One of the things we humans seem to love doing is labelling each other into groups. Often times this happens for convenience, other times it happens so we can exclude or persecute others. Part of this labelling process seems to involve the creation of an image or logo to go along with the group. Sometimes, we adopt that logo ourselves.
We Christians use a cross or an ichthys (whether we know of their true origins or not) to let the world know we are Christians. I refrain from including either on my car because I'm a bad driver and I don't want to put people off of Jesus Christ on account of my driving. Also, the Bible doesn't command or suggest we do this.
Muslims of course sometimes use the crescent moon. It's not really of interest to me what the deeper meaning of this may or may not be, and I don't think it's helpful for us to tell Muslims what we think of Allah and any connection there may or may not be to the moon. That too is a whole 'nother topic, and one we've sort of covered before. We should be about bridge building to Jesus, and let the Holy Spirit do His work in people from there.
Jews (at least some), for one reason or another, have chosen to be identified by the Magen-David. The Shield (or Star) of David. The nation of Israel has also adopted this as their national emblem. Magen-David is also a brand of Kosher wine without sulfates that, I personally didn't like, but I'm sure goes great with the right cheese and challa bread.
Here's some really basic stuff.
http://judaism.about.com/od/judaismbasics/a/starofdavid.htm
http://www.jewfaq.org/signs.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_of_David
When David wrote about God being his shield, he certainly didn't mean as a literal, physical shield and I would doubt that David would have made a visual representation of God at all, let alone in the shape of a star. That would be breaking one of the ten commandments. Rather, David referred to God (i presume) as a shield (magen) because He is always watching us, and can protect us from anything.
The name stuck, shield of David, and got attributed to the star.
Wait, why is a Christian blog writing about the Star of David?
Well, because there are probably Christians who think it's a good thing, AND there are Christians who think it's a symbol of Satan. In this second group, some people think that flying the star of David means that the nation of Israel isn't actually the Biblical or "real" Israel, and that Jews are actually Satan worshippers. You can imagine how easily this typically results in antisemitism and adoption of replacement theology.
What is to follow is hardly an extensive or exhaustive study on the origins of the star, and I doubt that I can find the whole truth this side of eternity. I will provide the best information I can find, from multiple viewpoints and you'll have to make your own decision from there. I do hope to dispel some rumors, and possibly eliminate or cast doubt on some perceived origins. Most importantly, whatever the origins of the star, I hope we can eliminate it as a cause for endorsing anti-semitism and/or "Jew bashing" among Christians.
After all, how likely is it that Jews (or any other group we can demonize) will want to hear the Gospel if we tell them they worship Satan? Recall Paul on Mars Hill. (Acts 17)
So, go forth, learn and pray for God to show you the truth.
Starting off, the one thing that can be said for sure, is that nobody seems to know for sure exactly when Jews started using the star, or exactly when it became associated with Judaism. Both About .com and Jewfaq say that both Christians and Muslims have also used it, and that Jews picked it up around the time of Kaballah (a topic for another day).
Wikipedia gives a 12th century date for Jewish use of the star. We'll revisit possible times of origin later. There are also indications that the star can be found in ancient buildings in India. In short, there's alot of stuff out there, and they can't all be true.
On to the various origins.
Possible pagan origins for the star of David:
One of the most popular opinions about the Magen-David is that it actually has pagan origins. This could be true without it being a real problem, and even some Jews may not see that as a problem.
A few years ago, Frank Lordi (formerly of Revelations Radio Network) did a show about the star of David and how that relates to the current nation of Israel.
Highlights are that he quotes an article by a rabbi and other Jewish sources indicating a non-Jewish origin. To be fair, in like manner, he also (perhaps rightly) criticises us Christians for wearing crosses. For both Jews and Christians, the Bible does not require or command us to adopt a symbol or a logo, and doing so may be displeasing to God, or at least something to pray about.
(Again, as a Christian, i don't know that I'm comfortable wearing a cross or using the Icthys. Especially the fish. I am ever thankful for what Christ did upon the cross, but nowhere did Jesus or the Bible tell us to wear one. We are to metaphorically take up the cross, die to ourselves, our desires and follow Him.)
Lordi also points out that Hitler, heavily into the occult, used the star to mark Jews as a burnt offering to his pagan god. An interesting claim. He also addresses some ties to Molech, Saturn and that the current Israel is actually secular, and therefore counterfeit.
We will be looking at the counterfeit Israel claims in another blog.
He makes a few more claims i find interesting, and could agree with, and a number that I'm not sure about. Give him a few minutes past the intro to get into the meat. It's interesting, but i don't agree 100% with him.
Frank's Podcast:
Counterfeit Israel Part I. The Star of David
http://recordings.talkshoe.com/TC-20318/TS-122629.mp3
Bro. Chris White, also of RRN, agrees with Frank on the pagan origins, yet differs on the counterfeit Israel. He believes (i think) that Israel is Israel. Unfortunately, Chris's show link is not there.
A quote from shownotes on an old Chris White podcast:
("This Episode is a response to Frank Lordi’s Recent podcasts called
“Counterfeit Israel Part I. The Star of David”
While Chris very much agrees with Frank that the “Star of David” is of Pagan origins, this episode looks at whether the fact that Israel is apparently under the control of The New World Order is a reason to say that the Israel is “Counterfeit.”
