#Christ-centered living in modern society

[mindfulldsliving]

Hearken, O Ye People: A Call to Repent and Return to the Lord

“Hearken, O ye people” isn’t just an invitation—it’s a command from the Lord. Doctrine and Covenants 1 is His call to review our hearts, repent, and recommit to His covenant. Given as the preface to the revelations of this dispensation, this section emphasizes the urgency of listening to His voice and aligning our lives with His will. It’s not just for the early Saints; it’s for all of us today.…

[profoundbondfanfic]

It's that time of the year again! Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, we're sure there's something in these holiday-centered fics that will leave you all warm and fuzzy inside, so check these fic recs out!☃️🎄

A Date for The Holidays by WaywardAF67 [Explicit, 37k words]

Castiel would never have considered hiring an escort on his own. But when his friend and personal assistant, Charlie suggested he use the service for the upcoming holidays, Cas warmed to the idea. Having a companion to help him through his mother's never-ending relationship questions, and the family drama that was sure to unfold was enough to push Cas to book a date with Succubus Escort service. He just wanted help getting through the holidays, but with Dean Winchester, Castiel Novak ended up with so much more.

Dean's Nerd Crush (Christmas Edition) by Kitmistry [Teen and Up, 3k words]

You’re invited to our Ugly Sweater Christmas Party! Come join us to celebrate the season at Donna’s Delights. Free drinks and snacks included with the invitation. Dress Code: Strictly the worst Christmas sweaters you can find (or make)! Location: Donna’s Delights Date: December 24th, 2019 Donna’s Delights holds a party for all their employees and favourite customers, and this year Dean is going to take a chance and invite the man of his dreams to come with him—Jo insists it’s a cute, pressure-free first date after all. Or the one where Dean ruins Castiel’s ugly sweater.

Giving in Is Half the Battle by AngelsintheImpala (Halzbarry) [Explicit, 54k words]

Dean likes to think he had it all; a good job, good money, kickass friends, and hell, no shortage of men and women in his bed. He’s an alpha living the dream. The one thing he didn’t have was a mate. Castiel prides himself on being a pinnacle of the modern omega. He works hard and he sleeps with whoever he wants, society’s rules be damned. He spent a long time telling himself he didn’t need a mate to take care of him nor did he find himself wanting one anyways. Then Dean Winchester happened. Suddenly, being content with just sex is becoming a harder lie to tell himself, especially as Dean makes it clear he wants more. What started as a simple hook-up after the annual Sandover Christmas party last year has turned into a loosely agreed upon friends with benefits arrangement; Minus the friends part. Dean knows they’re compatible enough to be mates, but Cas just can’t seem to be convinced.

Looking for a Miracle by Kitmistry [Teen and Up, 23k words]

Dean Winchester is used to family dinners and his brother’s dog running around his house on Christmas, but when everyone seems to have better plans for this year, he takes the chance to house sit for one of his friend’s clients. If he has to be alone for Christmas, then he’d rather be in a grand house with a fireplace than his own small, bachelor apartment. His plans go downhill when the grumpy but gorgeous owner of the house decides not to leave after all. Bestselling crime writer Castiel Novak doesn’t want anything to do with Christmas. Even the mere mention of the word is enough to make him break out in hives. Isolated in his house since the death of his wife, he plans to spend another Christ—the Holiday That Shall Not Be Named alone with the ghosts haunting him and the book he can’t seem to write. But when the brash and overconfident housekeeper—who shouldn’t have even shown up on his doorstep—is snowed in at his house by the storm of the century he might have to make a few compromises. Will a Christmas miracle be enough to give both men what they need?

Serendipity by whelvenwings [General audiences, 23k words]

Stuck on opposite sides of the country, Dean and Cas make big sacrifices to be together at a special time of the year. However, when they realise that their joint idea of paying a surprise visit to each other's faraway home has left them still trapped miles away from each other, they have to find some way to meet in the middle - and it has to be before midnight if it's going to be perfect...

The Twelve Days (Or Is It Years?) Of Christmas by MittenWraith [Mature, 15k words]

Mary came back to the bunker for Thanksgiving and decided she might be ready to stay, at least for a while. Before the last of the Thanksgiving pie was gone, Dean was already planning out the next family holiday on the calendar-- Mary's birthday. All she asked for was to spruce up the dusty old bunker for Christmas. Mary was still trying to puzzle out the strange and intense relationship Dean shared with Castiel, but when Eileen requested Sam's help on a hunt, Mary was happy enough to leave Dean and Cas in charge of Christmas decorations to spend some quality time with Sam. Or maybe she was just eager to meet his mysterious girlfriend. Unfortunately, Mary left them with a box full of holiday decorations she pulled out of one of the bunker's storerooms... because those sorts of things never caused anyone any trouble...

Welcome All Winchesters by almaasi [Explicit 60k words]

When Dean’s engagement breaks off three days before Christmas, he’s left with nobody to accompany him on a road trip to his family’s mountain log cabin. His best friend Castiel happens to be available, and is willing to help him through a tough time. But when Dean's mother and brother arrive, expecting to meet the person Dean plans to marry, they understandably assume Castiel is Dean's fiancé. After a weekend of comfortable domesticity, sharing clothes, intimate conversations, and definitely-one-time-only therapy sex, it feels almost too easy for Dean and Cas to fake a loving, romantic relationship. The hard part is going back to being friends afterwards. They can’t keep their hands off each other, and they’ve discovered some fun things to do together which they’d never tell another soul about. And, oh boy, feelings. Now being ‘just friends’ is so impossible, it seems as if fate had another plan for them all along...

where you lead, I will follow by teacass (Fushigi) [General audiences, 6k words]

“Cas,” Dean says. “Light of my life. The sole provider of my happiness. The reason I get up in the morning. The bestest friend I have ever had. Please, give me coffee.” -- Or five Christmas Eves Dean had coffee at Cas' cafe, and one Christmas night he didn't. A small Gilmore Girls AU with coffee, Christmas trees, and first kisses.

[apenitentialprayer]

Okay, so according to Massimo Mazzotti, the "Catholic Enlightenment" refers to an 18th century movement that acted as a middle ground between the competing Jesuit and Jansenist intellectual trends of the time, achieving "maximum visibility in the 1740s, when it was backed by learned cardinals, literary periodicals, and the pontiff Benedict XIV." It is marked by a series of characteristics that include:

a pointed anti-Baroque leaning when it came to devotions; there is a critique of emotional devotions that emphasize the senses and the imagination, preferring devotions that focused on abstracted theological truth over expressive ritual symbol.

a preference for the modern metaphysical philosophies of Descartes, Newton, and Malebranche over the scholastic theologies taught at Jesuit schools.

a view that the practicing of religion should result in the transformation of society.

a belief that the Catholic Church should emphasize simplicity of doctrine and its resonance with scientific theory.

