tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post6216350559322352870..comments2023-11-05T20:19:44.812+13:00Comments on Ambassador Watch: Dr Thiel, please explainGavinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03060097218905523899noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-55572186637979789562008-12-01T09:48:00.000+13:002008-12-01T09:48:00.000+13:00How do you feel about Michael Germano's political ...<I>How do you feel about Michael Germano's political donation to McCain?</I><BR/><BR/><BR/>Well, I guess it could have been worse. He could have given it to Obama.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-20980056718606276992008-11-29T13:53:00.000+13:002008-11-29T13:53:00.000+13:00I would VERY much like for Mr. Thiel to explain th...I would VERY much like for Mr. Thiel to explain this.<BR/><BR/>Then again, perhaps not. I remember back in the day when he insisted that the Church should always put the LARGEST PERCENTAGE OF THEIR INCOME in preaching the Gospel (and of course, that was LCG, and UCG put their 2nd largest amount in it, which gave him ample opportunity to build up his splinter and cast down another). Then, suddenly LCG ended up spending more one month on another 'category' (and they have since then). Since then Mr. Thiel instantly dropped the whole "must have the most money going into preaching the Gospel", focusing on his other points instead in order to continue praising LCG. A change of standards? Yes.<BR/><BR/>I have a feeling if he did comment on this situation, this is the same kind of thing he would do. Bend the rules slightly, as it were.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-6892255326270273372008-11-29T13:25:00.000+13:002008-11-29T13:25:00.000+13:00When the first deacons were chosen in Acts 6, the ...When the first deacons were chosen in Acts 6, the "whole group" chose seven deacons.<BR/><BR/>How did the "whole group" (by that time numbering over five thousand men (Ac 4.4)choose seven from among their number *without* some sort of voting?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-35282436686408856692008-11-29T09:32:00.000+13:002008-11-29T09:32:00.000+13:00Well, I spoke with an LCG pastor this week who con...Well, I spoke with an LCG pastor this week who confirmed what I suspected: Germano's contribution to the McCain campaign has not been widely known in the church membership, or even in the LCG ministry. In fact, he didn't even know about it until I brought it up.<BR/><BR/>Thanks to Gavin and the anonymous poster who brought this up. (How in the world did you find out??) However, I must disagree with one part of Anon's analysis:<BR/><BR/>-- <I>Now, a minister and senior LCG leader can openly support and donate to a political candidate.</I> --<BR/><BR/>Since this matter has not been openly known within the LCG membership, I can't agree that it constituted open support in the way Anon appears to mean it -- at least, not until it showed up on AW! :-)<BR/><BR/>Libro<BR/><BR/>(I personally believe this is a matter between Germano, McCain, and God -- but I doubt everyone in LCG will feel so generous...)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-66271406830108926292008-11-28T12:04:00.000+13:002008-11-28T12:04:00.000+13:00"Living with a question mark...'That's it. That's ...<EM>"Living with a question mark...'<BR/><BR/>That's it. That's why we have humans writing prophecy in the Bible which is so wrong so often."</EM><BR/><BR/>Also why humans have been doing it wrong for two thousand-plus years and counting.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the plug Dennis.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-3467866604168431982008-11-28T10:47:00.000+13:002008-11-28T10:47:00.000+13:00Gavin,Worldwide allowed one to repent.Will a full ...Gavin,<BR/><BR/>Worldwide allowed one to repent.<BR/><BR/>Will a full repentance and retraction give me access to that seven figure honorarium you were talking about?<BR/><BR/>And I am quite willing to gift you the nett tithe( after expenses,of course).<BR/><BR/>SeamusAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-90649110801747347422008-11-28T02:02:00.000+13:002008-11-28T02:02:00.000+13:00An Aside:I don't find an email on the author of We...An Aside:<BR/><BR/>I don't find an email on the author of Weinland Watch, but he posts the latest interview with Weinland but nicely balanced by other theologians and psychologist. I highly recommend the short read.<BR/><BR/>The psychologist hit a home run with this observation about humans and why Ron and those like him can be believed, for a time. <BR/><BR/>Susan Tanner<BR/><BR/>"Apocalyptic thinking can be very useful to people who need to feel a sense of control, and that they therefore feel calm because they know what’s going to happen. Living with uncertainty, living with a question mark is the hardest thing to do for all human beings. We like to know what’s going to happen. That’s why we visit clairvoyants and you know we have our tarots read and all sorts of things…."<BR/><BR/>"Living with a question mark...'<BR/><BR/>That's it. That's why we have humans writing prophecy in the Bible which is so wrong so often.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-88626551533073451942008-11-27T23:19:00.000+13:002008-11-27T23:19:00.000+13:00"Besides which you are now identified clearly as t...<EM>"Besides which you are now identified clearly as the King of the South."</EM><BR/><BR/>ROFL!