Last week I wrote a blog on the New Age belief system of the hit movie Avatar and James Cameron in particular. I wrote that the movie is steeped in ancient Gnosticism and promised to follow up this week. That all now seems to be so irrelevant compared to the tragedy in Haiti. Here are some of my thoughts on the horrible hellish nightmare the poverty stricken people of Haiti are enduring.

First, I am deeply saddened, embarrassed, and offended by the comments of televangelist Pat Robertson. He claims that this earthquake is a judgment from God rooted in what he says was a 17th century pact the nation made with the devil and as the result Haiti is a cursed nation. What Mr. Robertson seems to ignore is the fact that there are hundreds, perhaps thousands of Christians, missionaries, and Godly people who are now buried in the rubble dying a slow and painful death, or are already dead. Others are dying of thirst, feverishly searching for their kids, spouses, mothers, and fathers. When God sent the ten plagues upon Egypt, He exempted Israel even though they lived in close proximity. In other words, it was a targeted judgment. Mr. Robertson owes every one of those believers in Haiti and apology - but don't hold your breath.

Second, it never ceases to amaze me that when these horrible tragedies occur, the first place people turn is to America. And we respond with great generosity and compassion. Most civilized Americans are asking what they can do to help. But where are all of the bash America countries in the relief effort? Where is the mad man Hugo Chavez and his oil rich Venezuela? Their people live in abject poverty while he calls President Bush the devil in the one nation where he might get away with such idiocy. Where is the mentally unstable leader of Iran - I refuse to write his name. Where are Syria and the rest of the Jew haters in the Middle East? I could go on but you get the point. Third, when crises like this occur (such as Katrina) the church of Jesus Christ is there years later still feeding the hungry, rebuilding shattered lives, and offering hope. Where are the Muslim countries? Would they even want to help a Christian, the ones they call the infidels? They are nowhere to be found. It seems as though all of their country's miserable failures rooted in their demagogue leaders are passed on to us - it is always America's fault. So sad! But that should not stop us from being there. The church will mobilize, the food will start flowing, and in the end, because of America, Haiti will be a better country than the one just destroyed. You can bank on it.

In His Grip,
Dr. Chuck Betters

MARKINC Ministries, its staff, or volunteers accepts no liability for the content of this blog, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided, unless that information is subsequently confirmed in writing. Any views or opinions presented in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of MARKINC Ministries.

Believe me when I say that I am not one who sees a conspiracy behind every bleeding liberal. And, believe me when I say that I am not trying to ruin the good time you have had or will have when you see the newest movie sensation, Avatar. But, after seeing this blockbuster in 3D AND IMAX, let me assure you that it is well worth seeing for the technical genius of the film. The special effects are "from another world," Pandora to be exact. The sheer brilliance of James Cameron in this latest of his liberal propaganda films makes it a must see.

Now, let's move on to the "however" of this blog (you knew there had to be one). This film is unapologetically filled with New Age eastern mysticism. Additionally, to the uniformed this film may appear to be centered in such innocuous themes as good vs. evil, right vs. wrong, old American Indian legends, Greek mythology, ecological stewardship, personal spiritual balance, the true meaning of love, fighting injustice, protecting home, the beauty of nature, adventure, manhood, womanhood, love, faith, and community.

But, there is so much more in this movie that does not meet the average eye. The Na'vi, are the blue inhabitants of Pandora. They are the gentle ten foot giants who move gracefully in performing feats of athletic prowess, spiritual and emotional acts of reincarnation, and combat with great ferocity. Both males and females are beautifully sensual, strong, and androgynous. While the Na'vi are perfect, corporate greed is the source of evil and the military is the embodiment of evil. Mother Earth is real. Back to nature is the holy ethos of the true believer. Pre-emptive strikes are a bad thing. Nature is good. Technology is ugly and bad - strange for a film with so much technology shaping its success.