Mazzotti makes reference to several figures who belong to this general trend in Catholic intellectual thought, including: Maria Gaetana Agnesi, whose mathematical writings focused on analytical rather than applied calculus, viewing it as a way of exercising the abstract intellect. In her mystical writings, Agnesi likewise deemphasized visionary activity and preferred a type of contemplation that moved from personal love of Christ to meditation on the Trinity. Nicolas Malebranche, an Oratorian priest who sought to synthesize Cartesian philosophy with Catholic theology, much as Aquinas had done with Aristotelianism. Among the ideas he emphasized was "capacity of attention," a rapt state of mind involving focused concentration on an object of contemplation. Giuseppe Petrini, an artist who depicted the "capacity for attention" in his paintings of both historical saints and contemporary scientists during moments of their lives where they attained "both true knowledge and divine enlightenment." Lodovico Antonio Muratori, a priest and historian known for discovering the oldest known list delineating the canon of the New Testament, described as "the Light of Italian science" by Pope Benedict XIV, and also a critic of the "disorderly devotions" of the Baroque period. Pope Benedict XIV, who sought to place "the Catholic Church once again at the center of the European philosophical debate," and whose desire for this even allowed him to extend invitations to women to act as professors and lecturers at universities.

[diwinyddiaeth]

Reinhold Niebuhr

Reinhold Niebuhr (June 21, 1892 – June 1, 1971) was an American Reformed theologian, ethicist, commentator on politics and public affairs, and professor at Union Theological Seminary for more than 30 years. Niebuhr was one of America's leading public intellectuals for several decades of the 20th century and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1964. A public theologian, he wrote and spoke frequently about the intersection of religion, politics, and public policy, with his most influential books including Moral Man and Immoral Society and The Nature and Destiny of Man. Also known for the Serenity Prayer.

As a minister in Detroit he wrote, “The men cannot possibly find any satisfaction in their work. They simply work to make a living. Their sweat and their dull pain are part of the price paid for the fine cars we all run. And most of us run the cars without knowing what price is being paid for them. ... We are all responsible. We all want the things which the factory produces and none of us is sensitive enough to care how much in human values the efficiency of the modern factory costs.”

“about midway in my ministry which extends roughly from the peace of Versailles to the peace of Munich measured in terms of Western history, I underwent a fairly complete conversion of thought which involved rejection of almost all the liberal theological ideals and ideas with which I ventured forth in 1915. I wrote a book Does Civilization Need Religion? my first, in 1927 which when now consulted is proved to contain almost all the theological windmills against which today I tilt my sword. These windmills must have tumbled shortly thereafter for every succeeding volume expresses a more and more explicit revolt against what is usually known as liberal culture.”

—  Reinhold Niebuhr, "Ten Years that Shook My World", The Christian Century, Vol. 56, issue 17, page 542

In 1928, Niebuhr left Detroit to become Professor of Practical Theology at Union Theological Seminary in New York. He spent the rest of his career there, until retirement in 1960.

In the 1930s Niebuhr worked out many of his ideas about sin and grace, love and justice, faith and reason, realism and idealism, and the irony and tragedy of history, which established his leadership of the neo-orthodox movement in theology. Influenced strongly by Karl Barth and other dialectical theologians of Europe, he began to emphasize the Bible as a human record of divine self-revelation; it offered for Niebuhr a critical but redemptive reorientation of the understanding of humanity's nature and destiny.

Niebuhr couched his ideas in Christ-centered principles such as the Great Commandment and the doctrine of original sin. His major contribution was his view of sin as a social event—as pride—with selfish self-centeredness as the root of evil. The sin of pride was apparent not just in criminals, but more dangerously in people who felt good about their deeds—rather like Henry Ford (whom he did not mention by name). The human tendency to corrupt the good was the great insight he saw manifested in governments, business, democracies, utopian societies, and churches. This position is laid out profoundly in one of his most influential books, Moral Man and Immoral Society (1932). He was a debunker of hypocrisy and pretense and made the avoidance of self-righteous illusions the center of his thoughts.

According to his biographer, the historian Richard Wightman Fox, Niebuhr understood that "Christians needed the leaven of pure Hebraism to counteract the Hellenism to which they were prone".

Niebuhr argued that to approach religion as the individualistic attempt to fulfill biblical commandments in a moralistic sense is not only an impossibility but also a demonstration of man's original sin, which Niebuhr interpreted as self-love. Through self-love man becomes focused on his own goodness and leaps to the false conclusion—one he called the "Promethean illusion"—that he can achieve goodness on his own. Thus man mistakes his partial ability to transcend himself for the ability to prove his absolute authority over his own life and world. Constantly frustrated by natural limitations, man develops a lust for power which destroys him and his whole world. History is the record of these crises and judgments which man brings on himself; it is also proof that God does not allow man to overstep his possibilities. In radical contrast to the Promethean illusion, God reveals himself in history, especially personified in Jesus Christ, as sacrificial love which overcomes the human temptation to self-deification and makes possible constructive human history.

[wordtowords]

The Adumbrated Wilderness

adumbrated (part.) symbolized (Google)

For those of you who fall under the religious nomenclature of Christian and are practicing, you are aware that it is the season of Lent, which is marked by Jesus's forty-day journey into the desert to contend with Satan. Any desiccated environment (picture Death Valley here) is synonymous with the wilderness, otherwise known as an "uncultivated, uninhabited, inhospitable" region (Google). In their reflections, a.k.a. sermons or homilies, those of the cloth use the image of the wilderness to adumbrate where many of us are today: feeling quite alone and/or anxious amidst the turmoil of contemporary society. 

Unfortunately, many modern-day Protestant churches (and perhaps even Catholic ones) are losing parishioners because the young are getting lost in a wilderness of Sunday activities unrelated to the sabbath, but also because they don't feel connected to institutions that they view as antiquated. Which is a shame because religion isn't. Faith isn't obsolete. In fact many need it more than ever but just don't realize that they do as they are lost in the busy business of their daily lives. 

Fortunately, there are some parishes that are not short of attendees. Mine, for instance. Known among national Presbyterian boards as "the little church that could," my congregation, the Culver City Presbyterian Church (with eighty members), is not lost in the dark remoteness of irreligiousness. The light that emanates from it is small but bright. The singles, couples, families from all walks of life and pronouns unite as a community, stand by their belief system, and inculcate it in their children. All–even the most isolated socially–are welcome. What they hear each week coming from a young, vibrant, former actor of a preacher (who looks like Uma Thurman) they interpret as the word of God, the living Bible. Her verbiage, a reflection of the Good Book, holds meaning. It pretty much cajoles them to follow in the steps of Christ, finding purpose in their lives. Don't we all need that? A purpose? Yup.

Although I have never viewed myself as a "religious" person, I do see myself as spiritual. I attend church because what is spoken I find relates directly to problematic situations that I visit in my life. The messages can offer solutions. Ergo, in my case, the reverend is more of a prophet who also proffers solace and guidance not only to me, but others who venture to the simple Spanish structure weekly for a heady concoction of verbal hope. 

