As I was sitting on the front porch this morning a man pulled up in a black Mustang with a rumbling engine and dark opaque windows. Who could be inside this car? Was this a drug dealer? Was his hair thick and black and combed back in greasy neat rows? Did he have on a sports jacket concealing a .45 caliber? Was he wearing sunglasses and did he have a smirk on his face? What was he here for and who was he going to see?
Would it end well for the one he would visit?
Then - - -
The driver's door opened. A grandfather got out to bring the forgotten lunch to his granddaughter at the school across the street.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Saturday, December 13, 2014
BUY AMERICAN
Buy American. Bring manufacturing back to our shores.
Avoid things that are made in China. That does not mean you should throw out your iPhones and computers. Sometimes you will not be able to find items that are not "made in China". But many times you can make a choice . So look on the labels and avoid "made in China" when you can.
If enough of us do this, and the months and years pass, we will bring our manufacturing base back to this country.
Avoid things that are made in China. That does not mean you should throw out your iPhones and computers. Sometimes you will not be able to find items that are not "made in China". But many times you can make a choice . So look on the labels and avoid "made in China" when you can.
If enough of us do this, and the months and years pass, we will bring our manufacturing base back to this country.
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
I AM ALLOWED TO SAY, "THE BIBLE SAYS"
If I say, “the Bible says . . .” I am not shutting down conversation. I am simply stating something about which the Bible makes a statement. The hearer is allowed to disagree with any statement I, or the Bible, make. And I am also allowed to disagree with any statement he may make. I will not be troubled if the hearer thinks I am a fool or somehow less intelligent.
We all must have some ultimate authority upon which we base our beliefs. While some may choose to rely on the many various man-made theories, I choose to believe the Bible is the ultimate authority. It speaks for itself.
If “context is really important” for us to understand or interpret the Bible, whose context are we accepting? Are we relying on the Bible, or are we relying on many opinions of disparate groups of people (churchmen and humanists alike).
I look at the Grand Canyon and say, “Here evidence of a world wide, catastrophic, hydrologic event.” Some others say, “Here is evidence of millions of years of lying down of sediment, followed by other millions of years of the carving away of a channel by the Colorado River. If the Bible says God created the earth (and everything else) is six days I believe it.
We all must have some ultimate authority upon which we base our beliefs. While some may choose to rely on the many various man-made theories, I choose to believe the Bible is the ultimate authority. It speaks for itself.
If “context is really important” for us to understand or interpret the Bible, whose context are we accepting? Are we relying on the Bible, or are we relying on many opinions of disparate groups of people (churchmen and humanists alike).
I look at the Grand Canyon and say, “Here evidence of a world wide, catastrophic, hydrologic event.” Some others say, “Here is evidence of millions of years of lying down of sediment, followed by other millions of years of the carving away of a channel by the Colorado River. If the Bible says God created the earth (and everything else) is six days I believe it.
Friday, November 14, 2014
TO BE, OR NOT TO BE . . .
Neighborhoods these days build walls facing the main street going by them. When there is a neighborhood on each side of the road it has the appearance of driving down a canyon; there is no view, nothing to see. For this reason I hate these walls.
If I lived by a busy street I would like a wall there to keep out street noise. Also it would be safer to keep children from wandering into danger, and to keep unwanted people from wondering onto your property. For this reason I like these walls.
Since I don't live by a busy street I hate these walls. If I did, I would like these walls.
If I lived by a busy street I would like a wall there to keep out street noise. Also it would be safer to keep children from wandering into danger, and to keep unwanted people from wondering onto your property. For this reason I like these walls.
Since I don't live by a busy street I hate these walls. If I did, I would like these walls.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
". . . HE WILL BE KING . . ."
Americans know not the concept of “king” or “aristocracy” except as defined in a dictionary. They don’t have the experiences connected with these words as some European Nations have. We did away with all that garbage at the Revolution.
Though they would not use those words, a few of the rich and some politicians like the concepts of “king” and “aristocracy”. If they actually publicly used those words we would be aware of their intentions and prevent them from implementing that kind of government. Some large Corporations like the concept of absolute control too. Therefore we also have to be vigilant against their establishing similar types of domination.
God is the only entity worthy - - and capable - - of being a perfect King. Some earthly kings have sought power at the expense of their subjects. In contrast, God has all power by his very nature, and exercises that power for the benefit of his subjects.