This episode is also a vehicle for Chris to explain how he believes the future wars will play out and to explain the “physiological operations” that are being forced on the world regarding Israel and the Jewish people.
Franks Podcast
Counterfeit Israel Part I. The Star of David
http://recordings.talkshoe.com/TC-20318/TS-122629.mp3
show notes
barry chamish website
http://www.thebarrychamishwebsite.com/
the article chris reads from
http://www.solagroup.org/articles/endtimes/ep_0004.html
") END QUOTE
http://nowheretorun.podomatic.com/profile/nowheretorun?p=4
Another interesting possible pagan origin for the star of David could come from Nimrod.
Dr. Future, on Page 96-97 of "Pandemonium's Engine," indicates that a 6 pointed star was both an indication of Nimrod, Isis and Inanna. Dr. Future also points out that some in the government of Israel have sought to reestablish Canaanite roots and he mentions a statue of Nimrod. If you haven't read it, go to futurequake.com and buy it. It's a great book.
Anyways, when I did a search for such a star, all i turned up was an 8 pointed star rather than the Magen-David. In short, an interesting idea, but we can't say for sure without more evidence.
Again, if you want more on pagan origins, check out the Frank Lordi link.
Some Jews justify the star, even if it does have pagan origins. I don't agree with the logic, as i recall in the old testament God commanded the pagan groves to be destroyed, and idols were typically ground into powder, but hang with me here...
"There also exists a principle that even something whose origins were pagan is acceptable if the pagans no longer attribute it pagan significance, e.g. if a tree which was once part of a pagan grove and the pagans who worshipped it no longer exist or have changed their religion the tree is no longer considered as attached to idol worship and does not have to be cut down."
-Yair Davidiy
http://star-of-david.blogspot.com/2006/07/oldest-jewish-star-of-david.html
The star probably does get used by pagans, occultists and in magic/alchemy (covered in the next section briefly) so does this change anything? I don't know.
To be fair though, any Christian using the pagan origins of the star of David as an issue against Jews or Israel, should also look at Jeremiah 10, which parallels our Christmas tree. Add to that the actual Christmas tree probably also has pagan origins as does the yule log and December 25. I would wager much of "Christmas" has pagan origins as well.
Since learning of these things (Saturnalia, etc.) i grow sort of uncomfortable around Christmas time.
Observing Jesus' birth on December 25, using Christmas trees of pagan origins doesn't make anyone less Christian, so why wouldn't we apply this logic to Jews and the star? How does adopting the star of David (if really pagan) make someone less Jewish? If we Christians make that argument against the Star-of-David dust in the eyes of Jews, then we need to deal with the yule log and Christmas tree in our own eye. Same goes for easter eggs, bunnies etc.
Don't get me wrong, Christ's birth and resurrection are not to be condemned, or made light of, but the way they are celebrated in our culture is pagan. Maybe on Christmas and Easter, we should dedicate those days as a time of prayer, Bible study and sharing of the actual stories rather than paying tribute to Santa and easter bunny.
Either way, we can't deride Jews as false Jews when Christians do the same thing.
Associations with Magic:
Of course those in Kaballah hold the star in high regard, as do those who practice magic. They believe there is magical power with the star, but this has little to do with the star's origins. An interesting sidenote for the most part, no need to dwell on this. People performing magic(k) can and do use many symbols, whether or not they actually originate in magic(k) or not. The star is one of them.
http://www.menorah.org/starofdavid.html
http://star-of-david.blogspot.com/search/label/Alchemy
http://star-of-david.blogspot.com/search/label/Merkabah
And of course, the main link to magic, especially in terms of an origin is as the seal of Solomon. This claim is that Solomon used the seal to control demons and make the temple. This of course is not Biblical, and besides, why would God allow His temple to be built by demons?
So, if you want more on that you're on your own. We're interested in the origins.
Star of David and star of Molech:
One of the most popular arguments i see used, and sadly this is often by Christians, is that the star of David is actually the star of molech/moloch. This typical argument usually insinuates that this connection to moloch means:
1) that Israel is not actually Israel, and that the Church has replaced Israel.
2) that Jews and the nation of Israel actually worship satan.
3) this then also ends up getting into anti-semitism/Jew bashing.
See here for a typical example:
http://www.prayerpost.org/StarofDavid.htm
Some say that golden calf Aaron made was Moloch, and that he put the star on it. There is no proof of this in the Bible. There is also no solid connection with a bull of any sort, though some have attempted to make that connection.
Wiki indicates that Moloch could have a connection to Cronus (who we'll talk about soon), or a sacrifice to a king. The most interesting thought (and good explanation for lack of evidence of a god named moloch) is that moloch was not a god, but a method of sacrifice. A "mulk" or "mlk". This "mlk" would be the sacrifice (possibly of a child) to a god.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moloch
Despite this, you will also often see these scriptures used to support the idea that the star of david is the star of a god name Moloch. I'm not 100% clear, but it also seems that people are saying the star of David, not only Moloch's but also Remphan's. So I'm not sure if they're saying they're the same, but probably saying the star is.
Amos 5:26
But ye have borne the tabernacle of your Moloch and Chiun your images, the star of your god, which ye made to yourselves. ...
