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It's gut check time again. Same rules: If you are not ready to explore your inner feelings and beliefs...leave now...don't read another word! AS ALWAYS YOU'VE BEEN WARNED ------ Part XVIII- Just Stop Hitting My With That Bible- by Dr. Ahmad Okay, here I go again…this one is going to step on a few toes. I wish there was an easy, tactful or polite way to say this…but there’s isn’t. So, please forgive me for just spitting this out so bluntly: “People who hide behind religion and spew bible quotes at every outing come across as diminutive and thankless”. Take a deep breath… Count to ten…now read on. In America, there are two things that righty or wrongly require no criterion to be a self-licensed expert: Relationships and Religion. And as Black folks, we wear the shield of religious master and swing the sword of bible quoting laureate without limits. I’ve asked countless numbers of Black folks who are throwing a bible at me…”Are you an expert in God’s word?”As you can imagine, the answer is usually no. And the folks who do allege to be an expert…just don’t appear to live up to their declaration. So how can you NOT be an expert (or a self proclaimed expert) and seek to condemn others? I/we don’t mind the occasional quote, reference, or reminder. In fact, in some cases a few religious excerpts are right on point. The key is moderations Black folks… moderation! And if you’re not an expert…stay in your lane. Imagine this: If you went to get your oil changed on the car and Ray-Ray told you to take your pants off so he could do a quick colon-test…what would you do? You’d want to know what gives Ray-Ray the expertise, license, or criterion to look up your butt. Oil changers have no business checking folk’s colons! What if your trash man wanted to talk to you about how you’re raising your children? You’d want to know what gives Bubba the trash collector the gall to challenge your skills and abilities as a parent. Well this is the same way folks see YOU! When you start quoting scripture to us we are often vexed at your snobby stance on God’s word. When people know that your conversation or lettering will have little if any original thought….they perceive you to be an idiot. When your statements are continuously supported by testament, testimony and/or scripture…you come across as small and small minded. When you hijack the Black in America Blogs with words about what scripture says…you are seen as a visionless follower. I hope this stinging commentary didn’t cut too deep. I wrote this because sometimes messages hit home when you hear/read them from a person you don’t know. Sure God wants you to believe. Yes, you should be proud of your relationship with your creator. But what gives you the expertise to brow-beat others? Okay, its time for you to counter my words. All I ask is that just I as didn’t bible thump in the Blog…don’t bible thump in your response: no scripture/ quotes in your reply!
Posted By: Dr. Ahmad Glover
Wednesday, September 24th 2008 at 9:42AM
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Doc, I thank you for this gut check. I often say that scripture quoting is not necessary especially here on the blogs if one has taken time to expand their horizons in other areas/spheres of their lives so that one can have other points of view other than the bible.
Not all people on the connect platform networks are christians or even read the bible. Anyways that's my 2 cents worth.
Wednesday, September 24th 2008 at 10:13AM
Jen Fad
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Ahmad.... I understand your viewpoint, and there are many who will try to attack you and cover themselves with The Word. Even their own "inquitiy" if you will. However, I have the insight that I must present myself in obedient living, living righteously, and without going around condeming anyone! God will take care of those who are throwing scriptures they don't follow. I must get the mote out of own eyes so that I can serve the purpose he has given me to do. If I am serving him diligently and in order, he knows and will take care what others are doing. Truth and Nail...We all have sinned....but we do not have to continue sinning.
Wednesday, September 24th 2008 at 10:32AM
MIISRAEL Bride
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Peace Brother
Good topic and I agree with you, to a point. I listen to what people say out of respect, for others. Now when they start giving bible verse's I still listen because wisdom can come from anywhere. so I don't just push them away because they may think they are better because they know words from the Bible, Allah says in the Quarn "Did not my reminder come to you, warning you" so I listen but I measure what they are telling agaisnt what I am taught and if it's good I'll take it and use it and if not I throw it away. I am very secure in who I am as a Muslim and who taught me what I know that, gave me my base. I know what they are teaching in the bible and I know what Allah in the person of Master Fard Muhammad, taught The Most Hon. Elijah Muhammad and he taught Minister Louis Farrakhan and he taught me
Peace
Wednesday, September 24th 2008 at 11:21AM
Maurice Muhammad
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Be very careful when one begins to characterize others and their manner of communicating, Judge not...The Word is the truth and the LIGHT!
Be enligtened!
Wednesday, September 24th 2008 at 2:54PM
Anthony Bridgeforth
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interesting post...Doc, I see your point. The thing is, motive. What's the motive behind what's being said? Too many of us grew up listening to half-truths about the Word, and quarter truths about the Word and misquote theWord... While it is true that those that are sincere in their Walk as Christians can be a littleoverzealous.... I freely admit that I get tired of hearing the Word taken out of context or as a crutch to explain why something is unacceptable!If you're gonna use the Sword, (that is, the Word of God) at least take some lessons!
