Navigating Spiritism and Spirituality: Insights from Whitfield Park

As the autumn leaves danced in the gentle breeze of Whitfield Park, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Barbara found themselves gathered around the old wooden picnic table that had become their unofficial meeting spot for theological discussions. Today, the air was charged with a more serious tone as they delved into a discussion about spiritism versus true spirituality.

Jeremiah, always keen on setting the stage for deep conversations, started, “I’ve been reading about the dangers of spiritism. It’s troubling how it masquerades as spirituality but is actually steeped in occult practices and emotional manipulations.”

Barbara, with her well-worn Bible open in her lap, nodded in agreement. “Exactly, Jeremiah. Spirituality is grounded in Scripture and revelation, not in our feelings or imaginations. It’s about what God has revealed, not about what we feel or want to believe.”

Ezekiel, who was quietly listening while observing a squirrel scurry up a nearby oak tree, chimed in, “And that’s the crux of the matter, isn’t it? Modern movements often confuse emotional experiences with spiritual truths. Like those TV evangelists who claim health and wealth are just a faith-filled donation away.”

The park was alive with the sounds of children playing in the distance and the occasional bark of a dog, yet their table felt like a secluded island as they delved deeper into their discussion.

Jeremiah leaned forward, his voice intensifying. “Take Jim Jones, for instance. He led hundreds to their deaths because of his imagined spiritual authority. If his followers had grounded themselves in scripture rather than getting swept away by charisma and emotion, that tragedy could have been avoided.”

Barbara flipped through her Bible to a marked page. “That’s precisely why Paul emphasized in Corinthians that the commandments he wrote are from the Lord. There’s a protective power in the Scripture that keeps us from being swept away by every wind of doctrine.”

Ezekiel picked up a fallen leaf, examining its details. “It’s like this leaf,” he said, holding it up. “Imagine if I said it could speak. Some might feel enchanted by the notion and start believing it. But no matter how strongly they feel, it won’t change the fact that it’s just a leaf, not a messenger.”

The metaphor brought a light chuckle from Barbara, who appreciated Ezekiel’s ability to simplify complex ideas. “Well put, Ezekiel. And that brings us to another point—how do we ensure we’re following true spirituality?”

Jeremiah answered, “By continuously returning to the Scriptures, like the Bereans in Acts. They didn’t just accept Paul’s words at face value; they examined the Scriptures daily to see if what he said was true.”

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the park, the trio wrapped up their discussion with a prayer, asking for discernment and a deeper understanding of the Scriptures to navigate the complex spiritual landscapes of their time.

Walking away from the park, they felt a renewed sense of commitment to their faith, strengthened by the scriptures and their fellowship. They knew they would return to the old wooden table many more times, each visit deepening their resolve to stand firm in a world often blurred by the lines between true spirituality and misleading spiritism.

Debate on Red Heifer and Temple Mount Tensions: A Christian Perspective

by Andrew Barnes

On a breezy afternoon, the tranquil park, usually filled with the laughter of children and the chirping of birds, became the stage for a spirited debate. Under the sprawling branches of the ancient oak tree, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Barbara found themselves tangled in a heated discussion that had caught the attention of the park’s usual tranquility.

Jeremiah, leaning against the rugged bark, was the first to speak, his voice echoing a deep concern. “Friends, have you heard about the red heifer and the recent tensions at the Temple Mount? It’s stirring up quite the controversy. Some say it’s the precursor to rebuilding the temple, a return to the old ways of sacrifices.”

Barbara, seated on a sunlit bench, flipped open her notebook filled with notes and scriptures, replying with a skeptical tone. “But isn’t that looking backwards? The destruction of the temple in AD 70 was a clear sign, as per the prophecies. God moved from the physical to the spiritual. Our true temple now isn’t made of stone; it’s built on faith in Christ.”

Ezekiel, pacing slowly, added thoughtfully, “Yes, the idea of a new temple seems out of step with our spiritual progression. Why revert to the shadows when we have the substance in Jesus? The entire concept of the red heifer and cleansing seems archaic when we have the ultimate purification through Christ.”

The park around them was alive with the rustling of leaves and the distant sound of water from a nearby fountain, nature itself seeming to listen in on their conversation. A squirrel scampered near, pausing as if curious about the human tension over divine matters.

Jeremiah, pushing off from the tree, argued, “But consider this, isn’t there something to be said about the cultural and historical significance of these actions for many Jews? Could this not be a way for them to find their path to Jesus?”

Barbara nodded thoughtfully, her voice calm yet firm. “True, Jeremiah. Yet, we must be wary of mixing political aspirations with spiritual truths. The kingdom of God isn’t about earthly territories or ancient animal sacrifices. It’s about reigning in the hearts of men and women across all nations.”

Ezekiel stopped pacing, turning to his friends with a resolute expression. “Exactly, and we can’t ignore that any attempt to rebuild the temple and reintroduce sacrifices could ignite tremendous conflict. Isn’t our role as Christians to be peacemakers, to advocate for a kingdom not of this world?”

The discussion grew more intense, echoing through the boughs of the old oak tree, as more park-goers drew near, drawn by the passion and depth of the debate. The air was filled with a mix of the earthy aroma of damp soil and the fresh scent of grass, grounding their lofty discussion in the reality of the serene park setting.

Barbara, closing her notebook, summarized their discourse with a gentle authority. “Our mission should be clear then. We stand firm in the truth of the Gospel, offer it to all, and live it out loud. Let’s focus on being the living temples of God, where His Spirit dwells richly.”

