Nihilism: America's New Religion

If you want to know why American popular culture has become so strange and raunchy, it’s because we have a new popular religion that now also permeates public education: Nihilism, or Nothingism. Its holy scripture is Rolling Stone magazine, where writers use the “F” word and other similar repulsive expressions routinely in its pages.

Recently I happened to find a few back issues in one of those public library bins where people dump superfluous magazines that clutter up their coffee tables. Rather than toss them in the trash, they donate them to those of us who can’t afford to buy them. Which reflects the basic generous spirit that many Americans still have. Otherwise, I would have never considered reading the rag.

But what attracted me to the magazines were their articles bashing conservatives advertised on the front covers. I put them on my own coffee table, but didn’t read them until curiosity got the better of me. What a revelation! Their articles and attitudes were unabashed nihilism in all its obscene forms. They are supposedly written by socialists and progressives, and their hatred of conservatives, Republicans, and Christianity is visceral. Rolling Stone, of course, concentrates on the music scene, which in itself is nihilistic in its overall philosophy.

Continue reading at thenewamerican.com

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Jerry B

This nihilistic agenda beganU,as e
- Willy
  
  You might want to fix your computer, You are putting out jibberish.
  - Evermyrtle
    
    I agree to a point. They can come up with the wildest things imaginable, BUT these things give us information, usually that to know, is a warning of the filth that is out there, so that we or our children can get into. We need to know before we come into contact with it, to know about it's evil and stay as far away from it as possible, and to teach others that we may have the opportunity to teach, to do the same.
    - Marie
      
      You're so right. The more we know, the more we can help our children and others…and the more we can pray for Gods protection and guidence. Very wise of you.
Jerry B

This nihilistic agenda began as early as Joseph Fletcher's writing of Situational Ethics; truth, and morality are contingent on the personal perspective of.each situation and absolutes never exist
Evermyrtle

"Remember the Sabbath to keep it Holy"

Mark 2:27 And HE said unto them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath.

Luke 4:3o-31 But HE passing through the midst of them went HIS way, and came down to capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the Sabbath days

Acts13;14 When the departed for Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down
- Laur
  
  The Sabbath was for the Israelites in the Old Testament. Now we worship Him (Jesus) on the first day of the week as we see in the New Testament. Sabbath was Saturday and the first day of the week is Sunday. We must be baptised into the Body of Christ (the church) and remember Him the first day of every week by partaking of the Lord's Supper to thank Him for dying for us. Then we are a family with Jesus being the chief cornerstone and God our Father loving us. He gave His only Son for that reason………..to save us.
  - evermyrtle
    
    You are right,t we have cowed down to Catholic ideas.That is where the Sunday worship came from. By the way JESUS honored the Seventh Day Sabbath and the last time I looked HE lived as a man on this earth in the NEW Testament. There are many scriptures relating to HIS worship of the Sabbath in the NEW Testament. Check it out. I listed several in my earlier comment.
The Encourager

Have a SUPER SATURDAY!
The Day that GOD withholds NO GOOD THING From His Children!
Oh Taste and SEE that the Lord is GOOD!
He will ONLY Give that which is GOOD unto His Children!
Every GOOD and Perfect Gift comes down from Above,
from Our Father-God with whom there is No Variableness
nor Shadow of Turning!!
God is GOOD, He Loves You, REAL GOOD!! He will Do You GOOD!
& God NEVER CHANGES HIS MIND!!
Have a SUPER SATURDAY!!

"Daddy's Home!"
The Little Boy Runs to the door Shouting..

He Launches Himself into the air and Flies into His Daddy's Outstreched Arms!..
I Love You Daddy!..
What did you Bring me Today?
In that Moment, He Will GLADLY Give His Son ANYTHING!
He will Empty His Pockets for that Little Boy!..
Have You Launched Yourself into Daddy-God's Arms Today??..
He LOVES You Soooo Much!
He will Withhold No GOOD Thing From YOU!

By: Edward Scott Kies
- http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
  
  Of course your god changes his mind.
  
  Jer. 18:7-10 —
  If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it.
  - JulesV29
    
    "your god"—what does that mean Jeff? There is only one God. I do not question His methods or motives and I trust Him completely. What exactly are you trying to say here?
    - http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
      
      There are no gods and the one you pray to is just that, yours.
  - keyboardshark
    
    Jeff says: "Of course your god changes his mind. Jer. 18:7-10…."
    
    You are missing the whole context of the passage, Jeff. In the preceding 6 verses, God has just used the illustration of a potter at a wheel making a vessel to declare that He Himself has sovereignty over man, and can therefore shape Israel any way He chooses. Verses 5 and 6 summarize His conclusion:
    
    "5Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
    
    6O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel."
    
    Then come the next four verses that appear to be conditional:
    
    "7At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it;
    
    8If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.
    
    9And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it;
    
    10If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them."
    
    But look at the next two verses. God is indicating that He already knows Israel will do evil and not repent:
    
    "11Now therefore go to, speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you: return ye now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good.
    