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-76341350588858446742008-11-27T19:28:00.000+13:002008-11-27T19:28:00.000+13:00Gavin:I think that Seamus is taking the practical ...Gavin:<BR/>I think that Seamus is taking the practical approach. His Royal Highness and Doctor of Thielogoly Bobulus wouldn't receive your ambassador any more than he accepts comments on his blog.<BR/><BR/>Besides which you are now identified clearly as the King of the South.Mike (Don't Drink the Flavor Aid)https://www.blogger.com/profile/15447267814823944883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-56137319349772867902008-11-27T13:44:00.000+13:002008-11-27T13:44:00.000+13:00You will not get an explanation from Bob! He will...You will not get an explanation from Bob! He will remain silent about this as he continues bang other COG's in his quest to prove that LCG is truly the one and only...<BR/><BR/>He didn't say anything about that New Years Day hat that Mrs. Germano was wearing either that was posted on LCG's web site for a brief time.<BR/><BR/>Such is life...and honesty!!!!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-25682373702895880802008-11-27T13:07:00.000+13:002008-11-27T13:07:00.000+13:00SeamusYou DO realise that you've just turned down ...Seamus<BR/><BR/>You DO realise that you've just turned down the 7 figure honorarium that went with that posting?<BR/><BR/>;-)Gavinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03060097218905523899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-7210848787469879232008-11-27T13:06:00.000+13:002008-11-27T13:06:00.000+13:00Dennis,Having read your synopsis of the Bible re: ...Dennis,<BR/><BR/>Having read your synopsis of the Bible re: voting, I don't know what to say. All I can tell you is that I see programs on Christian television that provide quite a different viewpoint and understanding. This is just awesome, and never fails to take me to places that the WCG was totally incapable of even thinking of reaching. So uplifting.<BR/><BR/>One concept has stuck with me for decades now. It's kind of a corollary, if you would, to anthropomorphism. I believe that when any of us reads, it is the things with which we personally identify that leap out at us and remain. HWA seemed to see a punishing God. He taught us that punishment was the way in which God displayed love. Pastor Greg Laurie (who actually lost his son a few months back, and still praises God!) and others to whom I listen today see a loving God who is just looking for an excuse to bless us.<BR/><BR/>Purple Hymnal has opined on many occasions that man creates his own gods, and I concede that this is often true. These gods, however, usually bear no resemblance at all to the Biblical God. Psalm 135:15-18 actually concerns itself with anthropomorphism. Speaking about idols, vs 18 states "Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them."<BR/><BR/>What we do see is so susceptible to our own attitudes. There are always opportunities to read between the lines, and what we see there can be positive, uplifting, and can provide solutions, or it can be negative, and depressing, with no fulfilling way out.<BR/><BR/>BBAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-77072416441422783762008-11-27T10:36:00.000+13:002008-11-27T10:36:00.000+13:00Gavin,Thanks for your most generous offer as "dipl...Gavin,<BR/><BR/>Thanks for your most generous offer as "diplomatic" envoy but how could I, a most unworthy and <BR/>humble Israelite accept? You are a far more qualified candidate than self.<BR/><BR/>I am not certain any longer if I am an Israelite.Recent genealogical data reveal Iranian inputs into the family,so the crescent may have more meaning than the Star of David.<BR/><BR/>Those ham and oyster missiles sound most scrumptious food so I doubt if they will ever reach their target.<BR/><BR/>Have a most Kosher Xmas,<BR/><BR/>SeamusAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-83722919023632903622008-11-27T09:16:00.000+13:002008-11-27T09:16:00.000+13:00Bob Thiel should consult his copy of the Canons of...Bob Thiel should consult his copy of the <B>Canons of Evangelistic Discipline of the Living Church of God</B> for the proper voting procedures to follow to elect the next Living Presiding Evangelist. <BR/><BR/>If the late Meredith didn't appoint his successor ala' Herbert, the Council of Elders skips a meal, has a prayer, then goes into a shouting and shoving match as to who is the most important evangelist of the true Living Church of God-under Herbert W. Armstrong of course- since Roderick Meredith walked the face of the earth. <BR/><BR/>Instead of having successive Mafia-style duels to determine the next Living successor, the <B>Canons of Evangelistic Discipline</B> should call for a vote.Stanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15189373275825472416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-91295209501331949072008-11-27T07:27:00.000+13:002008-11-27T07:27:00.000+13:00Should someone be hauled over the coals for this, ...Should someone be hauled over the coals for this, fired or even disfellowshipped?<BR/>This sort of affront to a ranking and ordained member of the Living Church of God cannot and should not be tolerated. Dissemination of semi-official gossip and extrapolation of doctrine may be useful, in its place (the internet being for weirdoes), but casting dispersions upon the actions of one of GOD’s ministers (even if he didn’t know what that minister’s actions were) is clear grounds for a little marking and avoiding and casting the devil his own. Disfellowship Dr. Bob!