Mary Magdalene and the Red Egg

Mary Magdalene and the Red Egg. Also visit this link Mary Magdalene Easter Eggs and this from The Good Heart.

Adam Gorightly's Album Covers; Vintage Christian

One of the many things I enjoy about Adam Gorightly; those "kooky" album covers he often posts. Here's his latest: Those Kooky Christian Album Covers | Adam Gorightly's Untamed Dimensions
Gorightly has a good collection of album covers from all genres, be sure to take a look.

Here are two vintage Christian album covers I found while searching the net:

Little wooden boys love Jesus too

Hair-dos to the Lord

Pastor announces plans to run for Oregon governor | Statesman Journal | statesmanjournal.com

From Pastor announces plans to run for Oregon governor | Statesman Journal | statesmanjournal.com, Aaron Auer's disingenuous statement:

An Oregon City pastor announced Friday he plans to run for governor next year.

Aaron Auer, the founder of Reviving Oregon’s Amazing Roots Ministries in Umpqua, said he’s in the early stages of his campaign and kept tight-lipped about what political party he was seeking a nomination from.

“I am campaigning as a modern day circuit riding preacher,” said Auer, a son of dairy farmers in Douglas County.

If there's any doubt, here you go:

“I had a dream. I saw governor and the Lord spoke to me and told me you would be the governor of Oregon,” she later told her husband.

Whats the difference between Hoodoo and Voodoo? - Yahoo! Answers

Whats the difference between Hoodoo and Voodoo? - Yahoo! Answers
"Hoodoo and Voodoo are both practiced in Louisiana and have many things in common. However, there are differences between the two. Voodoo is a religion and Hoodoo is an African American system of folk magickal practice that has typically been handed down from generation to generation. Many Hoodoo practitioners in Louisiana are Roman Catholic and also practice some form Spiritualism or Spiritism. They do not typically invoke the loas (African deities) as in Voodoo, and instead use Catholic Saints that represent the loas. This Catholic shroud is the result of a historical atmosphere wherein the only legal religion permitted in the state of Louisiana from the 1600s to 1812 was Roman Catholicism. There is no conflict between those who practice Voodoo and those who practice Hoodoo in Louisiana and they are perfectly complementary. "

Santa Muerte: Underworld saint becoming more popular in US

Underworld saint becoming more popular in US - Yahoo! News: Popular in Mexico, and sometimes linked to the illicit drug trade, the skeleton saint known as La Santa Muerte in recent years has found a robust and diverse following north of the border: immigrant small business owners, artists, gay activists and the poor, among others — many of them non-Latinos and not all involved with organized religion.

Clad in a black nun's robe and holding a scythe in one hand, Santa Muerte appeals to people seeking all manner of otherworldly help: from fending off wrongdoing and carrying out vengeance to stopping lovers from cheating and landing better jobs. And others seek her protection for their drug shipments and to ward off law enforcement.

See also: Who the Hell is Santa Muerte? from Hell on Earth

Dirk Vander Ploeg: Buddhists See UFO Intervention in 2012 | UFO Digest provides video proof of ufos, alien abduction and the paranormal.

UFO Digest publisher Dirk Vander Ploeg on Buddhist prophecy for 2012:Buddhists See UFO Intervention in 2012 | UFO Digest provides video proof of ufos, alien abduction and the paranormal.

Bill Maher Takes Heat Over Tim Tebow Tweet | ThePostGame

I like Maher, though he irritates me sometimes: his views on women, sex and appearances are shallow and I'm not a fanatical atheist like he is. But overall, he's okay in my book, even if he did refer to Marilyn Monroe as a "pie wagon." He's in trouble again, this time for his tweet on the prayerful Tim Tebow. One Fox pundit even called Maher "disgusting vile trash." Wow. There are lots of "vile disgusting trash" out there: child molesters, animal abusers, serial killers, war mongers, etc. but a comedian making fun of religion? Yep, goes right at the top of the list.

So what did Maher say anyway? He tweeted:

"Wow, Jesus just [screwed] #TimTebow bad! And on Xmas Eve! Somewhere ... Satan is tebowing, saying to Hitler "Hey, Buffalo’s killing them,"

I also like the way Maher's "beliefs" are lumped in together:

Maher, a proud atheist who supports legalizing pot, same-sex marriage and is a board member for PETA,

As if being an atheist isn't bad enough (and to many in this nation, it is, remember the recent poll that put atheist's on the same level as rapists?) supporting one's right to smoke herbs of your choice is added to the list, along with "same sex marriage" (oh you heathen, Bill Maher!) and then, lastly, "board member for PETA." As if animal rights and welfare is also suspicious.

