Very soon France may ban the use of the words MOTHER and FATHER from all government documents. The idea is to remove all gender-specific language from the nation’s civil code. In the case of MOTHER and FATHER, the words will be replaced with PARENTS.
The language change is an inevitable move for countries that approve homosexual unions. Homosexuals feel excluded because the words MOTHER and FATHER refer to the irrevocable biological origins of every human being. A more all-inclusive word like PARENT is preferred.
Following its approval of same-sex marriage in 2005, Spain had to deal with the gender-neutral language. The Spanish government announced a ministerial order that new births would have to be registered at the State Civil Registries under the headings of Parent (progenitor) A, and Parent (progenitor) B. In other words, the terms FATHER and MOTHER were no longer to be used.
The timing of these changes in France coincides with that nation’s desire to redefine marriage – a law goes before the French cabinet on October 31. President Francois Hollande has vowed to approve the law.
France is following decisions taken in Canada since 2005 when the Ontario government approved gender neutral language. No longer can a married couple be referred to as “husband and wife” or “man and woman”. The terms “widow” and “widower” have also been struck from government statutes. Gender neutral terms like spouses and partners are preferred when referring to married couples.
With the legalization of same-sex marriage here in the United States, gender neutral language will also become necessary. In some circles, terms like fathering and mothering have been replaced with fostering and nurturing. The general idea is to make gender distinctions indistinguishable.
Apart from facilitating gender-neutral language, some in our society are eager to neutralize gender roles and sexual distinctions. Some would want us to believe that gender distinctions are preferential choices rather than some innate disposition.
In response to such thinking, Christians would need to formulate a biblical understanding of maleness and femaleness. For instance, what does the Bible mean when it says of the Creator – “male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27)?
The statement appears on the sixth day of creation and was used only in reference to human beings. The uniqueness of the term would seem to suggest that the mention of gender distinctions within our species should not be taken lightly.
Interestingly, the expression “male and female” appears in the context of “being made in the image of God.” Scholars are still grappling with what it really means to be made in the image of God. Among the views advanced, some scholars believe the plurality in gender may be related to the plurality in the term “let US make man…” Whatever the outcome of the discussion among scholars, it is obvious that a biblical understanding of gender distinctions should not be trivialized.
Throughout Scripture the concept of one flesh in marriage is very strong. Separate and apart from the procreative and pleasure derived from sex within marriage, there is the fusion of two genders that bring about “one flesh”. In other words, sex between the genders was intended for pleasure, procreation and permanence (one flesh). Hence, any sexual union that is unable to realize these outcomes is inimical to a biblical understanding of sex.
Logically, the strength of “one flesh” can only be stressed in the context of two different genders - the more noticeable the distinction of the genders, the richer the understanding of the “one flesh”. Using the same principle of noticeable distinction, Paul explains the richness of becoming one in Christ.
In his letter to the Galatians Paul uses contrasting terms to make his point – unity in Christ transcends ethnic, social and sexual distinctions - “there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female” (Galatians 3:28).
I find it rather interesting that many of the contexts in which gender-neutral language is preferred and promoted, sexuality is the subject being discussed. France is at the verge of legalizing same-sex marriage. Whereas Spain and Canada have already legalized same-sex marriage, a few States in the United States have joined them.
In Romans 1:18-32, Paul outlines the consequences of disregarding the natural and divine order intended between the genders. I would strongly recommend that you read this passage at your earliest convenience.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Monday, September 24, 2012
Jesus Was Married?
Jesus is in the news again. This time the controversy concerns His alleged marriage. According to the New York Times, Harvard Professor Karen King has a scrap of papyrus with the words, “Jesus said to them, ‘My wife…’”
On September 18, 2012, Professor King announced the discovery of the Coptic papyrus fragment. If the fragment is authentic, it simply means that an early Christian population believed that Jesus was married. Professor King has made it clear that the fourth-century artifact is not implying that Jesus had a wife.
King believes the text was probably written centuries after Jesus lived. The fact that all other early, historically reliable Christian literature is silent on the question would suggest that the idea of Jesus’ marriage was never a major matter of concern in the early centuries.
