tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382615983847443037.comments2022-03-30T23:34:32.208-07:00Nathanael KingNathanael Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18051937741247763431noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382615983847443037.post-27986764861633904422016-02-21T18:55:18.177-08:002016-02-21T18:55:18.177-08:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.candyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01581157346472229969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382615983847443037.post-28935234846632512132015-02-17T03:49:30.974-08:002015-02-17T03:49:30.974-08:00So, who teach your child to lie? Hey Love, get the...So, who teach your child to lie? Hey Love, get the phone and if it is you know who, tell him, "I am not at home"! Yes please, start out with the lie about Santa Claus and the Easter-bunny. Santa Claus is no more than Satan Cause; if you would examine how easy it is to go from one to the other, you will see the lie. Do not put your child in Santa laps he could be a pedophile, also, telling your children the same lie you found out about Santa and then you (parents) become a liar. Therefore, when they start lying to you do not be surprise. If it is good for the parent, it is good for the child. No such thing as a white lie or black lie, a lie is a lie is a lie. Learn this lesson now or live with it as long as your child shall live or you! Ex: Santa Clause is nothing but Satan Cause is the truth. Easter eggs, rabbets do not come out of an egg, nor do rabbets lay eggs, LIE! It is just fun for the children, really. My Lord, Christ, get two days out of 365 days and He is in competition (necessary) with a jolly Fat-man, human being dress in a red and white suit who is a god to your child, Ex: "I know when you're sleeping, I know when you're awake, I know when you're good or bad so be good, for goodness sake!" Then Christ must deal with a rabbit. Oh yeah, about the bunny, a pastor once said; it is just a little fun for the children, "that the Easter eggs was like a rebirth of Christ.” to my children. In addition, do not tell your children to tell anyone you are not at home, that is still a lie. We need to break the lie of fun. When the child find the so call, man in red and white outfit this is a lie, guess what you are a liar. Someday, they will tell you lie to your face. God Bless, Grace, Mercy, Peace & Love, TjAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14065012044524503133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382615983847443037.post-54380530679192132562015-02-17T03:21:53.638-08:002015-02-17T03:21:53.638-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14065012044524503133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382615983847443037.post-20520423622139348132014-12-20T12:32:52.036-08:002014-12-20T12:32:52.036-08:00Hi Accident, Here's a couple of thoughts in re...Hi Accident, Here's a couple of thoughts in response. <br /><br />In regards to your first point, Santa could very well be presented as a story. In my mind, it depends on the presentation. But secondly, the difference between a Santa and a parable are not all that different. When Jesus told parables, he often included elements of reality (think the good Samaritan). He used real and believable situations and geographical places. He didn't completely remove the parable from reality. Further, it's extremely likely that there were children present when He taught with parables. Do you think He took the time to distinguish and explain, "Now kids, this didn't really happen. I'm just telling you this to communicate a bigger truth?" I don't think so. So was he deceiving those children who couldn't distinguish the story from reality? I don't think so.<br /><br />In regards to the point about Aslan, it seems to me that your point entirely depends upon whether you present a Santa that loves Jesus and seeks to honor Jesus (more in line with the historical St. Nicholas), or a Santa who has been hijacked by advertisers. I'm encouraging people to present the former to your children.<br /><br />And finally, I agree that there are other ways that Christmas becomes magical for children. My point is simply that Santa can be part of that in a very positive way. :)Nathanael Kinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18051937741247763431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382615983847443037.post-82437167681570460352014-12-20T07:25:47.538-08:002014-12-20T07:25:47.538-08:00Great article! It always encourages me when peopl...Great article! It always encourages me when people are able to present reasonable arguments instead of resulting to anagram-based retorts. And I hope you'll allow me to present a few comments, as I came from the other side. <br /><br />I believe that it's dangerous to compare Santa to a parable. I understand the principal there, but there is a key difference: Santa is not presented as a story. A parable doesn't eat cookies, write letters, rip pants, or leave presents. In my mind, this borders on deception (albeit with good intentions). I believe this could take credibility from stories that