I will be going live on both this Sunday, October 8th, at 5 pm central for the fourth lecture of the Examining The Christian Faith series. In this lecture, we will be examining pre-flood history, the flood itself, the Tower of Babel, and the emergence of civilization.
We will begin by first taking a look at the story of Cain and Abel and the idea of morality and sin. We will examine various interpretations of this story to try to make sense of what is being told in the compacted literature.
We will then go on to investigate the evidence for a pre-flood society. We will delve into the timeframe of this hypothetical society and its destruction by a cataclysmic flood and look at what evidence there might be for such an event.
From there, we will examine evidence for a post-flood culture, including Noah and the Tower of Babel. We will look at how these early societies helped shape and influence the later emergence of civilization in Sumer and Egypt approximately 5,000 years ago.
Join me this evening at 5 pm central on YouTube for the introductory lecture to the “Examining The Christian Faith” series, Introduction To The Power of Ideas. In this lecture, we will examine what it means to say one believes in something, such as ideas or religions. We will begin by looking at the concept of interpretation and that of traditionalism and progressivism.
From there, we will see how our perception changes how we interpret ideas and reality and how, in a reciprocal manner, ideas can shape our perception. This will be examined through the work of Iain Mcgilchrist’s dual hemisphere perception.
Following this examination, we will then go on to investigate some of the popular ideas that have influenced modern culture from the works of figures such as Karl Marx, Friedrich Nietzsche, Carl Jung, and, of course, Jesus Christ and the apostles. We also take a look at what type of influence their ideas had on society and culture, whether positive or negative.
Did God condone rape in the Old Testament? Those opposed to the Bible and the belief therein are quick to point out Deuteronomy 22:28 where many believe that it suggests rape to be no issue. But how true is this, exactly?
I am excited to announce that I will be hosting a ten part lecture series starting next Sunday, September 17, live at 5 pm central time on both YouTube and Facebook. This series will by far be the most strenuous and in-depth that I have sought to teach, with an array of various topics to be covered throughout the series that include Christian theology, philosophy, psychology, evolutionary theory, quantum physics, archaeology, and more.
I have laid out the list of titles to each lecture below, along with a brief overview of what is expected to be covered. I hope you can join me on this journey, and God bless.
•Introduction to the power of ideas: An introduction to how ideas change our perception, and ultimately drive our behavior. Examination of historical repercussions of ideas. •Creation and evolution: Investigate the Big Bang and the case for an intelligent design. Examine evolution in conjunction with Genesis. •The emergence of consciousness: Delve into what consciousness might be and how it manifest in the human brain. Explore the emergence of consciousness in the story of the Garden of Eden and it’s possible historical connection to evolutionary theory. •The flood and tyranny: Examine the flood and evidence for the event. Investigate the tyrannical elements of the Tower of Babel. •The Exodus: Look at evidence for the events from Abraham to the Judges, and the real mount Sinai. Examine the Old Testament Law and its significance. •The birth of Christ: Examine the stories of the birth of Christ from the gospel of Matthew and Luke. Delve into the theology and overall significance of the sermon of the mount. •The Transfiguration: Explore what the transfiguration of Christ represented and how it applies to the transformation of the Christian life. Connect this with psychological and philosophical works. •Death and resurrection: Explore the significance of the death and resurrection of Christ for the Christian and humanity alike. Cross-examine this story with other ancient death and resurrection stories for similarities and differences. •Apostolic Journey: Examine the journey of the apostles and evidence for their existence. Investigate their writings and teachings, and how they apply to the Christian life. •Second Coming: Investigate the second coming of Christ, the rapture, and end time scenario. Examine the biblical and scientific evidence for the destruction of the universe and birth of a new one.
What does science and the Bible have to save about the creation and death of the universe? Do they both align in their ideas? Both the Bible and science state that the universe had a beginning, and it will have an end. The most recent research on dark energy has revealed that the universe is likely to end in a Big Crunch some 60-120 millions years from now, going back to the state of the singularity.
The Bible states a similar occurrence in both the book of 2 Peter and Revelation wherein the universe will collapse upon itself while burning everything up in due process. From there, the universe will experience another Big Bang with the birth of a new version of itself. The famous physicist’s, Roger Penrose, claims a similar idea as he believes the universe will collapse upon itself and birth a new universe in its place.
Is the act of sin strictly a transgression of the commandments of God? Or is it something more complex to be examined and valued? Sin in both Hebrew and Greek mean to deviate from the way, or better put, the proper mode of being that constitutes and leads to a more qualitative life.