Like Professor King, I believe the fragment is authentic. However, that does not mean that Jesus was married. Authenticity of the fragment has to do with the genuineness of the source, not the accuracy of the thing stated. From my research, the necessary checks and balances that have been done to date, give us sufficient reason to believe that the fragment is not fraudulent.
The fragment may have been written sometime between 175 to 200 years after the death of Jesus. We should therefore attempt to find out what were the opinions at that time concerning the subject of Jesus and marriage. Historians tell us the fragment could have been written at a time when there was an intense debate over marriage and Christians.
Actually, around the year 200, Clement of Alexandria declared that believers should emulate Jesus by not marrying. Some twenty years later, Tertullian of Carthage said that Jesus was “entirely unmarried.”
Citing the Gospel of Peter, Dan Brown in his volume The Da Vinci Code, suggests that Jesus was married to Mary of Magdalene. Both the source cited and the writings of Dan Brown are not historically credible. In the first place, The Gospel of Peter is not one of the New Testament gospels. Secondly, it was not written by Peter, the disciple of Jesus. As a matter of fact, it may have been written some 200 years after Peter died. In essence, it is not a reliable source of information about Jesus. Hence, Dan Brown’s work is discredited since it was built on such a foundation.
In the accounts of Jesus’ life in the Bible, there is no mention of His marital status. The four Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, tell the story of Jesus’ birth and early childhood. Following some 18 years of silence, the New Testament then accounts for His three-year ministry before detailing His death, resurrection and ascension.
According to Professor Darrel Bock of Dallas Theological Seminary, “One could say the text (New Testament) is silent on Jesus’ marital status because there is nothing to say.” Professor Bock believes the fragment is quite similar to Gnostic Gospels – writings of an early sect of Christians. He believes the fragment could be referring to a “Gnostic rite of marriage that is a picture of the church and Jesus, not a real wife of Jesus.”
Using marriage as an analogy, Paul refers to the church as the bride of Christ in the book of Ephesians. Paul contends that husbands should treat their wives as Christ loves and cares for the church.
Like Paul, John uses the bridal imagery to illustrate the meeting of Christ and His church in heaven. In his apocalypse he states “For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready” (Revelation 19:7).
Christians after the New Testament era would have had access to this teaching of the church as the bride of Christ. Is it possible that with the practice of interpreting the Scriptures allegorically, some could have concluded that Jesus was married? Considering that the essential feature of allegory is that of double meaning, where a detail in the story also stands for something else, I believe it is very likely that Christians in later periods of history may have concluded that Jesus was married.
However, persons who lived and worked with Jesus never hinted at or mentioned anything about His married life. Interestingly, John who wrote the book of Revelation, was one of the closest disciples to Jesus. It was this John who used the imagery of the church as the bride of Christ more than any other New Testament writer. The imagery was intended to highlight the familial bond between Christ and His church. This picture is consummated in the wedding of Christ and His bride in heaven.
That imagery would have been blurred had Jesus been married. The media hype is another case of media sensationalism. Interestingly, such sensationalism would not have been possible, had it not been for the impact Jesus has had on the world for more than 2,000 years.
On September 18, 2012, Professor King announced the discovery of the Coptic papyrus fragment. If the fragment is authentic, it simply means that an early Christian population believed that Jesus was married. Professor King has made it clear that the fourth-century artifact is not implying that Jesus had a wife.
King believes the text was probably written centuries after Jesus lived. The fact that all other early, historically reliable Christian literature is silent on the question would suggest that the idea of Jesus’ marriage was never a major matter of concern in the early centuries.
Like Professor King, I believe the fragment is authentic. However, that does not mean that Jesus was married. Authenticity of the fragment has to do with the genuineness of the source, not the accuracy of the thing stated. From my research, the necessary checks and balances that have been done to date, give us sufficient reason to believe that the fragment is not fraudulent.
The fragment may have been written sometime between 175 to 200 years after the death of Jesus. We should therefore attempt to find out what were the opinions at that time concerning the subject of Jesus and marriage. Historians tell us the fragment could have been written at a time when there was an intense debate over marriage and Christians.
