July 23, 2007 by Shane Kastler.

I love to read American History, especially if it is American “Civil War” History.  And one of my favorite practices as I read history is to see how God used various people to carry out His plan.  God is ultimately sovereign over all things…and orchestrates events to serve His eternal purposes.  Not all Christians believe that.  And certainly not all soldiers believe that.  But there once lived a man, who was both a Christian and a Soldier…and he wholeheartedly believed in God’s providential rule over all things, even his own death.  That soldier was Tom Jackson.  Better known as Stonewall Jackson.           

My interest in Jackson has spanned most of my life.  I’ve always been told that I was related to him, albeit as a “distant relative.”  My Great-Great Grandpa (also named Tom Jackson) was a first cousin to Stonewall, so I read my first book about the great Confederate General when I was boy.  I recently read another biography of Jackson and relished what I discovered.            

Stonewall Jackson was not born into a devout Christian family.  In fact, the Jacksons of Virginia were a pretty rowdy bunch.  Both of his parents died when he was fairly young, so Stonewall and his sister lived most of their growing up years with an uncle who was a little on the shady side.  It wasn’t until he was in his early twenties, and serving in the Army, that Jackson believed the gospel of Christ, and was radically saved.  Eventually Stonewall would marry a Presbyterian minister’s daughter, and become a Deacon in the church.  But make no mistake; Stonewall wasn’t acting religious to get a girl.  He took his relationship with Christ very seriously. 

From the time of his conversion, he began trying to share the gospel with others.  In the letters he wrote to his sister, he frequently told her that he was concerned for her soul and that he was praying for her.  Stonewall’s faith was as solid as a rock…and it would have to be.  While delivering their first child, his wife and newborn daughter both died.  It jolted him to his core.  Though he wasn’t the type to share his feelings, it was obvious to anyone paying attention that this loss affected Jackson deeply.  At the time, he was an Instructor at the Virginia Military Institute, and for over a year, he wore a black armband in memory of his beloved wife.  But time marches on and eventually, Jackson re-married; once again, to a Presbyterian minister’s daughter.            

When the Civil War broke out, Jackson sided with his native Virginia and seceded from the Union.  The funny thing about the Civil War is that everyone assumes the South was racist, and the North was not.  But this simply isn’t true.  In fact, by today’s standards, both sides would have been considered racist.  But, with that said, it surprises people to know that Confederate General Robert E. Lee abhorred the practice of slavery.  Yet he sided with the South because of State loyalties.  Likewise, Stonewall Jackson had a deep love for black children and for many years he taught a special Sunday School outreach to the black children of Lexington, Virginia.  Even after he was fighting the Civil War, he would faithfully send a monthly financial gift to his pastor to support the black children’s Sunday School. 

In addition to this, Jackson would always take off his hat and bow in the presence of a lady.  Of course this was a very common practice in the Old South…but Jackson would show this courtesy to both white and black women.  That was unheard of.  During the course of his life, he bought 2 slaves, both of whom he purchased so that he could set them free.  If you try to paint Stonewall Jackson as the stero-typical Southern bigot, it simply won’t work.  He was a Godly man, who showed great respect to the black people of his day.              

Once the Civil War began and Jackson attained the rank of General, he continued to be a tremendous witness and example of Godly living.  He surrounded himself with other Christians and frequently led the troops in prayer.  He appointed Robert L. Dabney, who is widely considered one of America’s greatest theologians, as his Chief of Staff, and part time chaplain.  Dabney’s hard-hitting gospel sermons became a norm in Stonewall Jackson’s brigade.  And after Jackson’s death, Dabney wrote the first biography of his friend, detailing Jackson’s spiritual walk with Christ, through the horrors of a violent war.            

Stonewall Jackson was a devout Christian in an atmosphere that wasn’t always favorable towards religion.  When his men used profanity, Jackson would rebuke them.  When offered a drink of whiskey, Jackson always refused, stating:  “I never drink intoxicating beverages.”  Once, when he was pressed to have a shot of whiskey on a cold rainy night, Jackson told his colleague that before he was a Christian he drank quite frequently and rather enjoyed it, and because of the fact he enjoyed the taste of liquor so much, he knew he must never touch it….and he never did.            

