Dec.21
We had a fire drill this morning. If it was a real fire, a lot would still be left within the building. Joyce have a 2 day seminar since yesterday in Sta. Cruz, Laguna. I miss her. I think I should stop texting. I’m getting too tired of it.
It’s Christmas in about 4 days. I still don’t know my schedule for this week and next week. I hope they give me overtime pay. Sigh.
I think I’ll check tomorrow on my ATM card. It’s a week already since I applied for my account at UPCB.
I hope we have money before Christmas. I don’t know when we’ll be going to Marikina. I hope we go there before the 31st. It’ll be great to spend time with the clan. We seldom see each other now so it’s a good feeling to just come at our annual reunion. I hope to see my aunt and uncle.
I wonder whatever became of our application to Canada. I hope in due time we’ll also get there like my cousin.
I suddenly have something to do here. Sigh. It’s almost lunch time here. People at the plant eat around 11am up to whenever.
Joyce will be home later. I hope she has some good news. I’m thinking of going to mom’s house tonight before I go home. I hope I can create again. I want to create something nice this time.
I wish I could met the guys before the year ends. I miss their company. Those guys have been part of my life since 2002? It’s been that long. I miss the comic book scene immensely.
Finished my nap.
Started my afternoon tasks such as it is. I’ve been doing Milo intakes since I arrived here at work. Yesterday I didn’t drink anything so I felt a bit tired and I feel I lack sleep last night. Which I think is my fault entirely.
Still sleepy. I hope my wife arrives home okay today. I miss her.
The engineers have another meeting. I’m still a bit sleepy. JM called me on some stuffs. There are problems that need solutions that much I know. If they won’t tell me stuffs then how can I do it? I’m not middle management here. I’m just a grunt. They’re the front liners. I hope the afternoon moves a bit faster. I want to see my wife and kids. Christmas is fast approaching and I thank God that I have a job. It feels a bit different than last year. During my time in ETDVWAMS, it felt like too much burden has been put in my shoulder. Too big responsibility yet my pay was so low and the guy makes us look like idiots and corrupt at that. Dealing with the BIR was the lowest point really. They’re so corrupt.
I hope Joyce’s bonus or salary would be released today or tomorrow. We’re still adjusting financially. Sigh.
My brother and his family will go to Cagayan De Oro tomorrow. They’ll spend Christmas there at my aunt’s house. I hope next time we can go down there. The kids would love to go there. If we’ll be going down there, we’ll bring papa and mama with us.
I hope I can get my ATM tomorrow. I’m drinking an average of 4 or 5 cups of Milo since I started working here. That’s per day. I hope I can give the kids their Milo.
I think we’ll just commute going to Marikina this year. Papa and mama don’t know if Dodo has other plans.
It’s almost time to go home. I will drop by mom’s house tonight.
Dec. 22
Well, it looks like a good day. I uploaded my pictures from my sim card to my flash drive so I guess I can upload it at FB anytime now. The kids would be thrilled to hear about this. I hope I can use some computer time tonight with a faster internet connection. I’ve to tell Joyce that we have to be online a bit earlier just to avoid the rush of people.
We’re getting ready for Christmas dinner. We have 2 houses to celebrate. We’ll be at mom’s house for 7pm dinner but we need to go home for the 12am dinner come Christmas morning.
I didn’t think the house would look good this season. Joyce and her mom are ironing out their differences so as not to be sore this Christmas. I hope we have a nice Christmas this year.
I’m a bit worried over the figures that I’m seeing here. Sigh.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Confronted by the Truth
By: Ruel Guerrero
In 2003, I was asked to speak at a nearby Vineyard church. I asked the
Lord what he wanted me to say? He said, “talk about the theme, love
one another.” I didn’t know the people in the church where I was to
speak, so I said, “OK if that’s what you want, but what passage should I
use?”
I heard him say “John 15.” As I recalled, that chapter was on abiding in
Christ or on bearing fruit. I checked again. Sure enough it was on both.
I reread the entire passage. Yes, it was on abiding in Christ, and yes, by
doing so we would bear fruit. But, I began to realize that the entire pas-
sage was founded on loving one another. It was time to read the chap-
ter with a fresh perspective. I read through the first few verses until I
came to verse 8: “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit,
showing yourselves to be my disciples.” That caught my attention. For
quite some years now, there has been much focus on worship. The de-
sire to glorify the Father and to become truly intimate with the Lord was
the reason for the focus. Verse 8 drew my attention because for me do-
ing ministry had to glorify God or it was worthless. Worship and ministry
both are all about glorifying God. So here I found Jesus’ words about
how to glorify His father.
This put me on a quest. Jesus said that in order to glorify the Father, I
must bear much fruit. But what really is bearing fruit? The standard an-
swer I always got was that it had to do with evangelism. Verse 5: “I am
the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he
will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” I’ve heard this
verse interpreted to mean that in order to bring in the harvest one must
spend sufficient time in prayer and worship and be able to hear God’s
voice in the course of evangelism. This verse does say that to bear
much fruit, a man must remain in Christ. How does one remain in
Christ?
Verse 10 speaks to that: “If you obey my commands, you will remain in
my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in
his love.” To remain in Christ, I must obey Christ’s commands. It doesn’t
specifically say devotion, nor does it talk about hearing God’s voice.
What are Christ’s commands? If this verse is referring to all biblical
commands, goodnight! We would never be able to remain in Christ’s
love. Thank God the Old Testament commands are over. But we have
Christ’s commands in the New Testament.
Then I came upon verses 12-13: “My command is this: Love each other
as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down
his life for his friends.” Jesus was actually focusing in on one major
command—loving one another. This is the new command he gave. If
the first and greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart,
soul, mind and strength, and the greatest love of all is to lay down your
life for your friends, then Jesus loved and worshipped God by doing the
greatest love of all—to lay down his life for all of us. His was the great-
est and most supreme act of worship!
©2003 All rights reserved. Permission granted to copy and distribute freely for free.
In 2003, I was asked to speak at a nearby Vineyard church. I asked the
Lord what he wanted me to say? He said, “talk about the theme, love
one another.” I didn’t know the people in the church where I was to
speak, so I said, “OK if that’s what you want, but what passage should I
use?”
I heard him say “John 15.” As I recalled, that chapter was on abiding in
Christ or on bearing fruit. I checked again. Sure enough it was on both.
I reread the entire passage. Yes, it was on abiding in Christ, and yes, by
doing so we would bear fruit. But, I began to realize that the entire pas-
sage was founded on loving one another. It was time to read the chap-
ter with a fresh perspective. I read through the first few verses until I
came to verse 8: “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit,
showing yourselves to be my disciples.” That caught my attention. For
quite some years now, there has been much focus on worship. The de-
sire to glorify the Father and to become truly intimate with the Lord was
the reason for the focus. Verse 8 drew my attention because for me do-
ing ministry had to glorify God or it was worthless. Worship and ministry
both are all about glorifying God. So here I found Jesus’ words about
how to glorify His father.
This put me on a quest. Jesus said that in order to glorify the Father, I
must bear much fruit. But what really is bearing fruit? The standard an-
swer I always got was that it had to do with evangelism. Verse 5: “I am
the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he
will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” I’ve heard this
verse interpreted to mean that in order to bring in the harvest one must
spend sufficient time in prayer and worship and be able to hear God’s
voice in the course of evangelism. This verse does say that to bear
much fruit, a man must remain in Christ. How does one remain in
Christ?
Verse 10 speaks to that: “If you obey my commands, you will remain in
my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in
his love.” To remain in Christ, I must obey Christ’s commands. It doesn’t
specifically say devotion, nor does it talk about hearing God’s voice.
What are Christ’s commands? If this verse is referring to all biblical
commands, goodnight! We would never be able to remain in Christ’s
love. Thank God the Old Testament commands are over. But we have
Christ’s commands in the New Testament.
Then I came upon verses 12-13: “My command is this: Love each other
as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down
his life for his friends.” Jesus was actually focusing in on one major
command—loving one another. This is the new command he gave. If
the first and greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart,
soul, mind and strength, and the greatest love of all is to lay down your
life for your friends, then Jesus loved and worshipped God by doing the
greatest love of all—to lay down his life for all of us. His was the great-
est and most supreme act of worship!