Wednesday, September 24th 2008 at 4:34PM
r.e jones
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I believe I am very spiritual because of my intimate relationship with God. I always refer to scripture when the Holy Spirit is guiding me to do so. I usually try to read blogs of scripture because I believe something will usually resonate with my spirit or enlighten me in some way.
In the cases where it turns out to be brow-beating, or "junk", the Holy Spirit will allow me to discern it and keep it moving unaffected.
I believe that everybody deserve fairness in expressing his or herself, but that does not mean I accept their doctrine or religion, etc. God moves in mysterious ways and I was raised to be a God-fearing Christian first even thought I was rebaptized under a different faith from which I was raised.
Some folks are anointed to share the word and others are not, but as long as we know we can research the word ourselves and come to our own understanding, I don't see any harm done. When folks are consistently "off the mark," it is time for me to pass them by.
Wednesday, September 24th 2008 at 6:55PM
agnes levine
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Zealots of any stripe annoy me and I actively have to work on connecting with them on another level. Some days I don't have the energy this endeavor requires, so I do what I can to avoid them, lol.
Wednesday, September 24th 2008 at 8:14PM
Dr. S. Maxwell Hines
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Okay there appears to be a mixed bag of responses here. So let me ask a deeper question.
What is your impression of folks who throw God's words at you...when that person is not of the same faith as you: The Koran or Torah says, the Rev. Dodirty tells us to..., in the Vedas you are not suppose to, etc?
Thursday, September 25th 2008 at 9:43AM
Dr. Ahmad Glover
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Personally, I think we all get caught up in words. I don't appreciate any religion that will kill in the "name of their lord." Chistrian, muslim or anybody else. All of you need to get off your high horses.
Thursday, September 25th 2008 at 12:04PM
Justin Tomlinson
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Let them (scripture quoters) tell it...I'm going to bust Hell wide open.
Thursday, September 25th 2008 at 12:35PM
Jen Fad
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Let them (scripture quoters) tell it...I'm going to bust Hell wide open.
Thursday, September 25th 2008 at 12:35PM
Jen Fad
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As a Muslim I don't have an issue with Christian or Jews who give me words from their book it's ok. Because Iam grounded in my way of Life. And I understand what they have and where it comes from. So they don't move me, I have the Best Teacher in Minister Louis Farrakhan.
Thursday, September 25th 2008 at 1:34PM
Maurice Muhammad
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Just peeking in...haven't had a lot of time on my hands lately and probably won't for awhile though I peek in periodically. ;-)
Maruice, well said. MIISRAEL, I agree with you, too. And keep doing what you're doing. Even those of us who don't throw stones get called religious zealots or Bible thumpers. In many cases I've seen, just the very mention of "God" brings about labeling and sometimes libelous pursuits. (I'm not saying that the author of THIS blog has done that or is doing that...just sayin'). I personally don't mind despite the fact that the labeling in many instances is wrong. Sometimes people just aren't at all comfortable with any mention of a higher power, regardless of whether it's from a Christian, a Muslim, a Bhuddist...whatever. I will admit that I've seen some of what I consider to be over the top, but I have to stop myself from making any judgments. My personal opinion is just that...an opinion. We all know that opinions are like a--holes...everybody's got one. However, I don't presume to know the content of another person's heart or his/her motives. My job, as I've said before, is to plant seeds...loving although not always agreeable ones to some. That's it. Plant seeds...move on. If whomever receives the planted seed doesn't cultivate it, it's on him/her, not me.
I'm also curious about this word "expert" because it seems so relative. What qualifies one to be an expert? Intense study? Consistent fellowship? College degree? A combination of many attiributes? What? Dr. Glover, you have peaked my interest with that. And don't worry, I do not consider myself an expert. There's a sense of vanity associated with people who NEED a title to feel like they're "somebody". I don't subscribe to that notion, but I am curious to know what qualifies one as an expert. I've also heard that word "judgment" thrown around a lot though and from previous blogs, it seems that we can't even agree what "judgment" is. From earlier blogs, I've seen that some think it's merely calling wrong wrong. From others, I've seen that it's designating Heaven or hell for someone. From others, I've seen it as a combination of factors.
As for the rest, really I have no comment. What doesn't apply...doesn't apply. It's like throwing a rock at a pack of dogs...the one who screams is the one the rock's effect was applied to.
This is an interesting topic (although quite a repetitive topic) and some of the thoughts have been insightful. And when I say repetitive, I mean it's been said before in other blogs...over and over. There seems to be one blog a week by someone with almost the very same thoughts. And in fairness to some of those so-called Bbile thumpers, I'm curious to know how their blogs and/or comments get such attention to begin with. If seems to me that if one is not interested, one should ignore them. But I've said that before, too, so now *I'm* being repetitive. Keep what's good for you...throw away the rest. That seems simple enough for grown folk to do. But hey...it's America, right? Have at it.
Blessings...
"Let your light so shine before men that they will see your good works and glorify your Father, which is in Heaven." -Matthew 5:16
Thursday, September 25th 2008 at 6:57PM
Dee Gray
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Has anyone seen the movie "Quest for fire"! if you haven't, get it look at it. You will understand it, no words. Than you will understand to concept of God.
