Faith

In What Do You Believe? (3)

you’re free to believe what you choose to believe, but not to interfere with others who might not share your beliefs

Published

2 years ago

April 5, 2021

Jeff Davidson

Jim Cathcart is a long time professional speaker; the author of 19 books on achievement, business strategy, and selling; and a leader in the field of personal and executive development. Here is Part 3 of his article on the power of our beliefs and belief systems:

Everybody maintains some kind of belief system which signifies what is good and right, versus what is bad and wrong. All belief systems have their “sins”– that for which you are condemned for doing or for not doing.

Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and many other religions organized around the teachings of great thinkers and philosophers. The difference between Christianity and other religions is that Christ is accepted as God in the flesh, whereas the other gurus were great teachers and guides without being considered the deity.

A Force for Good

More people have been inspired by Christianity to do more good for others and to become responsible citizens, of any country, than by any other religion. Haters of Christianity will immediately challenge this assertion by pointing out bad acts by Christians through history, and there certainly are some: The Crusades, the Inquisition, and corrupt regimes publicly identified with the church.

Those who caused great harm in the name of Christianity clearly were not Christians, despite using it as their cover. (Remember, Satan is the Great Deceiver. Not a horned monster with a tail, not some ogre, but an entity who seems entirely admirable at first.)

All religions are abused by some people who use the respective religion as their cover, and much pain has been caused in this way. That doesn’t mean one should reject all belief systems. Reject the hypocrites, not the faithful.

The reflexive deflection, “Yeah, well, your guy did bad things too!” is called “extra-punitive.” It means blaming others or blaming circumstances. “Intra-punitive” is taking the blame upon yourself. In any case, don’t focus on blame. Focus on right versus wrong and fix whatever requires it. Offer your apology, correct your behavior, and move on.

Correction yes, punishment no. Remove the threat, repay the debt, make things better, and get over it. Note: This doesn’t apply to the behavior and deeds of dangerous, deranged criminals and sociopaths. They must be segregated from others to avoid further harm. Still, don’t punish them, simply block their ability to do harm.

Focus on What is Right

The historic belief systems comprised of evil doers includes Nazi-ism, Fascism, and Marxism. Such belief systems resulted in the murder, internment, and starvation of multi-millions of people, exterminated by the few who were able to take control, while led astray by the charismatic leaders who guided them.

A recent tactic by evil doers is to perpetrate behaviors that they claim to loath. For example, “Antifa” claims to be anti-fascist, while their actions are totally fascist. Over the past several years abundant video proof is available.

One true indicator as to whether your belief system is valid and just is to look at the faces of your compatriots. If they are wearing hoods and masks, chances are good you are with the bad guys. If they are spewing hatred, destroying property, and hurting people, you’re with the bad guys.

If they contend that, “My outrage is so great that it justifies taking what you have, destroying property, and hurting people” …run from them! No matter what their intention might be, their actions speak louder.

Intentions and Actions

We’ve established that everyone has a religion and you ought to know what yours happens to be. If you don’t, then you are blindly following others. You are a serf until you precisely define your own beliefs and declare your freedom.

The Leftist religions each are based on an underlying assumption: How you feel is more important than what you do. Leftists, however, do not view you merely by your actions. They manage to find harm in what you do. “You said he; you didn’t say he or she. Therefore you must be a white male, closet sexist. Now we know the real you!”

Characteristically, they judge themselves only by their intentions. If they didn’t mean to do harm, but in fact did much harm, that’s okay to them, because they didn’t mean to do harm. The Right’s view is that your actions are what count the most.

In a courtroom video available on YouTube, recorded years ago, the late George Floyd had been caught hijacking a woman’s car and injuring her in the process. He told the judge it wasn’t his fault. It was because she resisted, and he needed her car. He said she shouldn’t have resisted. Floyd’s father sat in the gallery and shook his head in shame.

Freedom for All, Not Merely for Some

Clearly, I’m Christian. I believe in the forgiveness of sins, the chance to improve oneself, and the existence of a Loving Creator who intentionally gave me life. I do not feel compelled to make you believe what I do. Indeed, you’re free to think and believe what you choose to think and believe. You certainly are not free to interfere with others who might not share your beliefs. If you have well-grounded assertions, then openly and honestly debate the issue. Be convincing and prove your case. Otherwise, please go your own way.

Without trampling on the rights of other people, we all deserve the freedom to make our own choices about how we shall live.

– – – – –

We'd love to hear your thoughts about this article. Please take a minute to share them in the comment section by clicking here. Or carry the conversation over on your favorite social network by clicking one of the share buttons below.

