Grand Jury Reform

Grand Jury Reform: Basics

On Wednesday, January 21, 2015, Georgia Congressman Hank Johnson introduced to Congress the Grand Jury Reform Act. Citing the cases of Eric Garner and Michael Brown among others, Johnson declared that it was apparent that the criminal justice system was broken. He stated that the American people have lost faith in the courts, and pinpointed the Grand Jury process as the reason. His exact words are below:

"People demand an end to what is perceived as unequal justice, and that those who are responsible for the use of excessive force be brought to justice. They do not trust a secret grand jury system that is so clearly broken. My bill will help restore that trust.  No longer will communities have to rely on the secret and biased grand jury process."

The issue at the heart of this action is one which nearly everyone across the nation (and yes, even around the world) have voiced an opinion on: The use of excessive force by overzealous, or overworked, police officers. It is most certainly a major issue that must be addressed, but the question remains "Is this the right approach?"

Grand Jury Reform: The Writer 

Forget that Johnson is the same character who was concerned over Guam capsizing; the issue here is very much real, and very much something that needs to be examined. He's not wrong about the need to look at the Grand Jury system, but he very well may be missing the larger picture. We're not imagining a world without balloons- We're attempting to imagine a world wherein a police officer that uses excessive force is removed from duty; investigated thoroughly by an independent prosecutor; brought up on whatever charges are fitting and appropriate; indicted by a Grand Jury; and tried before a judge and a jury of his or her peers. That is what many of us are seeking... At the very least, what many of us are hoping for, even if we do not have the courage to publicly support such a measure.

There are those who dismiss Congressman Hank Johnson far too quickly. Because he has a unique voice; because of his concern about Guam tipping over; because he wanted us to imagine a world without balloons; and even because he is a Democrat from Georgia. There is a broad assortment of reasons to dismiss him, if one wishes to get petty and foolish. The truth of the matter, however, is that he remains the 18th most effective Representative on Capitol Hill. He may not be the greatest mover and shaker in Congress, but he is by far the least worthy of dismissal.

The largest concern that this writer can see when it comes to the current offering by Rep. Johnson is this: It doesn't go far enough. Given where Johnson is from, I can understand that he would immediate gravitate towards the "...unjustified killings of ...countless... African-American men and boys..." However, there are far more examples of police using excessive force than those that cross ethnic lines; moreover, in this writer's opinion, such reform should not be done in the name of ethnicity, but rather justice for all.

Grand Jury Reform: Ineffective

Let us for a moment consider the possibilities should Congressman Hank Johnson's measure become law. Yes, there would be a special prosecutor appointed by the Governor of the state in which the killing took place. Yes, all initial proceedings would be open to the public where they had been closed in the past. Finally, yes, all of this would put the onus on those within the Grand Jury to return a fair indictment. However...
The measure leaves judges completely untouched. In fact, whether any of this actually happens is entirely dependent upon the presiding judge. This doesn't make it harder for a corrupt brotherhood of cops to get their cohort off with a stern look, it makes it that much easier. Bully the prosecutor, grease the judge, and possibly buy off the Grand Jury- That is the system now. But under this measure, all that would be needed was an understanding with a a willing judge.

The measure also specifically credits cases that have a potent and toxic cross ethnic scenario. I'm sure nearly everyone reading this will remember some of the following names: Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Oscar Grant, Nate Sanders, Timothy Russell, Malissa Williams, Kendrec McDade, Kenneth Harding and Stanley Gibson. Cases like these are the ones mentioned by Johnson as being reasons for this reform. However, Johnson clearly forgot more than a few, far more recent incidents:

• John T. Williams, a Nitinaht wood carver with partial hearing loss and cognitive disabilities. Crossing the road one night with a carving knife in one hand and a piece of wood in the other, he was gunned down after failing to respond to police officers. 
• Officer James Davies, a Lakewood police officer investigating a disturbance. In the course of his investigation, Davies was shot and killed by fellow officer Devaney Braley.
• John Loxas, a 50-year-old grandfather from Arizona who was babysitting his 9-month-old grandson. After an ill-advised run-in with a neighbor, police responded to Loxas' home with the purpose of investigating his neighbor's claim. He answered the door with a black object in one hand and his grandson in the other, and was promptly shot in the head with a rifle by Officer James Peters from a distance of six yards.
• James Boyd, a 36-year-old homeless man camping in the foothills of Albuquerque, New Mexico. After being reported to police as being mentally ill and homeless, Boyd was approached by a group of armed officers accompanied by a police dog. After talking for a short time, Boyd proceeded to pick up his bag appearing to decide to move on- He was then shot three times in the back and arm, shot several more times with beanbag rounds after collapsing on the ground, assaulted by the police dog, and finally handcuffed. He died the next day as a result of his injuries.
• Mary Hawks, a troubled 19-year-old suspected of car jacking. After an on foot chase, officers say she turned on the pursuing police officers with a handgun, and was subsequently shot. Witnesses say there was no shouting, no verbal orders; just silence and sounds of running, followed by gunshots.
• Christopher Torres, a 27-year-old schizophrenic from Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was badly beat before being shot to death in his own backyard in 2011. While the first detective involved claims they were serving a warrant and that Torres started the conflict, the second detective stated that there was no attempt to serve a warrant, nor was there an attempt to use the appointed intermediary.

