Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Teleological Argument for God’s Existence
Most Christians have a presupposition that the Bible is true. These Christians do not have to have the Bible proven to them; they accept it as God’s Word. They accept it as containing the very words that God wanted written, and they accept those Words as containing everything necessary to the knowledge of salvation (2 Corinthians 4:6, 10:5; Ephesians 1:17, 4:13; Colossians 1:9-10, 2:2-3, 3:10; 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Timothy 2:25; Philemon 1:6; 2 Peter 1:2; and many more). I am one of those Christians.
However, the lost do not accept the authority of the Bible. Therefore, the believer may use this method of getting the unbeliever’s attention, thereby opening the door to a conversation that may lead the unbeliever to become a believer. This presentation of evidence pointing to the existence of God is another means that can assist the Christian in spreading the Gospel to a lost and hurting world.
An Overview of the Teleological Argument
The Teleological Argument gets its name from the Greek word ‘telos’ which means ‘purpose’ or ‘ultimate end’ (Powell, p. 51). Teleology is the study of a thing’s purpose or design (Powell, p. 51).
Teleology is the study of a thing’s purpose or design
The Teleological Argument for the existence of God is also sometimes called the Design Argument. This is because the argument is based on the observance of the design we see in the universe around us. The most common analogy for this argument goes something like this: If you were walking in a field and came across a stopwatch, would you say the stopwatch just formed all by itself, or would you say it was designed and created by an intelligence? Is it reasonable to think that all the parts formed by random chance and then it assembled itself, or was assembled by random naturalistic forces? On the other hand, would the intricacy and precision of its design and construction point to an intelligent designer and a watchmaker of sufficient means to have created it?
The answer is obvious; no sane person would imagine the stopwatch just came randomly into existence. Its very design, complexity, and organization point to an intelligent entity (in this case, a watchmaker) as its creator. This is the essence of the Teleological Argument for the existence of God. The universe reveals an intricacy and precision that calls for the existence of an intelligent, powerful Creator, rather than a universe created by random chemical processes and unintelligent physical forces.
However, the lost do not accept the authority of the Bible. Therefore, the believer may use this method of getting the unbeliever’s attention, thereby opening the door to a conversation that may lead the unbeliever to become a believer. This presentation of evidence pointing to the existence of God is another means that can assist the Christian in spreading the Gospel to a lost and hurting world.
An Overview of the Teleological Argument
The Teleological Argument gets its name from the Greek word ‘telos’ which means ‘purpose’ or ‘ultimate end’ (Powell, p. 51). Teleology is the study of a thing’s purpose or design (Powell, p. 51).
Teleology is the study of a thing’s purpose or design
The Teleological Argument for the existence of God is also sometimes called the Design Argument. This is because the argument is based on the observance of the design we see in the universe around us. The most common analogy for this argument goes something like this: If you were walking in a field and came across a stopwatch, would you say the stopwatch just formed all by itself, or would you say it was designed and created by an intelligence? Is it reasonable to think that all the parts formed by random chance and then it assembled itself, or was assembled by random naturalistic forces? On the other hand, would the intricacy and precision of its design and construction point to an intelligent designer and a watchmaker of sufficient means to have created it?
The answer is obvious; no sane person would imagine the stopwatch just came randomly into existence. Its very design, complexity, and organization point to an intelligent entity (in this case, a watchmaker) as its creator. This is the essence of the Teleological Argument for the existence of God. The universe reveals an intricacy and precision that calls for the existence of an intelligent, powerful Creator, rather than a universe created by random chemical processes and unintelligent physical forces.
Elements of the Teleological Argument
One of the main elements in the Teleological Argument is known as the “Anthropic Principle”. This principle sees the universe as designed specifically to support life. Many environmental parameters are so precisely tuned to support life that to alter any one of them, even the slightest, would disallow conditions for life here on Earth. For example, life on Earth would not be possible if:
The axial tilt of the Earth were greater or less
The distance of the Earth from the Sun were greater or less
The Earth’s gravitational interaction with the Moon were greater or less
If the Earth’s surface gravity were greater or less
If the length of the day were longer or shorter
The sad failure of the scientific community
Much of the scientific community would have us believe that the design, order, and complexity of the universe organized itself somehow. It is difficult to understand how science, the discipline involved in research and discovery, many times rejects the evidence for God it uncovers in its daily work. This rejection is not based on empirical evidence, but on the fact that they have presuppositions that exclude the possibility of the existence of God. Therefore, they have already made up their minds that any discovery made cannot be attributed to a supernatural cause.
