The "ROOT Cause" ---- Narcissism or Pride ???

It has generally been considered that PRIDE is (was) the root cause of Man's "Fall and Sin". It is likewise considered that this same pride (though perhaps in a MUCH greater and more malignant form) was at the root of Satan's revolt against God. However, I have come to consider that perhaps there is a even deeper and more foundational cause and source, of which "Pride" is merely its "First-born son". That source is called "Narcissism". Using its simplest definition, it is the attitude or belief that one IS the "Center of the Universe". Everyone and everything else (God included) exists merely to please and serve them, and to satisfy THEIR needs and wants. In "spiritual" (and simplest) terms, the Narcissist believes that he/she IS God (or at least a secondary god) !! There is even the "Specter of Religious Narcissism". Rather than being freed - by the renewing of the Holy Spirit - from the "Idol and Taskmaster of Self", this "Self" merely acquires a new face and vocabulary !! Everything is STILL related to the same center. Now the focus becomes - What God has done for ME: MY Blessings - MY Calling - MY Church - MY Experience - MY Faith - MY God - MY Gifts - MY Happiness - MY Healing - MY Health - MY getting to Heaven - MY Liberty - MY Ministry - MY New Life - MY New Purpose - MY New Vision - MY Ministry - MY Place in the Body - MY Salvation - MY Sucess - MY Truth - MY Work for MY Lord - etc. !! Most of us (Christians) NEVER move on to "God's Ultimate Viewpoint", namely -- ALL that He does is NOT for US and OUR benefit, but rather for HIM and HIS benefit. How glibly we quote this verse [ We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. *** Rom 8:28 ] when things aren't going as well as we would like them to. It is GENERALLY interpreted, [ "God works out ALL things for OUR good as long as we love Him" ]. One day, the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to see that the TRUE interpretation is: [ "God works ALL things together for HIS good to where they will help to bring about HIS ultimate intention, plan and purpose" ] -- a MAJOR difference and shift of "Vision Perspective" !! While BOTH Pride and Narcissism may (on the surface) seem to stem from the same root - and one MIGHT even be tempted to say that they are merely different names for the same affliction - I believe that THIS would be a great error. While they both may possess superficial similarities, I believe that Narcissism is the "Father" of Pride, and is FAR more destructive, malignant and vicious than is mere Pride. I wrote some time ago that I do NOT consider "Pride" - in and of itself - to ALWAYS be a destructive, sinful quality. A benign form of "pride" might be defined as, "to feel very pleased about something or someone that you are closely connected with". As such, there IS such a thing as taking "pride" in doing good work, or in seeing the culmination and fruit of a long period of hard labor. There is also "pride" in the praise and accolades from an esteemed or loved one, or one that you greatly admire - or in seeing them achieve or excell in some undertaking. There is ESPECIALLY "pride" in hearing from God, "Well done my precious child"!! The "demon" is given birth when the Pride elevates one to the level of where you come to think of yourself as an especially "grand and magnificent personage", so much above the "common riffraff" that they are but loathsome insects by comparison. Such a person becomes a "law or god unto themselves". They no longer care what anyone else may think about them, their actions, or their thoughts. In the mind of such a one, they are so far above the masses that no one else sees the "big picture" as they do, or has the TRUE "depth of understanding" that they do. "God" has given to THEM alone the revelation of how reality TRULY is. As such, they feel that NO one else is in a position to judge them, their thoughts, NOR their actions - for no one else REALLY understands what is going on. Likewise (on their exalted ("god ordained" ??) mission through life, they have NO compunction about cheating, deceiving, lying, using people, or - worst case- killing to achieve their ends !! It is at THIS level that Pride certainly becomes Demonic and Narcissistic !! In my opening sentence, I stated that I didn't consider that the "Fall of MAN" was at the same level of "malignancy" as was that of Satan. One source that I have read and agree with states that this fact becomes obvious if you consider that Man merely lost his "divine connection and life". Satan, on the other hand, became TOTALLY depraved, diabolical and demonic. What was the difference ?? Satan WILLFULLY rebelled against and KNOWINGLY cast off ALL obedience and submission to his creator because it was in his heart to, "ascend above the powers of heaven, take ALL authority into his OWN hands, and rule as Most High in the Strength of the Fire". He thought that he would THUS rid himself once-and-for-all of what HE considered, "this abominable Love and Meekness (in his mind - weakness) that God chose to rule in and with". Man, on the other hand, merely sought to explore some "forbidden and strange territory". He thought - like the disobedient, inquiring and mischievous child who is told to stay away from a certain thing or place because it is dangerous - that there must be some intriguing and exciting mystery there that the parent just didn't want him to enjoy. It is when Man ascends (descends??) in his Pride (Narcissism) to the level of Satan that he becomes TRULY evil and diabolical !!

