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FRONT PAGE of "The Doctor's Terrific Tablets" ALPHABETICAL INDEX of entire website Editorial Page Politics; Public Education Todd's Truth I Todd's Truth II Todd's Truth III Todd's TRUTH IV Bible Favorites of Author Bible Favorites II Bible Favorites III Pop's WISDOM Pop's WISDOM, PAGE 2 Pop's Wisdom -- Page 3 PJT's Page Doctor's Terrific Tablets i Terrific Tablets II Terrific Tablets III Terrific Tablets IV Terrific Tablets V Terrific Tablets VI Terrific Tablets VII Terrific Tablets VIII Terrific Tablets IX Tuscaloosa NOOSE Tuscaloosa Snooze Temporary Items |
Scroll down (or scroll "up" from the bottom) -- for brief quotations from various "tablets" on other pages of this INTERNET BOOK... with links to the full "tablets". ALSO, on this page: "PEACEMAKERS" Humans do not "SAVE", for God Religious "SYNCRETISM" Are you ashamed of youe religion? Additional inks, to other pages: The Tuscaloosa Awake |
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QUESTION for the reader: Does God have the "right", and the power, and the "authority".... to "accept" me, and include me with His people (link).... even though I do not agree with your personal beliefs, your doctrine, and your "church"? (SEE links "SALVATION" is God's decision, unrelated to the opinion of humans; AND see The SOVEREIGNTY of God) |
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Quoted to me by a friend: "If you under 30 years-old, and you're not a liberal.... you have no heart. If you're over 30, and you're not a conservative.... you have no brain." |
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Quoting Steve Forbes, on TV: "Mankind is curious; curiosity leads to knowledge; knowledge leads to prosperity." |
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Heard on C-SPAN, in June 2003.... Concerning "freedom of the press": Justice Brennan ruled (in a case with reference to Alabama) that "the reason the first amendment exists is to criticize government". The C-SPAN guest added, "When a politician goes into the VORTEX of political life, he knows he will be criticized." JNT: Facts are facts.... the truth is true. |
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Heard on C-SPAN, in July 2003.... Ed Crane, founder of the Cato Institute, quoted Milton Friedman: "The true tax on the American public is the level of SPENDING. How it is financed is less important.... whether it is financed by inflation, borrowing, or taxation. "The true burden on the private sector is the resources taken from the private sector.... and employed in the public sector." JNT: Facts are facts.... the truth is true. |
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Disturbing personal thoughts. Hopeful answers. In today's world.... corporations, "big business", Hollywood, television, talk-radio, "sports", politicians, the colleges.... all have a "pulpit" and a microphone from which they can advertise, and sell, and promote, and teach .... and a stage from which they can lure and lead-astray the weak and the young, and the malleable, and the ignorant. Just look at the United States, now.... where there is widespread crime, corporate corruption, financial "gyping", mutual-fund chicanery, Wall Street fraud, money-lending abuse.... and on and on. Can you think of any organization, or entity, where the honest and honorable "good people" of our country can turn for support, and comfort, and reinforcement? Who, these days, has a voice that can be heard, speaking on behalf of the "moral majority", the "religious", the spiritual "believers"? I say that the only reliable and believable source of comfort, and concern and friendship, and emotional support.... is the church (link).... the aggregation of God's people (link).... regardless of the specific denomination. (See link Doctrinal Rigidity.) But, look now at the attacks on "the church", and on "organized" religion. Nowadays, prayers cannot be spoken in public schools; the Bible has been denigrated; religious "symbols" cannot be displayed; Christmas cannot be called "Christmas"; the "Ten Commandents" have been outlawed.... and on and on. I believe, still, that the United States is the heaven-rescued land (link).... and that Almighty God Himself will protect His people.... and that God will destroy His enemies (link).... at a time and in a manner that God decides. God has protected and built this country of ours, for more than 200 years, for His own reasons, and intention.... in spite of numerous outside attacks, wars, and internal strife of various sorts, within our USA. I say that God will not abandon the work of His hands. What do you think? |
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Where is "the truth".... God's Truth? Is it in the "Ark of the Covenant"... or is it buried in "The Ark of the Southern Baptists".... or is it fixed in the heart and mind of God Himself... unrelated to human notions, and unaltered by churchy embellishments? See link: Circumventing God.... restricting God according to human concoctions. |