None of the above cases involve men or women of the African-American persuasion, and none of them are referenced. For there to be genuine reform, there must be equal cause. That equality of cause exists, but it is not getting the attention it needs.

Grand Jury Reform: What True Reform Looks Like

While Congressman Hank Johnson seems to feel that it is strictly the Grand Jury portion of the criminal justice system that needs overhaul, it is the entire system that needs to be reformed. These reforms would touch on not only the jury selection and process, but every other aspect as well. Were I able to suggest a bill for the Congressman to champion, it would touch on these points:

Law. The basic foundation of the legal system needs to be addressed first and foremost. There are multiple laws that cover the same infractions, yet due to their slightly different wording, a person charged under these laws could either escape due to multiple loopholes, or be damned beyond hope due to the lack of ability to prove innocence. Rather than creating new laws to address new aspects, old laws should be amended. The system should not require the sheer volume of work it takes simply to interpret the law before being applied.

Consequence. The required punishments of law should be clearly stated, with a specified range of degree to allow for judge applied leniency if any is justified. One highly controversial example is that of convicted sex offenders. A person convicted of indecent public exposure is placed on the same list as the serial rapist, and as a result, is treated by law enforcement and the general public in the same manner. If someone who is brought up on criminal charges for relieving him or herself in a less than secluded spot must be placed on some sort of registry, it should not be the same one as that person convicted of rape. People must be given a chance commensurate with the level of their crime to live life and hopefully move beyond their crime. The consequence of their actions must be dealt, but that consequence cannot prevent them from living a full life where such is possible.

Enforcement. Once the law is simplified and clarified, the enforcement of that law must then be very concisely executed. Peace officers are such in name only throughout the country, be they genuinely upholding the current system or criminals themselves. Obviously, this needs to change. Officers themselves must undergo strenuous training, but under the oversight of an independent committee tasked with the sole purpose of verifying that all courses are up to standard, and that all graduates have met or exceeded those standards. As a secondary aspect of Law Enforcement Reform, all unions must either be entirely dissolved, or severely limited in power. This writer would rather see an independent council for Law Enforcement rights than a union that is constantly and consistently finding itself involved with defending members and brutalizing citizens speaking against corruption. Too much financial capital is spent on the growth and well-being of the union itself, and too little goes to caring for the officers themselves.

Judicial. From the Supreme Court of the United States down to the municipal courts, there must be a complete shake-up. First, there must be term limits imposed upon all judicial positions, whether appointed or elected. Secondly, all prospective judges must show evidence of education in the law which they intend to interpret, as well as a complete lack of activism for a period no shorter than fifteen years. Thirdly, all decisions issued from the bench must quote from the law in question, except in criminal trials, where the law or laws broken must be referenced. Where decisions are issued from the bench of the Supreme Court, all must reference the law in question, and how the decision applies to the Constitution of the United States; should the Constitution have no bearing on the case, the Supreme Court must then adhere to the Constitution and send the case back to the state for review and decision. No court may decline from ruling except where such a ruling would result in the interpretation of the Constitution of the United States. Finally, the use of case law shall not, in no wise, replace the reference of legislated law; nor shall case law ever be given in place of constitutional reference.

Prosecution. No prosecutor should ever be involved with a case wherein even the slightest possibility of conflict of interest rests. In all cases, where such peril resides, an independent prosecutor must always be called upon. In cases involving government officials, law enforcement officers, and other public servants, an independent prosecutor must always be appointed.

Jury. All potential jury members must be peers only in general age. None should be disregarded for lack of affluence, gender, or ethnicity. Any sharing criminal record similarities would be prevented from selection. All selections would be reviewed by an independent panel prior to final placement.