©2003 All rights reserved. Permission granted to copy and distribute freely for free.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Back then and now
You know back then all the anime features were dubbed in English nowadays it's all in Filipino which is not bad. Back then when listening to FM radio we could have good music, now we get novelties and jokers. Gone are the good progressive radio stations and popping up like mushrooms are the corny ones which clearly states the reality of Philippine music. Back then kids would study because they needed to learn much, now kids study because they want more money. Back then our TV was a national B&W with closing screen doors, now we have big flat screen LCDs. Back then we learn from our mothers at home and by watching Sesame Street, now kids go to computer shops to play and play. Back then we write our reports or we type them, now we copy paste and print them on the computer. Back then we show our parents respect, now kids don't know how to do that.
Back then we dream of our comic book heroes to have live movies, now we get saturated with reboots and remakes of all rehash plot lines using our favorite characters both in the big screen and on the tube. Back then, the military looks respectable and the police are good, now the military is pit of liars and the cops are fat pigs.
Back then I was small now I'm big, then I was young, now I'm old....
I'm freaking ranting....sigh
Back then we dream of our comic book heroes to have live movies, now we get saturated with reboots and remakes of all rehash plot lines using our favorite characters both in the big screen and on the tube. Back then, the military looks respectable and the police are good, now the military is pit of liars and the cops are fat pigs.
Back then I was small now I'm big, then I was young, now I'm old....
I'm freaking ranting....sigh
Friday, November 5, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Code Geass: Lolouch of the Rebellion
Before TV5 tagalized the series, I was already watching it but only 1 episode at a time. Until about Monday, I just watched season 1. Well no more. Once I got to finished watching season 1 (I think I still need to watch 3 episodes) I watched season 2. Well I got glued and finished it in about 2 days. Let's have the rounddown.
Plotline: The series is set after Japan's conquest by the Holy Britannian Empire on August 10, 2010 a.t.b., with their powerful new robot weapons, the Knightmare Frames, stripping Japan and its citizens of all rights and freedoms and renaming the country Area 11. The titular Lelouch vi Britannia is an intellectual Britannian prince who was sent as hostage, along with his sister Nunnally, by his father, Emperor Charles zi Britannia, after his mother was murdered, and has vowed to destroy Britannia. He gains an ability through the mysterious power of the Geass, becoming the leader of the resistance movement to fulfill his two wishes: to seek revenge for his mother and to construct a world in which his beloved sister Nunnally can live happily.
Code Geass is set in an alternate universe where three superpowers, the Holy Britannian Empire, the Chinese Federation, and the Euro Universe have divided the world between them (with the exception of an independent Australia) and maintain a tentative balance for the first part of the series. The balance shifts in the second season as the E.U. has much of its territory conquered by Britannia while Lelouch engineers a revolution in the Chinese Federation and creates a new alliance of countries, the United Federation of Nations, reducing the number of superpowers to two.
Let's say I was hooked on the premise of the tale, Clamp animation really did a good design for the series.
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (コードギアス 反逆のルルーシュ, Kōdo Giasu: Hangyaku no Rurūshu?), often referred to as simply Code Geass, is a Japanese anime series created by Sunrise, directed by Gorō Taniguchi, and written by Ichirō Ōkouchi, with original character designs by Clamp.
Code Geass first ran in Japan on MBS from October 5, 2006,[1] to July 28, 2007.[2] Its sequel series, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 (コードギアス 反逆のルルーシュR2, Kōdo Giasu Hangyaku no Rurūshu Āru Tsū?), ran on MBS and TBS from April 6, 2008 to September 28, 2008.[3][4] Both seasons have won several awards at the Tokyo International Anime Fair,[5] Animage Anime Grand Prix, and Animation Kobe event.
Plotline: The series is set after Japan's conquest by the Holy Britannian Empire on August 10, 2010 a.t.b., with their powerful new robot weapons, the Knightmare Frames, stripping Japan and its citizens of all rights and freedoms and renaming the country Area 11. The titular Lelouch vi Britannia is an intellectual Britannian prince who was sent as hostage, along with his sister Nunnally, by his father, Emperor Charles zi Britannia, after his mother was murdered, and has vowed to destroy Britannia. He gains an ability through the mysterious power of the Geass, becoming the leader of the resistance movement to fulfill his two wishes: to seek revenge for his mother and to construct a world in which his beloved sister Nunnally can live happily.
Code Geass is set in an alternate universe where three superpowers, the Holy Britannian Empire, the Chinese Federation, and the Euro Universe have divided the world between them (with the exception of an independent Australia) and maintain a tentative balance for the first part of the series. The balance shifts in the second season as the E.U. has much of its territory conquered by Britannia while Lelouch engineers a revolution in the Chinese Federation and creates a new alliance of countries, the United Federation of Nations, reducing the number of superpowers to two.
Let's say I was hooked on the premise of the tale, Clamp animation really did a good design for the series.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Effective Interpersonal Communication Skills Workshop
Posted on October 9, 2010 by jobstweet| Leave a comment
Effective Interpersonal Communication Skills Workshop
Speaking Effectively Workshop for Managers
November 24, 2010 * 9:00am – 5:00pm
Joy 3, 5th Floor Qakwood Premier,
Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Deliver your message across with ease and confidence!
Communication is an important key to success and progress. Speaking effectively is bringing your message across individuals or groups, moving them to reflect and act upon what you have said. Many desire to communicate to others this way, but even the most educated sometimes fail to communicate well.
Organizations with effective communicators will benefit and most likely experience quicker progress. In this seminar-workshop, participants will learn interpersonal communication skills imperative to having excellent relationships at work (and even at home), how to deliver message across clearly and concisely to individuals or to groups more confidently, how to properly decode the messages sent to them, and how to comfortably ask opinions of others without necessarily compromising your own opinion.
Program Outline:
1. Clearing your mind and emotions
Mastery of self begins here. Thoughts not relevant to the upcoming conversations must be removed otherwise, it will cause distraction or it may lead to a path that is not relevant. Even if you have made up your mind, try to be open-minded about new ideas or approaches. Emotions can be deceiving, try to be at the center, the most tranquil state in order to avoid being deceived by your own emotions.
2. Showing interest while you listen
Showing no interest intentionally or unintentionally is a sign of disrespect and immaturity. This can harm ones reputation as an employee no matter what rank he is. Managers and higher ranks should be the best examples in showing interest in others. Self-centered people are incapable of this. But that can be cured.
3. Listening and observing
Never overestimate your ability to understand people and what they are trying to say. It is not as easy as one might think. But with conscious effort, miscommunication will be minimized. One must listen to the words being spoken but one must also go beyond that and observe the tone and the body language.
4. Clarifying the perceived message
After receiving the message, clarify, clarify and clarify. Misunderstanding has haunted many organizations. What was thought to be a harmless miscommunication has led to bigger problems. The goal is to clarify the message you received before responding.
5. Showing appreciation
Yes this is also a skill, mainly because it must be learned well. People who seldom thanked others for their efforts or time are perceived to be arrogant or manipulative. On the other hand, people who regularly thank other people for their efforts and time are perceived to be respectful, gracious, and sometimes even reasonable. More gratitude in the workplace means a more positive atmosphere, which is beneficial for everyone.
6. Packaging your message
Speak your message clearly and concisely. Back it up with explanation if you must but make sure that it is brief enough so the main message is not cluttered. Use the appropriate tone and show the appropriate emotion. Disagree if you must but begin all messages with a positive note.
7. Other best practices
There are actions and practices that one must avoid in order to be effective in interpersonal communication. It may range from prejudices to insecurities to dominating a conversation, to not valuing the time invested with colleagues, to wasting precious time being too defensive and more. Avoiding these pitfalls will be a lot of help in ones professional relationship.
Who should attend?
* Sales People
* Supervisors and Managers with internal and external customers
* Team leaders
* Those who interface with various people types on a day-to-day basis
Featured Speaker
Eduardo R. Pilapil, Jr. is a speaker, entrepreneur and author. He has been speaking in conferences and seminars for the past 15 years for different non-profit organizations, small companies, and large corporations. Ed is the former CEO of WBP (makers of MET Tathione). He is the chairman of Review Masters League, Inc. and Power Memory Franchising, Inc. The former offers enrichment and review courses. The latter offers memory-based study coaching.
Ed is the author of Strengthen Your Faith and Maximize Your Potential: How to Go Beyond Your Limits.
He holds a Bachelors Degree in Communication Arts from the University of the Philippines and a Masters degree in Christian Leadership from the Asian Seminary of Christian Ministries. He is currently completing his Executive Masters degree in Business Administration at the Asian Institute of Management.
His other experiences include direct selling, business management, business coaching, school directorship, life coaching, Christian ministries and organizational leadership.
