666 Tattoo Revisited

Had an interesting response to my post about Anti-Christ Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda and his Growing in Grace Church. Here's what one of his followers emailed to me:

"Let me tell you that I know for a fact that Jose Luis DeJesus is the 2nd coming of Christ.

First, let me correct you guys: He has never asked us for money, jewelry (rolex watches). I know that for a fact because my husband gave him one as a present...It´s difficult for people to understand that we are so thankful and therefore choose to make up stories (perhaps it´s because to them,there is not much to thank God for... still see themselves as sinners, still think the Devil is around, still think they can be lost and if they ever earn their ticket to salvation it´s because of their own effort...that´s some "loving Father"!.)

I honestly don´t know how did people come up with the "giving all of our money" idea...if you´d investigate us you´d conclude that we are very prosperous (how could we give Him those presents if not???). Remember that woman in Jesus of Nazareth´s day that gave Him a perfume worth one year´s sallary? perhaps you could stop and think what did Jesus do for her that she was so thankful?.

Second. About Honduras...think about it, if it wasn´t that He is saying truths that the religious

system doesn´t want to hear He wouldn´t be banned.

Third. I display my tatoo with pride because it always makes people ask me about it...then I can explain that it means, religion has been the one who has frightened people with the number when what´s written about it is that there´s wisdom here(but religion always tries to forbid all kind of science and wisdom and make it seem "deeds of the devil"). I´m very very proud to say that God is among us. I invite you to study His teachings. Go to www.CEGenglish.com."

Call me crazy, but this writer makes a few good points. Bear with me. In the Bible, there was a woman who used very expensive perfume to cleanse Christ's feet, and even his disciples considered this a waste. With that in mind, who says you can't buy a Rolex or other gifts for your pastor? Even in the "normal" churches I've attended, collections were often taken for the pastor and his family. True, I didn't give an expensive gift, but aside from the amount, what's the difference?

The writer apparently has a 666 tattoo to show her devotion and allegiance. This may sound crazy to most of us, but is it any different than marking your forehead during Ash Wednesday? Yeah ok, it's not permanent but I'm talking about outward, public displays of religious faith. Lots of people get tattoos for worse reasons.

So I emailed the writer back and apologized. For the reasons above as well as this: I've just spent several months in a shamanic mystery school with a stranger who I'm paying to "teach" me stuff. I haven't given him any gifts and he hasn't asked me to tattoo myself--but really, am I any different? My concern is hucksters, frauds, those who prey on people for their own, selfish ends. I like to think that the facilitator of my shamanic workshops isn't in that category, and he seems decent enough. But where do you draw the line? If this Jose guy gives this person hope, who am I to judge? Seriously. I may disagree and think his followers are all deluded, but there are plenty of people who would say I am just as deluded.

So, been thinking a lot about free will. Not only does it mean you get to choose as you like, but it also means you take the risk of being a complete fool. And does anyone have the right to take that away? I suppose I'm prejudiced against this Jose guy because of all the Christian undertones, but my response says more about me than it does about the truth of this guy's claims or his followers' sanity.

666 Tattoo Revisited

Had an interesting response to my post about Anti-Christ Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda and his Growing in Grace Church. Here's what one of his followers emailed to me:

"Let me tell you that I know for a fact that Jose Luis DeJesus is the 2nd coming of Christ.

First, let me correct you guys: He has never asked us for money, jewelry (rolex watches). I know that for a fact because my husband gave him one as a present...It´s difficult for people to understand that we are so thankful and therefore choose to make up stories (perhaps it´s because to them,there is not much to thank God for... still see themselves as sinners, still think the Devil is around, still think they can be lost and if they ever earn their ticket to salvation it´s because of their own effort...that´s some "loving Father"!.)

I honestly don´t know how did people come up with the "giving all of our money" idea...if you´d investigate us you´d conclude that we are very prosperous (how could we give Him those presents if not???). Remember that woman in Jesus of Nazareth´s day that gave Him a perfume worth one year´s sallary? perhaps you could stop and think what did Jesus do for her that she was so thankful?.

Second. About Honduras...think about it, if it wasn´t that He is saying truths that the religious

system doesn´t want to hear He wouldn´t be banned.