Grand Jury Reform: Final Thoughts

Congressman Hank Johnson is also passing around a petition in addition to his proposed bill that calls upon Congress to pass the measure. It says in part:

"...the secretive grand jury process will be manipulated by prosecutors to protect and favor the police officers who they work closely with every day. As a result, the public has lost confidence in the criminal justice system. This loss of confidence erodes public respect for the rule of law, and undermines public trust for the integrity of our judicial system."

In truth, it is the total package; the entire system itself; that has caused the American public to lose confidence in its ability to properly address breaches of law. Thus, the whole system must be reformed- It is far from an easy thing, but it is the only thing that will actually work.

The system is broken, but let us not forget that the brokenness of the system, or lack thereof, does not excuse anyone of their duty as citizens. In other words, no court decision is justifiable cause to punish your neighbors, your fellow residents, or your merchants. Rioting accomplishes nothing; it garners attention, but only negativity rises from such scrutiny. Nor does a broken system justify verbal or physical assaults on police. I firmly believe that those police who do their jobs as decently and humbly as possible deserve our praise and support- They are the reason this system of justice has held up for so long.

In closing, if the esteemed Congressman Hank Johnson is reading this at any time; or if any of our duly elected leaders see this post; allow me just to say: Reform! Reform! Reform! ...But do so with wisdom, intelligence and humility. Address the whole problem, not just a part. Block all possible loopholes, not just a few. Reform to benefit the citizens of this nation, not yourselves.

Do this, Congressman Hank Johnson, and the system will find new life, and greater trust.

My Issue With NowTheEndBegins - Part 1

How NTEB Got Me Fired Up This Time

If you are friends with Dara and I on Facebook (through Jax, of course) then you know I recently went off on the writer of the article on the ecumenical gathering organized by Humanum, an organization dedicated to the promotion of marriage between a man and a woman within faith communities. They approached the Vatican to cosponsor an event in which they will gather religious leaders of many faiths from around the world to speak on this very subject. In addition to Pope Francis, multiple Christian leaders will be present, and these include the author of Purpose Driven Life Rick Warren. Anyone who is familiar with me knows that I have a major issue with Mr. Warren, especially with his now oft repeated statements that Islam and Christianity worship the same God- Let me be clear from the outset: I absolutely reject Warren's assertion that the God of the Bible is the god of Islam. 

However, NTEB mischaracterizes it as a "Global Chrislam Conference." Right there, one should be put completely on guard against what is coming, yet I am discovering that many Christians are falling for this garbage. Thus, I am writing tonight about it, and why any Christ follower should be wary of anything that comes from NTEB.

The article opens with the following statement:

On Monday, November 17, 2014, Pope Francis will host a global ecumenical conference featuring Muslim leaders, pagans, and Chrislam founder Rick Warren from Saddleback Church in California. --NTEB

Let's stop there for just a minute. Chrislam is a religious practice established in the 1970's that recognizes the Q'ran and the Bible as sacred texts. It was created by Tela Tella in Lagos, Nigeria. The idea of mixing these two utterly incompatible religions is by no means new, and Rick Warren had nothing to do with the founding of this sect. Nevertheless, here in the United States, he has unilaterally been recognized as the creator of this abomination of doctrine. Folks, Warren, for all of his abhorrent mistakes and transgressions, did not found this crud.

Moreover, NTEB declares that it will be attended by Muslim leaders, pagans and Rick Warren. We've already discussed Warren and Chrislam, so let us turn our attention to the word "pagan." Paganism is a very specific belief system, and does not- Cannot for the sake of accuracy and truth -Be inclusive of all the religions one disapproves of. Paganism at its core is the worship of nature; it does not include Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists, Christian Scientists, etc. If one wished to bunch all of these religions under one single label, it would be "heathen," or better yet, "deceived." Moreover, the conference is being attended by those from the orthodox Jewish community and the Messianic Jewish community. These too are "pagans?" This inattention to detail (and we must hope it was a sincere lack of attention to detail rather than an intentional and outright misuse) is typical of NTEB.

Let us continue looking at the article.

Note the high number of professing pagan religions that will be represented there. The Pope doesn’t care what you believe as long as you follow Rome.     --NTEB

NTEB has already mischaracterized the conference's intent. They further skew the representation by implying that it is the Vatican that is leading this conference. In fact, Pope Francis is merely a speaker; the organization responsible for the initial planning is doing the hosting. That organization is so-called "interfaith," meaning that no one religion has a controlling hand, regardless of what NTEB wishes with obvious sincerity.