Acts 7:43
Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.
Of course, there are no pictures in the Bible...
The "god" Remphan seems related to the planet Saturn, and of course there is a large hexagon at the north pole of the planet making an interesting possible link to a hexagram. (This shape appears in beehives also, so it's not wholly unknown in nature.) On Saturn though, we don't know if that effect existed in antiquity, what significance if any this has, or how anyone then could have known that. I'm not sure whether or not Satan would have known this, but wouldn't rule out the possibility. In that vein, maybe we should also include the possibility that it's fake/altered photos from NASA as well.
Also, I am not sure where Saturn is in signifigance to mythology, though i understand Cronus to be Saturn and he has sort of a Satan/Lucifer role. Take that for what it's worth. I'm not sure if Cronus worship involved sacrifice or not.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remphan
However, dubbing a hexagram/six pointed star/star of David as the star of Molech seems absurd, if only for the lack of evidence. Add to that the fact that Moloch may not be a god, but a method. The Bible does not say or give us pictures of what Molech or his star looked like. Neither do other ancient sources. In short, people making the star of David/Moloch claim, offer no real archaelogical proof that a 6 pointed star is related to moloch.
Note, there is no star in the ancient Baylonian depiction of Molech.
http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/10937-moloch-molech
Stephen Yulish (A Jew who came to Christ) also addresses Moloch briefly in his article.
http://www.hearkenthewatchmen.com/article.asp?id=196
The star of David blog, who I've quoted several times above, has probably hundreds of articles on the star (which is why that blog is referenced so much today), as well as where it has popped up and has not shyed away from non-Jewish uses of the star. His take on the Moloch scenario is that there is no proof for it.
http://star-of-david.blogspot.com/2007/04/moloch.html
I agree, there seems to be no actual evidence that Moloch/Remphan was represented by a hexagram/star of David. In fact, at least in Roman/Greek worship of Saturn, they worshipped a figure carrying a scythe.
"The temple's main cult object to Saturn stood in its interior and was constructed from wood. The statue was veiled and carried a scythe, and according to some sources, was filled with oil. Its legs were bound throughout the year with linen bents, which were released only for the duration of the Saturnalia festival. While dedicated to the god Saturn, the temple's primary use was as the seat of the Royal Treasury of the Roman Empire, storing the Empire's reserves of gold and silver; in this function it was also called the 'Aerarium'."
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Saturn_(mythology)
It seems unlikely that the star of David is a Moloch-related symbol, and even if it is, that does not make Jews Moloch worshippers by default. Recall that the worship of Moloch (if he's a god at all) required child sacrifice, and i don't see droves of Jews lining up to kill babies. Rather, i would accuse those endorsing and getting an abortion of Moloch worship, since they are the ones actually killing babies.
A Jewish origin:
Since we're investigating the origin of Magen-David, we need to consider ALL available evidence, or at least multiple viewpoints. Moloch theorists should at least consider the fact that there may be a Jewish origin to the star. Hard to believe that Jews would actually use a Jewish symbol. (That's sarcasm).
Although many reference a more recent date, we have a possible star of David with an origin of about 1200 BC. That predates the middle ages and Kaballah by a gigantic margin. It's unclear from this article what the origins are, though the suggestion is Jewish, it's just that it's way older than most think.
An interesting quote (that i believe one of that blog's readers posted) from the forthcoming link as well. They sort of explain that the Magen David, might just be a way to write David.
"Our support for the Magen David as a symbol is based more on other factors, i.e. it could be seen as a valid short-hand Ancient Hebrew ("Canaanite-Phoenician") letter of writing the name David."
http://star-of-david.blogspot.com/2006/07/oldest-jewish-star-of-david.html
And some interesting related articles.
http://star-of-david.blogspot.com/search/label/History
http://star-of-david.blogspot.com/search/label/Anti-semitism
And an article by Uri Ofir that gives a possible Jewish origin. The summary of it is that the origin goes back to the original menorah described in Exodus 25. I once considered the menorah itself (being 6 pointed) as the source when i read through Exodus last year or so, but actually Ofir points to a decoration on the menorah as the source for Magen-David--the lily. Each candle would sit within a 6 petalled lily, and theoretically cast a shadow of the star of David upon the floor. Interesting indeed.
http://star-of-david.blogspot.com/2006/06/jewish-origin-of-star-of-david.html
Summary of the views:
So there you have it. There are some possible links to paganism, in the Star of David's origin, but there is also a very real Jewish answer that i think should be considered. In any event, i don't believe the Moloch theory holds any water, and until I see an ancient Moloch with the star, i think it's safe to throw that one to the side.
If the origins are some other sort of pagan thing, then some of us Christians should think about the pagan things in our own lives and get rid of those before taking up opposition to the star. I'm not endorsing the star necessarily, but trying to make us less hypocritical. In any event, Jews do not worship the star in the same way we Christians do not worship the cross, Christmas tree, easter egg or Icthys.
No matter the origins though, Christians like Texe Marrs and many others shouldn't be so sold that their answer is correct. There is a good Jewish explanation, and also non-Molochian pagan origins. In other words, there are many explanations.
