Seriously, sometimes I think I am in the 'twilight zone'.
Earlier today while wading through news articles (and dearth of the same on this hush-hush scandal) of LGBT 'icon' Larry Brinkin...the fellow who coined the phrase 'domestic partner' and is a major proponent of 'same sex' marriage and who has been arrested for allegedly owning/collecting child porn with a distinctly racist flavor to it...
...I came across this: The strange and 'otherworldly' case of Stonington, CT pediatrician Dr. Todd Parrilla with his own pending case after being charged withpossessing, distributing and receiving images of child pornography, in his case,
obscene pictures of little boys.
Yes, you see, in my research, I noted 'June dates' for creep Parrilla and could hardly believe my eyes when I perused virtually identical articles about him, only they are dated about a year apart.
Back around August 2011, here's what went down:
"Parrilla was arrested early Tuesday morning by FBI agents after
an undercover operation linked him to a file sharing site.
Authorities seized 104 photos of adolescent white males. None were
his patients."
Okay, so we know that creep Parrilla likes little boys. And we also know that the good doctor gets an initial 'easy pass' thanks to a certain liberal judge.
U.S. District Court Judge Thomas P. Smith belittled the gravity of
the offense of downloading/reacting to numerous pedophile images of little
boys when he told Stonington pediatrician Dr. Todd Parrilla,
"Eventually this will all be behind you," Smith told Parrilla from his
bench in the Hartford courtroom. "I've seen many cases like this; this
is a legal problem. You're going to get over it."
So what's a 'few' photos? Here's what a year's worth of investigation revealed:
"Prosecutors say an analysis of the seized computers and hard drives
revealed more than 100,000 images and more than 10,000 videos depicting
child pornography.
The pornography included images of boys under
the age of 12 engaging in sexually explicit conduct, authorities said.
Some of the material portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct or other
depictions of violence, prosecutors said."
OOPS! Apparently Dr. Todd Parrilla had 'quite a bit more' than just 104 dirty pictures of boys engaged in sex acts. A LOT more, actually.
Yet not only did liberal Judge Smith seek to minimize and downplay the initial Parrilla evidence, but he also seemed to regard this pedophile pornography proclivity as nothing much to be concerned about--kind of like repeat JAY-WALKING, you know?
Ergo the 'home confinement'.
But where I come from, this is perhaps one of the most profound cases of Progressive Liberal justice in Connecticut--ever--gone awry. It serves to remind us, one and all, just how many LGBT shenanigans are afoot in our fair nutmeg state and of just how many 'apologists' there are for this type of behavior.
And right under our noses!
Now, I know that there will be cries of 'not all homosexuals are pedophiles', but let's make this perfectly clear: Dr. Todd Parrilla definitely likes adolescent white boys:
"The pornography included images of boys under the age of 12 engaging in
sexually explicit conduct, authorities said. Some of the material
portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of
violence, prosecutors said."
Got it? Good. Now understand that, contrary to Judge Smith's beliefs, Dr. Todd Parrillo is NOT going to 'get over it', or get over 'anything' related to his sexual inclinations, not now...and not ever.
The brains of guys like Parrillo are 'hard-wired' to respond as they do, again and again. No judge, no doctor, no injection, no home confinement, no restrictions, no jail and no therapies save INCARCERATION AND REMOVAL FROM SOCIETY AND FROM CHILDREN (BOYS) IN PARTICULAR will provide anyone any degree of safety from this sexual predator!
Shame on this horrendous liberal mindset--This is SERIOUS! Parents, please protect your children since those in positions of trust obviously WON'T!
How chillingly these words of Justice Smith ring now that we are better understanding of the true extent of Dr. Todd Parrilla's extensive child pornography collection:
"Smith also noted that the FBI investigation found no evidence that Parrilla ever made the leap from viewing photos and videos to taking any action against any young person. He said he poses no risk to the community."
YEAH--WHAT'S A LITTLE PEDOPHILE PORNOGRAPHY FOR A MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY WHO 'GETS' TO INTIMATELY REACT WITH NAKED AND SEMI-NAKED LITTLE KIDS ON A DAILY BASIS AS A PEDIATRICIAN? AND, LET ME ADD: 'NOT THAT WE KNOW OF YET(did Dr. Creep molest any patients), BUT THIS NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO ALSO, DON'T YOU THINK?
Is it me, or is there something wrong here? Like I said above, it's 'twilight zone' all around today.
I'm sorry for yelling, but sometimes, I really, really HATE the Progressive Liberal LGBT mindset of Connecticut and elsewhere and what it serves to 'front'. Lord Please Protect children and those who love them-
Rev. Barbara Sexton
"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"
Progressive-Lib Political Stuff by those too lazy or too corrupt to look for the truth, who ask me (formatting 'as is'):
Dear Reverend Barbara,
You appear to be a wacky reverend with a wacky website that supports a candidate who likes wacky tabacky. Just what is a biblical biochemist? And why are you Lately of the UCC-United Church of Christ (the Obama/Reverend Jeremiah Wright church)? Does Robert "I Got High And Forgot To Vote" Merkle attend your church and get spiritual advice and counseling from you? (Anonymous from Westport Roundup)
Rev. Dr. Cari Jackson preaching on gay rights in Cuba.
