-retirement may be contingent upon preserving social connections and actively participating in social activities.

If one derives pleasure and contentment from their occupation, they may pursue part-time employment or a more flexible role. Consulting is a frequent option until the consultee gets what they need from your head and no longer requires your expertise.

The company typically lacks loyalty towards its employees. A paycheck is owed to you for the job or duration of service completed. That sums it up. It can be pretty difficult to accept when you put forth your utmost effort for the company only to have them opt for a more cost-effective alternative. When setting goals, consider yourself and the needs of your family first.

Ultimately, the decision to retire should be based on a thorough evaluation of your financial, health, and personal circumstances. It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons and make a decision that aligns with your goals and priorities.

With inflation, remember that the million you thought you had in the bank now has substantially less purchasing power than what you think you have. If trends continue, you might be in real trouble.

We should discuss the G-word here: Goals. If you have been successful, you are most certainly familiar with goal setting by now.

It would be best if you were goal-setting now, even forty years away from retirement. We do this for several reasons. One of them is setting an example to our progeny. They are watching. They absorb everything you say and do like sponges.

You don’t want to be the grandparent or parent who writes checks to cover your kids’ or grandkids’ bad decisions, sacrificing everything you worked for to bail them out of their bad choices.

I watch them and talk to them, and I must tell you that very few of them have a grasp on reality. It’s almost as if the video games that steal so much of their waking hours are their reality.

If you want to give them a dose of reality, kill the power so that even the smartphones will not work. That topic deserves a book but unless it was in the form of a video game they would most probably never know of its existence.

Your final goal is to run out of money and life simultaneously. When you slide into the home plate (the grave), have it paid for in advance. Whatever your residual is, is what it is. If you teach your children right, they won’t be counting on your investments for their retirement.

Should you retire?
Stress comes out of your hide. Those gray hairs and wrinkles are badges of honor and a price paid for being the best you could be.

In a future blog, I want to explore the subject of jobs. What should you or your child focus on for a career choice? Is college the only way to go?

Stay tuned, follow and comment.

In case you’re new to this blog…I am a writer.
With several works in process.

My books are here, and your support is always appreciated.

-Best

A four-hour tour or another distraction?

Writer’s block, is there a cure?

Ahoy there, landlubber! Do you have writer’s block? Let’s take a four-hour cruise in a few moments (time dilation) and see if we can impart some wisdom. I am ready to whisk you away on a tale of wit, wisdom, and neurotic writer’s block. So, buckle up and hold on tight, for we’re about to embark on a literary adventure!

“Lovee, have you seen Teddy?”

Now, dear reader, imagine you’re on a ship, sailing through a tempest of ideas as the sun sets and the stars begin to twinkle. Suddenly, a mighty muse appears a mischievous sea creature that’s as unpredictable as the ocean itself. This muse could be a siren, tempting you with a new story idea, or a kraken, wrapping its tentacles around your keyboard to keep you from writing.

Your phone rings, and it’s like a mermaid singing her enchanting song, enticing you to answer her call. You take the bait, only to find yourself in the clutches of a maritime monologue that drags on for hours. You wonder, “Is this a tale of my own making?”

As you sail on, you reach the infamous Sargasso Sea of Writer’s Block, where the water is murky, and the winds are as unpredictable as the muse’s whims. You’re in the middle of your literary voyage, and the muse has lost interest, leaving you adrift. Your ship starts to lose speed, and you’re struggling to keep it afloat.

You know what that means, don’t you? It’s time to spice up your story with a little something extra, like a dash of Viagra to the mushy middle. And while you’re at it, why not take a break and try your hand at a short story for a contest? It’s a great way to flex your creative muscles and prove that you’re not a quitter!

So, whether you’re a seasoned scribe or a budding bard, remember that the ocean of writing is vast and filled with adventure. And when the muse strikes, be prepared to dive in headfirst and create a story that will leave readers hooked!

Before I leave you to return to the depths of my latest story, subscribe to this blog so we can keep up. Secondly, as a reward, I have free stories for you to ponder on the Reedsy website.

A few weeks ago, I introduced Aunt Haddie, the eccentric relative who has a fondness for blending weed and Magick. Last night, as I entered another story with Aunt Haddie, I could hear the buzz of excitement from the audience, who were already raving about her performance. It’s a freebie that you definitely don’t want to miss out on.

Where the Wild Skunks Roam https://blog.reedsy.com/short-story/r0gsys/

At The Roads End https://blog.reedsy.com/short-story/si9llh/

Reviews on the Reedsy site are great, and I love them. Again, it’s all free…

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must dive back into the ocean’s depths to search for more literary treasures. Bon voyage, my friend, and may your writing journey be filled with excitement and inspiration!