Rave Reviews on Ed Pilapil Jr. here and abroad!
“Ed Pilapil can influence the audience very well.”
- Maria Consejo C. Acoba, St. Luke’s Medical Center
“He is very good a arbitrator and [good in] persuading…”
- Ysvetlanie Poblete, Mead Johnson Nutrition (Phils.), Inc.
“I really enjoyed your sessions, I really learned a lot while feeling affirmed during your motivation talk. Your sessions really touched my heart.”
- Tan Fui Chen, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
“I enjoyed your sessions very much…very humorous and knowledgeable.”
- Sapiah Osman, HRM & Admin Planning Section
Malaysia LNG Sdn Bhd
“I admired the way you delivered your speech during your session. You were so confident and enthusiastic! How I wish I could be like you someday. Who knows one day I could be one of the successful motivator, perhaps. I believe I can do it!”
- Azura binti Zainuddin, AGM’s Office – Procurement Division, Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd
“Really love your passion during seeing your presentation. I was so fascinated listening to you…”
- Norhafizah Bt. Mohd Nor, Team Assistant Treasury Division, Al Rajhi Banking & Investment Corporation (Malaysia) Berhad
Training Investment
Effective Interpersonal Communication Skills Workshop
Speaking Effectively Workshop for Managers
November 24, 2010 I 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Joy 3, 5th Floor Oakwood Premier, Ortigas Center Pasig City
Best Buy Rate: 4, 977 + VAT until October 18
Early Bird Rate: 5,577 + VATuntil October 29
Regular Rate: P 6,577 + VAT
Walk-in Rate: P 6,977 + VAT
Includes: AM & PM Snack, Lunch, IDs, Handouts and Certificates (by request).
Effective Interpersonal Communication Skills Workshop
Speaking Effectively Workshop for Managers
November 24, 2010 * 9:00am – 5:00pm
Joy 3, 5th Floor Qakwood Premier,
Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Deliver your message across with ease and confidence!
Communication is an important key to success and progress. Speaking effectively is bringing your message across individuals or groups, moving them to reflect and act upon what you have said. Many desire to communicate to others this way, but even the most educated sometimes fail to communicate well.
Organizations with effective communicators will benefit and most likely experience quicker progress. In this seminar-workshop, participants will learn interpersonal communication skills imperative to having excellent relationships at work (and even at home), how to deliver message across clearly and concisely to individuals or to groups more confidently, how to properly decode the messages sent to them, and how to comfortably ask opinions of others without necessarily compromising your own opinion.
Program Outline:
1. Clearing your mind and emotions
Mastery of self begins here. Thoughts not relevant to the upcoming conversations must be removed otherwise, it will cause distraction or it may lead to a path that is not relevant. Even if you have made up your mind, try to be open-minded about new ideas or approaches. Emotions can be deceiving, try to be at the center, the most tranquil state in order to avoid being deceived by your own emotions.
2. Showing interest while you listen
Showing no interest intentionally or unintentionally is a sign of disrespect and immaturity. This can harm ones reputation as an employee no matter what rank he is. Managers and higher ranks should be the best examples in showing interest in others. Self-centered people are incapable of this. But that can be cured.
3. Listening and observing
Never overestimate your ability to understand people and what they are trying to say. It is not as easy as one might think. But with conscious effort, miscommunication will be minimized. One must listen to the words being spoken but one must also go beyond that and observe the tone and the body language.
4. Clarifying the perceived message
After receiving the message, clarify, clarify and clarify. Misunderstanding has haunted many organizations. What was thought to be a harmless miscommunication has led to bigger problems. The goal is to clarify the message you received before responding.
5. Showing appreciation
Yes this is also a skill, mainly because it must be learned well. People who seldom thanked others for their efforts or time are perceived to be arrogant or manipulative. On the other hand, people who regularly thank other people for their efforts and time are perceived to be respectful, gracious, and sometimes even reasonable. More gratitude in the workplace means a more positive atmosphere, which is beneficial for everyone.
6. Packaging your message
Speak your message clearly and concisely. Back it up with explanation if you must but make sure that it is brief enough so the main message is not cluttered. Use the appropriate tone and show the appropriate emotion. Disagree if you must but begin all messages with a positive note.
7. Other best practices
There are actions and practices that one must avoid in order to be effective in interpersonal communication. It may range from prejudices to insecurities to dominating a conversation, to not valuing the time invested with colleagues, to wasting precious time being too defensive and more. Avoiding these pitfalls will be a lot of help in ones professional relationship.
Who should attend?
* Sales People
* Supervisors and Managers with internal and external customers
* Team leaders
* Those who interface with various people types on a day-to-day basis
Featured Speaker
Eduardo R. Pilapil, Jr. is a speaker, entrepreneur and author. He has been speaking in conferences and seminars for the past 15 years for different non-profit organizations, small companies, and large corporations. Ed is the former CEO of WBP (makers of MET Tathione). He is the chairman of Review Masters League, Inc. and Power Memory Franchising, Inc. The former offers enrichment and review courses. The latter offers memory-based study coaching.
Ed is the author of Strengthen Your Faith and Maximize Your Potential: How to Go Beyond Your Limits.
He holds a Bachelors Degree in Communication Arts from the University of the Philippines and a Masters degree in Christian Leadership from the Asian Seminary of Christian Ministries. He is currently completing his Executive Masters degree in Business Administration at the Asian Institute of Management.
His other experiences include direct selling, business management, business coaching, school directorship, life coaching, Christian ministries and organizational leadership.
Rave Reviews on Ed Pilapil Jr. here and abroad!
“Ed Pilapil can influence the audience very well.”
- Maria Consejo C. Acoba, St. Luke’s Medical Center
“He is very good a arbitrator and [good in] persuading…”
- Ysvetlanie Poblete, Mead Johnson Nutrition (Phils.), Inc.
“I really enjoyed your sessions, I really learned a lot while feeling affirmed during your motivation talk. Your sessions really touched my heart.”
- Tan Fui Chen, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
“I enjoyed your sessions very much…very humorous and knowledgeable.”
- Sapiah Osman, HRM & Admin Planning Section
Malaysia LNG Sdn Bhd
“I admired the way you delivered your speech during your session. You were so confident and enthusiastic! How I wish I could be like you someday. Who knows one day I could be one of the successful motivator, perhaps. I believe I can do it!”
- Azura binti Zainuddin, AGM’s Office – Procurement Division, Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd
“Really love your passion during seeing your presentation. I was so fascinated listening to you…”
- Norhafizah Bt. Mohd Nor, Team Assistant Treasury Division, Al Rajhi Banking & Investment Corporation (Malaysia) Berhad
Training Investment
Effective Interpersonal Communication Skills Workshop
Speaking Effectively Workshop for Managers
November 24, 2010 I 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Joy 3, 5th Floor Oakwood Premier, Ortigas Center Pasig City
Best Buy Rate: 4, 977 + VAT until October 18
Early Bird Rate: 5,577 + VATuntil October 29
Regular Rate: P 6,577 + VAT
Walk-in Rate: P 6,977 + VAT
Includes: AM & PM Snack, Lunch, IDs, Handouts and Certificates (by request).
Monday, September 27, 2010
Judaizers
In Christianity there is a growing problem known as 'Judaizing', it's a movement that, by definition, consists of furthering Judaic laws and the ordinances of the OT. This process usually involves oppressing unsuspecting Christians with guilt trips, by asking things like "Don't you know yahweh's laws are forever?" or "Didn't you know there were much more than 10 commandments?". Usually, some verbal gymnastics follow, and before long, the unlearned Christian has had their mind twisted into a knot, and agreeing with the lecherous Judaizing missionary.
Then the poor Christian begins to follow suit and starts learning Hebrew, buys a menorrah, learns the the old laws, changes their diet, and starts honoring holy days. Before long, the person is nearly a full-blown Jew, with the exception of believing in Jesus Christ.
To such poor Christians I must ask, do you not realize that the laws of the OT in the torah were given only and specifically to the Jews? Literally, they applied only to the Jews, and Gentiles were not bound by them what-so-ever.
Ok, this being so, then how can you take laws that were LITERALLY not given to you, and LITERALLY did not apply to you, and say that because you're a SPIRITUAL (true) Jew, that these LITERAL laws, now LITERALLY must be followed, when they LITERALLY had nothing to do with you?
I usually get no answer after I pose that thought to the missionaries of this blight on Christianity. Not that I've never gotten answers before, but they've never been good ones.