...beyond it’s stated purpose, the real reason for the global confab is to continue Pope Francis’ work of merging all religions into the One World Religion mentioned in the book of Revelation. Any excuse for a get together is fine, so long as all religions agree to lay down before the Vatican and get in line behind the Pope. --NTEB

This is an absolute and unbelievably blatant slam on Catholics; not to mention a truly awful understanding of Revelation. I want to make sure everyone understands something about the book of Revelation: Nowhere in Revelation does it state that there will be a "One World Religion" in those terms. Thus, everything we know about the One World Religion that accompanies the rise of the final Antichrist comes from pure interpretation. Mind, that interpretation, when done properly, gives us a very clear vision of a universal (here meaning global) religion.

Note what Revelation actually says about this global religion, and make exceptional note of the imagery.

1 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk.” 3 And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. 5 And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations.” 6 And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.
When I saw her, I marveled greatly. 7 But the angel said to me, “Why do you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns that carries her. 8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit and go to destruction. And the dwellers on earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel to see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come. 9 This calls for a mind with wisdom: the seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman is seated; 10 they are also seven kings, five of whom have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come, and when he does come he must remain only a little while. 11 As for the beast that was and is not, it is an eighth but it belongs to the seven, and it goes to destruction. 12 And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received royal power, but they are to receive authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they hand over their power and authority to the beast. 14 They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”
15 And the angel said to me, “The waters that you saw, where the prostitute is seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and languages. 16 And the ten horns that you saw, they and the beast will hate the prostitute. They will make her desolate and naked, and devour her flesh and burn her up with fire, 17 for God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. 18 And the woman that you saw is the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth.”   --Revelation 17:1-18 [ESV]

The word "harlot" is used throughout the Old and New Testaments to reference false religion. It will dominate the whole world, thus it is global. The adultery (sexual immorality) mentioned illustrates the influence the religion has on the leaders of the world. The drunkenness mentioned refers to these people becoming drunk with power.

What it does not say is what that religion will be or what it will spring from. All of those who say it is the Vatican are coming off of pure speculation- Even those who say they've had a revelation from God on the matter ought to be thoroughly examined for past accuracy before being believed. I myself believe that it will be a religion that is nonexistent today- That it will spring from the rise of the living statue, not from anything today; again, this is purely speculation, and is open to correction based upon contextual and critical Scriptural argument. It is worth noting that the rise of this religion, however, comes after the rise of the Antichrist and the creation of the living statue, or the image of the beast which has been given life by the false prophet.

Regardless, the Pope is not calling for all religions to fall in line with the Vatican- If he were to do this, you can bet there would be war. He is joining in a conference on the importance of marriage. Any further purpose is conjecture, and must be treated as such- With a heavy dose of skepticism and a demand for evidence. NTEB cannot provide such evidence, instead pointing to Scripture warped and taken out of context, viewed through a lens dirtied with agenda and bias. I absolutely and emphatically challenge NTEB and/or any of their supporters to present evidence to the contrary.

NTEB Calls This Reporting

Last year, Anglican priest and close friend of Pope Francis Tony Palmer gave an impassioned plea to Kenneth Copeland’s church to “return home to Mother Rome”, only to die mere months later in a mysterious motorcycle accident.      --NTEB

The Late Anglican Bishop Tony Palmer
(YouTube)

I find it in particularly poor taste to call Palmer's motorcycle accident "mysterious," thus implying that it was somehow Divine judgment. I find it even more poor taste to state that Palmer called the ministers at Copeland's church (another minister I've taken issue with) to return to "mother Rome." NTEB claims that Copeland has never been in the Body of Christ- I take offense to this as well. He has preached prosperity, and yes, that teaching is heretical; but he has never led anyone to turn their lives over to anyone but Christ. As Nate so eloquently stated during one of our recent broadcasts, there are very few Bible translations out there that will not bring a person to salvation. The same can be said for Christian ministers, no matter how wayward aspects of their theology.

Let us examine the main charge: That Tony Palmer pled with these attending ministers to return to "mother Rome."

The first and most obvious to those who know their church history is that Anglicans do not answer to the Vatican. An Anglican priest can be excommunicated for this, though the right of excommunication is rarely exercised. Anglicans split from Rome before the King James Bible was brought to the masses, and though Roman Catholicism has opened their churches to those Anglican members upset with recent decisions to allow homosexual priests and marriages within their denomination, they are still not Catholic.

The second most obvious (and perhaps most obvious to most people) is that Catholic priests cannot marry. They are bound from marriage by their oaths. Tony Palmer was married. He and his widow have two children. Let me say it again: Anglicans are not Catholic. Moreover, Tony Palmer began his ministry as a supercharged, spirit filled, pentecostal new convert.