    12And they said, There is no hope: but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart."
    
    God was telling them to "return ye now every one from his evil way", but Israel keeps insisting "we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart."
    
    Since God is sovereign, He knew full well that Israel would not turn from their evil ways, so even though His statement sounds conditional ("If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.") it is not. There is no possibility God would 'repent' because the outcome has already been predetermined, and is entirely in His hands, as He demonstrated in verses 1-6 with the illustration of the potter having complete control over the vessel.
    - msjallen
      
      Right, keyboardshark, when the Bible says God “hates” or is “jealous” it does not mean it the way man sins. It is an Anthropopathism: designed to reveal and explain God in human terms to our finite minds. Human passions or thoughts like anger, jealousy, hatred, etc., none are like God but explains Him in man’s terms.
      Anthropomorphism: The body or form of a man. God does not have face or hands or emotions like we have but explains Him in our terms.
- http://www.bfresco.com VChristine
  
  Yes. Daddy also disciplines the children that he loves.
  - http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
    
    Not for all eternity in an unending torment. That is not discipline, that is torture. Only a sadist could envision that as discipline.
    - msjallen
      
      I hope you don't go there, Jeff. All you have to do is believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as your savior. It will make a great deal of difference in your life. I have met and worked with a lot of people who are atheist and never found any of them to be at peace with their life.
Dan

The Sabbath was part of the Mosaic Law, a conditional covenant with Israel, and was fulfilled in Jesus Christ at his coming, death and resurrection. Christ him self brought a New Covenant, which Paul points out replaced the Mosaic Law.
- evermyrtle
  
  The Mosaic Law should still be alive and well, today. We are so afraid we will do one tiny bi,t too much for the LORD OF ALL.
- Evermyrtle
  
  It is our right to obey or disobey any of HIS WORD. I choose to obey and am not picky or choosey. I accept every word written there. Others have the same rights that I have.
  - http://youtu.be/zjgBhpanOfQ Despeville
    
    Nope, you obey mosaic customs and none has a "right to obey or disobey" any part of actually binding truth of God.
    That is nonsensical relativism counter Gospel and pro men philosophy. Gospel is THE COMMAND and not an option. Read about that in Acts 17:30
    How do you obey it when you ended up with bastardized version of Jesus who according to you and your 7th Day Adventism influences is "second in command"?
- Laur
  
  Please don't forget the baptism into Christ to be part of His Body, the Church. It is the only way we can be united with Him
  - Evermyrtle
    
    I wouldn't be surprised if I find I have worshiping JESUS CHRIST AS MY SAVIOR and studying HIS WORD longer than you have been alive. And guess what, I still do not know it all, and don't claim to. .
    - http://youtu.be/zjgBhpanOfQ Despeville
      
      "and studying HIS WORD longer than you have been alive. "
      
      :) That is a fallacious argument known as argument from authority or argumentum ad verecundiam. Your age or amount of study on terms of spiritual truth is meaningless if it does not actually brings the depth and wisdom that you would like to assert. And yours clearly does not. That is why Jesus Christ the Lord of Glory in your decades long of study comes forth as a Junior God. "second in command" to quote you. That is not Biblical Jesus but bastardized version of Him and clearly a man made up idol.
- Dennis
  
  Ahh yes the new age philosophy in christianity.I see it is alive and well.What is sin? Sin is trangression of the law.What law? The mosaic law you hint at being done away with.So in essence your sayiong there is no more sin.Which is ludicrous to say the least.The law has neber been done away with.It all is still very alive and well today if you have eyes to see and ears to hear and obey.This is just one of the many apostacies taught in church today to lead many astray.When our savior died for us it did away with animal sacrifice for he made the ultimate sacrifice for us and the levitical priesthood.To ignore this and teach otherwise is to ignore the very peril it is bringing.
- JeremiahToday
  
  Moses DID NOT give the Commandments…Go back to Exodus and READ…..VERY….CAREFULLY. You will see for yourself who gave the Ten by not only His OWN mouth, but HIS FINGER also. The Commandments are part of the Godpel, not only to show ones depravity, but to also be THE CHRISTIANS rule of life. I could go on about the sabbath, but suffice it to say, for now, that we are no longer looking forward to "another day" of rest…our rest is in Messiah, EVERYDAY! What Christians should really understand is the coming to gether for the bread and wine…for as OFT as ye do this, do THIS, in rememberance of me. If you desire to keep a certain day unto the LORD, go ahead, but don't impose it on me…whether SOL'S day or SATURNUS day…EVERYDAY belongs to the LORD and this is the day that HE hath made…let us rejoice and be glad in it!!
The Encourager

A Father and Daughter are walking the Carnival Mid-way..
Presently the Warm Sweet Aroma of FRESH Cotton Candy Fills the air..
He feels Her small Delicate Hand Slip into His..
She Looks up at Her Daddy,
Eyes Sparkling & Smiles..
"I Love You Daddy"
In THAT Moment.. ANYTHING She Desires is Hers..
Cotton Candy? Ice Cream? Rides?
Games? ANYTHING!.. EVERYTHING!
The FATHER Will Withhold No GOOD Thing from Her…
Have You taken God's Hand Today?