First things first, people who have adopted the Judaizing theology will always jump on the verses that say "God doesn't change", and I agree, God does not change, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. However, that says nothing about His particular rules not changing. If I were playing you in chess, and you were losing at it terribly, so I decided to change the rules a little and allow you to move twice per turn, I have not changed, you're still sitting across from the same man with the same personality, only the way the game is played has changed, I'm the same.
If I tell you one day that I like right handed people, so all right handers get free parking, then later I say I don't like right hands, I like lefties now...then I'VE changed.
So my example may sound a little silly, but I believe in keeping things simple and still getting the point across. If anything, God's ability to change the rules demonstrates His absolute authority and sovereignty--not even kings and monarchs had the power to reneg their orders once they made a decree.
If you're still not convinced at this, and you're still hooting and hollering "God doesn't change! You're example stinks!", then as a last resort I will bring up this. If you're going to declare that God doesn't change, therefore all of the laws given to the Jews in the OT still apply today, then I hope you are prepared for a mind bender.
How do you reconcile the fact that there was a time BEFORE all these laws, with your concept of God not changing?
It should be obvious, anyone who knows the scriptures knows that there was a time before the laws, because there was a time before there was a nation of Israel...yes people, there was a time before the Jews existed.
As shocking as that may be, it's true, Abraham was not a Jew, neither was Noah, Jared, Methuselah, Enos, Enoch, Adam, Eve, Seth, Arphaxad, etc etc etc. No temple, no temple laws, no Hebrews, no Hebrew laws. In written record, *most* of the laws came into being at the time of Moses. So why don't you raise a fuss about that? You should be screaming "How dare you give us these 600 extra laws! You're not supposed to change!". Or better yet "How dare you make a chosen people!"
We can only go by what we know and what has been written down, murder has always been wrong, stealing has always been wrong, fornication etc, but I've challenged people to show me even 300 torah laws that existed prior to Moses, I've even narrowed it down to 100. In fact, when it comes to kosher diets, I can show positively that God's choice of food has changed more than once since the beginning, Genesis 9:3-4 is proof of that to Noah. Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.
According to this verse, Noah was given permission to eat anything that didn't have the blood still in it. Adam wasn't given this permission, and it's a much broader spectrum than the kosher diet of Moses's law, where many animals were forbidden to eat under any circumstances. Different still, is the diet of the NT which I will show below, where now people can eat any animals without spiritual punishment.
As you can see, with most peoples understanding of God not changing, you have a much bigger problem on your hands than I do, but enough about that, now for the scriptures that prove the rules have changed, and the old laws were done away in Christ...
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John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
Act 15:5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses......
15:10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
2Cor 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
3:7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
3:8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
3:9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
3:10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.
3:11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.
3:12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
3:13 And not as Moses,which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:
3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
3:15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
3:16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.
3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
Eph 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
Heb 7:12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
7:13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
7:14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
7:15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
7:16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
7:17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
7:18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
8:13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
Col 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
2:17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
1Tim 4:4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
Rom 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
Romans 14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
Act 17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at(overlooked); but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
17:31 Because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom He hath ordained;(JESUS) whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead.
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That last group of verses is an absolute 100 megaton explosion to the argument about sacred objects, 'godly' graven images of the temple, relics of the OT, and the such implications that these things matter now, or ever really did. God passed it by due to the peoples ignorance, and most likely influences of false religions after leaving Egypt. God never seemed to care about gold, jewels, polished silver, fine brass, or the fabric of holy robes prior to Moses leading Israel out of Egypt, yet from this point on, it seemed to matter a great deal. These verses just explained it all away, and that's why we as Christians are not instructed to carry on with these things.
Now that it should be apparent that most of the OT laws have been done away, what remains then? What's going on? Well, theres only 9 commandments that are reiterated in the NT*, but they are summarized by 1 new one. John 13:34 is where Jesus says a NEW commandment He was giving was to love one another as He loves us, and Romans 13:8 says to love one another is to fulfill all of the law. That is the law now, there it is, all of it, right there, for also in loving one another you will not do any ill will to anyone. Paul even clarifies it, just in case you were wondering what kind of love to have.
There is also Galatians 5:14 "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." Can it really get any clearer?
I will now take this one step further and show the Jesus was instituting this new set of rules even within His own life. Yes, Jesus Christ the Messiah was preparing people for a change, things were not going to be the way they were in the OT anymore, and this verse is painfully clear that a change was a comin'....
Mat 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
11:13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
also....
John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
Kind of interesting isn't it? Jesus was well aware of all of the wars and fighting and bloodshed of the OT times and was putting an end to it once and for all. This was not the way of God, for He is love. The kingdom of heaven would no longer be able to be taken by violence, (from either side actually) because it would no longer be an earthly matter. We know this because of the examples the apostles set in peace and persecution through the first century church. They were not renegade assassins or anything like that.
So here come the verses that every Judaizer tries to hit me over the head with:
Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
These verses have cause alot of confusion in the faith, especially in light of the massive amount of verses I have already laid down in this section. Something needs to be made clear here. When Jesus was referring to "the law" in those verses, He was not referring to the law of MOSES. In fact, Jesus and the apostles differentiate between the law of God and the law of Moses in many places, this is a key point. Jesus proves that He is not talking about the law of Moses in some of the very next verses where He lists the commandments now, and even updates a few, making them stricter.....He says "anyone who breaks the least of THESE commandments shall be least in the kingdom." What commandments? He didn't name any yet, BUT HE WAS ABOUT TO. Remember, according to Hebrews 7 that there was a changing of the priesthood, therefore a changing of the law.
Mat 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Mat 5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Mat 5:38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
5:41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
Mat 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
I have debated these verses with Judaizers at length. Sometimes, when the person is more Jewish than Christian, they will rely on the writings of the Talmud to prove that Jesus said nothing that rabbis had not said previously (to greatly paraphrase). That "eye for an eye" is merely equal measures in justice. However, the debate always ends when I press the issue, and establish the following position...
If you slap me, I can react in 3 different ways...
1. I can hit you back (equal justice)
2. I can do nothing and forgive you (righteousness)
3. I can bless you and ask if there's anything I can help you with (crazy unbalanced Jesus thing to do)
Nowhere in any Jewish writing will you find such a looney act that Jesus ordered Christians to do in Matthew 5:39-41, there is without a doubt a complete change of the OT law, in that I am not allowed to return like for like, in fact, if you commit an injustice to me, I have to do something NICE for you in return. If you sue me and take my jacket, I have to give you my shoes too. This almost always ends any debate with Judaizers who claim nothing has changed between the OT and NT, and that Jesus merely quotes rabbis. It is an extremely hard commandment to follow, but I have known a few true Christians who do. To find out why Jesus told us to do this, read Real Free Will.
Further proof that the law of God/Christ is different from the law of Moses is in...
John 6:32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you NOT that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the TRUE bread from heaven.
Mat 19:7-8 and Mark 10:4-5 Jesus is asked about divorce and His answer is that MOSES gave them that precept because of the hardness of their hearts, and that it was not so from the beginning. Proving again that the law has changed more than once. Jesus then forbade it except in adultery.
John 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and TRUTH came by Jesus Christ.
John 8:5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
Act 13:39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could NOT be justified by the law of Moses.
Act 21:21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. (The elders then came together and decided it was wise for Paul to purify himself in the temple and shave his head according to custom, in order to prevent a riot...it didn't work, because the Jews knew Paul was in fact teaching this, and we know too from the many writings of Paul which I have already provided in this section.)
We also know from 1st Samuel 8:1 that God gave the people kings because they whined that they wanted a human king, He would have been their king. We also know that God sent them quails when they were tired of manna, so they ate meat until they got sick of it. Apparently God has always wanted a better way, but the Jews simply would not listen, so finally when Christ came, He came teaching the true way of the Father.
As far as certain OT prophecies like Zechariah 14:16-19, which talks about there being observance of the feast of tabernacles by all people...simply read verse 8 and you will see this is all figurative/spiritual. Verse 8 talks about living waters flowing from Jerusalem. How can water be 'living'? In the NT, living waters are talked about as something spiritual and not physical. Better proof is found back in Zech 12:4 where it says that every horse will be struck with astonishment and blindness, and their riders will go mad. Literally this verse is pointless, horses aren't used for transportation anymore, they're hardly even used for labor. Will cars and tractors go blind instead?