It is sad, indeed tragic, that the study of God’s creation can be so perverted that it can lead people to believe that the design, intricacy, organization, and complexity we see in the universe came about by blind chance instead of through the act of a loving, powerful Creator. The Bible has this to say about such people, “…they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools” (Romans 1:20-21 ESV). It is so heartbreaking that hearts can become so hard as to reject truth so clearly observed.
One of the main elements in the Teleological Argument is known as the “Anthropic Principle”. This principle sees the universe as designed specifically to support life. Many environmental parameters are so precisely tuned to support life that to alter any one of them, even the slightest, would disallow conditions for life here on Earth. For example, life on Earth would not be possible if:
The axial tilt of the Earth were greater or less
The distance of the Earth from the Sun were greater or less
The Earth’s gravitational interaction with the Moon were greater or less
If the Earth’s surface gravity were greater or less
If the length of the day were longer or shorter
The sad failure of the scientific community
Much of the scientific community would have us believe that the design, order, and complexity of the universe organized itself somehow. It is difficult to understand how science, the discipline involved in research and discovery, many times rejects the evidence for God it uncovers in its daily work. This rejection is not based on empirical evidence, but on the fact that they have presuppositions that exclude the possibility of the existence of God. Therefore, they have already made up their minds that any discovery made cannot be attributed to a supernatural cause.
It is sad, indeed tragic, that the study of God’s creation can be so perverted that it can lead people to believe that the design, intricacy, organization, and complexity we see in the universe came about by blind chance instead of through the act of a loving, powerful Creator. The Bible has this to say about such people, “…they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools” (Romans 1:20-21 ESV). It is so heartbreaking that hearts can become so hard as to reject truth so clearly observed.
Biblical support for the Teleological Argument
The Bible tells us that the Teleological Argument, although not specifically called by that name, is not a man-made construct, but it truly exists.
“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20 ESV). It could not be much clearer that God’s existence, and even some things about His power and nature, can be perceived by examining the universe.
“Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17 ESV). This verse tells us that the very rain that falls from the sky speaks of a Creator. God provides the rains, the sun, and everything else we have. The evidence is right in front of us. Some do not see it because they do not want to see it, not because it is hidden or does not exist.
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1 ESV). Whether we are looking at the tiniest thing visible under the microscope or the largest thing visible in the sky through a telescope, we are looking at evidence of design, intelligence, and great power. We are looking at evidence for God.
Conclusion
The Teleological Argument can help us make a rational case for the existence of God based on the observed order and complexity of the universe. It can be an aid in our evangelistic efforts to dismantle the intellectual arguments of unbelievers. It is not infallible, and is never to be considered a substitute for the power of the Holy Spirit and prayer. It is yet another tool to be used to, “make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (I Peter 3:15 ESV).
“The precision of the universe, the nature of information, and the observation that random and undirected forces cannot account for the complexity of living things all lead to a transcendent, personal, intelligent designer” (Powell, p. 68). However, Christians already knew that, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1 ESV, cf. Job 38:4-7; Psalm 33:6, 136:5; Isaiah 42:5, 45:18; John 1:1-3; Acts 14:15, 17:24; Colossians 1:16, 17; Hebrews 1:10, 11:3; Revelation 4:11).
Read more: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/teleological-argument-for-gods-existence/#ixzz2EnTceX4X
The Bible tells us that the Teleological Argument, although not specifically called by that name, is not a man-made construct, but it truly exists.
“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20 ESV). It could not be much clearer that God’s existence, and even some things about His power and nature, can be perceived by examining the universe.
“Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17 ESV). This verse tells us that the very rain that falls from the sky speaks of a Creator. God provides the rains, the sun, and everything else we have. The evidence is right in front of us. Some do not see it because they do not want to see it, not because it is hidden or does not exist.
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1 ESV). Whether we are looking at the tiniest thing visible under the microscope or the largest thing visible in the sky through a telescope, we are looking at evidence of design, intelligence, and great power. We are looking at evidence for God.
Conclusion
The Teleological Argument can help us make a rational case for the existence of God based on the observed order and complexity of the universe. It can be an aid in our evangelistic efforts to dismantle the intellectual arguments of unbelievers. It is not infallible, and is never to be considered a substitute for the power of the Holy Spirit and prayer. It is yet another tool to be used to, “make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (I Peter 3:15 ESV).
“The precision of the universe, the nature of information, and the observation that random and undirected forces cannot account for the complexity of living things all lead to a transcendent, personal, intelligent designer” (Powell, p. 68). However, Christians already knew that, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1 ESV, cf. Job 38:4-7; Psalm 33:6, 136:5; Isaiah 42:5, 45:18; John 1:1-3; Acts 14:15, 17:24; Colossians 1:16, 17; Hebrews 1:10, 11:3; Revelation 4:11).