Actually, around the year 200, Clement of Alexandria declared that believers should emulate Jesus by not marrying. Some twenty years later, Tertullian of Carthage said that Jesus was “entirely unmarried.”
Citing the Gospel of Peter, Dan Brown in his volume The Da Vinci Code, suggests that Jesus was married to Mary of Magdalene. Both the source cited and the writings of Dan Brown are not historically credible. In the first place, The Gospel of Peter is not one of the New Testament gospels. Secondly, it was not written by Peter, the disciple of Jesus. As a matter of fact, it may have been written some 200 years after Peter died. In essence, it is not a reliable source of information about Jesus. Hence, Dan Brown’s work is discredited since it was built on such a foundation.
In the accounts of Jesus’ life in the Bible, there is no mention of His marital status. The four Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, tell the story of Jesus’ birth and early childhood. Following some 18 years of silence, the New Testament then accounts for His three-year ministry before detailing His death, resurrection and ascension.
According to Professor Darrel Bock of Dallas Theological Seminary, “One could say the text (New Testament) is silent on Jesus’ marital status because there is nothing to say.” Professor Bock believes the fragment is quite similar to Gnostic Gospels – writings of an early sect of Christians. He believes the fragment could be referring to a “Gnostic rite of marriage that is a picture of the church and Jesus, not a real wife of Jesus.”
Using marriage as an analogy, Paul refers to the church as the bride of Christ in the book of Ephesians. Paul contends that husbands should treat their wives as Christ loves and cares for the church.
Like Paul, John uses the bridal imagery to illustrate the meeting of Christ and His church in heaven. In his apocalypse he states “For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready” (Revelation 19:7).
Christians after the New Testament era would have had access to this teaching of the church as the bride of Christ. Is it possible that with the practice of interpreting the Scriptures allegorically, some could have concluded that Jesus was married? Considering that the essential feature of allegory is that of double meaning, where a detail in the story also stands for something else, I believe it is very likely that Christians in later periods of history may have concluded that Jesus was married.
However, persons who lived and worked with Jesus never hinted at or mentioned anything about His married life. Interestingly, John who wrote the book of Revelation, was one of the closest disciples to Jesus. It was this John who used the imagery of the church as the bride of Christ more than any other New Testament writer. The imagery was intended to highlight the familial bond between Christ and His church. This picture is consummated in the wedding of Christ and His bride in heaven.
That imagery would have been blurred had Jesus been married. The media hype is another case of media sensationalism. Interestingly, such sensationalism would not have been possible, had it not been for the impact Jesus has had on the world for more than 2,000 years.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Islamic Bullyism
Enough is enough! We’ve already lost Ambassador Chris Stevens, distinguished servicemen and suffered millions of dollars in destruction of property in several countries. Why? Some Muslims do not know how to handle dissent.
This time, we are blaming the making of an amateur film analysis of the Prophet Muhammad. On another occasion it was the alleged burning of the Qur’an at an American prison. Around the world Muslims were outraged and expressed their disgust by destroying lives and property.
In 2007, Muslims were again incensed when Salman Rushdie was being knighted by Queen Elizabeth II – Why? Rushdie wrote a book in which he criticized the Qur’an. After writing that book, Satanic Verses, a death warrant was placed on him by the Ayatollah of Iran. Soon after Rushdie’s knighthood was released, protests against the honor were expressed worldwide. The Organization to Commemorate Martyrs of the Muslim World offered $150,000 to anyone who would kill Rushdie. In addition, the General Secretary of the Islamabad Traders Association said, “we will give ten million rupees ($165,000) to anyone who beheads Rushdie.”
In each of the above cases, the problem is the same – the absence of a civil response to dissent or opposition. Rather than address this matter, many politicians and journalists have been focusing erroneously on the issues responsible for the provocation. Some analysts even believe that the irrational response to dissent is the unfortunate choice of a few opportunists or Islamic militants.