Finally, and most important: NTEB puts "mother Rome" in quotations. Palmer never, not once, uses this phrase in his entire 30+ minute address. He did say that people should take back the word catholic for what it really means, and we'll get to that in a moment. NTEB edited the video of Palmer's address so that it sounded like he was being blatently arrogant. In fact, he was giving Scriptural and historical support for everything he stated. He also said "Luther's protest is over; is yours?" NTEB states at this point that "for all good King James Version believing Christians, the protest will never be over!" Oh, fools that you are! The protest was indeed over salvation through faith alone, and Luther did indeed say that it was works which proved faith. The Roman Catholic church did indeed sign an accord fundamentally changing their doctrine regarding salvation through works, and as such- Yes, the protest IS over.

What should truly stand out here though is that NTEB flat out lied through invented attribution and mischaracterization, and all to bring dishonor to a man who was saved by faith, began working within the Anglican church, and then began to work with, not for, the Roman Catholic church to bring genuine salvation to their members.

Forgive me for this next comment; I make it with full understanding that I may offend some who read this, yet also with full conviction of the truth of the statement: I believe there is a special place within the Lake of Fire for those who claim Christ, yet who tear down His Body- And I pray that the members of NTEB do not find themselves there.


In another article authored by NTEB on this subject, they make the following statement:

The video you are about to see is shocking. It is a blatant, full-frontal assault by the Vatican to, once again, attempt to swallow up the professing Christian church like they did back in 325 AD when the Catholic Church was invented. What you will hear Kenneth Copeland and Anglican priest Tony Palmer – a personal friend and confidant of Pope Francis – say is that “if you are born again, then you are a Catholic” among a host of other outright lies. --NTEB

Take note that the Vatican, in reaching out for the purpose of reconciliation, is actually assaulting Christianity... According to NTEB, that is.

Their reference to 325 A.D. is weakly accurate historically, though exceptionally flawed in application. The Catholic church was formed in a fairly recognizable fashion around 325 A.D. However, the word "catholic" had been in use far before then- We'll get to that in a moment. NTEB goes to their standard vitriol in explaining this, quoting the oft used but wholly misrepresented Emperor Constantine story. They state, as many have, that Constantine declared himself as the head of the Christian church- This is almost entirely without basis. "Almost entirely," because there were critics of his who declared that's virtually what he did- None of these critics to my knowledge were Christians, however. They also claim that Constantine made Christianity the official religion of Rome; this is not so. What he did do was end the state-sponsored persecution of Christians, allowing them to once again worship within their homes and within church buildings with little to no fear of retaliation.

As a point of historical fact for those who hold to the belief that Constantine ordered Christianity to become the state religion; instituted Roman idol worship within the faith (Sunday worship, etc); and created what we know to be the Catholic Church, there is a minor problem: Constantine died in 337 A.D. and Christianity became the state religion in 381 A.D., forty-four years after his death. It is ironic that NTEB lambasts PBS on a nearly regular basis, and yet espouses the same identical story regarding the institution of Christianity that PBS also forwards.

What everyone misses is the fact that it was the professing Christian church uniting under the first Roman ruler to convert to Christianity and prove his faith by his actions. The institution of Christianity as the state religion happened much later, and was the direct result of multiple conflicts within the area- The Catholic church (again, we'll get into the use of "catholic" soon) gathered its supporters and recognizing the need for a uniting secular ruler, appointed Charlemagne the first "Holy Roman Emperor." The age of the Holy Roman Catholic Church begins here- Not with Constantine. Now, remember I said their statement was weakly accurate historically? Let me explain how low the bar must be set for them to be remotely accurate: They pegged the Roman Catholic Church as starting around 325 A.D., but Charlemagne was appointed as Emperor in 800 A.D.

Now to the crux of the matter- The statement that "if you are born again, you are catholic." (Please note the lack of capitalization.) 

The word 'catholic' comes from the Greek and means 'throughout the whole.' The Christian church used this expression as early as 110 A.D. to reference the Body of Christ, and possibly earlier. It was later adopted by the organized movement we now know as the Roman Catholic Church, and then tainted by the corruption the church fell into. Watching Palmer's address in context reveals this very thing- That he was talking in reference to the earliest understanding, and not stating that all Christians are part of the Roman Catholic Church; he could have lost his priesthood for that!

Later in this article, NTEB claims that Palmer was lying about the Glory of God holding us together via insinuation. They quote Paul when he tells the Church in Rome not to allow other doctrines to sway them from what they'd already received, not unlike his admonition in Galatians. Yet, there it is in red and white: "And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one" -John 17:22 and from the KJV itself.

