Religious Place Names

Deseret, Utah, USA: In The Book of Mormon, “deseret” means “honeybee.”  The word comes from the book of Ether 2:3 in the Book of Mormon.  Mormons say that is in the language of the Jaredites.  Most historians doubt the existence of the Jaredites.

Grimscote, England:  Old English for “Grim’s Cot.”  Grim was an alternate name for the Norse deity Odin or Woden.

Harrow on the Hill, England: The Old English name of this town was Gumeninga hergae (temple of the Gumeninga tribe).  A “herg” was a “temple.” This word is the derivation of “harrow.”  The suffix “ingas” means “the people belonging to” and “Gumen” was a man’s name.

Weeford, England: The Old English word “weoh” means “holy.”

Kirkharle, England: This name of this town is of Old English origin.  “Kirk” means “church.”  “Harle” has two possible origins: 1. “Herela lea” (Herela’s grove) or 2. “herg leah” (temple grove). 

Christians

At some time during their lives, the following people have publicly identified themselves as Christian.   Inclusion in this list does not indicate approval or disapproval of the person, of their orthodoxy or lack of it, or of their actions.  Some of those listed may surprise you.  Readers are encouraged to suggest persons who should be included on this list.  This is a recurring segment in this blog.

Edward Crowley: (b. ca. 1830, England – d. 1887) Brewer.  Originally a Quaker, he became a traveling Exclusive Brethren preacher.  His son, Aleister, became the Thelemite occultist known as “The Great Beast 666,” and “the wickedest man in the world.”

Theodore of Tarsus: (b. 602, Turkey – d. 690; aka: Theodore of Canterbury)  8^th Archbishop of Canterbury.

Fulbert  Youlou: (b. 1917, Congo – d. 1972) Congolese Roman Catholic priest, nationalist leader, and politician.  1^st President of the Republic of the Congo.  He lost power after three days of street riots in 1963.

Elpidio Rivera Quirino: (b. 1890, Philippines –d. 1956)  President of the Philippines 1948-1953.  Roman Catholic.

Emily Elizabeth Dickinson: (b. 1830, Massachusetts, USA – d. 1886) Reclusive American poet who wrote over 1800 poems.

The Lord's Prayer in Hebrew

Why Life Begins at Conception, Part 3

(The posts in this series may not occur on consecutive days but they will make the most sense to you if they are read in consecutive order.)

This is a very simplified presentation of human conception and the passage of genetic information from the parents to the offspring.  (An aside: how can any rational, normally intelligent person see this level of complexity and order and still deny at least the possibility of an intelligent designer?)

The information may seem to be complicated and overwhelming, but at least a simplified basic
understanding is necessary for a scientific attack on abortion.  That is what I will attempt to provide for you here.  It is necessary to start at the beginning, DNA (deoxy-ribonucleic acid).

DNA is a spiral molecule consisting of two strands paired together in the shape of a helix.  DNA is present in every cell of the human body and, in every one of those cells, the DNA contains ALL the information necessary to build and maintain the entire body.

DNA is a very complex and a very simple molecule.  It basically is two strands joined by matched pairs of bases.  Only four bases (adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine) are used.  Combinations of these four bases contain the entire genome; the genetic code which determines a person's hair color, voice, skin color, height, body type, number of fingers and toes, intelligence level, athletic ability, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. The code determines everything about your physical body.  Literally everything, and genetic science says that all that information about you as an individual is present from the moment of conception.

A very simplified explanation is this.  In the sperm and egg cells, each cell receives one strand of the two DNA strands.  At fertilization, the two strands join to form one complete strand.  So, half of the information comes from the mother and half from the father.  The fertilized egg then is a hybrid of the two source cells, made from them but entirely different from them;  a fully separate genetic code, a separate individual.

More in the next post.
.....................................
If you wish to know more, see these links.

Very good:

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/glossary/gloss3/DNA2.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/glossary/gloss3/dna.html&h=543&w=351&sz=42&tbnid=8CP_Dkmi3Hub9M:&tbnh=84&tbnw=54&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dimage%2B%2526%2BDNA%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=image+%26+DNA&usg=__DNAoHOES8pL7lQS_Oaj3PGM13so=&hl=en&sa=X&ei=uDw6UOT9OY2s8QTIrYG4AQ&ved=0CCMQ9QEwBA