Wayne C
Friday, September 26th 2008 at 12:57AM
WAYNE CRAWFORD
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OOPS..you are right Ahmad Glover...Aletha Bolden just about summed up my feelings. I was beginning to wonder...
Friday, September 26th 2008 at 12:04PM
Marta Fernandez
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Aletha, this really stood out to me:
"but to use religion to browbeat, make false claims, put folks down, and elevate ourselves for selfish gain, ie. money, power, self-rightousness, etc. is not spiritual. There are many folks who claim to be experts on religion and the bible and stop there, they are not spiritual...bottom line no one has the right to condem or the expertise to brow-beat others..."
You said a mouthful there...and I agree wholeheartedly.
Blessings...
Sunday, September 28th 2008 at 2:18AM
Dee Gray
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I am responding to this blog post because I am one of those who quotes scripture... alot. Mama just spoke to me recently about it, too.
Quoting scripture is not MEANT to "browbeat" anyone.
Some believe so strongly in their "manual", be it the bible, Qu'ran, etc. that they stand on it, or they don't. Some, however, are confused and step on and off of it like getting on and off a treadmill. It is meant to be used as a mirror, reflecting both good and bad, right and wrong, eb and flow. If scripture says, the moon controls high and low tides, I can also say it, the scripture referrence is simply another tool to support my claim.
If I say, "There is a time to love and a time to hate", does that automatically mean that I am quoting scripture? Just because it happens to be in there in PRINT? Do you not still agree with the truth of what it says? I am not saying that you have to believe in my God, or my bible, or my interpretation of the truth. I, by using scripture, am simply stating that "these words speak truth to me, what/how do you think, feel, know, or have oppinion, about that?" It opens the lines of communication. In reference to Quest for Fire, yes I have seen it. Yes, we can communicate with one another without words. Hugs are a great example. There are some people that don't like hugs, from strangers, at least.
I will give you another example...
The Discovery Channel is full of programs that state the "age" of the earth. Few of the "ages" presented are the same, however. Honestly, who really knows the real truth of the age of the "EARTH". By using scripture, Gen.1:1, it says "the earth was without form and void". The fact that it uses the words "the earth was" means it existed even before the continuation of the scripture of God moving and making changes to it. Who knows how long it was there before....the big bang, "then there was light", or it evolved, however you individually believe "it" occurred.
It is intended to state, this is where I am, where I stand, what I believe, what I comprehend. None of us really knows much of anything. We are all on a path of learning, gaining knowledge and wisdom, and so much of that is based in the reality of our own experience and life training. I often will quote another human being, even if they aren't known by anyone in social circles, IF THEIR WORDS SPEAK TRUTH TO ME.
The fact remains, we all run a race, and we run it in order win and obtain a prize. Some run a race to wealth, some win, some loose, the prize is in the result. I don't have much money, but I have great wealth in the number of relationships I have, both with friends, family and aquaintances. I believe that as long as my heart still beats in my chest, and I am still breathing, whether or not I can see, hear or speak, I am alive and well prepared and able to live, grow, learn and teach. I can quote scripture all day long, but if I don't DO any of it, I am noisy, irritating, obnoxious, of ill repute, NOTHING. I never intend for the scripture I qoute to be used as a whipping post, yet, it lies within the individual to weigh the truth within themselves. I can give you advice till I am blue in the face, it is up to you to decide to listen to it, or not, to take it and use it, or not, to share it with others, or not. It is the ball in the game we play, I volley, it is now in your court. What say you?
Thursday, October 2nd 2008 at 10:37AM
Lesley Knight
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What an Idiot (3424 hits)
------ Part XVIII- Just Stop Hitting My With That Bible- by Dr. Ahmad
SUBJECT....
Posted By: Dr. Ahmad Glover
Wednesday, September 24th 2008 at 9:42AM
You can also click here to view all posts by this author...
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Dr. Ahmad....in 2020; BIA, has 'blackChrisitanHebrewIsraelites' FILLING the blog pages trying to "prove"
...to PROVE THAT....
kingJames....1600s masterSlaver...is of great needed benefit to US-USA in 2020
kingJames....southern evangelists still in 2020 use kingJames version as blueprint for USA-US
kingJames....who historically had his servantMasters read to the African slaves
Generationally to Verify the euroRACIST rape, torture, murder and miseducation of Americans
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these bible thumpers are thumping things that the Jew and the State of Israel do not believe
-----those jews, preservers of Torah know what European thumpers did to them 1937-1945
as BIA Preamble States
....We in 2020 can Educate self; and LEARN the Genesis meaning of African Asian Monotheistism
thumpers WITHOUT Hebrew, Aramaic and Arabic Language Study are just thumps
I, as a Muslim know that Demographics in 2020 favor truthful and proper US-USA growth from Racism
Friday, April 10th 2020 at 10:31AM
robert powell
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