Dear Ones: I hardly ever ask you for a very personal prayer, but I must now. Please pray for my church FCC Stamford (The First Congregational Church of Stamford CT). This is the 'church that founded Stamford'. This is the church that celebrated 'the first Thanksgiving', right here in New England with the Native Americans...both of whom I love so much. FCC Stamford was 'gathered' in 1635 and that has to count for something. But now it is literally at risk of total collapse. This is the church that was 'right and ready' at old 'Fort Stamford' to meet the needs of the people, so many years ago. Yet here, today, we are 'at each others' throats' over base things like politics, gay rights, power and money. Truly, we are in trouble and I am putting a call out for all 'prayer warriors' everywhere in the world to petition God on behalf of our church so that we do not fail due to human shortcomings. Yesterday, our pastor The Rev. Dr. Cari Jackson RESIGNED suddenly and abruptly, without any notice and she left the church in a state of crisis.
Lord God, I humbly ask that you will make things right and help us see our way, Myself, I also ask dear Mother Mary to please intervene on my behalf and on the behalf of those who have lost their way at FCC Stamford. I pray that you will open the minds and the hearts of those who no longer believe in the sanctity of YOU...especially the gay people amongst us who feel so unwanted and unloved. Help us all remember that you are the mother of our Risen Lord. Help us all remember to cast aside Christian denominational differences, And help us to always remember to pray FIRST to GOD THE FATHER and to our Brother, your Precious Son JESUS, to the Holy Spirit and also to YOU, dear Lady. I thank you Holy Trinity and dear Blessed Mother as your daughter for listening to all this. In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit- AMEN Reverend Barbara Sexton God Bless You All Reverend Barbara Sexton "The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets The Cross" www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com
Oh...it starts off 'innocuously' enough, but the motive of GAY BULLIES is painfully obvious for those of us who have been assaulted by them and their devious supporters.
So, without much 'ado' here is what's behind the attack of radical gay bullies on churches and other conservative houses of worship, which I pray will be of some consolation to my church-fellows in New York currently struggling with gay rights and gay marriage, specifically.
Points to understand:
1) The gay bullies responsible for the 'uprisings' in houses of worship are typically not regular parishioners or visitors, and do not generally present themselves as genuine persons of faith. Unlike our LGBT loved ones, these gay bullies wish to usurp houses of worship solely for their political and social gain.
2) LGBT persons of faith are likely to attend UCC (United Church of Christ), and Unitarian churches, Disciples of Christ , Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) and other 'liberal wings' of traditional churches. Catholic churches are particular targets of gay bullies due to the church's pedophilia 'history'. Gay marriages are already performed in many churches and in secular settings in certain states. But gay bullies are NOT satisfied with this and wish to infiltrate ALL Catholic and conservative Protestant churches for their own personal punitive reasons.
3) Gay bullies are 'one issue voters' and 'one issue church attendees'. They are most likely to volunteer (if at all) for such things as hospitality, food and beverage preparation and event handling, so they can bring more of their 'fellows' into the church.
4) When gay bullies infiltrate a church, it is important to determine who their 'inside contacts' are. No gay bully can make a furtive or spectacular 'entry' without being enabled by at least a couple of church members who are either gay themselves or have a family member or two who is gay. These church members will invariably end up on the O & A (Open and Affirming) Committee or at least be vitally interested in what's going on with that committee.
5) Once the issue of 'gay marriage' is brought up in a church, it will be decided that a 'discussion of homosexuality' FIRST will be useful. Many hours will be devoted to assuring one and all that, like Christ, 'all are welcome'. Gay bullies bank on the good-will and compassion of clergy and Christians to do their deeds.
6) Should anyone be honest and express any anti-gay sentiment, the gay bullies will shout the person down and label him/her as a 'homophobe', utilizing the typical tactics of bullies everywhere.
7) Gay bullies will polarize a church overnight, thus distracting it from all the other work at hand. Be prepared for this.
8) Where gay bullies gain a foothold in churches, 'false good behavior' prevails in those who do not wish to be 'unliked' or called a 'homophobe'. Free speech will be stifled. The whole 'gay marriage discussion' will go underground...just like the gay bullies prefer it to be.
9) As gay rights are discussed more and more, the subject of gay marriage will come up. Many persons have strong feelings about gay marriage. And many are 'okay' with a civil ceremony as opposed to a 'religious ceremony'. But make no mistake: gay bullies will settle for no less than full religious ceremonies in the sanctuary with a Priest or Minister or Rabbi celebrating. Gay marriage proponents in NEW YORK call those who have strong anti-gay marriage sentiments (and who as clergy may not wish to perform gay marriages, as is their right) as using 'sad, filthy tactics'. "Filthy?" Really? How about I'll keep my religion out of your 'uterus' (or in your case, Alvin, your 'prostate')...if you'll keep your self-righteous gay bullying out of my 'faith life'. Deal? "If this is the case, then it is a sad, filthy tactic which proves that in spite of all of their prayers and talk of upholding God's will, those who oppose marriage equality don't have any suitable arguments to defend their cause and therefore have to exploit the righteous indignation of those oppressed by their lies." http://holybulliesandheadlessmonsters.blogspot.com/
10) Gay bullies and their supporters will insist that just because a church votes to become 'open and affirming' (of LGBT individuals), it does NOT necessarily follow that the church will be performing gay marriages. THIS IS A LIE. Once a church 'goes' 'O & A', gay marriage invariably follows poste haste.
11) Anyone in the church community standing in the way of gay bullies will be confronted with any number of accusations whether true or false, including: claims of violations of civil rights, claims of pedophilia (especially in churches with histories of such), claims of sexual abuse and misbehavior (in the case of Protestant churches where infidelity and illicit affairs are more predominant than pedophilia) and the like. Be aware of this and learn how to protect against 'false accusations'. And if false accusations are made, FOLLOW THROUGH & PROSECUTE!