-Best

Are We Just Livestock in a Tax Farm?

I saw a meme on social media. If I posted this, it might get taken down or have its ranking changed, resulting in fewer views. Why?

They don’t want you to think critically. Just nod and agree with the propaganda and vote as instructed.

I don’t believe in that.

In a world where we pour substantial financial resources into the education of our children, it’s hard not to question the ultimate goal of this investment. Are we truly cultivating a generation of thinkers, innovators, and productive taxpayers, or are we merely raising livestock on a tax farm operated by the government?

The current educational landscape is riddled with contradictions. We’ve adopted a system that teaches to the standardized test, a method designed to fit every child into a neat little box. Yet, the reality is that there is no such thing as a standard child. Each student comes with unique strengths, weaknesses, and perspectives that standardized testing fails to acknowledge. This one-size-fits-all approach not only stifles creativity and individuality but also fosters a culture of conformity that is detrimental to genuine learning.

Among the many skills that our educational system neglects, critical thinking stands out as a glaring omission. In an age where it’s all too easy to share a meme that highlights an issue we’re passionate about, we often fall short when it comes to proposing real solutions. Critical thinking encourages us to analyze, evaluate, and create—skills that are essential for navigating the complexities of modern society. Instead, we find ourselves trapped in a cycle of reactionary thought, where the loudest voices drown out the nuanced discussions we desperately need.

As we look to the future, it’s crucial to recognize that the path we’re on may lead us toward socialism, cloaked in the guise of progressivism. We’re being sold a bill of goods labeled as “the answer,” but what we often receive is a repackaging of failed doctrines that primarily benefit the elites. This system perpetuates the belief that a paycheck is a reward when, in reality, it’s merely a tool for survival in a landscape designed to keep the majority compliant.

We must ask ourselves: Are we content to remain mere livestock grazing in the fields of mediocrity, or will we demand an educational system that nurtures critical thinkers, problem solvers, and independent minds? It’s time to reevaluate our priorities and challenge the status quo. Let’s invest not just in education but in cultivating a society that values creativity, innovation, and the power of independent thought. Only then can we hope to create a future that doesn’t merely churn out taxpayers but empowered individuals ready to take on the world.

The media is owned by the elite, who are also the ranchers that keep the herd inside the fences or put them out for slaughter.

Before you vote, look at the candidates’ policies versus their rhetoric. The rhetoric, videos, and pictures can and usually are deep fakes created by AI. The policies are hard to fake.

I genuinely want my novels to remain fiction, and I don’t want them to become historical documents.

-Best

Earth’s Last Hope

Prepare to be swept away on a heart-pounding rollercoaster of otherworldly encounters and unyielding determination! Earth’s Last Hope

As Dr. Samantha Richard’s extraordinary gift propels her into an electrifying encounter with aliens, the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur in a mind-bending twist of fate. But that’s not all – brace yourself for an unexpected turn as she becomes entangled in a high-stakes reality TV show set on a deserted island. Here, the participants are pushed to their limits, enduring 21 days stripped of all clothing in a primal battle for survival.

Yet, amidst the gripping challenges, her struggle with irresistible temptations and unwavering defiance becomes a recurring theme, repeatedly leading her into precarious situations. Before the stakes escalate, Samantha’s journey toward her destined path unravels countless revelations about her true self, forcing her to confront her deepest fears and insecurities.

The pivotal moment arrives when she must confront her emotional barriers, embracing the vulnerability of baring it all before strangers.

Shackled by her upbringing, she embarks on a transformative odyssey, drawing inspiration from the experiences of her former college roommate while seeking solace in the remote expanses of her ranch in Roswell. Little did she know her roommate had her own secrets. If that’s not enough, Europa is under assault, causing her father to bring his daughter into his world of Alien technology collected from the 1947 crash.

In a desperate quest for a new home, the relentless aliens wreak havoc as they tear apart the solar system, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Their advanced technology and insatiable thirst for survival drive them to dismantle planets and moons, seeking the perfect refuge to escape their dying world. As they draw closer to Earth, their presence looms like a dark cloud over humanity, igniting fear and uncertainty across the globe. The fate of both worlds hangs in the balance as the aliens’ relentless pursuit reaches a fever pitch, setting the stage for a cataclysmic showdown.

Samantha must step up to the plate and use those special powers given to her by accident.

Join us as we dive headfirst into a gripping narrative of resilience, self-discovery, and the allure of the unknown. This is a tale that will leave you breathless, as Samantha’s journey unfolds amidst the backdrop of extraterrestrial mysteries and the unyielding spirit of the human soul. Get ready to be spellbound by a saga that transcends the limits of imagination and ventures into uncharted territories of the extraordinary! 🚀

Should we replace our concrete streets here on Earth with gold?

