THOR'S DAY RANT: They are not the same!

There is a sad habit in the United States today, of equating First Responders to the members of our armed forces. You will see "Veterans and First Responders" specials and discounts, or public accolades of our "Heroes in uniform". People organize prayer groups for the police, or even public outpourings of support to "show them we care."

But what about our men and women in uniform overseas?

For those who have never served, it's understandable that they don't understand the difference. But that doesn't mean the worship of those in blue is right. Putting on a uniform and a shiny badge doesn't make you a hero. What you do while wearing that unoform and badge makes you a hero... or a villain. 

No one can deny that just by doing their job police officers might be at risk. Traffic stops are dangerous. Responding to domestic disturbances is dangerous. Arresting shoplifters might be dangerous--if they have a weapon. The potential for danger is there, but the primary role of a police officer is to enforce the law, not to put themselves in harm's way. Our military exists to defend our borders from war--from those who seek to destroy our nation and our way of life. Military service is literally about putting yourself in harm's way, often in a foreign land, far from home.

Many men and women graduate high school and enlist in the armed forces. They are whisked away to boot camp where they are belittled, yelled at, and put through stressful training--because if they can't handle that stress, they won't be able to handle war. They are then sent overseas, to a foreign country, where people probably don't speak English, and possibly hate them being there. Those in the military can't call in sick, or just take some time off when they want. There's no Personal Time Off, or "mental health days". They can't always hop in the car and go to the mall or McDonald's. If they need support, family and friends are a continent away. 

Our young men and women in the military are alone. Yes, they have their brothers- and sisters-in-arms, but those people are strangers. The bonds they will form will take time. And even then, those serving together overseas just find themselves alone, together. 

Police officers and firemen, unless they are very unlucky, get to go home each night. They get to live in a country with the same rights, privileges, and resources they grew up with. Even on duty, they are home. In some areas, there is more danger than others, but in all areas, there are laws and rules in place that protect not only citizens, but the police. 

We need to stop putting the "thin blue line" first. We need to put our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines at the head of the line. They are furthest from home--they shouldn't be furthest from our thoughts.

Thor's Day Rant: Catholics are Christians!

Catholic bashing is nothing new--it's been going on for centuries. Before there were Catholics or Protestants, Christians were arguing and villifying each other. During the Apostles' lifetimes, it got so bad they had to step in and settle the argument over whether or not the Judaizers were correct about the need for Christians to get circumsized (see the Book of Galatians). 

It's very easy to be offended by a difference in opinion. It's easy to stomp away and start a new church--that's why we have so many denominations today. But what makes someone a follower of Christ is not what building they worship in, but whether or not they believe the Gospel (the message about Christ) that Paul summarized in 1 Corinthans 15:

1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.

As a child, I was not raised a Catholic, but I did attend many services with family who were members of the Catholic Church. Here's what I picked up from many services:

1. Catholics believe Jesus died on the Cross

2. Catholics believe that Jesus was resurrected

3. Catholics believe that Jesus died as payment for our sins

4. Catholics worship Jesus

5. Catholics believe Jesus is the Son of God

6. Catholics believe they regularly sin (which is why they have confession)

7. Catholics believe we can be forgiven for our sins, thanks to Jesus

The big sticking point for so many angry Christians today is that the Catholic Church teaches that Christians must do good works to be saved.

That's half right.

Yes, we are supposed to do good works, as Christians (Ephesians 2:10)

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

No, we are not saved because of our good works; (Ephesian 2:8)

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Jesus talked about Knowing them by their fruits.

Many christians take this to mean that Christians do good things; if someone doesn't do good things, they must not really be a Christian.

That sounds a lot like we have to do good things to prove we are saved.

Are Catholics really that far off with the claim that we must do good works?

Another sticking point for modern Christians is that Catholics "worship" Mary, Jesus' mother. Catholics say they "venerate" her (hold her in high esteem). A lot of Christians venerate Paul, Peter, John, and the other Apostles. We also hold Moses and Abraham in high esteem. Being a fan of someone doesn't really mean you're worshipping them.