Read more: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/teleological-argument-for-gods-existence/#ixzz2EnTceX4X
Syrian Rebels Pledge Allegiance to Al-Qaeda and US recognizes Syria's main group
President Barack Obama declared Syria's main opposition group the sole "legitimate representative" of its country's people Tuesday, deeming the move "a big step" in the international diplomatic efforts to end Syrian President Bashar Assad's embattled regime.
Obama said the newly formed Syrian Opposition Council "is now inclusive enough" to be granted the elevated status, which paves the way for the greater U.S. support for the organization.
"Obviously, with that recognition comes responsibilities," Obama said in an interview Tuesday with ABC News. "To make sure that they organize themselves effectively, that they are representative of all the parties, that they commit themselves to a political transition that respects women's rights and minority rights."
Recognition of the council as the sole representative of Syria's diverse population brings the U.S. in line with Britain, France and several of America's Arab allies, which took the same step shortly after the body was created at a meeting of opposition representatives in Qatar last month.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/12/11/us-recognizes-syria-main-rebel-group-obama-says/?test=latestnews#ixzz2Eqa0eVMc
Syrian Rebels Pledge Allegiance to Al-Qaeda
A new petition posted on the ‘We The People’ section of the WhiteHouse.gov website demands that the Obama administration cease all funding and support for terrorists and extremist rebels in Syria, as news emerges of 29 different Syrian rebel groups pledging allegiance to the Al-Qaeda affiliated Nusra Front, a group responsible for killing U.S. troops in Iraq and one that is currently the primary fighting force in the NATO-backed bid to topple President Bashar Al-Assad.
Entitled Cease All Funding and Support for Al-Qaeda Terrorists and Extremist Rebels in Syria, the petition states;
Hillary Clinton has admitted that Al-Qaeda is supporting the Syrian rebels, who are backed by the Obama administration with $200 million dollars in aid. According to McClatchy Newspapers one of these groups, Al Nusra Front, an Al-Qaeda affiliate, is now conducting “the heaviest frontline fighting” in Syria and has been responsible for terrorist attacks. Impartial observers such as Dr. Jacques Beres say the majority of rebels in Syria are foreign extremists whose goal is to impose Sharia law. These rebels have also been filmed burning U.S. flags and chanting anti-American slogans. Funding terrorists is a crime under the National Defense Authorization Act. Such activity has had disastrous consequences in the past, such as 9/11. We demand all support direct or indirect to cease immediately.
Petitions posted on the WhiteHouse.gov website have to obtain a minimum of 25,000 signatures to mandate an official White House response. Only American citizens who register an account are allowed to sign.
The petition is timely given that 29 different Syrian opposition groups this week pledged their allegiance to Al Nusra, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group which, as the New York Times reported on Saturday, “killed numerous American troops in Iraq,” dismissing the notion that Al Nusra is merely is one “bad apple” amongst the rebels. In reality, the United States is backing an uprising that has placed the imposition of Sharia law and the ultimate destruction of the United States at the core of its long term agenda once Assad is deposed.
A recent Syrian rebel quoted by McClatchy Newspapers was overheard to remark, “When we finish with Assad, we will fight the U.S.!” Other militants have appeared in You Tube videos speaking of their desire to see the Al-Qaeda flag fly over the White House once the rebels are victorious across the region.
Syrian rebels have been responsible for a plethora of atrocities, from terrorist attacks and massacres, to forcing people to become suicide bombers, to attacks on Christian churches and making children carry out grisly beheadings of unarmed prisoners.
Somewhat ludicrously, the US State Department today blamed the Assad regime itself, which has been fighting against the Al-Qaeda linked group, for allowing the Nusra Front to gain a foothold in the country.
The United States today announced that it would designate Al Nusra as a terrorist organization and place sanctions against the group. The other opposition groups in Syria who almost universally support Al Nusra and preach the same extremist doctrine are however set to receive more financial support, with direct NATO military intervention on their behalf also “imminent,” according to some sources.
In continuing to fund an uprising that is being led and executed by known terrorists while being supported by their rebel allies, the United States is breaking its own law, the National Defense Authorization Act, which specifically criminalizes support for any “associated forces” of terrorists.
Infowars is encouraging all American citizens to sign this petition and force the Obama administration to at least address the issue of why it is backing Islamic extremists in Syria with taxpayer money given similar disastrous policies in Libya that led to the attack on the Benghazi consulate and the death of Ambassador Chris Stevens.
Infowars
Russia's Fourth T-50 Stealth Fighter Flies
MOSCOW, December 12 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's fourth prototype Sukhoi T-50 stealth fighter jet took to the skies for the first time on Wednesday in a 40 minute flight at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur factory in Siberia, Sukhoi said.