By: Edward Scott Kies
Bobseeks

Nihilism is just another way to say atheism. All true atheists are nihilists.
- Chris P
  
  Really? And Christians are hypocrites because they say they are moral and aren't. The most "moral" organization, the Roman Catholic church goes around molesting children and hiding the priests from legal action.
  
  I don't like your idea of morality. Professing it and then ignoring it.
  
  Schools are not nihilistic otherwise they would be an anarchy. Parents on the other hand are supposed to be responsible for teaching morality but for many Christians that means hate for "different".
  
  The problems in schools are largely created by the people complaining about them.
  - Evermyrtle
    
    Chris, you really need to understand that everybody who says they are Christians are not Christians. Christians sin, too but try to always to obey HIS WORD. Unless they have repented, child molesters and anybody that deliberately breaks GOD'S laws are not Christians, whatever they may say. To say you are a Christian is so easy to do but to live as a Christian is entirely a different thing. You should not tar everybody with the same brush! Learn the difference.
  - Bobseeks
    
    The problem with schools is that that are run by atheist/nihilists like you and they produce witless, illogical, brainwashed fools like you.
    - Bobseeks
      
      The above in reply to dilbert.
    - http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
      
      Of course you have nothing to show to support this idiotic claim, other than a desire it be true. Christians are around 80% of the people in this country. Yet you would try to make a statement that a group which is only 5-8% of the people are in complete control of the school system. I knew you were a loon, bobbiesocks. Thank you for for showing more evidence of this apparent fact.
  - petroskhan1262
    
    Astonishing…nowhere, not in one single sentence, was there anything even remotely resembling truth, logic or coherent thought. I applaud you. Phenomenal achievement.
  - daledor
    
    Chris, where you miss it is this – no one can make himself good enough to overcome their sins (which separates mankind from God). There is no bridge across the chasm that separates man from God – except One, His name is Jesus the Christ. He, as the flawless Son of God that took on flesh saves mankind, not mankind saving mankind or man (woman) saving himself (herself).
    Christians are not perfect but they are saved – saved not by their good deeds or good works but saved by the Grace and will of God to restore mankind to fellowship and intimacy with Him. God loved us enough to save us, we have to love Him enough to accept His gift rather than reject it.
    - http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
      
      You miss the fact that these "sins" do not exist, except in the minds of theists.
  - Getoveryourself
    
    Thats the dumbest thing I've ever heard Chris. Not all Christians are Catholic and not all Catholics molest children. And Christians don't teach hate at least the majority don't, however there are a few cults out there that do but I would have to question if they are truly a Christian if they are part of one of those groups.
  - keyboardshark
    
    Chris P says: " And Christians are hypocrites because they say they are moral and aren't."
    
    That is stereotyping, Chris, to issue a blanket statement condemning all Christians as hypocrites because they are not moral. There are several problems with your statement.
    
    First, what is your definition of "moral"? Is it the same as following God's Law, or do you have your own definition?
    
    Second, many who call themselves Christians are in fact not Christians at all, and are therefore much less likely to follow God's Laws as stipulated in the Bible. Lumping them together with born-again Christians clouds the picture. Roman Catholics are not Christians, so including them as examples of Christians is disingenuous.
    
    Third, we are all sinners, and no one, including Christians, is free from ever doing wrong. If you are expecting perfection from born-again Christians you are being highly unrealistic.
    
    You are correct that professing morality and not following it is indeed hypocritical, but that does not give you an excuse for dismissing God's Law simply because many do not follow it.
    
    You are also correct that parents are supposed to be responsible for teaching morality, but the problem is, the schools have their children's attention more hours of the day than most parents do, so if the schools are teaching things contrary to the parents ideas, it will (and does) undermine their authority.
    
    Also, opposing homosexuality on Biblical grounds of morality is not "hate" as you imply. And the schools we have now are certainly not 'the creation' of Christians. They have been largely taken over by liberal secularists with an anti-God, anti-Bible agenda.
Byron

I much rather have ROLLING STONE maga. on my table then some boring book like the Bible. Rolling Stone maybe worldy, but the Bible is very boring, I dont bother reading it.
- msjallen
  
  I can understand how you think the Bible can be boring because you don't have the ability to understand it.
  1 Corinthians 2:14….But the natural man (unbeliever) receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
  2 Peter 1:20-21 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
  When one knows the Lord Jesus Christ as their savior the Holy Spirit helps them to under what God wants them to know in His Word whether it is read or taught by someone who knows the original languages for full knowledge.
  I Pet 2:24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.
  Acts 16:31 They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.
  - http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
    
    Every Christian believes they understand the bible. The fact that there are thousands of different Christians sects and hundreds of different interpretations of the bible shows that they cannot agree on what it means. It is humourous to claim that atheists are unable to understand it when Christians demonstrate every day they are unable to comprehend it.
    - Justmyrtle
      