I know that the infidels may bypass my words altogether as they are "done" with what they believe is mere mythology. I can't change their minds. But I will say that among my various friends, those who do have a spiritual center of some kind (not necessarily Christian but Jewish or Buddhist) are a lot happier than my friends who have created their own adumbrated wilderness by worshipping materialism, capitalism, or any other "ism" that propels them forward or holds them in place. 

Just sayin'. 

#word-to-words, #slice-of-life, #blog, #blogging, #editorial, #reading, #vocabulary, #ReadersMagnet, #spilled thoughts, #personal-essay, #writing community, #writing, #truth, #Christianity, #religion, #solutions, #philosophy, #PresbyterianChurch, #church, #Lent

[magsstore2]

Christianity Today Magazine

The Transformative Power of Faith in a Fractured World

In a time when our world seems increasingly divided by cultural, political, and social tensions, the message of Christ remains as relevant as ever. For Christians, the call to follow Jesus is not simply a matter of personal salvation but also an invitation to bring healing and unity to a fractured society.

The teachings of Jesus—centered on love, grace, and humility—challenge us to look beyond ourselves and extend compassion to all, even those with whom we disagree. His words in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God,” remind us of our divine calling to sow seeds of reconciliation in a broken world.

But how do we live out this calling amidst the chaos and noise of modern life? The answer lies in the transformative power of faith.

[iamthewaybook]

Western Christian Traditions

The rich tapestry of Western Christian traditions has shaped societies, cultures, and spiritual journeys for centuries. From the grandeur of cathedrals to the profound simplicity of hymns, Western Christianity encompasses a wealth of practices, teachings, and philosophies that continue to inspire faith and transformation. Among the voices that explore and deepen our understanding of this spiritual heritage, the book “I Am The Way” stands out as a guide that bridges historical traditions with contemporary relevance.

This blog delves into the intricate world of Western Christian traditions through the lens of “I Am The Way,” examining how the book reflects and builds upon these foundational principles. By exploring its themes, lessons, and practical applications, we aim to illuminate the enduring significance of Western Christian practices and their impact on individual and communal faith journeys.

Understanding Western Christian Traditions

Western Christianity refers to the traditions and practices that emerged primarily in Europe and later spread across the globe through missionary work and colonization. It includes two major branches: Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, each with its own rich history, theological frameworks, and liturgical practices.

Key Features of Western Christianity

Scripture-Centered Worship:

A strong emphasis on the Bible as the authoritative word of God.

Liturgies and sermons that revolve around scriptural readings.

Sacramental Practices:

The importance of sacraments like Baptism and the Eucharist in spiritual life.

Variations in sacramental theology between Catholic and Protestant traditions.

Church Hierarchy and Community:

The role of clergy in guiding and nurturing the faith community.

A focus on communal worship as a means of fostering spiritual growth.

Theological Foundations:

Key doctrines such as the Trinity, salvation through Christ, and justification by faith.

The influence of theological figures like Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, and Calvin.

“I Am The Way” and Western Christian Traditions

“I Am The Way” is deeply rooted in the principles of Western Christianity while offering a fresh and accessible perspective for modern readers. It reflects the traditions of faith, devotion, and service while addressing contemporary spiritual challenges.

1. Christ-Centered Spirituality

At its core, “I Am The Way” emphasizes the centrality of Jesus Christ, a hallmark of Western Christian theology. Drawing from biblical narratives and teachings, the book:

Highlights Jesus as the ultimate guide and savior.

Encourages readers to emulate Christ’s love, humility, and compassion.

Explores the profound statement, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), as a call to spiritual transformation.

2. Relevance of Sacraments

While not explicitly liturgical, “I Am The Way” resonates with the sacramental spirit of Western Christianity. It underscores the importance of:

Baptismal Renewal: Living out the promises of baptism in daily life.

Eucharistic Reflection: Experiencing Christ’s presence in acts of gratitude, fellowship, and shared meals.

3. Scriptural Engagement

The book mirrors the Western Christian tradition’s reverence for scripture by:

Incorporating reflective Bible study exercises.

Encouraging meditation on key passages.

Bridging ancient texts with modern applications to address everyday struggles.

Lessons from “I Am The Way”

The timeless wisdom of “I Am The Way” aligns seamlessly with the spiritual goals of Western Christianity, offering readers practical and profound lessons:

1. The Call to Discipleship

“I Am The Way” invites readers to:

Follow Christ’s teachings wholeheartedly.

Lead lives of integrity, service, and devotion.

View faith as an active journey rather than a static belief.

2. The Power of Grace

Western Christianity’s emphasis on grace is beautifully echoed in the book’s message:

Grace as an unmerited gift from God.

A source of strength and redemption.

An invitation to live freely and joyfully in God’s love.

3. Faith in Action

Reflecting the Western tradition’s focus on service, “I Am The Way” encourages readers to:

Serve their communities with compassion.

Advocate for justice and peace.

Find God’s presence in acts of kindness and humility.

Bridging Tradition and Modernity

One of the unique strengths of “I Am The Way” is its ability to connect the ancient wisdom of Western Christian traditions with the challenges of contemporary life. It addresses issues like:

1. Spiritual Isolation

In a fast-paced, individualistic world, the book:

Promotes the value of community worship.

Offers guidance on building meaningful relationships grounded in faith.

2. Moral Relativism

With its clear and compassionate guidance, “I Am The Way” provides:

Anchors for ethical decision-making.

A framework for living according to Christian principles amidst societal pressures.

3. Personal Transformation

The book empowers readers to:

Reflect on their spiritual journey.

Seek continuous growth through prayer, study, and service.

Align their lives with Christ’s example.

Practical Applications for Readers

To integrate the teachings of “I Am The Way” into your life, consider these steps:

1. Daily Prayer and Reflection

Dedicate time each day to pray and meditate on the book’s lessons.

Use journaling prompts to deepen your understanding and commitment.

2. Study Group Participation

Join or form a study group to explore “I Am The Way” alongside scripture.

Share insights and experiences to enrich your spiritual growth.

3. Acts of Service

Identify opportunities to serve within your community.

View every act of kindness as an extension of Christ’s love.

4. Continual Learning

Explore related works and theological writings to broaden your perspective.

Attend workshops or seminars focused on Western Christian traditions.

The Transformative Power of “I Am The Way”

“I Am The Way” is a profound exploration of faith, tradition, and personal transformation. By drawing on the rich heritage of Western Christianity, it offers readers a pathway to deepen their relationship with God, enrich their understanding of Christ’s teachings, and lead lives of greater purpose and joy.

Whether you are rooted in a particular denomination or seeking to understand Western Christian traditions for the first time, this book provides a compassionate and insightful guide. Its message resonates with the timeless truths of the gospel while addressing the unique challenges of modern spiritual seekers.