Jeff Davidson

Jeff Davidson is the world's only holder of the title "The Work-Life Balance Expert®" as awarded by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He is the premier thought leader on work-life balance, integration, and harmony. Jeff speaks to organizations that seek to enhance their overall productivity by improving the effectiveness of their people. He is the author of Breathing Space, Simpler Living, Dial it Down, and Everyday Project Management. Visit www.BreathingSpace.com for more information on Jeff's keynote speeches and seminars, including: Managing the Pace with Grace® * Achieving Work-Life Balance™ * Managing Information and Communication Overload®

Join the conversation!

We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.

Up Next

The Great Con Pt 6 – The Great “Legitimate” News Con

Don't Miss

In What Do You Believe? (2)

Faith

BIBLE: Will America Be Significant in the End Times?

Many believe that the United States will not play a significant role in the end times.

Published

16 hours ago

March 21, 2023

News Staff

Need some extra cash? Looking for a side-gig you can work at your own pace? I found the perfect one! Click here!

As Christians, we believe in the second coming of Jesus Christ and the end of the world. Throughout history, people have pointed to various signs that they believe indicate that the end times are upon us. In this article, we will explore some of the biblical signs that suggest we are living in the end times, as well as address the question of why America is not a significant player in the world during this time.

Increase in natural disasters such as earthquakes, famines, and pestilences. In Luke 21:11, Jesus said, “There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.” Today, we can see an increase in natural disasters, including hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and earthquakes, which are happening more frequently and with greater intensity.

The increase in wars and conflicts. In Matthew 24:6, Jesus warned that “you will hear of wars and rumors of wars.” We have seen this prophecy fulfilled in our lifetime, with numerous conflicts around the world, including in Syria, Yemen, and Afghanistan. These conflicts have resulted in the displacement of millions of people, as well as the loss of countless lives.

The rise of false prophets and the increase in lawlessness. In Matthew 24:11-12, Jesus said, “Many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.” Today, we see an increase in false teachings, cults, and religious movements that contradict the teachings of the Bible. Additionally, there is a rise in lawlessness, with increasing crime rates and civil unrest in many parts of the world.

The increase in persecution of Christians. In Matthew 24:9, Jesus said, “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.” Today, we see an increase in persecution of Christians in many parts of the world, with Christians facing discrimination, imprisonment, and even death for their faith.

The moral decline of society is another sign of the end times. In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Paul describes the state of society in the last days: “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.”

The rebirth of Israel. In Matthew 24:32-33, Jesus said, “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.” The fig tree is often used in the Bible as a symbol for Israel, and the rebirth of Israel as a nation in 1948 is a significant sign of the end times.

What about America?

Influence Like Jesus? Yes You Can. Click Here.

Many pastors and theologians believe that America will not play a significant role in the end times. They base this belief on several Scriptures, including Revelation 13, which describes a future world government, the Beast, and a world leader, the Antichrist, who will rule over it. Many theologians believe that this world government will not be centered in the United States.

In addition to Scriptural evidence, many famous preachers, teachers, and authors have also expressed this viewpoint. For example, John F. Walvoord, a prominent theologian, wrote in his book, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ,” that the United States is not mentioned in the Scriptures and therefore may not play a significant role in the end times.

Likewise, pastor and author David Jeremiah, in his book “Escape the Coming Night,” wrote that the United States “may not be a significant player on the world scene” during the end times.

Even Billy Graham, in a sermon he delivered in 1958, said, “I believe that one of the signs of the times is that the United States will begin to move into a position where we will not be a major factor in world affairs.”

Despite this, some theologians believe that the United States could still play a role in the end times, albeit not as a dominant power. For example, Hal Lindsey, author of “The Late Great Planet Earth,” believes that the United States will decline in power and influence but may still play a role in supporting Israel during the end times.

In summary, many pastors and theologians believe that the United States will not play a significant role in the end times. While some hold out the possibility that the United States may still play a supporting role, the consensus is that it will not be the dominant world power during this time.

So, what do you think?

Faith

Sex Before Marriage? Secular Research Shows You Should Wait

Published

6 days ago

March 16, 2023

News Staff

The topic of premarital sex is one that has been heavily debated for years, with strong opinions on both sides of the argument. However, when it comes to the best approach for long-term physical, emotional, and psychological health, the evidence seems to point towards waiting until marriage. In this article, we will examine the reasons why it is best to not have sex before marriage, backed by studies and statistics.