      You are dead wrong! Most Christians will admit that they do not understand everything in the BIBLE!! If we did understand it perfectly, there would not be so much disagreement and so many different denominations, around.
    - msjallen
      
      Actually, Jeff, you are right about many Christians demonstrate every day they are unable to comprehend it because they do not know how to use the power of the Holy Spirit to teach them. Even Christians who read the Bible can't apply what it teaches to their lives until they confess their sins (includes mental attitude sins) so the Holy Spirit can teach them. It took me a long time before I learned this Bible Doctrine but once I did the Bible has been my source of strength everyday.
      Heb 4:12 -For the word of God is alive and powerful sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
    - http://twitter.com/lambsev11 @lambsev11
      
      Thank God the Holy Spirit knows what the Bible means!
      John 16
      13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
      14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
      15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
    - Ron
      
      Another misunderstanding, We are free moral agents, and no where does it say that Christians have to be in lock step, like the cult of Islam. As a Christian you are free and have the ability to make your own decisions, and you know you are not free from the consequences of that decision. The one big thing that Christians have is hope! Not Obama's style of hope, but the abilty to see there are better things, and happenings that give you comfort. unlike the people without hope were it's all or nothing. If it doesn't go your way, it's scheming . revenge to get it even and always looking for happiness!
- http://aol.com Ed in Florida
  
  The Bible was made available to you and you chose the Rolling Stones?
  When you stand before God his first question to you will be the same as mine.
  Have a good answer.
Madeline

If you don't bother reading it, Byron, how do you know it is boring?
- Chris P
  
  Because unlike you he probably read it once and a discovered that it was so full of BS and contradictions and didn't reflect life as we know it that it wasn't worth re-reading.
  
  I want to read books with useful thoughts and facts. Dawkins' "The God Delusion" is a much better read. An up to date treatise on how crazy religions really are.
  - Just myrtle
    
    Usually those who are always accusing other people of being full of BS, is so full of it themselves , they can barely walk
    - Bobseeks
      
      Dilbert (chris) is definately full of it as his posts prove time after time.
      - petroskhan1262
        
        You got that right.
  - keyboardshark
    
    Chris P: It is laughable that you would consider Dawkins book as a credible read, when Dawkins himself said recently that he could not be sure there wasn't a God.
    
    "He is regarded as the most famous atheist in the world but last night (story dated 2/24/12) Professor Richard Dawkins admitted he could not be sure that God does not exist. He told the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, that he preferred to call himself an agnostic rather than an atheist.
    
    The two men were taking part in a public “dialogue” at Oxford University at the end of a week which has seen bitter debate about the role of religion in public life in Britain."
    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9102740/…
    
    And you think the Bible is full of contradictions? That's a good one.
Gramps

Nihilism is wider-spread than we think! If you are frustrated because the world of politics has gone crazy and there is nobody stopping this 'march off a cliff' scene that we are having played out in front of us, then you have experienced nihilism first-hand. Nihilism leads to apathy toward the future – which is the perfect environment for totalitarianism. We have become a weak society, unwilling to make changes now that will secure a better future. The struggle is just too hard both emotionally and spiritually; so we won't engage. We are like the deer that is caught in the headlights.

The church always leads culture, and this present situation has a theological root that many cannot connect to the branch. That root is …… dispensationalism. Surprise! But before you react too harshly, consider the historical evidence and do some research! …..Or is it just too hard??
- msjallen
  
  You are right, Gramps, and haven't people seen the countries run by Atheist and other religious rulers? Do the Atheist of this country want to live like that?
  - barney
    
    Amen!
- tbone
  
  the change begins with each one of us as individuals. You cannot change the attitudes and ideas of others, only your own.
Chris P

Rolling Stone does great articles revealing Republican hypocrisy and lies. It did a great article on meth addiction a few years ago that in no way could be described as "pro" illegal drug use – pointing out the absolute horrors of the addiction.

I only read it while my daughter had a subscription and found the main articles revealing and thought provoking. Wasn't interested in the rest of the magazine but I can see why you people wouldn't like it. It covers reality.
- http://aol.com Ed in Florida
  
  So, you are saying Republicans are the only source of hypocrisy? I was a Democrat for 35 years and until I could not endure the embarrassment of being a member of such an ignorant organization. Yes, there is serious hypocrisy in the Republican Party. I view this Republican hypocrisy as being like a side dish of a meal and the hypocrisy in the Democratic Party being the main course.
- Kickin Chris arse
  
  Apparently, all that dope has left a lasting impression upon your synaptic junctions. You may not believe in hell, but God does.
Justmyrtle

Chris, there is plenty of hypocrisy to go around. We should always take a look at our selves, when we go about accusing others of any thing, and be sure we are not referring to ourselves.
- Chris P
  
  I'm sure I'm not referring to myself because I am true to my non belief. Whereas just now I got another "packed full of lies" begging letter from that crazy nutcase Eugene Delgaudio who says that you have to send him money because the Washington government is going to "force" homosexual marriage on me.
  