Simplified:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA

DNA to RNA to proteins

http://dna-rna.net/

Detailed information on proteins:

http://www2.chemistry.msu.edu:80/faculty/reusch/VirtTxtJml/proteins.htm

Chromosomes

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/D/Down.gif&imgrefurl=http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/C/Chromosomes.html&h=318&w=430&sz=29&tbnid=4sRt4QRwm30RKM:&tbnh=83&tbnw=112&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dimages%2B%2526%2Bchromosomes%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=images+%26+chromosomes&usg=__9giWb2_ajTIbvehrthPPLzjuZwA=&hl=en&sa=X&ei=hkA6UJ36EoT89gS6joGwCg&ved=0CBoQ9QEwAQ

http://images.yourdictionary.com/chromosome

"Amazing Grace" In American Sign Language

Here is a version of Amazing Grace, sung by the country music singer, LeeAnne Rhimes and signed by Mercedes Waldman.

Why Life Begins at Conception, Part 2

(The posts in this series may not occur on consecutive days but they will make the most sense to you if they are read in consecutive order.)

Todd Akin, a United States Representative from the State of Missouri roiled the waters when he said that women who are victims of what he called "legitimate rape" rarely get pregnant.  He seems to have been referring to forcible rape.  Regardless of what he meant, his comment has absolutely no basis in fact and reignited the contentious debate over rape and abortion.

On the Cable News Network program, Piers Morgan Tonight, two women debated the two extreme sides of the issues.

Gloria Allred, a civil rights and anti-discrimination attorney, was raped at gunpoint and became pregnant.  She chose to terminate her pregnancy and became a pro-choice advocate.  People who are pro-choice support a woman’s right to obtain an abortion. 

Rebecca Kiessling, a pro-life supporter, was born as a result of a forcible rape at knife-point.  People who are pro-life are opposed to most or all abortions.  Kiessling is an outspoken Christian.  Her testimony is here.  A text version:

http://www.cbn.com/700club/features/amazing/Rebecca_Kiessling072809.aspx

Allred and Kiessling engaged in a “spirited’ debate on the subject.  Here is the transcript and a video of the debate.  The emotions are quite raw on both sides.

Next post in this series: A scientific explanation of what happens at conception.

Portrait of Jesus Damaged in Spain

An 80 year old woman in Spain was just trying to help when she "restored"a twentieth-century painting of Jesus in Borja, Spain.  She was known as a local artist but she horribly disfigured the painting, possibly totally ruining it if the paint cannot be removed.  No one believes that she intentionally destroyed the painting.

A Swahili Worship Song

Hakuna Mungu Kama Wewe (There Is No God Like You)

Another version of the song.

http://www.jonathanhostetler.com/taste-swahili

God Expects Us to Work

“God gives every bird its food, but He does not throw it into the nest.” J. G. Holland

Josiah Gilbert Holland (1819-1881) was an American novelist, poet, magazine editor, physician, and Methodist hymn lyricist.

God expects us to work.

““Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them.  To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey.  The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more.  So also, the one with the two talents gained two more.  But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

   “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.  The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.’

  His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

 “The man with the two talents also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.’

       “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

  “Then the man who had received the one talent came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.   So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’

“His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed?  Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.

    “‘Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents.  For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.  And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’” Matthew 25:14-30

” Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”  1 Corinthians 4:2

Why Life Begins At Conception, Part 1

Over the next few days I will be posting, in several parts, on the subject, Why Life Begins at Conception.  The posts may not be on consecutive days but they will make the most sense to you if they are read in consecutive order. 

The subject has become a very hot topic in the United States because of the poorly thought out comments (I would say something more harsh except for the nature of this blog) of one of the current United States Representatives. 

The current controversy concerns abortion and certain types of contraception and the timing of when a developing fetus becomes “human.”  Does life begin at conception or sometime later in the pregnancy? Does the developing fetus have legal rights as a person?

The question is presented by many as a religious question, and it is, but a rational and scientific case can be made for opposition to abortion without any reference to religion.  Many people will not listen to a religious argument, but they might listen to a scientific one.

The posts in this series will present, in a highly simplified way, the scientific information necessary for a case against abortion and some forms of birth control.  Also, the very strong emotions of persons on both sides of the issue will be discussed.

1.     This is not, never has been, and never will be, a political blog.

2.     I am qualified to present this particular scientific information because my undergraduate degree is in biology with a concentration in developmental genetics and embryology.