Further thoughts from last Sunday. Read the previous blog for context.

“And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, with each gate comprising a single pearl. The main street of the city was pure gold, as clear as glass.”

“And the streets of heaven are made of gold.”

His reason for making that analogy is that gold in heaven is nothing more than asphalt. That all the girls and women want to wear here on earth is asphalt. His quote, not mine.

First off, why pick on girls and women? Most people wear gold bands to signify a symbol of marriage. By demeaning gold, does he not also degrade the symbol of marriage? What is the wedding ring all about?

The choice of gold for wedding rings is deeply rooted in tradition and symbolism. Gold has been used for wedding rings for centuries and is valued for its enduring qualities, making it a fitting symbol for the enduring nature of marriage. Using gold in wedding rings symbolizes the precious and enduring nature of the commitment being made. It represents the purity, value, and timelessness of the love and bond shared between the couple. Gold is a noble metal that does not tarnish, corrode, or rust, which further emphasizes the enduring nature of marriage commitment.

Therefore, the choice of gold for wedding rings reflects the timeless and precious nature of the love and commitment shared between spouses.

***

If you read the previous blog, you know I am critical of this person as he is flawed on so many levels.

The lesson he was attempting to teach is that what we value here on earth is nothing when it comes to the rewards in heaven. He failed.

The phrase “Do not love the world or anything in the world” can be found in 1 John 2:15 in the Bible. It states, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

This verse emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spiritual values over worldly desires and attachments.

He fundamentally criticized the message about heaven that the author of Revelations was trying to convey.

What was the Author of Revelations trying to say?

He describes the streets of the city as pure gold, like transparent glass

This depiction is part of the larger portrayal of the New Jerusalem, symbolizing the extraordinary beauty and richness of God’s dwelling place. Using precious materials like gold and pearls in the description signifies the unparalleled magnificence and perfection of the heavenly realm.

Let’s see what we can derive from scripture:

The Bible provides several vivid descriptions of Heaven, particularly in the Book of Revelation. According to Revelation chapters 21 and 22, Heaven, or the New Jerusalem, is depicted as a stunningly beautiful city coming down from God. It is described as having streets of gold, gates of pearl, and walls made of precious stones

Characteristics of Heaven

Heaven is described as a real place filled with real people, and the Bible sometimes compares it to a mansion with many rooms and sometimes to an enormous city teeming with people

The paradise of the Garden of Eden is restored, with the river of the water of life flowing freely and the tree of life available once again, yielding fruit monthly with leaves that heal the nations

Additionally, the pleasures of heaven are said to eclipse wildest imaginations, and it is a place where perfect friendships are enjoyed

Limitations of Description

Despite the eloquence in the description of heaven, the reality of heaven is beyond the ability of finite man to describe, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 2:9

The descriptions of heaven in the Bible are often symbolic and open to interpretation, emphasizing the challenge of fully capturing its essence in human language

In summary, the Bible describes heaven as a place of stunning beauty, with streets of gold, gates of pearl, and walls made of precious stones. It is a place of restoration, perfect friendships, and pleasures that surpass human imagination. However, the limitations of human language and the symbolic nature of the descriptions remind us that the reality of heaven transcends our finite understanding.

I would like to talk briefly about the book of revelations.

The author of the Book of Revelation is traditionally identified as John the Apostle, who also authored the Gospel of John and three epistles. However, the precise identity of the author remains a point of academic debate. While second-century Christian writers such as Papias of Hierapolis, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Melito of Sardis, and Clement of Alexandria, as well as the author of the Muratorian fragment, identify John the Apostle as the author, modern scholarship generally takes a different view, with many considering that nothing can be known about the author except that he was a Christian prophet

The traditional paradigm holds that the apostle John wrote both the Gospel of John and Revelation, but modern scholarship has cast severe doubts on this traditional theory

The author of Revelation identifies himself as simply “John” in the text, but his precise identity remains a point of academic debate

I will end this epistle on this note: If putting forth stumbling blocks earns a one-way ticket to the place without air conditioning, this guy should be much more careful about his pontifications.

Just to be transparent, I mainly write science fiction. Moreover, I identify as someone who engages in deep thought. Throughout my career, I have consistently been able to think creatively, which has proven advantageous to both employers and customers.

Have a blessed day!

Kobayahsi Maru and Church

It’s disheartening to witness preachers embarrassing themselves and tarnishing the religion they claim to cherish.

My search for the perfect church will never be realized as people are far from perfect, and power corrupts.