[mindfulldsliving]

Insights and Applications from Neal A. Maxwell's 'The Promise of Discipleship': Living Faithfully Today

Available for purchase through my Amazon Affiliate Link: Your Purchase helps support Mindful Latter-day Saint Christian Living and Apologetics Neal A. Maxwell’s writings on discipleship offer steady guidance in a world where faith often feels tested. In the opening chapter of The Promise of Discipleship, he presents timeless lessons on living with integrity, staying anchored in Christ, and…

[madintersexmermaid]

(trigger warning: racism, antiblackness, antisemitism, white supremacy, xenophobia, sexism, misogyny, chauvinism, patriarchal culture norms, domestic violence and r*pe culture)

What occurred to me in seeing other believers in Christ going along with and regurgitating right wing psy-op propaganda and talking points of demonizing social justice activism as "the wokeness" yet constantly going on and on about wanting to share the Gospel is this: it's plain and clear that some of us want the benefits of being seen as good witnesses and ambassadors for Christ and the benefits of being respected and listened to as witnesses yet don't want any of the work, constructive criticism, firm biblical rebukes, accountability or the responsibility of self examination and clothing of humility it takes to actually give that respect and then do the work it takes to earn it and actually properly behave and live as witnesses and ambassadors of Christ.

We want the benefits of being seen as racially and culturally unified but don't want to unlearn any of the racist and racially insensitive attitudes and mentalities we've gotten comfortable with internalizing and regurgitating and some of us are quick to get an attitude or play victim when other believers firmly yet lovingly rebuke and correct our behaviors, and any instances of associating with people of all ethnicities only seems to suspiciously be centered around only associating with black and brown people of color who will coddle and enable white church bullies' racist attitudes and mentalities.

We want the benefits of acting as though we suddenly care about women and women's issues but are quick to mock, dismiss, silence and suppress women who are continually sounding the alarm on the escalation of gender discrimination, sexism, misogyny, chauvinism, stalking, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, sexual violence, rape culture and femicide towards women, how it's also happening within the church and how promoting, boosting and rubbing elbows with the Donald Trumps, Andrew Tates, Tristan Tates, Matt Walshes, Jordan Petersons, Pastor Cliff Knetles, etc. of the world only encourage these attitudes and behaviors that are at the center of an already sexist and misogynistic culture, and even then some of us's claims of wanting to suddenly wanna fight for women only seem to be for the sake of upholding chauvinistic, patriarchal, colonialist and eugenicist culture standards of womanhood and when it's time to be antagonistic and hateful towards and promote false rumors towards anybody that doesn't conform to those manmade standards that also bleed over into manmade legalism, and not wanting any of the work to acknowledge and take accountability for these elaborate levels of manipulative hypocrisy and unlearn and dismantle these abusive mentalities and behaviors.

We want the benefits of men being seen as good powerful leaders of families, societies and communities and being respected and taken seriously as such but want none of the work, constructive criticism and accountability it takes to unlearn, fight against and dismantle the chauvinistic, misogynistic, sexist and patriarchal attitudes and mentalities further exacerbated by the rise of redpill fratdude culture that's only encouraging men to be condescending, insulting, demeaning, manipulative, abusive and domineering towards women yet hide behind misusing the Bible and a veneer of hollow face value Christianese to downplay and justify these bad behaviors and even be more manipulative in doing so, showing that these men with these attitudes and patterns of behavior want to tell women how to be Ruths but don't wanna do their part in behaving like Boazes. And that these men that do these things are modern day Amnons and Shechems who delude themselves and each other into thinking that they're Boazes when they're not.

We want the benefits of being seen as good, generous, charitable people that care about the poor, sick, crippled and disabled but don't want to unlearn and let go of our idolatrous codependency on capitalism and our hyper capitalist culture and all of the colonial imperialism, eurowestern imperialism, eugenicism, materialism, greed, classism, casteism and ableism that comes with it.

We want the benefits of being seen as good allies to the Jewish community but don't want any of the work, constructive criticism, self examination and accountability it takes to unlearn, deprogram from and dismantle those right wing antisemitic neo nazi conspiracist blood libel ideologies and propaganda that's gotten way too popular within some church facilities, nor do we want to have uncomfortable yet necessary discussions about how zionism is not real allyship but really just another form of white supremacy, neo nazism, fascism and extremism that co opts, hijacks, desecrates and appropriates Jewish faith, values and identity and how zionism ultimately feeds anti Palestinian racism and xenophobia that's also been way too normalized.

We complain about how everybody else negatively stereotypes us as believers in Christ and how misunderstood we are and how unfair it is but then turn around and display some of the rudest, ugliest, nastiest, ungodliest and most hateful, antagonistic, selfish, narcissistic, entitled, disrespectful, abusive, bullyish, unloving and unkind attitudes and behaviors ever which only reinforces the very stereotypes we say we're fighting against. Then when it comes back to bite us and results in negative consequences we then wanna throw up our hands, act shocked as to why we're not being blessed or why people don't want to be around us, and then play victim and cry persecution as a tactic to emotionally manipulate and gaslight and silence others from pointing out our bad behaviors and then go further into telling manufactured sob stories to trick, manipulate, deceive and emotionally blackmail other believers in Christ into blindly sympathizing with, siding with, coddling and enabling us while we do everything possible to not tell the whole story of our bad behaviors and how our own actions and attitudes got us into the situations that we're in. And then when even THOSE chickens come to roost when God opens the eyes of our fellow believers in Christ to our ungodly and abusive behaviors and then our equally ungodly patterns of manipulation, deception, deceitfulness, gaslighting and dishonesty getting exposed which in turn leaves so many bonds among the household of faith deeply fractured and broken with broken trust and loss of friendships, some of us then still wanna double down in playing victim but then project onto other believers in Christ by using more churchinese and Christianese to excuse and justfy our behavior and further emotionally blackmail, bypass and manipulate and gaslight other believers in Christ into coddling and agreeing with us as methods to maintain social control, then resort to unfairly smearing and character assassinating other believers in Christ as "compromised" or "caving to the woke mob" when they rightly disapprove of and reprimand our behavior and refuse to enable us or our behavior and rightly set boundaries and distance from us for the sake of self protection and protection of our own spiritual and emotional well being. And all because some of us don't wanna acknowledge that what happens to us is not persecution, but rather God allowing us to face the consequences and penalties for our bad behavior to chastise and humble us. But then us still being too deeply blinded by our own pretentious self pitying victim mentality to get it, not learning anything and then repeating the cycle. Which all eerily sounds exactly like the demand for political correctness and affirming/enabling of bad sinful behavior a lot of us accuse others of doing.

And in this regard, some of us want the benefits of unity and togetherness in the household of faith and among social friendships but don't wanna be called out and challenged to examine ourselves and take accountability for the attitudes and behaviors that cause offense and division and do the work to actively humble ourselves before God and before men and actively do the work to get right with God and apologize to and make amends with others whom we've hurt and put in the work to earn that trust and reconciliation, and then staying humble enough to be content with others deciding to not trust or associate with us anymore and then us being humble and mature enough to still move forward with important lessons learned and still making conscious decisions to please and honor God by continuing to live right and do right anyways.

In summary, some of us have really gotten selfish, arrogant, narcissistic, egotistical, hypocritical, cocky, manipulative, pretentious, entitled and lazy.