A Biblical View of Drug Use

Below are several links concerning a biblical view of drug use.

http://www.gotquestions.org/sin-drugs.html

http://www.godandscience.org/doctrine/marijuana.html

http://www.bible.ca/s-marijuana.htm

http://www.watton.org/drugsinfo/biblicalview/index.shtml

http://www.truthortradition.com/iphone/index.php?option=com_content&%20view=article&%20id=65:what-does-the-bible-say-about-drugs-and-drinking-alcohol&%20catid=36:faqs&%20Itemid=59

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110103145708AA6D2I3

http://celticanglican.wordpress.com/2007/06/18/where-in-the-bible-might-there-be-scriptures-regarding-drug-use/

http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/CBNTeachingSheets/Drugs.aspx

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_and_drugs

Ethical Complicity

It should be emphatically pointed out to those who use illegal mind-altering substances that they are ethically complicit in all the crimes committed to get their drugs into their possession: smuggling, beatings, theft, extortion, bribery, and murder. And those who binge drink need to be constantly reminded of the horrible results of binge drinking: cirrhosis, fetal injury or death, domestic violence, broken family relationships, body-mangling automobile accidents and other emotional, financial, physical, and spiritual carnage.

Film Comment: Ashes and Diamonds

Ashes and Diamonds (1958) is a black and white Polish film about a Resistance fighter who is ordered to kill a Communist leader on the last day of World War II.  Maciek, portrayed by Zbigniew Cybulski (the "Polish James Dean") is a casual assassin who makes the mistake of meeting a woman and falling in love.  He has to choose between abandoning his assignment and possibly living a happy life with the woman, or fulfilling his "duty" whatever the cost.  He chooses to kill his target and ends up dying in hail of bullets in a garbage dump.

There are numerous religious images in the film, the most prominent is a damaged statue of Christ hanging upside down in a destroyed chapel.  The film itself is more political than religious.

The entire film seems to point to the fact of Maciek's impending self-destruction, as if he has no choice. Many people think they have no choice, that "this is just the way I am."  They place their lives and their souls on the garbage dump and, yet, they could have made other choices.

Maciek would have been scorned as a traitor had he failed to carry out his mission but he could have chosen no to do it.  Unbelievers who make a choice for Christ may find that their lives are greatly complicated by their decision.  God never promised anyone an uncomplicated life, but He did say that He would provide strength so that the believer could bear it.

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."  1 Corinthians 10:13

The Power of Words

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James 3

1”My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 5Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

13Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.”

 Words can hurt, words can cut.  Words can also heal and empower.  Your words reflect what is in your heart.

Christians, with the Mind of Christ, can, as they listen to the Lord, be led to say the right things, the needed things, the things God wishes to be said, at the times He wishes them to be said.  If that sounds like a lot of responsibility, it is. But remember, God will never ask you to do more than He will empower you to do.

Proverbs 16:24, Psalms 39:1, Colossians 4:5-6, Ephesians 4:29.

Using Labels to Search This Blog

This post will help you to get more value from this blog by showing you how to search for specific subjects.  This is a very eclectic blog which can touch on almost any subject, from Star Trek ; to the Lakota war-chief Sitting Bull ; to NASCAR ; to what is probably the world’s best-known hymn, Amazing Grace ; to comic books ; and doctrinal subjects like sanctification and obedience .

The labels follow the posts in a separate section.  To search for a subject, all you need to do is select a label (keyword) and click on it.  All the posts which mention the subject will come up as group.

The People on the Street

Have you ever thought about how many people on the street around you are not Christians?  How many are totally "unchurched?"  Is it possible that sometimes you are the only one?  Are you the only one at your workplace?  Are you the only one in your family?

Biblical Sources of Phrases in Common Use: A House Divided

In Alabama, we take our football very seriously.  An Auburn fan who marries an Alabama fan usually will remain an Auburn fan, and vice versa.  Most people make the most of the situation and express their school loyalties with good humor toward one another .  Of course, there are always a few who do not.

Other similar university rivalries include: Ohio State and Ohio, Louisville and Kentucky,  Michigan and Michigan State,  Purdue and Indiana, Idaho and Boise State, and many others.

“A house divided” is sometimes also used for familial differences in political philosophy or religion.  A  famous use of the phrase was during the American Civil War in United States President Abraham Lincoln’s House Divided Speech.

The origin of the phrase is in Matthew 12:25, where Jesus says, “... Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:”

  

Definition: Hermeneutics

Reading books about biblical interpretation, one often comes across the word “hermeneutics.”  The word comes from the Greek word ἑρμηνεύω (ermeneuō, "translate", or "interpret").  Hermeneutics is the science of the interpretation of written texts and theories about how this should be done.

Some writers think that the word derives from the name of Hermes, the messenger of the Greek gods.  Hermes, in ancient Greek mythology, was the inventor of language and speech.