That doesn’t stop me from searching.

Last Sunday, I tried a new church.

Sunday School held no surprises for me at this point in my life; there was nothing new under the SON…yes, I intended that pun.

While everyone was friendly enough, I thought this gathering was for people who were at the end of their lives and studying for the final. That was my first impression. It was a sad get-together with folks who were tired and looking for a little bit of juice to comfort them.

The preacher or leader of the service had several points that resonated with me. Then, he veered off course and immersed himself in politics.

I would have called him about it if I had been a member and not a visitor.

His idea of sin was interesting, flawed, and full of pride and boasting, which I found hard to understand.

“If your actions have the potential to be seen as sinful, don’t do them.”

Just imagine the expansive and inclusive mindset behind that statement.

If you heeded that advice, you would do ‘nothing.’

In Star Trek’s “The Wrath of Khan 1982” era, you have just been placed into the Kobayahsi Maru.

This film introduces the scenario as a training exercise for Starfleet cadets, designed to be unwinnable to test their character and decision-making under pressure. Anything you say or do, or choose not to do, can be interpreted as sinful by someone.

This type of statement divides Christians and is the reason we have so many different forms of Christianity today. How about we just stick to the Ten Commandments and leave it there?

Some denominations say drinking is a sin. But Jesus turned water into wine; was he sinful?

Some denominations say music is sinful, Psalm 150:1-6

This psalm is a comprehensive call to praise God with various musical instruments, including trumpets, harps, lyres, tambourines, strings, pipes, and cymbals

How do you explain this if music is sinful? Let me guess, it was before Jesus, so it doesn’t count. God was wrong, and Jesus was right. Yeah right.

What he failed to say correctly is to be careful that your actions do not lead those who are weak in faith astray.

Then, he went on to talk about boasting and how sinful it was. Shifting to politics, he attacked the 45^th President of the United States on his vernacular.

Preacher, dude, I am not voting for Trump as my spiritual leader or as a guide on how to live my life. I am hiring him to be my bulldog and to be the bulldog for the United States against those who seek to destroy her, to create an unrecognizable version of the country by re-introducing the 45 tenets of communism. Trump is like a honey badger. He doesn’t care. I will vote for the honey badger, and I hope others do. Wars are evil, and Trump is very much anti-war, which runs the askance of the military complex that benefits from wars. That is the deep state, and he is very much against the swamp. Do you think God would be against wars?

Talk about evil. Tens of thousands could die as long as those who design and make weapons profit, no problem. Those people keep the politicians in power, so what is a war on the other side of the world that most Americans can find on a map? Sad and evil.

America First!

The preacher’s ignorance and pride may jeopardize the acquisition of crucial votes, something we need as the Devil seems to be putting in extra effort to steer people away from Jesus and Trump.

Let me just say this preacher, guy. God used David, and David was far worse than Trump ever thought about being. Don’t you think God may have plans for Trump?

Back to the sin of boasting, I found it hilarious that this fellow went on about how evil boasting was and then used example after example of how he condemned sin by not engaging in activities that take advantage of disadvantaged people. He was boasting about how good he was. “Look at how great I am. I could have made money by doing this evil thing, but I didn’t.”

Here is the takeaway for people like this. You are held to a higher standard if you preach God’s word. That means that just possibly you shouldn’t be winging what you are saying, and when you say something like, I rarely talk politics, but… you should stop. We don’t care about how you feel. The phrase ‘Garbage in, Garbage out’ holds true. If you watch CNN, MSNBC, or even PBS, you will hate Trump, conservatives, and most probably Christians and Jews. You will be, in fact…of this world.

There is this thing called Neuro-Linguistic Programming or NLP that is used by the media, aka propagandists, to control the masses. I am almost certain preachers use it, too.

That’s why when you decide to go to church, you must understand what you believe and why you believe it and be prepared to walk away if what they say is trash.

Do you ever wonder what having one version of Christianity would be like? They will tell you with a straight face that the bible is the inerrant word (God-breathed) version from God’s lips to your ears.

Here is the major stumbling block…

There are more than 45,000 Christian denominations globally, and more than 200 distinct Christian denominations exist in the United States alone. Most of these denominations emerged after the Protestant Reformation in 1517. The Reformation was a significant movement against certain doctrines and practices of the Catholic Church, leading to the formation of various Protestant branches.

So, which one has the correct understanding of God’s Word?

If you want to learn some fascinating history, study the early church and discover how evil it was. That will blow your mind. Only then can you understand the reason for the Reformation.

Live Long and Prosper, or in the spirit of this epistle, Have a blessed Day!

-Scott

Subscribe to continue reading