I beg to disagree. My studies clearly confirm that a militant response to opposition is rooted in Islam’s history. Much of that history can be found in the Qur’an, The Sunnah and the Hadith, original Islamic sources. Whereas the Qur’an is believed to be of divine origin, the Sunnah describes how Prophet Muhammad lived his life. Both sources are indispensable – one cannot practice Islam without consulting both of them. Hadith literature means literature which consists of the narrations of the life of the Prophet and the things approved by him.
Islamic scholars would agree that from this literary base, Islamic life is shaped. I will therefore go to these sources to establish that radicalism is rooted in Islamic history and not in a few isolated cases in the twenty-first century.
Muhammad was born in 570 in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. His parents died when he was still a child, leaving early parenting to his grandfather who was very religious and a leader in one of the more dominant tribes of Mecca.
As an adult, Muhammad got married to his former boss who left him quite an inheritance when she died. It was during their 25 years of marriage his religious interests peaked. During his times of meditation he felt he had received revelations from God. He gained a following in Mecca as he attempted to practice what was revealed to him.
The response from some leaders in Mecca was not cordial. Muhammad’s life was even threatened, resulting in his migration to Yathrib (Medina), some 200 miles north of Mecca. Some of those who believed his teaching migrated with him to Medina. That was where the first Mosque was established.
While in Medina, Muhammad had more revelations and sought to share these with the residents. Jews and Christians were among those who rejected his message. They questioned his legitimacy as a prophet. As Muhammad strengthened his power base in Medina he ordered or suggested the assassination of various critics.
Asma Bint Marwan was one of his critics. As a poetess she produced poems ridiculing Muhammad. His response – “will no one rid me of this daughter of Marwan?” She was stabbed while she nursed her youngest child. Abu Afak, more than 100 years old, was murdered on the advice of Muhammad for opposing the prophet. The Hadith records the names of at least twenty-seven individuals who were murdered on Muhammad’s orders.
The Jewish tribe of Banu Nadir was ordered to leave Medina within ten days. When they refused, Muhammad’s men besieged them and starved them into submission. After several weeks they surrendered and were expelled. All their belongings and land were confiscated and distributed amongst Muhammad’s supporters. The Jews of Banu Nadir were slaughtered by the Muslims two years later in their new homes.
Time does not allow me list the wars and mass murders ordered by Muhammad. These are the references to which many militants go to justify their intolerance to any opposing views.
I would strongly encourage you to examine some of these original sources online. In addition, view the film, The Third Jihad – it’s available in a You Tube version. The issue before us is not Islam’s response to an amateur film from California; rather, it is Islam’s historic response to opposing views.
This time, we are blaming the making of an amateur film analysis of the Prophet Muhammad. On another occasion it was the alleged burning of the Qur’an at an American prison. Around the world Muslims were outraged and expressed their disgust by destroying lives and property.
In 2007, Muslims were again incensed when Salman Rushdie was being knighted by Queen Elizabeth II – Why? Rushdie wrote a book in which he criticized the Qur’an. After writing that book, Satanic Verses, a death warrant was placed on him by the Ayatollah of Iran. Soon after Rushdie’s knighthood was released, protests against the honor were expressed worldwide. The Organization to Commemorate Martyrs of the Muslim World offered $150,000 to anyone who would kill Rushdie. In addition, the General Secretary of the Islamabad Traders Association said, “we will give ten million rupees ($165,000) to anyone who beheads Rushdie.”
In each of the above cases, the problem is the same – the absence of a civil response to dissent or opposition. Rather than address this matter, many politicians and journalists have been focusing erroneously on the issues responsible for the provocation. Some analysts even believe that the irrational response to dissent is the unfortunate choice of a few opportunists or Islamic militants.
I beg to disagree. My studies clearly confirm that a militant response to opposition is rooted in Islam’s history. Much of that history can be found in the Qur’an, The Sunnah and the Hadith, original Islamic sources. Whereas the Qur’an is believed to be of divine origin, the Sunnah describes how Prophet Muhammad lived his life. Both sources are indispensable – one cannot practice Islam without consulting both of them. Hadith literature means literature which consists of the narrations of the life of the Prophet and the things approved by him.