<BR/><BR/>Mark The Narc LaxAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-891225080103436262008-11-27T06:10:00.000+13:002008-11-27T06:10:00.000+13:00There is no good answer to should a Christian vote...There is no good answer to should a Christian vote. Depends on the brand of Christianity and the perspective they hold.<BR/><BR/>No Church seeks to mix the OT God with the NT Jesus more than the COG's. They see one consistent thread, that is not there, from Genesis to Revelation. The trick seems to be to discern God's will and how God does things.<BR/><BR/>The problem with using the Bible to know what God thinks of anything is that "God" starts out as man's best friend, talking with him in the mythology of the Garden of Eve story and it's all downhill from there. <BR/><BR/>Shortly after that we have a god that is beginning to fade out of the picture. Abraham gets some direct voice contact. Jacob is supposed to have had a knock down drag out fight with God who had to leave before the sun came up. (Strange)<BR/><BR/>Then we have a God that Moses hears in his head and talks to him from bushes, smoking mountains and clouds.<BR/><BR/>Elijah gets to see God's behind once and then the only contact people seem to have is through the prophets who get to hear the voices but the people just have to trust them.<BR/><BR/>The Psalms are full of "where did you go God?" agonies and why have we all been left behind. <BR/><BR/>The concept of sin seems to strenghten when the masses can no longer hear the voice of God, blame themselves, or are blamed for it, and repent harder of their sins, so the voice will return and tell them what to do and how to be. <BR/><BR/>In the NT, Paul hears his voice in his head, which we have to trust again is true. All of Paul's knowing what God wants us all to believe comes in visions, including the "Passover" or Eucharist.<BR/><BR/>Today we have God on paper in the form of the canon. We read it, search it and try to figure out the answers to questions that we probably really don't need to bother looking for, because we don't hear the voice of God in our heads anymore. <BR/><BR/>Religion has always tended to make the mind unconscious and compliant. The less religious, the more conscious a person seems to be as to the possibilites of life, science and such. Just a personal observation. <BR/><BR/>Too bad one can't just say, "I think I need to vote" and let it go at that without others deciding if they did God's right thing. It's endless. <BR/><BR/>Someone rightly observed that Paul used the political machine whenever he needed to. He dropped names, flashed his Roman citizenship (which makes his being a real pharisee suspect believe me) and kissed ass whenever he needed to "be all things to all men." If one is all things to all men, how do you ever really find out what the real person believes?<BR/><BR/>Anyway, it's not the churches, the members or the ministers business if an individual in a democracy exercises their right to vote. <BR/><BR/>There is not difference between "Pray for leaders, that it go well with us" and "Vote that it go well with us." <BR/><BR/>I ramble....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-28196858849706368852008-11-27T03:05:00.000+13:002008-11-27T03:05:00.000+13:00"7. Can only singles bring watermelon to the churc..."7. Can only singles bring watermelon to the church picnics"<BR/><BR/>Crap. All these years I thought the singles brought drinks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-12101009125310420682008-11-26T19:47:00.000+13:002008-11-26T19:47:00.000+13:00Ron Mosely's books, radio, video: Ron MoselyRon Mosely's books, radio, video: <BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://www.moseleyhistory.com/gpage.html" REL="nofollow">Ron Mosely</A>Stanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15189373275825472416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-38577558495315562132008-11-26T19:38:00.000+13:002008-11-26T19:38:00.000+13:00The American Institute For Advanced Biblical Studi...The American Institute For Advanced Biblical Studies was founded in 1991 as a specialty college in the field of Middle Eastern history. Originally, a consortium of fifteen scholars, thirteen of which have Ph.D. degrees from major universities, worked together to provide a unique four year curriculum for a limited body of students. Because the Institute is a training center for biblical teachers and laymen relating to Middle Eastern history, it prepares the participants with detailed information on the land of Israel, both modern and ancient.<BR/><BR/>This project was conceived in 1986 when <B>Dr. Ron Moseley</B>, now the President of the American Institute, began to travel and discover specialists in the five major fields relating to Middle Eastern history. These fields of study include linguistics (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek), Jewish culture, geography, archaeology, history of the Middle East, professional writing, lectures and scholarly exchange. After finding the scholars, Dr. Moseley then traveled to their universities, enrolled and studied under these mentors personally. These institutions included the Hebrew University (Jerusalem), the Jerusalem University in Jerusalem, Princeton, the University of Texas, Oxford and several others.<BR/><BR/>The policy of quality education at the American Institute is achieved by several unusual, but highly effective methods of study. These scholars provide enough hours through lectures, videos, and personal time, in their specialized fields, during a period of four years (eight semesters) to guarantee a limited group of students a distinguished degree from some of the best specialist in their fields.