Forgiveness?

"To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you"

C.S. Lewis

If I am a Christian than I must believe that God forgives, not just my sins, but the sins of every individual that has ever lived in the past, lives in the present and will live in the future. This is one of the primary doctrines of Christianity, that God forgives the sins of humankind. While there is much discussion about how this forgiveness is incorporated into human history and into our daily lives, there has not been, from what I have witnessed, much discussion as to what forgiveness really is. 

It has been established that God forgives, but what is forgiveness? 

"If God forgives, than God must forgive everything. If God does not forgive everything, than God is not God."

- P. Ewert

More discussion to follow in regards to this topic. Looking forward to reading your thoughts and opinions.

The Desecration of the Hobbit

"The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" should be retitled "The Desecration of the Hobbit" 
I was utterly shocked, from the beginning of the movie through to it's end, that Peter Jackson so blatantly diverged from the actual story. With so many additional freedoms that Peter took, the only thing similar to the actual book was a its outline, a very rough one at that, of the original story. I understand that Peter Jackson is presenting a version of his own with these movies, but he has gone too far in this second edition. While the cinema was great and the action was, by far, more intense than the first movie, I feel that there was no excuse for this movies contortions of the original characters and that the movie would have been just as successful while remaining truer to J.R.R. Tolkien's "the Hobbit".

Does This Not Sound Familiar?

There once existed an ancient religion, and in that religion a God was worshiped. The God was Mithra, Sun God.  With ties to Zoroastrianism, dating back to ancient Persia, one must wonder how much impact this religion had on Judaism and, in turn, Christianity and then Islam. It is important to note that this religion existed before the development of Christianity and while these two religions are different, today's Christian may be surprised to see the similarities that they  do have with one another. 
Similarities like the following:

December 25th is the birthday celebration of Mithra, the Sun God

Does that not sound familiar?

The babe was wrapped in swaddling clothes, placed in a manger and attended by shepherds.

Does that not sound familiar?

He was considered a great traveling teacher and master.

Does that not sound familiar?

He had 12 companions or "disciples."

Does that not sound familiar?

-He performed miracles.

Does that not sound familiar?

As the "great bull of the Sun," Mithra sacrificed himself for world peace.

Does that not sound familiar?

He ascended to heaven.

Does that not sound familiar?

Mithra was viewed as the Good Shepherd, the "Way, the Truth and the Light," the Redeemer, the Savior, the Messiah.

Does that not sound familiar?

Mithra is omniscient, as he "hears all, sees all, knows all: none can deceive him."

Does that not sound familiar?

He was identified with both the Lion and the Lamb.

Does that not sound familiar?

His sacred day was Sunday, "the Lord's Day," hundreds of years before the appearance of Christ.

Does that not sound familiar?

His religion had a eucharist or "Lord's Supper."

Does that not sound familiar?

Mithraism emphasized baptism.

Does that not sound familiar?

What do you think? Are you at all surprised to hear that a religion, existing before Christianity, already believed and practiced so many beliefs and rituals that the Christians of today feel originated and belong to their own faith?

To Vaccinate or not to Vaccinate

To Vaccinate or not to Vaccinate

Every fall, as flu season approaches, health services, doctors and local newspapers publish articles that stress the importance of immunization shots, but there is a growing number within communities that view these immunization shots as unnecessary and potentially life threatening. Anxieties have risen as occurrences of varying diseases, such as Measles and Pertussis, have transpired throughout Alberta. These occurrences are reinforcement to the necessity of receiving immunization shots. The immunization shots offered are done so in order to help individuals combat such diseases and in turn prevent larger outbreaks that may carry deadly consequences. Those that oppose the shots are viewed with distain and are also considered potential carriers of the diseases that those who are pro-immunization are trying to protect against. While these diseases are worrisome to all, there are those who do not agree with the necessity of immunization shots. Concerns have been raised in the taking of these shots and the unwanted side effects that may result because of them. The insufficient study into the biochemistry of individuals and the affects of the immunization shots on them, leads to unwillingness to partake in these shots. Those against immunization shots argue that local and federal government, along with health services, use fear tactics in order to win people over to their cause without providing sufficient evidence of the consequences in taking of these shots. With both groups arguing against one another, members of society, particularly those who have dependents under their care, are left with a difficult choice to make, to vaccinate or not to vaccinate?