President Reagan is Shot - March 30, 1981
Today President Ronald Reagan was shot by John Hinckley Jr. The former President survived the ordeal, and the verdict for John Hinckley Jr. was 'not guilty by reason of insanity'. It appears that Hinckley was acting out the movie, Taxi Driver, which depicted a senator getting shot. Hinckley ended up being admitted to a mental institution in the 1990s and is allowed some freedoms as long as his mental illness remains in remission.
President Reagan is Shot By John Hinckley Jr.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
True History - Veritas Card #2 (Red Card) - Columbus Sails to the New World
Columbus Sails to the New World - 1492
In fourteen hundred and ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.... Well, he really did, and what a discovery he made. His search was intended to find spices and he found a new continent instead!
Yesterday, we learned about Prince Henry's school of Navigation. One of the students there was Christopher Columbus.
Columbus was born in Italy and became a navigator. This special trip he made in the year of 1492, was funded by Queen Isabella of Spain. He used three ships, the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria for the voyage.
Just before the men on the ships discovered land, they were ready to commit mutiny and throw Christopher Columbus out of the ship, but, Columbus encouraged them to hang on a little longer, and so they did.
The next day they spotted land. You have to remember, they were trying to find the Spice Islands, and Columbus did not realize how vast the ocean was, and how large the earth was. They landed off the coast of Florida, somewhere in the Bahamas.
They had made four trips now, and when they were on this island, the crew thought they were at the Spice Islands, which would have been present day Japan. But they were actually on the other side of the world! They called the people that lived on the Island, 'Indians' because they thought they were at the Indies. They actually took some of the natives back with them. Columbus truly believed he was called to preach the Gospel to these 'Indians' and he actually died thinking that he had reached the Indies.
October 12th Columbus Day, with a yo-heave-ho , and he sailed along the ocean blue, with a yo-heave-ho!
In fourteen hundred and ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.... Well, he really did, and what a discovery he made. His search was intended to find spices and he found a new continent instead!
Yesterday, we learned about Prince Henry's school of Navigation. One of the students there was Christopher Columbus.
Columbus was born in Italy and became a navigator. This special trip he made in the year of 1492, was funded by Queen Isabella of Spain. He used three ships, the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria for the voyage.
Just before the men on the ships discovered land, they were ready to commit mutiny and throw Christopher Columbus out of the ship, but, Columbus encouraged them to hang on a little longer, and so they did.
The next day they spotted land. You have to remember, they were trying to find the Spice Islands, and Columbus did not realize how vast the ocean was, and how large the earth was. They landed off the coast of Florida, somewhere in the Bahamas.
They had made four trips now, and when they were on this island, the crew thought they were at the Spice Islands, which would have been present day Japan. But they were actually on the other side of the world! They called the people that lived on the Island, 'Indians' because they thought they were at the Indies. They actually took some of the natives back with them. Columbus truly believed he was called to preach the Gospel to these 'Indians' and he actually died thinking that he had reached the Indies.
October 12th Columbus Day, with a yo-heave-ho , and he sailed along the ocean blue, with a yo-heave-ho!
Today in History - March 29, 1951 - Rosenbergs Are Convicted of Espionage
Rosenbergs Convicted of Espionage - March 29, 1951
I'm not going to comment on this today, but I thought it was interesting to note. This comes under the category of Cold War, which I am also very interested in. Here is the web site url where you can find the rest of the story: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/rosenbergs-convicted-of-espionage
"In one of the most sensational trials in American history, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg are convicted of espionage for their role in passing atomic secrets to the Soviets during and after World War II. The husband and wife were later sentenced to death and were executed in 1953."
I'm not going to comment on this today, but I thought it was interesting to note. This comes under the category of Cold War, which I am also very interested in. Here is the web site url where you can find the rest of the story: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/rosenbergs-convicted-of-espionage
"In one of the most sensational trials in American history, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg are convicted of espionage for their role in passing atomic secrets to the Soviets during and after World War II. The husband and wife were later sentenced to death and were executed in 1953."
True History - Veritas Card # 1 (Red Card) - Prince Henry the Navigator
Prince Henry the Navigator - 1394-1460
I have to make an apology because I am starting a new set of cards, but didn't realize that the dates that start on the new set (Red Cards) are behind where we are at in the current set we were in (Orange Cards). So, we will go back further in time again, back to 1394-1460 and learn about Prince Henry today.
Prince Henry was born in Portugal in 1394, and took the lead in opening the African route to Asia by establishing a school of navigation and financing voyages. People who were skilled in mapmaking (cartography) and astronomy, along with those who were navigators, went to this school, and provided Henry's captain's with useful information for their voyages.
Prince Henry actually was not a navigator. He sent out many voyages (at least 50) but he never went on any of them. Henry financed many voyages, but none of them ever reached Asia, which is what they would have hoped for. One of the captains was able to reach Sierre Leone though.
The first known slaves in Europe came from one of Henry's captains who brought the slaves from Africa to Europe.
I have to make an apology because I am starting a new set of cards, but didn't realize that the dates that start on the new set (Red Cards) are behind where we are at in the current set we were in (Orange Cards). So, we will go back further in time again, back to 1394-1460 and learn about Prince Henry today.
Prince Henry was born in Portugal in 1394, and took the lead in opening the African route to Asia by establishing a school of navigation and financing voyages. People who were skilled in mapmaking (cartography) and astronomy, along with those who were navigators, went to this school, and provided Henry's captain's with useful information for their voyages.
Prince Henry actually was not a navigator. He sent out many voyages (at least 50) but he never went on any of them. Henry financed many voyages, but none of them ever reached Asia, which is what they would have hoped for. One of the captains was able to reach Sierre Leone though.
The first known slaves in Europe came from one of Henry's captains who brought the slaves from Africa to Europe.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Drive In Movie Theaters - A Thing of the Past
I know this isn't way back History, but I thought it would be interesting to those of us who are older and remember going to Drive In Theaters. So primitive compared to what we have today. We would never dream of going to a Drive In today would we? We have so much technology right at our fingertips, but, back in the olden days, going to a Drive In was fun. We would get to sit on top of the car sometimes. The only bad thing about going to the Drive In to watch a movie, was the fact that mosquitoes were out. And they did bite! But it was fun staying up until midnight and coming home really really late (or so it seemed).
Today in History - March 28th, 1834 - Congress Censures President Jackson
Congress Censures President Jackson - March 28, 1834
Today in History, in the year 1834, President Andrew Jackson was censured. It was determined by Congress that the censure should take 10 weeks, but since no instruction had been written about the length of a censure for a president in the Constitution, President Jackson ended up with what amounted to an official public scolding for assuming power and authority not spelled out in the Constitution.
President Jackson wanted to dismantle the Bank of the United States. He had documents that he would not turn over to Congress. His efforts at revamping the Bank were unsuccessful, and in 1837, the Democrats had his record of censure expunged.
Congress Censures Jackson
Today in History, in the year 1834, President Andrew Jackson was censured. It was determined by Congress that the censure should take 10 weeks, but since no instruction had been written about the length of a censure for a president in the Constitution, President Jackson ended up with what amounted to an official public scolding for assuming power and authority not spelled out in the Constitution.
President Jackson wanted to dismantle the Bank of the United States. He had documents that he would not turn over to Congress. His efforts at revamping the Bank were unsuccessful, and in 1837, the Democrats had his record of censure expunged.
Congress Censures Jackson
True History - Veritas Card # 32 (Orange Card) - John Knox, the Scottish Reformer
John Knox the Scottish Reformer - 1560
Somewhere, in the time period between 1505 and 1515, John Knox was born in Scotland. St. Andrews was captured by the French, and John Knox was made a prisoner. Then he became a galley slave on a ship. He was treated in a cruel way and was continually instructed to pray to Mary. He went to England, once he was released and worked with a man named Thomas Crammer. Thomas Crammer appointed John Knox as a chaplain of the king.
Because of his position as being chaplain, it provided him a way to go to different districts of the kingdom and teach the principles of the Reformation.
John Knox made his way to Switzerland, and settled in Geneva, where he learned and adopted the teachings of Calvin. A group of Protestant men, known as the 'Common Band' requested Knox to return to Scotland to preach. In Knox's preaching, he clearly denounced the mass and the worship of images. He was such a powerful and direct preacher, that sometimes he appeared to fly out of the pulpit.
Much of his preaching was directed toward Mary, Queen of Scots. Mary feared John Knox, although she was determined to make all the British Isles Catholic. Mary seemed like a sneaky person. It is thought that she may have plotted her husband's death. She certainly tried to plot her cousin, Elizabeth I's overthrow. Queen Elizabeth I was a Protestant, so there was tension between the two cousins. John Knox preached against Mary's Catholicism, and all the abuses that were going on in the church. Mary said that she feared the prayers of John Knox more than 10,000 troops. Mary's life ended when she was beheaded. But John Knox continued to bring reform to Scotland.
Somewhere, in the time period between 1505 and 1515, John Knox was born in Scotland. St. Andrews was captured by the French, and John Knox was made a prisoner. Then he became a galley slave on a ship. He was treated in a cruel way and was continually instructed to pray to Mary. He went to England, once he was released and worked with a man named Thomas Crammer. Thomas Crammer appointed John Knox as a chaplain of the king.