really are true. After all, if the story about a jolly man who brings presents isn't true (despite the evidence), why would a story about a man who died 2000 years ago be any more true? Granted, this is just conjecture on my part. <br /><br />The comparison between Aslan and Santa is also a bit tenuous. Aslan is a character that was specifically modeled after Jesus - that was the author's base intention. While Santa does carry several Christ-like qualities (and St. nick certainly appears to have been a man after Christ's heart), he is not directly modeled after Christ. I understand that, with tact, one could use Santa to teach children about grace and Christ's benevolent character, but it would be a major stretch from the consumerism-based Santa the media projects. I believe there are better ways - which leads into my final point. <br /><br />The magic and wonder of Christmas doesn't rely on Santa. Seriously. Growing up, I knew my gifts came from my parents - and I believe that I learned more about grace from that than any of my friends who thought they were from Santa. There was no fooling my parents - they knew exactly how I behaved through the year, and I knew it too. I also knew we didn't have much money, and I appreciated their generosity even more. I learned about Christ's character from watching them.<br /> <br />But the magic and wonder isn't limited to presents. Christmas is a time when people decorate their homes with fun lights; it's a time when people give away free cookies at the petting zoo; it's a time when people move past their ordinarily drag demeanor and smile at each other instead. For a month out of the year, my community became a truly wonderful place. And while everyone may not have the same experiences as I did, I believe that there is a lot more wonder to be had around Christmas than just Santa, if you take the time to look. <br /><br />Ultimately, we all have to rely on the Spirit to lead our kids into all truth, and I honestly believe that it's possible whether we do Santa or not.Accidenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04402928919495020616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382615983847443037.post-88510847133214340232014-12-19T13:21:13.999-08:002014-12-19T13:21:13.999-08:00While I like most of the post, I take issue with s...While I like most of the post, I take issue with something that you said. There was a comment in the post that says something like, "so it's not really a lie" ... there is no such thing as something being "not really a lie". If you let your kids believe in Santa, that is GREAT! (that is not lying). But if you tell your kids Santa exists (as in he exists to this day) that is a lie. If someone is given a gift under the tree that is from Santa, that is a lie. Elf on the Shelf is also lying (in my opinion) . We are commanded not to lie so I can understand how some would feel pretty strongly about this, but again, that doesn't mean they are high strung, rather just filled with conviction. Just because the GenPop does Santa, doesn't mean everyone has to do it or even that it is right. I'm pretty sure Jesus went against what the general population thought was right in His time and made some waves but was He wrong? I'm not comparing myself to Jesus, or anyone that doesn't "do" Santa for that matter, what I'm saying is that just because the majority goes along with something doesn't make it right. And if people stand against it, that doesn't make them wrong or mean they are taking away any of the magic. Now, let me explain something. I don't "do" santa with the kids but what I mean by that is that I don't perpetuate the lie - this was something my husband and I felt very strongly about. We wanted our kids to know that we always tell them the truth. My son (8) asked about santa about 3 years ago and we explained the truth, which is much like the poem Banana Bear posted, until then he believed in Santa and what the stories made him out to be. Now he understands who Saint Nick was and that Santa the people's way of spreading his christmas cheer. My daughter (4) believes in Santa. None of our gifts are given from Santa, I think we have one Santa decoration, and we watch the Polar Express and all the fun Christmas movies, etc. Santa is not banned from my house. My daughter talks about Santa and I don't say, "Santa is just pretend." I also don't tell her mickey is pretend or cinderella is pretend. We don't talk about how they better be good bc Santa is coming or anything like that. When my daughter asks me whether Santa is real or not I will explain it and talk it through just like I did with my son in that Santa was Saint Nick who loved Jesus and did great things for boys and girls but that he lived a long time ago and that now people want to spread that same joy and cheer through Santa Claus. <br />I take issue with the comment about it not "really" being a lie because there is no such thing.Valls Familyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02084955943750940602noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382615983847443037.post-53602052076574529172014-12-10T17:24:20.003-08:002014-12-10T17:24:20.003-08:00Many years ago in a place on the other side of the...Many years ago in a place on the other side of the world<br /><br />lived a man filled with compassion for each boy and girl<br /><br />It is said that this man, Saint Nicholas, gave <br /><br />away all that he had during those long ago days<br /><br />He wanted to show love to the sick and the poor<br /><br />And to encourage the children that he has such a heart for <br /><br />Why did Saint Nicholas give with such generosity?