The way is a balanced path between the dichotic manifestation of chaos and order in our life. And through the process of properly orienting ourselves towards an ideal mode of being, along with a sense of adaptability, we can help safeguard ourselves from deviating too much into one or the other extremes.
The dogmatic implications of Christianity beginning around 400 AD have set up a system of faith that is predicated upon increased stimulation, attendance, and oversimplification, among other things. This has dampened the overall influence of the church, and it has repelled many who have sought out to know the truth over a desire for comfort. We must un-dogmatize while teaching at deeper levels of analysis before we can increase the Church’s influence.
The Great Tribulation- a term often used interchangeably with the seven years of Daniel, that some believe is initiated by the erection of the Abomination of Desolation. But what is this period of time, exactly? Is it a time of turmoil wherein a horned antichrist exalts himself to a place of world power and dominance, and where nations and cities are filled with filth and darkness? Most pastors and Christians alike are quick to jump to conclusions, representing an excellent use of left-hemisphere model projection. But what evidence is there scripturally and carnally that helps shed light on this issue?
Time Frame
In order to understand the Great Tribulation period, one must first examine the time frame in which the events are to occur. As mentioned previously, the seven years of Daniel are often used interchangeably with that of the Great Tribulation. And while they are conjoining events, they are separated by significant occurrences: one being that of the global peace treaty that initiates the seven years of Daniel, and the other being the Abomination of Desolation.
““And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days.”
Daniel 12:11 NKJV
Christ Himself went on the clarify this distinguishing occurrence of events in Matthew 24:
““Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.”
Matthew 24:15, 21 NKJV
This significant divider is what separates the seven years of Daniel from the Great Tribulation. Not that the events do not occur in conjunction, but rather that the initiation of the seven years of Daniel takes place first followed by the initiation of the Great Tribulation transpiring at the mid-way point of the seven years, and thus bringing the timespan of the tribulation to a total of 1,290 days, or three and a half years. The erection of the Abomination of Desolation is also accompanied by the revealing of the Antichrist himself, too. The end of both the seven years of Daniel and the Great Tribulation period mark the end of days, and the second coming of Christ and the rapture event.
Hell On Earth?
Again, most pastors and Christians alike believe the Great Tribulation period to be a hostile and malevolent environment that is filled with wickedness. And although they would be correct, they are correct only in part. The environment will indeed be hostile and malevolent, but only to those that have not integrated themselves into the new world system.
This new world system that will emerge, or is emerging already, is not and will not be what most have formulated within their minds-that is an malevolent and reprehensible enterprise led by a horned man-beast. The more likely scenario to transpire is a well to do, polite society that is all inclusive and diverse, according to the elite’s idea of what constitutes inclusivity and diversity, of course.
““Thus he said: ‘The fourth beast shall be A fourth kingdom on earth, Which shall be different from all other kingdoms, And shall devour the whole earth, Trample it and break it in pieces.”
Daniel 7:23 NKJV
Smart cities will be a part of the layout of inhabits that have submitted themselves to this new social, global construct with chip implants and a cashless transactor set up throughout these dwellings. Entrance in and out of places of interest will require the wave of a hand or iris scan for identification verification. Anyone that has not been integrated into the new system by obtaining a digital identity will be barred from any and all amenities with some being forced into reeducation facilities, depending on the amount of resistance from the individual that is detained, to help reintegrate and assimilate them back into the new, polite societal system. Electric, autonomous vehicles will carry passengers from location to location as “clean energy” is the grids primary source of power. Many others will either choose to walk or bike to their desired location of interest, or they will take public transportation that, of course, will be driven by autonomous, electric power.
As mentioned before, the system will bar those that do not adhere and accept this new system through the process of receiving a digital identification number and chip implant. Although, this discriminatory segregation will not only be for those that are not willing to accept, but will also be for those that do accept. A social credit score will be administered to all that receive a digital identification number and chip implant, and thereby those adherents will be monitored on all occasions wether it be at the office, bar, home, or elsewhere. And if, by any chance of a discrepancy were to occur, say that someone complains about the new system, or even simpler, exhibits any signs of defect such as smoking cigarettes, their social credit score will begin to decline which bars them from several amenities, even though they are integrated. And in some cases, these individuals will either be required to take a re-education course for proper training and integration purposes, or in severe cases, they will be shipped off to re-education camps where they will be completely retrained to fit back into the new polite system. And to say this sounds like science fiction, and of course it does, just take a look at modern day China for an example as to what is to come.