Though they would not use those words, a few of the rich and some politicians like the concepts of “king” and “aristocracy”. If they actually publicly used those words we would be aware of their intentions and prevent them from implementing that kind of government. Some large Corporations like the concept of absolute control too. Therefore we also have to be vigilant against their establishing similar types of domination.
God is the only entity worthy - - and capable - - of being a perfect King. Some earthly kings have sought power at the expense of their subjects. In contrast, God has all power by his very nature, and exercises that power for the benefit of his subjects.
Monday, October 13, 2014
TIME WELL SPENT??
As I do crosswords I keep track of clue answers that could fill the numbers of squares that the answer requires. Many times I find there could be two or more words that will both answer the clue and exactly fill the squares. I mark these sets of words on the bottom of each crossword I complete and later transfer them into a spreadsheet. If the set of words contains two words (like “melt” and “thaw) I enter two rows on the spreadsheet. One row will have “melt” in the first column and “thaw” in the second column. The next row will have “thaw” in the first column and “melt” in the second column. A set of three words will take three rows.
Over the years I have built up the list to 1456 rows. There are 1276 sets of entries. 42 rows have six columns per row (7 sets of six words). Many rows have only two columns filled (2 sets of two words).
Here is an example from the list:
WORD 1 WORD 2 WORD 3 WORD 4 WORD 5
Abase Abuse Shame
Abide Allow
Ablaze Aflame
Abode House
Abuse Shame Abase
Accosted Ambushed
Ace One Pro Win
Ache Pain Pang Sore Hurt
Over the years I have built up the list to 1456 rows. There are 1276 sets of entries. 42 rows have six columns per row (7 sets of six words). Many rows have only two columns filled (2 sets of two words).
Here is an example from the list:
WORD 1 WORD 2 WORD 3 WORD 4 WORD 5
Abase Abuse Shame
Abide Allow
Ablaze Aflame
Abode House
Abuse Shame Abase
Accosted Ambushed
Ace One Pro Win
Ache Pain Pang Sore Hurt
Thursday, September 25, 2014
MAYBE IT'S MY FAULT AFTER ALL
With respect to LOUD CHURCH MUSIC: it my be my fault. See the two quotes I ran into below:
"Tinnitus could be the result of the brain’s neural circuits trying to adapt to the loss of sensory hair cells by turning up the sensitivity to sound. This would explain why some people with tinnitus are oversensitive to loud noise."
"Noise-induced hearing loss, the result of damage to the sensory hair cells of the inner ear, is one of the most common causes of tinnitus. Anything you can do to limit your exposure to loud noise - - by moving away from the sound, turning down the volume, or wearing earplugs or earmuffs - - will help prevent tinnitus or keep it from getting worse."
So it looks like I still must avoid (what seems to me) LOUD MUSIC.
"Tinnitus could be the result of the brain’s neural circuits trying to adapt to the loss of sensory hair cells by turning up the sensitivity to sound. This would explain why some people with tinnitus are oversensitive to loud noise."
"Noise-induced hearing loss, the result of damage to the sensory hair cells of the inner ear, is one of the most common causes of tinnitus. Anything you can do to limit your exposure to loud noise - - by moving away from the sound, turning down the volume, or wearing earplugs or earmuffs - - will help prevent tinnitus or keep it from getting worse."
So it looks like I still must avoid (what seems to me) LOUD MUSIC.
Monday, September 15, 2014
ROCK-CONCERT-LOUD
Yesterday we had yet another church experience. The church we tried had ROCK-CONCERT-LOUD music. We tried four (that’s 4) churches the Sunday before and they each had ROCK-CONCERT-LOUD music. We also tried a church where the music was not too loud, and the message was reasonably good, but we know the people there. We know they disapprove of what we do - - have a glass of wine in the evening, and perhaps a glass of beer when we dine out.
So in many churches you can not have contemporary music and must refrain from alcohol, even though there is no danger of becoming an alcoholic. And in many others you can have contemporary music IF you are willing to damage yourself, that is your sense of hearing.
I’ll add another comment: I have never found that Rock-and-Roll or Jazz music had driven me to illicit sex, or to drugs, or to drinking, or to terrorist actions, or even to disobeying my Mother.
So in many churches you can not have contemporary music and must refrain from alcohol, even though there is no danger of becoming an alcoholic. And in many others you can have contemporary music IF you are willing to damage yourself, that is your sense of hearing.