Too many are using the Moloch theory as a means to justify anti-Jewish sentiment, and not only does that make a slant against Jews, it is counter productive for the spread of the Gospel and makes us Christians look like hypocrites to the Jews. Much in the same way telling Muslims they worship a moon-god is not helpful either.
Again, it's a "why should i hear about your faith when you haven't respected me and accused that i worship Satan?"
Rather than focusing on this one point and using it to exclude the "other" (Jew, Muslim, etc) we should be focusing on Jesus and what He's done for us. This can be a Mars Hill moment.
Paul didn't berate the pagan Romans for following demons, rather, he applauded religiousness and that they even had a spot for an unknown god, and used that as a common thread, which wasn't much, to tell them about Jesus.
How much more could be done with the people whose faith and scriptures brought us our Messiah? Paul had but a thread, (and the Holy Spirit) but we have a complete foundation to work with.Texe
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Prayer request
All,
Please pray for me, for my protection, and wisdom in what to do. A project I was doing at work got cancelled, and now the potential client has made an issue of it. Subsequently, my boss has asked me to delete and shred everything related to this, which seems shady to me. I need wisdom, and don't trust anyone in the company to help, and can only trust that God is with me.
More to come, if I disappear we'll know why...though I don't think it's that serious...yet.
UPDATE
Thanks to all who prayed, seems that the problem is being ironed out. It wouldn't hurt though if ya'll prayed for me to get a better job. This place is kind of shady.
Please pray for me, for my protection, and wisdom in what to do. A project I was doing at work got cancelled, and now the potential client has made an issue of it. Subsequently, my boss has asked me to delete and shred everything related to this, which seems shady to me. I need wisdom, and don't trust anyone in the company to help, and can only trust that God is with me.
More to come, if I disappear we'll know why...though I don't think it's that serious...yet.
UPDATE
Thanks to all who prayed, seems that the problem is being ironed out. It wouldn't hurt though if ya'll prayed for me to get a better job. This place is kind of shady.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Music Pirates - Is it Stealing to File share Download Free Music, Movies, images and Novels)
(Disclaimer, i don't actually do any of this stuff, i am merely intrigued at the ethical concerns of these activities. Also, this article is more to get you thinking and praying to see how God will lead you. i ask alot of questions, mainly to stimulate thought)
Arrr Mateys!
I'm probably about ten years late on this one. Nevertheless, i keep thinking about it, and must concede that the Lord may want me to address it here. Not that this makes me the expert, or even correct. The main take away should be to examine yourself. I just want to address some of the viewpoints, all of which are good so you examine yourself according to the scriptures.
This is a complex issue, and cannot have an easy answer. Rather than giving a pat answer, i want to raise a few points. After all, i can sympathize with the artist "losing money" and can also relate to the poor schlub who can't afford to buy a CD.
At any point in this article, feel free to exchange CD with movie or DVD and it will be the same. I suppose we could get really crazy and even say that images of artwork, or even novels online may even fall into this, if we consider "file sharing" as an overall "thing." So, feel free to also substitute file sharing with CD as well. But for simplicity we will refer to everything as CD or music.
The other thing, how do we Christians reconcile "thou shalt not steal" (Exodus 20:15) with Acts 4:32-35:
32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
I guess first, what does it mean to steal? That's self explanatory really, but here:
Steal - intransitive verb1 : to take the property of another wrongfully and especially as a habitual or regular practice
2 : to come or go secretly, unobtrusively, gradually, or unexpectedly
3 : to steal or attempt to steal: to take or appropriate without right or leave and with intent to keep or make use of wrongfully
http://i.word.com/idictionary/steal
This is where it gets tricky. Is downloading music, "file sharing" stealing? In a sense, yes. But of course, some people feel there are exceptions and this can get legalistic very quickly.
Walking into Best Buy, Walmart, or some other establishment then grabbing a CD and walking out without paying is stealing, no question.
What about downloading it from a filesharing site? (BTW, i'm not familiar with any current ones. In my day it was Naptser, so i'm probably dating myself.) How is that different than if my friend loans a CD to me and i copy it? How is that different than when we used to make cassettes of CDs and records? Was it stealing then? How about if I buy the CD, copy it and give the CD to a friend, or sell it to a second hand store?
These all have the same scenario: the company gets paid one time for my purchase of the music, then the music changes hands without the record company seeing a penny. If i loan or copy the CD for a friend, post my files to a filesharing site or sell it to a secondhand store or Amazon, then that same friend buys it, my friend still has the music without paying the record company for it.
Let's extend this out to TV or radio. Let's say there's a TV show i liked. When that show aired originally, it was broadcast, from my perspective for free. Advertisers paid to sponsor it thus paying for me to watch a given show in the hopes i'd buy their crap. This is why i don't watch TV anymore.
Now, that same show is on DVD. Is it then wrong to download it or stream it? I could have recorded it on tape and watched it for free, but now some consider it stealing if i were to download it. But i can also watch it for free at the library (sometimes). For music, the radio, grooveshark and pandora, advertisers foot our bill.
See what I'm getting at? There's little to no consistency in looking at the issue. In one instance, it's deemed OK to bypass the record companies, but in another it's not.
How would God want us to proceed through this wild west of digital media rights and stealing? What would Jesus say about file sharing?
The Bible, of course has nothing to say about downloading music or movies, but it can give us some advice.
