Self inflicted

It's been awhile since I've read conspiracy theory stuff, other than what shows up in comments at sites I go to. I should say typical conspiracy theory stuff, one might label some of my ideas that way. I prefer to regard my ideas as speculation, unless I'm trying to get people to look at what's painfully obvious by making a prediction. Anyway, here's an idea I had recently. A common theory is that a one world government is being formed, which will be administered by large regions. What if there will be regions, but the main intent is to have Christianity eradicated in each region by established means? That is, a progressive region, a Muslim region, etc.

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I've had an internal debate going for years about tithing. The Old Testament states it as law, and as good practice; here's Solomon in Proverbs:

9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

But in the New Testament, it makes it sound like one is to give what you can, so long as it's cheerfully. Years ago, my financial situation was much better, and I did tithe back then. Actually, just about anything would be better than this winter. It was pretty bad, depending how you look at it. Of course, when you try to live debt free, you don't have a $200,000 house debt hanging over you, and recovery can be fast. I got pretty loose about tithing, so often I would be right at the edge, something like: "If I give $30 from this check, then I won't be able to pay that utility bill. But things got so bad, and sales got downright goofy. The bills were stacked so high, that I figured, what difference will that $20 or that $30 make now? In the midst of the worst of it, I stated tithing again. My finances started an immediate recovery. I'm still driving my good old Toyota truck, living in a rented house, but I'm paying the bills, and the sales department isn't an ongoing episode of Twilight Zone. Jesus made a very clear point about secrecy in one's charitable deeds, so I write all this with some reluctance. I convey the details to show the gravity of the situation, and how important this new understanding is. That understanding doesn't omit a well known Bible verse: "To whom much is given, much will be required". The passage is Luke 12:48, and is talking about the degree of punishment one gets according to what one knows about God's ways and Word. But I think the verse has greater implications; and living in this country is relevant. It has to do with the currency exchange rate. $35 a month will feed a family in another part of the world.

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I was shopping with my wife the other day, and she noticed a new item at the big box store. She was somewhat shocked, and definitely offended. Me, not so much, that's not a good thing; I'm just dulled by all the trouble in the world. Also, I tend to get philosophical if you will, at times like this. I wonder about how this came to be. Ended up with what is for me some interesting contemplation:

 It's been half a century since the US said to God: "Thanks but no thanks, we can govern ourselves". Like those in Romans chapter 1, we've been turned over to our self governance. Now it's an amazing curse. Hillary Clinton has two major scandals (Benghazi & Foundationgate) but is still a viable candidate for the Democratic nomination. Man, if she's elected president, the people will have had plenty of warning, but by the curse will suffer through an administration rife with scandals previously unseen. Is it a coincidence that 50 Shades Of Gray is so mainstream in the US that it's now sold at Wal Mart; and people accept a candidate like Hillary Clinton? Amazing to watch.