Bill Maher Takes Heat Over Tim Tebow Tweet | ThePostGame

Alien Nativity

 Aliens and a  Shamanic Santa, created by a Portland, Oregon artist:

Jeff Belanger: Santa is a Legend Not a Lie

I love this article by Jeff Belanger: Santa is a Legend Not a Lie

I don’t care if you’re Christian or not. I’m a paranormal guy. I believe in possession. In Judaism there’s the concept of the “Dybbuk,” which is a type of spirit possession. This possession can be a bad thing: like if you’re inclined to drink too much or do drugs, a spirit that did that in life may cling to you and push you over the edge; or it can be a good thing: you’re trying to get healthy and exercise and a spirit who did that in life may be drawn to you to help. We get possessed by good ideas, gut instincts, and inspiration all of the time. We also get inspired by great legends… like Santa Claus.

Santa’s legend and story has spread throughout the world. Each Christmas we get inspired… nay, possessed by this good spirit. I’m thrilled my daughter is eagerly awaiting St. Nick visiting our house. I want her to know the magic this figure holds.

By carrying on these traditions which were based on a real man, I become a part of the legend. I write myself into the story. I write my daughter into the story in the hopes that one day she too will become possessed by the spirit of Christmas. That she will be reminded to behave because someone is out there watching, that she will feel the urge to give to charities a little more, that she will know there’s still magic in the world.

This same perspective can be used for UFOs, Marian apparitions, etc. which is what I try to convey, but Belanger did it more articulately...

Holiday Cheer and Fear: Santa, St. Nicholas, Odin, Sinterklaas, and Krampus : Extraordinary Intelligence

From Natalina at Extraordinary Intelligence: Holiday Cheer and Fear: Santa, St. Nicholas, Odin, Sinterklaas, and Krampus a detailed and very good article. Enjoy!

In many parts of the world, St. Nicholas Day is far more important and more ardently observed than Christmas, although in some areas, both dates are enjoyed as holidays. Children will often set their shoes out by the fire or in a main living area, and on the eve of St. Nicholas day, their shoes will be filled with treats. St. Nick is usually depicted in his traditional Bishop’s garb, and while he is said to be kind and generous, he is also a firm believer in discipline. Kids might be given presents, or they may find that St. Nick has left his parents a rod or branch to spank the children who’ve been naughty.

While traditions vary from region to region, the gift giving elements stay relatively consistent. It’s the creative means of discipline that makes each Nation’s St. Nick story unique… and at times scary! And while Santa Claus doesn’t really have a sidekick, unless you count his reindeer or his elves, some Countries have given their versions of St. Nick a helper or two… and no example is more bizarre than that of the Netherlands’ Sinterklaas.

You Pagan Christian Pagans, You

Another Christmas is the devil's work vid from the same people who gave us Santa is Satan (see previous post.) Love that Darth Vader-Monty Wooley impression though. (Who's Monty Wooley? If you don't know, he was a great actor from the golden era of films. Watch the clip :)

"Santa is Satan"

I think they're actually serious, despite the Darth Vader voice:

Mich. Residents Receive Letter Calling Christmas Lights 'Pagan' - Yahoo!

Image source here

Mich. Residents Receive Letter Calling Christmas Lights 'Pagan' - Yahoo!

Homeowners in Hudsonville, Mich., have been singled out for displaying what an anonymous letter-writer calls "pagan" lights and decorations on their properties.

The letters start out on a friendly note, with "Hi Neighbor, you have a nice display of lights." But the self-described "love note" quickly changes tone, explaining how the "pagan tradition" of putting up lights began.

Religious Folk Art: "Sacrifice Beads" (St. Theresa)

At the local St. Vincent de Paul's the other day I noticed something new: lots of religious folk art items on a small display rack. I was surprised and delighted at the cost: this one was $1.00. St. Theresa Sacrifice Beads, with instructions.

A small plastic baggie, with a yellow piece of paper with instructions and blurb about St. Theresa:

St. Theresa Sacrifice Beads

St. Theresa medal on beaded string

St. Theresa (The Little Flower) used beads like these to count her "presents" to God Every (sic) day. Pull one bead for every sacrifice, good deed, or anything you do for the love of God. children can also count sharing, obeying their parents, being helpful, etc. They are also especially good for training children. Offer each "present" to God for souls and ask St. Theresa and Our Lady to help you pull many beads each day!