Islamic scholars would agree that from this literary base, Islamic life is shaped. I will therefore go to these sources to establish that radicalism is rooted in Islamic history and not in a few isolated cases in the twenty-first century.
Muhammad was born in 570 in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. His parents died when he was still a child, leaving early parenting to his grandfather who was very religious and a leader in one of the more dominant tribes of Mecca.
As an adult, Muhammad got married to his former boss who left him quite an inheritance when she died. It was during their 25 years of marriage his religious interests peaked. During his times of meditation he felt he had received revelations from God. He gained a following in Mecca as he attempted to practice what was revealed to him.
The response from some leaders in Mecca was not cordial. Muhammad’s life was even threatened, resulting in his migration to Yathrib (Medina), some 200 miles north of Mecca. Some of those who believed his teaching migrated with him to Medina. That was where the first Mosque was established.
While in Medina, Muhammad had more revelations and sought to share these with the residents. Jews and Christians were among those who rejected his message. They questioned his legitimacy as a prophet. As Muhammad strengthened his power base in Medina he ordered or suggested the assassination of various critics.
Asma Bint Marwan was one of his critics. As a poetess she produced poems ridiculing Muhammad. His response – “will no one rid me of this daughter of Marwan?” She was stabbed while she nursed her youngest child. Abu Afak, more than 100 years old, was murdered on the advice of Muhammad for opposing the prophet. The Hadith records the names of at least twenty-seven individuals who were murdered on Muhammad’s orders.
The Jewish tribe of Banu Nadir was ordered to leave Medina within ten days. When they refused, Muhammad’s men besieged them and starved them into submission. After several weeks they surrendered and were expelled. All their belongings and land were confiscated and distributed amongst Muhammad’s supporters. The Jews of Banu Nadir were slaughtered by the Muslims two years later in their new homes.
Time does not allow me list the wars and mass murders ordered by Muhammad. These are the references to which many militants go to justify their intolerance to any opposing views.
I would strongly encourage you to examine some of these original sources online. In addition, view the film, The Third Jihad – it’s available in a You Tube version. The issue before us is not Islam’s response to an amateur film from California; rather, it is Islam’s historic response to opposing views.
Monday, September 10, 2012
How Should I Vote?
In the upcoming elections, Christians will form a large and influential voting block. However, within that voting block, there is polarity – hence the question, how should one vote?
The recently concluded party conventions may have provided little help in answering the question. The half-truths, exaggerations and priorities of our politicians have left us with another challenge – integrity. To whom should Christians go when trust is so scarce?
There are several passages in the Bible which confirm that God is interested in the process of governing. He is concerned with the form, organization and administration of people. In essence, God cares about our politics.
In Jeremiah’s letter to the Jews that were taken to Babylon, the Lord said, “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper” (Jeremiah 29:7).
The Apostle Paul took a similar line in his letter to Timothy: “I urge then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1-3).
God’s interest is further evident in references to ungodly regimes as “servants of God.” In exercising His sovereignty, God demands that politicians put systems in place that would ensure care for the poor, justice and protection for the less fortunate. Romans 13:1 strongly suggests that the system of government is ordained by God with the view of reflecting the will of God.
Psalm 72 is a prayer. It expresses the desire of the nation of Israel that their king’s reign will be characterized by justice and righteousness. These were viewed as supreme virtues of national leadership. The matters raised in the prayer clearly identify items that should exemplify our own political leaders.
PROVIDE JUSTICE (vv. 1-2) “… endow the king with your justice…so that he will judge Your people in righteousness, Your afflicted ones with justice.” This is a clear appeal for fair dealing and honesty in every area of leadership.”
PRACTICE FAITH (vv. 7, 15) “In his days the righteous will flourish…may people ever pray for him and bless him all day long.” Leaders should participate in corporate worship, recognizing its benefit for both individuals and the spirit of community.
ENSURE PROSPERITY (V.7, 16) “In his days…prosperity will abound till the moon is no more…Let grain abound throughout the land; on the tops of the hills may it sway. Let its fruit flourish like Lebanon; let it thrive like the grass of the field.” There is nothing wrong with prosperity that is gained honorably. It ought to be encouraged.