In Hinduism, Avatar refers to the appearance in physical form, having descended from heaven to earth, of a deity. It is mostly translated into English as "incarnation," though more accurately as "appearance" or "manifestation." The various manifestations of Devi, the Divine Mother principle in Hinduism, are also described as avatars. This is a film loaded with the message and the not so subtle tenets of ancient Gnosticism. Modern Gnosticism extends back at least a century to the great Occult Revival of the late 19th century. However, it was the discovery of a cache of ancient Gnostic scriptures at Nag Hammadi in the Egyptian desert in 1945 that really set off the modern phase of the Gnostic revival. Although their translation into English was not complete until the late 1970s, early access to some of the writings inspired the great psychologist Carl Jung to draw parallels between the ancient Gnostics and modern depth psychology. The publication in 1977 of the Nag Hammadi Library translations, followed in 1978 by religious scholar Elaine Pagels' best-selling exposition, The Gnostic Gospels, guaranteed that Gnosticism would not go away anytime soon.

It was not long ago that Dan Brown produced the controversial movie, The Davinci Code. As I wrote on this blog back then, that movie was steeped in ancient Gnosticism and the above mentioned pseudo-scriptures. In similar fashion, James Cameron's world-view is unfettered Gnosticism and this film is the stage for of his theology. The Davinci Code rattled the cages of evangelical thought due to the fact that it was a frontal assault against the teachings of the Bible. Avatar isn't as much a frontal assault on Christianity as it is a side-door assault, but, nonetheless, an assault. Avatar is not a glorified cartoon. Nor is it a modern remake of Alice in Wonderland. It is nothing less than a sermon wrapped up in high tech genius delivered by one the high priests of modern day Gnosticism, James Cameron. Ancient Gnosticism is in the midst of a modern day revival with the goal of supplanting the Christian faith. How? Well, to answer that question we must ask another - What is Gnosticism?

Next Blog: "The tenets of ancient Gnosticism"

In His Grip,
Dr. Chuck Betters

MARKINC Ministries, its staff, or volunteers accepts no liability for the content of this blog, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided, unless that information is subsequently confirmed in writing. Any views or opinions presented in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of MARKINC Ministries.

We have entered Advent of the Church Year. Advent is a season of spiritual preparation for the celebration of the birth of Christ (Christmas) and looks forward to the future reign of Christ. Eschatological (the future coming of Christ) expectation rather than personal penitence is the central theme of the season. Advent is a preparation for, rather than a celebration of, Christmas. The first Sunday of Advent (last Sunday) is not the beginning of the Christmas season. The Christmas celebration begins on Christmas Eve and continues for the next "twelve days of Christmas" (I hate that song).

The Liturgical colors express emotions and ideas that are associated with each of the seasons of the Liturgical Year. Violet is the ancient royal color and is Advent's Liturgical color, associated both with the sovereignty of Christ and with repentance from sin. White and Gold symbolize the brightness of day and is used during Christmas and Easter. Black is the traditional color of mourning and is used at funerals and on Good Friday. Red evokes the color of blood, and therefore is the color of martyrs and of Christ's death on the Cross. Red also symbolizes fire, and therefore is the color of the Holy Spirit used during Pentecost. Green is the color of growth and is used during summer and fall.

The use of colors to differentiate Liturgical seasons became a common practice in the Western church in about the fourth Century. The Lutheran and Anglican churches that emerged from the Reformation (1517-1648) retained the traditional colors. They disappeared entirely (along with most other rituals) from the worship of the Reformed Churches. During the 20th century, the ecumenical Liturgical Movement prompted the rediscovery of ancient Christian ritual--including the traditional colors of the Western church.

Advent in preparation for Christmas was special to me spiritually as a child growing up similar to the way Passion Week prepared me for Easter. As a child I noticed the color changes. In fact, that is how I followed the school year. Green meant that summer was over and school was just beginning. Violet meant Christmas was right around the corner. White meant it was time for toys. My Greek friend always made me jealous since they celebrated Epiphany in January. That meant green reappeared until Ash Wednesday when the Lenten season and violet returned again until Good Friday when black was used. When red reappeared I knew Pentecost was here and school was nearly over. Green ushered in summer break.

The Liturgical Church Year is something we do not emphasize at Glasgow Church. The reason - we just never did! Our feeble effort at Liturgical symbolism is that we change the vestments on the Communion table to reflect the changes in the Church Year. Perhaps we should revisit the Liturgical Church Year. What do you think?

In His Grip,
Dr. Chuck Betters

MARKINC Ministries, its staff, or volunteers accepts no liability for the content of this blog, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided, unless that information is subsequently confirmed in writing. Any views or opinions presented in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of MARKINC Ministries.