Because of his position as being chaplain, it provided him a way to go to different districts of the kingdom and teach the principles of the Reformation.
John Knox made his way to Switzerland, and settled in Geneva, where he learned and adopted the teachings of Calvin. A group of Protestant men, known as the 'Common Band' requested Knox to return to Scotland to preach. In Knox's preaching, he clearly denounced the mass and the worship of images. He was such a powerful and direct preacher, that sometimes he appeared to fly out of the pulpit.
Much of his preaching was directed toward Mary, Queen of Scots. Mary feared John Knox, although she was determined to make all the British Isles Catholic. Mary seemed like a sneaky person. It is thought that she may have plotted her husband's death. She certainly tried to plot her cousin, Elizabeth I's overthrow. Queen Elizabeth I was a Protestant, so there was tension between the two cousins. John Knox preached against Mary's Catholicism, and all the abuses that were going on in the church. Mary said that she feared the prayers of John Knox more than 10,000 troops. Mary's life ended when she was beheaded. But John Knox continued to bring reform to Scotland.
I fear the prayers of John Knox more than all the assembled armies of Europe - Mary, Queen of Scots.
Qted Bruce Atkinson, Land of Hope and Glory p57
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Today in History - March 27, 1953 - Nikita Khrushchev Becomes Soviet Premier
Nikita Khrushchev Becomes Soviet Premier - March 27, 1953
Today in History, Nikita Khrushchev becomes the Premier of the Soviet Union. Khrushchev was a firm believer in Communism and had the goal of 'overtaking the West'. His intention was to destroy capitalism. He is remembered for his words 'We will bury you' in his reference to the missiles in Cuba that were directed at the United States. Here are some links on Nikita Khrushchev:
Khrushchev Biography
"We will Bury You" video
History.com-Khrushchev
The second link is a video of a Barry Goldwater campaign. It has clips of Khrushchev when he says that he will bury us.
Today in History, Nikita Khrushchev becomes the Premier of the Soviet Union. Khrushchev was a firm believer in Communism and had the goal of 'overtaking the West'. His intention was to destroy capitalism. He is remembered for his words 'We will bury you' in his reference to the missiles in Cuba that were directed at the United States. Here are some links on Nikita Khrushchev:
Khrushchev Biography
"We will Bury You" video
History.com-Khrushchev
The second link is a video of a Barry Goldwater campaign. It has clips of Khrushchev when he says that he will bury us.
True History - Veritas Card # 31 (Orange Card) - The Council of Trent
The Council of Trent - 1545 - 1563
There were different councils during the Middle Ages that served to define what a particular group of people believed about the Bible, God, Jesus, etc. A few of the councils were a response to heresy. Today we are going to learn about a council that came about by the Roman Catholic Church.
The Roman Catholic Church was responding now to the Protestant Reformation. Obviously, they would not have agreed with the Reformation and what it stood for. They will now set forth officially the doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church.
This council was called by Pope Paul III in 1545. It met periodically until 1563. It set forth the doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church. It also addressed the moral abuses that were going on, such as simony. There were also people selling Indulgences to make money, and this was addressed as well. Indulgences, however, were not completely done away with. (Indulgences are slips of paper that people buy, and as a way to encourage people to pay for them, they received assurance of salvation through them).
Another result of the Council of Trent was to establish the authority of the papacy. The Roman Catholic Church rejected the idea that a person is saved by faith alone. They insisted that salvation was the result of faith plus works. This doctrine does not line up with Scripture, which states that a person is saved by faith alone. Good works are the result of salvation, not the cause. They also preserved the tradition that the Roman Catholic Church was an additional infallible authority.
The Council of Trent basically said that the Protestants were 'anathema' which means cursed by God. The Protestants and Catholics were now going to have a gulf that was deep and lasting between them. So now it was clear what the Roman Catholic Church had believed in, which was what they had already believed in for centuries before.
There were different councils during the Middle Ages that served to define what a particular group of people believed about the Bible, God, Jesus, etc. A few of the councils were a response to heresy. Today we are going to learn about a council that came about by the Roman Catholic Church.
The Roman Catholic Church was responding now to the Protestant Reformation. Obviously, they would not have agreed with the Reformation and what it stood for. They will now set forth officially the doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church.
This council was called by Pope Paul III in 1545. It met periodically until 1563. It set forth the doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church. It also addressed the moral abuses that were going on, such as simony. There were also people selling Indulgences to make money, and this was addressed as well. Indulgences, however, were not completely done away with. (Indulgences are slips of paper that people buy, and as a way to encourage people to pay for them, they received assurance of salvation through them).
Another result of the Council of Trent was to establish the authority of the papacy. The Roman Catholic Church rejected the idea that a person is saved by faith alone. They insisted that salvation was the result of faith plus works. This doctrine does not line up with Scripture, which states that a person is saved by faith alone. Good works are the result of salvation, not the cause. They also preserved the tradition that the Roman Catholic Church was an additional infallible authority.
The Council of Trent basically said that the Protestants were 'anathema' which means cursed by God. The Protestants and Catholics were now going to have a gulf that was deep and lasting between them. So now it was clear what the Roman Catholic Church had believed in, which was what they had already believed in for centuries before.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
True History - Veritas Card #30 (Orange Card) - John Calvin and the Institutes
John Calvin and the Institutes - 1536
John Calvin was born in France, and was sent by his father, at the age of thirteen, to study Greek and Roman writers. As John grew older, he developed a love for the truths of the Reformation. He was recognized as a heretic, and he went to Switzerland in disguise, in order to hide. He wrote some books called 'The Institutes of the Christian Religion' when he was about twenty-seven years old. The preface of his book was addressed to the King of France. He defended the Protestants in his writings and pointed out that they were not disloyal citizens, but that they were faithful to their nation and to the King of Kings. It was wrongly assumed that the Protestants were rebellious people. John Calvin was defending them.
By the time John Calvin died, which was at the age of fifty-five, he had written a commentary on most of the Bible. People today still read and use his writings.
John Calvin spent most of his life in Geneva as a teacher of the Bible and a pastor. He also served the Protestant refugees that were found throughout Europe.
The Institutes systematically explained the teachings of the Christian faith. His writings have been very helpful to those wanting a deeper understanding of the Reformed doctrine. From his understanding of the Scriptures, the presbyterian form of government developed.
Here is a motto of John Calvin which describes what was in his heart; "My heart I give to you, Oh Lord, promptly and sincerely."
John Calvin was born in France, and was sent by his father, at the age of thirteen, to study Greek and Roman writers. As John grew older, he developed a love for the truths of the Reformation. He was recognized as a heretic, and he went to Switzerland in disguise, in order to hide. He wrote some books called 'The Institutes of the Christian Religion' when he was about twenty-seven years old. The preface of his book was addressed to the King of France. He defended the Protestants in his writings and pointed out that they were not disloyal citizens, but that they were faithful to their nation and to the King of Kings. It was wrongly assumed that the Protestants were rebellious people. John Calvin was defending them.
By the time John Calvin died, which was at the age of fifty-five, he had written a commentary on most of the Bible. People today still read and use his writings.
John Calvin spent most of his life in Geneva as a teacher of the Bible and a pastor. He also served the Protestant refugees that were found throughout Europe.
The Institutes systematically explained the teachings of the Christian faith. His writings have been very helpful to those wanting a deeper understanding of the Reformed doctrine. From his understanding of the Scriptures, the presbyterian form of government developed.
Here is a motto of John Calvin which describes what was in his heart; "My heart I give to you, Oh Lord, promptly and sincerely."
Saturday, March 24, 2012
The Day They Kicked God Out Of Schools
This is an excellent video which helps explain why our country is in such a mess now. We do truly reap what we sow. We are reaping the effects of apathy and self-centerness which started in the twentieth century. If those who died to fight for our freedom would know what's going on today in America, I'm sure they would turn over in their graves.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
True History - Veritas Cpard #29 - The Act of Supremacy
The Act of Supremacy - 1534
People were beginning to lose respect for the spiritual authority of the Pope during the Renaissance period. The papacy was becoming secular and there were problems that had to be dealt with. One of the things that irritated the English people was that of sending money to Rome. England was now trying to find a way to break ties with the Catholic Church. The means of accomplishing this was a divorce.
King Henry VIII did not have any sons. He just had daughters, so, he felt justified to ask the Pope to grant him a divorce from Catharine of Aragon. The Pope refused the divorce, so, in 1534, Henry went to the Parliament and declared that the king justly, and rightfully is, and ought to be the head of the Church of England. Now he would be declared the authority figure over the church. The Pope was no longer the governmental head of the church. The Archbishops of Canterbury and York were the highest spiritual authorities.
Henry had a few daughters who reigned in his place. Mary was a strong Catholic, and wanted Catholicism to be strong, while Elizabeth was more open to Protestantism. Under Archbishop Crammer, many Protestant elements were introduced. The influence of Elizabeth made it possible for England to become more Protestant. It also gave the Anglican Church much of its character.