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From J. Conner, a friend: "If somebody gets mad at me because of something I do or say that's right.... they can stay mad at me forever." |
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A Todd's truth: "Beauty is the absence of turn-offs." |
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I claim to be a Christian.... awakened to God, and to His sovereignty.... by Jesus, the Christ.... "God Incarnate". See link Jesus is God; God is Jesus. |
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Paragraphs from "TRUST -- the step beyond faith" (link) 11/30/03 AFTERTHOUGHT: Sometimes, I must admit -- I (a simple human creation) seem to have difficulty being able to "trust" our Almighty Creator God.... when He doesn't quickly "respond" to my petitions.... when He doesn't do what I have "suggested" to Him. But then, I look back -- and down the hill -- and I see all those stepping stones (link) that God laid out for me, throughout my lifetime.... and I try to remember all those marvelous and miraculous times, when God used His wisdom, and His power.... to guide and mold and build and discipline me. Then, I have to "yield".... and resign myself to what I have so-slowly learned from life's experiences.... and from God's inspiration, and "revelations". Yes.... sometimes I have considered using the term "resignation", rather than "trust".... when I have "drifted" spiritually. But then, my "faith" -- my true beliefs -- lead me back to "trust", when I become re-awakened to my dependence upon God. Thus, my feelings of "resignation" revert to a comforting and consoling "trust" in Him who created me.... for His purposes. |
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A JNT thought: At times, I "feel" the presence of God. I would like to "see" Him better. I would like to "hear" His voice more clearly. I have spoken to God, about this. |
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Myne It is both fascinating and disturbing to me, to become aware of how many individuals and groups (such as the 3000 worldwide "religions" and "churches") have developed a "syndrome" of doctrinal rigidity (link).... which says the following: "All of you who do not agree with us and our doctrine are doomed and damned and left-out of God's favor. If you infidels do not abandon your silly and erroneous spiritual notions, and accept our concoctions and conclusions.... then we and God will condemn you, and reject you." Indeed, isn't this type of religious exclusivity absurd.... when certain churchy human-beings arrogate to themselves the right to decide who is, and who is not, "acceptable" to our Creator God.... the God of us all? See link (Circumventing God). |
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A quotation ascribed to Wallace Malone, of SouthTrust Bank, in Alabama: "A government that robs Peter to pay Paul, can always count on the support of Paul." |
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Quoting Ed Crane, President and Founder of "The Cato Institute" -- when he was a guest on C-SPAN, on 7-6-03. Mr. Crane quoted Milton Friedman, as follows: "The true TAX on the American publie is the level of SPENDING. How is is financed is less important -- whether it is financed through inflation, borrowing, or taxation. "The true burden on the private sector is the resources TAKEN from the PRIVATE sector.... and employed in the PUBLIC sector." |
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Myne A "philosopher" must have brains, experience, time, the comforts of life, health, inspiration, revelation.... and friends and associates. It really helps, also, to have a spouse.... and chlldren of your own. There must also an "inborn" proclivity toward "philosophy", meditation, contemplation.... either "genetic", or "God-given". |
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A PJT suggestion: "Affirmative Action.... for 'WHITES'." See link Affirmative Action for ALL.... regardless of skin color "Affirmative action" is desirable and beneficial, some say.... but only for "black Americans", and perhaps for "Latinos". As for me (JNT), I am not against "affirmative action".... but I believe that affirmative-action should not be restricted to those of a certain skin-color. Why doesn't affirmative-action apply to any United States citizen who has been enslaved and deprived for all of his developmental years.... by poverty; or by lack of parental guidance; or by inadequate schools with unsatisfactory teachers; or by school-classrooms where good students are mixed with slow-learners; or by undisciplined childhood behavior at home; or by a genetically-induced learning-disability; or by psychological impairment related to absence of a "father-figure" at home.... etc., etc. What about "white Americans".... those who may not have scored well on the SAT.... or those who were raised by a "single-mom", who happens to be "white". What about the "white" students who were born to "underprivileged" parents, rural parents, working-class parents? Why are these "white" students not encouraged by "affirmative action".... and thus recruited by the colleges.... and by industries that may want to assist in the development of "whites" as well as "blacks". Will you please answer the above-questions.... for me. See related subjects: RACISM, and anti-racism (link) TRACKING in public schools (link) EBONICS and ALBONICS (link) |