Proverbs 11:1-5
1 A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight. 2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. 3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. 4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. 5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
Leviticus 19:35-37
35 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure. 36 Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have: I am the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt. 37 Therefore shall ye observe all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: I am the Lord.
How does this apply?
One, perhaps the record companies should produce quality material. Many people support artists they like. I buy albums of artists i like, and the whole thing is usually good. But there are many times i bought a CD for one song i liked, only to get a crap album. They should also in turn make sure their artists are paid for properly for what they do. I interviewed a local rapper once, and he said he makes little off of his album sales, and for him it's a labor of love.
The other thing, we need to make sure we are honest in our dealings with the record companies, no matter how dishonest they are. If we download an album, not only does the record company lose money, but the artist does too. (I'm not privy to how much artists make through what source, so let's pretend an artist makes decent money on the albums they sell.) When we download or share files, that is a loss of sale for hundreds to thousands of albums. That makes a dent.
However, when I loan or borrow to or from a friend, that's the loss of one sale. It's a smaller loss, doesn't impact the artist as much. Often times, if i like an album loaned to me, i will buy it. If i can find it.
So, when looking to get a free album, think about how much it will affect the artist. They should be paid for the work they do.
The only exception to this i can think of is if an album is out of print, an artist is dead, or if there isn't an album. This is me talking, my opinion, so don't think this is necessarily the right reaction. To me, it takes into account the artist and even the company.
1) out of print album.
I love Arthur Verocai's self-title album. I listened to it on grooveshark at work, nearly everyday. It was out of print though. Second hand copies were going for $50 on amazon.
I didn't download it, but in this case, neither arthur or the record label would have lost anything. It was out of print. No one was making money.
Lucky for me, they re-released it and i got it cheap.
2) dead artist.
The only one making money here is the record company. Is Aaliyah, Michael Jackson or Roy Orbison going to miss the money?
On the other hand, if a record company is distributing an album, they should be paid for their troubles.
This one is iffy.
3) there isn't an album
Then, why is there music?
Sean Lennon has on his website a few tracks from a concert he did. No album exists, you can listen to the songs as much as you want. I'm reasonably sure you can download them as well for use in your mp3 player. He could prevent the download if he didn't want them to be.
Also, I am a connoisseur of videogame music. I grew up on videogames, and i play few now, even old ones. But i love the music. But short of playing the game, how can one listen to the music? They don't sell videogame soundtracks much in America. I have gotten lucky and bought a few when i found them, but what if no album exists and someone has the tracks on their site?
The artist was paid long ago, and game players have moved on. Not to mention, is there anyone in the recording industry who would care to press this one?
My final thoughts are that we need to consider the artist and those who are selling this as a service to us, and balance that with our calling to live for Christ and that likely doesn't include wasting alot of time on entertainment.
Should we be wasting time watching and downloading music and movies? Or should we spend time reading God's Word, praying and trying to spread the Gospel?
Ephesians 5:15-17
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
The days are short, and we continually approach the end. Do we want to stand before Christ and see the time we wasted amassing movie and music files, just to do it? Do we want rip off artists, who God created and gave a talent to?
Arrr Mateys!
I'm probably about ten years late on this one. Nevertheless, i keep thinking about it, and must concede that the Lord may want me to address it here. Not that this makes me the expert, or even correct. The main take away should be to examine yourself. I just want to address some of the viewpoints, all of which are good so you examine yourself according to the scriptures.
This is a complex issue, and cannot have an easy answer. Rather than giving a pat answer, i want to raise a few points. After all, i can sympathize with the artist "losing money" and can also relate to the poor schlub who can't afford to buy a CD.
At any point in this article, feel free to exchange CD with movie or DVD and it will be the same. I suppose we could get really crazy and even say that images of artwork, or even novels online may even fall into this, if we consider "file sharing" as an overall "thing." So, feel free to also substitute file sharing with CD as well. But for simplicity we will refer to everything as CD or music.
The other thing, how do we Christians reconcile "thou shalt not steal" (Exodus 20:15) with Acts 4:32-35:
32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
I guess first, what does it mean to steal? That's self explanatory really, but here:
Steal - intransitive verb1 : to take the property of another wrongfully and especially as a habitual or regular practice
2 : to come or go secretly, unobtrusively, gradually, or unexpectedly
3 : to steal or attempt to steal: to take or appropriate without right or leave and with intent to keep or make use of wrongfully
http://i.word.com/idictionary/steal
This is where it gets tricky. Is downloading music, "file sharing" stealing? In a sense, yes. But of course, some people feel there are exceptions and this can get legalistic very quickly.
Walking into Best Buy, Walmart, or some other establishment then grabbing a CD and walking out without paying is stealing, no question.
What about downloading it from a filesharing site? (BTW, i'm not familiar with any current ones. In my day it was Naptser, so i'm probably dating myself.) How is that different than if my friend loans a CD to me and i copy it? How is that different than when we used to make cassettes of CDs and records? Was it stealing then? How about if I buy the CD, copy it and give the CD to a friend, or sell it to a second hand store?
These all have the same scenario: the company gets paid one time for my purchase of the music, then the music changes hands without the record company seeing a penny. If i loan or copy the CD for a friend, post my files to a filesharing site or sell it to a secondhand store or Amazon, then that same friend buys it, my friend still has the music without paying the record company for it.