But I would like to talk specifically about Jackson’s rock-solid belief in the Sovereignty of God, because it’s that belief that led to his bravery…and his nickname.  At the first battle of Bull Run, while being bombarded by the Union, Jackson stayed mounted upon his horse and defiantly raised his face toward the enemy.  Jackson’s brigade withstood the onslaught, and Brigadier General Bernard Bee, exhorted his own troops saying:  “There stands Jackson like a Stonewall.  Men, let’s determine to die here with him.”  Ironically, Bee was killed, but Jackson lived.  And his brigade became known as the Stonewall Brigade.  The Confederate Army even “officially” changed their name to the Stonewall Brigade…and from that day on, Tom Jackson became known as Stonewall.  Though Jackson maintained until his dying day that the nickname “Stonewall” belonged to the Brigade and not him personally.

It was also during this battle that Jackson’s calm shone through.  In the heat of a relenting assault, Jackson was brought a message from a courier.  Jackson opened the envelope, read the message, and turned it over and began writing his reply.  All the while, shells were going off all around him.  One shell blew up a tree not far from Jackson, peppering him with wood chips.  He calmly brushed the chips off of his paper and continued writing.  Then re-mounted his horse as though nothing happened. 

Those who witnessed the event were shocked, and after the battle a Captain enquired as to how Jackson could always appear so calm in the midst of the fiercest battles.  Jackson’s response is deeply profound and thoroughly Biblical.  If you have a loved one in the military, then take comfort in Jackson’s words.  If you have a loved one on the mission field, then take comfort in Jackson’s words.  If you fear YOUR future, then take comfort in Jackson’s words.  Jackson responded:  “Captain, my religious belief teaches me that I’m just as safe on the battlefield as I am in my bed.  The Lord has already appointed the day of my death (Psalm 139:16) so I need not worry about that.  I live my life and prepare myself so I will always be ready to meet my Lord, when death does overtake me.”  Jackson’s high view of God was astounding to the young Captain.  But Jackson wasn’t finished.  He wasn’t content with a theology lesson; he had an evangelistic motive as well.  Jackson continued:  “Captain, my religion is one that ALL MEN should follow.  If they did, then ALL MEN would be equally brave.”

Without question, Jackson was devout…but don’t make the mistake of thinking he was soft.  He was as tough as nails and had an uncanny discipline.  He pushed his men hard as they hiked the rugged hills of Virginia.  They jokingly became known as the “foot cavalry” because of the speed at which they could travel.  Once, one of his Colonels approached him asking his advice about what to do concerning a handful of deserters.  Jackson was shocked the Colonel had to ask:  “Why Colonel, you should have shot them right where they stood.”  However, Jackson cooled a little and instead had the men bound and marched to the firing line where riflemen took aim at them.  Jackson then gave them a choice:  they could either return to their unit…or be shot.  Amazingly, they all chose to return to their unit (surprise, surprise).  When Jackson gave the command to his artillery man at Bull Run, he gave the order to fire with these words:  “May the Lord have mercy on their wicked souls…NOW FIRE!”  In another battle, Jackson was surprised to meet some of his troops retreating from the front.  When he asked why, they said they were out of ammunition.  “Gentlemen, a bayonet makes for a fine weapon…now turn around and fight!”