People were beginning to lose respect for the spiritual authority of the Pope during the Renaissance period. The papacy was becoming secular and there were problems that had to be dealt with. One of the things that irritated the English people was that of sending money to Rome. England was now trying to find a way to break ties with the Catholic Church. The means of accomplishing this was a divorce.
King Henry VIII did not have any sons. He just had daughters, so, he felt justified to ask the Pope to grant him a divorce from Catharine of Aragon. The Pope refused the divorce, so, in 1534, Henry went to the Parliament and declared that the king justly, and rightfully is, and ought to be the head of the Church of England. Now he would be declared the authority figure over the church. The Pope was no longer the governmental head of the church. The Archbishops of Canterbury and York were the highest spiritual authorities.
Henry had a few daughters who reigned in his place. Mary was a strong Catholic, and wanted Catholicism to be strong, while Elizabeth was more open to Protestantism. Under Archbishop Crammer, many Protestant elements were introduced. The influence of Elizabeth made it possible for England to become more Protestant. It also gave the Anglican Church much of its character.
Today in History - March 22, 1765 - British Pass Stamp Act
British Pass Stamp Act - March 22, 1765
Today in History, the Stamp Act was passed, which required a tax on every printed piece of paper that was used in the American colonies. British Parliament passed the Stamp Act in order to help pay for defending the new frontiers that were formed in American and to pay off debt. It was repealed a year later.
www.history.com
www.history.org/history/teaching/tchcrsta.cfm
Today in History, the Stamp Act was passed, which required a tax on every printed piece of paper that was used in the American colonies. British Parliament passed the Stamp Act in order to help pay for defending the new frontiers that were formed in American and to pay off debt. It was repealed a year later.
www.history.com
www.history.org/history/teaching/tchcrsta.cfm
True History - Veritas Card #28 (Orange Card) - Ulrich Zwingly and the Anabaptists
Ulrich Zwingli and the Anabaptists - 1525
The Reformation began in Germany in 1517, and the effects of it were being spread to different parts of Europe. In Switzerland, Ulrich Zwingli was the one heading the Reformation that was going on there. He became pastor of the church of Zurich in 1519, and he had some different ideas of the Reformation than Luther. Both Luther and Zwingli were fighting the Roman Catholic Church at the same time though. There were thirteen political districts which made up the country of Switzerland. These were called 'cantons'. The cantons in the south of Switzerland were fighting the cantons in the north because the ones in the north wanted to become Protestant, while the cantons in the south were trying to stay Roman Catholic. It was during this war that Zwingli died, in the year 1531 .
There was also another group of people who had religious convictions about the baptism of children. These people were called 'Anabaptists'. They believed in a voluntary church and in living a pacifist lifestyle. They became under severe persecution for their beliefs. One of their members, Menno Simons, was the founder of the Mennonite denomination. So when you see a Mennonite church, he was the one who came up with the idea for that one.
The Reformation began in Germany in 1517, and the effects of it were being spread to different parts of Europe. In Switzerland, Ulrich Zwingli was the one heading the Reformation that was going on there. He became pastor of the church of Zurich in 1519, and he had some different ideas of the Reformation than Luther. Both Luther and Zwingli were fighting the Roman Catholic Church at the same time though. There were thirteen political districts which made up the country of Switzerland. These were called 'cantons'. The cantons in the south of Switzerland were fighting the cantons in the north because the ones in the north wanted to become Protestant, while the cantons in the south were trying to stay Roman Catholic. It was during this war that Zwingli died, in the year 1531 .
There was also another group of people who had religious convictions about the baptism of children. These people were called 'Anabaptists'. They believed in a voluntary church and in living a pacifist lifestyle. They became under severe persecution for their beliefs. One of their members, Menno Simons, was the founder of the Mennonite denomination. So when you see a Mennonite church, he was the one who came up with the idea for that one.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Today in History - March 21, 1871 - Stanley Begins His Search for Livingstone
Stanley Begins His Search For Livingstone - March 21, 1871
In 1865, Dr. David Livingstone, a British explorer, began his expedition to the Dark Continent of Africa, in an effort to learn more about the people on this continent, and also wanted to help abolish slavery, the cause for the decreasing population in Africa.
In 1871, it was not known what became of Dr. David Livingstone, so, Henry Morton Stanley set out to search for him. Indeed, he did find Dr. Livingstone, who was now a very sick man. Dr. Livingstone lived another 18 months and after he died, his body was sent back to England, where he was buried in Westminster Abbey.
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history
In 1865, Dr. David Livingstone, a British explorer, began his expedition to the Dark Continent of Africa, in an effort to learn more about the people on this continent, and also wanted to help abolish slavery, the cause for the decreasing population in Africa.
In 1871, it was not known what became of Dr. David Livingstone, so, Henry Morton Stanley set out to search for him. Indeed, he did find Dr. Livingstone, who was now a very sick man. Dr. Livingstone lived another 18 months and after he died, his body was sent back to England, where he was buried in Westminster Abbey.
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history
True History - Veritas Card #27 (Orange Card) - Martin Luther Begins the Reformation
Martin Luther Begins the Reformation - 1517
I bet you didn't know that October 31 is a memorable day. The world celebrates Trick or Treaters but, there is a more important celebration to this day. We call it 'Reformation Day' and the reason we can celebrate it is because, on that day, in the year 1517, the Reformation began. Here is how it happened;
There was a young man who was troubled because of some things he saw in the church that were inconsistent with Scripture. He wrote those things down and took them to a church building in Wittenberg, Germany, nailing them to the door. The writing is called the '95 Theses'. It was a document that had 95 points that concerned Martin Luther, who was a monk at that time. He wrote the document in the Latin language, and the main argument in this document concerned the selling of 'indulgences' (slips of paper that indicated that people could earn their way into heaven by buying these papers).
Martin Luther believed in what is called 'Sola Fide' which means 'Faith alone'. He learned this from the teachings of Wycliffe and Huss. After Martin Luther got a hold of the writings of Scripture, he learned that a person is saved by faith in Jesus Christ alone, not in any good works or efforts on the part of the person. He also believed in 'sola Scriptura', which means 'Scriptures alone'. The Roman Catholic church, during this time period, did not believe in Scriptures alone, or faith alone for salvation. They understood salvation as faith plus works, which is in opposition to what the Scriptures teach.
A couple of years later, Martin Luther got in trouble for what he believed in. He was asked to recant his positions on what he believed in, and if he didn't recant, he would be excommunicated (made to leave the church). What would you do if you were Martin Luther? What do you think he did? Well, he stood up for what he believed in and did not recant. A year later, at something called, 'The Diet of Worms' (I know this is a really strange name!), he was asked again to recant (change his mind about what he said). Those who asked him to recant gave him 24 hours to reconsider his position. Again, he did not recant, but stood up for what he knew to be true.
We are grateful for what Martin Luther did, as he stood up for what the Bible taught, when church leaders were teaching opposing thoughts. His courage caused many other people to join in with him. This was the beginning of the Reformation, which changed the course of church History forever.
I bet you didn't know that October 31 is a memorable day. The world celebrates Trick or Treaters but, there is a more important celebration to this day. We call it 'Reformation Day' and the reason we can celebrate it is because, on that day, in the year 1517, the Reformation began. Here is how it happened;
There was a young man who was troubled because of some things he saw in the church that were inconsistent with Scripture. He wrote those things down and took them to a church building in Wittenberg, Germany, nailing them to the door. The writing is called the '95 Theses'. It was a document that had 95 points that concerned Martin Luther, who was a monk at that time. He wrote the document in the Latin language, and the main argument in this document concerned the selling of 'indulgences' (slips of paper that indicated that people could earn their way into heaven by buying these papers).
Martin Luther believed in what is called 'Sola Fide' which means 'Faith alone'. He learned this from the teachings of Wycliffe and Huss. After Martin Luther got a hold of the writings of Scripture, he learned that a person is saved by faith in Jesus Christ alone, not in any good works or efforts on the part of the person. He also believed in 'sola Scriptura', which means 'Scriptures alone'. The Roman Catholic church, during this time period, did not believe in Scriptures alone, or faith alone for salvation. They understood salvation as faith plus works, which is in opposition to what the Scriptures teach.
A couple of years later, Martin Luther got in trouble for what he believed in. He was asked to recant his positions on what he believed in, and if he didn't recant, he would be excommunicated (made to leave the church). What would you do if you were Martin Luther? What do you think he did? Well, he stood up for what he believed in and did not recant. A year later, at something called, 'The Diet of Worms' (I know this is a really strange name!), he was asked again to recant (change his mind about what he said). Those who asked him to recant gave him 24 hours to reconsider his position. Again, he did not recant, but stood up for what he knew to be true.
We are grateful for what Martin Luther did, as he stood up for what the Bible taught, when church leaders were teaching opposing thoughts. His courage caused many other people to join in with him. This was the beginning of the Reformation, which changed the course of church History forever.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Today in History - March 20, 1852 - Uncle Tom's Cabin is Published
Uncle Tom's Cabin is Published - March 20, 1852
Today in History, Uncle Tom's Cabin, is published in 1852. Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of this book, was the seventh child of a Congregationalist minister. She was married to Calvin Ellis Stowe with whom she had seven children.