  It's pure dishonesty. He spends the money on himself for the most part. Stopping citizens from getting married to their partners seems like the wrong thing to do. Why cannot gays have their partners visit them in hospital? Are you that filled with hate?
  - Just myrtle
    
    And how would know how he will spend his money. It is possible, that he will not spend it the way you would spend it.
  - keyboardshark
    
    @Chris P
    Who is saying that gays cannot visit their 'partners' in a hospital? I don't know of any Christians who are saying this. One does not have to be 'married' to someone to be allowed to visit them in the hospital. I have visited persons in the hospital who were only friends whom I was not related to at all. You claim is utter nonsense.
    
    You seem to have a problem with marriage being between one man and one woman. I think your problem is with God's authority over the institution of marriage.
    
    Let me see now, where did the concept of marriage come from? Oh yeah, that's right, the Bible.
    Maybe we should go back and see what it actually says:
    
    "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." (Gen. 1:27)
    
    " Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." (Gen. 2:24).
    
    "And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." (Matthew 19:4-6)
    
    "But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh."
    Mark 10:6-10
    
    That's funny, I don't seem to find anything about a man marrying a man, or a woman marrying a woman. I wonder why….
    - http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
      
      For years gay and lesbian couples have complained about being denies access to loved ones in hospitals. Now, a lawsuit has been filed in Miami in which Janice Langbehn alleges that she was prevented from being with her partner of 18 years, Lisa Marie Pond, 39, as she died at Jackson Memorial Hospital after a brain aneurysm. The reason for the denial was never made clear to her.
      
      Pond suffered a brain aneurysm in February 2007 and fell into a coma. She said that the hospital would not allow her or their three children to see Pond.
      
      She alleges negligence in forcing her and the children to sit for roughly eight hours while Pond allegedly died alone. She says that she supplied a health care directive form and a power of attorney document to JMH, but was still denied access. She is suing the hospital, two doctors and a social worker.
      
      The denial of such access can clearly constitute negligence and negligent infliction of emotional distress. However, gay and lesbian couples often have trouble on infliction claims, which (in the case of third party injuries) are often limited to “close family members” or non-family members who suffer physical injuries. In this case, she can claim that she was not a third party but the direct victim of a negligent infliction.
      http://jonathanturley.org/2009/02/15/florida-woma…
      - http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
        
        Madison – Gov. Scott Walker believes a new law that gives gay couples hospital visitation rights violates the state constitution and has asked a judge to allow the state to stop defending it.
        Democrats who controlled the Legislature in 2009 changed the law so that same-sex couples could sign up for domestic partnership registries with county clerks to secure some – but not all – of the rights afforded married couples.
        Wisconsin Family Action sued last year in Dane County circuit court, arguing that the registries violated a 2006 amendment to the state constitution that bans gay marriage and any arrangement that is substantially similar.
        http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/wisconsin-govern…
      - http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
        
        An elderly gay man who was prevented from seeing his dying partner in the hospital social workers will receive $600,000 in a settlement, reports the Mercury News. Clay Greene, 78, of Guerneville, Calif filed a lawsuit against Sonoma County’s Public Guardian program earlier this year, claiming he was discriminated against because of his sexual orientation.
        http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2010/07/2…
      - Evermyrtle
        
        I hope he will wait until he gets $6,000,000,00 before he starts counting it.
      - keyboardshark
        
        We are talking about two different things. The cases you cite are individuals who have become unconscious or unable to communicate or are otherwise incapacitated. This is different than a simple hospital visit in which the patient is conscious and communicative.
        
        When a person enters a hospital, they can prepare a hospital visitation authorization which allows them to designate who they would like to be able to visit them in the hospital should they become unconscious or unable to communicate.
        
        Under most state law, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender partners are not considered family. Only legal spouses or family members — not lifelong partners — can visit you in the hospital. Again, this is in cases where the person has become unconscious or unable to communicate. Here is a web site where you can prepare your own Hospital Visitation Authorization, and where this information comes from: http://www.rocketlawyer.com/document/hospital-vis…
        
        In other words, the issue in these particular cases has to do with whether the person wishing to visit the incapacitated person is family or not, and it makes sense to limit visits to only family members. If gay marriage is not recognized in the state in which they live, then obviously they are not considered family.
        
        But in the case of a conscious patient who is able to communicate, it does not have to be immediate family.
      - http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
        
        In the first case I provided, the person denied supplied a health care directive form and a power of attorney document to JMH, but was still denied access.
        
        However, the argument you are offering is stating it is acceptable to deny a same sex partner access because they are not considered family. Let us review what you posted to Chris: " One does not have to be 'married' to someone to be allowed to visit them in the hospital. I have visited persons in the hospital who were only friends whom I was not related to at all. You claim is utter nonsense."
        