<br /><br />It’s because he knew of the greatest gift given to all humanity.<br /><br />He loved because God loved him and the whole world!<br /><br />God’s love overflowed in his heart, so the story is told. <br /><br />He knew that God sent His Son Jesus to save all people on Earth<br /><br />Jesus, a perfect man, with a humble birth<br /><br />Jesus, who died, so that we can have peace and joy<br /><br />Jesus, the greatest gift for every man, woman, girl and boy!<br /><br />All people, including Saint Nicholas, had a big problem with sin<br /><br />But Jesus fixed that when he died and then he rose again! <br /><br /><br />Out of thankfulness for this precious gift of God’s Son<br /><br />Saint Nicholas also longed to show love to everyone!<br /><br />Today we know Saint Nicholas by Santa Claus or Kris Kringle<br /><br />We sing lots of fun songs about him that have quite the jingle<br /><br />But first let’s remember, underneath all the presents and fun<br /><br />Began a story of love and compassion<br /><br />When you receive a gift, be it large or small<br /><br />Remember the love that is behind it all. <br /><br />Remember the love being shared in the gifts that you get<br /><br />Express THANKFULNESS! Please never forget!<br /><br />Whether it’s what you wished for or not is of no concern<br /><br />It’s the expression of love that I hope makes your heart warm.<br /><br />As Santa would say, Merry Christmas to you!<br /><br />May you know God’s love for your whole life through!<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08161652667156923713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382615983847443037.post-75419410937934217432014-12-10T17:17:38.099-08:002014-12-10T17:17:38.099-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08161652667156923713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382615983847443037.post-20929676672577892782014-08-31T14:06:16.541-07:002014-08-31T14:06:16.541-07:00Hi John Milton,
Let me respond to each of your di...Hi John Milton,<br /><br />Let me respond to each of your dissenting comments:<br /><br />1. As a Christian, I believe that although humans are made in the image of God, we have been corrupted by sin. Sin is rebellion against our Creator and His moral laws. Humans now have a corrupted, fallen nature. And as a result of this corruption, humans experience spiritual separation from God, psychological and moral conflict with each other, and physical weakness, sickness, illness, and death. So, I believe that the cause of embryos that do not fully develop into humans is our fallen human nature. So ultimately, it is an evil that this occurs, and is the result and consequence of being a fallen, sinful race. <br /><br />2. Personally, I disagree with evolution as a theory of human origins, and would lean towards intelligent design. For more on this, check out the New York Times bestseller, "Darwin's Doubt: The Explosive Origin of Animal Life and the Case for Intelligent Design" by Stephen Meyer. Also, check out "Icons of Evolution" by Jonathan Wells. Having said that, I do not think that evolutionary theory is completely at odds with humans being made in the image of God. Many Christians hold to what's called "theistic evolution," which is the view that God guided and superintended the evolutionary process and then endowed homo sapiens with a soul and consciousness and rationality, thereby creating them in His image. While I don't personally believe that, it is a viable option as a viewpoint for Christians. <br /><br />3. I know that there are arguments against life beginning at conception, but I just don't think there are any good arguments that hold water for this. If I did, then I'd have to change my belief. I also know that many people support embryonic stem cell research because they believe they will help others by doing so. I simply believe that, whatever their intentions, it remains wrong to wantonly discard human life, whatever stage of development it is at. Finally, I am encouraged that it seems that most of the best stem cell research seems to be headed in the direction of using induced pluripotent stem cells, which are engineered from human skin cells. This is very encouraging as it avoids the destruction of human embryos.Nathanael Kinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18051937741247763431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382615983847443037.post-8004524528836954852014-08-31T11:26:24.565-07:002014-08-31T11:26:24.565-07:00A couple of dissenting comments:
1. Billons of em...A couple of dissenting comments:<br /><br />1. Billons of embryos do not make it to full grown humans. Who/what is the cause of this? If you answer God, i then ask why is it ok for God to prevent full term growth but not humans? If you answer that God works in mysterious ways, why is his mysterious ways subject to different moral standards than our own?<br />2. The idea that human beings were "created" in the image of an all power "Creator" is simply not backed by science. Homo sapiens evolved from other species. This is a widely established FACT supported by tons of evidence. Ignorance of this FACT does not support any argument that claims humans are a "superior" or "sacred" or "chosen" species.<br />3. You can choose to argue that life beings at conception, (hopefully its your choice and you are not blindly following religious doctrine), but do know that there are many arguments against this. Supporters of Embryonic Stem Cells generally care much more about actual living human beings than a collection of cells.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382615983847443037.post-46079399090119280842014-08-28T11:51:24.632-07:002014-08-28T11:51:24.632-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.John N. Kachale IIIhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04719690090588951934noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382615983847443037.post-89673666406639140852014-08-28T11:50:53.461-07:002014-08-28T11:50:53.461-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.John N. Kachale IIIhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04719690090588951934noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382615983847443037.post-80355138754080747502014-08-28T11:50:32.921-07:002014-08-28T11:50:32.921-07:00Thanks for these two clear and insightful pieces, ...Thanks for these two clear and insightful pieces, Nathaniel King.John N. Kachale IIIhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04719690090588951934noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382615983847443037.post-71651324935639431112014-08-28T00:35:46.347-07:002014-08-28T00:35:46.347-07:00This is a statement from ALS Canada - "We don...This is a statement from ALS Canada - "We don’t support or have not supported any research with human embryos or human embryonic stem cells .<br /><br />For any questions, regarding the ALS Canada Research Program, please contact David Taylor, Director of Research, dt@als.ca".Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04042351878404905594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382615983847443037.post-74382014900342405472014-08-27T19:09:24.787-07:002014-08-27T19:09:24.787-07:00I love this. I couldn't agree more. I am so si...I love this. I couldn't agree more. I am so sick of people arguing about common sense. How do they think WE started?!!? I'm not doing the challenge either. But I am on my knees praying for an end to this senseless killing called abortion.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04125877940147240525noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382615983847443037.post-92021028798625252572014-08-27T17:07:34.710-07:002014-08-27T17:07:34.710-07:00Nina,
Thanks for pointing this out. It appears t...Nina,<br /><br />Thanks for pointing this out. It appears that the ALS Association changed their website as of yesterday, possibly in an attempt to downplay their funding of embryonic stem cell research. The original website can be viewed here: <a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7807254/Screenshot.jpg" rel="nofollow"> Screenshot </a>Nathanael Kinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18051937741247763431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382615983847443037.post-85065252193783218202014-08-27T16:25:50.675-07:002014-08-27T16:25:50.675-07:00Hi Nathaniel,
I was reading your original post and...Hi Nathaniel,<br />I was reading your original post and you cited something from the ALS Association website about adult stem cell research being just as important as embryonic stem cell research and that they should be done together. I clicked on the link, but couldn't find where it said this. They did imply that they have done it in the past, but are now moving on to iPS cells. I would very much like to know, because I don't want to support embryonic stem cell research. And thank you for the eye opening article.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06020928494973500896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382615983847443037.post-70374587009369487882014-08-27T13:52:07.930-07:002014-08-27T13:52:07.930-07:00Hi Nathanael,