"The fourth prototype PAK-FA made its first flight today from the Gagarin factory in Komsomolsk-on-Amur," Sukhoi said, referring to the aircraft by its project name, an acronym for future fifth-generation tactical fighter.
"The flight tested the aircraft's overall integrity and its main engines. The aircraft is making a good impression in all phases of the flying program," Sukhoi said.
The T-50, which will be the core of Russia's future fighter fleet, is a fifth-generation multirole fighter aircraft featuring low-observable technology (stealth), super-maneuverability, supercruise capability (supersonic flight without use of afterburner), and an advanced avionics suite including an X-band active phased-array radar.
The first prototype first flew on January 29, 2010.
The Russian Defense Ministry plans to purchase a first batch of 10 evaluation aircraft and then 60 production-standard aircraft after 2015.
Meanwhile, the Novosibirsk aircraft factory (NAPO) plans to deliver ten more Sukoi Su-34 strike aircraft to the Russian Air Force in the near future, the Air Force's Col. Andrei Bobrun said.
"The Novosibirsk factory will send another ten aircraft to the Voronezh air base in the near future," he said.
© RIA Novosti.
Russian Fith-Generation t-50 Fighter Jet
The air force set up its first Su-34 squadron at the end of 2011. A two-seat strike-dedicated derivative of the Su-27 fighter, the Su-34 can carry a payload of up to eight tons of guided weapons over 4,000 kilometers.
IDF to begin giving its medics chemical weapons antidote
The IDF has acquired tens of thousands of doses of a drug used to combat nerve agent chemical poisoning and will distribute them to all combat medics in the coming months, according to a report in the new issue of the army’s Bamahane weekly magazine.
The drug, diazepam, is an anti-convulsant, halting seizures caused by nerve agents such as VX and sarin. Until now, the IDF supplied all medics with atropine, a drug that counters attacks on the respiratory system, but diazepam, which protects the central nervous system, was available only in intravenous form and was distributed only to rear echelon battalion medical centers.
“Now the medics receive auto injectors, enabling treatment half an hour to an hour earlier than before, and also enabling treatment to 10 times more people,” the head of nonconventional warfare medicine in the IDF’s medical corps, Lt. Col. Dr. Micah Ksirer, told this week Bamahane.
The report comes amid widespread international concern regarding the stockpiles of chemical weapons belonging to the teetering government in Syria.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said last week that “an increasingly desperate Assad regime” could either try to use chemical weapons against its own people or “lose control of them to one of the many groups that are now operating within Syria.”
The latter option, particularly the proliferation of the weapons to Hezbollah, is “a clear casus belli” for Israel, according to Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman.
Key Israeli officials, largely mum on the threat of internal use, have expressed doubt that Assad would use the weapons against Israel. “We see no sign that this weaponry is being pointed at us,” Moshe Ya’alon, minister of strategic affairs and a former IDF chief of staff, told Army Radio earlier this week. “Syria has been armed for the last decades with chemical missiles and weapons, but our deterrent factor is stable and the proof is that they haven’t used them against us yet.”
Diazepam and atropine are carried by all US combat troops operating in areas where there is a reasonable threat from chemical weapons. Each soldier carries a kit and is expected to self-administer the drugs or, in the case of diazepam, to administer it to a friend in need.
“Shortening the duration [prior to] treatment can save the injured from brain damage and death,” said Ksirer.
IDF medics will begin receiving treatment on how and when to administer the new drug as part of their intensive 13-week combat medic course.
The IDF Spokesperson’s Office added that the army “constantly reevaluates the medical gear necessary to provide medical care for soldiers in the battlefield. Military medics must be prepared for every eventuality; the gear that they carry reflects this principle.”
Times of Israel
INVISIBLE...Company claims it has Pentagon backing for miracle material
The U.S. military is backing the development of camouflage fabrics that could one day make their soldiers completely invisible, it has been claimed.
The so-called 'Quantum Stealth' camouflage material is said to render its wearers completely invisible by bending light waves around them.
Its makers claim the material, which is in effect similar to the invisibility cloak worn by Harry Potter, can even fool night-vision goggles.
The future of camouflage: A mock up of the Quantum Stealth technology. These photos are to show the media the concept, its makers claim, adding that for security issues it can not show the technology in action
However, its development is apparently so secret the Canadian company behind it says it cannot even show the technology in action and offers only mock ups of its effect on their website.
Nevertheless, Guy Cramer, CEO of Hyperstealth Biotechnology Corp, says he does not care that some observers remain sceptical as to his company's claims since 'the people that need to know that it works have seen it'.
'Two separate command groups within the U.S. Military and two separate Canadian Military groups as well as Federal Emergency Response Team (Counter Terrorism) have seen the actual material so they could verify that I was not just manipulating video or photo results,' Mr Cramer said.