A medical definition of "narcissistic personality disorder" (NPD) is as follows -- "NPD is a mental health condition that doctors characterize by a pattern of grandiosity, an insatiable need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. People with NPD can have an inflated sense of their own importance, require constant approval, and may exploit others for personal gain." Signs of Narcissism -- Narcissism is still being studied and explored, since many narcissists and people with narcissistic personality disorder don't seek treatment. However, there are some common traits of people with narcissistic behavior that you may be able to spot. Sense of Entitlement -- A common sign of people with narcissism is the belief that they are superior to others and deserve special treatment. They believe that others should be obedient to their wishes and that the rules don't apply to them. Manipulative Behavior -- Another common trait of narcissism is manipulative or controlling behavior. A narcissist will at first try to please you and impress you, but eventually, their own needs will always come first. When relating to other people, narcissists will try to keep people at a certain distance in order to maintain control. They may even exploit others to gain something for themselves. Need for Admiration -- One of the most common signs of a narcissist is a constant need for praise or admiration. People with this behavior need to feel validation from others and often brag or exaggerate their accomplishments for recognition. They also like to feel appreciated to boost their ego. Lack of Empathy -- Lack of empathy is another sign of narcissism. This means that the narcissist is unwilling or unable to empathize with the needs, wants, or feelings of other people. This also makes it difficult for them to take responsibility for their own behavior. Arrogance -- People with narcissistic behavior already see themselves as superior to others, so they may become rude or abusive when they don't receive the treatment they think they deserve. While they hold themselves superior, they may speak or act rudely toward those that they deem are inferior. Other signs include: (1). A sense of self-importance, exaggerating their achievements and talents (2). A preoccupation with fantasies of success, power, or brilliance (3). A belief that they're more special or unique than others, and should only associate with other high-status people (4). Envy of others, or the belief that others are envious of them (5). Insisting they have the best of everything (6). Feeling they deserve privileges and special treatment

"Egalitarianism" An Angel of Light ---- or of Darkness ??