Third. I display my tatoo with pride because it always makes people ask me about it...then I can explain that it means, religion has been the one who has frightened people with the number when what´s written about it is that there´s wisdom here(but religion always tries to forbid all kind of science and wisdom and make it seem "deeds of the devil"). I´m very very proud to say that God is among us. I invite you to study His teachings. Go to www.CEGenglish.com."

Call me crazy, but this writer makes a few good points. Bear with me. In the Bible, there was a woman who used very expensive perfume to cleanse Christ's feet, and even his disciples considered this a waste. With that in mind, who says you can't buy a Rolex or other gifts for your pastor? Even in the "normal" churches I've attended, collections were often taken for the pastor and his family. True, I didn't give an expensive gift, but aside from the amount, what's the difference?

The writer apparently has a 666 tattoo to show her devotion and allegiance. This may sound crazy to most of us, but is it any different than marking your forehead during Ash Wednesday? Yeah ok, it's not permanent but I'm talking about outward, public displays of religious faith. Lots of people get tattoos for worse reasons.

So I emailed the writer back and apologized. For the reasons above as well as this: I've just spent several months in a shamanic mystery school with a stranger who I'm paying to "teach" me stuff. I haven't given him any gifts and he hasn't asked me to tattoo myself--but really, am I any different? My concern is hucksters, frauds, those who prey on people for their own, selfish ends. I like to think that the facilitator of my shamanic workshops isn't in that category, and he seems decent enough. But where do you draw the line? If this Jose guy gives this person hope, who am I to judge? Seriously. I may disagree and think his followers are all deluded, but there are plenty of people who would say I am just as deluded.

So, been thinking a lot about free will. Not only does it mean you get to choose as you like, but it also means you take the risk of being a complete fool. And does anyone have the right to take that away? I suppose I'm prejudiced against this Jose guy because of all the Christian undertones, but my response says more about me than it does about the truth of this guy's claims or his followers' sanity.

Would You Tattoo Yourself with '666?'

Apparently, followers of Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda are. Ironically, they're excited about his claim to be the AntiChrist, and are following his example by tattooing "666" on their bodies. I can appreciate that they're reclaiming, if you will, such a disparaged number; when I growing up, Christians I knew took great pains to avoid any association with this "mark of the Beast." But it's all rather silly, don't you think?

Jose thinks he's Jesus or the AntiChrist or both! He does say that sin and the devil don't exist--so I agree with him on that. He also says that his followers must give him Rolex watches, and that's where I'm puzzled. Why do some people fall prey to these characters? If you want to tattoo "666" on your arm and give some religious person all your money, I suppose you have that right. But why are people so gullible? Why do they look to others to provide "salvation" or affirmation?

Jose's Growing in Grace church is worldwide and growing, but Honduras is taking up the welcome mat. Seems Jose has all sorts of financial and legal troubles here in the States, including a messy divorce, and Honduras is saying "Stay out!" Sorta dims the sparkle on all that religious glitter, don't it?

Just been pondering lately all the spiritual and religious stuff out there, including my own interest in pagan stuff, shamanism and druid revival movements. My take is, look, as long as you're not hurting anyone or being taken advantage of, believe what you want. But please, if I ever decide to get a "666" tattoo--someone please stage an intervention!

Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda

Would You Tattoo Yourself with '666?'

Apparently, followers of Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda are. Ironically, they're excited about his claim to be the AntiChrist, and are following his example by tattooing "666" on their bodies. I can appreciate that they're reclaiming, if you will, such a disparaged number; when I growing up, Christians I knew took great pains to avoid any association with this "mark of the Beast." But it's all rather silly, don't you think?

Jose thinks he's Jesus or the AntiChrist or both! He does say that sin and the devil don't exist--so I agree with him on that. He also says that his followers must give him Rolex watches, and that's where I'm puzzled. Why do some people fall prey to these characters? If you want to tattoo "666" on your arm and give some religious person all your money, I suppose you have that right. But why are people so gullible? Why do they look to others to provide "salvation" or affirmation?

Jose's Growing in Grace church is worldwide and growing, but Honduras is taking up the welcome mat. Seems Jose has all sorts of financial and legal troubles here in the States, including a messy divorce, and Honduras is saying "Stay out!" Sorta dims the sparkle on all that religious glitter, don't it?