“He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”
Revelation 13:16-17 NKJV
This new global system will appear attractive to many, and in some cases already observed as it is currently occurring with WorldCoin where millions are lining up without a second thought to get their iris’s scanned to obtain a digital ID and free digital currency, the acceptance factor is only to grow from here, especially among the younger generations. And not only will it appear attractive, but if you are one to say it is not, the ways of attraction of those kind will be accomplished through monetary attraction.
For those with a bit of reluctance to accept this new system, the need for food, water and shelter will be the device of attraction that will lure them in. Since all will be barred from the essential amenities necessary for survival that do not adhere and accept, over time, not much I might add, will be necessary for the hungry to make their way in a beggar-like manner to accept and assimilate themselves and their families into this new system. In other words, other the strongest of faith and most equipped to survive outside the system will prevail.
Peace, Safety, and The Second Coming of Christ
A new global system that promotes diversity and inclusion; a place of peace and safety. That is the goal that is currently being promoted by both the UN and World Economic Forum. And according to their new global treaty that they are presenting in September, the next seven years are focused on exactly that: Peace and Security.
“For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.”
I Thessalonians 5:3 NKJV
Could this be the treaty that initiates the 7 years of Daniel? Perhaps, but only time will reveal. If it is, one might ask, according to Paul, “does this imply that the next seven years will be followed by destruction and chaos, and thus contradicting your entire layout that you just presented?” No. The declaration of peace and safety that is followed by sudden destruction is in relation to the second coming of Christ, which takes place after the tribulation period and is in conjunction with the rapture of the church (for more information on the post-tribulation rapture click HERE).
Conclusion
The distinction between the conjoining events of the seven years of Daniel and the Great Tribulation are of crucial importance for the Christian. As was observed here, the seven years is initiated through a global peace treaty, perhaps even that which is soon to be implemented by the UN and WEF. And the Great Tribulation period is that which transpires at the mid point of the seven years of Daniel-that is the latter three and a half years of the last days. What then should we be searching for in regards to the Great Tribulation? The current formation and emerges of the systemized global order, and the integration of smart technology into this system is the proper starting point. From there, we must be sober to the emerging details embedded within this new global system that include the implementation of digital identification and chip implant requirements that may soon be here. We must strengthen ourselves in the faith, and prepare for what is to come through emergency preparation needs and spiritually. The fight will by no means be subtle, but rather we must be strong physically, psychologically, and spiritually in hopes that we may protect the church during these coming times. This from Peter is what is left for all that read this:
“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”
II Peter 3:10-13 NKJV
-Michael Thacker
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The debate surrounding both the need and disposal of a common national identity has been exceptionally prominent, especially within the past few decades, and it is something to be celebrated on the right of the modern political sphere while at the same time something to be shunned by on the left. The right claims a necessity for preserving tradition through a common national identity with fear that it’s dismantling would lead to a chaotic upheaval of society itself. On the other hand, the left focuses on the motivation towards progress by replacing old systems of tradition with new ideas and ways of being. Whose perception of a common national identity is correct? Could it be that each opposing perceptional framework is both right and wrong at the same time? A thorough investigation into the history of tradition and progress can help shed light on the answer. And that answer appears to be found within the framework of an adaptive common national identity and common goal orientation among members of a particular nation that provides security, stability, and innovative progress for all involved.
Arguments
Since the dawn of humanity, beginning approximately six million years ago, a shared identity among hominid tribes has been essential for the survival of the individuals that constitute them. This cohesive participation among tribe adherents allowed greater food, water, and shelter access. These tribal groups often rewarded committed supporters while punishing and ostracizing defectors (Clark et al. 2019). Unfortunately, this adherence and devotion by tribal members can also motivate individuals to sacrifice sound reasoning and judgmental accuracy for group belonging and commitment (Kahan et al., 2017, as cited by Clark et al., 2019). This also leads to a particular bias that favors and supports the tribe’s interest while disregarding any information that conflicts with this interest. Over time, the tribe can become too authoritarian in nature and ultimately collapse under its stagnation.
Although tribalism can indeed become biased, leading to a system of tyranny and stagnation, it does not necessarily have to. By seeking to preserve traditional behavioral patterns and systems of belief that work for the tribe and discarding those that do not over time while at the same time remaining open to novel ideas and modes of being that could potentially benefit the tribe, especially in the long-term, would lead to gradual adaptive progress that would not only uphold the society but advance it, too. An example of this can be found in the adaptive formation of the ancient society of Sumer. In its initial formation, individual tribes collaborated over time before merging into a single, more prominent tribe that made up the society of Sumer (Britannica, 2023). This adaptive ability to evolve tradition alongside progressive ideas to benefit the overarching tribal communities is the imperative function of a unified and functioning nation. Furthermore, this nation of Sumer thrived and survived for approximately 1,000 years due to this integral process of an adaptive common national identity. The ability to adapt to new ideas and modes of being while extracting specific utilitarian processes found within tradition can help sustain and vitalize a nation and the individuals that constitute it.