        Obviously it is not nonsense if they are being denied access. Especially if they have written permission from their partner and still are denied access.
      - keyboardshark
        
        Again, I was talking about a simple visitation with a patient who is conscious and communicative. When I made the statement you quote above, I was thinking of this kind of situation. Perhaps I should have been more specific, although I admit I was unaware that the situation could be different depending on the condition of the patient and was not thinking of extreme cases. But again, it does make sense to limit visitation with incapacitated patients to family only.
        
        In the case of an ordinary visit to a patient who is not unconscious or uncommunicative, anyone would be allowed to visit, at least in the state in which I live. I would assume it to be the same in other states as well.
        
        Obviously, if the state does not recognize gay marriage as legal, the 'partner' would not be considered family. As far as whether a written authorization from the patient would trump the state law regarding gay marriage, that is a question you would have to ask an attorney, which I am not.
aceituna

And what is reality? Reality is sin in this world which brings about every kind of evil that the immagination of sinful man can conceive of. Reality is that sin has brought death into this world, physical and eternal. Eternal death is total unending separation from God and the ultimate results of sin. God never entended that we are to face these results. That is why, out of love for us, the crown of his creation, Jesus was sent to pay the price to face the reality of eternal death. Because Jesus, a man, but also God, faced the total destruction which we deserve, we now have the sure hope of eternal life in the presence of God. That is the reality for those whom the Holy Spirit has brought to faith in the sacrifice of Jesus our Savior and Lord.
- Sandra
  
  Well said!!
Winston

Nihilism and moral relativsim does indeed permeate American and many world cultures. It is extremely destructive and with the "self" in the center of it, it destroys not only the self but person relationships, families, churches, and society. It is a work of Satan.
- Chris P
  
  Prove it!
  - Celticwaryor
    
    Hey crispy, why don't you prove that it's not!
    - Penny
      
      Winston made the claim, so he has the burden of proof.
  - Sandra
    
    Chris, it's impossible for us to know everything. That's why we walk by faith, not by sight. The question you need to ask yourself is this "what if the bible truly is the word of God?' What do you have to gain by not believing it, and what is there to gain if you do? It's all a matter of choice, as the bible says, "Choose you this day whom you will serve". We are all servants of something or someone, whether we like it or not.
    - Evermyrtle
      
      Great Post, Sandra!!
    - http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
      
      What if the Qur'an is right, or the Vedas? What if the Mayan calender is right? What if, what if, what if????? People choose to believe based on several things. One is faith, which is the most unreliable way of knowing anything. Only in religion does the idea of believing something without proof have any support. And the reason for that is because there is no factual evidence of any gods existing. If there was actual evidence, it would be trumpeted over every medium known to man. So, people are asked to believe without evidence. What is remarkable is how many people are willing to do this very silly thing.
      - petroskhan1262
        
        "Only in religion does the idea of believing something without proof have any support."
        "If there was actual evidence, it would be trumpeted over every medium known to man. So, people are asked to believe without evidence. What is remarkable is how many people are willing to do this very silly thing."
        
        My exact observation regarding the nonsensical fairy tale referred to as evolution. No proof of any claims, it flies in the face of reason, logic, and intelligent discourse, and yet the gullible drones who support it laud it as the greatest thing since sliced bread, and defend it with religious tenacity.
        
        The double standard would be laughable, if it weren't so deeply sad.
      - http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
        
        Except that evolution does offer evidence of its claims. It is the most supported of all the scientific theories. The evidence for evolution is found in many different areas.
        Here is an excellent source of information on the topic.
        
        What is the evidence for evolution?
        
        Sub-topics (containing additional resources):
        
        Homology and analogy , Observations of evolution
        
        Resources:
        
        Lines of evidence: The science of evolution
        The theory of evolution is broadly accepted by scientists — and for good reason! Learn about the diverse and numerous lines of evidence that support the theory of evolution.
        15 evolutionary gems
        This succinct briefing describes 15 examples drawn from recent research that demonstrate evolutionary theory’s power to explain natural phenomena, along with some of their supporting lines of evidence–from whale fossils to the latest in genetics.
        This resource is available from Nature magazine.
        
        Darwin's "extreme" imperfection?
        Darwin used the words "extreme imperfection" to describe the gappy nature of the fossil record – but is this really such a problem? This article delves into the topic of transitional fossils and explores what we have learned about them since Darwin's time.
        This article appears at SpringerLink.
        
        Webcast: Fossils, genes, and embryos
        In lecture three of a four part series, evolutionary biologist David Kingsley examines the original objections to Darwin's theory and shows how modern evidence supports the theory.
        This lecture is available from Howard Hughes' BioInteractive website.
        
        Evo in the news: What has the head of a crocodile and the gills of a fish?
        This news brief, from May 2006, reviews what is likely to be the most important fossil find of the year: Tiktaalik helps us understand how our own ancestors crawled out of the water and began to walk on dry land.
        
        A closer look at a classic ring species: The work of Tom Devitt
        The Ensatina salamander has been extensively investigated because it is a ring species — a species that demonstrates how geography and the gradual accumulation of genetic differences factor into the process of speciation. Biologist Tom Devitt continues the more than 50 years of Ensatina research by applying new genetic techniques and asking new questions about this classic evolutionary example.
        