Top secret: The material is said to work by bending light waves around its wearer to render them invisible, but its maker will not divulge details
'These groups now know that it works and does so without cameras, batteries, lights or mirrors...It is lightweight and quite inexpensive. Both the U.S. and Canadian military have confirmed that it also works against military IR scopes and Thermal Optics.'
In a statement published on his company's website, Mr Cramer explained he cannot disclose any details about how his remarkable fabric bends light around its wearer. Instead he gives examples of how it might be used.
He says it would be invaluable to pilots forced to eject over enemy terrain and evade capture; it would allow special forces teams to carry out raids in broad daylight without detection; it could enable the creation of the next generation of stealth aircraft, invisible not only to radar but also the naked eye; and it would enable submarines to remain concealed even when they surface near an enemy fleet.
Most incredibly, he imagines a group of Canadian battle tanks decked out with Quantum Stealth camouflage that could engage an enemy unit with no signs of their location except the sound of their engines and guns.
'As news spreads of an invisible Canadian army which can move without detection, the psychological effect on the enemy is devastating, they never know when or even if this invisible army has them targeted or surrounded,' he said.
'How can you hit a target you cannot see, how do you defend from the invisible?'
Media attention: Guy Cramer, CEO of Hyperstealth Biotechnology Corp, was recently interviewed by U.S. news broadcaster CNN about his claimed breakthrough
Mr Cramer, who was recently interviewed by news broadcaster CNN about the new technology, says he has disclosed his breakthrough to the public in order to 'get the attention' of the U.S. military.
'After enough press had been written on the subject, the U.S. Military Command finally asked to see the real material to verify that it worked,' he said.
'Those meetings took place with very limited “Need to Know” access and the technology is now moving forward.'
The MailOnline has contacted the Ministry of Defence for a comment on the new technology, but as yet has received no response.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2245935/The-camouflage-fabric-make-soldiers-INVISIBLE-Company-claims-Pentagon-backing-miracle-material.html#ixzz2EmdAe1Qg
The so-called 'Quantum Stealth' camouflage material is said to render its wearers completely invisible by bending light waves around them.
Its makers claim the material, which is in effect similar to the invisibility cloak worn by Harry Potter, can even fool night-vision goggles.
The future of camouflage: A mock up of the Quantum Stealth technology. These photos are to show the media the concept, its makers claim, adding that for security issues it can not show the technology in action
However, its development is apparently so secret the Canadian company behind it says it cannot even show the technology in action and offers only mock ups of its effect on their website.
Nevertheless, Guy Cramer, CEO of Hyperstealth Biotechnology Corp, says he does not care that some observers remain sceptical as to his company's claims since 'the people that need to know that it works have seen it'.
'Two separate command groups within the U.S. Military and two separate Canadian Military groups as well as Federal Emergency Response Team (Counter Terrorism) have seen the actual material so they could verify that I was not just manipulating video or photo results,' Mr Cramer said.
Top secret: The material is said to work by bending light waves around its wearer to render them invisible, but its maker will not divulge details
'These groups now know that it works and does so without cameras, batteries, lights or mirrors...It is lightweight and quite inexpensive. Both the U.S. and Canadian military have confirmed that it also works against military IR scopes and Thermal Optics.'
In a statement published on his company's website, Mr Cramer explained he cannot disclose any details about how his remarkable fabric bends light around its wearer. Instead he gives examples of how it might be used.
He says it would be invaluable to pilots forced to eject over enemy terrain and evade capture; it would allow special forces teams to carry out raids in broad daylight without detection; it could enable the creation of the next generation of stealth aircraft, invisible not only to radar but also the naked eye; and it would enable submarines to remain concealed even when they surface near an enemy fleet.
Most incredibly, he imagines a group of Canadian battle tanks decked out with Quantum Stealth camouflage that could engage an enemy unit with no signs of their location except the sound of their engines and guns.
'As news spreads of an invisible Canadian army which can move without detection, the psychological effect on the enemy is devastating, they never know when or even if this invisible army has them targeted or surrounded,' he said.
'How can you hit a target you cannot see, how do you defend from the invisible?'
Media attention: Guy Cramer, CEO of Hyperstealth Biotechnology Corp, was recently interviewed by U.S. news broadcaster CNN about his claimed breakthrough
Mr Cramer, who was recently interviewed by news broadcaster CNN about the new technology, says he has disclosed his breakthrough to the public in order to 'get the attention' of the U.S. military.
'After enough press had been written on the subject, the U.S. Military Command finally asked to see the real material to verify that it worked,' he said.
'Those meetings took place with very limited “Need to Know” access and the technology is now moving forward.'