NTEB - The Charges Do Not End Here

My issues with NTEB do not stop with this abominable use of the word "journalism." (Yes, that's what they call this garbage, unless one can take "NTEB News Desk" to mean anything else.) It goes far beyond the intentional character assassination and slander they call reporting. However, this particular article can go only so long, and thus, I will have to continue in a second installment.

Allow me to say something positive about NTEB though, as I feel that all criticism should be rounded out with some form of praise for a job done well, however minor that right doing may be: They support Israel unflinchingly, and they support Joel Rosenberg's Joshua Fund as well. I must give them kudos for that at least.

Fiction, Comics, and Joshua Black: The subtle draw of Joshua Black Hierarchy of Heaven

What is fiction?

Fiction is the ability to write a potential future from current events.  It is the ability to portray the series of events to reach the end result of a given scenario or line of thinking.  It is the ability to take single theory or thought, and string it along all of its plausible courses to reach a final outcome.

With that said, what are comics and/or graphic novels?

This medium is the method of taking fiction and bringing it to life visually.  It allows the artists and writers to take a story that is compelling and powerful and amplify it to the nth degree.  It is the ability to combine a tale that is interesting and intriguing and gripping, and create artwork that helps to tell the story with images designed to inspire and accentuate the emotions of the story.


Why am I talking about this?

Because Joshua Black, (written by Martin Dunn and published by Con Artist Entertainment), has a very interesting premise, and has but a few days left to meet their stretch goals via Kickstarter.


Allow me to quote the summary of the Joshua Black storyline:

The Hierarchy. A bloodline of existence.  Only one has been recorded ascending from the earth to take the throne of heaven, but His story has been told.  On this day, another will rise.  This is the story of a deity.  This is the story of a living God.  This is the story of JOSHUA BLACK. and how he ended the world, not with a whimper... but with a bang!

For those of you who are interested in theology, and specifically the theological heresies of Christianity, this may be a very interesting entry.  If you are not all that interested in it, you may still find this to be a worthwhile read.

The first thing one will notice, regardless of your interest, is the fact that the story is based upon a character that becomes God.  I've had countless contacts since announcing my support for this series, and most are asking me a single question with multiple variations: Why are you, as a Christian, supporting something so diametrically opposed to your beliefs?

The answer to this question is simple: Because Joshua Black takes the Arianism heresy to its absolute final conclusion, and demonstrates, in my opinion, just why the heresy is so very contrary to the Word of God, and dangerous at the same time.


A little background first.  Arianism is not to be confused with Hitler's Arian Dream.  Arianism was created by a monk who could not reconcile himself to the belief that God was triune.  His solution to the perceived problem, then, was to declare that Jesus Christ, far from being God made flesh, was actually a created being that had been set aside specifically for the purpose of death on the cross.  His resurrection, according to the heresy, was proof that He had carried out His purpose successfully, and was thus granted deity status.

Of the many problems with this doctrine, one stands out most: It states that Christ was merely human.


In Joshua Black, a young man discovers that he is next in the hierarchy of Christ; that is, he is the same as Christ in that he was created specifically to serve a particular purpose and ascend to the throne of Heaven as the next "Son of God."  This is Arianism at its most blatant, and it does play out all the way to the end.

Because Joshua is a mere human tapped for godhood and granted the powers of a god, certain things are bound to happen.  For instance, we see in Scripture that Christ calmed storms at sea; what would happen if a tormented teen lets loose a verbal barrage of vehement speech against someone or something, but does so with the power of a god backing him?  Another example: We see Christ rejecting Satan's temptations; but what would happen if a hormonal demigod gave in to temptation?

This series is going to be an amazing ride for everyone, and I believe I can promise that.  There is so much more to the story; so much more depth to each of the characters; so much more underlying intrigue that it really will grasp the attention of anyone willing to give it a shot.

Right now, one of the most amazing things about this series is that it is being crowd-sourced, in a manner of speaking.  Their Kickstarter was successful, but they are now seeking to meet stretch goals to ensure both quality and a continued story.  You can be a part of this.  Just click on either the name "Joshua Black" or "Kickstarter" anywhere in this article to be taken to their profile where you can choose to support one of the most amazing stories to come out in comics since that of Wolverine.

Click here to go to the Joshua Black Kickstarter!

Joshua Black: Kick It UP!

Joshua Black: Hierarchy of Christ - Used with permission.