(Hint for all GAY BULLIES: Another's 'downfall' does NOT serve as justification for your own shortcomings. If you KNOW what it's like to be 'stripped of your rights', why do you seek to strip another of their rights to either perform or not perform gay marriages, each according to their conscience?)
12) Gay bullies will challenge their detractors as being 'bad Christians' for not accepting them and all they demand. They disrespect and discount the Bible and mock long-held Christian beliefs. One of the favorite ploys of gay bullies is to make absurd comparisons of Biblical passages, such as, "Well, if you're going to believe that homosexuality is an abomination in the eyes of the Lord, then you can't have sex with your wife when she's menstruating." Very quickly, discussion with gay bullies in church gets 'weird'. Be prepared for this. http://holybulliesandheadlessmonsters.blogspot.com/2010/10/phony-christians-shedding-crocodile.html
13) Gay bullies get their way by 'intimidation' when they can. Once they are established in the church, they will tell their opponents, "If you don't like it, then leave." Then they will deny saying such a thing. Sadly, many DO leave a church which is overrun by gay bullies.
14) Gay bullies do NOT represent all gays. Most decent gays, like most decent non-gays (Christians and otherwise) can 'live and let live'. Of course, I may be wrong here, but I like to look for the best in people...which is why I've been so successfully 'suckered' over the course of my life, I suppose. Gay bullies only care about what they can get and not a few of them had 'bad experiences' as children at the hands of 'clergy', so to them it's all about that most un-Christian of concepts, 'payback'. Oddly, gay bullies most strongly align these days with Muslims (who also feel sidelined, although most Muslims are not very open-minded about homosexuality). Gay bullies will also align themselves with 'Black Liberation Theology' proponents. This, also, is a curiosity, since the traditional 'Black church' is fairly straight and conservative. "BLACK, GAY & MAD AS HELL" (no kidding!) http://holybulliesandheadlessmonsters.blogspot.com/2008/05/black-gay-and-mad-as-hell-i-was-reading.html
15) The liberal gay community has a lot of resources for gay bullies to use to further their cause. Outside groups will be brought into your church. Protests may be staged. Money may be 'brought in' with the contingency that gay marriages be performed with all the trimmings.
16) The Pastor must provide moral guidance when the church is under attack by gay bullies. If that Pastor has any secrets of their OWN in their closets, or out, they must disclose and deal with it immediately. Gay bullies are great at 'blackmailing'. Any clergy person or church leader who is at risk of being 'blackmailed' should excuse him/herself from any further interaction in positions of authority with gay bullies. Good churches should always police themselves as believers are admonished to in Scripture.
17) Gay bullies are persistent. They say they want your 'approval', but really what they want is 'to be able to have their big church wedding just like everyone else'. There is nothing particularly noble about this, in fact, though only God knows for certain what is in anyone's heart.
18) Gay non-bullies are often uncomfortable by the bully-tactics of their activist brothers and sisters, which is not to say that they don't secretly or openly approve of such tactics. Still, churches need to be aware that closeted gay members may fear being 'outted' by gay bullies and thus may fall away from the church. "The Case For Outting Closeted Politicians" http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2011/06/14/kruger_outing/index.html This 'falling away' may be misinterpreted as strong disapproval of the gay bullies, thus causing great anguish for non-radical LGBT persons when they feel like they have lost their church home.
19) It's all about power, sex, money and more sex. Gay bullies know this and it serves the church well to know this and react to it with a 'clean heart'. A favorite tactic is disrespectful disruption of church services: Gay activists terrorize Boston church
20) The subject of children is a touchy one. Many gay bullies have no authority over their tongues as they debate 'open and affirming/gay rights/gay marriage' issues in church. Parents must be prepared to protect their children from inappropriate speech and actions. And they must be prepared to 'explain' what gay bullies are all about in ways that are age-appropriate for the individual child.
21) Gay bullies (and other LBGT persons) in church are often found to be involved in 'youth activities'. Gay bullies in particular are keen to 'help' young people 'determine whether or not' a child is gay. I cannot stress strongly enough how imperative it is to be vigilant whenever a radical gay bully seeks close contact with church children. Make sure chaperone's are present. Do background checks! Those who are abused sometimes grow up to be gay bullies who abuse children themselves. In this day and age where anything goes, gay bullies must not be trusted even in a so-called 'church setting'. Gay bullies have issues and have some 'out there' justifications!:
(Hint for all GAY BULLIES: Another's 'downfall' does NOT serve as justification for your own shortcomings. If you KNOW what it's like to be 'stripped of your rights', how DARE YOU attempt to STRIP OTHERS OF THEIRS? (In this case, the right to REFUSE to perform gay marriages!)
22) Gay bullies and their silent but ardent supporters are coming to a church near you. All they care about is gay rights and gay marriage and they will 'damn' anyone who disagrees with them and/or gets in their way. They take advantage of Christian hospitality and Christian kindness, knowing full well that in order for Christians to 'live the Gospel' we must love the sinner along with the saint. And we must know that we cannot always tell the difference between the sinner and the saint either! Scripture tells us very clearly that 'even the elect will be deceived' meaning that even churchmen and women will make bad choices and have bad discernment. We are told that in these days, sexual mores will be lax and libertine lifestyles will be common even in religious settings, so that none of us should be surprised.