Physical Health
Firstly, let’s examine the physical health aspects of premarital sex. One of the most significant dangers associated with premarital sex is the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately 20 million new cases of STIs in the United States every year. This is a staggering number that highlights the importance of taking preventative measures when it comes to sexual health.

While condoms can significantly reduce the risk of contracting STIs, they are not foolproof. According to a study published in the journal Sexually Transmitted Diseases, condom use was associated with a lower risk of STIs, but the risk was still present. The study found that individuals who used condoms consistently still had a 10-15% chance of contracting an STI.

Another physical health risk associated with premarital sex is unintended pregnancy. While there are numerous forms of birth control available, none are 100% effective, and accidental pregnancies can and do occur. According to the Guttmacher Institute, almost half of all pregnancies in the United States are unintended. This can have significant emotional and financial consequences for individuals who are not prepared to have a child.

Want to Influence Like Jesus? Click Here to Learn How!

Emotional Health
The emotional health consequences of premarital sex are equally as important to consider. Many people believe that engaging in sexual activity before marriage can lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying relationship. However, research suggests that the opposite may be true.

According to a study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family, individuals who engaged in premarital sex reported lower levels of relationship satisfaction and higher levels of instability than those who waited until marriage. This is likely due to the fact that individuals who engage in premarital sex may have a more casual attitude towards sex and relationships, leading to a lack of emotional commitment.

Another emotional health consequence of premarital sex is the potential for sexual regret. According to a study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior, individuals who engaged in premarital sex were more likely to experience sexual regret than those who waited until marriage. This regret can lead to feelings of shame and guilt, which can have long-term effects on an individual’s emotional wellbeing.

Fire Your Boss, Work From Home, and Have a Flexible Schedule. We’ll Show You How. Click Here Now!

Psychological Health
Finally, let’s examine the psychological health consequences of premarital sex. One of the most significant concerns is the potential for depression and anxiety. According to a study published in the Journal of Sex Research, individuals who engaged in premarital sex reported higher levels of anxiety and depression than those who waited until marriage. This is likely due to the emotional and physical risks associated with sexual activity outside of a committed relationship.

Another psychological health concern associated with premarital sex is the potential for a lack of self-esteem. According to a study published in the Journal of Family Psychology, individuals who engaged in premarital sex reported lower levels of self-esteem than those who waited until marriage. This lack of self-esteem can have long-term consequences on an individual’s mental health and overall wellbeing.

In conclusion, the evidence suggests that this approach may be beneficial in several ways. By avoiding sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancies, and negative emotional consequences, individuals who wait until marriage to have sex may be able to lead happier and healthier lives. Furthermore, research has shown that premarital sex can have negative effects on relationship quality and satisfaction, especially for individuals who place a high value on religion and traditional values. Ultimately, the decision of when to have sex is a personal one that should be made based on one’s own values and beliefs. However, those who are considering waiting until marriage to have sex may find comfort in knowing that the evidence suggests that this approach can have a positive impact on their physical and emotional well-being, as well as on the health of their future relationships.

NOTES:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/std/stats.htm

Warner, L., Stone, K. M., Macaluso, M., Buehler, J. W., Austin, H. D., & Hook, E. W. III. (2008). Condom use and risk of gonorrhea and chlamydia: A systematic review of design and measurement factors assessed in epidemiologic studies. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 35(5), 436-443.

Guttmacher Institute. (2019). Unintended pregnancy in the United States. Retrieved from https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/unintended-pregnancy-united-states

Willoughby, B. J., Carroll, J. S., Busby, D. M., & Brown, C. C. (2014). The impact of religiosity on the association between premarital sex and relationship satisfaction. Journal of Marriage and Family, 76(2), 429-438.

Barry, C. M., Madsen, S. D., Nelson, L. J., Carroll, J. S., & Badger, S. (2009). Friendship and romantic relationship qualities in emerging adulthood: Differential associations with sexual activity and contraceptive use. Journal of Sex Research, 46(5), 419-430.

Lambert, N. M., Kahn, A. S., & Appleby, P. R. (2003). Placing sex in context: The influence of relationship quality on women’s sexual satisfaction. Journal of Sex Research, 40(1), 108-112.

Lambert, N. M., & Dollahite, D. C. (2006). How religiosity helps couples prevent and resolve marital conflict: A longitudinal investigation. Family Relations, 55(4), 439-449.

Regnerus, M. D., & Uecker, J. E. (2011). Premarital sex in America: How young Americans meet, mate, and think about marrying. Oxford University Press.