 "...especially good for training children." Scary. Inside the bag, along with the yellow paper, is a string of plastic blue and clear pony beads, and a medal of St. Theresa.

St. Vinnie's had several of these, along with rosaries and other saints, ranging in price from $1.00 to around $10.00, I think. I am going back for more!

Reverse side of St. Theresa medal

Saudi Arabia executes woman convicted of 'sorcery' - Yahoo! News

What can one say about this, except the obvious: sick bastards:Saudi Arabia executes woman convicted of 'sorcery' - Yahoo! News

The London-based al-Hayat daily, however, quoted Abdullah al-Mohsen, chief of the religious police who arrested the woman, as saying she had tricked people into thinking she could treat illnesses, charging them $800 per session.

Article added that a "female investigator" was involved, in an attempt to distance everyone from the barbarism of this crime.

Parasociology: Marian Apparitions at El-Zeitoun and Social Psi (part 4)

A well researched post from Eric Quellet at Parasociology on Marian apparitions, including the Zeitoun appiritons in 1968-1971: Parasociology: Marian Apparitions at El-Zeitoun and Social Psi (part 4)
(I've often wondered, and have commented in various blog postings, if those particular apparitions weren't some kind of human caused manifestation, and I still argue that they very likely were.) As you can see from the title this is "part 4" -- be sure to read the rest!

Lawsuit over 'Jew or not Jew' iPhone app dropped after Apple removes it worldwide - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News

Lawsuit over 'Jew or not Jew' iPhone app dropped after Apple removes it worldwide - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News

In context -- France's history with Jews, anti-Semitism, the Holocaust, etc. -- understandable outrage. On the other hand, I remember playing "Jew not a Jew" as a kid, and dh and I still play it. It was with pride: Danny Kaye, Jew. etc. The app in question was developed by a Jew. Still, offense was taken, and app removed...

Sister Joan Chittister, OSB: In Search of the Divine Feminine

Via the blog Mystic Politics, this article on the Divine Feminine at Huffington Post:

Sister Joan Chittister, OSB: In Search of the Divine Feminine: Where does this notion of the Divine Feminine come from? Is the question of the Divine Feminine simply a current fad? A silly notion of even sillier feminists? Or could it possibly have deep and ineradicable roots in the tradition itself?

However much we mock the idea, the truth is, ironically, that every major spiritual tradition on earth carries within it, at its very center, in its ancient core, an awareness of the Divine Feminine. In Hinduism, Shakti -- the great mother, the feminine principle -- is seen as the sum total of all the life-giving energy of the universe. She is the source of all. In Buddhism, Tara is seen as the perfection of wisdom, and in Buddhism, wisdom is life's highest metaphysical principle! Tara is considered the light and the prime source of Buddhahood and so of all Buddhas to follow.

Vatican weighs in on cult-like group in Legion - Yahoo! News

VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Vatican has proposed giving hundreds of women who live like nuns within the troubled Legion of Christ order greater autonomy after a Holy See investigation found serious problems in their regimented communities.
The pope's delegate running the Legion, Cardinal Velasio De Paolis, said in a letter published Monday that the problems of the consecrated women of the Legion's lay branch were "many and challenging." Of particular concern is that they have no legal status in the church.
In a 2010 Associated Press expose, former consecrated women spoke of the cult-like conditions they lived in, with rules dictating nearly every minute of their day — from how they ate to what they watched on TV — all in the name of God's will.
The women described emotional and spiritual abuse they suffered if they questioned their vocation, and of how they would be cast aside if their spiritual directors no longer had any need for them.
The Vatican ordered the investigation after word of the abuses emerged during a broader Vatican probe into the Legion, a conservative order founded in Mexico in 1941 by the late Rev. Marciel Maciel.
After decades of denying allegations Maciel was a pedophile, the Legion in 2009 began admitting to his double life: that he sexually abused seminarians and had fathered at least three children with two women.
Rest here:Vatican weighs in on cult-like group in Legion - Yahoo! News

US priest who backs women's ordination detained - Yahoo! News

US priest who backs women's ordination detained

VATICAN CITY (AP) — A U.S. Catholic priest who supports ordination for women has been detained by police after marching to the Vatican to press the Holy See to lift its ban on women priests.

The Rev. Roy Bourgeois and two supporters were taken away Monday in a police car after their group marched down the main boulevard leading to the Vatican and chanted outside St. Peter's Square "What do we want? Women priests!"