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A C-SPAN caller, allegedly a Muslim, quoted Muhammad as saying: "How do you stop oppression? You stop the oppressor." (I cannot vouch for the accuracy of that quotation.... but the quotation expresses an interesting concept.) |
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JNT thoughts -- after remarks heard on C-SPAN: On 5/2/03, on C-SPAN "Booknotes", Dorothy Rabinowitz said, "Wait until you have something to say, before you plan to be a writer." JNT notions: (1.) Many individuals have "something to write about".... but find themselves unable to express and compose their ideas and thoughts. (2.) If you expect to be read and "heard", you must write about something that others want to READ. That is, you must appeal to a "reading" audience.... readers who can understand and appreciate your theses. |
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If God can't "save" me, based on His evaluation -- His divine "decision".... and not based on my paltry human "decision".... then I've got a problem. And so have you.... and so have all the other humans in this world. See link: Salvation, by God. AND: The SOVEREIGNTY of God. |
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"Scripta manent... verba volant." Latin, for "Written words remain; spoken words fly away." |
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A JNT thought -- about "Peacemakers".... See link Peacemakers, they say Matthew 5: 9 Blessed are the peacemakers.... for they will be called children of God. How does one "make peace". What should one do, to be a "peace-maker". Do you simply lie down, and refuse to resist? Do you always simply surrender to the foe.... and let him have his way? Or.... should you be strong.... and resist; and fight.... and protect that which is "right", in your opinion, in order to "make" peace, and maintain "peace" -- so that those who are the "unpeaceful".... the implacable and evil and corrupt people of this world will not even dare to challenge your enforced "peace"? Shouldn't you (we) be "tough", in order to overcome a hostile foe, who is determined to overwhelm and destroy us, and those who are dear to us? Or, should you and I be "weak", and helpless.... and thereby beggingly hope to cause or generate "peace", among the harsh and committed evildoers of this world? The answer is obvious to all of us, isn't it? We must be strong, and prepared to fight; and to protect that which is right, and honorable.... to us. That is the one-and-only way to be a true "peacemaker". See links: ENEMIES of God; and ENEMIES of God's people. AND: GOOD and EVIL, from God. |
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Heard on C-SPAN.... from the Kurdistan prime minister, concerning attacking Iraq: "In this world, there are things that you cannot avoid dealing with." |
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A JNT notion.... The penalty for doing nothing is sometimes greater than the risk of doing something that may turn-out to be wrong.... or harmful. |
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Quick thoughts, recalls.... and brief quotations: 1/26/03.... Heard on C-SPAN today: "Your weakness emboldens your enemies." 1/24/03.... "Scripta manent; verba volant." ( "Written words remain; spoken words fly away." ) 1/23/03.... Quoting from a local Methodist church-bulletin: " I cannot do everything; But I can do something. I will not let the things I cannot do Keep me from doing the things I can do. " 1/22/03.... (Heard on TV, today).... In poker, you play your cards differently, if you're ahead. 1/21/03.... (Heard on TV, concerning Saddam Hussein, and Iraq): "SMOKING GUNS don't 'smoke'.... unless they've been fired." 1/16/03.... JNT/PJT thought -- In many cases, "intolerance" is the correct and proper "human" response toward other humans.... when aberrant and unsatisfactory behavior has been detected. 1/15/03.... Bill Gertz, on C-SPAN.... an axiom for "cub-reporters".... "If your mother says she loves you.... check it out." 1/14/03.... "Arabian Proverb" He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not.... He is a fool.... shun him. He who knows not, and knows he knows not.... He is simple.... teach him. He who knows, and knows not he knows.... He is asleep.... wake him. He who knows, and knows he knows.... He is wise.... follow him. 1/13/03.... JNT's advice to his aging mother: "KEEP PUSHING" -- when his mother ("Mama T") occasionally quoted, "I'm tired of livin'; and scared of dyin'." |