Just been pondering lately all the spiritual and religious stuff out there, including my own interest in pagan stuff, shamanism and druid revival movements. My take is, look, as long as you're not hurting anyone or being taken advantage of, believe what you want. But please, if I ever decide to get a "666" tattoo--someone please stage an intervention!

Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda

Religion: Just Our Imagination or The Real Deal?

Is religion an adaptation or a by-product of our evolution? Or is it an in-born yearning to connect with our Creator? If you're a good atheist or even a relatively full-time skeptic like me, you may find this article from Nature interesting. I found it over at Integral Options Cafe, always a good source for thought-provoking pieces!

The article does a good job of giving a relatively quick and readable overview of research into why so many of us humans are religious or believe in things we can't see or prove. It doesn't give answers but raises interesting questions.

I think I may scoot out of work early and go see "Religulous!"

Religion: Just Our Imagination or The Real Deal?

Is religion an adaptation or a by-product of our evolution? Or is it an in-born yearning to connect with our Creator? If you're a good atheist or even a relatively full-time skeptic like me, you may find this article from Nature interesting. I found it over at Integral Options Cafe, always a good source for thought-provoking pieces!

The article does a good job of giving a relatively quick and readable overview of research into why so many of us humans are religious or believe in things we can't see or prove. It doesn't give answers but raises interesting questions.

I think I may scoot out of work early and go see "Religulous!"

Creepy, Scary, Spooky Post--Week 3: Do You Believe in Spirits or Ghosts?

My wrists and hands are all limbered up and ready to type! And were there sun spots or something yesterday? I had the darndest time getting online and checking my favorite sites.

Is the spirit world real?
So are you a believer in ghosts, spirits or any other unseen (or rarely seen) entities? Many cultures, including some Celtic groups, believed this time of year was a prime time to spot them. They believed that the veil between our world and the spirit world became very thin, so you could cross back and forth easily. Sort of like our border with Mexico! So does that make the spirits illegal immigrants or us mortals?

I digress. Myself, if I had to give an answer, I'd say I don't know. I'm not copping out--I simply don't know. I lean toward "no," but then I've had some experiences I can't explain. And others I know have had experiences. But if I claim there is no God, then how can I claim that spirits, fairies or other beings exist? Like I said, I don't know!

Many neo-pagans believe or accept the possibility of all kinds of unseen things. I'm still skeptical. I think it's fun and part of being human to wonder, but I do not want to base any kind of religious practice or belief system on what can't be seen. That's just me--I already have that T-shirt!

Angels Among Us?
Are these entities real or imaginary? Do we just convince ourselves they're real because we want them to be? Most Christians believe in angels, a devil and demons. I know I once did!

Back one night in college, my roommate and I were sitting across from one another having a great religious discussion. The lights were on in the room, which was located 3 floors up in the dormitory. The blinds on the window were shut. Suddenly in the middle of this deep discussion, we both "saw" a bright light appear near the window, the speed between us across the room and then flash in the mirrors before disappearing completely. We both turned and asked simultaneously: "What was that?" Then this incredible sense of joy washed over us! I can still recall that unexplainable sensation today. Being good Christians, we just thought it must be some messenger of God, an angel sent to visit us during our wonderfully spiritual discussion. I don't know what the angel was supposed to tell us, but well, what else was it? No car lights could reach 3 floors up. There were no search lights in the area. But we both saw something!

Meeting My First Witch (was she a good witch or a bad witch?)
That same year, my roommate began hanging with some weirdo friends--at least, they were weirdos to this sheltered Christian who took everything literally! His new girlfriend was a witch! She was involved in Wicca, which I had never heard of up until this point. He showed me some books on Wicca that she had given to him, and being the concerned fellow Christian, I told him to get rid of them. Those books would draw evil spirits and plunge us into spiritual warfare! (Oh, the irony, if he could only see me today.)

His girlfriend had a guy-friend she always dragged along with her, and looking back, he might have been "her gay." But I was too sheltered to figure anything out back then. Both of them were into Wicca--and I really can't say how serious they were about it, but they did talk about it all the time. And it freaked me out! I prayed all the time for Jesus to protect me and to turn their hearts to the Lord! I was polite, however (I am a good Southern boy, after all).