A specialized subset of the science is Biblical Hermeneutics, the study of the interpretation of the text of the books of the Bible.  Obviously for believers, the scriptures are more than just “text,” but a reverent study of the scriptures should include a study of everything about the scriptures.  An attempt must be made to understand the books of the Bible as one would other texts.

When was the text written? Where was it written?  By whom was it written?  To whom was it written?  What was the historical situation in which it was written?  Is it poetry, history, allegory, a song, a sermon, an expository treatise, or something else?  What was the original language and what special characteristics does that impart to the meaning of the text? 

Religious Place Names

Iosepa, Hawaii, USA: “Iosepa” is the Hawaiian language version of the name “Joseph.”  The town is named for Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons).

Mahabarata, Nepal: Named for the Mahabarata, one of the ancient Sanskrit language holy books of Hinduism.

Tewin, England: Named for the Norse god, Tyr (aka: Tiw) plus “ing,”  “a meadow.”  Tyr was the Norse god of single-handed combat and victory.

Thundersley, England: From the Old English, Thunor’s leah (Sacred grove of Thunor).  Thunor was a variant name of Thor, the Norse god of thunder.

Shiloh, Tennessee, USA: Named for the ancient Ephraimite city of Shiloh, located about 12 miles northeast of Bethel, in the land of Canaan..  Judges 21:19.  The modern name of ancient Shiloh is Khirbet Seilun in the West Bank..  A “khirbet” is a “ruin on a hill.”

A Roman Catholic Chant: Dixit Dominus Domino Meo

Dixit Dominus Domino meo: Sede a dextris meis, donec ponam inimicos tuos scabellum pedum tuorum.

The True Meaning of Success

At the 2012 London Olympics in the men’s 1600 meter relay race, Manteo Mitchell ran the first 400 meters, slowly.  The internet erupted in criticism with angry Twitter tweets at his poor performance.  Here is what really happened.  As Mitchell started to run, he heard a loud pop and felt a sudden pain as his left fibula snapped.  He finished his portion of the relay race to make sure that the United States would qualify for the next round.  The event rivals the historical importance of what Kerri Strug did at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics in her Gold Medal winning vault.

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What Mitchell had to say: “I felt I upheld the Olympic standard to the highest degree.  It’s not finishing first or second, it’s doing your best.”  He explained that he felt that he had to “do what I was called in to do.”

Christians are called to be witnesses (the Greek word is  μάρτυρας "martyrs."), even if sometimes doing so is uncomfortable or even dangerous, even if no one seems to be listening. 

In his book, Share Jesus Without Fear, William Fay points out that, for Christians, "success is sharing your faith and living your life for Jesus Christ.  It has nothing whatsoever to do with bringing anyone to the Lord.  It has everything to do with obedience."  Obedience , not results, is success for a Christian.  Results come from the work of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit indwells every believer.  "... we have the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, living in us ..."  

Lamb of God

Lamb of God (originally named Burn the Priest) is a Grammy Award-nominated punk/speed metal/heavy metal rock music band from Virginia.  Their lyrics often include biblical references coupled with anti-religious messages and their fan base is called the "Congregation." Other themes include politics, misanthropy, and attacks on hypocrisy.  They do not wish to be thought of as a Satanist band.

On 27 June 2012, Czech police arrested Lamb of God lead singer Randy Blyth for manslaughter.  During a concert he pushed a fan off the stage.  The man hit his head as he fell and later died.  In early August, Blyth was released from prison after making a large bail payment.

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Contrast Lamb of God with the real Lamb of God, Jesus. (John 1:29,36) The sacrificial lamb is the pure, unblemished, innocent sacrifice which takes away sin. (Exodus 12:3-6; Luke 9:31; 1 Corinthians 5:7; Isaiah 53:4-7)  Jesus pulls us towards Him rather than pushing us away.

Christian Short Film

I am not sure I actually understand what this short film is trying to convey, except that it may be speaking of what C. S. Lewis called “the good infection.”  The film is entitled Stalker and was made in 2007.

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Christians

At some time during their lives, the following people have publicly identified themselves as Christian.   Inclusion in this list does not indicate approval or disapproval of the person, of their orthodoxy or lack of it, or of their actions.  Some of those listed may surprise you.  Readers are encouraged to suggest persons who should be included on this list.  This is a recurring segment in this blog.

John Ray: (b. 1627, England – d. 1705) Botanist, college lecturer, biological cataloger).  Ray is credited with laying the foRyan Hallundations for modern botany and zoology.