23) There is one last 'trick' that gay bullies have which they 'pull in church' in order to further their own selfish gay rights and gay marriage ends. They will start to speak of Jesus as being gay. They will speak of the disciples as being gay. They will speak of Jesus and the disciples having gay sex together and they will speak like this in front of all...including the children they are 'trying to help through their wonder years'. I am not aware that there are any Biblical passages that affirm that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is gay, but I am certain that the liberal left gay bullies have a plethora of evidence. It's amazing how even non-Judeo-Christian gay bullies are quick to pull out a Bible verse they don't believe in if it is useful to make their point! Prepare yourself for such talk. There are no limits when it comes to gay bullies justifying a lifestyle they feel they must justify. They will impugn Mother Mary and the other Mary and all the women in the Bible. They will even go so far-as they have in the O & A gay-friendly, gay-marriage performing churches I am familiar with here in CT-as to call God the Father...'Mother'.
24) I've told you these things so that you are prepared when gay bullies attack your church in New York. Be strong in Christ and testify to the truth. Do not forget to be kind to strangers, but use the wisdom and discernment God gave you to determine what gay bully troublemakers are really all about. Most of all, pray for those, both straight and LGBT, who are NOT like gay bullies, but who simply wish to live their lives in peace and in the Love of God. No evildoers will prevail in the end. But in the meantime, true Christians must be strong so that when gay bullies who are interested only in the things of the world assault them and their houses of worship, they will be prepared.
25) It is claimed that legally, no Priest, Minister, Rabbi or other clergy person can be compelled to perform a gay marriage against their wills, nor force a church or synagogue or social center to service a gay event they are not comfortable with. However, gay bullies are already seeing to it that such 'exemptions' be deemed 'unconstitutional' on the grounds that the rights of gay people will be violated.
As it stands, church leaders and their congregations will be the ones with no rights whatsoever should they oppose gay marriage.
Please keep the New York religious community in prayer with me at this time. I have a 'soft place in my heart' for conservative New Yorkers in the religious community, as I was one of the few 'moderate-conservatives' (now fully conservative!) in liberal Connecticut for many years. The truth was so expertly concealed from me that I want to warn others of this. I want to warn those involved in church politics in New York that they will be lied to. False promises will be made to them. And when all else fails, bully tactics are sure to follow in their wake from those with no consciences or regard for the law. The old adage is: 'give them an inch and they'll take a yard'. The 2011 version of this is: 'give them an inch and they'll try to sue you for violating their 'civil rights' if you don't perform their gay marriages in your churches to their specifications no matter WHAT, if any their 'religious preferences' may be and HOW DARE YOU ASK ANYWAY? I will never alter my perception of marriage as it is given in the Bible and as it is in my heart as God speaks to me: Marriage is a union of men and women for good so that people don't 'stray' (I know, I know...but remember that we are all but dear sinners) wherein those who are intended to bear children do so and those who are so destined adopt. I no longer care if gays get married or not as long as they don't 'get into my face with it'. I don't care if they have a civil or church ceremony, as long as they don't tell me I must sanction gay nuptials in my church sanctuary'. That will not happen. Others are responsible for what THEY do, as I am responsible for what I do! A church sanctuary is a holy place in God's house, no matter that my Progressive lib friends consider it to be nothing more than a 'really neat site to have a wedding and to take pictures with the cool stained glass windows'. Of course, my gay friends, God will know what's really in your hearts and what socio-political points you just had to make at your gay wedding. Rev. Barb is happy to leave it at that. But there are LOTS of pretty places to have your ceremonies and take your photos. Are you sure you really care about our 'churches' or are you just trying to make some kind of 'statement'? To all gay bullies: I want you to consider that there are those of us who dedicate our church sanctuaries for holy activities such as worship, communion, baptism, funerals/memorial services, weddings, confirmations and other life-affirming transitions and celebrations. Do you realize how disrespectful and hurtful you are to insist that you get your way when there are so many other options available to you? I don't expect the 'worst' of gay rights advocates to understand what I am saying here, especially those who don't have a faith life. The greatest thing I can do for them...is to pray for them and wish them well. However, I DO expect gay rights advocates to RESPECT MY RIGHT to feel and say as I do as an American citizen who has a right to freely practice my religion. Neither do I expect GAY BULLIES to understand that my refusal to perform gay marriages is anything other than a PERSONAL CHOICE...and one to which I am entitled, at that. And strangely enough, I am grateful to the LGBT community in Connecticut, New York and surrounding area and especially to those few of you whom I call 'gay bullies': You have made me more aware. You have blessed me and you have freed me. You have solidified my work and my faith and I am grateful for all that you have done. Now I only wish that we could 'work together' in true honesty, without the games and subterfuge. Reverend Barbara Sexton
"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"
Dear Ones: By now all have heard that tomorrow May 21, 2011 will be 'Judgement Day'. Believers will be 'Raptured', the dead first and then living believers, a 'concept' which is cherished with wondrous anticipation by many, if not most, genuine Christian believers. I don't know if tomorrow will be the day or not, but my advice to you is this: If you are a Christian striving to live in a 'state of grace', keep on doing what you've been doing. If you are a non-believer, I pray that you will be given the gift of faith. And to 'marginal' Christians, this is a good time to 'firm up' your beliefs and fully put your faith in the Lord. Pray to God that your faith be strengthened. Come what may tomorrow, there are TWO things I DO know for certain: 1) It will be a hey-day for scoffers and non-believers who will reveal the true depths of their religious intolerance and lack of understanding for Christians and other persons of faith ....and 2) As if things were not bad enough in this world already, even today, this so-called 'day before', May 20, 2011, true followers of Christ have an even more difficult path to tread with those around them. With Love in Christ, Reverend Barbara Sexton "The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross" www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com
John's mother Margaret Thomas was a beloved life-long member of FCC Stamford (also known as 'The First Congregational Church of Stamford') long-remembered for her stalwart faithfulness to our church and it's members, as well as for her 'forward-looking' personal theology embraced by the UCC-at-large.