We would have interesting spiritual discussion, us four, but then one day my roommate's girlfriend said something that sent chills up my spine! I don't remember the context now, but she said she was going to light a candle for me. Dear Jesus, I just knew that meant she was going to cast some evil spell on me to turn me away from the Lord and toward acts of evil! Instead of asking what she intended, I freaked out! Later, I preached to my roommate that, no matter what evil power she might unleash, Jesus was stronger! I was terrified, ya'll.

Well, nothing happened that I can attribute to her "lighting a candle." Can any visiting Wiccans explain what she might have meant? Regardless of whether it was malicious or not, it just shows the power that belief in spirits can have. Even though I had never seen anything or experienced anything, I was caught up in all the stories I had heard. If nothing else, a spirit of fear had me in its grip--and that was of my own creation, not hers.

At the same time, the girl's male friend gave us the scariest jack o' lantern that I have ever seen! He had carved it himself, and the two of them stopped by the dorm to drop of this "present"--all dressed up in black capes and wild outfits around Halloween (this was way before goth was cool). I just knew there was some hex on that pumpkin! His carving was superb--but the evil grin and the frightening countenance on that thing scared the bejesus outta me! So after they were gone, I made my longsuffering roommate smash it on the ground--you know, to break its hellish power!

Well, that romance with Wicca faded for my roommate and his witch friends faded away. I regret my actions and superstitions now that I look back. If I'm honest, they were both interesting, fun people, but I was too wrapped up in my own ignorance and fear to recognize that.

So, what about you? A believer, skeptic or something in between?

Creepy, Scary, Spooky Post--Week 3: Do You Believe in Spirits or Ghosts?

My wrists and hands are all limbered up and ready to type! And were there sun spots or something yesterday? I had the darndest time getting online and checking my favorite sites.

Is the spirit world real?
So are you a believer in ghosts, spirits or any other unseen (or rarely seen) entities? Many cultures, including some Celtic groups, believed this time of year was a prime time to spot them. They believed that the veil between our world and the spirit world became very thin, so you could cross back and forth easily. Sort of like our border with Mexico! So does that make the spirits illegal immigrants or us mortals?

I digress. Myself, if I had to give an answer, I'd say I don't know. I'm not copping out--I simply don't know. I lean toward "no," but then I've had some experiences I can't explain. And others I know have had experiences. But if I claim there is no God, then how can I claim that spirits, fairies or other beings exist? Like I said, I don't know!

Many neo-pagans believe or accept the possibility of all kinds of unseen things. I'm still skeptical. I think it's fun and part of being human to wonder, but I do not want to base any kind of religious practice or belief system on what can't be seen. That's just me--I already have that T-shirt!

Angels Among Us?
Are these entities real or imaginary? Do we just convince ourselves they're real because we want them to be? Most Christians believe in angels, a devil and demons. I know I once did!

Back one night in college, my roommate and I were sitting across from one another having a great religious discussion. The lights were on in the room, which was located 3 floors up in the dormitory. The blinds on the window were shut. Suddenly in the middle of this deep discussion, we both "saw" a bright light appear near the window, the speed between us across the room and then flash in the mirrors before disappearing completely. We both turned and asked simultaneously: "What was that?" Then this incredible sense of joy washed over us! I can still recall that unexplainable sensation today. Being good Christians, we just thought it must be some messenger of God, an angel sent to visit us during our wonderfully spiritual discussion. I don't know what the angel was supposed to tell us, but well, what else was it? No car lights could reach 3 floors up. There were no search lights in the area. But we both saw something!

Meeting My First Witch (was she a good witch or a bad witch?)
That same year, my roommate began hanging with some weirdo friends--at least, they were weirdos to this sheltered Christian who took everything literally! His new girlfriend was a witch! She was involved in Wicca, which I had never heard of up until this point. He showed me some books on Wicca that she had given to him, and being the concerned fellow Christian, I told him to get rid of them. Those books would draw evil spirits and plunge us into spiritual warfare! (Oh, the irony, if he could only see me today.)