Later in life she encountered fugitive slaves, and, as a reaction to the fugitive slave laws, she wrote, "Uncle Tom's Cabin", the book for which she is well known for. Her writings played a major part in the way Americans changed their views on slavery. She 'danced in the street' when she heard Lincoln's announcement that the slaves were set free. She died in 1896.
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/uncle-toms-cabin-is-published
Today in History, Uncle Tom's Cabin, is published in 1852. Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of this book, was the seventh child of a Congregationalist minister. She was married to Calvin Ellis Stowe with whom she had seven children.
Later in life she encountered fugitive slaves, and, as a reaction to the fugitive slave laws, she wrote, "Uncle Tom's Cabin", the book for which she is well known for. Her writings played a major part in the way Americans changed their views on slavery. She 'danced in the street' when she heard Lincoln's announcement that the slaves were set free. She died in 1896.
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/uncle-toms-cabin-is-published
Monday, March 19, 2012
True History - Veritas Card #26 (Orange Card) - The Inquisition
The Inquisition - 1478
There has always been a struggle throughout History on how much power the ruling authorities should have concerning using their authority to dictate what people should believe about God. Remember how Constantine tried to make everyone a Christian. It seems like people forgot that God has to work in a person's heart to make him or her understand the Gospel. No authority, no matter how powerful, is able to make a person worship God in a particular way.
At this time in History, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella were ruling from Spain. They were devout Catholics. The made a rule that every person under their domain was to be a Roman Catholic. If a person did not accept the teachings of Roman Catholicism, that person would be punished. The is known as 'The Inquisition'. There was a similar inquisition in the 13th century.
The Inquisition was used by the authorities to scare people and make them afraid of not complying with the authorities when it came to what they believed in and how they worshiped. During this Inquisition, thousands of Jews and Muslims were made to leave Spain. Books were now being censored, and extra measures were taken to prevent the spread of the 'new learning' and 'new religious ideas'. Anyone who sought to bring reform to the church risked being tortured or killed.
This Inquisition was also a political tool. The King expected both clergy and nobles to submit to his will. King Ferdinand was now able to increase his power and eliminate his enemies.
There has always been a struggle throughout History on how much power the ruling authorities should have concerning using their authority to dictate what people should believe about God. Remember how Constantine tried to make everyone a Christian. It seems like people forgot that God has to work in a person's heart to make him or her understand the Gospel. No authority, no matter how powerful, is able to make a person worship God in a particular way.
At this time in History, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella were ruling from Spain. They were devout Catholics. The made a rule that every person under their domain was to be a Roman Catholic. If a person did not accept the teachings of Roman Catholicism, that person would be punished. The is known as 'The Inquisition'. There was a similar inquisition in the 13th century.
The Inquisition was used by the authorities to scare people and make them afraid of not complying with the authorities when it came to what they believed in and how they worshiped. During this Inquisition, thousands of Jews and Muslims were made to leave Spain. Books were now being censored, and extra measures were taken to prevent the spread of the 'new learning' and 'new religious ideas'. Anyone who sought to bring reform to the church risked being tortured or killed.
This Inquisition was also a political tool. The King expected both clergy and nobles to submit to his will. King Ferdinand was now able to increase his power and eliminate his enemies.
Today in History - March 19, 1931 - Nevada Legalizes Gambling
Nevada Legalizes Gambling - March 19, 1931
Today in History, gambling became legal in the state of Nevada. The decision was made with the hopes of lifting the state out of the effects of the Great Depression. Nevada is known as the gambling and entertainment capital of the world.
History.com
Today in History, gambling became legal in the state of Nevada. The decision was made with the hopes of lifting the state out of the effects of the Great Depression. Nevada is known as the gambling and entertainment capital of the world.
History.com
Sunday, March 18, 2012
True History - Veritas Card #25 (Orange Card) - The Renaissance
The Renaissance - c. 1300 - 1517
The Renaissance was a time period in which the arts that had been lost during the Golden Age of Ancient Greece were trying to be restored. The word Renaissance means 'rebirth'. The philosophy behind the Renaissance was Humanism, which was the belief that man is the measure of all things. People who embrace Humanism do not view the Scriptures as the measure of all things. Man is ultimate in Humanism, not God. Sadly, the church in the day of the Renaissance bought into this philosophy as well, as it was the main sponsor of the arts. People thought they could make creations as beautiful as God did. This is a form of idolatry, and this thinking dishonors the God of all Creation.
The Renaissance began in Italy, and traveled all the way to the Northern Alps. The idea of Humanism continued to become more prevalent.
There were many affects of the Renaissance thinking. Revived interest in learning had an affect on the arts, science, sculpture and architecture. The works of arts were not necessarily of religious content any more. Paintings became more realistic, as the artists began to understand perspective (depth perception). People were able to create art works that looked like the pictures jumped off the pages! Even statues were realistic looking. The printing press came into being during this time period. It was easier to communicate ideas because of the advances that were made in the arts.
An example of a man who had many skills during this time period was Leonardo Da Vinci. He was good at painting, drawing, sculpting, architecture, music, engineering, and inventing things. He definitely left an imprint of his life that we still remember today.
The Renaissance was a time period in which the arts that had been lost during the Golden Age of Ancient Greece were trying to be restored. The word Renaissance means 'rebirth'. The philosophy behind the Renaissance was Humanism, which was the belief that man is the measure of all things. People who embrace Humanism do not view the Scriptures as the measure of all things. Man is ultimate in Humanism, not God. Sadly, the church in the day of the Renaissance bought into this philosophy as well, as it was the main sponsor of the arts. People thought they could make creations as beautiful as God did. This is a form of idolatry, and this thinking dishonors the God of all Creation.
The Renaissance began in Italy, and traveled all the way to the Northern Alps. The idea of Humanism continued to become more prevalent.
There were many affects of the Renaissance thinking. Revived interest in learning had an affect on the arts, science, sculpture and architecture. The works of arts were not necessarily of religious content any more. Paintings became more realistic, as the artists began to understand perspective (depth perception). People were able to create art works that looked like the pictures jumped off the pages! Even statues were realistic looking. The printing press came into being during this time period. It was easier to communicate ideas because of the advances that were made in the arts.
An example of a man who had many skills during this time period was Leonardo Da Vinci. He was good at painting, drawing, sculpting, architecture, music, engineering, and inventing things. He definitely left an imprint of his life that we still remember today.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Today in History - March 17, 461 - St. Patrick Dies
St. Patrick Dies - March 17, 461
What does four-leaf clovers have to do with St. Patrick's Day? Probably not much. It is ironic how we relate St. Patrick with good luck charms, or 'the luck of the Irish'. Somehow those things crept in there and took root, but you might be surprised to learn about the real St. Patrick, whom we celebrate on March 17th every year.
St. Patrick was born possibly in Scotland. He came from a well-to-do Christian home. One day, he was taken captive by Irish marauders and was enslaved for six years. He worked hard while he was in Ireland, and somehow, by the grace of God, he was able to return to his home land six years later and was reunited with his family.
St. Patrick was a devout Christian. He felt the call to go back to Ireland, and he did. He preached the Gospel there and saw many conversions. He died on March 17, 461, in Saul, Downpatrick, Ireland, which was the place where he built his first church.
Here is an article on St. Patrick : www.history.com/this-day-in-history/saint-patrick-dies
Thursday, March 15, 2012
True History - Veritas Card #24 - Gutenberg Prints the Bible
Gutenberg Prints the Bible - 1456
Here is an excerpt from about.com on
Gutenberg. I'll post this before I post the other information from the Veritas
Card on Gutenberg.
The
earliest dated printed book known is the "Diamond Sutra", printed in
China in 868 CE. However, it is suspected that book printing may have occurred
long before this date.
In
1041, movable clay type was first invented in China. Johannes Gutenberg, a
goldsmith and businessman from the mining town of Mainz in southern Germany,
borrowed money to invent a technology that changed the world of printing.
Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press with replaceable/moveable wooden
or metal letters in 1436 (completed by 1440). This method of printing can be
credited not only for a revolution in the production of books, but also for
fostering rapid development in the sciences, arts and religion through the
transmission of texts.
Many people during the Middle Ages did
not know how to read. They were illiterate. But Johannes Gutenberg knew how to
read. He learned on his own by reading manuscripts, which were hand writings.
Most people in Europe did not own books at that time.
While Johannes Gutenberg was growing
up, a special method was used to print books with, called 'block printing'.
Gutenberg made the first types of letters that were used in printing, instead
of having whole pages printed. This type of printing was called, 'movable
type'. Can you imagine the excitement around him and he branched out into his
new method of printing?
Gutenberg was determined to make an
easier way to print than what was used when he was a young man. The people who
printed used 'block printing' which basically involved cutting a piece of wood
the size of the page, then cutting away the wood that was extra, and leaving
only the raised letters. Then they spread ink on the letters and laid paper on
the block. Then they pressed the paper down. How much work that would have
been!
Gutenberg made the first movable type
from wood. The ones he made later were metal. Guess what the first book he
printed was! It was the Bible. It was printed in two volumes, and in the Latin
language.
Books could now be printed much more
easily, with the help of the movable type. Before this, monks would hand copy
manuscripts very carefully. It would be so much faster to write a book now.
Thanks to Johannes Gutenberg, we now could print the Bible faster than before.