The MailOnline has contacted the Ministry of Defence for a comment on the new technology, but as yet has received no response.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2245935/The-camouflage-fabric-make-soldiers-INVISIBLE-Company-claims-Pentagon-backing-miracle-material.html#ixzz2EmdAe1Qg
Vatican Calls for the Establishment of World Government
The leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI, has called for the establishment ofWorld Government and a New World Order.
In a speech made at the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace on Monday December 3 2012, the Pope called for the “construction of a world community, with a corresponding authority,” to serve the “common good of the human family”.
As a means of defending global peace and justice, the pope’s vision for the establishment of World Government and a New World Order is supposedly not to create a new superpower, but a new governing body that offers to those (politicians) who are responsible for making decisions, criteria for judgment and practical guidelines.
The pope was quoted as saying:
The proposed body (World Government) would not be a superpower, concentrated in the hands of a few, which would dominate all peoples, exploiting the weakest.
THE pope also described his vision as a “moral force” or moral authority that has the “power to influence in accordance with reason, that is, a participatory authority, limited by law in its jurisdiction.”
These latest remarks made by the Pope and the Catholic Church come as no surprise considering that in 2010 the Catholic Church sought the establishment of a new Central World Bank that would be responsible for regulating the global financial industry and the international money supply.
It was reported that the Vatican sought “a supranational authority” which would have worldwide scope and “universal jurisdiction” to guide and control global economic policies and decisions.
China’s new push for closer ties with Russia, the growing intrusions from the United Nations with regards to control of the internet and the latest remarks made by the catholic church all point to a new world order that will set in stone a path the world may not be able to recover from.
Globalist Report
In a speech made at the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace on Monday December 3 2012, the Pope called for the “construction of a world community, with a corresponding authority,” to serve the “common good of the human family”.
As a means of defending global peace and justice, the pope’s vision for the establishment of World Government and a New World Order is supposedly not to create a new superpower, but a new governing body that offers to those (politicians) who are responsible for making decisions, criteria for judgment and practical guidelines.
The pope was quoted as saying:
The proposed body (World Government) would not be a superpower, concentrated in the hands of a few, which would dominate all peoples, exploiting the weakest.
THE pope also described his vision as a “moral force” or moral authority that has the “power to influence in accordance with reason, that is, a participatory authority, limited by law in its jurisdiction.”
These latest remarks made by the Pope and the Catholic Church come as no surprise considering that in 2010 the Catholic Church sought the establishment of a new Central World Bank that would be responsible for regulating the global financial industry and the international money supply.It was reported that the Vatican sought “a supranational authority” which would have worldwide scope and “universal jurisdiction” to guide and control global economic policies and decisions.
China’s new push for closer ties with Russia, the growing intrusions from the United Nations with regards to control of the internet and the latest remarks made by the catholic church all point to a new world order that will set in stone a path the world may not be able to recover from.
Globalist Report
North Korea has fired its long-range rocket
North Korea fired a long-range rocket Wednesday in its second launch under its new leader, South Korean officials said, defying warnings from the U.N. and Washington only days before South Korean presidential elections.
South Korean defense officials said the rocket was fired from a west coast launch pad but there was no immediate word if the rocket was successful. North Korea had indicated technical problems with the rocket and extended its launch window. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity, citing office rules.
North Korea's Kim Jong Un took power after his father Kim Jong Il died on Dec. 17 last year, and the launch also comes about a month before President Barack Obama is inaugurated for his second term.
The North says the Unha rocket is meant to put a satellite in orbit. A similar launch in April broke apart shortly after liftoff, and the condemnation that attempt received is likely to be repeated. Washington sees the launch as a cover for a test of technology for missiles that could be used to strike the United States.
Rocket tests are seen as crucial to advancing North Korea's nuclear weapons ambitions. North Korea is thought to have only a handful of rudimentary nuclear bombs. But Pyongyang is not yet believed capable of building warheads small enough to mount on a missile that could threaten the United States.
North Korea has spent decades trying to perfect a multistage, long-range rocket. Experts say that ballistic missiles and rockets in satellite launches share similar bodies, engines and other technology. This is the fifth attempt at a long-range launch since 1998, when Pyongyang sent a rocket hurtling over Japan. Previous launches of three-stage rockets weren't considered successful.
Washington sees North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles as a threat to world security and to its Asian allies, Japan and South Korea.
North Korea under new leader Kim has pledged to bolster its nuclear arsenal unless Washington scraps what Pyongyang calls a hostile policy.
Korea Joongang Daily
DITCHING BEFORE THE FISCAL CLIFF
Turn on the TV and this is what you'll hear: The US budget is heading for a fiscal cliff. If a deal isn't reaching in Congress by the end of this year, a combination of automatic tax hikes and budget cuts will sink America into economic depression. There is no escape.