CARE FOR THE LESS FORTUNATE (v.4) “He will defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy…” No one should be allowed to assume national leadership if he/she is insensitive to the needs of the less fortunate.
PROVIDE SECURITY (vv. 4, 9) “He will crush the oppressor…his enemies will lick the dust.” Crime deterrence and national security should also be prominent in every political policy.
RESPECT IN FOREIGN AFFAIRS (vv. 8-11) “All kings will bow down to him and all nations will serve him.” A leader’s reputation should earn global respect.
GOVERN WITH HONOR (v.17) “May his name endure forever; may it continue as long as the sun. All nations will be blessed through him, and they will call him blessed” Be a model of honorable governance. People will talk, but when they do, they ought to be able to say honorable things of anyone in leadership.
Without referring to Psalm 72, I believe all politicians would want to believe that they uphold all of the above. However, because of our system of government, we have the privilege of holding our leaders accountable. We can do this honorably by encouraging civil debate among opposing candidates. In addition, we must use every legitimate means to demand the items listed in Psalm 72.
In November we will have another opportunity to speak with the ballot box. One’s freedom to vote is a liberty rooted in our Christian heritage. In many countries, citizens are deprived from voting and when allowed, are subjected to rigged systems.
Despite the few attempts to undermine fair voting practices in America, we can be thankful that generally, we can vote fairly and without fear. Edmund Burke, the 18th century British statesman was correct when he said, “all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” PLEASE VOTE!
The recently concluded party conventions may have provided little help in answering the question. The half-truths, exaggerations and priorities of our politicians have left us with another challenge – integrity. To whom should Christians go when trust is so scarce?
There are several passages in the Bible which confirm that God is interested in the process of governing. He is concerned with the form, organization and administration of people. In essence, God cares about our politics.
In Jeremiah’s letter to the Jews that were taken to Babylon, the Lord said, “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper” (Jeremiah 29:7).
The Apostle Paul took a similar line in his letter to Timothy: “I urge then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1-3).
God’s interest is further evident in references to ungodly regimes as “servants of God.” In exercising His sovereignty, God demands that politicians put systems in place that would ensure care for the poor, justice and protection for the less fortunate. Romans 13:1 strongly suggests that the system of government is ordained by God with the view of reflecting the will of God.
Psalm 72 is a prayer. It expresses the desire of the nation of Israel that their king’s reign will be characterized by justice and righteousness. These were viewed as supreme virtues of national leadership. The matters raised in the prayer clearly identify items that should exemplify our own political leaders.
PROVIDE JUSTICE (vv. 1-2) “… endow the king with your justice…so that he will judge Your people in righteousness, Your afflicted ones with justice.” This is a clear appeal for fair dealing and honesty in every area of leadership.”
PRACTICE FAITH (vv. 7, 15) “In his days the righteous will flourish…may people ever pray for him and bless him all day long.” Leaders should participate in corporate worship, recognizing its benefit for both individuals and the spirit of community.
ENSURE PROSPERITY (V.7, 16) “In his days…prosperity will abound till the moon is no more…Let grain abound throughout the land; on the tops of the hills may it sway. Let its fruit flourish like Lebanon; let it thrive like the grass of the field.” There is nothing wrong with prosperity that is gained honorably. It ought to be encouraged.
CARE FOR THE LESS FORTUNATE (v.4) “He will defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy…” No one should be allowed to assume national leadership if he/she is insensitive to the needs of the less fortunate.
PROVIDE SECURITY (vv. 4, 9) “He will crush the oppressor…his enemies will lick the dust.” Crime deterrence and national security should also be prominent in every political policy.
RESPECT IN FOREIGN AFFAIRS (vv. 8-11) “All kings will bow down to him and all nations will serve him.” A leader’s reputation should earn global respect.
GOVERN WITH HONOR (v.17) “May his name endure forever; may it continue as long as the sun. All nations will be blessed through him, and they will call him blessed” Be a model of honorable governance. People will talk, but when they do, they ought to be able to say honorable things of anyone in leadership.