The Protestant Reformation benefitted from Gutenberg's
invention. As issues of doctrine came up that had to be dealt with, their ideas
were able to be quickly published because of the printing presses that were
available, and their ideas could more easily spread throughout Europe.
Today in History - March 15, 44 B.C. - The Ides of March
The Ides of March - 44 B.C.
The event for today happened 44 years before the birth of Christ. The name of the event is 'Ides of March' and it is the anniversary of the murder of Julius Caesar by Brutus and about sixty other men. Caesar was dubbed 'Dictator for Life' of Rome. He was stabbed several times by the men and then Brutus wounded him in the groin. He was not well liked by the Senators.
The event for today happened 44 years before the birth of Christ. The name of the event is 'Ides of March' and it is the anniversary of the murder of Julius Caesar by Brutus and about sixty other men. Caesar was dubbed 'Dictator for Life' of Rome. He was stabbed several times by the men and then Brutus wounded him in the groin. He was not well liked by the Senators.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
True History - Veritas Card #23 - Fall of Constantinople to Mohammed II
Fall of Constantinople to Mohammed II - 1453
During the late Middle Ages, there were two empires that were fighting for control of the same land. The Muslim Ottoman Empire was in competition with the Christian Byzantine Empire. Osman I was a Turk who founded the Muslim Ottoman Empire. Slowly, the Turks were gaining control of what had been the Byzantine Empire which was under the rule of Justinian.
Mohammed II had made a final assault on Constantinople in 1453. Constantinople was the only remaining portion that was not under Muslim control. The Turks used gunpowder and cannons for their weaponry while the Byzantines were used to using bows and arrows. So the walls of Constantinople came down, as it was impossible for them to continue withstand the onslaught.
The armies were not the same size either. Mohammed II had between 100,000 and 150,000 soldiers, which was much more than the number of Byzantine soldiers. It was at this point that the city of Constantinople fell to Turkish control, and all that was left of the Old Roman Empire was no longer in existence.
During the late Middle Ages, there were two empires that were fighting for control of the same land. The Muslim Ottoman Empire was in competition with the Christian Byzantine Empire. Osman I was a Turk who founded the Muslim Ottoman Empire. Slowly, the Turks were gaining control of what had been the Byzantine Empire which was under the rule of Justinian.
Mohammed II had made a final assault on Constantinople in 1453. Constantinople was the only remaining portion that was not under Muslim control. The Turks used gunpowder and cannons for their weaponry while the Byzantines were used to using bows and arrows. So the walls of Constantinople came down, as it was impossible for them to continue withstand the onslaught.
The armies were not the same size either. Mohammed II had between 100,000 and 150,000 soldiers, which was much more than the number of Byzantine soldiers. It was at this point that the city of Constantinople fell to Turkish control, and all that was left of the Old Roman Empire was no longer in existence.
Today in History - March 14, 1879 - Albert Einstein is Born
Albert Einstein is Born - March 14, 1879
Today in History, Albert Einstein is born in Ulm, Germany. He spent his childhood in Germany and Italy, and moved to Zurich, Switzerland in 1905, where he received a Ph D from the University of Zurich. Later on in his life, he moved to the United States and settled in Princeton, NJ, where he would live the rest of his life. He is known for his 'Theory of Relativity'.
www.history.com
Today in History, Albert Einstein is born in Ulm, Germany. He spent his childhood in Germany and Italy, and moved to Zurich, Switzerland in 1905, where he received a Ph D from the University of Zurich. Later on in his life, he moved to the United States and settled in Princeton, NJ, where he would live the rest of his life. He is known for his 'Theory of Relativity'.
www.history.com
True History - Veritas Card #22 (Orange Card) - John Wycliffe and John Huss
John Wycliffe and John Huss - c. 1380
It was during the time period of the Hundred Years War that seeds for the Reformation were being planted. John Wycliffe was an English Theologian and a professor at Oxford. Things were stirring in his heart. He viewed Scripture as 'Sola Scriptura' which meant that Scripture was the final authority. He openly criticized the papacy and the friars, and he actually called the pope the 'Antichrist'. His followers were called 'Lollards' and the promoted his views. John Wycliffe also produced an English version of the Bible.
The teachings of Wycliffe spread all the way from England to the Czech Republic. A man named John Huss lived in Prague, and he adopted the teachings of Wycliffe. While the Great Schism was going on in Rome and Avignon, John Huss preached in Czech and won most of the country to his beliefs. But he was excommunicated and imprisoned for heresy and finally burned at the stake. on July 6, 1415. The Moravian Church came out of John Huss' teachings.
It was during the time period of the Hundred Years War that seeds for the Reformation were being planted. John Wycliffe was an English Theologian and a professor at Oxford. Things were stirring in his heart. He viewed Scripture as 'Sola Scriptura' which meant that Scripture was the final authority. He openly criticized the papacy and the friars, and he actually called the pope the 'Antichrist'. His followers were called 'Lollards' and the promoted his views. John Wycliffe also produced an English version of the Bible.
The teachings of Wycliffe spread all the way from England to the Czech Republic. A man named John Huss lived in Prague, and he adopted the teachings of Wycliffe. While the Great Schism was going on in Rome and Avignon, John Huss preached in Czech and won most of the country to his beliefs. But he was excommunicated and imprisoned for heresy and finally burned at the stake. on July 6, 1415. The Moravian Church came out of John Huss' teachings.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Today in History - March 13, 1781 - English Astronomer Discovers Uranus
English Astronomer Discovers Uranus - March 13, 1781
Today in History English astronomer, William Herschel discovers Uranus in 1781. He named it Georgium Sidus.
Source: Tribune Newspapers
Today in History English astronomer, William Herschel discovers Uranus in 1781. He named it Georgium Sidus.
Source: Tribune Newspapers
True History - Veritas Card #21 (Orange Card) - The Great Papal Schism
The Great Papal Schism - 1376-1417
When we think of popes, we usually think of the Vatican, or Rome, but did you know that there was a time when the French cardinals selected the popes, and the popes that they selected were French? They built a special place for the popes in Avignon, France, but in 1377, Gregory XI succeeded in bringing the papacy back to Rome. It was in France for almost 70 years now. The Romans however were afraid of the papacy going back to the French, once Gregory XI died. There was a violent man named Urban VI, who was elected as pope. He was rejected, and replaced by Clement VII. Clement VII marched on to Rome, because Urban VI refused to give up the throne! So there were two popes now, because Clement VII failed to capture Rome and ended up in Avignon, France.
So now two men were ruling as popes in Avignon. And their successors also ruled this way. This created a great schism. There was no way to work this problem out. Down the road, they thought they might have a solution though. The most promising attempt brought about a third line of claimants.
Now a council was being called by John XXIII. This was the Council of Constance. Both John XXIII and Benedict XXIII were promptly deposed at the council. Also, Gregory XII of Rome resigned. martin V was elected as pope by the council, and he was the first pope in forty years to rule the entire Latin Church. Now the schism ended.
A pope was now considered as a constitutional ruler with delegated authority instead of an absolute monarch.
When we think of popes, we usually think of the Vatican, or Rome, but did you know that there was a time when the French cardinals selected the popes, and the popes that they selected were French? They built a special place for the popes in Avignon, France, but in 1377, Gregory XI succeeded in bringing the papacy back to Rome. It was in France for almost 70 years now. The Romans however were afraid of the papacy going back to the French, once Gregory XI died. There was a violent man named Urban VI, who was elected as pope. He was rejected, and replaced by Clement VII. Clement VII marched on to Rome, because Urban VI refused to give up the throne! So there were two popes now, because Clement VII failed to capture Rome and ended up in Avignon, France.
So now two men were ruling as popes in Avignon. And their successors also ruled this way. This created a great schism. There was no way to work this problem out. Down the road, they thought they might have a solution though. The most promising attempt brought about a third line of claimants.
Now a council was being called by John XXIII. This was the Council of Constance. Both John XXIII and Benedict XXIII were promptly deposed at the council. Also, Gregory XII of Rome resigned. martin V was elected as pope by the council, and he was the first pope in forty years to rule the entire Latin Church. Now the schism ended.
A pope was now considered as a constitutional ruler with delegated authority instead of an absolute monarch.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
True History - Veritas Card #20 (Orange Card) - The Hundred Years War, The Black Death, and Joan of Ark
The Hundred Years War, The Black Death, and Joan of Ark - 1337 - 1453
How would you like to have lived during the time of the world's longest lasting war? It was a war between the English and the French during the Middle Ages. It was started by Edward III in 1337, in order to enforce the English claim to the French throne.
The weapon that the English used was the longbow, and the weapon of the French was the crossbow. The longbow was definitely the more superior weapon, and the English were very successful in using it. But even though the English won many battles, the French actually won the war.
King Henry V won a victory for the English in 1415, in Agincourt. As a result, the King of France signed a peace treaty with King Henry V. This action resulted in Henry V becoming a regent of France.
Not only that, but King Henry V also married Katherine, the daughter of the king of France, but he never lived long enough to become king of France. The final victory for France was won at Castillion in 1453.
During this time period, the Black Death made its way throughout Europe, possibly killing one-half of the population. The plague lasted from 1348-1350.