Alongside the ability to adapt to new ideas while extracting essential and utilitarian elements of tradition is the necessity for a common goal and self-management among the nation’s citizens. A set of common goals and interests allows for the members of a particular nation to better adapt to novel ideas and one another, which produces more cohesion that leads to consistent, increased productivity for all involved. This was observed in a study by Hoek et al. on team member cohesiveness towards a common goal in healthcare. The clarity of goal setting and the implementation of self-management among the team members was marked by substantial increases in overall team performance (2018). Subsequently, when members of a team had goal ambiguity and lacked self-management, the results were negatively impacted. Members of a nation cohesively work together towards a particular goal, while each member is doing so in a self-manageable manner, thus partaking in a shared national identity and contributing to the whole of their society.
Counterarguments
Counterarguments proposed by the opposition to a common national identity are worth considering. The first argument is who or what will determine what is valuable and necessary to derive from underlying traditional values and new ideas? This determining factor can lead to an authoritarian state which benefits only those in power (Lindstaedt, 2023). The second argument concerns those that would constitute the out-group of a common national identity. How would one address the issue of discrimination against out-groups? If a common national identity is at the center of a nation, how can diversity through multiculturalism prosper (Falomir-Pichasto & Frederic, 2013)?
Rebuttals
In response to the first argument on the formation of authoritarian states, it is imperative that, in striving towards a shared national identity, cooperation and unification among individuals and the fields of study and industries that they constitute remain vigilant and consistent. Moreover, the fields of study and industries that help support the nation and its common agenda seek to communicate efficiently and effectively to help diminish any misunderstandings that would hinder cooperation between these systems and to help maintain progression coherence towards the goal of commonality rooted in functionality. And not only should this type of effective communication be pursued between industries and types of work, but it should also be instantiated within those industries from the top down and vice versa (Bucăţa & Rizescu, 2017). The more individuals and the systems of function that they constitute cooperate and communicate efficiently and effectively, the more apt the whole of the nation will function efficiently and effectively towards the proper extraction of utilitarian traditional values, as well as the formation and implementation of progression ideas that benefit both the individual and society as a whole. This will allow for the inhibition of authoritarian regimes from forming at the top while allowing all voices to be heard cooperatively, conducive to the prospering of the surrounding society.
The second argument of out-group discrimination can also be diminished through the previously mentioned necessity of effective communication between individuals and industries that make up society (Blaine & Brenchley, 2021). In addition to effective communication, developing an understanding on the part of each individual’s essential contribution to society is imperative to anti-discriminatory thoughts and behaviors. By understanding that diversity is essential for the functionality of society and the formation and integration of new ideas that ultimately enhance that particular society, the more willingness to accept and learn from out-group individuals on the part of the in-group participants. One study by Liu Tan et al. in 2019 found a potential association between exposure to foreign cultures and enhanced creativity. This study helps shed light on the necessity for practical cooperation and communication not only on the part of in-group individuals and industries but between out-group participants, too. The more individuals of both in-groups and out-groups communicate and learn from each other, the more efficiently the surrounding society will function, and enhanced means of integrative progression will be evident (OECD, 2020).
Conclusion
As humans evolved, we learned how to extract valuable and necessary information from traditional ideas while seeking to adapt to new environments through cooperative modes of communication and behavior. This unifying and adaptive evolutionary means of surviving and thriving is still relevant today as we seek to live in a globalized world. By unifying as a nation with a common goal in mind, while extracting essential data from traditional values and integrating them with new, profound ideas found within dialogue and cooperation between individuals and industries and between in-groups and out-groups, we may see an integrative and cooperative effort that results in increased stability along with increased productivity.
Juan M. Falomir-Pichastor, Natasha S. Frederic, (2013). The dark side of heterogeneous ingroup identities: National identification, perceived threat, and prejudice against immigrants, Journal of Experimental Social Psychology. 49, 1, 72-79, ISSN 0022-1031, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesp.2012.08.016.
OECD (2020), “The impact of diversity: A review of the evidence”, in All Hands In? Making Diversity Work for All, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/5f8c1531-en.
Van der Hoek, M., Groeneveld, S., & Kuipers, B. (2018). Goal Setting in Teams: Goal Clarity and Team Performance in the Public Sector. Review of Public Personnel Administration, 38(4), 472–493. https://doi.org/10.1177/0734371X16682815
Michael Thacker 