I’ll add another comment: I have never found that Rock-and-Roll or Jazz music had driven me to illicit sex, or to drugs, or to drinking, or to terrorist actions, or even to disobeying my Mother.
Monday, September 8, 2014
LOUD ALL OVER
Last Sunday (that is the last Sunday after the previous last Sunday I wrote about before: so, I am speaking about the latest last Sunday) (the most recent one, not the one before; that is, the last last one) we went to three churches in a row and all of them had music that was too loud. I really wonder if there a church we can go to.
This music is so loud that the congregations can not possibly hear either themselves or those next to them sing. What then is the point of congregational singing if the congregation can not hear themselves? Is not the singing portion of the service for the congregation to sing? In this atmosphere of loudness the congregation does not sing. Let us not kid ourselves, these events are not events of congregational participation, but events of performer-audience. The performers act and the audience listens.
(or plugs their ears).
This music is so loud that the congregations can not possibly hear either themselves or those next to them sing. What then is the point of congregational singing if the congregation can not hear themselves? Is not the singing portion of the service for the congregation to sing? In this atmosphere of loudness the congregation does not sing. Let us not kid ourselves, these events are not events of congregational participation, but events of performer-audience. The performers act and the audience listens.
(or plugs their ears).
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
HEARING AND THE AUDIO MAN
Last Sunday we went to a church that was meeting in a school. As we walked in the people there were very friendly and welcoming. The only problem was the music was too loud, even in the foyer. They very courteously tried to usher us in but even with my hearing aids turned off the music was way too loud. We turned and left.
We will never know if the preaching was good, if it was true to the Bible, if it would have made us more effective in our Christian life. We will never know if there were good and lasting friends to meet there. We will never have the opportunity to contribute our knowledge built up over 41 years of a faithful Christian marriage. We will never be able to participate in the music. We will never be able to encourage the believers there to read the Bible every day as we have done all our married life. We will miss any encouragement there may have been there for us, or the new lessons we needed to learn.
All this because the music was too loud. No one in that congregation could have heard themselves singing the songs or heard others around them singing. Some would have been discouraged from singing.
I would have liked to attend a small church with contemporary music, even if they never sang the old hymns or even owned hymn books. I like up-beat music. I like rock-and-roll. I grew up on rock-and-roll. I like jazz too. The radio in my car would never be tuned to a classical station; classical music is OK, I just do not prefer it.
But the volume of the music at that church will never be turned down. That’s because the audio guys like it that way. They like it loud. They can stand it either because they are already deaf, or because they are wearing earphones and are not effected by it. They control the volume, not the musicians, singers or the pastor. He who turns the dial has the power.
And the congregation there must like it too because they stay.
Some might say, “Just get over it and learn to be immersed in the experience.” I wear hearing aids because I have poor hearing. I have had poor hearing all my life. I have spent six thousand dollars on hearing aids just so I can hear somewhat better yet I still struggle to hear. I refuse to allow some audio-jockey to bore out my ears and destroy what hearing I have left.
Someone said, “If it’s too loud, you’re too old.” I guess I am.
We will never know if the preaching was good, if it was true to the Bible, if it would have made us more effective in our Christian life. We will never know if there were good and lasting friends to meet there. We will never have the opportunity to contribute our knowledge built up over 41 years of a faithful Christian marriage. We will never be able to participate in the music. We will never be able to encourage the believers there to read the Bible every day as we have done all our married life. We will miss any encouragement there may have been there for us, or the new lessons we needed to learn.
All this because the music was too loud. No one in that congregation could have heard themselves singing the songs or heard others around them singing. Some would have been discouraged from singing.
I would have liked to attend a small church with contemporary music, even if they never sang the old hymns or even owned hymn books. I like up-beat music. I like rock-and-roll. I grew up on rock-and-roll. I like jazz too. The radio in my car would never be tuned to a classical station; classical music is OK, I just do not prefer it.
But the volume of the music at that church will never be turned down. That’s because the audio guys like it that way. They like it loud. They can stand it either because they are already deaf, or because they are wearing earphones and are not effected by it. They control the volume, not the musicians, singers or the pastor. He who turns the dial has the power.
And the congregation there must like it too because they stay.