The last thing to address is the oft repeated argument of the promises of God, and verses about His perpetual covenant with Israel, such as in Exodus 31:16 that sabbath day keeping would be a part of this covenant, among other things like diet in Lev 3:17. These things all became nullified when the covenant was broken, and Israel was cast off. Think it didn't happen? See Holy Racism to find out how and when... Israel became heathen, and eventually rejected their own messiah and the true ways of God (Matt 8:11-12, Matt 12:7, Matt 5:21-46, Matt 21:43, John 8:47, John 1:18, Act 2:36, Rom 11:20, Col 1:15, etc etc. see also Sacrifices, and OT violence for more info). As a result of their wickedness, God made good on His word and proved He did not make idle warnings to Israel (1Kings 9:6-7, Josh 24:20, 1Ch 28:9, 2Ch 7:19-20, 2Ch 15:2) which came to a climax with the destruction of the temple and scattering of the nation in 70 ad. These events dissolved the covenant, and THEREFORE nullified many OT prophecies of the coming days for Israel. Get out of the mindset that says God will keep His end of the bargain even if you don't keep yours, see OSAS and Salvation by Works if you need help coming to terms with the conditions of God's words. If you want to know what the end times will be now, you need the New Testament.
Every Christian needs to know the things I have put forth here, and address these issues to evangelize to the Jews, it's that easy to prove the case for Christ, and I am not anti-semitic.
In conclusion, God's law hasn't been done away, it's the law of Moses that is no more. We now have the true way, demonstrated in the New Testament through the life of Christ.
*9 of the commandments were reiterated in the NT, the missing one is the 4th, the KEEPING of the sabbath day
1st commandment in Mat 22:37, 1Cor. 8:5-6
2nd commandment in 1John. 5:21, also Col 3:5 and Eph 5:5
3rd commandment in Col 3:8
5th commandment in Eph 6:1-3
6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th commandments in Rom 13:8-10, Mat 19:18, Gal 5:14, 1Cor 6:9-10, and Gal 5:19-21.
Only the sabbath rest is mentioned in the NT, which is Christ, and not the keeping of the sabbath law.
See Dan Corner's site on the 4th commandment and Dan Corner's site on sabbath keepers
Then the poor Christian begins to follow suit and starts learning Hebrew, buys a menorrah, learns the the old laws, changes their diet, and starts honoring holy days. Before long, the person is nearly a full-blown Jew, with the exception of believing in Jesus Christ.
To such poor Christians I must ask, do you not realize that the laws of the OT in the torah were given only and specifically to the Jews? Literally, they applied only to the Jews, and Gentiles were not bound by them what-so-ever.
Ok, this being so, then how can you take laws that were LITERALLY not given to you, and LITERALLY did not apply to you, and say that because you're a SPIRITUAL (true) Jew, that these LITERAL laws, now LITERALLY must be followed, when they LITERALLY had nothing to do with you?
I usually get no answer after I pose that thought to the missionaries of this blight on Christianity. Not that I've never gotten answers before, but they've never been good ones.
First things first, people who have adopted the Judaizing theology will always jump on the verses that say "God doesn't change", and I agree, God does not change, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. However, that says nothing about His particular rules not changing. If I were playing you in chess, and you were losing at it terribly, so I decided to change the rules a little and allow you to move twice per turn, I have not changed, you're still sitting across from the same man with the same personality, only the way the game is played has changed, I'm the same.
If I tell you one day that I like right handed people, so all right handers get free parking, then later I say I don't like right hands, I like lefties now...then I'VE changed.
So my example may sound a little silly, but I believe in keeping things simple and still getting the point across. If anything, God's ability to change the rules demonstrates His absolute authority and sovereignty--not even kings and monarchs had the power to reneg their orders once they made a decree.
If you're still not convinced at this, and you're still hooting and hollering "God doesn't change! You're example stinks!", then as a last resort I will bring up this. If you're going to declare that God doesn't change, therefore all of the laws given to the Jews in the OT still apply today, then I hope you are prepared for a mind bender.
How do you reconcile the fact that there was a time BEFORE all these laws, with your concept of God not changing?
It should be obvious, anyone who knows the scriptures knows that there was a time before the laws, because there was a time before there was a nation of Israel...yes people, there was a time before the Jews existed.
As shocking as that may be, it's true, Abraham was not a Jew, neither was Noah, Jared, Methuselah, Enos, Enoch, Adam, Eve, Seth, Arphaxad, etc etc etc. No temple, no temple laws, no Hebrews, no Hebrew laws. In written record, *most* of the laws came into being at the time of Moses. So why don't you raise a fuss about that? You should be screaming "How dare you give us these 600 extra laws! You're not supposed to change!". Or better yet "How dare you make a chosen people!"
We can only go by what we know and what has been written down, murder has always been wrong, stealing has always been wrong, fornication etc, but I've challenged people to show me even 300 torah laws that existed prior to Moses, I've even narrowed it down to 100. In fact, when it comes to kosher diets, I can show positively that God's choice of food has changed more than once since the beginning, Genesis 9:3-4 is proof of that to Noah. Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.
According to this verse, Noah was given permission to eat anything that didn't have the blood still in it. Adam wasn't given this permission, and it's a much broader spectrum than the kosher diet of Moses's law, where many animals were forbidden to eat under any circumstances. Different still, is the diet of the NT which I will show below, where now people can eat any animals without spiritual punishment.
As you can see, with most peoples understanding of God not changing, you have a much bigger problem on your hands than I do, but enough about that, now for the scriptures that prove the rules have changed, and the old laws were done away in Christ...
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John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
Act 15:5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses......
15:10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
2Cor 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
3:7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
3:8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
3:9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
3:10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.
3:11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.
3:12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
3:13 And not as Moses,which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:
3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
3:15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
3:16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.
3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
Eph 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
Heb 7:12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
7:13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
7:14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
7:15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
7:16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
7:17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
7:18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
8:13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
Col 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
2:17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
1Tim 4:4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
Rom 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
Romans 14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
Act 17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at(overlooked); but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
17:31 Because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom He hath ordained;(JESUS) whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead.
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That last group of verses is an absolute 100 megaton explosion to the argument about sacred objects, 'godly' graven images of the temple, relics of the OT, and the such implications that these things matter now, or ever really did. God passed it by due to the peoples ignorance, and most likely influences of false religions after leaving Egypt. God never seemed to care about gold, jewels, polished silver, fine brass, or the fabric of holy robes prior to Moses leading Israel out of Egypt, yet from this point on, it seemed to matter a great deal. These verses just explained it all away, and that's why we as Christians are not instructed to carry on with these things.
Now that it should be apparent that most of the OT laws have been done away, what remains then? What's going on? Well, theres only 9 commandments that are reiterated in the NT*, but they are summarized by 1 new one. John 13:34 is where Jesus says a NEW commandment He was giving was to love one another as He loves us, and Romans 13:8 says to love one another is to fulfill all of the law. That is the law now, there it is, all of it, right there, for also in loving one another you will not do any ill will to anyone. Paul even clarifies it, just in case you were wondering what kind of love to have.
There is also Galatians 5:14 "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." Can it really get any clearer?
I will now take this one step further and show the Jesus was instituting this new set of rules even within His own life. Yes, Jesus Christ the Messiah was preparing people for a change, things were not going to be the way they were in the OT anymore, and this verse is painfully clear that a change was a comin'....
Mat 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
11:13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
also....
John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
Kind of interesting isn't it? Jesus was well aware of all of the wars and fighting and bloodshed of the OT times and was putting an end to it once and for all. This was not the way of God, for He is love. The kingdom of heaven would no longer be able to be taken by violence, (from either side actually) because it would no longer be an earthly matter. We know this because of the examples the apostles set in peace and persecution through the first century church. They were not renegade assassins or anything like that.
So here come the verses that every Judaizer tries to hit me over the head with:
Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
These verses have cause alot of confusion in the faith, especially in light of the massive amount of verses I have already laid down in this section. Something needs to be made clear here. When Jesus was referring to "the law" in those verses, He was not referring to the law of MOSES. In fact, Jesus and the apostles differentiate between the law of God and the law of Moses in many places, this is a key point. Jesus proves that He is not talking about the law of Moses in some of the very next verses where He lists the commandments now, and even updates a few, making them stricter.....He says "anyone who breaks the least of THESE commandments shall be least in the kingdom." What commandments? He didn't name any yet, BUT HE WAS ABOUT TO. Remember, according to Hebrews 7 that there was a changing of the priesthood, therefore a changing of the law.