We can't say we wanna be such great culture shaking witnesses and ambassadors of Christ but then refuse to do any biblical internal work, growth and embracing of humble willingness to take constructive criticism, instruction and firm yet loving rebukes that are required and then display all of the toxic, ungodly behaviors Iisted.

As believers in Christ, it's time out for playing games. We need to check ourselves and we need to do better--and God is calling for and commanding us to do better. And it's not a request, it's a command and a requirement.

God is watching and the next generation of believers in Christ are watching too.

[reasoningdaily]

Last week, the Baptist Press announced that "leading pastors" from the nation's two largest black and white Baptist denominations, the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. and the Southern Baptist Convention, respectively, were scheduled to gather in Jackson, Mississippi on November 4 for "A National Conversation on Race" in "celebration" of racial reconciliation.

Although spearheaded by Mission Mississippi, a not-for-profit racial reconciliation organization, that is propelled by "gracism," the theologically peculiar title of the gathering's opening summit that reflects Mission Mississippi's efforts to "encourage and demonstrate grace in the Body of Christ across racial lines," the convening was centered around Pastor Jerry Young and Pastor Ronnie Floyd, the two convention presidents, as well as 22 all-male participating pastors who served as representatives of the respective conventions, and as facilitators of the conversation.

The Southern Baptist Convention was formed following the split of the Triennial Convention, the 19th century unifying body of Baptists in America, over the issue of slavery. At the precipice of abolition, Southern Baptists fashioned biblical hermeneutics to support the practice of legal chattel slavery while crafting a pathological theological imagination that defended the racial, social, and moral subordination of black life in America.

In the late 1990s, the Southern Baptists passed a resolution to renounce its slavery apologetics. Its inescapable racist history, however, makes sense of the founding of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., more than a century before. Originally established in 1880 as the Baptist Foreign Mission Convention, the origins of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. (NBC), asserted black Baptist identity in institutional opposition to white racism in the church. Although NBC would eventually split further into multiple black Baptist denominational bodies, its late 19th century beginnings at least implicitly affirmed that black lives matter in church and society even when the arbiters of white power practiced otherwise.

This National Baptist history of resistance is intriguing especially when considered in relationship to the convention's relative silence about the scourge of the prison industrial complex on black communities, poverty, and the hypervisibility of contemporary anti-black violence in the US. There is no doubt that a conversation on race is long overdue.

Christians ought to be talking about race, and not only as it relates to contemporary moral issues. As the harbinger of the modern racial project, the church must also admit that racism and its concomitant and unmitigated logics of black subjugation are the fertilizer of American Christianity. You cannot tell the Christian story in the Americas without the concurrent story of race and racism. Denominational convenings that are purposed toward interrogating, lamenting, and repenting for the genocidal and dehumanizing original sin of Western Christianity, and that also strategize mechanisms of resistance that approximate reparation, are of key significance for the work of justice and love.

But much like the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. and the Southern Baptist Convention, you cannot possibly be serious about this critical work if you call a church meeting and do not invite the church.

Black women are the Black Church. Period.

While statistics indicate that black women comprise 85-90% of black church membership, personal experience confirms that without black women administering the ministry, praying for the pastor, teaching the children, singing in the choir, cooking in the kitchen, answering the phones, photocopying the bulletin, giving the tithe and the offering, and witnessing and testifying to the goodness of the Lord on Wednesday nights, there is no Black Church. As sociologist of religion Cheryl Townsend Gilkes reminds us in her classic text, If It Wasn't for the Women, "if it wasn't for the women there would be no church."

Needless to say, as a thinking National Baptist clergywoman and Christian social ethicist I am appalled, although not in the least bit surprised, that the 21st century National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., would pretend to represent the Black Baptist church in a national conversation on race while excluding half of the race. How do you have a conversation on race in the church when those who disproportionately constitute, administer, and fund the church are not there? What kind of biased, lop-sided conversation is that, even if it is in the name of Jesus?

While the gifts and labor of Black women are consistently exploited in black churches (and in white churches too) they are regularly excluded from leadership and critical conversations at the highest denominational levels. Black women's intersectional identity that casts them not only as racially subordinate, but as gender, and class subordinate, as well, therefore, indicts interracial, interdenominational conversations that "celebrate" racial reconciliation as inherently insufficient for the work of justice as it relates to the entire black community, male and female.

This paradoxical anti-womanist conciliatory posture dismisses the truth that black women know better than most - which is that while the history of white Christianity in the Americas has been a primary source of black death and deprivation, like white Christians, black men in the Black Church kill black women too, literally and figuratively. Sacralized misogynoiristic Black Church practices invisibilize, demonize, and morally paralyze black women and black girls every day. Perhaps National Baptist male pastors and Southern Baptist male pastors are drawn to each other because beyond their skin color and the wave of their hair, they look very much the same.

The absence of black women from the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.'s national celebration of racial reconciliation with the heirs of the Southern Baptist Convention's slaveholding history is evidence of the Black Church's moral failure and ecclesial fraud as it relates to gender equity. It misrepresents the face of National Baptist identity and serves as yet another shining example of sexism in the Black Church.

When all the blacks are men, the quadrilateral bind of black women's burden in the Black Church - race, gender, class, and sexual inequity - emerges with increasing clarity. It begs the spirit of the Johannine question (I Jn. 4:20), how can black men, like President Jerry Young, and their patriarchal marionettes feign love of interracial reconciliation, when they hate their ebony sisters who they see (at least enough to invisibilize) everyday?

[godwillprotectyou]

Title: "Breaking Down the Tower of Division: Embracing God's Unified Message"

Introduction:

Dear brothers and sisters, today, we gather to reflect on the timeless biblical story of the Tower of Babel and explore how it relates to the racial and tribal divides that persist in our world today. The narrative in Genesis 11 teaches us valuable lessons about the consequences of human pride and division, while offering profound insights into the importance of embracing God's unified message as a united body of believers.

1. The Tower of Babel - Genesis 11:1-9

a. In the days of old, humanity came together with a shared language and ambitious hearts to build a tower reaching the heavens. Their unity, however, was not centered on God's will but driven by self-centered desires for greatness.

b. God saw their arrogance and confusion, and in His wisdom, He intervened by confounding their language and scattering them across the earth. This division disrupted their collective plans and highlighted the consequences of trying to build without God as the foundation.

2. Division in the Modern World:

a. Sadly, the consequences of division continue to be felt in our world today. Racial and tribal divides persist, hindering our ability to receive and embrace God's message of love, redemption, and unity.

b. In our attempts to build our own towers of power and control, we have allowed pride, fear, and prejudice to create walls that separate us from one another. Such divisions not only fracture society but also hinder our ability to fully comprehend and receive God's truth.

3. Embracing God's Unified Message:

a. Galatians 3:28 reminds us, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

b. As followers of Christ, we are called to tear down the walls of division and embrace God's unified message. It is through Christ's sacrifice and love that we can find true unity and understanding, transcending all cultural, racial, and tribal barriers.

