A Word to the wise

 Gentle Readers, 

Even though I have “officially” retired to take care of Marti and to soak up all the fruits of my labours (grin) Someone let the water out <grin> I still write a wee bit each day and from time to time post on our site here. 

However in doing so (I am now reexamining The Possible Dates of the writing of the Apocalypse -The Book of Revelation). I do this for myself and as you know in the area of possible disputes I always ask my readers not to merely take my word for it but to check me out and form your on conclusions. I think that is not only fair but the adult way to handle areas that could be held up to scrutiny. Enough of the commercials for our wee group on prophecy and the last days.  

What I really wanted to warn you about is the use of the InterNet it seems as my Rabbis friends like to say “You get 6 Jews together and you have 12 opinions” Now imagine Billions of people on Face Book, twitter, Linked In, Reddit and You Tube and hundreds of other clamoring not only for attention (not listening to any one but screaming just in many cases because they can). Social Media has become an outlet for people world wide! 

Which if used wisely and perhaps sparingly is and would be a good thing. Those of us in academia who have studies to share can do so freely and not cost the life of a tree by charging for a book that most will not read or many more cannot (or will not try to ) understand.

I was invited to join a professional group and within a month of finding out that I had joined this group (hoping to have intellectual discussions ) more than 800 of my colleagues ask me to join their groups. News travels fast. 

There is always a down side and here is what we have found. For every adult who is seeking reasoned answers to their life’s question, there those who would for reasons known only to God and themselves are in a word Rude, Crude, Offensive, and without as my country cousins would say lacking “bringins up” They are at best the bain of my existence. I would rather face a reasonable person than someone lacking in the basic education of civilization and etiquette who pontificates when they have nothing of value to contribute to a conversation or discussion. Why people persist in being this way is beyond me. One thing that is obvious though to me is that Christians should not act or behave in a way that would ever bring the name of Christ into disgrace. There in my opinion is no excuse to treat others in such a manner, never!

Recently Marti who without a doubt is the kindest person one could meet aside from Jesus was taken to task by someone who claimed to be a “friend”. The cause was unknown other than rudeness on this persons part. So I caution each of you to guard your personal privacy diligently and not allow people to harm your person or feelings. No one has the right to demand anything of you that you have not offered. Whether your, testimony, background, your phone number, credit cards or anything other personal information. You are entitled to your personal privacy on this “Social media” And as far as we are concerned, you should always be treated with consideration, respect, dignity and decency. “A dying culture invariably exhibits personal rudeness. Bad manners. Lack of consideration for others in minor matters. A loss of politeness, of gentle manners, is more significant than is a riot...” 

 For as I told one offense person “ You are so closed minded that talking to you, leaves me open to being arrested for breaking and entering!” Good-breeding is the surface of Christianity. 

    Soft words butter no parsnips but they won't harden the heart of the cabbage either.