His girlfriend had a guy-friend she always dragged along with her, and looking back, he might have been "her gay." But I was too sheltered to figure anything out back then. Both of them were into Wicca--and I really can't say how serious they were about it, but they did talk about it all the time. And it freaked me out! I prayed all the time for Jesus to protect me and to turn their hearts to the Lord! I was polite, however (I am a good Southern boy, after all).

We would have interesting spiritual discussion, us four, but then one day my roommate's girlfriend said something that sent chills up my spine! I don't remember the context now, but she said she was going to light a candle for me. Dear Jesus, I just knew that meant she was going to cast some evil spell on me to turn me away from the Lord and toward acts of evil! Instead of asking what she intended, I freaked out! Later, I preached to my roommate that, no matter what evil power she might unleash, Jesus was stronger! I was terrified, ya'll.

Well, nothing happened that I can attribute to her "lighting a candle." Can any visiting Wiccans explain what she might have meant? Regardless of whether it was malicious or not, it just shows the power that belief in spirits can have. Even though I had never seen anything or experienced anything, I was caught up in all the stories I had heard. If nothing else, a spirit of fear had me in its grip--and that was of my own creation, not hers.

At the same time, the girl's male friend gave us the scariest jack o' lantern that I have ever seen! He had carved it himself, and the two of them stopped by the dorm to drop of this "present"--all dressed up in black capes and wild outfits around Halloween (this was way before goth was cool). I just knew there was some hex on that pumpkin! His carving was superb--but the evil grin and the frightening countenance on that thing scared the bejesus outta me! So after they were gone, I made my longsuffering roommate smash it on the ground--you know, to break its hellish power!

Well, that romance with Wicca faded for my roommate and his witch friends faded away. I regret my actions and superstitions now that I look back. If I'm honest, they were both interesting, fun people, but I was too wrapped up in my own ignorance and fear to recognize that.

So, what about you? A believer, skeptic or something in between?

My "Dear John" Letter to the Church

I finally did it--after much thought, I've left the Christian Church. The other week I wrote a letter to my pastor explaining my decision. It wasn't easy--the church of which I was a member is a great congregation. It's a place where you can ask questions and find many ways to serve and grow. Well, if it was so great, you ask, why leave?

Since setting off on this new path, I really hadn't attended much. That's a big deal--I was someone who grew up in the church, attended Christian school, was part of the college campus ministry as a student and was a summer missionary for the Florida State Baptists. I've attended church regularly since age 16, with only a few breaks here and there. I've served on missions committees, worship committees, organized prayer services and communion, and even served 3 years as a deacon.

But as my faith grew, I began to explore difficult questions about Christianity and religious faith in general. It would take a really long post to explain it all, but basically I have come to the conclusion that I can no longer believe in the concept of God. Religion can be a great thing, and many religious people are wonderful people. However, I can no longer be a part of an institution or belief system with which I disagree.

So I wrote a letter to my pastor, thanking him and the congregation for everything. Lots of tears were shed while writing this because it was a difficult decision. But I'm in a different place now, and I need to be honest with myself and with my church about who I am and what I believe--or don't.

For a while, I thought I would remain a member in order to support the local church, to help it spread its particularly welcoming brand of Christianity. That's certainly needed when so many other churches are exclusionary and legalistic. But I realized that my heart, or my spirit if you will, had moved on. I could no longer sit in the pew and pray to Jesus or God with any sincerity. I could no longer sing the hymns with any conviction or participate in worship with any integrity.

So what do I believe now? In short, I don't believe in any god or gods or even anything divine. That may seem depressing to some but I think otherwise. For me, looking at reality straight in the face is quite liberating. So much unnecessary crap just falls aside, giving us the opportunity to focus on what we feel is most important. Ironically, isn't that what religion is supposed to do? All too often, however, religion fails.

It seems we humans have evolved on this tiny planet in space, but I don't think our position at the top of the food chain necessarily means we have eternal souls or that some deity is directing our lives. I think that when we die, that's it, just like every other creature on Earth. There isn't any future reward or special heavenly mansions--it's all right here, right now. So get busy!

All that said, we humans are uniquely "spiritual" creatures. We love to believe in stuff--whether it's Jesus, fairies, Santa Claus or alien abductions. That's what I want to explore now. I wonder, what is this "spirit" exactly? Why is it so important to us? Essentially, that's what any religious person asks, but I "believe" we must go beyond what our current religious offerings provide.