I reference the following SHORT video (about 60 sec.) HERE (PLEASE watch it FIRST). What is being put forth in this video represents a GREAT danger - First, because it is being presented as having a "christian" foundation and Second, because it originates from a "christian" speaker and source !! It is like Satan - who comes to deceive as "An Angel of Light" - who, as he deceived Mankind in the Garden, comes with a deception that is HALF-TRUTH, HALF-LIE - a "message of Darkness surrounded by a false aura of Light" !! It claims that we don't need "self-esteem" nor the esteem of others -- ALL that we need is to know that we are "esteemed by God". It even goes so far as to claim that self-esteem is corrupt and EVIL !! YES, we do, FIRST of all, absolutely need to know beyond ANY shadow of doubt that we are accepted, esteemed and loved by God - unconditionally and apart from ANY "works" or contribution of "redeeming value" that WE need to provide. In other words, we need to understand that God's love for and toward us is something that we CANNOT buy, contribute anything toward, deserve, earn, nor work for. The Bible tells us that while we were YET sinners - estranged from Him and enemies in our hearts toward Him - that it was THEN, out of His pure, unconditional love for us as His creation - that He arranged for us to be made whole again and reunited with Him !! God demonstrates his own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. For, if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, how much more, since we have been reconciled, will we be saved by his life? **** Rom 5:8,10 Without THIS understanding, we will be forever crippled, empty vessels - endlessly and fruitlessly striving to find love, meaning, purpose, and value for our life. Our "christianity" will remain but an empty shell and a lifeless, impotent illusion. We will be forever seeking to be "good enough" to "EARN" God's love and somehow "worthy enough" to love and serve Him and come into His presence. We will be forever trying to do enough "good works" and endeavoring to be a "good christian" - but Satan will use these FRUITLESS labors to hold us in continual bondage, condemnation and sense of failure - for just HOW MANY 'good works" or HOW MUCH "trying to be a "good christian" is REALLY ever going to be enough to make us right (righteous) before God ?? Satan will forever tell us (through our conscience), "It is hopeless. You haven't yet and you NEVER will be good enough nor do enough" !! The REALLY "demonic lie" that this video puts forth is that ANY sense of "self- achievement" that we might experience is the "achievement" of thinking that, through OUR OWN efforts, we might become "better than others". To think that WE might achieve "success" by convincing ourselves that we are superior to others - by "putting them down" and thereby lessening THEIR value - so that WE might seem superior in our own eyes and the eyes of others. In other words - that we "step on or walk on" others, merely using them as tools in order to exalt ourselves !! As the video states, in the speakers mind, a "sense of self- achievement" MUST of necessity be EXCLUSIVE. In other words, if YOU achieve success through YOUR efforts, someone else must necessarily FAIL (or not be AS successful). If YOU achieve SUPERIOR results, than the results of someone else must - of necessity and by comparison - be therefore INFERIOR !! In the first (and most important) place, this is a TOTALLY unbiblical concept. The Bible most emphatically DOES NOT denounce the idea of taking pleasure in successfully using the gifts and talents that God has given to you in order to achieve superior results, nor in feeling pleased over being able to use such to please God and to allow Him to show forth His handiwork through you. As a matter of fact, in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), God SPECIFICALLY denounces the one who DID NOT so use them !! Also "Let each one examine his own work. Then he can take pride in himself and not compare himself with someone else. For each one will carry his own load". **** Galatians 6:4,5 If, in FACT, we "do everything for the glory of God" ** 1Cor 10:31, then we SHOULD feel pleased and proud (have a sense of achievement) that we have done it in a superior manner, to the best of our ability. The Apostle Paul certainly took GREAT "sense of achievement, pleasure, and pride" in the results of HIS work that God assigned to him !! "Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation." ** 2 Corinthians 7:4 Like so many, this speaker has taken only HIS perspective - in this case, the NEGATIVE and SINFUL concept of "PRIDE" and the results thereof - and unilaterally denounced ALL manifestations of it. In other words, because the Bible DEFINITELY denounces the concept of "Pride" where it is the result of one's (false) sense of independence from God, or their (perceived) personal superiority, or (as the speaker DID state) from downgrading or minimizing others so that we might exalt ourselves. From