Let's extend this out to TV or radio. Let's say there's a TV show i liked. When that show aired originally, it was broadcast, from my perspective for free. Advertisers paid to sponsor it thus paying for me to watch a given show in the hopes i'd buy their crap. This is why i don't watch TV anymore.
Now, that same show is on DVD. Is it then wrong to download it or stream it? I could have recorded it on tape and watched it for free, but now some consider it stealing if i were to download it. But i can also watch it for free at the library (sometimes). For music, the radio, grooveshark and pandora, advertisers foot our bill.
See what I'm getting at? There's little to no consistency in looking at the issue. In one instance, it's deemed OK to bypass the record companies, but in another it's not.
How would God want us to proceed through this wild west of digital media rights and stealing? What would Jesus say about file sharing?
The Bible, of course has nothing to say about downloading music or movies, but it can give us some advice.
Proverbs 11:1-5
1 A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight. 2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. 3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. 4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. 5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
Leviticus 19:35-37
35 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure. 36 Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have: I am the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt. 37 Therefore shall ye observe all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: I am the Lord.
How does this apply?
One, perhaps the record companies should produce quality material. Many people support artists they like. I buy albums of artists i like, and the whole thing is usually good. But there are many times i bought a CD for one song i liked, only to get a crap album. They should also in turn make sure their artists are paid for properly for what they do. I interviewed a local rapper once, and he said he makes little off of his album sales, and for him it's a labor of love.
The other thing, we need to make sure we are honest in our dealings with the record companies, no matter how dishonest they are. If we download an album, not only does the record company lose money, but the artist does too. (I'm not privy to how much artists make through what source, so let's pretend an artist makes decent money on the albums they sell.) When we download or share files, that is a loss of sale for hundreds to thousands of albums. That makes a dent.
However, when I loan or borrow to or from a friend, that's the loss of one sale. It's a smaller loss, doesn't impact the artist as much. Often times, if i like an album loaned to me, i will buy it. If i can find it.
So, when looking to get a free album, think about how much it will affect the artist. They should be paid for the work they do.
The only exception to this i can think of is if an album is out of print, an artist is dead, or if there isn't an album. This is me talking, my opinion, so don't think this is necessarily the right reaction. To me, it takes into account the artist and even the company.
1) out of print album.
I love Arthur Verocai's self-title album. I listened to it on grooveshark at work, nearly everyday. It was out of print though. Second hand copies were going for $50 on amazon.
I didn't download it, but in this case, neither arthur or the record label would have lost anything. It was out of print. No one was making money.
Lucky for me, they re-released it and i got it cheap.
2) dead artist.
The only one making money here is the record company. Is Aaliyah, Michael Jackson or Roy Orbison going to miss the money?
On the other hand, if a record company is distributing an album, they should be paid for their troubles.
This one is iffy.
3) there isn't an album
Then, why is there music?
Sean Lennon has on his website a few tracks from a concert he did. No album exists, you can listen to the songs as much as you want. I'm reasonably sure you can download them as well for use in your mp3 player. He could prevent the download if he didn't want them to be.
Also, I am a connoisseur of videogame music. I grew up on videogames, and i play few now, even old ones. But i love the music. But short of playing the game, how can one listen to the music? They don't sell videogame soundtracks much in America. I have gotten lucky and bought a few when i found them, but what if no album exists and someone has the tracks on their site?
The artist was paid long ago, and game players have moved on. Not to mention, is there anyone in the recording industry who would care to press this one?
My final thoughts are that we need to consider the artist and those who are selling this as a service to us, and balance that with our calling to live for Christ and that likely doesn't include wasting alot of time on entertainment.
Should we be wasting time watching and downloading music and movies? Or should we spend time reading God's Word, praying and trying to spread the Gospel?
Ephesians 5:15-17
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
The days are short, and we continually approach the end. Do we want to stand before Christ and see the time we wasted amassing movie and music files, just to do it? Do we want rip off artists, who God created and gave a talent to?
Thursday, January 19, 2012
The Roaring 2012
I heard about these weird sounds heard around the world here:
http://lamarzulli.wordpress.com/2012/01/19/strange-sounds-heard-worldwide-groaning-from-the-supernatural-or-something-else/#comments
My initial impression as a connoisser of Godzilla and Ultraman, is that this is fake, as it sounds like Godzilla, or a viral campaign for a new JJ Abrams movie. Anyways, the internet is somewhat abuzz over this topic. Rather than working, I've been looking constantly for updates, especially in regards to a hoax.
I did find that some of the bird calls in the videos sound the same, but opted to keep an open mind.
This link here seems to debunk some of these noises pretty well. I'm in agreement with some because a few of those sounded the same.
http://strangesoundsinthesky.com/2012/01/15/its-a-fake-tastic-fakefest-jan-16/
So, my opinion fake, though there may be something happening. I bet someone comes out in a few days owning up to it.
So, anyone thinking this the end of world, it's not. Deception is the order of the day these days, and Jesus warned us not to be deceived:
Luke 21:8
And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
While He didn't say anything about roaring noises, i think Jesus would want us to not be deceived in any matter.