If you happen to read this and you're a Christian, don't feel sorry for me. I'm quite excited about what's next. I don't want any labels such as agnostic or atheist--that's what I'm trying to get away from. I'm just looking for truth, whatever that is and if it even exists. I like to think that if there is a God or that if Christianity is True, well, then it'll become obvious one day. I'm hardly anti-religion, either. Christianity brought some wonderful things into my life--and it was also a great source of pain--self-inflicted pain.

So I would say, yes, believe in whatever you like. Most importantly, however, don't take it too seriously, and remember that everyone who believes differently from you is just as sincere and devout as you are. And none of us can prove who's "right" and who's not. In fact, I think we are all "right" and, at the same time, none of us are. Ah yes--paradox. I think that's the difficult truth we all need to discover.

My "Dear John" Letter to the Church

I finally did it--after much thought, I've left the Christian Church. The other week I wrote a letter to my pastor explaining my decision. It wasn't easy--the church of which I was a member is a great congregation. It's a place where you can ask questions and find many ways to serve and grow. Well, if it was so great, you ask, why leave?

Since setting off on this new path, I really hadn't attended much. That's a big deal--I was someone who grew up in the church, attended Christian school, was part of the college campus ministry as a student and was a summer missionary for the Florida State Baptists. I've attended church regularly since age 16, with only a few breaks here and there. I've served on missions committees, worship committees, organized prayer services and communion, and even served 3 years as a deacon.

But as my faith grew, I began to explore difficult questions about Christianity and religious faith in general. It would take a really long post to explain it all, but basically I have come to the conclusion that I can no longer believe in the concept of God. Religion can be a great thing, and many religious people are wonderful people. However, I can no longer be a part of an institution or belief system with which I disagree.

So I wrote a letter to my pastor, thanking him and the congregation for everything. Lots of tears were shed while writing this because it was a difficult decision. But I'm in a different place now, and I need to be honest with myself and with my church about who I am and what I believe--or don't.

For a while, I thought I would remain a member in order to support the local church, to help it spread its particularly welcoming brand of Christianity. That's certainly needed when so many other churches are exclusionary and legalistic. But I realized that my heart, or my spirit if you will, had moved on. I could no longer sit in the pew and pray to Jesus or God with any sincerity. I could no longer sing the hymns with any conviction or participate in worship with any integrity.

So what do I believe now? In short, I don't believe in any god or gods or even anything divine. That may seem depressing to some but I think otherwise. For me, looking at reality straight in the face is quite liberating. So much unnecessary crap just falls aside, giving us the opportunity to focus on what we feel is most important. Ironically, isn't that what religion is supposed to do? All too often, however, religion fails.

It seems we humans have evolved on this tiny planet in space, but I don't think our position at the top of the food chain necessarily means we have eternal souls or that some deity is directing our lives. I think that when we die, that's it, just like every other creature on Earth. There isn't any future reward or special heavenly mansions--it's all right here, right now. So get busy!

All that said, we humans are uniquely "spiritual" creatures. We love to believe in stuff--whether it's Jesus, fairies, Santa Claus or alien abductions. That's what I want to explore now. I wonder, what is this "spirit" exactly? Why is it so important to us? Essentially, that's what any religious person asks, but I "believe" we must go beyond what our current religious offerings provide.

If you happen to read this and you're a Christian, don't feel sorry for me. I'm quite excited about what's next. I don't want any labels such as agnostic or atheist--that's what I'm trying to get away from. I'm just looking for truth, whatever that is and if it even exists. I like to think that if there is a God or that if Christianity is True, well, then it'll become obvious one day. I'm hardly anti-religion, either. Christianity brought some wonderful things into my life--and it was also a great source of pain--self-inflicted pain.

So I would say, yes, believe in whatever you like. Most importantly, however, don't take it too seriously, and remember that everyone who believes differently from you is just as sincere and devout as you are. And none of us can prove who's "right" and who's not. In fact, I think we are all "right" and, at the same time, none of us are. Ah yes--paradox. I think that's the difficult truth we all need to discover.