Without referring to Psalm 72, I believe all politicians would want to believe that they uphold all of the above. However, because of our system of government, we have the privilege of holding our leaders accountable. We can do this honorably by encouraging civil debate among opposing candidates. In addition, we must use every legitimate means to demand the items listed in Psalm 72.
In November we will have another opportunity to speak with the ballot box. One’s freedom to vote is a liberty rooted in our Christian heritage. In many countries, citizens are deprived from voting and when allowed, are subjected to rigged systems.
Despite the few attempts to undermine fair voting practices in America, we can be thankful that generally, we can vote fairly and without fear. Edmund Burke, the 18th century British statesman was correct when he said, “all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” PLEASE VOTE!
Monday, September 3, 2012
Bible Bread on Sale AT LOCAL SUPERMARKETS
Food For Life Baking Company, Inc. has placed a registered trade mark on its Ezekiel 4:9 sprouted grain bread. Such a trade mark would suggest that the idea is original and belongs to the company. To some extent, that claim is not accurate.
Ezekiel 4:9 Bread is made from freshly sprouted organically grown grains. The bread is naturally flavored and rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and natural fiber with no added fat. The idea of this flourless bread comes from the Hebrew Bible, to be more specific, from Ezekiel chapter four and verse nine: “Take wheat and barley, beans and lentils, millet and spelt; put them in a container and make them into bread for yourself…”
In the context of the verse, the prophet Ezekiel was limited to a restricted diet for 390 days in order to communicate the reality of a famine among the Jews during a siege of the city of Jerusalem. The prophet was to eat bread made from a mixture of six different grains. It is based on this restricted diet that Ezekiel 4:9 Bread is produced today.
Food For Life Baking Company has discovered that when Ezekiel’s six grains and legumes are sprouted and combined, a complete protein is created that closely parallels the protein found in milk and eggs. In fact, the protein quality is so high, that it is 84.3% as efficient as the highest recognized source of protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. There are 18 amino acids present in Ezekiel 4:9 Bread, all naturally balanced.
Food For Life Baking Company appears to be best positioned to pioneer this product. The company was the first wholesale bakery in the United States specializing in natural foods. For some 40 years the family-owned and operated company has been serving sprouted grain and all natural bakery products. Today, after more than three generations and more than sixty different bread products, the family maintains the original baking techniques used to make truly authentic flavorful sprouted grain breads.
The flourless bread is made from freshly sprouted grains and contains absolutely no flour. The company believes in sprouting the grains they use in their breads because sprouting is the best way to release all of the vital nutrients stored in whole grains.
In order to unlock this dormant food energy, maximize nutrition and flavor, the company adds just the right amount of water to healthy whole organically grown grains which are already bursting with nutrients. Beneficial enzymes are activated which cause the grains to sprout and become a living food. The sprouting process not only increases vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, B-vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium, but also causes a natural change that allows the protein and carbohydrates to be assimilated by the body more efficiently. The company’s baking process preserves these nutrients and retains the important natural fiber and bran.
Although Ezekiel 4:9 Bread is slow baked, at temperatures much lower than typical commercial bakeries, the product is not considered to be raw. Foods are typically considered to be raw if they are cooked at temperatures below 110 degrees. However, Ezekiel Bread must be baked above 250 degrees Fahrenheit or it would spoil during baking, unless it is dehydrated.
In addition, because the ingredients are “certified organically grown,” one is assured that the grains have been grown and processed without the use of fertilizers, chemicals or pesticides and the lands, where the grains are grown, have not been sprayed for at least three years. Certified organically grown grains are third party verified by certifying agencies to be processed according to the standards and statutes set forth by the Organic Foods Act of 1990.
Among other benefits, Ezekiel Bread can help to lower cholesterol in bread users. When we eat, our bodies secrete bile acids into the gastrointestinal tract to help absorb fats. Cholesterol is a principal component of bile acids. Researchers believe that soluble fibers bind cholesterol rich bile acids and cause them to be excreted from the body when they would otherwise be reabsorbed.