Of course, my readers know that the fiscal cliff is merely an example of the piper having to be paid. The problem isn't the bill, but that we ran it up so high in the first place. Any deal to avoid the cliff by borrowing even more money may allow the piper to keep playing a while longer, but when the music finally stops, the next fiscal cliff will be that much larger.
My readers also know that there are several ways for investors to avoid the cliff altogether. Perhaps the most secure is buying precious metals. However, given what we know, it may seem confusing that the spot prices of gold and silver have been moving sideways.
However, these headline prices have largely concealed a more important indicator: physical bullion sales are booming.
An Under-the-Radar Rally
The figures are astounding. For US Gold Eagle coins, mint sales are up some 150% from the QE3 announcement on September 13th. Despite what the spot prices show, there has been a tremendous surge in people buying physical gold.
But why hasn't this translated into higher spot prices?
It seems clear that the spot prices of both gold and silver are being driven right now by a large pool of institutional capital moving into and out of instruments like commodity ETFs. The movements have been predictable: When there is a sign of a deal coming out of Washington, the spot prices move up. If negotiations are faltering, there is instead a major selloff.
Physical bullion investors are a different breed. We are in this market for the long haul. When I increase my physical gold and silver holdings, I do it because I see the long-term fundamental picture for the US getting worse.
Getting a Read on the Bullion Bull
While the ETF speculators are trying to anticipate the market's - and each other's - immediate reaction to whatever 11th hour deal is struck, I believe physical bullion investors are sending a clear signal: this whole debate is out of order.
A J.P. Morgan study concluded that 82% of the hit to GDP if we go over the fiscal cliff would be related to tax increases, not spending cuts. And if the legislators reach a deal? It will only result in more tax increases and much fewer spending cuts. These guys just don't get it.
Looking back to the debt ceiling debate of August 2011, we saw big movements into physical gold there as well. What investors are concluding as they hear these grand debates is that whatever the result, the budget, the dollar, and the taxpayer will lose.
They are deciding to get off this runaway train. Because the real fiscal cliff isn't coming on December 31st - it is coming when there is a global flight from the US dollar.
The Real Fiscal Cliff
The Democrats are complaining that the fiscal cliff imposes too steep demands on those who receive entitlements. Republicans are trying to protect the military budget. What no one seems to want to address is what happens as foreign creditors increasingly decide to stop financing this bonanza.
To a large extent, this is already happening. China has already become a net-seller of Treasuries and is diverting more of its reserves into gold. The Chinese government recently approved banks holding gold as a reserve asset and made it easier for banks to trade gold amongst themselves.
While Japan and other Keynes-drunk governments have filled some of the gap with increased purchases, a supermajority of new issues are being bought directly by the Fed. That was the idea behind QE3 Plus, as described in last month's commentary.
Because of the acute trauma in Europe and certain institutional mandates to hold Treasuries, much of this new inflation is being absorbed. This has caused what may be the most dangerous of situations. It has allowed the inflationists to paint people like me as the boy who cried wolf. It seems to them that no matter how irresponsible Congress and the Fed are, we are immune from economic consequences.
In reality, all this money printing is like pulling back a spring. Pent up inflationary forces are building, and when they are unleashed, the debate will be over faster than they can say "oops."
The Only Way to Win Is Not to Play
Those buying into physical gold and silver see this inevitability and are getting prepared. We believe there is no sense playing Russian roulette with our savings. Every time Washington raises that debt ceiling or announces another stimulus, it's like one more click of the trigger.
When the global markets finally wrap their heads around the scale of US insolvency, the response will be as fierce as it is rapid. In such a once-in-a-century scenario, physical gold and silver are among the few assets without counterparty risk. From the looks of the physical bullion sales charts, I'm not the only investor who has figured this out.
Peter Schiff is CEO and Chief Global Strategist of Euro Pacific Precious Metals.
If you would like more information about Euro Pacific Precious Metals,
US to give Israel thousands of 'bunker-buster' bombs
The Pentagon has appealed to Congress in a bid to increase the United States' military aid to Israel by $647 million, Ynet learned Tuesday.
According to a Bloomberg report, in wake of Operation Pillar of Defense, the Pentagon wants to arm the IDF with a tail kit system used to convert free-fall bombs into satellite-guided ordnance, as well as with missiles that can be mounted on F-15 and F-16 fighter jets and are capable of penetrating underground or fortified targets.
The military aid includes 1,725 JDAM tail kits together with BLU-109 bombs, also dubbed "bunker-buster" and weighing in at more than 900kg. According to the Bloomsberg report, the bombs are intended to "defeat an enemy’s most critical and hardened targets such as protected weapons storage sites, and penetrate as much as six feet of reinforced concrete."