Mat 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Mat 5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Mat 5:38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
5:41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
Mat 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
I have debated these verses with Judaizers at length. Sometimes, when the person is more Jewish than Christian, they will rely on the writings of the Talmud to prove that Jesus said nothing that rabbis had not said previously (to greatly paraphrase). That "eye for an eye" is merely equal measures in justice. However, the debate always ends when I press the issue, and establish the following position...
If you slap me, I can react in 3 different ways...
1. I can hit you back (equal justice)
2. I can do nothing and forgive you (righteousness)
3. I can bless you and ask if there's anything I can help you with (crazy unbalanced Jesus thing to do)
Nowhere in any Jewish writing will you find such a looney act that Jesus ordered Christians to do in Matthew 5:39-41, there is without a doubt a complete change of the OT law, in that I am not allowed to return like for like, in fact, if you commit an injustice to me, I have to do something NICE for you in return. If you sue me and take my jacket, I have to give you my shoes too. This almost always ends any debate with Judaizers who claim nothing has changed between the OT and NT, and that Jesus merely quotes rabbis. It is an extremely hard commandment to follow, but I have known a few true Christians who do. To find out why Jesus told us to do this, read Real Free Will.
Further proof that the law of God/Christ is different from the law of Moses is in...
John 6:32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you NOT that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the TRUE bread from heaven.
Mat 19:7-8 and Mark 10:4-5 Jesus is asked about divorce and His answer is that MOSES gave them that precept because of the hardness of their hearts, and that it was not so from the beginning. Proving again that the law has changed more than once. Jesus then forbade it except in adultery.
John 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and TRUTH came by Jesus Christ.
John 8:5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
Act 13:39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could NOT be justified by the law of Moses.
Act 21:21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. (The elders then came together and decided it was wise for Paul to purify himself in the temple and shave his head according to custom, in order to prevent a riot...it didn't work, because the Jews knew Paul was in fact teaching this, and we know too from the many writings of Paul which I have already provided in this section.)
We also know from 1st Samuel 8:1 that God gave the people kings because they whined that they wanted a human king, He would have been their king. We also know that God sent them quails when they were tired of manna, so they ate meat until they got sick of it. Apparently God has always wanted a better way, but the Jews simply would not listen, so finally when Christ came, He came teaching the true way of the Father.
As far as certain OT prophecies like Zechariah 14:16-19, which talks about there being observance of the feast of tabernacles by all people...simply read verse 8 and you will see this is all figurative/spiritual. Verse 8 talks about living waters flowing from Jerusalem. How can water be 'living'? In the NT, living waters are talked about as something spiritual and not physical. Better proof is found back in Zech 12:4 where it says that every horse will be struck with astonishment and blindness, and their riders will go mad. Literally this verse is pointless, horses aren't used for transportation anymore, they're hardly even used for labor. Will cars and tractors go blind instead?
The last thing to address is the oft repeated argument of the promises of God, and verses about His perpetual covenant with Israel, such as in Exodus 31:16 that sabbath day keeping would be a part of this covenant, among other things like diet in Lev 3:17. These things all became nullified when the covenant was broken, and Israel was cast off. Think it didn't happen? See Holy Racism to find out how and when... Israel became heathen, and eventually rejected their own messiah and the true ways of God (Matt 8:11-12, Matt 12:7, Matt 5:21-46, Matt 21:43, John 8:47, John 1:18, Act 2:36, Rom 11:20, Col 1:15, etc etc. see also Sacrifices, and OT violence for more info). As a result of their wickedness, God made good on His word and proved He did not make idle warnings to Israel (1Kings 9:6-7, Josh 24:20, 1Ch 28:9, 2Ch 7:19-20, 2Ch 15:2) which came to a climax with the destruction of the temple and scattering of the nation in 70 ad. These events dissolved the covenant, and THEREFORE nullified many OT prophecies of the coming days for Israel. Get out of the mindset that says God will keep His end of the bargain even if you don't keep yours, see OSAS and Salvation by Works if you need help coming to terms with the conditions of God's words. If you want to know what the end times will be now, you need the New Testament.
Every Christian needs to know the things I have put forth here, and address these issues to evangelize to the Jews, it's that easy to prove the case for Christ, and I am not anti-semitic.
In conclusion, God's law hasn't been done away, it's the law of Moses that is no more. We now have the true way, demonstrated in the New Testament through the life of Christ.
*9 of the commandments were reiterated in the NT, the missing one is the 4th, the KEEPING of the sabbath day
1st commandment in Mat 22:37, 1Cor. 8:5-6
2nd commandment in 1John. 5:21, also Col 3:5 and Eph 5:5
3rd commandment in Col 3:8
5th commandment in Eph 6:1-3
6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th commandments in Rom 13:8-10, Mat 19:18, Gal 5:14, 1Cor 6:9-10, and Gal 5:19-21.
Only the sabbath rest is mentioned in the NT, which is Christ, and not the keeping of the sabbath law.
See Dan Corner's site on the 4th commandment and Dan Corner's site on sabbath keepers
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Earth-Two DCU
With Batman Inc coming up and Bruce totally giving the cowl to Dick this time, reminds me of Earth-Two.
You know Earth-Two? The home of Clark Kent, editor in chief of the Metropolis Daily Star. Where Batman married Catwoman and had a daughter, Huntress. Where Hawkman and Hawkgirl were reincarnated Egyptian royalty and the home of the Justice Society of America and Infinity Inc?
Well....it's nostalgic. When I read Grumpy Old Fans, The singularities of Earth-Two over at CBR.
I say all that to note that this was nothing new for Earth-Two. DC introduced a number of second-generation superheroes in the ‘70s and ‘80s, almost all of whom adopted code names and costumes different from their “parents.” Dick didn’t take up Bruce’s mantle. Helena didn’t become Batwoman, Bat-Girl or Catwoman. Superman’s cousin Kara wasn’t Supergirl, but Power Girl. Wonder Woman’s daughter took the code name Fury, Hawkman’s sons were Silver Scarab and Northwind, and Green Lantern fathered Jade and Obsidian.
Now, it would be a bit disingenuous to suggest that we can compare Earth-Two to the current DC-Earth, because Earth-Two, like any number of rogue cops with good intentions, played by its own rules. Chief among them, I imagine, was the dictum that Earth-Two not be simply an “older” version of Earth-One. There were already characters unique to each Earth — for example, Earth-Two’s Doctor Mid-Nite and Doctor Fate, and Earth-One’s Martian Manhunter and Elongated Man. Similarly, although both Supermen had blonde cousins named Kara, DC already had a Supergirl.
This pattern of significant distinction (if not outright uniqueness) continued until the mid-‘80s and the debut of Infinity, Inc. Although the initial Infinitor lineup included one real legacy character, Brainwave Jr., the rest of the group was made up of “significantly distinct” members, including many named above. During Crisis On Infinite Earths, the team gained three new legacies, Doctor Midnight, Hourman II and Wildcat II. (The Crisis also took the Earth-Two Huntress and Robin out of the greater DC picture.)
Over on Earth-One, main-line legacy characters like Robin II (Jason Todd) and Black Canary II (Dinah Laurel Lance) were similarly rare. There had been a couple of varieties of Manhunter, as well as two Mad Hatters, two Killer Frosts, and (I think) two Two-Faces, but good-guy legacies weren’t often developed. Instead, multiversal counterparts took the place of straight-line successors.
With all that in mind, it’s a bit odd to see the ex-Earth-Two characters incorporated into various lineages. Silver Scarab went on to become both a Sandman and a Doctor Fate. Nuklon, godson of the original Atom, is now Atom-Smasher. Jesse Quick, daughter of Johnny Quick and Liberty Belle, briefly adopted her mother’s code name and costume; and Jade has been a Green Lantern, albeit in the Oan mode (once unique to the universe of Earth-One). Still, just as their uniqueness wasn’t unusual in the pre-Crisis days, so their legacy status has become common today.
Enjoy.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Mazinger Angels
Mazinger Angels (マジンガーエンジェル, Majinga Enjeru?) is a manga series which began in 2004 and chronicles the adventures of four women who pilot giant robots in the Mazinger vein. The concept is a spoof on the late 70's and early 80's popular TV series Charlie's Angels. It was originally published in Kodansha's Magazine Z, starting in 26 June 2004 (#2004-08) and ending in 25 November 2006 (#2007-01).[1] It was compiled in four tankōbon.
Three of the robots, Aphrodite A, Diana A and Minerva X are from the original Mazinger Z series, while Venus A is from the Great Mazinger series. Their pilots are also traditional characters from Go Nagai's universe, Sayaka Yumi and Jun Hono from Mazinger Z and Great Mazinger respectively, and Hikaru Makiba and Maria Fleed from Grendizer.