this, he seeks to make ALL instances of being proud of one's achievements as being WRONG and opposed to God's Intent !! Can you say that it is wrong for a loving child to work hard to please his/her parents in the use of his gifts - and then to feel fulfilled and happy when said parents praise the results. Is it wrong then for US to take pleasure and a sense of achievement in knowing that WE have used the gifts/talents that our (heavenly) Father gave to us to the best of our ability and that He is pleased with the results ?? Actually, the Deception that is here being foisted upon the viewers of this video is nothing more-nor-less than merely a reworking of the concept of "equality or Egalitarianism" (FORCED SAMENESS), where ALL are "equal", (REALLY meaning the SAME) --- clones - mindless, purposeless, uninspired zombies - no desire to achieve nor excel, no ambition, no "Tall Stalks" - cut them all down to ONE size !! C.S. Lewis wrote of this "creeping scourge" that was infiltrating the educational system and the minds of the so-called "thinkers" in his country (Great Britain) back in the 1940s. Now, an academic definition of "Egalitarianism" might be, "is a school of thought within political philosophy that builds on the concept of social equality, prioritizing it for all people. Egalitarian doctrines are generally characterized by the idea that all humans are equal in fundamental worth or moral status." So what is wrong with THAT, you might ask ?? It sounds like a concept that ALL people - Christian and non-Christian alike - could agree upon. Unfortunately, philosophical concepts - like religious concepts - often sound great in the "University of Intellectual Conception". It is when they are put into practice by Real, Lost, Sinful people that "Hell comes to Earth" !! Just like in a discussion that I had with someone who kept insisting that the "Philosophical Theory of Marxism or Socialism" was a VERY humane system for eliminating human suffering and want. He couldn't (or wouldn't) get it into his head that it sounded GREAT on paper, until it was implemented by REAL people in a REAL world !! Likewise with the doctrine of "Egalitarianism". I ran across an interesting article relating to Norwegian society. Apparently, back around 2013 and earlier (I don't know about today), this was a VERY strong concept practiced especially in the educational system. It was called "Janteloven", and here are its ten major precepts (I kid you NOT) !! The ten laws of Jante are as follows: - Don't think that you are special. - Don't think that you are of the same standing as us. - Don't think that you are smarter than us. - Don't fancy yourself as being better than us. - Don't think that you know more than us. - Don't think that you are more important than us. - Don't think that you are good at anything. - Don't laugh at us. - Don't think that anyone cares about you. - Don't think that you can teach us anything. Here is a link to the full chapter, and the name of the book that it was taken from: While overall, this philosophy is fraught with dangers, perils, and pitfalls - DESPITE these failings - it apparently HAS succeeded in producing some VERY capable, humble, modest, self-effacing and talented individuals. The article stated that some of the finest winter-sport champions have come from Norway. Also, a highly respected and world renowned singer by name of Sissel Kyrkjebo. I have become enamored with her since I was introduced to her music over 3 years ago (2021). I have listened to and read well over 500 articles, interviews and videos by and about her on YouTube - and thousands of comments by her fans. Almost to a person - everyone who hears, meets, or works with her states that she is a woman FAR beyond the cut of the ordinary human being. She excels in Beauty (both inner and outer), Charisma, Grace, Love, Talent and artistic Versatility. Her TRUE radiance, though, comes from her total Humility, Modesty, and lack of Self-assertion. Despite her overwhelming Beauty, Fame and Wealth, she is described as a caring, "totally down to earth", warm person with an almost childlike innocence and loveability about her - who is always ready and willing to offer assistance to those around her who might need it." No "puffed up, Narcissistic Diva" here !! She is just as much at home with her fans as in the Royal Court (she was knighted by the King of Norway). She is the same person singing jazz songs in a night club as singing the most sacred of hymns with the Tabernacle Choir. There is a paragraph near the end of the above mentioned article (highlighted in yellow) that you should read at THIS point. I think that it should be obvious by now that we have a BIG contradiction here !! The basic philosophy of Egalitarianism (along with God's Spirit) worked in Sissel's life to produce a TRULY humble, modest, and unaffected Superstar, who then defied the ENTIRE system to go on to distinguish herself as "One of the Brightest Stars in the Musical Firmament", and rise to phenomenal heights of