Mary of Lapland: (b. Lappland (Finland, aka: Milla Clementsdottir of Follinge)  Mary was a Sami woman who, in 1844, showed the Swedish Lutheran pastor, Lars Levi Laestadius, the need for a deeper, more personal faith.

Lars Levi Laestadius (b. 1800, Sweden – d. 1861) Swedish Lutheran pastor, author, botanist.

Ryan Hall: (b. 1982, California, USA) United States Olympic long distance runner (London 2012) who credits God as his only coach.

Oswiu of Northumbria: (b. ca 612 – d. 670; aka: Oswy, Oswig)  King of Bernicia, an early British kingdom. 

Got Jesus?

Recently, I saw a car with a “Got Jesus?” bumper sticker.  I am convinced that the persons who put these bumper stickers on their cars are entirely sincere.  Still, the bumper stickers bother me.  We do not have Jesus; as our Creator, he owns us. As our Savior, he will never lose any of us.

It is not “wrong” to put the stickers on our cars, but we need to understand what we are saying when we do so.  Jesus is not a possession. He is a gift so valuable that we could never purchase or possess Him.  

Probably the first “Got milk?” commercial, starring the greatly underappreciated actor, Sean Whalen .

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The milk mustache. 

“Got Jesus?” bumper stickers:

http://www.zazzle.com/got_jesus_bumper_sticker-128740259042163088

http://www.cafepress.com/+got-jesus+bumper-stickers?utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=Got%20Jesus%20bumper%20sticker&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Life%20Basics%20BSM%20-%20US&utm_content=search-e

http://www.gohastings.com/product/TRENDS/Got-Jesus-Bumper-Sticker/sku/280115620.uts

This writer makes no excuses for how he feels about the bumper stickers.

http://oursovereignjoy.blogspot.com/2008/07/got-jesus-and-other-abominable-bumper.html

Electronic Versions of the Bible

Here are a few electronic versions of the Bible.  I have not searched each site and do no know their denominational origins or the safety of each site.  Use customary internet caution.

http://www.thebiblesource.com/electronic-bibles

http://www.biblegateway.com/

http://ebible.org/

http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-versions/#13441162297121&0|3/1/2013%201:37:09%20AM|z-index:%201002;%20width:%20619px;%20height:%20520px;%20margin-left:%20-309.5px;%20left:%2050%;%20top:%2070px;%20position:fixed;|nlst

http://bibledatabase.net/

http://www.personalpromisebible.com/bibles/electronic-versions.html

Gideons International

Gideons International is an international organization which places free Bibles in hotel rooms worldwide.  The idea for the organization came in 1898 after two traveling businessmen in Wisconsin shared a hotel room due to their hotel being overbooked.  They discovered that they were both Christians and became friends.

In 1899, the two men and another businessman organized the Gideons in 1899 in Janesville, Wisconsin in a YMCA room.  The Gideons "Bible Project" began in 1908.  There are now Gideons in twenty- three countries/regions.  They never charge for the placement of their Bibles.

Hotel in England Replaces Gideon Bibles With Amazon Kindles

In yesterday’s post, I spoke of a hotel in England  which has replaced the Gideon’s Bibles in its rooms with a soft-core pornographic novel. The owner of the hotel insisted that the replacement was not out of hostile motives.  It was just a business decision, and besides ““I’ll keep a couple behind the reception desk so that if any guest whose preferred bedtime reading happens to be the Bible finds that they have forgotten to pack their copy, they’ll be pleased to read in the guest handbook that they can borrow a copy from the receptionist.” 

To the believing Christian, to be benignly ignored, to be dismissed with subtle derision (as in the hotel owner’s statement), or to be the subject of overt hostility, are all equally insulting.  As I have said before, they really do not understand.

Another hotel in England has also replaced the Gideon’s Bibles in their rooms, but this time, the move has the assent of the Gideons.  A Gideons International spokesman, Ken Stephens, told CNN.    “Anything to put  the Bible in people's hands is a good thing."

The Hotel Indigo , in Newcastle, has replaced their Gideon’s Bibles with Amazon Kindles pre-loaded with an electronic version of the Bible.  The Kindles are the full device and are capable of other uses than merely Bible reading.

I have stayed in an Indigo hotel before and can attest to the fact that they are very nice and ultra-modern.  The Kindles would be a nod to the high-technology feel of the hotels.  My only thought is that soon, shampoo, soap, and towels may not be the only things which routinely disappear from the hotel rooms.