        Clair Patterson: Radiometric dating
        Clair Patterson used radiometric dating to provide evidence that Earth (and the life on it) is ancient.
        This article is located within History of Evolutionary Thought.
        
        Wallace and Wegener: Biogeography
        Alfred Russel Wallace's studies of species ranges and Alfred Wegener's conception of continental drift provide compelling evidence that much of a species’ present distribution can be explained by its evolutionary history.
        This article is located within History of Evolutionary Thought.
        http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/search/t…
      - petroskhan1262
        
        I have absolutely no interest in anything you have to say on this subject, nor will I bother to look at any references you cite.
        
        In addition, I could cite at least as many sources showing the exact opposite conclusions/findings of the sources you cite, by those at least as well known, if not more so. I will not bother, however, as you, Mr. Dixon, are not just evil and a liar, as I have clearly observed in the past, but you are blind. And it is not the blindness of ignorance of innocence which plagues you, but that of willful pride. You cannot acknowledge anything greater than yourself, nor believe in anything your misguided interpretation of science "reveals" to you. You can copy/paste your meaningless drivel till the last trump, and when it sounds, I wonder then what thoughts will give you solace. What babblings of shortsighted and self-aggrandizing popinjays like Dawkins will you quote then?
        
        Evolution is lauded as "the most supported of scientific theories" only by those who choose to believe in its ridiculous claims. It is not even a theory, but an unproven and unprovable hypothesis. Believe what you wish. I, and others, with our eyes open to the majesty of creation and Creator, will believe as we wish as well. Our belief, however, is not based on the ridiculous and illogical claims of small minded fools seeking the intellectual equivalent of self-gratification. Science, contrary to your interpretation, supports creation. The more we discover, the more it is proven.
        
        But continue in your blind faith to the unprovable. It is a testament to your devotion. We'll see later what rewards each of reaps for his faith.
      - http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
        
        Of course you do not have any interest in these sites. You have made it perfectly clear that you will not consider anything relevant that shows your views to be absurd. Enjoy your ignorance. It is your only opportunity to feel important.
      - petroskhan1262
        
        I would consider something relevant. Those are not. I would consider something that could show my views to be absurd. Those can not.
        
        And I arrived at my faith through study, research and logic. I have no need to feel important, since I am nothing compared to The One who created the universe you view as some sort of cosmic joke without a punchline. You arrived at your faith by blinding yourself to the truth, and throwing aside logic and intellectual curiosity. How important does that make you feel? A meaningless accident, resulting from an impossibility, on a tiny spec floating in the incalculable vastness of space.
        
        Enjoy your blindness. When it gets tiresome, try opening your eyes. It's that simple.
      - http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
        
        petroskhan126262p · 46 minutes ago
        I have absolutely no interest in anything you have to say on this subject, nor will I bother to look at any references you cite.
        
        petroskhan126262p · 15 minutes ago
        I would consider something relevant. Those are not. I would consider something that could show my views to be absurd. Those can not.
        
        So, you disregard what I post and refuse to look at them, yet also claim to know they do not show your posts to be absurd.
        
        I am glad to see that you show you also have forsaken logic.
      - petroskhan1262
        
        It is logic, and sensible.
        
        Everything you post is based on illogical and unprovable nonsense, or an outright lie, designed solely to mislead others, or misrepresent what you know to be true.
        
        It is quite logical to assume that a liar will lie. The only "forsaken" here is you.
  - petroskhan1262
    
    No no no…Obama has clearly shown, that if something is proclaimed to be true (like a poorly forged birth certificate), it must be accepted as true. It's up to the accuser (in this case, you) to prove that the claim is NOT true.
    
    So…prove that Winston is wrong.
    - http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
      
      The Obama birth certificate does not change the rules of debate.
      - petroskhan1262
        
        An accusation has been leveled. I simply request that the accusation be proven.
      - http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
        
        Winston was the one who first made an accusation.
        
        Winston · 2 days ago
        Nihilism and moral relativsim does indeed permeate American and many world cultures. It is extremely destructive and with the "self" in the center of it, it destroys not only the self but person relationships, families, churches, and society. It is a work of Satan.
      - http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
        
        Let us consider Satan by reviewing this verse.
        Ezekiel 28:15
        New International Version (NIV)
        
        15 You were blameless in your ways
        from the day you were created
        till wickedness was found in you.
        
        According to this verse, Satan was originally without blame. Therefore, god created this angel with no blemish at all. However, god is all knowing and therefore knew that this blameless angel would for some reason rebel and become the devil before he created him. Yet he created him anyway. We are supposed to believe that a deity who is without flaw and cannot abide sin would create an angel who falls and sins every moment of his existence.
        