Peace
http://lamarzulli.wordpress.com/2012/01/19/strange-sounds-heard-worldwide-groaning-from-the-supernatural-or-something-else/#comments
My initial impression as a connoisser of Godzilla and Ultraman, is that this is fake, as it sounds like Godzilla, or a viral campaign for a new JJ Abrams movie. Anyways, the internet is somewhat abuzz over this topic. Rather than working, I've been looking constantly for updates, especially in regards to a hoax.
I did find that some of the bird calls in the videos sound the same, but opted to keep an open mind.
This link here seems to debunk some of these noises pretty well. I'm in agreement with some because a few of those sounded the same.
http://strangesoundsinthesky.com/2012/01/15/its-a-fake-tastic-fakefest-jan-16/
So, my opinion fake, though there may be something happening. I bet someone comes out in a few days owning up to it.
So, anyone thinking this the end of world, it's not. Deception is the order of the day these days, and Jesus warned us not to be deceived:
Luke 21:8
And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
While He didn't say anything about roaring noises, i think Jesus would want us to not be deceived in any matter.
Peace
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Is America a Christian Nation?
Taking another quick break from Israel and dispensationalism.
One of the greatest idols eliminated from my life, years ago, and one of the largest lies believed by many in the body of Christ is this: America is a Christian nation.
Indeed, it is made up of many sincere Christians. It does also have some Christian roots in the Pilgrims, and a few places here and there. Some of our best schools (Harvard if memory serves) began as a Bible college.
But unfortunately, believing America to be Christian, often leads us to believe that we are "exceptional", that we have a divine right to plunder the resources of other nations, or start unjust wars.
It also doesn't help that our politicians compete to see who says "God" the most, and sells themselves as Christians, when often their lives don't echo this.
I once elected people to office because they were "Christian" and emphasized traditional family values, and promised to work against abortion. Yet they never did. Instead, they often acted in a non-Christian manner.
Luckily, God has helped me understand that, although America has some very godly people in it, is not necessarily God's chosen people, or a Christian nation. This was hard for me to accept, but as I look at Jesus, His life and what He has called us to do, i see our American life at odds with the Gospel in many ways.
This does not mean God hasn't blessed us, or that I'm unpatriotic. America is (or was) a place of freedom, and God loves Americans as much as anyone else, so long as we come to Jesus, and accept His death and resurrection for our sins.
Below are some great podcasts that prove why America is not a Christian nation, although there are many good Christians here.
Enjoy!
How Christians are being set up for a fall:
http://www.pidradio.com/2012/01/09/best-of-p-i-d-radio-the-new-world-order-scam/#com-head
The article:
http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/sociopolitica/newworldorderscam/newworldorderscam.htm
Allies and the occult: How American and UK leaders have been involved in the occult:
http://vftb.net/?p=4430
http://www.vftb.net/archive/vftb097.mp3
The article(s) (caution, i think he's not a Christian)
http://williamhkennedy.com/Allied.html
The TRUE Faith of founding fathers:
http://futurequake.com/Audio/FQShow201.mp3
More on the founding fathers:
http://futurequake.com/Audio/FQShow230.mp3
Planned destiny of america:
http://futurequake.com/Audio/FQShow144.mp3
Bohemian grove: (haven't heard this one yet)
http://futurequake.com/Audio/FQShow119.mp3
Secret origins of America:
http://futurequake.com/Audio/FQShow108.mp3
More secret origins:
Pt 1
http://futurequake.com/Audio/FQShow84Hr1.mp3
Pt 2
http://futurequake.com/Audio/FQShow84Hr1.mp3
One of the greatest idols eliminated from my life, years ago, and one of the largest lies believed by many in the body of Christ is this: America is a Christian nation.
Indeed, it is made up of many sincere Christians. It does also have some Christian roots in the Pilgrims, and a few places here and there. Some of our best schools (Harvard if memory serves) began as a Bible college.
But unfortunately, believing America to be Christian, often leads us to believe that we are "exceptional", that we have a divine right to plunder the resources of other nations, or start unjust wars.
It also doesn't help that our politicians compete to see who says "God" the most, and sells themselves as Christians, when often their lives don't echo this.
I once elected people to office because they were "Christian" and emphasized traditional family values, and promised to work against abortion. Yet they never did. Instead, they often acted in a non-Christian manner.
Luckily, God has helped me understand that, although America has some very godly people in it, is not necessarily God's chosen people, or a Christian nation. This was hard for me to accept, but as I look at Jesus, His life and what He has called us to do, i see our American life at odds with the Gospel in many ways.
This does not mean God hasn't blessed us, or that I'm unpatriotic. America is (or was) a place of freedom, and God loves Americans as much as anyone else, so long as we come to Jesus, and accept His death and resurrection for our sins.
Below are some great podcasts that prove why America is not a Christian nation, although there are many good Christians here.
Enjoy!