According to Jeff White, a military analyst with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, the aid package is partly motivated by Washington's desire to assist Israel in replenishing its munitions stockpile which was diluted following November's campaign against Gaza Strip's terror groups.
Iron Dome in action (Photo: AFP)
During the campaign , Israel dropped numerous bombs on Gaza in an attempt to halt rocket and missile fire. The IDF also targeted smuggling tunnels, rocket firing pits, weapon mills and munitions warehouses.
"Hamas and the other groups had lots of underground targets that were attacked," White said, further speculating that the additional weapons “"Could be an effort to give the Israeli Air Force a capability for more extended or more extensive air campaigns than before."
However, he was quick to add that the weapons are "Not suitable for the really deep underground facilities," but rather for command posts, shelters and air defense facilities.
Kenneth Katzman, a Middle East analyst for the Congressional Research Service, said that the move "Does not appear intended to transfer any new capability that Israel could use against the most hardened sites of Iran’s nuclear program," located deep underground under many layers of fortified concrete.
YNET
According to a Bloomberg report, in wake of Operation Pillar of Defense, the Pentagon wants to arm the IDF with a tail kit system used to convert free-fall bombs into satellite-guided ordnance, as well as with missiles that can be mounted on F-15 and F-16 fighter jets and are capable of penetrating underground or fortified targets.
The military aid includes 1,725 JDAM tail kits together with BLU-109 bombs, also dubbed "bunker-buster" and weighing in at more than 900kg. According to the Bloomsberg report, the bombs are intended to "defeat an enemy’s most critical and hardened targets such as protected weapons storage sites, and penetrate as much as six feet of reinforced concrete."
According to Jeff White, a military analyst with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, the aid package is partly motivated by Washington's desire to assist Israel in replenishing its munitions stockpile which was diluted following November's campaign against Gaza Strip's terror groups.
Iron Dome in action (Photo: AFP)
During the campaign , Israel dropped numerous bombs on Gaza in an attempt to halt rocket and missile fire. The IDF also targeted smuggling tunnels, rocket firing pits, weapon mills and munitions warehouses.
"Hamas and the other groups had lots of underground targets that were attacked," White said, further speculating that the additional weapons “"Could be an effort to give the Israeli Air Force a capability for more extended or more extensive air campaigns than before."
However, he was quick to add that the weapons are "Not suitable for the really deep underground facilities," but rather for command posts, shelters and air defense facilities.
Kenneth Katzman, a Middle East analyst for the Congressional Research Service, said that the move "Does not appear intended to transfer any new capability that Israel could use against the most hardened sites of Iran’s nuclear program," located deep underground under many layers of fortified concrete.
YNET
Iran congratulates North Korea on rocket launch
Iran: Iran congratulated North Korea on Wednesday for its "successful" launch of a long-range rocket, an incident which provoked global condemnation, and denied having a role in preparing the launch.
Tehran "congratulates the people and the government" of North Korea on "the successful launching of the satellite-carrying rocket," Iran's armed forces deputy chief, Brigadier General Masoud Jazayeri, told the Fars news agency.
"Dominant powers, like the United States, cannot halt the progress of independent states, who through resistance can quickly tread the path of scientific and technological self-reliance," he said.
North Korea said Wednesday's launch had successfully put a scientific satellite in orbit, and insisted that the mission was not an intercontinental missile test banned under UN Security Council sanctions.
The United States and its allies reacted angrily, and even China expressed "regret" at the launch by its wayward communist ally.
Jazayeri's comments came two days after a South Korean newspaper reported a number of Iranian missile experts were in North Korea offering technical assistance for the launch.
The report was immediately denied by Iran's foreign ministry.
The defence ministry also issued a statement on Wednesday, vehemently denying its experts were in North Korea and denying that they "cooperated in the launch of a ballistic missile."
Pyongyang and Tehran are both under UN Security Council sanctions for their ballistic missile and nuclear programmes.
Earlier this month, a Western diplomatic source claimed Iran had stationed defence personnel in North Korea since October to strengthen cooperation in missile and nuclear development.
A 2011 UN sanctions report said Tehran and Pyongyang were suspected of sharing ballistic missile technology.
Times of Oman
List of currently active volcanoes
Europe and Atlantic Ocean:
Iceland:
Africa and Indian Ocean:
Indonesia:
| Aleutians, Alaska and North America:
Central America and Carribean:
South America:
Other regions: | Pacific Ocean:
Ring of Fire (Kurile Islands to Philippines):
|
=major eruption =erupting =minor activity / eruption warning =unrest
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