        Ezekiel 28:11-17] says this about Lucifer and why he was the greatest:
        
        (v. 11) '''The word of the LORD came to me:
        (v. 12) "Son of man, take up a lament concerning the king of Tyre and say to him: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: " 'You were the model of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.
        (v. 13) You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz and emerald, chrysolite, onyx and jasper, sapphire, turquoise and beryl. Your settings and mountings were made of gold; on the day you were created they were prepared.
        [Note that this cannot be referring to the King of Tyre who never took residence in the garden of Eden, nor was adorned with every precious stone prepared at the moment of his creation, nor was a guardian cherub angel. Hence a supernatural angelic being of great power is in view]
        (v. 14) You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones.
        [Note that a cherub angel was one of supreme authority and importance]
        (v. 15) You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you.
        [Notice that Lucifer was perfect in his ways from the day that he was created, until sin was found in him. Also note that the King of Tyre was not blameless from the day he was created, but born in sin]
        (v. 16) Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, O guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones.
        (v. 17) Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings." '''
        
        This says that Lucifer was the greatest because of his beauty. However, the biblical god does not consider physical beauty to be of any worth.:
        1 Samuel 16:7 ESV
        
        But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
        
        1 Peter 3:4 ESV
        But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.
        
        Matthew 23:27 ESV
        “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness.
        
        If physical beauty is what made Lucifer the greatest angel, then god is inconsistent with his view on this. It also creates a conflict with the idea that god is all knowing. God says regarding Lucifer" 'You were the model of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty." However, if god is all knowing, he would know that Lucifer would one day rebel. Any angel that would rebel against god cannot be the model of perfection and full of wisdom. If god did not know that Lucifer would rebel, then he is not all knowing. If he knew he would rebel and still considered him the model of perfection and full of wisdom, then he is an idiot.
      - petroskhan1262
        
        Curious how thousands of years ago, parables were used to help people understand things, and now people like you seem to have such trouble with them. Someone should do a study on this.
      - http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
        
        More curious is how a person of such great faith and a deep understanding of the mysteries of the bible is unable to offer anything more than a feeble retort.
- Philip Engle
  
  Very well put, Winston. If only people would listen to the truth. Jesus comes to offer "Life to the Full!" If only people would realize that He is the way the truth and the life. Your are so right that "self" is the center of Nihilism, and it always destroys people. The final outcome is eternity in the Lake of Fire with the devil and his angels.
  - Winston
    
    Thanks, Philip. After many years observing the decline of Biblical Christianity by many churches (and church leaders) moving away from "funamental" Biblical Christianity to become followers of men, rather than Jesus/God, it is easy to know that self-centeredness is the common root of most, if not all, sin. The teachings in Scriptures leads true and sincere believers to be "less of myself and more of Jesus", but that's not what's been occuring. Even those who are taught to "do good" and "help others" is just a church form of socialism because it too takes the eyes off of Jesus. We should do good simply as a believer and not have to be told to do it by men and in programs.
Marilyn

Another "ism" for us to consider. Satan will introduce and inject into our generation and the generation of our children anything he can use to get us to take our mind off Jesus. Stand tall, warriors! You know what's coming. It's right there in the last pages of Scripture. Put on your armor and take courage. Be overcomers! The Battle has already been won!
Buck

I am a poor Christian because I am VERY judgemental when it comes to social corruption . This is because it will eventually destroy ANY society that tolerates it . Personally I can hardly wait for the TRUE judge to pass his eternal sentences . I am no saint , but I will be well above the many DEMONS and their supporters in society , the DEMONRAT party .
- evermyrtle
  
  Believing and living as if you believe, IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, is the main point in any Christian's life.
- daledor
  
  As Christians we are not to be sheep. There are things to love and things to hate. Evil, because it opposes good, is to be hated.
  Where we Christians are to discriminate – we are to love good and hate evil. Human beings are used by Satan to defy God, others, and themselves. We are not to hate the people but we are to hate evil that people do.
  In essence we are to, "Love the sinner (wrong doer) and hate the sin." I hate the enemy – Satan – and pray that God deliver those used by them from Satan's clutches.
- aceituna
  
  Being "judgemental" does not necessarily make one a poor Christian. God has written in his book, the Bible, through the Holy men who spoke who were moved by the Holy Ghost (2 Peter), that certian things are evil and can damn a person to hell if that person does not repent and receive forgiveness. As Christians we are to warn others about their destination if he remains without repentence. We are only telling them the truth and trying to bring them to God. Unfortunately sometimes Christians use a poor choice of words when making these warnings, making them sound as is they are better than the other. The focus should be upon the Christian showing that he too is a sinner, but he has acknowledged his sin and received forgiveness. The warning against being judgemental quite often is directed to one Christian telling another Christian that he is either a poor Christian or not a true Christian just because he does not observe the Sabbath from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday etc. That is only one of the examples of a Christian being a poor Christian because he is judgemental.
- http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
  
  Buck · 2 days ago
  I am a poor Christian because I am VERY judgemental when it comes to social corruption
  
  That actually makes you a very normal Christian.
Evermyrtle

You are right. We must stand for the truth and against all that we know is evil if we want GOD to claim us. Luke warm? I will spew you our of my mouth!!
Patty

Psalm 118:8 Great is His faithfulness!