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows over the park, the trio concluded their debate with a prayer, their voices a soft murmur amidst the whispering leaves. They stood together, united in their commitment to navigate these complex issues with wisdom and grace, their fellowship a testament to the enduring search for divine truth in a changing world.

Leaving the park, the friends felt a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that their discussions under the old oak tree had deepened their understanding and their bonds, ready to face a world in need of the light they carried within.

The Youthful King

by Andrew Barnes

Scene: Jeremiah and Ezekiel sitting in their favorite park, enjoying a sunny afternoon. Nearby, a group of teenagers play frisbee and occasionally glance over at the two older men, curious about their animated conversation.

The park was alive with the sounds of laughter and chatter, the perfect setting for one of Jeremiah and Ezekiel’s deep discussions. Sitting on a weathered bench, the two old friends watched as a group of teenagers played frisbee nearby.

Ezekiel pointed with his cane. “Look at those young folks, full of energy and independence. Reminds me of our topic for today, Jeremiah.”

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Jeremiah chuckled. “Ah, yes. The joys and pitfalls of teenage independence. Did you ever read about Rehoboam, Solomon’s son? His story is a classic example.”

Ezekiel leaned forward, interested. “Oh, I remember him. The young king who made a mess of things. Tell me more.”

Jeremiah cleared his throat, adopting a storytelling tone. “Well, when Rehoboam became king, the people approached him, asking for relief from the heavy taxes imposed by his father, Solomon. Sensible request, wouldn’t you say?”

Ezekiel nodded. “Indeed. Solomon was wise, but he wasn’t light on the tax burden.”

Jeremiah continued, “Rehoboam sought advice from the elders who had served his father. They suggested he ease the people’s burden, to win their loyalty. But then, Rehoboam turned to his peers, the young men he’d grown up with.”

Ezekiel raised an eyebrow. “Ah, I see where this is going.”

Jeremiah smiled. “Exactly. The young men advised Rehoboam to assert his authority, to show the people who was boss. Rehoboam liked this advice better. He told the people, ‘If you think my father’s taxes were heavy, you haven’t seen anything yet!'”

Ezekiel laughed. “And that, my friend, was the beginning of the end for his united kingdom.”

Jeremiah nodded solemnly. “Indeed. Ten of the twelve tribes rebelled and formed their own kingdom. All because Rehoboam chose to be different from his father’s generation, rather than considering what was right or wise.”

Ezekiel shook his head. “It’s a tale as old as time, Jeremiah. Teenagers wanting to assert their independence, often by doing the exact opposite of what their parents would do.”

Jeremiah glanced over at the teenagers playing frisbee. “Do you think they realize how many decisions they make just to be different from their parents? Not because it’s right or wrong, but just because it’s different.”

Ezekiel laughed. “Probably not. They’re too busy trying to be independent. But that’s part of growing up, isn’t it? Making mistakes and learning from them.”

Jeremiah smiled. “True. But it’s also why it’s important to teach them the value of wisdom from older generations. Proverbs 22:6 says, ‘Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.'”

Ezekiel nodded. “Yes, and Ephesians 6:4 reminds fathers not to provoke their children to wrath, but to bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.”

Jeremiah leaned back, looking thoughtful. “It’s a balance, isn’t it? Teaching them to make their own decisions, but also helping them understand the consequences of those decisions.”

Ezekiel grinned. “And maybe a bit of humility too. Admitting that sometimes, the old folks do know best.”

Jeremiah chuckled. “If only Rehoboam had understood that. Instead, he split a kingdom.”

Ezekiel sighed. “It’s a lesson for all ages, really. Sometimes the wisdom of the past is the best guide for the future.”

Jeremiah watched the teenagers for a moment. “Do you think they’d listen if we told them this story?”

Ezekiel laughed. “Probably not. But one day, when they’re older, they might remember two old men in the park talking about a young king who made a dumb choice. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll make a wiser decision because of it.”

Jeremiah smiled. “I hope so, my friend. I hope so.”

COMING SOON: The Christian Moral Life

by Andrew Barnes

The Christian Moral Life written by John Rziha, Narrated by Andrew L. Barnes will be released in June 2020! This book takes listeners on a journey that requires the sojourner to know where they are, where they are going, and sets a our minds on the ultimate destination, happiness in the presence of God.

Moral theology examines the same three truths. The Christian Moral Life is a handbook for moral theology that uses the theme of a journey to explain its key ethical concepts.

“…the study of how humans attain eternal happiness through loving union with God by performing their proper actions with the aid of God’s grace.”
~ JOHN RZIHA

First, humans begin with their creation in the image of God. Secondly, the goal of the journey is explained as a loving union with God, to achieve a share in his eternal happiness. Third and finally, the majority of the book examines how to attain this goal. Within the journey motif, the book covers the moral principles essential for attaining true happiness.

Based on an examination of the moral methodology in the bible, the book discusses the importance of participating in divine nature through grace in order to attain eternal happiness.

It further notes the role of law, virtue, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit in guiding and transforming humans into friends of God, who participate in his happiness. Following this section on moral theology in general, the book analyzes the individual virtues to give more concrete guidance.

The entire project builds upon the insights of great Christian thinkers, such as Thomas Aquinas, Thérèse of Lisieux, and John Paul II, to uncover the moral wisdom in scripture and to show people how to be truly happy both in this life and the next.

This book will be of great interest to undergraduate students of moral theology, priests and seminarians, parents and teachers seeking to raise and to form happy children, and anyone interested in discovering the meaning of true happiness.