I don’t think Jackson was a mean man at all….He just believed firmly in rules and insisted that they be followed.  He also had a strong belief in right and wrong; and he was willing to stand for what he believed to be right at any cost.  But make no mistake, he had his faults.  For example, he had little patience for anyone who lacked the amazing discipline he had.  He wouldn’t hesitate to bring court martial charges against anyone who stepped out of line, including his senior officers.  He could be very bull-headed, overly confident, and set in his ways….but that was largely because he believed firmly in the Confederate cause…and the Sovereignty of God.  But, surprising to some, Jackson had a soft side as well. One account, which is included in the movie “Gods & Generals” tells of Jackson spending Christmas with a family during the days surrounding the Battle of Fredericksburg.  The family had a 5 year old daughter who befriended Jackson, and everyone was amazed to watch the tough and gritty General speak so kind and sweetly to the little girl.  Several days later, Jackson got word that the girl had died of scarlet fever.  He walked to the edge of camp, knelt down within sight of his men, and began to weep uncontrollably.   His men were astonished.  He had witnessed the violent death of numerous soldiers and scarcely batted an eye.  Yet the untimely death of this little girl brought the warrior to his knees.It’s one thing to SAY you believe in God’s perfect providence over your life.  It’s another thing all together to LIVE it, when life deals you a hard blow.  By an amazing twist of fate (or more specifically, providence), Jackson, whose days were appointed by God, died a tragic and freakish death.  In the midst of victory at the Battle of Chancellorsville, Jackson rode to the front to personally examine the situation.  As he rode back towards his troops, right after sundown, he was fired upon, being mistaken for the enemy.  He was immediately taken to a field hospital where his left arm was amputated.  Upon hearing of the incident, General Robert E. Lee, Commander of the Confederate Army remarked famously:  “Jackson has lost his left arm, and I have lost my right.”  Though Jackson had a difficult time getting along with many people, he had a very close relationship with Lee, and the accident came as a severe jolt.  But, the initial reports were promising.  Though an amputee, Jackson was expected to make a full recovery….that is, until the pneumonia set in.  Eight days after being shot, Jackson died, at the age of 39. 

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July 12, 2007 by Shane Kastler.

President Bush has nominated James Holsinger, a Kentucky cardiologist, to be the next Surgeon General of the United States. During his senate hearings on Thursday, Ted Kennedy and his fellow Liberals attacked Holsinger over views he expressed in a 1991 paper, concerning homosexuality. In the paper titled: “Pathophysiology of Male Homosexuality”, which Holsinger wrote for his church (United Methodist), he describes homosexuality as being non-normative and potentially unhealthy behavior. At the time, the United Methodists were studying homosexuality to determine what the church’s stance should be. (Perhaps they should’ve consulted the Bible?) But, be that as it may, Holsinger simply pointed out, from a medical perspective, the dangers of homosexuality. The facts are what they are. Homosexuals stand a far greater risk of contracting numerous sexually transmitted diseases, and one would have to be dramatically detached from reality to not see the obvious unnaturalness of homosexual behavior. Morality aside…from a purely scientific perspective, the fact is homosexual activity destroys the human body. I’ll warn you that Holsinger’s paper was fairly descriptive in discussing some of homosexuality’s practices, but you can read the paper by clicking here.

His basic conclusion is that male homosexual behavior (i.e., sodomy) attempts to merge two different human systems (reproductive and digestive) that simply aren’t meant to go together. He graphically (and scientifically) points out what all sane people already know. The male and female reproductive organs are designed compatibly, and when a male and a male try to do what they were designed to do with a female, serious injuries may occur. Among those are increased risk for: “anal/rectal cancer, rupture of the rectumabrasive, trauma causing fissures, contusions, thrombosed hemorrhoids, lacerations with bleeding, pain, and psychic trauma.” (pg. 4-8 of Holsinger’s paper) Some of these words may be over our heads…but I think his point is clear and accurate.

Furthermore, nature testifies to the compatibility of male-female relations by the simple fact of procreation. Heterosexuals have the potential of producing offspring. Homosexuals are, have always been, and will always be incapable of reproduction. Vital anatomical parts…and vital reproductive “components” (egg & sperm) are missing in the homosexual equation. Holsinger points out in his paper that even the “plumbing industry” recognizes these compatibility issues by describing pipe fittings as either “male” or “female” fittings depending upon their function. If you try to force two male fittings together…destruction will result. And so it is with humans.