The style of the manga highlights the sex appeal of both the characters and the mechas, sometimes similarly to the way Aika's female characters are shown.
There is a sequel, released in 26 December 2007 in Magazine Z as well [2], called Mazinger Angels Z (マジンガーエンジェルZ), which features the original design for Mazinger Z, called Energer Z, as well as Kikunosuke Abashiri from Abashiri Ikka.
Mecha Description and Pilots
Aphrodite, Diana, Venus and Minerva in their Mazinger Angels incarnations.
All four robots have a simplified color scheme compared to the older versions, usually reducing the number of colors to only two, but respecting the overall appearance of the robot. They sport heart shaped designs in different parts of their bodies as well as the Mazinger Angels symbol, a winged heart. They also become substantially more powerful and resistant, adding several weapons (many inspired by the Mazingers' ones) to their classic ones.
The mecha pilots wear their classic outfits plus the Mazinger Angels symbol.
* Aphrodite A: Aphrodite is piloted by Sayaka Yumi, her classic pilot from Mazinger Z. In this version, Aphrodite is now orange and white, in contrast to the anime version, which was orange, magenta and red. Her weapons are:
o Regular Chest Missiles
o Iron Cutter Missile: A weapon that resembles Mazinger Z's Iron Cutters.
o Megaton Hammer: A pair of flails attached to Aphrodite's chest.
o Snow White Aphrodite / Breast Heart Fire: Aphrodite is modified in one occasion and covered with an acid proof paint coat to face the attack of a monster. She is painted white and gold and also sports chest plates that rotate to form a heart that fires a powerful beam.
* Diana A: Diana's pilot is Hikaru Makiba, from Grendizer. She is now depicted in blue and white, and has the following weapons:
o Regular Chest Missiles
o Screw Crasher Missile: Similar to Grendizer's Screw Crasher Punch.
o Liquid Shooter: Acid shooting guns.
o Blizzard Smash: A freezing weapon.
* Venus A: Piloted by Jun Hono, her classic pilot in Great Mazinger. Venus is now painted red and white. Her weapons are:
o Regular Chest Missiles
o Finger Missile: The classic weapon from the anime.
o Drill Pressure Missile: Venus can fire two giant jet drills from her chest.
o Fire Tornado: Similar to the Blizzard Smash, but this weapon melts everything it touches instead of freezing it.
* Minerva X: Controlled by Maria Fleed, also from Grendizer. Maria has psychokinetic powers that allow her to control the robot thanks to a special helmet that channels her brain waves. At first she uses Minerva against the girls because she holds them responsible for the supposed death of her dog Duke, but later realizes thanks to Hikaru that this wasn't their fault. Duke is later saved and given a prosthetic limb. Minerva's purple color scheme is the most noticeable since it's completely different from the usual Mazinger-like one. She seems to be above the other angels in terms of power, and her weapons are:
o Rocket Punch: The same attack Minerva has in the anime, taken from Mazinger Z; Minerva can fire her fists.
o Breast Fire: Another classic attack from the anime, a powerful beam shot from her chest plates.
o Photon Beams: Optic rays.
o Sirene Mode: Minerva can shift from her regular form to a stronger one, able to fly thanks to wings placed on her head. When transformed she resembles Sirène, a character from Devilman.
o Thunder Breaker: (In Sirene Mode) similar to Great Mazinger's Thunder Break.
Aphrodite, Diana and Venus also have swords called Mazinger Blades.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Take your pick
I've been following 2 ongoing animes for a time now. Bleach and Naruto. Although, I still favor Bleach than Naruto because I sort of got tired of the plotlines.
Bleach is better. The only let down is the story gets halted at some points to be replaced by fillers due to lack of materials. The writer is a bit slow. In Naruto, it's the same thing although it is better managed.
Still lets see, both are from Shonen Jump and has similar animation. But still, if i have to pick it's Ichigo over Naruto for now at least.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Bleach: Memories of Nobody
Bleach: Memories of Nobody is a 2006 animated film adaptation of the anime and manga series Bleach. Directed by Noriyuki Abe and written by Masashi Sogo, the film was first released in Japanese theaters on December 16, 2006. The DVD was released in Japan on September 5, 2007. To promote the film, the opening and closing credits for episodes 106 through 109 of the Bleach anime use footage from the film. The film's theme music is "Sen no Yoru o Koete" (千の夜をこえて, Overcome the Thousands of Nights?) by Aqua Timez. The film had a limited theatrical release in America from June 11 to June 12, 2008, and in Canada on October 20, 2008[2] and was followed by the DVD release on October 14, 2008.
Plot
Unidentified spirits begin appearing in Karakura Town. A mysterious Soul Reaper who calls herself Senna appears and begins destroying the spirits. Ichigo Kurosaki and Rukia Kuchiki confront her about the situation, but she refuses to answer any questions and leaves. Ichigo follows her while Rukia searches for answers. Ichigo meets up with Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Rangiku Matsumoto at the Urahara Shop, who have been sent to earth to investigate why the real world is suddenly appearing as a reflection in the sky in Soul Society.
Kisuke Urahara explains that a dimension between Soul Society and the real world, the Valley of Screams, has expanded to the point that it is connecting the two worlds. The spirits seen earlier are "Blanks", souls without memories that were lost in the space between the two worlds and that comprise the Valley of Screams. The memories of the Blanks combine to form a single being, the "Memory Rosary." Upon further investigation, it is revealed that Senna is this being.
The Gotei 13 are sent to try to deal with the problem of the expanding valley, however the "Dark Ones", a group of exiles from the Soul Society seeking revenge for the past, appeared and captured Senna. They take her to the Valley of Screams and attach her to a device powered by the Blanks that will cause the Valley to collapse, resulting in a collision between the real world and the Soul Society that would destroy both worlds.
Ichigo travels to the Valley to rescue Senna while Rukia goes to get reinforcements from Soul Society. However, Captain Yamamoto wants to destroy the Valley before it collapses and refuses to order a rescue mission with only an hour left. In the Valley, Ichigo is overpowered by the large number of blanks, but he is saved by the arrival of his many friends from the Soul Society. While the group battles the Dark Ones and Blanks, Ichigo battles and eventually defeats their leader, Ganryu.
The process of the collapse has gone too far to be completely stopped. Senna sacrifices herself to push the two worlds back apart to save Ichigo. Senna asks Ichigo to take her to the graveyard so she can see her name on her gravestone. Though the stone is blank, Ichigo lies and tells her that her name is on it. Believing him, she expresses contentment that she once had a life of her own before fading away. Rukia notes that once the power of the Blanks fades away, so will all memories of Senna. After the credits, Ichigo is walking on the bridge where the portal was and sees a red ribbon, the one that he had bought Senna, floating down from the sky then sees a girl who looks just like her running past him, he smiles and continues on with his walk.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
A night in Eastwood
I spent Sunday with my family including my brother's family and my parents. In the morning, we went to GCF-Sta.Rosa then we went to my aunt's at Marikina. In the evening we went to Eastwood. The kids played video games at Time Zone. My aunt who had no children played with her grand nephews and grand nieces.
We ate dinner at Il Pirata Ristorante & Pizzeria. Pastas and meter long pizza. My body is not used to eat like that anymore. Really was full. Service sucked by the way. But all in all, what counted was we met as a family. I hope we can do that again sometime soon.
We ate dinner at Il Pirata Ristorante & Pizzeria. Pastas and meter long pizza. My body is not used to eat like that anymore. Really was full. Service sucked by the way. But all in all, what counted was we met as a family. I hope we can do that again sometime soon.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Election time
The long wait is finally a few more hours to go. As people get ready to vote and COMELEC is rushing things to the last minute. May 10, 2010 will be at the record books as the 1st automated elections the Philippines have. Pinoys are divided in having so much trust in a COMELEC still with the stigma of Garci, Bedol and Dagdag-Bawas while others are not so trusting anymore. Saving face or not, tomorrow will be vindication day or doomsday.
Millions of pinoys will decide who will lead us for the next 6 years. I'm praying for a peaceful and credible elections but i'm keeping my fingers cross.
I still feel disappointed that our elections are still full of cheating, intimidation and bribery.
We have to stand our ground and be vigilant and watchful. We must not let others dictate what we the people want. Not the feudal lords, not the oligarchs. Not anyone but us. We the people. That's why we vote. Don't freaking sell your votes. Don't let anyone intimidate you.