Thank you and God Bless You for thi...Hi Nathanael,<br /><br />Thank you and God Bless You for this article. I was asked to do this challenge by a close family member, the same day I posted about ALS embryonic stem cell research. I was struggling on how to respond. God has answered my prayers and I was able to post your article, that is now on Christma News. You covered every aspect in a very respectful way. Thank you again.<br />Sincerely,<br />Rose~Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16035673763303471846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382615983847443037.post-17865088651985728552014-08-27T13:29:50.672-07:002014-08-27T13:29:50.672-07:00Thank you for your article it was eye opening for ...Thank you for your article it was eye opening for me and I've shared it so others may become aware where their money may be going. I also read http://frcblog.com/2014/08/send-your-ice-bucket-challenge-donation-ethical-research/ and they mentioned alternative places to donate, also.<br />Thank you. I'm sure writing this and answering comments has taken up a lot of your time.Random Thoughtshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12240896974382558789noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382615983847443037.post-6687949698091403872014-08-27T11:02:09.393-07:002014-08-27T11:02:09.393-07:00Hi Theo Kamis,
Rather than answer your specific q...Hi Theo Kamis,<br /><br />Rather than answer your specific questions, I'd like to direct you to the resources I cited towards the end of my blog. Suffice it to say that I think a child in the womb has the same moral status and should be afforded the same rights as a child outside of the womb. <br /><br />NathanaelNathanael Kinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18051937741247763431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382615983847443037.post-41219642577818971342014-08-27T08:36:02.681-07:002014-08-27T08:36:02.681-07:00As I was researching for a Facebook note about the...As I was researching for a Facebook note about the Ice Water Challenge I came across your blog. <br /><br />Thank you for your articulate, thoughtful post. <br /><br />I linked to your blog because I sourced you for some info I used. <br /><br />I am linking the note so you can look at it if you want anything removed please let me know. <br /><br />May God bless your ministry <br />https://www.facebook.com/notes/george-willette/why-i-am-saying-no-to-the-als-or-any-other-ice-bucket-challenge/10202332517786352Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11382619703021174647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382615983847443037.post-76448501355826343612014-08-27T08:01:07.193-07:002014-08-27T08:01:07.193-07:00I do have several questions about your stance on w...I do have several questions about your stance on what you call "pro-life".<br /><br />First, do you believe that any termination of pregnancy, for any reason, is unacceptable?<br /><br />Second, if a woman is made pregnant as a result of involuntary sex (rape or incest), do you believe that she should be required, by law, to carry the pregnancy to term?<br /><br />If your answer to the second question is anything other than an unqualified and unequivocal "no", please explain why.<br /><br />Third, regarding the Savita Halappanavar case, please tell me what you think about it.<br /><br />Finally, do you think that a Christian, or a person worshiping any other religion, has the right to impose their religious beliefs on others, either under enforced social custom, or under color of law?<br /><br />Following up on that, if you say "yes", would you willingly submit to the laws of the United States if another religion imposes its beliefs upon you under that law (for instance, Islam's belief that the only right a woman has is to be raped whenever a Muslim man (and only a Muslim man) wants to)?<br /><br />Thank you!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09992572346880734291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382615983847443037.post-40579643140471351152014-08-27T00:27:17.995-07:002014-08-27T00:27:17.995-07:00Hello Nathanael, I wanted to let you know that ALS...Hello Nathanael, I wanted to let you know that ALS Canada does not do embryonic stem cell research, in case you wanted to share that with everyone.<br />http://als.ca/en/research/stem-cells<br /><br />But I do see your point in not doing the challenge.deebriohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05416839698964772881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382615983847443037.post-6040932761163332372014-08-26T17:40:20.209-07:002014-08-26T17:40:20.209-07:00Thanks for this post. I tried to reach out to you ...Thanks for this post. I tried to reach out to you on twitter.<br /><br />As the mom to many embryos through embryo adoption, may I encourage you to refine your language to say "give embryos a chance to continue living" or "a chance to be born" instead of "a chance at life." The truth of the matter is they already have live, which is why Embryonic Stem Cell Research is so problematic. This subtle nuance in language is an important distinction to make to continue to affirm that these embryos already do have life. "A chance at life" implies that they do not currently have one.<br /><br />Thanks for your consideration,<br />JenniferJenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17074163757127728047noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382615983847443037.post-32564363643009173992014-08-23T18:01:47.203-07:002014-08-23T18:01:47.203-07:00Excellent review and recommendation regarding Rob ...Excellent review and recommendation regarding Rob Bell. Thanks! Bryn T. Joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10373804459027167451noreply@blogger.com