Some might say, “Just get over it and learn to be immersed in the experience.” I wear hearing aids because I have poor hearing. I have had poor hearing all my life. I have spent six thousand dollars on hearing aids just so I can hear somewhat better yet I still struggle to hear. I refuse to allow some audio-jockey to bore out my ears and destroy what hearing I have left.
Someone said, “If it’s too loud, you’re too old.” I guess I am.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Friday, August 15, 2014
LEADING FROM THE BACK
In some blog I got to somehow the timpanist of a major orchestra spoke of his responsibility as “leading from the back”
Having played in orchestras I would never dare say the percussion “leads from the back”. The conductor leads. Even in Big Band work the percussion does not lead, he (she) is part of the ensemble - - part of a group that is lead. In Big Band work the leader is often not the drummer. It’s the leader, or conductor, who decides the timing and tenor of the musical piece to be played. The drummer (or percussionist) never “leads from the back” (unless he’s Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa or Ginger Baker).
Tell the conductor you are “leading from the back” and you will be “leaving out the back” (door).
Having played in orchestras I would never dare say the percussion “leads from the back”. The conductor leads. Even in Big Band work the percussion does not lead, he (she) is part of the ensemble - - part of a group that is lead. In Big Band work the leader is often not the drummer. It’s the leader, or conductor, who decides the timing and tenor of the musical piece to be played. The drummer (or percussionist) never “leads from the back” (unless he’s Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa or Ginger Baker).
Tell the conductor you are “leading from the back” and you will be “leaving out the back” (door).
Monday, July 28, 2014
Saturday, July 5, 2014
THE OLD SELF DOUBT
For some reason the other night, I remembered the time a teacher, Mrs. Griffin, said to my mother that I “had a flare for writing”. I did with that statement as I have done with so many other similar affirming statements about me: I blew it off. I said to my self, “she's just saying that to flatter. She doesn't really mean it. She's saying what she wishes, not what is.”
Once I remembered that event I said “Why do I always disallow or minimize the good things that are said about me?” It is a bad habit. I ought rather to appreciate the positive things. I ought to try to own them and build on them. I ought to improve myself in the way that is spoken to me. I ought to believe that I am “that way” and that I can do “that”.
I am tempted to doubt, to say “What if I am not 'that'?” Well, if I'm not “that” I won't be able to do “it”.
But it is more honorable to endeavor to become “it” while trying, hoping and being positive. How can it be honorable by never starting the thing because I think “What if I'm not”? How can it be honorable never try 100% and only give 75%? 50%? 5%?
[[ Lord please help me to put away from me my disbelief in myself. Please help me to appropriate the “good works which you have before ordained that I should walk in them” Help me to recognize the “goodness and mercy which shall follow me all the days of my life.” After all I am dwelling “in the house of the Lord forever”. How bad can that be - - rather, how excellent that is. ]]
Once I remembered that event I said “Why do I always disallow or minimize the good things that are said about me?” It is a bad habit. I ought rather to appreciate the positive things. I ought to try to own them and build on them. I ought to improve myself in the way that is spoken to me. I ought to believe that I am “that way” and that I can do “that”.
I am tempted to doubt, to say “What if I am not 'that'?” Well, if I'm not “that” I won't be able to do “it”.
But it is more honorable to endeavor to become “it” while trying, hoping and being positive. How can it be honorable by never starting the thing because I think “What if I'm not”? How can it be honorable never try 100% and only give 75%? 50%? 5%?
[[ Lord please help me to put away from me my disbelief in myself. Please help me to appropriate the “good works which you have before ordained that I should walk in them” Help me to recognize the “goodness and mercy which shall follow me all the days of my life.” After all I am dwelling “in the house of the Lord forever”. How bad can that be - - rather, how excellent that is. ]]
Friday, May 30, 2014
MOTORS AND ANCHORS
Here is a quote from a man named Wayland (I suppose the person is a man, my having only the last name) . . .
"There are two types of people - anchors and motors. You want to loose the anchors and get with the motors because the motors are going somewhere and they’re having fun. The anchors will just drag you down."
This quote is either good or ridiculous depending on the assumptions you bring to it.
Wayland here seems to think anchors are bad; they are preventing you from making progress toward a goal you want to achieve. But I think of anchors as safety devices. Anchors keep your boat from drifting to places you don’t want to go, like going aground.