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"ASHAMED" Are you ashamed of your own "religion"; or are you embarrassed about discussing "spiritual" matters, with others? Are you reluctant to share your personal "beliefs".... perhaps because you do not agree with what some have claimed to be "the truth".... the "one way" (they say) to acceptance by God? Are you afraid you will be "discriminated against".... because of your "church".... or because you do not fully accept the "beliefs" that someone has told you you "must" accept.... in order to be "saved" or included by God? Are you ashamed to admit being a "Catholic", or a "Jew".... or a "Muslim".... or a "Baptist"? Have you "AMERICANIZED" your name.... so that when you're introduced, your "religion" will not be readily recognized? Have you had "plastic (cosmetic) surgery", so that certain parts of your facial features will not suggest your religion, or your "nation of origin"? If you have answered "yes" to the above questions, perhaps you need to "evaluate", again, the depth of your "spiritual" position.... and decide just how confident you are with your present doctrinal "conclusions". Perhaps, more seeking and searching and contemplation are needed.... and additional communication (prayer).... with God. Above all, do not fearfully "accept" whatever "others" condescendingly (or unctuously) tell you that you "must believe", in order to be "saved" by God. Remember this: Salvation (link) is from God.... not from human-beings.... or from churches, or synagogues, or mosques.... or from preachers, priests, rabbis, or imams.... or from doctrines, creeds, rites, rituals, oaths, or promises. And, yes, contraraiwise, all of us spiritual "students" already know that there are those "religious" individual's and "churches", which -- instead of being "ashamed" of their "religion" -- claim to have achieved full knowledge of God.... the ultimate spiritual answers. They would have us to believe that they have discovered "the only way" to acceptance by God. I am very leary of these people, and their "zeal".... verging on fanaticism. Unfortunately, if you do not agree totally and immediately with the religious conclusions of these zealots (extremists).... you may find yourself to be categorized as an "infidel".... and under threat of ostracism, banishment, torture, or even death, (See link My Secret God.) (See also Circumventing God.) My belief is that God's people (link) will be "awakened" by God, to God's "truth".... at a time and place in their lives.... and in a manner.... that God specifies -- unrelated to the begging, pleading, hostility, and hell-threatening of certain rigidly doctrinal church-organizations. (See link Doctrinal Rigidity.) I say that spiritual "uncertainty" is typical, "normal" -- and even "expected" -- among God's "children" (see link Children of God). That's the way we grow and mature.... in our spiritual quest. Discovering a satisfying and gratifying spiritual understanding -- a spiritual "comfort" -- is typically a lifelong process and pursuit.... guided and overseen by God Himself. |
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A well-known football coach said: "Discipline is not something a coach does TO a player.... discipline is something the coach does FOR a player." (Extrapolating this point: "Self-discipline" is not something you do for somebody else.... self-discipline is something you do.... for you.... for yourself.) |
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Someone's answer to a question from a person with a childish mind: "What do our politicians do?" One answer: Nothing.... except spend other people's money.... (actually, they "spend" by way of "authorizing", then "appropriating" the expenditure of taxpayers' money -- which the U.S. government, the States, the counties, and the cities receive from various taxes.... extracted from productive tax-paying citizens, and businesses). (See link Political phrases, demanding more tax.) |
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11/8/02 Heard on TV, from a person who had suffered a personal tragedy, "I'd rather trust God, than question God". See links: Trusting God; AND Good and Evil from God. |
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8/3//02 (The author of this entire website is a "Protestant".... not a "Catholic".) I recently heard mention of a book entitled "Why I am a Catholic". A Catholic commentator answered the implied question in this way: "To have my sins forgiven". My question, of course, is this: must one be a Catholic to have his sins forgiven.... by God? That is, does the Catholic Church.... or any church, or any preacher or priest, or any doctrine, or any denomination, or any religion -- forgive sins.... or cause God to forgive the sins of the "members" of a certain religious sect. The clear answer is "NO". God does not depend upon the opinion of human-beings, or upon one's church "membership", in God's own "evaluation" of us whom He created. See link: SIN -- who says so; who forgives |
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You can call yourself a "zebra".... but that does not make you a zebra. You can call yourself a "Christian", but that does not make you a Christian. See link What is a "Christian"; and how do you get to be a Christian? |
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An old quotation, of uncertain origin.... a quotation that has been frequently cited in our family: "The apple falls not far from the tree." |