My new book, "Harlots and Heroines: The Midwives of the Messiah," is in. I have made special arrangements for blog visitors to receive a discount on both the gift set and the book. Visit this link and enter coupon code HHGIFTSET and receive a 20% discount for each gift set. Each gift set includes our son Chuck's piano CD, My Heart's Cry. Enter coupon code HHBOOK for the book and receive a 30% discount on as many books as you order. These codes are case sensitive. The coupon expires December 31, 2009. All proceeds benefit MARKINC Ministries.

Here is a post from Sharon's blog that captures her impressions of the book. I really enjoyed researching and writing this book and pray it will encourage readers to see their own critical part in God's sovereign plan.

In His Grip,
Dr. Chuck Betters

MARKINC Ministries, its staff, or volunteers accepts no liability for the content of this blog, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided, unless that information is subsequently confirmed in writing. Any views or opinions presented in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of MARKINC Ministries.

Here we go again - political correctness at its worst. I have a sister-in-law, whose husband is in harm's way in Iraq and Afghanistan while his family holds their collective breath at Fort Hood and in other parts of the country. He is there for the third or fourth tour, I cannot remember which. He loves the Lord as does his entire family and has served his country well rising through the ranks from West Point's student brigade commander to a full Colonel in the United States Army. His wife and children wait to hear from him every day. The last thing they want to see is an army car pull up to their front door, so to speak. My sister-in-law has often ministered to families devastated by losses suffered in combat.

The last thing anyone at Fort Hood expected was for the security and camaraderie of that base to be shattered by the ring of gun-fire as thirteen of their soldiers were brutally executed and thirty others were wounded. When the news came back that the terrorist was an Army Major who lived among them for years, no one could believe it. It didn't take but two minutes after this discovery for the political left in this country to rise up and begin to look for excuses for this killer's actions. They have no clue as to the harm this causes the families who lost a loved one in this murderous deed. It is like throwing salt on a large open wound. What is even more difficult to comprehend is the fact that the FBI and the Army KNEW about this man's terrorist leanings for some time. They knew about the radical mosque he attended. They knew he was a weirdo and a potential threat. Yet, nothing was done about this for fear of insulting the Muslims. This has got to stop. America must rise up and call this what it is - terrorism in the name of a non-peaceful religion.

President Obama made a good speech at the memorial service. But I could not help but notice how quick he was to defend Islam as a peace loving religion. The liberal media boasted on how some of the Muslim clerics were quick to condemn the act and disavow themselves from this killer. But for me, this is too little too late. Is Islam a religion of peace? Hardly! Take some time to read for yourself some of the excellent material that is out there in cyberspace. Simply Google "Is Islam a religion of peace."One example that provides food for thought can be found at http://www.studytoanswer.net/myths_ch7.html.

Where were the condemnations after 9-11 from the Islamic community? Where were the condemnations from the leading clerics around the world after this tragedy? With few exceptions, the Muslim community has been silent. This man, whose name I refuse to mention, was a terrorist and some of our key people in Homeland Security knew it. But, to be PC was more important than the lives of these soldiers and the devastating wave of pain that now is the lot of their families.

In His Grip,
Dr. Chuck Betters

MARKINC Ministries, its staff, or volunteers accepts no liability for the content of this blog, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided, unless that information is subsequently confirmed in writing. Any views or opinions presented in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of MARKINC Ministries.

The other night, Sharon and I took dinner to my mom and had two of our grandkids with us. These two little girls are like two little munchkins when they are together. They chatter like chipmunks. Giggling, squealing and running, not walking, characterize their every moment. Their joy and love for one another is obvious.

My mom lives close to train tracks so the girls repeatedly ran in to the house from the screened in porch and excitedly exclaimed, "We just saw a train! We just heard a train!" Oh, the innocence of little girls!

On the way home, I pulled off the main road and parked next to the train station. Thank God for little blessings, because a train was ready to take off. These two little munchkins jumped out of the car and skipped up to the fence. I sat in the car since I was double parked. Dusky light framed Sharon and our two tiny treasures. The sight of these two little ones holding their Grammy's hand while jumping and hooting like two little monkeys was more than I could take. Unexpected tears flowed down my cheeks as God seared this priceless picture into my heart. The brevity of life stunned me as I recognized I would never have another moment exactly like that again. Unbeknownst to me Sharon was crying too. Why did this moment move us both so deeply?