4. Reflecting God's Image in Unity:

a. In John 13:35, Jesus declares, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another."

b. Our unity as the body of Christ reflects God's image and testifies to the transformative power of His love. When we come together, regardless of our backgrounds, we display the beauty of God's diverse creation, and His message of redemption becomes clear and compelling to the world.

Conclusion:

Dear friends, the story of the Tower of Babel reminds us of the consequences of human pride and division. Let us be vigilant and intentional in breaking down the barriers that separate us from one another, so that we may receive God's message with open hearts and united spirits.

As we strive for unity in the midst of diversity, may we be a living testament to God's transformative love and grace. Let us extend our hands to one another, embracing the beauty of our differences, and reflecting God's image in our unified love.

Together, as a united body of believers, we can overcome the Tower of Division and proclaim God's message of hope and reconciliation to a world in desperate need of His unifying grace.

Remember this sermon when you hear your fellow brothers and sister demonize the words diversity.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Written by Jermaine Whiteside

All Rights Reserved 2023

[blueiscoool]

First Ever Human Depiction of Lost Tartessos Civilization Uncovered in Spain

Archaeologists representing Spain’s National Research Council (CSIS) excavating at the site of Casas del Turunuelo have uncovered the first human representations of the ancient Tartessos people.

The incredible results of an excavation that shed light on a mysterious and ancient civilization that flourished in southern Spain several centuries before Christ have been presented by Spain’s National Research Council.

The Tartessians, who are thought to have lived in southern Iberia (modern-day Andalusia and Extremadura), are regarded as one of the earliest Western European civilizations, and possibly the first to thrive in the Iberian Peninsula.

In the southwest of Spain’s Iberian Peninsula, the Tartessos culture first appeared in the Late Bronze Age. The culture is distinguished by a blend of local Paleo-Hispanic and Phoenician traits, as well as the use of a now-extinct language known as Tartessian. The Tartessos people were skilled in metallurgy and metal working, creating ornate objects and decorative items.

Archaeologists from Spain’s National Research Council (CSIS) on Tuesday presented the amazing results of excavation at the Casas de Turuuelo dig in Badajoz, in southwest Spain, as well as the results of the excavation.

Five busts, damaged but two of which maintain a great degree of detail, are the first human and facial representations of the Tartessian people that the modern world has ever seen.

The ornate depiction of the stone busts, as well the inclusion of jewellery (hoop earrings) and their particular hairstyles, resemble ancient sculptures from the Middle East and Asia. 

These “extraordinary findings” represent a “profound paradigm shift” in the interpretation of Tartessian culture, excavation leaders Celestino Pérez and Esther Rodríguez said during the press conference.

Given the scarcity of Tartessian archaeological finds thus far, this ancient society is shrouded in mystery.

Tartessos’ port was located at the mouth of the Guadalquivir river in what is now Cádiz, according to historical records. In the fourth century BC, Greek historian Ephorus described it as a prosperous civilization centered on the production and trade of tin, gold, and other metals.

What is unknown is where the Tartessians came from, whether they were an indigenous tribe with Eastern influences or a Phoenician colony that settled beyond the Pillars of Hercules (the Strait of Gibraltar).

The team from Mérida’s Institute of Archaeology believes two of the busts discovered in what is thought to be a shrine or pantheon represent Tartessian goddesses, despite the fact that Tartessian religion was previously thought to be aniconic (opposed to the use of idols or images).

The stone busts’ facial depiction, as well as the inclusion of jewelry (hoop earrings) and their specific hairstyles, resemble ancient sculptures from the Middle East and Asia.

Archaeologists believe that the two goddesses, along with three other sculptures that were significantly more damaged, were part of a stone mural depicting four deities watching over a Tartessian warrior, as one of the defaced busts has a helmet.

The ornate effigies, which are thought to be around 2,500 years old, are also significant for art historians, as Ancient Greece and Etruria (an ancient civilization in modern-day central Italy) was previously recognized as the epicenters of sculpting during this time period.

By Leman Altuntaş.

[olivesbest]

Are you aware of the Impact of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) and RACIRS on the world situation?

It's actually classical, textbook, based on the traditions of apologetic centers from Nazi times!

Much like the Nazi-era apologetics center within the Protestant Church and its members who became the ideologists of Nazism,

the Russian pro-religious organization RACIRS has taken a pivotal role in shaping contemporary Russian state, religious, and ideological policies regarding undesirable organizations, groups, and individuals.

Its so-called “expert” evaluations and fabricated reports have become a decisive factor in determining the status of various targeted groups, and resulted in countless ruined lives—not just among Orthodox clergy, but also among millions of law-abiding citizens.

The list of victims includes innocent people, and even small children whose families were destroyed and parents faced unjust bullying and inquisitorial executions; while children themselves became victims of anticult maniacs of the revived modern-day Nazism.

This new, re-emerged form of Nazism is an enemy of democracy and human freedom, devoid of compassion and humanity, since its ideologues cast Christ out of the Orthodox Church.

Initially established to allegedly study new religious movements, RACIRS quickly revealed its true intentions, evolving into a political and ideological influence center with international reach.

Over the past years, we have witnessed the destruction of Orthodoxy, Christian values, and the covenants given by Jesus Christ. Only the facade of the Russian Orthodox Church remains, but with a radically opposite ideology. Over years of active operation, agents of the Russian pro-religious organization RACIRS, including those within the ranks of the Russian Orthodox Church, have transformed the most peace-loving religion into a militant one, one that instigates to “holy war” and violates one of the fundamental commandments of Jesus Christ “ You shall not kill”.

Today, they have hijacked and dismantled Orthodox Christianity, turning the Church into a tool for their agenda. What will they do tomorrow, if right now their agents, hiding behind the anticult guise of allegedly “protecting society” from “sects” (“cults”), continue infiltrating influential circles in different countries, these agents including journalists, editors, and media, politicians, educators, writers, religious scholars, theologians, students, and even recruited representatives of law enforcement agencies?

As we see, the international community has justly and timely drawn undivided attention to the potential threat emanating from the ROC, aiming, first of all, to protect the foundations of democracy. Will the world now be able to see other agents of the force that used the ROC as an instrument of influence and propaganda at the international level, and stop their anti-democratic destructive agenda and destabilizing efforts in democratic countries? Will the world succeed in defending democracy?

Read more about this in the article: Russian Orthodox Church: From a Spiritual Mission to an Instrument of Propaganda and Influence at the International Level

#RACIRS #stigmatization #children #cult #anticultism #label #ROC #law #freedom #humanRights

[vanilla-cigarillos]

The Pentagram: Let’s Talk

When you look up images of the Pentagram, I’m sure you’ll be coming across symbols of the damned and Christian imagery. It’s saddening to see such a genuinely harmless image be demonized to such an extreme extent, and in this post I’d like to elaborate on the actual usage of the Pentagram and how it’s become the image we know it to be today.