When push comes to shove, yes, Catholics disagree with many Protestant beliefs. But they do still believe in Jesus as the Christ. They believe that without him, we couldn't be forgiven for our sins. Instead of mocking or outright spewing hatred at our Vatican brothers and sisters, maybe we ought to just be friends and discuss our different opinions?

Paul addressed how we should "correct" a brother in Christ--it didn't involve storming out and starting a new church.

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. (Galatians 6:1)

Jesus also talked about reconciliation:

Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. (Matthew 18:15)

It's easy to point fingers at someone and declare they aren't a Christian. But instead of accusing, maybe we should look inward, as Jesus suggested in his sermon on the mount:

And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? (Matthew 7:3)

Let's stop worrying about opinions on matters that don't directly affect salvation. Let's stop bashing Catholics. Let's embrace our brothers and sisters, and respect their right to have different opinions about what scripture means. Rejoice in their acceptance of the savior, and if you think they have something wrong, share your opinion, not your hate.

THOR'S DAY RANT: Keep Your Sticky Fingers Off My Food!

Word to the Wise: Don't order delivery of baked goods from Sam's Club... unless you want sticky fingers all over your food.

I served in the USAF many years ago and among the many injuries and ailments I got for this was back pain that has progressively worsened over the decades. With my 60th birthday only a few years away, I find that carrying around cases of bottled water is painful. My solution was to start having them delivered directly to my home. 

Of course, I don't just order water--that seems a bit silly. So I throw in things like toilet paper, paper towels, maybe a case of soda--bulky stuff that younger people with fully-functioning spines are better equipped to handle. For this service, I pay rather steep delivery fees and am coerced into paying a "tip" in advance of my delivery--something that really rubs me the wrong way because tips are rewards for extra service. 

This week, my order was just four cases of water, some TP, and a bag of Sam's Club's irresistible yeast rolls. My plans to have these restaurant-grade bread treats with my dinner were dashed though. Turns out the grubby hub driver bringing my delivery apparently couldn't resist the yeast rolls in my order and removed the adhesive bag tie, then tied the bag in a knot to conceal their theft.

Unacceptable.

I will not eat food some non-english speaking, illegal third world alien has rubbed their dirty hands over. I don't know where those hands have been before fondling my food, but I'm confident it wasn't a sink (most vehicles don't come equipped with one). My health is bad enough already, I don't want feces, South American brain worms, flesh-eating bacteria, or whatever monkey sex STD has been snuck across our borders rubbed on my food.

Yes, I know, I'm supposed to be sympathetic to the less fortunate--even those were paid to invade our country and who now drive around in brand new vehicles and make more in a month than 100% disabled veterans incapable of working. Yes, while I feel bad for lepers, I don't want them handling my food. Nor do I like theft. 

If  someone came to my door, didn't look like a scam artist, and asked for food, I'd make them a box with cans (and a can opener), drinks, etc. I'd also tell them how to get to the church within walking distance of my home that helps the needy. I'd help them because they asked. Thieves don't ask-- they take. 

And yes, I know that people handle my food in a restaurant. But I trust the Health Department to make sure that restaurants follow simple hygiene rules. As far as I know, neither Grubby Hub nor Whore Dash have any health department inspections or even training of their delivery people. I also don't recall ever seeing a waiter or waitress take a few items off my plate on the way to my table. Grazing on the customer's food is generally not acceptable in most restaurants. 

Am I being unreasonable over a $4.00 bag of rolls? I don't think so. Apparently those rolls are so valuable the whore dash driver couldn't afford to buy their own bag. 

Did I complain to Sam's? Of course. I asked for, and got, a refund of my "tip" and the $3.48 cost of the rolls. I'll hope, but not hold my breath, that the driver is banned from future Sam's Club deliveries. Not because I'm petty, but because I don't like the unscreened influx of foreigners carrying diseases into the country that most of us haven't built up immunities to. In the middle ages, corpses were hurled over city walls with catapaults to spread disease. Today, the infected were paid to come here and allowed to saunter in and spread their literal infections all across our nation. Maybe we should instead teach them some basic hygiene... and not to stick their fingers in someone else's food.