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Religious "SYNCRETISM" CLICK HERE for Easy-Print Format of this tablet on SYNCRETISM "Syncretism is the process by which elements of one religion are assimilated into another religion, resulting in a change in the fundamental tenets or nature of those religions. It is the union of two or more opposite beliefs.... so that the synthesized form is a new thing. It is not always a total fusion, but may be a combination of separate segments that remain identifiable compartments. Originally a political term, 'syncretism' was used to describe the joining together of rival Greek forces on the Isle of Crete in opposition to a common enemy." SYNCRETISM..... a "churchy" word, meaning "the mixing or blending together of various religious beliefs and traditions". I recently heard this word on a TV news program.... and I was stunned and fascinated to learn its definition.... and its implication. On this TV show, where I heard the word "syncretism", someone reported that a group of protestant ministers, Roman Catholic priests, Orthodox priests, rabbis, a Hindu cleric, and a Muslim mullah.... had sat on the same stage (In New York City, after "9/11").... all participating in a group "healing" convocation, trying to soothe damaged feelings, and attempting to answer questions concerning the spiritual implications of the "9/11" tragedy. Each of these religious leaders prayed to our Almighty God.... and the audience held hands, and asked God for His wisdom and guidance. (See link Good and Evil from God.) At least one Lutheran listener reported this gathering (of people and leaders of various sects and doctrines) to the hierarchy of his church.... and the church concluded that the above-mentioned prayer-gathering of ministers of various "faiths" was a manifestation of "religious syncretism" -- a violation of that church's dogma, which rejects the consideration or inclusion of any beliefs that differ from their beliefs. The word "pagan" was used to categorize the beliefs of those whose "faith" does not agree with the tenets of the Lutheran sect. The "leaders" of that Lutheran church thus decided that the Lutheran minister who participated in the prayer-convocation was "guilty" of syncretism.... and that the preacher must be reprimanded or punished, by their church's hierarchy. (Now, on 7/28/02, a radio newscast -- which my wife and I heard -- revealed that a "rift" has developed in the Lutheran Church, about the "punishment" of the Lutheran minister who participated in the public prayer-session [mentioned above]. It seems that a split has developed in the church.... and that many Lutherans disagree with the decision of the church "bosses" to reprimand the Lutheran preacher. The newscast on 7/28/02 indicated that funding of "The Lutheran Hour", on radio, was being jeopardized by this "rift" in the Lutheran church.) Seemingly, according to some sects, if a minister in (say) a Lutheran church, seems to condone or graciously allow the expression of beliefs by a Muslim mullah, or a Hindu priest (for example).... then the Lutheran minister is considered "guilty" of "syncretism".... and can be punished or excluded by the (human) leadership of his church. In other words, in some "faiths", there is evidently a claim that God has been circumscribed and restricted by that particular "faith"..... and that there must be no consideration of any other spiritual "beliefs", or doctrines.... as if to propose that God Himself has accepted and "endorsed" a one-and-only-one "set-of-beliefs".... and that, therefore, God will hear only the prayers and pleas and hopes and promises and petitions and thanksgiving of a solitary man-made, rigidly-doctrinal religious group. This restrictive attitude reflects doctrinal rigidity (link).... a concept that is totally unacceptable, in my understanding of our Supreme God. (See link Restricting God to human design and specifications.) What is your attitude, and understanding? Do you and your church have all the answers.... and are all of us, in this world -- who disagree with you -- therefore doomed to perdition? Think about it, again. |
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7/02; 12/02; 3/24/03 Reply to a message from a friend: Thanks, Edward, for taking the time to express yourself, and to share your understanding.... again. As you know, I do not "debate" or argue spiritual matters.... I simply express my understanding.... as "revealed" to me. I never have hostile feelings about someone else's "religious" notions. I DO NOT JUDGE.... for God. James 4: 12 (NRSV)
There is one Lawgiver and Judge, who is able to
SAVE.... and to destroy. So who, then, are
YOU to JUDGE your neighbor?
See what Psalm 62
(NRSV) says about this subject: John 12: 44
(NRSV) Then Jesus cried aloud: "Whoever believes in
me, believes NOT IN ME,
but in Him who sent me. 45 And, whoever sees
me, sees Him who sent me. JNT
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Quoted on CNBC today: "When the tide goes out, you can find out who's wearing a bathing suit.... and who is not." |