Rev. Lydia Velika-'the other woman and frequent flyer with Rev. John Thomas'...on whose buck?
Margaret was ever-proud of the influence her son John had for decades on not only our local church, but internationally, as well...heady influence, indeed. This is not to say that all of us at FCC Stamford agreed with her and her son's convictions, for we did not. Nevertheless, we kept tithing in good and with good faith. A handful of us would have no part of violation of our second amendment (gun) rights, Black Liberation Theology, politicking in the Sanctuary during Worship Services, blanket right to abortion at all stages, including late-term abortion, comprehensive 'blessing' and 'performance' of same-sex marriages in church Sanctuaries, and--a real sticking point for me: the severe anti-Israel, anti-Semitic sentiment of John Thomas and the UCC-at-large. LINK:http://www.nysun.com/national/liberal-church-more-balanced-on-middle-east/57212/ LINK:Barack Obama and the UCC:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Church_of_Christ The few of us balked and still do at various UCC 'resolutions' and 'statements' and refused to 'sign onto' a number of them. But none of that matters anymore, for the precepts above are now fully ingrained into the UCC and FCC in Connecticut and the rest of the country. What does matter, though, is the IMPACT the Thomas church and theology currently has on the citizens here in Southwestern CT and specifically in Stamford! Today's FCC Stamford's 'relatively new' pastor Rev. Cari Jackson feeds the flames of the Progressive Lib church culture in the church that John Thomas hails from. Jackson furthers what Thomas planted and fomented over the decades of his life here in Southwestern Connecticut. And this same church has increasing involvement with The Interfaith Council of Southwestern Connecticut and The Rev. Kate Heichler, Rabbi Josh Hammerman and others who 'speak for and represent' the 'faith community'. LINK:http://interfaithcouncil.net/default.aspxand LINK:http://interfaithcouncil.net/Documents/Flyer-MyNeighborsFaith-2.pdf Now the 'John Thomas tradition' permeates Stamford's Mayor Pavia's new 'Multicultural Council', as well, which I find to be 'kind of strange' for a so-called 'Republican', Pavia: LINK: --Mayor Pavia's Multicultural Council of Stamford: http://www.cityofstamford.org/content/25/64/1168/118292/default.aspx LINK: http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/default/article/Stamford-panel-to-discuss-religious-relations-1031478.php#ixzz1FBQbKPpU As a TEA PARTY PATRIOT in Progressive Lib Connecticut, I wonder if anyone is looking out for TAXPAYER MONEY with Mayor Pavia's newly-established 'Multicultural Council'? Have all the 'religious parties involved' with this new council been properly 'vetted'? I've written before about my concern's for pro-Muslim sentiment generated in Southwestern Connecticut. And with this piece, I am taking us all 'out of our comfort zones' to address a very real example of the foolishness of mixing 'politics and religion'. It will be interesting to see if the 'John Thomas Scandal' so in the tradition of Swaggart, Bakker, Long and company ultimately impels the probably well-intentioned-though-perpetually-misguided Interfaith Council of SW CT to 'straighten up and fly right'. Money talks when all good persuasions cannot. It is not the root of all evil, but the love of money most certainly is. Let that 'love' be looked into on behalf of TAXPAYERS all over the United States, especially when it comes to 'religious types' preaching 'politics from the pulpit'. It's the right thing to do and will lessen the possibility that good people will be taken advantage of by those like John Thomas and the ones over whom his vast influence extends. Not even Thomas's blog makes mention of his years-long shenanigans and recent downfall: LINK: http://www.ctschicago.edu/index.php/mnusocialmedia/john-thomas-blog/312-the-bipartisanship-we-dont-need Therefore, I urge all people of good faith to steward themselves, lest they try to proffer forth anything that will mislead the easily-mislead public. LINK: http://interfaithcouncil.net/Documents/Flyer-MyNeighborsFaith-2.pdf LINK: http://interfaithcouncil.net/Documents/Flyer-MyNeighborsFaith-2.pdf "For shame", to those who do otherwise. When John Thomas got arrested in October 2007 for attempting to storm the White House with a stack of sexual-libertine doctrine, "Thomas reminded the crowd of martyred theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who said, "The church has been a silent partner in evil deeds...We are breaking that silence today". All I have to say is 'he-Thomas-would know'...and yes I am. I thank God that Margaret was 'spared witness' of the downfall of her son, but truly he has fooled us all. May God Bless Us & Show Us His Mercy Reverend Barbara Sexton "The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross" http://www.dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/ UPDATE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/12/samuel-l-jackson-obama-vote-black_n_1271797.html
UPDATE:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/12/samuel-l-jackson-obama-vote-black_n_1271797.html Dear Ones: I think the President is struggling to find his 'true spiritual center'. He lacks a 'spiritual advisor' as far as the public knows, and his last one was a disaster politically for him. I can understand his being 'wary' of such advisors. And I understand him being wary of his/our former affiliation with the United Church of Christ, the UCC. It's a mish-mash of uber 'if it feels good and raises money, let's do it' theology with little accountability to anyone. But the UCC did provide a 'platform' for President Obama to deliver his first Presidential campaign speech (his/their words) in June of 2007 in Hartford, CT. Trouble is, the UCC is dying on the vine and I don't think they'd take the chance of being accused of 'breaching the line between church and state' again. All things considered, both Mr. Obama and myself are well rid of close association with that