Wayland seems to think motors are good; they are powering you toward a positive goal. But motors do not always take you to the right places. There are some motors I do not want in my life. I do not want the motors of hateful, negative thinking. I do not want motors that drive me to buy things I do not need.
Yes an anchor can be a hindrance if you throw it overboard at the wrong time or place, but why would you? If you needed to leave your boat offshore in a river, or in a cove near the seashore, would it be OK with you for it to drift with the current or tide? If you habitually sailed near the brink of Niagara Falls would you choose the boat without an anchor?
Yes a motor provides the impetus, the power, to get somewhere; but where is the “somewhere” and how do you need to arrive there? If you need to go forward is it OK for you to use a motor that runs only in reverse? What about a motor that only goes forward and never runs in reverse? I do not paddle my Ford Explorer to the store with a canoe paddle. Neither could I use 200 horsepower V-6 in my canoe. Different motors are for different purposes. The world could have done without the motors that drove Nazi Germany, but we needed the motors that eventually won the war.
People are not only anchors, and they are not only motors; they can be both anchors and motors. It’s up to you to choose where and when to use an anchor just as it’s up to you to choose what type of motor you need for your situation. Choose the right motor; choose the right boat; don't forget your anchor.
This quote is either good or ridiculous depending on the assumptions you bring to it.
Wayland here seems to think anchors are bad; they are preventing you from making progress toward a goal you want to achieve. But I think of anchors as safety devices. Anchors keep your boat from drifting to places you don’t want to go, like going aground.
Wayland seems to think motors are good; they are powering you toward a positive goal. But motors do not always take you to the right places. There are some motors I do not want in my life. I do not want the motors of hateful, negative thinking. I do not want motors that drive me to buy things I do not need.
Yes an anchor can be a hindrance if you throw it overboard at the wrong time or place, but why would you? If you needed to leave your boat offshore in a river, or in a cove near the seashore, would it be OK with you for it to drift with the current or tide? If you habitually sailed near the brink of Niagara Falls would you choose the boat without an anchor?
Yes a motor provides the impetus, the power, to get somewhere; but where is the “somewhere” and how do you need to arrive there? If you need to go forward is it OK for you to use a motor that runs only in reverse? What about a motor that only goes forward and never runs in reverse? I do not paddle my Ford Explorer to the store with a canoe paddle. Neither could I use 200 horsepower V-6 in my canoe. Different motors are for different purposes. The world could have done without the motors that drove Nazi Germany, but we needed the motors that eventually won the war.
People are not only anchors, and they are not only motors; they can be both anchors and motors. It’s up to you to choose where and when to use an anchor just as it’s up to you to choose what type of motor you need for your situation. Choose the right motor; choose the right boat; don't forget your anchor.
Friday, March 21, 2014
ANGRY OVER NOTHING
I was sitting on the porch this morning when two professionally dressed cyclists rode by - - the kind dressed in all the fashionable cycling wear and helmets. As they rode buy one dropped behind the other and moved toward the curb to make room for an on-coming automobile. I thought to myself, "what if that guy decided not to move over?" I wondered, "What if that guy was thinking, 'I am going to keep my lawful place on the road, I'm not going to move for anybody; to hell with anyone who thinks I should move for them!' " I imagined that man as having a confrontational, sour attitude. I almost put myself in a sour, confrontational mood just thinking about it.
But the thing is: I don't have a clue what that guy was thinking. You can't know what anyone's attitude is if they don't speak to you, or by communicating in some other way (as in writing or with a gesture). You don't know what you are not told and there is very little point in trying to imagine what you don't know -- at least in a case like this.
I could have put myself in a sour frame of mind over something that never happened.
How often do we do that?
But the thing is: I don't have a clue what that guy was thinking. You can't know what anyone's attitude is if they don't speak to you, or by communicating in some other way (as in writing or with a gesture). You don't know what you are not told and there is very little point in trying to imagine what you don't know -- at least in a case like this.
I could have put myself in a sour frame of mind over something that never happened.
How often do we do that?
Friday, February 21, 2014
WHY NOT?
In our family (Lizzie and I) the domination of women is not an issue. I never thought it was right for me to dominate my Wife/Partner/Friend. I don't associate with, nor care to associate with, any person who advocates the abject submission of women, or even the general submission of women.