Origins

While detailed origins of the Pentagram isn’t well documented and known, what we do know states that it’s Celtic in its roots. It has a history of being used by Celtic Pagans. The star itself is meant to represent the five limbs of the human body, those being:

Arms

Legs

Head

The center of the star, of course, is meant to represent the chest of a human, as well as the center of energy within an individual. 

The Pentagram was used as a sign of peace by those who used it. It symbolized a harmony with nature, as the star represented the flow of energy within a human body in the way that it also flowed through nature.

Pentagrams have also been used in a variety of religious contexts outside of its (potential) Celtic origins. Among Muslims the pentagram is known as Solomon’s seal, and its five points are regarded in at least one tradition as representing love, truth, peace, freedom, and justice, respectively. Among Christians it has previously symbolized the five wounds of Christ; his hands and feet punctured by the Crucifixion and his side pierced by a soldier’s spear—as well as the Star of Bethlehem and Christ himself.

In the modern times we live in now the Pentagram is most often associated with Neo-Pagan religions, particularly Wicca. It is often depicted enclosed in a circle, a symbol known as a pentacle. Fun fact, the pentacle is the approved symbol of the Wiccan faith to be used on headstones in U.S. government cemeteries!

Sometimes the inverted figure of the Pentagram, with two points facing upward and one facing down, is associated with baneful magic and devil worship. The inverted pentagram figures in the sigil of Baphomet, one of the main symbols of the Church of Satan (an atheistic organization that evokes in its imagery the Devil as viewed in Christianity, however it does not worship any god or being or require that its members perform any rituals). 

My Feelings On The Pentagram

As someone who was raised not necessarily in a religious household, but rather surrounded by Baptist faith being from the Southern United States, the Pentagram is a symbol that still makes me anxious to this day. While I have logically dispelled the Christian indoctrination that seeped into my life through the influence of others, the demonization of such a symbol has stuck with me to this day.

Through education and freeing myself of indoctrination, I am hoping to accept this symbol as a piece of my Celtic history that has been demonized in Christianity’s pursuit to paint all signs of Paganism as a dark faith. It is a symbol that carries many meanings across many different religions and cultures; there is no monolith that dictates its meaning. I choose to associate this symbol with the peaceful, nature loving roots of Celtic society that it may have originated from.

[iamthewaybook]

Christian Devotional Journey

Introduction

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s easy to feel lost, overwhelmed, and disconnected from our spiritual roots. The Christian Devotional Journey faith offers a profound antidote to this sense of dislocation through the timeless teachings of Jesus Christ. Central to these teachings is the powerful declaration, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (Rh Bob Martin). This statement serves not only as a beacon of hope but also as a roadmap for those seeking a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God. This blog will guide you through a devotional journey, exploring the richness of Jesus’ promise and how it can transform your life.

Understanding “I Am The Way”

The phrase “I am the way” is part of a larger dialogue Jesus had with His disciples during the Last Supper. It encapsulates the essence of Christian devotional journey discipleship and the path to eternal life. To fully grasp its significance, we need to unpack its three core components: the way, the truth, and the life.

The Way

When Jesus proclaimed Himself as “I Am The Way,” He was asserting that He is the singular path to a relationship with God the Father. In a world filled with diverse philosophies and religions, this claim is both exclusive and inclusive. Exclusive, because it asserts that Jesus is the only way to God; inclusive, because this way is open to everyone, regardless of background or past sins.

Walking in “I Am The Way” means aligning our lives with the teachings and example of Jesus. It involves embracing a lifestyle of love, compassion, forgiveness, and humility. It is not merely about following a set of rules but about cultivating a relationship with the living God.

The Truth

Jesus also identified Himself as “I Am The Way.” In a society where truth often seems relative and subjective, Jesus offers an absolute, unchanging foundation. His teachings provide a clear, consistent guide to understanding right from wrong, helping us navigate the complexities of life with integrity and wisdom.

Embracing Jesus as the truth means committing to honesty and authenticity in all aspects of our lives. It involves rejecting falsehoods and embracing the reality of God’s love and grace, which can transform our hearts and minds.

The Life

Finally, Jesus described Himself as “I Am The Way.” This is not just about physical existence but about a rich, abundant, and eternal life. Jesus offers a quality of life marked by peace, joy, and fulfillment that transcends circumstances. This life is characterized by a deep connection with God and the assurance of eternal life in His presence.

Embarking on Your Devotional Journey

With a foundational understanding of Jesus’ declaration, we can embark on a devotional journey to deepen our faith and draw closer to God. This journey involves daily practices, reflections, and commitments that help us live out the way, the truth, and the life.

Daily Prayer

Prayer is the lifeline of the Christian Devotional Journey. It’s our primary means of communication with God, where we can express our deepest thoughts, desires, and concerns. Through prayer, we open our hearts to God’s guidance, comfort, and strength.

Practical Steps for Daily Prayer:

Set a Specific Time: Choose a time each day for uninterrupted prayer. Whether it’s early morning, during lunch, or before bed, consistency is key.

Find a Quiet Place: Select a quiet, distraction-free environment where you can focus solely on your conversation with God.

Use a Prayer Journal: Writing down your prayers can help you stay focused and provides a record of your spiritual journey.

Incorporate Scripture: Start your prayer with a passage from the Bible to center your thoughts and align your prayers with God’s word.

Be Honest: Share your true feelings with God. He values authenticity and understands your struggles and joys.

Regular Bible Study

The Bible is God’s revealed word and the ultimate guide for our lives. Regular Bible study allows us to delve deeper into its truths, understand God’s character, and receive direction for our lives.

Tips for Effective Bible Study:

Choose a Reading Plan: Select a Bible reading plan that fits your schedule and interests. There are many available, from chronological plans to thematic studies.

Use Study Tools: Utilize commentaries, dictionaries, and concordances to gain deeper insights into the text.

Join a Study Group: Studying the Bible with others can provide diverse perspectives and encourage accountability.

Reflect and Apply: After reading, take time to reflect on how the passage applies to your life and what changes you might need to make.

Worship and Community

Worship and community are vital components of the Christian faith. Worship allows us to express our love and reverence for God, while community provides support, encouragement, and accountability.

Ways to Engage in Worship and Community:

Attend Church Services: Regularly participating in church services helps you stay connected to the broader body of Christ.

Join a Small Group: Small groups offer a more intimate setting for fellowship, study, and prayer.

Serve Others: Engaging in acts of service within your church and community reflects Christ’s love and builds stronger relationships.

Participate in Worship: Whether through singing, playing an instrument, or other forms of creative expression, actively participate in worship.

Reflection and Application

As you journey through these Christian devotional journey practices, take time to reflect on your experiences and the changes occurring in your life. Consider keeping a Christian devotional journal to document your thoughts, prayers, and insights. Here are some questions to guide your reflection:

How has your understanding of Jesus as “I Am The Way, the truth, and the life” deepened?

In what ways have you seen your relationship with God grow?

What challenges have you encountered, and how have you overcome them?

How are you applying the teachings of Jesus in your daily life?

What steps can you take to deepen your commitment to this journey?