artistic excellence and versatility !! Norway even declared her to be a "National Treasure". The writer of the above mentioned book states, "You have to see her perform to comprehend the effect. She is utterly unassuming, unglamorized, understated -- and captivatingly beautiful, both musically and physically". Her entire life is and has been a testimony to the fact that she "knew who she was, where she came from, what her purpose was, and where she was going". As a teen, she had a Dream, and she pursued it her whole lifetime with all that she had within her !! I am certain that she has taken GREAT satisfaction in her achievements, and experiences great joy (and pride) in what (with God's help) she has achieved with her life !! She has repeatedly stated that she never wished to be a "star", and she never wished for fame nor fortune. She never wanted to be "better than everyone else", and she CERTAINLY never wanted to "climb up to the stars on the backs of her peers" !! She states that she has spent her life exercising and perfecting the artistic gifts and talent that were given to her, and endeavoring to maximize her capabilities. She has also stated that it is her desire and goal to leave, as her legacy, whatever contributions and enhancements that she has been privileged to add to the "Artistic World of Music". She stated in an interview that she knew that her Gifts and Talents were from God, and that she had a great responsibility as to how she exercised and utilized them. All that she ever wanted to do was to fulfill that driving dream within - TO SING. She repeats many times, "I had to sing, I have to sing. It is my life and my joy". She has and does live to bless her audiences with her love of singing, and to be blessed and refreshed in return by their love for her and her singing for and to them !! I believe that the Bible makes it clear that there will be varying degrees of "reward" (Glory) among the resurrected in heaven, depending upon the nature and quality of their labors here in THIS body. Even though God has GIVEN to us "the gift and the will to work", it is none-the-less up to us whether or not we CHOOSE to utilize that which we are given to the fullest of our potential. We can CHOOSE to be like Sissel, and devote our lives toward being and giving the VERY BEST of what God has placed within us - or we can be like the "unfaithful servant", who CHOSE to "bury His talent in the ground" !! God commended and rewarded the FAITHFUL servants for their diligent labor, as I am sure that He will commend and reward Sissel for hers. Likewise, He condemned the "unfaithful servant" ! The one who plants and the one who waters work as one, but each will receive his reward according to his work. If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, each builder's work will be plainly seen, for the Day will make it clear, because it will be revealed by fire. And the fire will test what kind of work each has done. If what someone has built survives, he will receive a reward. If someone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss. ** 1 Corinthians 3:8-15 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon and another glory of the stars, for star differs from star in glory. It is the same with the resurrection of the dead. ** 1 Corinthians 15:41,42 Considering these facts, is there ANY reason why we should NOT take pleasure (be proud) in what God has enabled us to achieve with the gifts and talents that He has given to us??

"We'll get together soon Dad We'll get together SOON"

This article (post) is NOT so much being written for the "Old Fogies" (like myself) who have already raised their children and now must love them as they are. However, there are some 1,400 people claiming to be members of these three GO forums, even though MOST of them are NEVER heard from. Maybe some of you are still at the point where your children are young. Maybe your spouse isn't as happy as he/she could be. Or, maybe SOME of you are not even Christians. I write mainly for those. FIRST, if you plan to ACTUALLY read this article, PLEASE listen to this video ** Click [ HERE ]. It will clarify my point. The song is entitled "Cat's In The Cradle", sung by Harry Chapin and written by his wife Sandy (NO, despite popular opinion, Cat Stephens NEITHER wrote nor sang this song). For another song embracing the same theme, CLICK [ Here ]. It is entitled, "You Were ALWAYS on my Mind", made famous by Willie Nelson. However, I have NOT posted his rendition, but rather, one by Sissel. I MUCH prefer her singing and voice, and besides, she is FAR more pleasant to look at (Ha-ha) !! Actually, Sissel said that she was inspired in her version by Nelson. NO, having someone "always on your mind" just doesn't cut it !! It is akin to the person consumed with HIS business of building HIS "Kingdom", who consoles himself with the platitude, "but I am ALWAYS thinking about God" ???? Or when the wife complains to her husband - "We never talk anymore or spend special time together. You never tell