<BR/><BR/>The American Institute is incorporated in the state of Arkansas as an independent, non-profit institution of higher education, awarding a specialized four-year Bachelor of Religious Education in Middle Eastern Studies Degree, and a Master of Religious Education in Middle Eastern Studies Degree. <BR/><BR/>From AIHLS.org<BR/><BR/>StanStanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15189373275825472416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-67699078563945086232008-11-26T18:29:00.000+13:002008-11-26T18:29:00.000+13:00Seeker makes a cogent point. We are responsible f...Seeker makes a cogent point. We are responsible for each other. But this story still needs more scrutiny.<BR/><BR/>Not not even those of Jesus' inner circle, excepting Peter, tried to save him, and for that Peter got a sharp reprimand. Jesus later insisted that his servants wouldn't fight for him because his kingdom was not of this world. He had told them of his coming demise. So were they exempted while the rest of Judea were culpable? Jesus' students were every bit as Jewish as "the Jews" being accused of Jesus' execution.<BR/><BR/>Peter later said, "This Jesus, whom YOU crucified...," exempting himself. He said this to devout Jewish pilgrims in Jerusalem for an annual festival. He accused this huge group of out-of-towners of crucifying Jesus. What is more, according to the story many of them took his word to heart and did their best to cleanse themselves of the sin. It's a puzzle that seems, at least to me, to strengthen Seeker's point. But how well known could Jesus have been to these pilgrims from every nation under heaven?<BR/><BR/>One must conclude that part of the story has been removed, left out or even misunderstood for who knows why.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-65814111812252228832008-11-26T16:43:00.000+13:002008-11-26T16:43:00.000+13:00Game, set, point. Consistency wins again!Game, set, point. Consistency wins again!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-10152180212998951882008-11-26T13:36:00.000+13:002008-11-26T13:36:00.000+13:00Got em!!!!! Further proof that the "Living Church ...Got em!!!!! Further proof that the "Living Church of God " is not!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-10337237250968971162008-11-26T08:49:00.000+13:002008-11-26T08:49:00.000+13:00Wonder if anyone has noticed that Dr.Bob has also ...Wonder if anyone has noticed that Dr.Bob has also set a date for the Europeans conquering the US by 2017 esp if Barak O.is in office two terms(What that has to do with it is not well known)<BR/> What the Europeans plan to do about their own economic and other internal problems is not addressed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-74633239040748757842008-11-26T07:24:00.000+13:002008-11-26T07:24:00.000+13:00Anon said "When Pilate queries him, he says, "“My ...Anon said "When Pilate queries him, he says, "“My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews...". Peter apparently hadn't understood. But to the Jews? What Jews? Almost everyone in town was Jewish. Most of them had just hailed Jesus as king when he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, after David's tradition. The men who arrested him were a detachment of Roman soldiers with a few corrupt Jewish priests and officers. Hardly, "the Jews." Was the whole town culpable, even though they could not have known what a few corrupt leaders were doing?"<BR/><BR/>How is it that even Peter and Paul in Acts also accused the Jews for crucifying Christ?? The only involvement they had is THEY DID NOTHING TO STOP IT!! Having hailed Christ shortly before this is it possible they turned against him? Perhaps some, but it would seem most would not. The only way they could have been guilty is they did nothing to stop the execution of an innocent man. <BR/><BR/>That is the problem with many COG's they preach against evil, but do nothing to even hinder it. Hypocritical at best! <BR/><BR/>I doubt that Dr. G will be chastised for supporting McCain as much as he is criticized for not giving the $$ to the Church!!<BR/><BR/>Thank God for the little things...good for Dr. G.!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-88294986812289123732008-11-26T06:59:00.000+13:002008-11-26T06:59:00.000+13:00More on the Ron Mosely letter.He says "by far the ...More on the Ron Mosely letter.<BR/><BR/>He says "by far the best school was Oxford Graduate School in Tennessee" what a hoot! In his opinion maybe.<BR/><BR/>A quick look on the internet tells me that this school has about 100 students and 15 teachers. It requires that students attend a 10-day program at the real Oxford University - probably as a ploy to imply credibility. The whole setup of naming the school "Oxford" and requiring this perfunctory program at the real Oxford strikes me as very misleading. As you may know, most Universities offer short programs to the general public as money-makers. Attending a 10-day program is a far cry from actually getting accepted to attend the real Oxford University as an actual student.<BR/><BR/>Also, what does Ron mean he "attended Oxford five separate years". Was it a 10-day program each year for five years?<BR/><BR/>Gavin, I think you denigrated your own credentials too quickly. Although Ron wrote a somewhat convincing but misleading letter, I doubt his credentials approach yours.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com