How Christians are being set up for a fall:
http://www.pidradio.com/2012/01/09/best-of-p-i-d-radio-the-new-world-order-scam/#com-head
The article:
http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/sociopolitica/newworldorderscam/newworldorderscam.htm
Allies and the occult: How American and UK leaders have been involved in the occult:
http://vftb.net/?p=4430
http://www.vftb.net/archive/vftb097.mp3
The article(s) (caution, i think he's not a Christian)
http://williamhkennedy.com/Allied.html
The TRUE Faith of founding fathers:
http://futurequake.com/Audio/FQShow201.mp3
More on the founding fathers:
http://futurequake.com/Audio/FQShow230.mp3
Planned destiny of america:
http://futurequake.com/Audio/FQShow144.mp3
Bohemian grove: (haven't heard this one yet)
http://futurequake.com/Audio/FQShow119.mp3
Secret origins of America:
http://futurequake.com/Audio/FQShow108.mp3
More secret origins:
Pt 1
http://futurequake.com/Audio/FQShow84Hr1.mp3
Pt 2
http://futurequake.com/Audio/FQShow84Hr1.mp3
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Tebow, or Not Tebow? That is the Question.
Taking a break in research for a moment, here's my random tebow thoughts, finally congealing into something that resembles coherence. Not that anyone has asked for them. I didn't really even have any until today. I don't want to berate the man, just urge him to exercise caution.
My caution for him, not that anyone cares, would be that the media loves to lift people up, then waits for them to fall. Tebow's up high now, he better make sure he's walkin the walk in his private life, cause if he slips up, pulls a scandal or two, it will make us all look bad.
My other two cents, in general on the guy is for him to be cautious that some of this isn't show (remember Matthew 6:5-7). There is a time and place for public prayer, but I'm not 100% sure that Tebow is either right or wrong in his displays. He is being criticized by atheists (ironically using the verse I quoted) for putting on a show. But at the same time we're not to put our light under a basket. How else can he glorify God for his abilities if not publibly? So, I guess I would advise him to exercise balance and wisdom. If he's following the Spirit's lead, great! If he's just increasing it with the media coverage, well...
Ultimately, it's between tebow and God. If it's all for show, then God already knows. Some questions to consider:
Are people getting saved because of this?
Or are people just going to superficially tack on to tebow because he's doing an "in thing"?
Yes people are googling the 3:16, but what will come of it?
Are we ascribing too much in the fact the he had a game of 316 yards? Much the same way people find Jesus or Mary in a burnt piece of toast? Or is God really using it?
May God's will be done here, and may we critically look at Tebow, without degrading him. Glorigy God, not the one serving Him.
My caution for him, not that anyone cares, would be that the media loves to lift people up, then waits for them to fall. Tebow's up high now, he better make sure he's walkin the walk in his private life, cause if he slips up, pulls a scandal or two, it will make us all look bad.
My other two cents, in general on the guy is for him to be cautious that some of this isn't show (remember Matthew 6:5-7). There is a time and place for public prayer, but I'm not 100% sure that Tebow is either right or wrong in his displays. He is being criticized by atheists (ironically using the verse I quoted) for putting on a show. But at the same time we're not to put our light under a basket. How else can he glorify God for his abilities if not publibly? So, I guess I would advise him to exercise balance and wisdom. If he's following the Spirit's lead, great! If he's just increasing it with the media coverage, well...
Ultimately, it's between tebow and God. If it's all for show, then God already knows. Some questions to consider:
Are people getting saved because of this?
Or are people just going to superficially tack on to tebow because he's doing an "in thing"?
Yes people are googling the 3:16, but what will come of it?
Are we ascribing too much in the fact the he had a game of 316 yards? Much the same way people find Jesus or Mary in a burnt piece of toast? Or is God really using it?
May God's will be done here, and may we critically look at Tebow, without degrading him. Glorigy God, not the one serving Him.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Apologies in order
Hi, I've recently been informed that one of my links, New Age Deception, went to a site that was not the one I intended.
My apologies, and I hope that no one was misled by this. The correct link should be http://newagedeception.wordpress.com/
And of course, my biggest apologies should be to Gaz Parker for linking folks to the wrong site!
Additionally a few others were wrong or entered incorrectly, but should be fixed. Let me know if they take you somewhere weird!
Lastly, I apologize for the delay in posting new material. I could make excuses, but two legitimate reasons are: 1) I am working on a small project for somebody that will drain some of this time away and 2) the current topic of dispensationalism, and particularly this week's topic make it hard to be accurate, so I'm trying to be extra careful. There are folks on both sides, (WAAAYYY to supportive of Israel and military action in the area to help them and folks that think the Church has replaced Israel and that Jews are evil) and I'm trying to avoid either extreme, which is hard.
So, stay tuned and expect minor delays for the present. Also pray that God lead me in the best use of my time.
My apologies, and I hope that no one was misled by this. The correct link should be http://newagedeception.wordpress.com/
And of course, my biggest apologies should be to Gaz Parker for linking folks to the wrong site!
Additionally a few others were wrong or entered incorrectly, but should be fixed. Let me know if they take you somewhere weird!
Lastly, I apologize for the delay in posting new material. I could make excuses, but two legitimate reasons are: 1) I am working on a small project for somebody that will drain some of this time away and 2) the current topic of dispensationalism, and particularly this week's topic make it hard to be accurate, so I'm trying to be extra careful. There are folks on both sides, (WAAAYYY to supportive of Israel and military action in the area to help them and folks that think the Church has replaced Israel and that Jews are evil) and I'm trying to avoid either extreme, which is hard.
So, stay tuned and expect minor delays for the present. Also pray that God lead me in the best use of my time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)