Ironically, Holsinger is being accused of using science for his own “religious purposes.” Which is EXACTLY what the homosexual community, the medical community, and some of their warped spokesmen like Ted Kennedy are doing. They are collectively rejecting biological fact, clinical research, natural evidence, and plain common sense, in order to further a socio-political agenda, which is the forced acceptance of homosexuality in our society. And ultimately, the homosexuals who so fiercely oppose Holsinger, will pay the price with their health, life, and soul.

Sadly, the depraved mindset that has driven them to engage in such odd behavior has also infected the thinking and the judgment of our Nation’s medical, educational, and legislative communities. Kennedy called Holsinger’s paper a “misuse of science.” Never mind the fact that Ted Kennedy has, time and again, forfeited the right to be considered a credible opinion on any matter….what Kennedy accuses Holsinger of is exactly what Kennedy and Company are doing. ABC News reports: “Professor Eli Coleman, Director of the Program in Human Sexuality at the University of Minnesota Medical School said ‘I can’t imagine that any scientific journal would be able to publish this material because of its very narrow views of homosexuality,’ he said. In fact, if one of his students handed the paper in, Coleman would give it a failing grade. ‘I find it rather outdated in terms of its scientific knowledge and also narrow in its view of homosexuality. It concerns me because I think our public policy really should be based upon best available science.” (reported on ABC news 6/7/07) 

Did you catch the double standard? Science should reject this paper because of its ‘view’ (in other words: opinion) of homosexuality. Isn’t science supposed to be objective? I thought ‘views’ were not allowed in science. At least that’s what scientists say when the debate is over evolution vs. creationism. Opinions aren’t supposed to matter, only the facts….unless it’s homosexuality…then the facts can be ignored if you don’t have the politically correct ‘view.’  Shocking hypocrisy, isn’t it?

HELLO? Is anyone in America listening to what’s going on here? Holsinger points out the obvious and is railroaded, tarred and feathered, and browbeaten into submission by the “scientific community.” Then Holsinger is accused of using science to push an agenda? A more blatant case of the “pot calling the kettle black” you will never find.

Alright, enough about the asinine left wing attacks, let me take a moment to drag that annoying U.S. Constitution into the equation. Aren’t Ted Kennedy and his liberal cronies the ones who are ALWAYS forcing the “separation of church and state” upon Americans? If so…then why is Holsinger being attacked for something he said in a paper….WRITTEN FOR HIS CHURCH! Make no mistake, the “separation of church and state” is a myth never found in the Constitution, but the Constitution DOES strictly forbid any religious test be administered for one to serve in office. “No religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.” (Article 6) And this strict adherence MUST be held to by all SENATORS (including one’s named Kennedy, Clinton, Obama, & Edwards) Article 6 of the Constitution further states: “The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution.” In other words, Senators like Ted Kennedy are “bound by oath” to do what they frequently (and purposely) refuse to do…stick to the Constitutional requirements for legislative practice.

By citing a religious paper, Holsinger’s opponents are clearly trying to harpoon his nomination because of something he wrote at the request of his church. Furthermore, Holsinger’s paper really made no moral judgments on homosexuality anyway…he citied scientic facts, backed up by obvious observations, and medical studies published in what used to be, reputable medical journals. The only “hearings” that should be going on right now on Capitol Hill are hearings to expel Ted Kennedy (Article 1, Section 5 states Senators can be expelled with a 2/3 majority vote) and any other Senator who disregards the public’s safety and ignores the Constitution by forcing depraved ideology upon the American masses. But I digress.