me that you love me" !! - and he replies, "You ought to KNOW that I love you. I married you didn't I. I told you that I loved you THEN. Also, I go to work every day for you don't I" ?? Or just MAYBE, it is the husband who is expressing HIS hurt to the wife, and is met with the retort, "I keep your house, I cook your meals, I wash your clothes, I birthed and raised you children. What MORE do you want" ?? It DOES happen THIS way also !! This is NOT some "theoretical treatise", but is rather taken from my OWN life experience. It was prompted as I considered my current relationship with my daughter (who is 50) and my father who has been dead for some 55 years. I will start with my father. We had NO relationship at all as I was growing up. He was in the Army and was often absent for years at a time. He was a harsh person, lacking in the ability to express emotion or love. He was also an alcoholic. He made it VERY clear that, as a son, I was a GREAT disappointment to him. He retired a number of years before I graduated from HS. Upon graduation, I joined the AF. The first time that I came home on leave, he acted like a different person. He told me how proud he was of me and wanted me to join him at the local bar and meet some of his friends. My response was basically, "I've got places to go and things to do, but we'll get together soon Dad - we'll get together SOON" !! In actuality, what I said was, "It's a little late Dad. I am afraid that you missed the bus" When my (adopted) daughter was young, and later during her teen years, I spent very little time with her, we did very little together, and we had a VERY poor relationship. I didn't like her very much and she reciprocated the feelings. When she entered into adulthood however, we came to love and appreciate each other very much. She has lived on the East coast for at least the last 30 years, and I live in Eureka, CA. We have spent very little time together during these years. We do talk on the phone when possible, and communicate well. Often we will talk for over an hour. However, I have noticed, and it has become increasingly more so, that the relationship is mainly at HER convenience. When I call, I usually get voice mail and she gets back to me. Sometimes she just sends me a text message, "we'll talk soon Dad - we'll talk soon"! She usually "squeezes me into her schedule" when she can find a time slot. She definitely doesn't make calling or talking to me a priority. She has been promising for some time to come to CA on a visit, "when she can find the time" !! This was really highlighted to me a few days ago when I called her. She ACTUALLY answered the phone. I jokingly (and rather sarcastically) said to her, "This must be a miracle -- you actually answered the phone". Immediately however, her reply was, "Yes, but I can only give you about 5 minutes. I have to get ready for my trip to Florida tomorrow". "I've got places to go and things to do, but we'll get together soon Dad - we'll get together SOON" !! A little while later I felt that the Lord brought the above song to mind and admonished me, "Don't be upset at her. What you have sown you WILL reap" !!

There is a VERY dangerous concept going around that states (basically) that God's Grace, Love and Mercy nullifies the principle of "sowing and reaping". This is another one of those "half-truths", or of reading INTO the Bible that which agrees with YOUR opinion. The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously **** 2 Corinthians 9:6 Do not be deceived. God will not be made a fool. For a person will reap what he sows, because the person who sows to his own flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. **** Galatians 6:7,8 It IS most certainly true that in the SPIRITUAL realm, the Grace, Love and Mercy of God, working through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, HAS resulted in a "Divine Alchemy" - whereby our past life of SIN can be transmuted into a life of Righteousness via the indwelling and in-working of His Divine Spirit - resulting in a reconciliation of lost, sinful man with God. However, this has NOTHING at all to do with what may or may not transpire in the TEMPORAL realm. THERE, the law of "sowing and reaping" is VERY much active, for it is one of the underlying principles (namely that of Growth) that God built into His Creation. The seed that is planted WILL grow, barring adverse circumstances. A chicken WILL give birth to another chicken and NOT to a cow. Ignore your children or your spouse long enough, and eventually, THEY will ignore YOU. For EVERY action there is an Equal and Opposite (as in opposition to the original source) reaction. Some may say, "Well - Yes - but we do NOT always see this law in action". This is true, the planted seed takes a while to grow to maturity. Some sprout almost overnight, others take a VERY long time to full growth. It is also possible that the one who planted the seed, recognizing his error and coming to repentance, might himself pull the little seedling out of the