A lone train engine whizzed by the girls and it was time to go home. They climbed into the car, chattering with even more drama as they described to me what they had seen and experienced. And they started making plans for the next time we would stop at the train station. Yet I have a feeling the next time won't be quite as emotional for Grammy and Grand Dad. This was a unique moment in time that is now a memory, tucked away for Sharon and me to pull out as a cherished treasure when the two of us reminisce about our family.

Memories are precious, especially when memories are all you have. These days I have been reaching back into my own memory bank of church life. And the memories make me smile, sometimes cry, and other times rejoice that God has given me such a rich heritage of church life.

Do you enjoy your loved ones? Do you enjoy your church? Do you think of your church as a family? A safe place for making memories? Every time our church family is together it is another memory in the making. As life goes on, there will come a day when all I have is memories of my church family and vice versa. People come and go. Some, more than others, leave a lasting impression. No two events are exactly the same. No two worship services are exactly the same. I often come into our sanctuary and sit in the dark and the quiet reflecting on the great church I serve. Just like a regular family, we do not always agree. That would be dull. But we are a family with a rich heritage and an even richer legacy. To my own church family, I encourage you to value what you have here, friends. And for those around the world, look for the treasures of God in your local congregation and value the relationships that God has created to encourage you in your faith walk. Life is short. Memories become gold especially when memoires are all you have.

In His Grip,
Dr. Chuck Betters

MARKINC Ministries, its staff, or volunteers accepts no liability for the content of this blog, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided, unless that information is subsequently confirmed in writing. Any views or opinions presented in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of MARKINC Ministries.

As I write this blog, former Atlanta Falcon quarterback and now Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, Michael Vick, is about to take his first snap since being convicted and jailed for his abusive dog fighting ring. It seems as though the entirety of humane organizations is bending over backwards to make him their voice for the proper treatment of animals.

Does anyone really believe he is truly repentant? Does anyone really think Michael Vick now hates animal abuse with such a passion that he is volunteering to be the new dog and cat advocate for the country? Or, is he merely remaking his image so as to resurrect his football career?

There is but one way to answer that question - he must demonstrate genuine repentance over the course of time. His dog abuse habits were part of a culture in which he grew up. This means that he has the DNA of a culture ruled by punks, hoodlums, and killers who could violently kill an animal for fun, for merely failing to win a brutal fight. Thus, if we are to judge his change of heart, we must see this vicious DNA extracted over the course of time. It did not take him a few days to become such a killer. It will not take him a few days to become the new face for animal rights.

Should we believe that while in prison he had a change of heart? Yes and no! On the one hand, he says that when they locked him up his eyes were opened. On the other hand time will tell. But this is true of any of us who fall into deep sin. Repentance is a two factored process. We must put off the old behavior and put on its opposite quality. For example, a liar is still a liar even though he quits lying until he begins to tell the truth. A thief is still a thief even though he quits stealing until he begins to give away. An adulterer is still an adulterer even though he stops his affair until he returns to the wife of his youth. And a dog abuser is still a dog abuser even though he quits abusing dogs until he becomes humane to animals.

Now, here is the key to measuring true repentance - it must be time-tested AND the change of heart must be reflected in other areas of his life. There is only one way this sort of "repentance" can be genuine, when Christ changes our hearts from the inside out. It is similar to the story of the demon possessed man who battled with the disciples. They could not drive out his demons. When they told Jesus about this he said, "This kind does not come out but by prayer and fasting." We should all be WILLING to forgive Michael Vick. But we should do so with an eye on time tested change. Now that he is surrounded by the right crowd with the likes of Tony Dungee we can have hope. But we also need to be wise and not expect that, if Vick has given his life to Christ (which I have not heard he has), his sanctification will be immediate. It will not be. He will fail again. But, we should allow for a second chance. When your knee jerk reaction is to condemn and refuse redemption to anyone, look in the mirror and ask God to give you a glimpse of your own heart without Jesus. After all, hasn't God given each of us a second, third, fourth, fifth, and one hundredth chance? May He have mercy on Michael Vick. And mercy on us as well.

In His Grip,
Dr. Chuck Betters

MARKINC Ministries, its staff, or volunteers accepts no liability for the content of this blog, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided, unless that information is subsequently confirmed in writing. Any views or opinions presented in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of MARKINC Ministries.