Tragically, the Holsinger hearings are a sign of the bizarre times in which we live. The radical homosexual agenda has now successfully hijacked America’s educational system, political system, mass media, and even medical community. That’s scary because public safety now bows the knee to political correctness. Homosexuals, whose health could benefit from reports like Holsinger’s refuse to listen…and are being catered to by Congress and society at large, for the sake of their sinful pleasures. How can so many people, defy common sense, nature, and medical fact by embracing homosexual behavior as normative? The Bible gives the answer:

“For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever . Amen. For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper.” Romans 1:25-28 (NASB)

Millions in our country have been given over to a depraved mind, and the implications are breathtaking. Paul tells us that it is possible for a person to become so depraved in their behavior….that it actually affects their thinking processes, reasoning skills, and common sense. And once their natural intellectual faculties are so desperately flawed…further strange behavior ensues. The mind given over to depravity begins to do things like oppose doctors who warn them of the dangerous effects of their sin. And employ doctors who will tell them their sin is completely natural. The depraved mind ignores studies that reveal the unhealthy effects of perversion and employ “scientists” to do studies that will affirm their perversion. The depraved mind will label any Christian as a bigot, who lovingly confronts their sin with Biblical truth and shares an offer of salvation in Christ.  And instead hire “preachers” who will “tickle their ears” and encourage their depraved lifestyle (see 2 Timothy 4:3) The depraved mind will reject the natural instincts of desire for the opposite sex…and will sodomize itself into an early grave. Claiming unto the end that the disease by which they are dying is merely a tragic nemesis to society, rather than the obvious judgment of God upon the sinful behavior. The disease is something to throw tax dollars at seeking a temporal “cure” rather than Divine judgment, calling for repentance.

Our society is in SERIOUS trouble…the Holsinger hearing only confirms that sad and horrific reality. God’s judgment is upon us and it shall get worse. When common sense is so violently opposed…then the Nation is ultimately doomed. Christians must pray for the people of our country. Many are given over to their depravity, and are unwilling to hear the truth. Only God can change their hardened hearts…and He is under no obligation to do so. America has rejected God for so long….that He is handing us over to what we’ve freely chosen. Your support of politicians who embrace sin will indict you as an accomplice to Society’s crime. Your silence on these types of issues will indict you as a complacent bystander, who witnesses America’s crumbling and says nothing to prevent it. Your acceptance of homosexuality as normative will give evidence that your standards, and even your mind, is being more influenced by the wicked culture than it is a Righteous God. Holsinger’s nomination is probably as good as sunk. But we’ve lost much more than a good doctor. We’ve lost our moral equilibrium. We’ve lost our sense of right and wrong. And ultimately we’ve lost our minds. “And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind.” BEHOLD!….Romans 1.…being lived out before your very eyes….in the once hallowed halls… of the United States Capitol.

Posted in Creationism, Politicians, Political Issues, Homosexuality | Print | 1 Comment »

July 10, 2007 by Shane Kastler.

