Change The Filter, See Things Differently

Roaring Run Trail, Kiski Twp., PA
Shot taken on December 25, 2016 at 1:09 P.M.

When I took this shot in color, it was a nothing-to-look-at, run-of-the-mill specimen.  When I edited the photo to black and white, something interesting "appeared."  Do you see the pair of beady eyes atop the wide deadwood? (Do you see the scant, eerie-looking "thing"?  What is that?)

Changing the photo from color to black and white didn't create the "eyes."  They were there before. My default (color) "filter" didn't accentuate them.

What is the situation, difficulty or challenge you are facing?  What "filter" are you using?  If you've tried common sense and haven't seen a way out, then going "old-fashioned" -- back to the Bible -- will yield better results.

It's New Year's Day.  Why not resolve to read the Bible?  Don't worry about reading it through.  Just read it regularly.  It will change your outlook.  You'll be amazed what you might "see"!

Fundamentalism Is A Disease?

First, the definition.  Fundamentalism:  "a movement in 20th century Protestantism emphasizing the literally interpreted Bible as fundamental to Christian life and teaching; the beliefs of this movement; adherence to such beliefs" (Merriam Webster).

Second, the controversy.  In an article by Yahoo! News, Pope Francis is quoted as saying that fundamentalism "is a disease of all religions."  The article further quotes him as saying, "Fundamentalism is always a tragedy.  It is not religious, it lacks God, it is idolatrous."  You can access the article here.

Third, my reaction.  We must be careful before we accept back-door invitations. Encouraging the dismantling of fundamentalism could mean . . .

• Stop taking literally the teaching of your holy book. 
• Stop speaking publicly about your faith, which matters greatly to you. 
• Stop suggesting that there is such a thing as truth.
• Stop allowing what you believe to affect how you live.

Just so we're clear -- Enthusiasm is welcome. Excitement is welcome.  Devotion is welcome. Violence is not welcome.

Fourth, a conclusion.  Revelation teaches there will be a seven-year period known as the Tribulation. A universal religion will be implemented at that time.  For that to occur, a lot of "selling" is happening to pave the way.  "Since your religion might be controversial and my religion might be unacceptable and another's religion might be divisive, and since violence is associated with radicals from all religions, why don't we all abandon all of our doctrines and practices and come together as one?  It will be ecumenical nirvana."