Also, during this time period, there was a young woman named 'Joan of Arc', who lived in Domremy, who claimed that she had contact with the angel Gabriel, St. Catherine, and St. Margaret. They told her to rescue the French from the English. Joan of Arc dressed up like a knight and led the French in a conquest of Orleans in 1429. Eventually, she was captured by the Burgundians, and then sold to the English. Then she was accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake. Ultimately, the French won this long, drawn out battle.
How would you like to have lived during the time of the world's longest lasting war? It was a war between the English and the French during the Middle Ages. It was started by Edward III in 1337, in order to enforce the English claim to the French throne.
The weapon that the English used was the longbow, and the weapon of the French was the crossbow. The longbow was definitely the more superior weapon, and the English were very successful in using it. But even though the English won many battles, the French actually won the war.
King Henry V won a victory for the English in 1415, in Agincourt. As a result, the King of France signed a peace treaty with King Henry V. This action resulted in Henry V becoming a regent of France.
Not only that, but King Henry V also married Katherine, the daughter of the king of France, but he never lived long enough to become king of France. The final victory for France was won at Castillion in 1453.
During this time period, the Black Death made its way throughout Europe, possibly killing one-half of the population. The plague lasted from 1348-1350.
Also, during this time period, there was a young woman named 'Joan of Arc', who lived in Domremy, who claimed that she had contact with the angel Gabriel, St. Catherine, and St. Margaret. They told her to rescue the French from the English. Joan of Arc dressed up like a knight and led the French in a conquest of Orleans in 1429. Eventually, she was captured by the Burgundians, and then sold to the English. Then she was accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake. Ultimately, the French won this long, drawn out battle.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
True History - The Issue of Separation of Church and State
Did you know that the term, and the concept of 'Separation of Church and State' is not in the Constitution? I am amazed at how people shoot out those words as if somehow they were defending some kind of violation of their rights. But I think this is an issue that we don't have to be ignorant on. People that want to believe that the Constitution guarantees separation of church and state, will talk about it as if it is an established fact. The problem comes though, when we assume they are right, without questioning it.
People in America assume, much like the Theory of Evolution, that this principle is a fact. What ends up happening then, is that other people assume that these people know what they are talking about. Listen. When people start projecting concepts as if they are fact, we need to research the concepts and find out what is really true. We have people today going to court assuming that 'Separation of Church and State' is a given. But what is the deeper issue?
Here is what I believe is the deeper issue. First, let's go back into History and find out what the issue surrounding 'Separation of Church and State' is about.
The whole phrase was coined by Thomas Jefferson, as he was writing to the Danbury Baptist Association, in 1802. Here is the quote from his letter; "... I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should 'make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,' thus building a wall of separation between Church & State."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Separation_of_church_and_state These words are not in our Constitution. They are in a letter written by Thomas Jefferson to a group of Baptist people! My, how things get twisted around. What was the goal of our American Forefathers? They didn't want to be in a country where the church and state were tied in together! That is what drove the Pilgrims over here in the first place! They didn't want the government to come in and tell them what they could and could not believe in! That is a long stretch from the implications of what we mean today by the words 'Separation of Church and State'.
Today, groups are ordered to remove Nativity scenes from their yards, BECAUSE THEY ARE ON GOVERNMENT PROPERTY. They took the 10 Commandments out of the public school system. Why? BECAUSE THE SCHOOL SYSTEM IS GOVERNMENT PROPERTY! I have even heard of such stories as this one; a teacher was ordered to take off a pin that had Jesus' name on it! She was not allowed to wear it because she was in a public school building, WHICH IS GOVERNMENT PROPERTY!
Now do you see some of the twisting of the law that people in authority are doing? I could tell story after story of how we, the people of the United States of America, are being violated, just because of the misuse of this phrase 'Separation of Church and State'. Even our court systems have bought into it!
My job is to inform you, the people of America, of the truth of such phrases and their misuse, which turns into abusing the law, and using it in an unjust way. Let's stay on top of this and know what the Constitution really does say and let's put a stop to the twisting of words and resources. Let's bring truth back to our justice system today. Tomorrow might be too late.
People in America assume, much like the Theory of Evolution, that this principle is a fact. What ends up happening then, is that other people assume that these people know what they are talking about. Listen. When people start projecting concepts as if they are fact, we need to research the concepts and find out what is really true. We have people today going to court assuming that 'Separation of Church and State' is a given. But what is the deeper issue?
Here is what I believe is the deeper issue. First, let's go back into History and find out what the issue surrounding 'Separation of Church and State' is about.
The whole phrase was coined by Thomas Jefferson, as he was writing to the Danbury Baptist Association, in 1802. Here is the quote from his letter; "... I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should 'make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,' thus building a wall of separation between Church & State."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Separation_of_church_and_state These words are not in our Constitution. They are in a letter written by Thomas Jefferson to a group of Baptist people! My, how things get twisted around. What was the goal of our American Forefathers? They didn't want to be in a country where the church and state were tied in together! That is what drove the Pilgrims over here in the first place! They didn't want the government to come in and tell them what they could and could not believe in! That is a long stretch from the implications of what we mean today by the words 'Separation of Church and State'.
Today, groups are ordered to remove Nativity scenes from their yards, BECAUSE THEY ARE ON GOVERNMENT PROPERTY. They took the 10 Commandments out of the public school system. Why? BECAUSE THE SCHOOL SYSTEM IS GOVERNMENT PROPERTY! I have even heard of such stories as this one; a teacher was ordered to take off a pin that had Jesus' name on it! She was not allowed to wear it because she was in a public school building, WHICH IS GOVERNMENT PROPERTY!
Now do you see some of the twisting of the law that people in authority are doing? I could tell story after story of how we, the people of the United States of America, are being violated, just because of the misuse of this phrase 'Separation of Church and State'. Even our court systems have bought into it!
My job is to inform you, the people of America, of the truth of such phrases and their misuse, which turns into abusing the law, and using it in an unjust way. Let's stay on top of this and know what the Constitution really does say and let's put a stop to the twisting of words and resources. Let's bring truth back to our justice system today. Tomorrow might be too late.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Today in History - March 9, 1954 - Eisenhower Criticizes McCarthy
Eisenhower Criticizes McCarthy - March 9, 1954
I thought this article was interesting for a couple of reasons. First, I have a serious concern that today, especially the young people, do not have a proper understanding of Communism, and, also, I find it interesting to note how much more careful and discerning our government was fifty to one-hundered years ago, when it came to being diligent in confronting and dealing with issues of Communism. They knew Communism was wrong and would be harmful to a nation. Today, sadly, people don't see that. Americanism vs. Communism was taken out of our school systems, and even today people don't have an accurate view of what really went on in History (thus the reason for my writing this blog!).
I am amazed at how fast we forget. Maybe the forgetting is intentional or maybe not. If you go to a college campus and ask students who Hitler was, many of them have no idea. Isn't that sad? Not only sad, but scary. History often repeats itself and ignorance is our worst enemy.
I will post part of an article from www.history.com on the event that happened today in History.
On this day in 1954, President Eisenhower writes a letter to his friend, Paul Helms, in which he privately criticizes Senator Joseph McCarthy's approach to rooting out communists in the federal government. Two days earlier, former presidential candidateAdlai Stevenson had declared that the president's silence on McCarthy's actions was tantamount to approval. Eisenhower, who viewed political mud-slinging as beneath the office of the president, declined to comment publicly on Stevenson's remark or McCarthy's tactics.
There is more to this article and you can read it at: www.history.com/this-day-in-history/eisenhower-criticizes-mccarthy
I thought this article was interesting for a couple of reasons. First, I have a serious concern that today, especially the young people, do not have a proper understanding of Communism, and, also, I find it interesting to note how much more careful and discerning our government was fifty to one-hundered years ago, when it came to being diligent in confronting and dealing with issues of Communism. They knew Communism was wrong and would be harmful to a nation. Today, sadly, people don't see that. Americanism vs. Communism was taken out of our school systems, and even today people don't have an accurate view of what really went on in History (thus the reason for my writing this blog!).
I am amazed at how fast we forget. Maybe the forgetting is intentional or maybe not. If you go to a college campus and ask students who Hitler was, many of them have no idea. Isn't that sad? Not only sad, but scary. History often repeats itself and ignorance is our worst enemy.
I will post part of an article from www.history.com on the event that happened today in History.
On this day in 1954, President Eisenhower writes a letter to his friend, Paul Helms, in which he privately criticizes Senator Joseph McCarthy's approach to rooting out communists in the federal government. Two days earlier, former presidential candidateAdlai Stevenson had declared that the president's silence on McCarthy's actions was tantamount to approval. Eisenhower, who viewed political mud-slinging as beneath the office of the president, declined to comment publicly on Stevenson's remark or McCarthy's tactics.
There is more to this article and you can read it at: www.history.com/this-day-in-history/eisenhower-criticizes-mccarthy
Thursday, March 8, 2012
True History - Veritas Card # 19 (Orange Card) - Marco Polo
Marco Polo - 1254 - 1324
The man we are studying today came from Venice, Italy. When he was about seventeen, he began a long and extensive trip to a far away place, with his father and uncle.