ground. To others, God Himself MAY extend His mercy, giving the individual time to repent and change, as He did to the city of Niniva. I have experienced this situation in my OWN life, where God had dealt with me over a particular matter with increasing urgency, but I had continued to ignore His promptings and warnings. Finally, He allowed the situation to reach "crisis proportion" in order to finally "get my attention" !! The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some regard slowness, but is being patient toward you, because he does not wish for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. **** 2Peter 3:9 It is just as deluded and false to believe that we can FULLY escape the consequences of our external actions JUST because we might be a "christian" as to believe that we can likewise override the "law of gravity" when we jump off the roof of a ten story building !! If we abuse and neglect our health, disease and sickness will be the result. If we have committed a crime and "run afoul of the Law", "claiming the Blood" or mouthing a few "Hail Marys" is NOT going to free us from the resulting LEGAL consequences. There are some who carry this misconception to even MORE absurd heights. Years ago, my then wife was the secretary at the Christian School that our daughter attended. One of her duties was to collect the tuition and remind those who were late in paying. There was one man who was many months in arrears. When she confronted him he said (no doubt VERY seriously), "I thought that Jesus had paid ALL of my debts. If that is so, why should I have to pay them again" ?? It is enough when individuals apply this mistaken concept to their own PERSONAL life, where perhaps ONLY they will have to face the consequences. It is REALLY tragic when those placed in the body of Christ as "teachers" infect multitudes with this error, and open the door to disaster in MANY lives. There is a sad misconception abroad in the "church" today that states (in various forms) that if you are a "christian", God's "Grace, Love and Mercy" will protect you from all disaster, disease, harm and sickness. Your life will be filled with nothing but joy, peace, plenty and prosperity. When these so-called "promises" do NOT transpire (as they most certainly WILL NOT), people feel that God has let them down. He didn't keep "His part of the BARGAIN??". He can not be trusted. Others, of a different mentality, will take the blame and responsibility upon themselves, and become distraught and filled with condemnation and guilt - feeling that it must be some great Offense and/or Sin against God that has brought these destructive circumstances into their life

It is akin to - though no where near as destructive since it only affects our temporal and NOT our eternal life - that damnable doctrine of "God's Soverign Election to Salvation or Damnation" and "Once saved, always saved". As with most Bible teaching, there IS a seed of truth in this doctrine, though it has been fiendishly distorted to cater to man's fallen will and his "flesh". It encourages the mindset that thinks - "since it is God alone who elects (or does not) those whom He chooses to salvation, why should I give it ANY thought. If He has chosen me, I WILL be saved - If He did not, I WILL NOT be saved. It is entirely out of my hands". The corollary to this mentality is, "once that I AM saved, why should I bother myself about how I live or what I do with my life. God has granted to me salvation, and it can NOT possibly be lost no matter WHAT I do or no matter HOW I live". This distorted doctrine is accompanied by one AT LEAST as bad concerning the manner and meaning of our "salvation". I am not going to belabor the point here. For anyone who is interested in learning more about it, I have written numerous articles. Click [ HERE ] to read one such, with links to additional articles at the end of it. It might be termed, "Forensic Atonement". In brief, it consists in making Adam's transgression into a "Cosmic Crime" against the "Sovereign Ruler", requiring judicial investigation and treatment, along with an appropriate victim and penalty to pay (atone) for said crime. This is opposed to the "Organic Theory", which states that, on account of Adam's transgression, he lost something - namely - the indwelling Divine Spirit of God which had, up until that time, been his "Life Force and Life Principle". On account of this, he lost HIS "Divine Life" and his ability to be conscious of and in constant fellowship with his Creator and Father, God. He thus became a purely "earthly being" and lost his dwelling in Paradise. It was necessary for God, through Jesus Christ, to once again enable this "Divine Life and Spirit" to be imparted back into Adam (Mankind). This is quite contrary to the distorted doctrine of Jesus taking Adam's place as the criminal, allowing God to vent His "anger and wrath" upon Him instead of upon Adam, and thereby "satisfying the judicial demands of the Cosmic Judge, His injured honor, and the demands of His Law".