group...though I am still, technically, a member and for all we know, he, too, has maintained at least 'associative' status there. Considering the 'kill the white devil' and 'chickens coming home to roost' mentality of Reverend Jeremiah Wright and company, it would be a real shame for our first black president to still be on board with that, don't you think? Surely we are all expecting better of him, this President who claims to 'want to unify', than to embrace 'Black Liberation Theology', right? It is quite possible that Obama is the 'new and improved President Obama'. He may actually have had some understanding of how hateful and hurtful his beloved Chicago Trinity Church's teachings are to anyone 'not like they are'. It could be our President has morphed. If so, he should make amends and 'declare a new spiritual home',based on 'improved counsel'. Be it church or mosque or a place where both reign (such as the UCC), he really should say so. What is there to hide, anyway? Obama knows by now that he is bound to anger many, no matter who or what he chooses, the unenviable position for someone who is so high-profile. But if the President wishes to remain in his 'high-profile position', he needs to come clean with us regarding the church-dealings/events/venues he used so freely last go-round. Indeed, those pesky 2012 elections are coming up and if Barack Obama hopes to avail himself again of that glorious 'worship bully pulpit', he needs to act and act fast. We believers know that at the end of the day, President Obama will be judged just like the rest of us poor slobs, for all he has done and said and not done and left unsaid. Someday he will have to explain how he left the Muslim v. Christian controversy 'float' for so long and what his 'motives' are for doing so. A simple statement would go a long way Mr. President. Alas, we are born alone, we die alone and we will have to account for ourselves--alone. It's true. So I do pray President Obama has or will have the spiritual discernment to make wise choices for himself and his family with that 'free will' the Good Lord gave him. I pray he honors God above all, coming to peace with the uneven and tumultuous cultural and religious exposures he had during his non-traditional childhood. Let our President think for himself, as he will be judged for himself. An honest reflection will reveal that the man who 'used' the church to get elected must now live with the consequences and figure out what 'to do' for 2012. Me--I left the UCC precisely because I got sick and tired of hearing Progressive Lib Democrat politics literally preached from the pulpit during 'worship'. It was especially distressful to me since I was a mute on my political standings. I was a quiet, apolitical moderate-conservative with some liberal social leanings at the time. All was fine with me and the UCC until I expressed my opinions. For such an open and affirming church, they sure live a lie, I quickly learned. But oh what a difference an election cycle or two makes! Now the 2012 elections are looming. This is as good a time as any for anyone running for President to declare their true religious affiliations, if any. American voters are funny when it comes to their chosen candidates, officials, elections and religion. We want them to keep it honest. We want them to keep it simple. With Love in Christ Reverend Barbara Sexton "The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross" http://www.dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/
The 'eternal and never-ending' controversy about President Obama's 'religion' continues on....endlessly, it seems. Read here this article entitled "Obama Tries to Reassert His Christian Bona Fides, With Words and Deeds" LINK: http://www.politicsdaily.com/2011/01/02/obama-tries-to-reassert-his-christian-bona-fides-with-words-and/ Where there is smoke, there is fire. It's been the story of President Obama's life, in fact. I don't know what is truly in our leader's heart at this point and neither can you, dear Readers...or anyone else, except for God Himself, of course. But one thing is clear; 'the Prez' is flexible and adaptable...not only when it comes to his religion, but also when it comes to 'parsing the essence of what it means to be an American'. What is really in my former-fellow church member's heart (see keywords 'Synod 2007' below for our mutual involvement with the UCC church of the Reverends Jeremiah Wright and Otis Moss, et. al.) is any one's guess at all. But it is interesting that our 'leader' is making the effort to 'clean up' his image a bit. Can it be that the controversy bothers him? Or is it his 'handlers' insisting upon this image-polishing? Can it be that the 'religion controversy' has the potential to harm President Obama's re-election chances in 2012? Can mere 'religion' be that important to American voters? You betchya. For those who are curious, we are not left without at least some clues if we but study the 'comments section' of articles like the one above. Note especially the 'Obama supporters'. The ones who defend him on his controversial religious stance(s) often reject and even revile religion. I'm sorry to say this, but President Obama will forever and always be known for the company he keeps and for the behaviors he not only tolerates, but encourages at one time or another. http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/2010/02/rahm_emanuel_ap.php Somehow, a staunch group of Obama supporters never miss an opportunity to express their hatred for Conservatives, fundamentalist Christians and especially members of the Tea Party. And boy do they have 'Potty Mouth'! (see term 'Tea Baggers' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_bag_(sexual_act) Triangulating this to 'hatred for all religion' is but a step away. Worse yet, we have the racial division of Black Liberation Theology. http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=59230 Die-hard Obama supporters literally FEAR and HATE anyone not like themselves and they are systematically dismantling the Obama Administration with their