Ezekiel Bread can also facilitate weight loss. Fibrous foods provide bulk to help keep one feeling comfortably full and satisfied longer, decreasing swings in blood sugar that make dieters weak, tired and irritable. Fiber can help one consume less without the desire to continuously snack and stack up needless calories.
Although considered irrelevant by some, it is obvious that dietary guidelines from the Hebrew Bible have returned and provide healthy competition with twenty-first century nutritionally conscious enthusiasts.
Like my wife and I do, you may want to check out this bread in the frozen bread section, the next time you visit your local supermarket.
Ezekiel 4:9 Bread is made from freshly sprouted organically grown grains. The bread is naturally flavored and rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and natural fiber with no added fat. The idea of this flourless bread comes from the Hebrew Bible, to be more specific, from Ezekiel chapter four and verse nine: “Take wheat and barley, beans and lentils, millet and spelt; put them in a container and make them into bread for yourself…”
In the context of the verse, the prophet Ezekiel was limited to a restricted diet for 390 days in order to communicate the reality of a famine among the Jews during a siege of the city of Jerusalem. The prophet was to eat bread made from a mixture of six different grains. It is based on this restricted diet that Ezekiel 4:9 Bread is produced today.
Food For Life Baking Company has discovered that when Ezekiel’s six grains and legumes are sprouted and combined, a complete protein is created that closely parallels the protein found in milk and eggs. In fact, the protein quality is so high, that it is 84.3% as efficient as the highest recognized source of protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. There are 18 amino acids present in Ezekiel 4:9 Bread, all naturally balanced.
Food For Life Baking Company appears to be best positioned to pioneer this product. The company was the first wholesale bakery in the United States specializing in natural foods. For some 40 years the family-owned and operated company has been serving sprouted grain and all natural bakery products. Today, after more than three generations and more than sixty different bread products, the family maintains the original baking techniques used to make truly authentic flavorful sprouted grain breads.
The flourless bread is made from freshly sprouted grains and contains absolutely no flour. The company believes in sprouting the grains they use in their breads because sprouting is the best way to release all of the vital nutrients stored in whole grains.
In order to unlock this dormant food energy, maximize nutrition and flavor, the company adds just the right amount of water to healthy whole organically grown grains which are already bursting with nutrients. Beneficial enzymes are activated which cause the grains to sprout and become a living food. The sprouting process not only increases vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, B-vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium, but also causes a natural change that allows the protein and carbohydrates to be assimilated by the body more efficiently. The company’s baking process preserves these nutrients and retains the important natural fiber and bran.
Although Ezekiel 4:9 Bread is slow baked, at temperatures much lower than typical commercial bakeries, the product is not considered to be raw. Foods are typically considered to be raw if they are cooked at temperatures below 110 degrees. However, Ezekiel Bread must be baked above 250 degrees Fahrenheit or it would spoil during baking, unless it is dehydrated.
In addition, because the ingredients are “certified organically grown,” one is assured that the grains have been grown and processed without the use of fertilizers, chemicals or pesticides and the lands, where the grains are grown, have not been sprayed for at least three years. Certified organically grown grains are third party verified by certifying agencies to be processed according to the standards and statutes set forth by the Organic Foods Act of 1990.
Among other benefits, Ezekiel Bread can help to lower cholesterol in bread users. When we eat, our bodies secrete bile acids into the gastrointestinal tract to help absorb fats. Cholesterol is a principal component of bile acids. Researchers believe that soluble fibers bind cholesterol rich bile acids and cause them to be excreted from the body when they would otherwise be reabsorbed.
Ezekiel Bread can also facilitate weight loss. Fibrous foods provide bulk to help keep one feeling comfortably full and satisfied longer, decreasing swings in blood sugar that make dieters weak, tired and irritable. Fiber can help one consume less without the desire to continuously snack and stack up needless calories.
Although considered irrelevant by some, it is obvious that dietary guidelines from the Hebrew Bible have returned and provide healthy competition with twenty-first century nutritionally conscious enthusiasts.
Like my wife and I do, you may want to check out this bread in the frozen bread section, the next time you visit your local supermarket.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)