There was a vast amount of land that had been conquered by the Mongols. It extended from the Pacific Ocean to the eastern part of Europe. There once was a man named Genghis Khan, who ruled that kingdom. He had a grandson named Kublai Khan, who had inherited that land. Peking, China was where the capital was.
It was a long way away from Venice to China, but Marco Polo found a way to get there. Back then they traveled on the silk road. It was a caravan route that was named because of the silk trade in China. In their traveling, Marco Polo, his father, and his uncle passed through many different countries. They made their way through the Holy Land, then onto Persia. After that they passed through Tartary and made their way to China. What a long trip! When they met Kublai Khan, he was fascinated with them, because they were white men. Marco's father was a Venetian (from Venice) merchant, so that was an asset to what they were trying to accomplish. After Marco, his father and his uncle were invited to the palace, they were given prominent places in the Chinese court.
The men went back to Italy about twenty years later (Marco must have been around thirty-seven by now). They came back with fascinating stories about their adventure which many found hard to believe.
Marco wrote a book telling of his adventures to China, called, The Travels of Marco Polo. People were continually drawn to the idea of going to a place where spices were made available, so many thought hard about making a way that would not take so long to get to the Far East where spices would be abundant. Years later, a man named Christopher Columbus believed he could find a way to get the spices. His determination led to his discovery of new land in North America. He was probably most influenced by the writings of Marco Polo. I wonder what Marco Polo and Christopher Columbus would think now, if they could see all the discoveries and advances we have made in our methods of traveling to get from one place to another more quickly. It is sure easier today to get to China or India than it was back then. And for that, we should be thankful.
The man we are studying today came from Venice, Italy. When he was about seventeen, he began a long and extensive trip to a far away place, with his father and uncle.
There was a vast amount of land that had been conquered by the Mongols. It extended from the Pacific Ocean to the eastern part of Europe. There once was a man named Genghis Khan, who ruled that kingdom. He had a grandson named Kublai Khan, who had inherited that land. Peking, China was where the capital was.
It was a long way away from Venice to China, but Marco Polo found a way to get there. Back then they traveled on the silk road. It was a caravan route that was named because of the silk trade in China. In their traveling, Marco Polo, his father, and his uncle passed through many different countries. They made their way through the Holy Land, then onto Persia. After that they passed through Tartary and made their way to China. What a long trip! When they met Kublai Khan, he was fascinated with them, because they were white men. Marco's father was a Venetian (from Venice) merchant, so that was an asset to what they were trying to accomplish. After Marco, his father and his uncle were invited to the palace, they were given prominent places in the Chinese court.
The men went back to Italy about twenty years later (Marco must have been around thirty-seven by now). They came back with fascinating stories about their adventure which many found hard to believe.
Marco wrote a book telling of his adventures to China, called, The Travels of Marco Polo. People were continually drawn to the idea of going to a place where spices were made available, so many thought hard about making a way that would not take so long to get to the Far East where spices would be abundant. Years later, a man named Christopher Columbus believed he could find a way to get the spices. His determination led to his discovery of new land in North America. He was probably most influenced by the writings of Marco Polo. I wonder what Marco Polo and Christopher Columbus would think now, if they could see all the discoveries and advances we have made in our methods of traveling to get from one place to another more quickly. It is sure easier today to get to China or India than it was back then. And for that, we should be thankful.
Today in History - March 8, 1983 - Reagan Refers to the U.S.S.R. as 'Evil Empire"
Reagan Refers to U.S.S.R. as 'Evil Empire' - March 8, 1983
Today in History, former president Ronald Reagan referred to the U.S.S.R. as 'Evil Empire'. He made a former reference to this once before at a speech in the British House of Commons, in 1982.
Here is an excerpt from www.history.com
Today in History, former president Ronald Reagan referred to the U.S.S.R. as 'Evil Empire'. He made a former reference to this once before at a speech in the British House of Commons, in 1982.
Here is an excerpt from www.history.com
Reagan's aggressive stance toward the Soviet Union became known as the Reagan Doctrine. He warned against what he and his supporters saw as the dangerous trend of tolerating the Soviets' build-up of nuclear weapons and attempts to infiltrate Third World countries in order to spread communism. Advocating a peace through strength policy, Reagan declared that the Soviets must be made to understand we will never compromise our principles and standards [nor] ignore the facts of history and the aggressive impulses of an evil empire. To do so would mean abandoning the struggle between right and wrong and good and evil.
May we take the words of Ronald Reagan seriously today. The principles are still there. It is just harder to see them now. We don't know the difference between right and wrong, or, good and evil. We have become perverse. We need help.
To read more on this article from history.com, go to
True History - Veritas Card #18 (Orange Card) - St. Thomas Aquinas
St. Thomas Aquinas - 1225 - 1274
Thomas Aquinas was born into a wealthy family in 1225. He was very gifted and intelligent. His abilities enabled him to go to a university while he was young.
During this time, Pope Honorius recognized the group of preachers that was started by St. Dominic, and he called them the Order of Preachers. This group of people, called the Dominicans, planned to go out into the world and not live in cloisters.They also recognized the need to use intellectual gifts in teaching Christianity.
While Thomas Aquinas was at school, his classmates called him 'Dumb Ox'. But Thomas was impressed with the Dominicans and wanted to join them. Against his parents' desires, he joined this group. He worked to express Christian revelation in a systematic form. He learned how to do this by studying Aristotles' teachings, which were introduced to Europe as they were translated into Latin.
Some of Thomas Aquninas' writings were Summa Contra Gentiles and Summa Theologica, which was an attempt to harmonize God's word with reason and natural revelation. Even Aristotle, who was not a professing believer in Jesus Christ, made brilliant explanations of the world around him, using reason.
Thomas Aquinas never finished writing his book, Summa Theologica, because while he was in the process of writing it, while he was in worship one day, he had a heavenly vision. Here is what he said in response to that vision, " All that I have hitherto written seems to me nothing but straw....compared to what has been revealed to me."
Thomas Aquinas was born into a wealthy family in 1225. He was very gifted and intelligent. His abilities enabled him to go to a university while he was young.
During this time, Pope Honorius recognized the group of preachers that was started by St. Dominic, and he called them the Order of Preachers. This group of people, called the Dominicans, planned to go out into the world and not live in cloisters.They also recognized the need to use intellectual gifts in teaching Christianity.
While Thomas Aquinas was at school, his classmates called him 'Dumb Ox'. But Thomas was impressed with the Dominicans and wanted to join them. Against his parents' desires, he joined this group. He worked to express Christian revelation in a systematic form. He learned how to do this by studying Aristotles' teachings, which were introduced to Europe as they were translated into Latin.
Some of Thomas Aquninas' writings were Summa Contra Gentiles and Summa Theologica, which was an attempt to harmonize God's word with reason and natural revelation. Even Aristotle, who was not a professing believer in Jesus Christ, made brilliant explanations of the world around him, using reason.
Thomas Aquinas never finished writing his book, Summa Theologica, because while he was in the process of writing it, while he was in worship one day, he had a heavenly vision. Here is what he said in response to that vision, " All that I have hitherto written seems to me nothing but straw....compared to what has been revealed to me."
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
True History - Veritas Card #17 (Orange Card) - The Magna Carta
The Magna Carta - 1215
Who do you think was the worst king of England? Let's find out in this lesson today.
Richard the Lionhearted had a brother named John. Richard was loved by all the people of England, but when he died, his brother became the next king. John was one of the worst kings in England's History. There was an argument between the Pope and John about who should be the bishop in England. The Pope was so distressed that he threatened to close all the church doors!
John was an unkind king. He put heavy taxes on the people and threatened his subjects, which made them mad. John also did not go along with the rights of the people, to which they were entitled.
The words 'Magna Carta' come from the words, 'Great Charter'. The barons forced John to place his seal on the Magna Carta. They wanted to be guaranteed certain rights and they needed protection as well. So, on June 15, 1215, the barons forced John to place his seal on this Magna Carta, which also ensured that the King himself was subject to the law.
But John went back on his word not too long after he signed the Magna Carta. The barons were really angry and a civil war broke out, which ended up bringing about the death of King John. John had a nine year old son, who took the throne. The charter became the law of England in 1225 and King John's son, Henry III also rebelled against the Magna Carta. The nobles did what was necessary to bring Henry III back into line. One good thing that came out of the Magna Carta was that it did much to establish property rights, in much the same way as we enjoy them today.
Who do you think was the worst king of England? Let's find out in this lesson today.
Richard the Lionhearted had a brother named John. Richard was loved by all the people of England, but when he died, his brother became the next king. John was one of the worst kings in England's History. There was an argument between the Pope and John about who should be the bishop in England. The Pope was so distressed that he threatened to close all the church doors!
John was an unkind king. He put heavy taxes on the people and threatened his subjects, which made them mad. John also did not go along with the rights of the people, to which they were entitled.
The words 'Magna Carta' come from the words, 'Great Charter'. The barons forced John to place his seal on the Magna Carta. They wanted to be guaranteed certain rights and they needed protection as well. So, on June 15, 1215, the barons forced John to place his seal on this Magna Carta, which also ensured that the King himself was subject to the law.