close mindedness! While I'm fine with the new direction of the political winds with Republicans regaining their rightful foothold, I do have some advice for President Obama, which I'm sure he wants about as much as another photo shoot with ____________ (fill-in-the-blank). While it's 'nice' that you are at least verbally expressing something of your 'essential spiritual essence', we pray that it's spoken out of the truth you have in you heart and mind and soul. We pray that your motives for these new spiritual 'disclosure' stems not just from political motive, but from the depths of your being. We pray that you are speaking and doing these things not to please people, but to please God. "To thine own self be true", my Mama always said and she wasn't kidding. We pray that this might be the case with our President. Perhaps the onerous realities and responsibilities of being President of the United States of America has served to chasten and refine. Perhaps Barack Obama is finally able to see past the 'ambitions of Barry the boy' and onto the 'realities of President Obama the man'. Good Christian men and women know how to thank God for all they have and all they are. Maybe our President is as well. Then again, maybe the President was just 'working the Christmas angle' to his political advantage. But what will convince ME of President Obama's true spiritual enlightenment is when he chastises his own enthusiastic supporters. The President needs to tell his own to knock off calling everyone and their uncle ugly names like 'racist, bigot, homophobe, etc. at the drop of the hat. Each time an Obama supporter calls a Tea Party member a 'Tea Bagger', they dishonor only themselves and the President. The Tea Party is strong and resilient. And the world is watching. President Obama has a perfect opportunity this 2011 to redeem himself himself by setting a higher standard for himself, his staff and for all his supporters. But will he avail himself of it? Perhaps President Obama with his 'newfound Christian inclinations' will show us, his United States citizens, some love. Perhaps he will discourage his 'name-callers'. Clean out your 'Potty Mouths', Mr. President. And make sure to do it publicly, so we all can see. Name-calling is silly, anyway. It irritates only for a minute, is ultimately ineffective, bespeaks poorly of the one engaging in it and worst of all, it's the only thing voters will remember about you! Heaven knows there are enough racists, bigots and 'phobes' of all types to go around. It hardly seems necessary for pro-Obama Progressive-Lib Dems to continue their cheap verbal shots since our Creator knows just who 'is' and who 'isn't' and who's 'struggling'. The elections of 2012 are a-coming and the Tea Party is good-to-go. 'Potty Mouths' get voted out and--YES!--that is a BIG FINE DEAL! http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2010/03/23/2010-03-23_vice_president_joe_biden_calls_health_care_reform_a_big_fing_deal_during_signing.html ....as well you know. GOD BLESS AMERICA Reverend Barbara Sexton "The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross" www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com
Declaring that "Indonesia is part of me," President Obama issued a strikingly personal appeal to the Muslim world to join the West in an unrelenting battle to defeat al-Qaida and violent extremism. He urged both sides to look beyond "suspicion and mistrust" to forge common ground against terrorism.
Can our President DO it? Can he actually somewhat IMPROVE US-Islamic relations? And, if so..inquiring minds want to know...HOW? Just HOW is he going to accomplish this? I think I might have some really constructive suggestions for him, but first we all, President Obama included, need to understand and acknowledge certain 'truths'. First of all, his good looks and charming personality are not going to be enough for him or any one of us. FACT Secondly, he must acknowledge, as must we all, that his latest trip to Indonesia yielded some really very, very badprotests. These are very powerful protests against not only 'BARRY' as he is known in Indonesia, but also against the US--the American people. I have a new level of concern I hadn't expected to have as a result of the President's recent trip... and you should too. As sure as I am that President Obama was hurt and hurt badlyby the hostile Islamic reception he got by Muslim extremists, I am MORE concerned about the reception he received as it relates tous. Let's face it, the 'message' our President sends out to the world is important for all of us. LINK: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/09/obama-in-indonesia-2010_n_780884.html#s177873 Lest you think that I am 'over-personalizing' the spiritual connection between myself and our President, I assure you that I am not. Then-Senator Barack Obama's 'KEYNOTE SPEECH' at our church meeting, SYNOD 2007, resounds ever in my brain. You should know that we were connected for 22+ years by being fellow members of the UCC, the Obama/Rev.Jeremiah Wright church. Probably the First Lady had the MOST contact with the congregation there in Chicago, but she's not the President and isn't talking to Muslim world leaders (...directly and officially, anyway). It is BECAUSE of our 'shared UCC experience' that I have an especially 'vested interest' as an American Citizen and non-Muslim Christian in what President Obama has to say about himself and his religious views to the rest of the world. I am especially interested in those views for they affect the well-being of my family, my friends and my brothers and sisters in Christ...considering all the 'religious TERRORISM' directed daily at the United States. So thirdly, let's just 'cut to the chase' with my advice for President Obama. He needs to declare-in no uncertain terms-what his true religion IS and where his spiritual heart lies. Let him check one, two or even 'NONE', if only so that we can know what to expect on the world scene. This 'religion question' is SO MUCH LARGER than any one person and President Obama needs to realize it now.
