Posts Made By: John Meiners

A Forum on Politics & Religion... Stop the Insanity! Rev. Al Sharpton is both Religous & Political.. He's our Answer! JM ( a Jeffersonian Dem. )

I just read where PENTAX offers an XL 60mm. for Three thousand nine hundred.. so a used one should go for around $3120.?? JM

Just saw a Burgess 127 f/7.8 refractor here on the Mart for sale, gentleman is asking $475. + shipping.. less than the $$ of a TV 31mm. your thoughts on me picking up a scope like this? I sold my TV 102 last year and bought a SCT. Just wondering.. thanks... JM

Ever since I was a young boy I was awed by the all powerful ability that God, the maker of the World, and of me, must have. Since I have grown older, completed a tour of combat in Southeast Asia, gone to college..lets just say, "opened my horizons" I have come to a question of practical reality. I not too long ago asked a Christian friend of mine, "Does God know everything?" His immediate answer was, "Of course God knows everything." I said, "How about the future of Man?" Again he agreed that there was nothing that God was not aware of or privy to.. So naturally I had to ask about Judgement Day.. when Man will be finally judged.. Does God know the verdict at this moment of who will go where? My friend replied, of course He does. So I said even before conception did God know our Judgement day fate, Yes, He repeated again.. So I went a step father and posed the querry.. before God made Adam & Eve did He know the outcome of all who ever will be born and die.. He answered Yes again.. My final question was.. I thought we were given Free will to make choices for ourselves.. He said God knew what our choices would be. So I said, Why go through all the Pain and suffering of Life? So here lies a Hypothetical; A young woman finds out that she is pregnant, God sees (knows all) that this child a boy, will grow up, endure many things in his life, have a fatal Heart attack at the age of 78, dies and will end up not joining the few fortunate ones that inherit eternal life in Heaven.. ??? does not compute.. John M

I am neither a prophet, nor the son of a prophet, but I wish to go on record publicly with the following prediction: The biggest task humanity will face in the 21st centurywill be to keep competing religions from destroying civilization.
We've just completed another season of celebrating the religious theme of "Peace on Earth, good will towards men" but there is scant evidence that religion is contributing towards this end. Instead, the most adamantly religious sectors in the mid-East are virulently pursuing violence against the West, not because, as our fearless leader has stated, they "hate democracy," but because they hate (fear?) any religion other than their own.
But before we begin feeling smug, we need to acknowledge that the most virulent beating of the drums of war in our own country comes from the most conservatively religious among us.
Religion, especially the Abrahamic offshoots-Judaism, Christianity, and Islam - has never had a good record where peace is concerned. In fact the absolute worst argument for the validity of the Christian Church as God's instrument on Earth is its own History dripping in Blood! continued.. Part 2

Why is that? A simple answer: most people's religious faith is not amenable to rational investigation. It was adopted for the emotional reasons, feels "right" and thus cannot stand any questioning of its authenticity. So reason goes out the window.
Consider this statement of fact: The best predictor of what religion a person will adopt is geography. If you were born in Massachusetts, there is a strong likelihood you are a Roman Catholic. If you were born in Georgia, probably Southern Baptist. If in Saudi Arabia, Muslim, and if in India, Hindu. There are exceptions, but the odds that your roots determined your religious identification are overwhelming. A savvy gambler would die for such odds.
But in spite of overwhelming evidence of the accuracy of this observation, religious fundamentalists become irate in their denial that geography had anything to do with their religious stance. They are certain their faith choice is because they have found the one true and "ONLY" way to reach Heaven, and they excoriate anyone who suggest otherwise.
I am firmly committed to religious freedom and pluralism, including the freedom to reject all religions, which describes my own stance. I honor our traditions, and feel no threat of Manger scenes or Christmas Gayla.. Nor does the Jewish Candles and such cause me trauma.. "In God we trust" God Bless America, Under God, over God, these do not have to be erased, as would have some organizations want them..
This is all Mythology to me.. The very first Offspring in the Genesis account shed the very first blood into the soil.. No thanks! I will choose what I feel best suits me.
Keep whatever religious affirmations make you feel good and exercise your right to express your faith as you choose, all the while allowing others the same privilege. But be aware that the biggest danger our world faces is the conflict between competing faiths, especially by the adherents who are certain they have a direct word from "on high" and are determined to wipe out all the infidels. As they said in Vietnam; Praise the Lord & pass the @*#+! ammunition.. following excerpts, part 1&2 from Daily Astorian by John S. Compere

No not really, but the geology sure imaged the surface from what we have seen.. this is actually a photo taken this last summer 03' in "the painted hills" Eastern OR. near Mitchell.. The State has gone to great lengths to preserve these wonders from ATVs & SUV's.. worth a trip & look-see if you are ever in this neck of the woods, John M

I have the "Standard" Celestar C8 that came with the (non-adjustable)tri-pod legs. My question: will my scope slide on the tilt plate of the newer Tri-pod with adjustable legs? (is it the same bolt pattern) thanks, John Meiners

What is with mail service out of Canada? Do they move their packages by dogsled? I Have been waiting for several weeks now for a filter mailed in mid Jan. This is not the first time I have encountered this delay.. Has anyone else had this trouble? I may think twice next time.. jm

*Thought that would get your interest/attention..
Was wondering if anyone has seen a current model of the once popular 1950's SPITZ Junior Planetarium. you would think after 50 years of technological advancements, specially in the electro-micro-chip field, there would be a more advanced model available for Johnny's bedroom or Dad's Den. A model that would like it's predecessor project stars, Galaxies, & planets all over the walls and ceiling.. If you have seen one, please let me know.. John M