So, what percentage of the income of an Old Testament believer was taken from his pocket in by way of direct taxes and how much by indirect taxes? Most Christians would answer 10%, since that is what has been preached from pulpits for several generations. But, is that actually the case? Well, this may surprise […]
Archives for August 2009
Chrysostom vs Eudoxia
The post below comes from the post of Justin Taylor. I must admit, unless the Holy Spirit were to directly intervene inside of me, I do not think that I would have the strength or the presence of mind to answer as clearly as he did. I think I would be simply satisfied if I […]
On Katrina and Judgment — quote of the day
From the blog of a conservative Baptist pastor: “More than a few preachers have said that Hurricane Katrina was God’s judgment on New Orleans. Which is apparently why it almost destroyed New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and left the French Quarter in place.” Father Orthoduck wonders whether this means that every time a hurricane hits […]
Still in love with my Kindle 2
Yes, Father Ernesto is still in love with his Kindle. He now uses it to listen to Audible books while driving his car. He listens to it while typing on the computer and doing his work. The more he uses his Kindle, the more he likes it. Just another friendly update on Father Ernesto’s Kindle […]
On the Bible and forensic evidence
Have you ever wondered why some of the rules of evidence in Scripture are so strict? Read the New Testament account of the trial of Jesus. Look at the words of the high priest as he confronts Our Lord Jesus Christ. He is utterly frustrated because of the testimony of the witnesses. Now the chief […]
Newsweek – We Are All Hindus Now
America is not a Christian nation. We are, it is true, a nation founded by Christians, and according to a 2008 survey, 76 percent of us continue to identify as Christian (still, that’s the lowest percentage in American history). Of course, we are not a Hindu—or Muslim, or Jewish, or Wiccan—nation, either. A million-plus Hindus […]
Come to our Grand Opening!
My postings have been a little shorter than normal lately because we are preparing for our Grand Opening Celebration of our new storefront. Yes, we have made it from a smaller, darker, dingier storefront to a storefront in downtown Melbourne, Florida! We have been busy painting, decorating, and arranging the new place, even though we […]
On mistaken assumptions about God
I like this cartoon. Sadly, it says what is all too common. In most of the First World countries, the fable has taken hold that we can do whatever we wish, and God will forgive it. We are like the people in the bar who begin to drink and drink and begin to misbehave. And, […]
On baby-boomers and aging
Father Orthoduck wishes to make us babyboomers “feel better” by giving some ages that may surprise you. How old is: Smokey the Bear — He was “born” in 1944, so he is now 65 years old and ready to receive Social Security. Annette Funicello — She was born in 1942, so she is now almost […]
On Vampires and Christianity
Ok, ok, so all this talk about literature got me thinking about vampires. Hm, so why would a priest think about vampires? Ahh, you can’t guess? From where do vampires come, according to the original Dracula tale? Dracula lives in Transylvania in today’s Romania. What is the largest faith in Romania? Why Orthodox, of course! […]