So let our President state ONCE AND FOR ALL if he is: Christian, Muslim, agnostic, atheist, human secularist, none-of-the above, all-of-the-above or whatever. At this point, I DON'T CARE! Would he merely have us CONTINUE to draw our own conclusions, an act that ramps up the risk for ALL AMERICANS? If so, he puts us all in danger. Don't you agree it is better that our President DECLARE his SPIRITUAL and RELIGIOUS PREFERENCES ONCE AND FOR ALL??? I do. If there are those of you who are 'curious' about what this Christian 'clergyperson' thinks of President Obama, I will tell you, based on my observations and faith. The President and I are, after all, brother and sister of the same church--unless he's formally resigned from the United Church of Christ, the UCC, that is. I haven't resigned and may never. My daughter and many friends are members, after all and I'm a little 'long in the tooth'. I may need a 'burying church', sooner than later! So I'm going to wait for the United Church of Christ to put me in 'stocks' or, maybe, 'dunk me'! I'll keep you apprised of the situation in case they decide that it'd be more expedient to 'have a burning'...herbalist and visionary that I am...so stay tuned. But seriously, to understand my full involvement with the Obama/Wright church check out 'Synod 2007', the 'UCC' and 'FCC Stamford' below. I was sent AS A VOTING DELEGATE to Synod 2007-despite my protestations- to Hartford in June of 2007 in order to represent my local UCC church. And that was the beginning of the end of my 'political naivete' as one of the UCC's 'finest'. My local church is "The Pilgrim Church" (that's right!)where the 'first Thanksgiving was held'. To this day, a Community Thanksgiving Dinner is held for any who wish to partake. After first landing in Wethersfield, CT,The First Congregational Church of Stamford was 'gathered' in 1635--pretty old, that. Things were so 'tough' for the earlier settlers that if not for the Native Americans in the area, they would have died. So bad was one winter, that one early Thanksgiving, each church settler was given but FIVE KERNELS OF PLANTING CORN, to EAT or to save for planting.God Bless our Native Americans for teaching the early settlers to eat what they considered to be 'sea vermin' or 'rats of the sea'--lobster--which was so abundant that it crawled all over the shores of the Long Island Sound, imagine that! But I digress and must 'get back to' President Obama's home UCC church. While 'we' were known as the 'Pilgrim Church Built on the Rock', President Obama's famed Reverend Jeremiah Wright-Reverend Otis Moss-Father Flager-Black Liberation Army church is Trinity Chicago. LINK; http://www.trinitychicago.org/ The implications of what you read here is that just as President Obama is not'blackenough' or 'white enough' for some...neither is he, apparently 'Muslim enough' or Christian enough. Frankly, I'm surprised that he wasn't completely warmly embraced on his trip to his 'homeland' of Indonesia. Instead, it appears he's brought the IRE of radical Muslims down even more heavily on ALL of us! Theologically, it is easy to understand why President Obama infuriates so many. The President's Chicago Trinity 'Black Liberation Theology' 'problem' is, I believe, mostly an American one, but the world takes note of it. The whole concept of 'Black Liberation Theology' aka 'BLT' smacks of the KKK and the Aryan Nation philosophies we are all too familiar with. President Obama needs to 'do something', because TOO MANY are being mislead and misinformed about what he really 'is' and what he really 'stands for'. Surely he can 'fill the bill' by more clearly and definitively defining himself, a simple task if ever there was one.
As a Grandma, I can see that the President has a large need to 'be liked by all'. I can identify with his Grandparents, but 'naive little Barry' who believes he can be 'all things to all people' has run his course. This said, I would beg President Obama to impose upon himself a REALITY CHECK and open his eyes to global realities. He needs to address his apparent lack of 'devotional fidelity to any one religion or another' so that we will all be safer and more secure here in America. The poor guy (yes, I am almost starting to feel sorry for him)is held with suspicion by mainstream Christians, mainstream Muslims and mainstream Jews. What this tells us is that President Obama needs to declare, once and for all, what his 'spiritual base' really is...if he has one, that is. I pray to God that he does and that he is able to imprint his devotional realities--even if he's a non-believer--on his children and family in a meaningful way. Michelle Obama is her own person, but the President holds our lives in his very hands by what he says or doesn't say. Simply putting your hands on your chests for the 'Pledge Of America' and repeating 'one Nation under God' is not enough for anyone, nowadays, including American citizens. I don't want a 'successful' toner cartridge bomb or something equally malevolent to explode over MY house and over MY loved ones (from all countries and with different religious and cultural backgrounds, I might add). And so I beg President Obama to 'get it in gear' with our 'safety'. No matter what the President or anyone in the world says, we ARE fighting a 'Holy War'..and one not of our own making. Just look at France and especially ENGLAND for a portent of things to come. President Obama is a strong guy and his recent unkind, unfavorable and downright nasty 'reception' by many in his 'beloved homeland Indonesia' is proof positive that he needs spiritual help. Whatever tactic he's using now isn't working. Just read this: "Obama took care in his remarks to note that he is Christian; back home in the U.S., he continues to fight erroneous perceptions that he is Muslim. Obama occasionally studied the Quran and visited a local mosque when he lived here. But he spent hardly any time in the speech discussing Islam or his religious background, except to describe Islam as a "great world religion." LINK: http://www.military.com/news/article/obama-seeks-to-repair-usislamic-relations.html?ESRC=eb.nl I am concerned because it is no stretch to say that the very well-being of all Americans now hangs on the decisions our President makes. I sorry to say this...but discussing or not discussing any particular religion will not do you any good, Mr. President. I know that "Indonesia is a part of you", as "the Ukraine" is for me. But honesty and clarification need to be a part of us also, if we are to do any 'good. Be like me and accept the fact that sometimes you CAN'T go home and accept the fact that your 'homeland' may be radioactive. I know what I'm talking about. My maternal homeland is not a place I can ever 'go home to again' because it IS radioactive. But you, Mr. President, can give United States Service Members a wonderful VETERANS DAY GIFT simply by DECLARING YOURSELF one way or another in this day and age of HOLY WAR and Islamic extremism! Why not just DO it? For you with Love in Christ, Reverend Barbara Sexton "The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross" http://www.dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/