But John went back on his word not too long after he signed the Magna Carta. The barons were really angry and a civil war broke out, which ended up bringing about the death of King John. John had a nine year old son, who took the throne. The charter became the law of England in 1225 and King John's son, Henry III also rebelled against the Magna Carta. The nobles did what was necessary to bring Henry III back into line. One good thing that came out of the Magna Carta was that it did much to establish property rights, in much the same way as we enjoy them today.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Today in History - March 6, 1475 - Michelangelo Was Born
Michelangelo Was Born - March 6, 1475
Today was the day that Michelangelo, the famous Italian artist, was born in a small Italian village of Caprese. When he was 13 years old, he became an artist's apprentice. He is known for his great work on the Sistine Chapel ceiling, and has done numerous other works of art and sculpture.
Today was the day that Michelangelo, the famous Italian artist, was born in a small Italian village of Caprese. When he was 13 years old, he became an artist's apprentice. He is known for his great work on the Sistine Chapel ceiling, and has done numerous other works of art and sculpture.
Monday, March 5, 2012
True History - Veritas Card #16 (Orange Card) - St. Francis of Assisi
St. Francis of Assisi - 1182-1224
You may have heard some quotes from St. Francis of Assisi already. St. Francis was born into a wealthy family in 1182. He lived in a place called Assisi in Italy. When he was a youth, he lived a wild life, but, he became very ill, and God used that in his life in order to bring about his conversion.
St. Francis wanted to live in poverty. He never had any possessions and he kept no extra shoes or clothing. His parents would try to give him money, but he would just give it all away. Finally, he was cut off from the family, and left to live his life like a hermit.
He did very well at practicing poverty, but soon he realized that he needed to preach. He wanted to follow Jesus' example. He returned to Assisi, and he had many people following him.
St. Francis believed in absolute poverty, and he preached a simple message of identifying with Christ. He, and those who were following him, believed that they should work without wages. Anything they had, but didn't need, they gave away to poor people.
St. Francis also loved nature, and it is thought of him that he would even preach to the animals! His followers were called, 'Little Brothers' and they lived by asking for alms. Their community was called, 'The Franciscan Order' and was recognized by the Pope in 1223.
He also made his way to Egypt, where he continued to preach. After his death, he had followers all the way from China! His Order spread throughout the world.
Above all the grace and the gifts that
Christ gives to his beloved is that of overcoming self.
Francis of Assisi
You may have heard some quotes from St. Francis of Assisi already. St. Francis was born into a wealthy family in 1182. He lived in a place called Assisi in Italy. When he was a youth, he lived a wild life, but, he became very ill, and God used that in his life in order to bring about his conversion.
St. Francis wanted to live in poverty. He never had any possessions and he kept no extra shoes or clothing. His parents would try to give him money, but he would just give it all away. Finally, he was cut off from the family, and left to live his life like a hermit.
He did very well at practicing poverty, but soon he realized that he needed to preach. He wanted to follow Jesus' example. He returned to Assisi, and he had many people following him.
St. Francis believed in absolute poverty, and he preached a simple message of identifying with Christ. He, and those who were following him, believed that they should work without wages. Anything they had, but didn't need, they gave away to poor people.
St. Francis also loved nature, and it is thought of him that he would even preach to the animals! His followers were called, 'Little Brothers' and they lived by asking for alms. Their community was called, 'The Franciscan Order' and was recognized by the Pope in 1223.
He also made his way to Egypt, where he continued to preach. After his death, he had followers all the way from China! His Order spread throughout the world.
Above all the grace and the gifts that
Christ gives to his beloved is that of overcoming self.
Francis of Assisi
Today in History - March 5, 1946 - Winston Churchill Delivers 'Iron Curtain' Message
Winston Churchill Delivers Iron Curtain Speech - March 5, 1946
Today is the day in History when Winston Churchill delivers his famous 'Iron Curtain' speech at Westminster College in Fulton, Mo.
Source: Tribune Newspapers.
Today is the day in History when Winston Churchill delivers his famous 'Iron Curtain' speech at Westminster College in Fulton, Mo.
Source: Tribune Newspapers.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Today in History - March 2, 1791 - John Wesley Dies
Today in History - March 2, 1791 - John Wesley Dies
OK, please don't think I'm having memory problems (which I do have anyway!). I know I posted already for this day, but here is something that came to my attention that happened this day in History. Today in History, John Wesley, Founder of the Methodist church denomination, died in the year, 1791.
According to Christianity today, records were kept of how many pastors and minsters came out of his own ministry;71,668 British members, 294 preachers, 43,265 American members with 198 preachers and 19 missionaries. Today Methodists number about 30 million worldwide (see issue 2: John Wesley and issue 69: Charles and John Wesley).
OK, please don't think I'm having memory problems (which I do have anyway!). I know I posted already for this day, but here is something that came to my attention that happened this day in History. Today in History, John Wesley, Founder of the Methodist church denomination, died in the year, 1791.
According to Christianity today, records were kept of how many pastors and minsters came out of his own ministry;71,668 British members, 294 preachers, 43,265 American members with 198 preachers and 19 missionaries. Today Methodists number about 30 million worldwide (see issue 2: John Wesley and issue 69: Charles and John Wesley).
Today in History - March 2, 1807 - U.S, Congress Abolishes African Slave Trade
U.S. Congress Abolishes the African Slave Trade - March 2, 1807
Today in History, the U.S. Congress passed an act to abolish slavery in the U.S. Slaves were no longer allowed to be imported into any part of the United States, from any country in the world.
Slavery began in America in August of 1619, with the first shipload of African slaves brought to Jamestown, Virginia. But for most of the 17th Century, indentured slaves were more in number than those brought in as slaves, at least in the Northern British colonies.
Read more of this article at: www.history.com/this-day-in-history/congress-abolishes-the-african-slave-trade
Today in History, the U.S. Congress passed an act to abolish slavery in the U.S. Slaves were no longer allowed to be imported into any part of the United States, from any country in the world.
Slavery began in America in August of 1619, with the first shipload of African slaves brought to Jamestown, Virginia. But for most of the 17th Century, indentured slaves were more in number than those brought in as slaves, at least in the Northern British colonies.
Read more of this article at: www.history.com/this-day-in-history/congress-abolishes-the-african-slave-trade
Thursday, March 1, 2012
True History - Veritas Card #15 (Orange Card) - The Crusades
The Crusades - 1095-c. 1250
I have heard many a bad rap about the Crusades. People use the Crusades as an excuse to reject God. But just exactly what were the Crusades and why did they happen? Who were the people involved in these Crusades?
The main reason for the Crusades was to take back Jerusalem from the Muslim's possession. It started with Pope Urban's sermon at Clermont, France. The people responded to this message with 'Deus Vult! Deus Vult' which means 'God wills it'. Pope Urban had a vision of the people going over to Jerusalem and taking back the land. There were about 5,000 people ready to go and they ventured out. Some of their motivations were to have a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, the prospect of recapturing the pilgrimage sites, the opportunity to strike back because of dishonor done to Christ's name, the receipt of an indulgence and the possibility of acquiring land.
There were eight Crusades altogether. The first Crusade actually did recapture Jerusalem, but, those who would now be ruling this area were too weak to establish a strong government, and that is why the Second Crusade went out. They were there to assist in this endeavor. The Third Crusade came as a result of the loss of Jerusalem to Saladin in 1187. Saladin was the sultan of Egypt at the time. This Crusade only resulted in gaining a treaty to allow Christians to visit the Holy Sepulcher. There also was a Children's Crusade, in which many children lost their lives. Some of the children were sold into slavery. The children never made it to Jerusalem. So, all in all, the First Crusade was really the only successful one.
The people were no longer inspired to go on Crusades. The popes could no longer persuade the people to go on them, so the idea of crusades fizzled out by the mid 1200s.
I have heard many a bad rap about the Crusades. People use the Crusades as an excuse to reject God. But just exactly what were the Crusades and why did they happen? Who were the people involved in these Crusades?
The main reason for the Crusades was to take back Jerusalem from the Muslim's possession. It started with Pope Urban's sermon at Clermont, France. The people responded to this message with 'Deus Vult! Deus Vult' which means 'God wills it'. Pope Urban had a vision of the people going over to Jerusalem and taking back the land. There were about 5,000 people ready to go and they ventured out. Some of their motivations were to have a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, the prospect of recapturing the pilgrimage sites, the opportunity to strike back because of dishonor done to Christ's name, the receipt of an indulgence and the possibility of acquiring land.
There were eight Crusades altogether. The first Crusade actually did recapture Jerusalem, but, those who would now be ruling this area were too weak to establish a strong government, and that is why the Second Crusade went out. They were there to assist in this endeavor. The Third Crusade came as a result of the loss of Jerusalem to Saladin in 1187. Saladin was the sultan of Egypt at the time. This Crusade only resulted in gaining a treaty to allow Christians to visit the Holy Sepulcher. There also was a Children's Crusade, in which many children lost their lives. Some of the children were sold into slavery. The children never made it to Jerusalem. So, all in all, the First Crusade was really the only successful one.
The people were no longer inspired to go on Crusades. The popes could no longer persuade the people to go on them, so the idea of crusades fizzled out by the mid 1200s.
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