This is my first venture into the realm of ‘movie critic’ due largely to the fact that I average about 1 movie per year.  Several months ago I got a phone call from a survey group who were polling ‘movie watchers.’  I agreed to do the survey thinking that I could give Christians a voice in this particular poll.  First question:  ‘Mr. Kastler, how many movies do you watch in a year?’  Answer: ‘One…maybe two.’  Response: ‘Mr. Kastler, thank you for your time.  Have a good evening.  CLICK.’  So, as you can see, movies aren’t really my ‘thing.’  When I was in college, my friends and I would get together to watch movies, and I would typically annoy the whole group by talking all the way through it.  Within 10 minutes I was usually in the kitchen visiting with anyone who needed to get a drink.  But enough about that….now for my review.
            I’ll begin by saying that Christians are a little divided about this movie.  Focus on the Family’s movie reviewer liked it.  But at the end of their review, James Dobson wrote an editorial saying he didn’t like it.  (Click here to read their review)  I’ll give some pros and cons and let you make up your own mind. 
            The movie is basically about a man named Evan Baxter who gets elected to Congress, saying he was going to “change the world.”  After he, his wife, and 3 sons move to Washington, the family decides to get spiritual and “pray.”  Evan’s very awkward prayer is that God would help him change the world.  The next thing you know, lumber starts showing up at his house.  Then animals start showing up at his house in pairs.  Then his hair and beard begin to grow uncontrollably.  Eventually “God” (Morgan Freeman) shows up and tells Evan to build an ark because a flood is coming.  Of course from here on out “wackiness” ensues as Evan and his family (who assume he’s lost his mind) begin to build the ark.  His wife eventually leaves him, then comes back when “God” appears to her and convinces her to stand by Evan.
              On the pro side:  There was really no foul language or sexual content to deal with.  They kept it fairly clean, except for the occasional “slap stick” crass, humor.  Another plus was the fact that “God” was portrayed as powerful and omnipresent.  He would show up anywhere and at anytime to talk with Evan.  One scene, where Evan was sharing his “plans” with “God” resulted in “God” laughing uncontrollably.  When Evan asked why?  “God” responded: “Sorry, I always get a kick out of people talking about  ‘their’ plans.”  Needless to say, I could identify with that.  The movie ends with Evan completing the ark, by the appointed day, and ranting at everyone to get on the ark because the flood was coming.  Of course, the sun was shining and Evan was considered a buffoon….until a lake dam near Evan’s housing addition breaks…and the water begins to rush towards the ark.  All of the crowd suddenly rushes onto the ark and is saved after the water destroys their neighborhood.  The final conclusion was that God really did tell Evan to build the ark…and many lives were saved as a result of Evan’s obedience.  That basic premise is commendable and Biblical.  Now for the cons.
            I think it’s impossible for Hollywood to do a movie without adding at least a little bit of political liberalism.  For example, the big villain of the movie is Congressman Long (John Goodman) who wants to destroy national forests to build housing additions.  Of course the obvious point:  Environmentalists are good…Businessmen are bad.  I’m all for protecting national forests, but this seemed to be a clear jab at Republicans.  In addition to this, most Christians will wince occasionally at how the movie redefines theological issues surrounding the Flood.  “God” tells Evan’s wife that the Biblical account of the Flood wasn’t really about wrath or sin at all…instead it was a lesson from God on the importance of “working together” like Noah’s family and the animals did.  YEAH RIGHT!  The Flood had nothing to do with God’s wrath!  (And if you believe that one, I’ve got some oceanfront property in Arizona I’d like to sell you….along with a  bridge I own in Brooklyn.)  You’ll also occasionally here some “universalism” espoused in the movie.  A couple of those “we’re all God’s children” type of lines.  To be sure this movie takes the Biblical Flood and stands it on its head.  The “love” of God is adequately portrayed, albeit to a fault, but the wrath of God is completely missing.  No one could ever envision sweet and funny Morgan Freeman showing wrath against anyone or anything.  But at least it’s better than portraying “God” as a cigar chomping hack (i.e., George Burns in his ‘Oh G-d’ movies from the 1980’s)  Obviously, God’s holiness and abhorrence of sin is missing from this flick.  The movie concludes with “God” telling Evan that the way to change the world is to perform “Acts of Random Kindness” which, of course, he points out that the phrase makes the acronym “A-R-K.”  Cute.
            In the end, I found this movie to be a “feel good” hit…though pretty off kilter in terms of God’s holiness and plan of redemption.  But it’s probably as good as you’ll see coming out of Hollywood.  Let’s face it…their desire isn’t to make movies that share the gospel, their desire is to make movies that make money.  On the plus side…there’s always an opportunity for evangelism that arises when a movie is made with a “spiritual theme.”  When talking to friends or co-workers about the film, you might have an opportunity to explain to them the real reason for Noah’s Ark (i.e., Judgment For Sin)…and lovingly let them know that something much worse than a Flood is coming. (i.e., Hell).  You might explain to them that the Ark represents Jesus Christ and that all who come to Him will be saved, while those who don’t will perish.
            So should you go see the movie?  I’ll leave that up to you.  On the positive side, you won’t come out of the theater feeling dirty like you do with most movies.  On the negative side, you may have to explain to your kids that some of the portrayals of “God” weren’t quite accurate.  I’m glad I saw it.  Otherwise, I never would have been able to write this blog, and hopefully help others decide whether or not they should spend their money on the “feel good hit of the summer.”  Hopefully my first “movie review” will be helpful.  If not, read Focus on the Family’s….they can’t come to a definite conclusion either. 
    

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