Folks, I want to take a break from the sociopolitical issues to talk for a moment about something I've been privileged to be helping with for a short while; something I believe in immensely, and something I think that family, friends and readers from all parts of the spectrum will enjoy.
I'm not going to invite you all to church with me...  Though if you're interested, fee free to hit me up about that.  I'm not going to sell you holy wood from the cross, because that's just stupid.  I'm not even looking to get you to check out my latest YouTube video... Mainly because it's been awhile since I've put one up.

No folks, I'm talking about something that's important.  Something of value.  Something that has game-changing potential.

I'm talking about Joshua Black.


Joshua Black: Hierarchy of Christ is an amazing comic that is currently being published by ConArtist Entertainment.  Right now, they have a Kickstarter going and let me tell you...  The rewards are unbelievable.  Even for a $1 donation, you're getting far more of value back.

But seriously.  What can I say about the storyline of this amazing tale that hasn't been said better already?  Here- An excerpt taken from the Joshua Black Kickstarter itself:

The Hierarchy. A bloodline of existence.  Only one has been recorded ascending from the earth to take the throne of heaven, but His story has been told.  On this day, another will rise.  This is the story of a deity.  This is the story of a living God.  This is the story of JOSHUA BLACK. and how he ended the world, not with a whimper... but with a bang!

Acclaim for Joshua Black
Used with permission.

The story of this epic is written so well that the late Christopher Hitchens, and noted apologist Dinesh D'Souza, might actually agree on the worthiness of this project for support.  (Which would be quite the amazing thing, given their 2010 debate at Notre Dame.)  More importantly, however, it is a tale that I believe will one day be on the same level as Spiderman, Captain America, or The Flash in terms of being relatable.  (Apologies to those who find these characters to be less than interesting.)

It details the life of a seemingly ordinary young man: A young man who deals with bullies, peer pressure, girlfriend worries and everything else most high school students deal with.  He's got a few friends, most notably his good friend Pete Sanderson, who also have their own personal demons to wrestle with.

Joshua, however, has a few aspects of his life that are most relatable if one has also experienced the same things themselves.  The death of his mother; the physical, emotional and verbal abuse from his father... These things shape the world in which Joshua lives.

Yet, something sets Joshua apart: He's next in line to take the throne of Heaven, and he doesn't even know it!


This last Sunday morning, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Martin Dunn, the writer/creator of Joshua Black.  Of the many questions which were asked and answered, one of those I found most interesting was the origin of this book.

I do not wish to bore you with a full transcript, however, I do recommend that you listen to the full interview, which can be found HERE.

I want to mention for a moment the rewards which are being offered: Digital copies of issues 1 and 2 for a mere dollar, plus more; digital copies of issues 1-7 and printed thanks in the paperback for $10, plus more; a personalized video message for $50, plus more; a guest host spot on the Con Artist Entertainment podcast for $100, plus more; a full page color ad for one's business or personal venture for $300, plus more...  And for each of these, you receive the rewards from all previous tiers as well!

Where are these funds going?  Again, I refer to the Kickstarter itself:

The purpose of this KickStarter campaign is to fully fund the artwork and publishing costs required to complete production of both physical and digital copies of the book, as well as collected edition. The biggest chunk of the money pledged to this project will be used to pay the talented artists, inkers, colorists, and letterers who will bring this story to life.  Funds will also be used to cover the costs of printing and marketing, which unfortunately, are not cheap.  We're confident that, with adequate resources, we'll be able to produce a quality product, and successfully market it to a large audience.

In closing, let me urge you to go to the Joshua Black Kickstarter and pledge today.  I leave you with this, the video found on the Kickstarter page.

Constitution: The Protector of Gun Fearing Cowards

Well, let's take a break from the craziness of homosexual marriage, and the so-called equality debate, to look at something far less polarizing.  How about politicians?  More specifically, how about politicians who shift blame from themselves and onto the people they supposedly represent?

Now it should be noted, before I go any further, that the stance I took in my last article (Equality: Homosexuals, Marriage, and Christian Blindness) holds true for me, and should for any Christian.  At the end of the day, I am more concerned with the state of lost souls than I am gun control measures or politics in general.  With that said, it is also important to note that Christians should still know what is going on in politics, because the decisions made at local, state and federal levels will in most cases ultimately affect them.

With this being said, the gun control debate is still going strong in the United States, no matter how eclipsed it may be by the marriage equality issue.  Ultimately, restrictions on the ability to own firearms of one's choosing will affect Christians; but it will affect them first as citizens of this country, and only secondly as followers of Christ.  However, the move to push actual bans on certain firearms will have major impact on Christians in the long run, because it does remove an element of control from the citizens and places that control in the hands of an obese and scarcely functioning federal government.