It makes me sad that some men and some groups push domination of women. Some men take advantage of their strength and force-of-will. Some cultures promote subservience of women as the natural order of the human condition. Why is this so? I believe for many it's simply a case of: “That's the way it's always been done.” It's passed of from Father to Son and from the culture to the men.
Why did I not grow up thinking dominance was my right? I believe it's because my Mother was an intelligent woman who knew right from wrong and saw it as her duty to pass this knowledge to her children. She required her children to act accordingly in her presence. I believe it's because I never saw my Father dominate or be harsh to my Mother. My Father also would not let his children speak disrespectfully. I believe it's because I live in this country and in this age where women have stood up themselves.
It makes me sad that some men and some groups push domination of women. Some men take advantage of their strength and force-of-will. Some cultures promote subservience of women as the natural order of the human condition. Why is this so? I believe for many it's simply a case of: “That's the way it's always been done.” It's passed of from Father to Son and from the culture to the men.
Why did I not grow up thinking dominance was my right? I believe it's because my Mother was an intelligent woman who knew right from wrong and saw it as her duty to pass this knowledge to her children. She required her children to act accordingly in her presence. I believe it's because I never saw my Father dominate or be harsh to my Mother. My Father also would not let his children speak disrespectfully. I believe it's because I live in this country and in this age where women have stood up themselves.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
WHOSE OPINION IS THIS?
When you are hearing a negative voice in your head saying something disparaging about you know it's probably the Devil. He's always the first one in line with his two cents. Know that's all his opinion is worth -- about two cents -- even less than that. Don't listen
Monday, January 6, 2014
VOICES
There are many voices that proclaim themselves to be the truth. Yet there is only one which is of God. As Psalm 55 suggests some are from clamorous enemies and some seem to be friends. How can we tell them apart?
Without God's word I don't know that it's possible to know good from bad. We would eventually throw some voices out after experiencing their bitter fruits. This would come at a high cost and being delayed much by the experience. Others would never be recognized as folly. We would continue on though life with them.
If we did not read God's word how would we know them?
Someone has to tell us what is good and what is bad. Whose voice do you listen to?
Without God's word I don't know that it's possible to know good from bad. We would eventually throw some voices out after experiencing their bitter fruits. This would come at a high cost and being delayed much by the experience. Others would never be recognized as folly. We would continue on though life with them.
If we did not read God's word how would we know them?
Someone has to tell us what is good and what is bad. Whose voice do you listen to?
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
YE ARE GODS
Joh 10:34: Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
“your law” Jesus uses that phrase when he talks to the religious leaders about psalm 82. Here it says, “is it not written in your law . . .” They, the religious leaders, have taken God's law and have twisted it into their own law in the sense that they use it for their own ends. Over the generations the leaders have determined that only a certain interpretation can be applied to God's word: their own interpretation, no one else's. They have stopped understanding it according to god's sense. Perhaps they feel they can an amend it as we would amend the U.S Constitution.
It must have taken some length of time to go by tradition from God's intended meaning of his word to man's meaning. Perhaps some of this change was influenced by the desire to control the congregation into certain actions, certain ways of thinking. Who knows better than those who have gone to Bible school? Surely the trained clergy knows better. Perhaps they feel they can an amend it as we would amend the U.S Constitution.
Step-by-step inch-by-inch, here a little and there a little.
But let me also be quick to say: he who has not read the Bible for himself is in no position to challenge one who has. A person who has gone to Bible school most likely knows much better than he who has not even read his Bible.
“your law” Jesus uses that phrase when he talks to the religious leaders about psalm 82. Here it says, “is it not written in your law . . .” They, the religious leaders, have taken God's law and have twisted it into their own law in the sense that they use it for their own ends. Over the generations the leaders have determined that only a certain interpretation can be applied to God's word: their own interpretation, no one else's. They have stopped understanding it according to god's sense. Perhaps they feel they can an amend it as we would amend the U.S Constitution.
It must have taken some length of time to go by tradition from God's intended meaning of his word to man's meaning. Perhaps some of this change was influenced by the desire to control the congregation into certain actions, certain ways of thinking. Who knows better than those who have gone to Bible school? Surely the trained clergy knows better. Perhaps they feel they can an amend it as we would amend the U.S Constitution.
Step-by-step inch-by-inch, here a little and there a little.
But let me also be quick to say: he who has not read the Bible for himself is in no position to challenge one who has. A person who has gone to Bible school most likely knows much better than he who has not even read his Bible.
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