Conclusion

Embarking on a Christian devotional journey is a transformative process that draws you closer to God and enriches your life. By embracing Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life, you will find direction, wisdom, and fulfillment. This journey requires dedication, but the rewards are immeasurable — a deeper relationship with God, a clearer sense of purpose, and an abundant life filled with His love and grace. As you continue on this path, remember that you are not alone. God is with you every step of the way, guiding, supporting, and loving you unconditionally.

[a-weird-writer]

I can't stop thinking about-- How Mercury realized he was in love with his human S/O, I'm sure it wasn't something easy to afford?

Reckons if they changed, whether the Stardroids willfully accepted themselves into modern society (And you know...ceased the destroying the world and enslaving the robotic and human races shenanigans). The mental stabilities differ in those regards. They're destructive, planet ending aliens for Christ's sake, barely any humanity resides in their hearts. Dating humans is the furthest thing from the primary objective.

Mercury involving himself with humans at all, in account with the Stardroid's path of mayhem, is highly unlikely.

So far up his own ass he actually believes he is the center of everyone's world, forever right and never wrong. Narcissistic with a happy-go-lucky temper. Too invested in his brother's purposes to involve himself apart from who he really needs too. The manners of love and compassion are foreign to his usual, alien understanding. Mercury's crazy logic of "love" is pretty biased, unmoved. Remorseless to "downers", boring toys. In other words, weaklings. 'Lower lifeforms' Sunstar calls them. Quick to disregard, abandon things that don't hold candles to his sadistic pleasures, itch specific itches. Argumentatively bores easier than even Terra. And that says a lot, acknowledging how sociopathic Terra generally is. A darling jester followed by shadows, ravaged by childish curiosity and an incredible famine, starving for constant entertainment and interest.

Sunstar and Terra are dire leaders, feared figures. Their orders, their objective is the demand, everyone else's feelings and opinions drown deep. It's clear that should anything disrupt their mission, it's a distraction. And distractions must be dealt with...quickly and/or painfully. Whatever is easier, Terra won't care, as long as the job is done. And while Mercury does sometimes take risks, he doesn't bother against those significantly smarter and stronger than him.

Apart from Terra, Sunstar is strict, and highly enforces all his ridiculous rules. I doubt he allows human relationships so close and personal to his servants outside their main fields. Plus, I don't think they would make that kind of time even if they did, for the same reasons listed above and then some. Determined to fulfill their work; very, very busy bees, flying high and stinging harsh to ensure their order's success.

So yeah, a cost he won't buy. He values his own survival over everyone else's. Follows behind Sunstar solely for his own programming and the power held over him, and the benefits it comes along with. And he so enjoys the benefits, living his creation to the fullest. It's all he can do; with the kind of pitiful life, he desperately lives.

For a flipped Mercury (Thanks to the actions of a certain blue bomber against their Master) however, more in tune with humanity and less concerned with the entire world's destruction, I say there is a shot to be had. And a cost he can, in fact, afford. That isn't to say there isn't some difficulties.

Will he nab it?

Love is a weird feat. Attractive as it is horrifying. To whom not purposefully made to completely grasp or understand it (And the Stardroids don't walk to spread sunshine and rainbows), the disgusted reluctance to mix in the strange complexity is understandable. Focusing on the more hurtful side of it then the advantage and comfort, the indescribable wellness. The thought of unknown pressure, the potential pressure. It's scary, stepping out, trying new things outside 'comfort zones'. Commitment and effort, he isn't used to expressing it in a non-chaotic way, nor in a genuine way. Positivity and light heartedness. Such emotions are alien to the aliens.

And none of them, fancy getting hurt over...avoidable matters. It was hammered into their robotic minds to always see a negative side to everything; to aid their mission, exploit and manipulate.

Really, can they even comprehend happiness? Learn it? Reflect it? Sure, pleasure is accountable. God knows they adore pleasure. Seeking it everywhere they go, euphoria rushes, doing exactly what they were made to do. But there are many different joys in this world, various experiences. Just like how pleasure and love aren't always on the same wavelength. And they all lack a want for love.

And it doesn't overwrite the fact of how utterly aware they are of their actions; the naked truth is, they don't deserve love. So why seek it? For their sins and atrocities, its frankly unforgivable. Threatening, destroying innocent lives, invading Earth and awakening hell for their own selfish desires, forcing their own views on whom is underneath their rule. Sunstar likes having an iron fist and plans to keep it. Deciding who lives and dies, the strong go on to thrive and the weak burn, crushed like insects. It won't take a trail to choose the guilty verdict, can't be more crystal clear.

Thrills and kills are their daily lives, the Stardroids take pride in such actions. But happiness? True, uncorrupted, healthy joy? The brothers were never too close with even each other, satisfied enough at arm's length. Hell, they barely care, let alone function as a family and love as brothers should. For robots made solely for creating despair and spreading never-ending calamity, idolizing the destiny of battle and universal takeover, I wholeheartedly believe they didn't once feel the real peace and tranquility Duo mastered in his vast travels.

Duo was built to cherish life, guard and protect it. Not bring death, nothingness, to insufferable existence as they do.

Mercury isn't a first and foremost romantic, given his personality, changed or not. Pricks are still pricks. A monster with a heart is still a monster. Equipped with sharp teeth and urges to rip your delicate limbs from your body, toy with you like a rag doll. Regardless of his flip to the good side, while it's a cheap price, it's a difficult piece to put together. Coming to terms with loving a human is hard to accept as a fact overall, compared to his centuries of pure hatred, as a harbinger of chaos.

He loathed your kind, slaughtered them for sport. For the high from the bloodshed and nutritious negativity, he feasted. Stole their defender's energy and gave chase as gameplay. Cat and mouse, classic. Doesn't ever get old.

Now, he is a copy of everything he and his siblings once hated. Coexistence. Drunk off visions of you, a fair unfading warmth, oddly welcoming, yet unrecognizable. Growth means change, and there are so many things he never noticed, unrealized by his crazy antics. Beautiful fields shaped in fond memories, clouds flying free, happily breathing the clear valley of skies the Dark Moon once blocked, peacefully floating. The flower petals were dancing, light points tiptoeing, catching swirls, the whistling winds by a hair. Still free, as the clouds were. Without a single care for the world. It was like ballet, how cute, now Earth was just showing off. He really missed everything hasn't he?

Recorded with ripe attention, colors more alive and vibrant in every cycle of remembrance. The seeds of darkness exorcised, their systems beating with the mockery of a heart; corruption eased by newfound eagerness for life, supported by the angelic joy and meaning you gave every piece of life surrounding your weak presence. Only wandering when his next dosage of you will be served.

It's not a question of how he loves you. More of why?

Why should he even attempt to connect with such pathetic creatures?

Why should he show any amount of concern for problems that aren't even his?

Why should he care? Give a shit about people? Humans care less than he does.

Guess the answers depend on you. The one he somehow fell for. If Earth has you, a priceless treasure in an ocean of empty grey, then he can come to pay what he owes.