Note this interview from CNN:

Even people who are favoring gun control recognize the fact that the government of these United States is not capable of moving as quickly as it should.  In this instance, it is my opinion that the slow, waddling gait of the lumbering Fed was a blessing in disguise; it prevented certain elements within the government from capitalizing on the shock, horror and generally knee-jerk reaction of the American public.

However, the debate continues, and it is being head up by some of the most unbelievably dense and/or ignorant individuals, political and otherwise, that this nation has ever witnessed.

People such as Dianne Feinstein, who contradicts herself regularly on the issue; even when testifying before Congress.  Such as Jim Carrey, a man who I still enjoy; yet who has demonstrated that he has no idea what is at the heart of the issue.  Such as Chris Murphy, who regularly shows his lack of gun knowledge by insisting that a ban on magazines is the answer; this despite the fact that the Virginia Tech shootings took place even with the gunman changing clips.  And finally, people such as Jackie Speier.


Ms. Speier went above and beyond her compatriots in passing the buck, by stating that the entire system of government has been set up to "protect the cowards in this country."  She not only effectively blamed the Constitution that gives her the job she has, but added insult by stating via inference that anyone disagreeing with her is a coward.
You don't have to take my word for it:

Now, I have a few questions that came out of watching this clip.  The first is what is California doing to their water or air that is causing so many of their people to become imbeciles?  (Those of you who know me know how generous a statement that is.)
The second question I have is probably going to be the most offensive thing I've said so far, so steel yourselves: Who does she think she is, to call others who oppose her and her school of thought cowards, when she is the one who has been rabidly and psychotically against firearms since she was shot?  Who's the coward, Ms. Speier?  You are a disgrace to your state, your office, and your country for comments like that, and it is my spite for your politics that prevents me from referring to you as "Representative" or "Congresswoman."
You are right on this point, though: The Constitution does protect the cowards in this country.  You're living, flinching, yellow proof of that fact.

Aside from her, we've got the vice-doof making statements as blatantly false as any, and who has stated that a so-called "Assault Weapons Ban" is just the beginning.  It's amazing that opponents of gun rights will readily admit that they've never fired a weapon (hello, Piers Morgan, you limey bastard); or will admit that they don't live anywhere near the places that violent crime is actually an issue (anyone know of a federal gun ban supporting rep who lives in Chicago?)

We've also got the F*Tard-In-Chief pushing gun control measures through via Executive Orders.  (For those of you who don't know where this term comes from, please refer to the Executive Order denying the prosecution of known "recruiters" of child soldiers and simultaneously providing weapons to the very countries enslaving and brainwashing children.)  When all is said and done, Do these people actually represent us?  How can they, if they do not realize how low of a priority gun control is right now?
From the National Journal:

While the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School stirred up plenty of passion for gun control and closed part of the enthusiasm gap, [Lanae Erickson Hatalsky, the director of social policy and politics for Third Way] argues that the economy or the unemployment rate may be more important to these people. A Pew Research Poll from January confirms this, showing gun control near the bottom of voter-issue priorities.

Is it any wonder, then, that states are beginning to be flooded with gun control nullification legislation?  The people of the United States are more concerned with controlling their federal government than they are controlling the sale, ownership, styling and usage of guns!

But really, Pat Henry of "Girls Just Wanna Have Guns" had it one hundred percent correct on this point:

...what if the elaborate procedure to amend the Constitution was carried out, and enough states voted to ratify the repeal, would that be the end of your right to keep and bear arms?
No, it would not, because the Constitution does not give you rights, it merely instructs the government not to interfere with the God-given rights you already have. 

The thing that most gun ban pushing, right limiting, yellow cowards tend to forget is this:  You cannot have it both ways. Either the Constitution is a living document, as they claim, and applies now to modern firearms- Just as it applies now to text messages, chat boards, blogs, etc. -Or it is not.  If it is not, then it still allows for the ownership of modern firearms.
These feckless blips on the historical radar want it to say only what they want it to say; they want a McDonald's style government with a twist: "Have it our way."  However, the Constitution expressly forbids such a ruling style.  That has not kept the Capitol Hill Nutters from attempting to change things, however, and we all need to be better informed and more aware of what is going on around us.  Why?

Because these people aren't out to stop violence, as they say.  They don't want to put an end to bloodshed.  They want to put an end to the very real threat that if they one day go too far, the first bullet of a new American Revolution will hit them.