Go out and vote!
Millions of pinoys will decide who will lead us for the next 6 years. I'm praying for a peaceful and credible elections but i'm keeping my fingers cross.
I still feel disappointed that our elections are still full of cheating, intimidation and bribery.
We have to stand our ground and be vigilant and watchful. We must not let others dictate what we the people want. Not the feudal lords, not the oligarchs. Not anyone but us. We the people. That's why we vote. Don't freaking sell your votes. Don't let anyone intimidate you.
Go out and vote!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Anime in the Philippines part 2
During the 70's a lot of anime features invaded the local TV screen. After a while when dictator Marcos banned such series on TV, a new batch of animes were shown. One was Alakazam the Great based on the Chinese legend Journey to the West, Based on the manga My Son Goku (ぼくのそんごくう, Boku no Son Gokū?) by Osamu Tezuka, he was named as a director of the film by Toei Company.
Alakazam is a young and brave monkey who has been encouraged by all the other monkeys to become their king. After attaining the throne, he becomes rude and dictatorial, and does not believe that human beings are greater than he is. Then he tricks/forces Merlin the magician to teach him magic (reluctantly on Merlin's part, who warns Alakazam that the powers he acquires now will bring him much unhappiness later). Alakazam becomes so arrogant that he abuses his magic powers, and chooses to go up to Majutsu Land (the Heavens), to challenge King Amo. He is defeated by King Amo. For his punishment, he is sentenced to serve as the bodyguard of Prince Amat on a pilgrimage; in order to learn humility, mercy and to fight with wisdom. Ultimately, he learns his lesson and becomes a true hero.
Years later another funny anime made it's way to the TV screen.
Mojacko モジャ公 ('Mojako?) is a 74-episode anime series based on a original Manga series created by Oriental Light and Magic. Directed by Tetsuya Endo, the anime was broadcast on TV Tokyo between October 3, 1995 and March 31, 1997.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Kaze No Stigma
Another anime I'm fond of. Watched this about 2 years ago and it's still one of my favorites.
Kaze no Stigma (風のスティグマ?, lit. Stigma of the Wind) or Kaze no Seikon (風の聖痕?) is a Japanese light novel series written by Takahiro Yamato and illustrated by Hanamaru Nanto. After the death of the author on July 20, 2009, the story remains incomplete at eleven volumes.[1] An anime television series adaptation directed by Junichi Sakata and animated by Gonzo began airing on April 11, 2007.
Kazuma Kannagi was considered useless within his family because he could not use Enjutsu, the power to control flames. When he was defeated by Ayano Kannagi, one of his relatives, in a bout to decide who the wielder of Enraiha, a sword that was wielded by the family heir, he was banished from the family. Four years later, he returns, now a master of Fuujutsu, the power to control wind, with a new name: Kazuma Yagami. Soon after his return, he is reunited with Ayano and his younger brother, Ren, who is also gifted in Enjutsu. Soon, however, Kannagi family members are killed and the murder weapon is revealed to be Fuujutsu. Now Kazuma has to fight his family to prove that he is not the murderer.
Gonzo's Kaze no Stigma animated TV series aired on Japanese broadcasting channels between April 11, 2007 and September 20, 2007, containing twenty-four episodes; it aired in a late night slot. The series was directed by Junichi Sakata. The first DVD release of Kaze no Stigma was released on August 24, 2007. It was released by Funimation in 2009 starting with part 1.[2] The anime's opening theme is "Blast of Wind" by Saori Kiuji. The first ending theme is "Hitorikiri no Sora" by Saori Kiuji and the second ending theme is "Matataki no Kiwoku" (瞬きのキヲク) by Ayumi Fujimura, Yuka Inokuchi and Shizuka Itō.
The major difference between the novel and the anime is the significant darker tone in the novels. The character of Kazuma is much darker in the novel, which depicts him killing most of the antagonistic characters in the series while the anime changes these deaths so Kazuma is uninvolved with them. Other scenes involving gruesome deaths are simply removed.[3]
Story plots involved spiritual and elemental magicks. Like all anime has a mix of humour, suspense and action all roled into one.Friday, April 16, 2010
Something you should know
We the people are the ones who give these people in government be it elected, appointed or the simple government employee their salaries. It's from our taxes. They should be held accountable on any and every transactions they do.
I discourage any bribery in order to facilitate their jobs. These bastards must learn to serve the people.
And for all these billboards on project made, remember who's money their pork barrel came from. From us, the people.
Stand up for your rights.
I discourage any bribery in order to facilitate their jobs. These bastards must learn to serve the people.
And for all these billboards on project made, remember who's money their pork barrel came from. From us, the people.
Stand up for your rights.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Sexual addiction
Just a topic I like to focus on these days. I'll try to add some more comments but for now this is an introduction:
Sexual addiction
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Sexual addiction refers to the phenomenon in which individuals report being unable to manage their sexual behavior. It has also been called "sexual dependency," and "sexual compulsivity." The existence of the condition is not universally accepted by sexologists and its etiology, nature, and validity have been debated.
Proponents of the concept have offered varying descriptions, each according to their favored model of the putative phenomenon. Proponents of an addiction model of the phenomenon refer to it as "sexual addiction" and offer definitions based on substance addictions; proponents of lack-of-control models refer to it as "sexual compulsivity" and offer definitions based on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); etc. Skeptics believe that it is a myth that the phenomenon exists as a disease or disorder at all and is instead a by-product of cultural and other influences.
Contents
[hide]
* 1 Definition
o 1.1 Terminology
o 1.2 Official status
* 2 Symptoms and proposed diagnostic criteria
o 2.1 Proposals based on addictions models
+ 2.1.1 Carnes
+ 2.1.2 Goodman
o 2.2 Proposals based on obsessive/compulsive models
* 3 Epidemiology
* 4 Etiology
o 4.1 Neurochemical theories
o 4.2 Psychological distress theories
o 4.3 Addiction theories
* 5 Treatment
* 6 See also
* 7 References
* 8 Further reading
[edit] Definition
Sexologists have not reached any consensus regarding whether sexual addiction exists or, if it does, how to describe the phenomenon.[1][2] Some experts[who?] believe that sexual addiction is literally an addiction, directly analogous to alcohol and drug addictions. Other experts believe that sexual addiction is actually a form of obsessive compulsive disorder and refer to it as sexual compulsivity.[3] Still other experts believe that sex addiction is itself a myth, a by-product of cultural and other influences.[4][5]
[edit] Terminology
"Nymphomania" and "satyriasis" are not listed as disorders in the DSM-IV, though they remain a part of ICD-10, each listed as a subtype of "hypersexuality."[6]
[edit] Official status
The American Psychiatric Association publishes and periodically updates the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), a widely recognized compendium of acknowledged mental disorders and their diagnostic criteria. The most recent version of that manual, DSM-IV-TR, was published in 2000 and does not recognize sexual addiction as a diagnosis.[7] Although some authors had expressed that excluding sexual addiction from the DSM represents a problem,[8] the proposed diagnosis was rejected for consideration for inclusion in the DSM5.[9] Darrel Regier, vice-chair of the DSM-5 task force, said that "[A]lthough 'hypersexuality' is a proposed new addition...[the phenomenon] was not at the point where we were ready to call it an addiction."
The DSM-IV-TR does, however, include a miscellaneous diagnosis called Sexual Disorders Not Otherwise Specified, and includes as one of the examples of it: "distress about a pattern of repeated sexual relationships involving a succession of lovers who are experienced by the individual only as things to be used." Other examples include: compulsive fixation on an unattainable partner, compulsive masturbation, compulsive love relationships, and compulsive sexuality in a relationship.[7] Hypersexuality, by itself, is a criterion symptom of hypomania and mania in bipolar disorder and mania in schizoaffective disorder as they are currently defined in the DSM.
The World Health Organization produces the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), which is used globally and is not limited to mental disorders. The most recent version of that document, ICD-10, includes "Excessive sexual drive" as a diagnosis (code F52.7), subdividing it into satyriasis (for males) and nymphomania (for females).[6]
[edit] Symptoms and proposed diagnostic criteria
[edit] Proposals based on addictions models
Irons and Schneider have noted that "Addictive sexual disorders that do not fit into standard DSM-IV categories can best be diagnosed using an adaptation of the DSM-IV criteria for substance dependence."[8] Similarly, Lowinson and colleagues use the addiction model and define sexual addiction as a condition in which some form of sexual behaviour is employed in a pattern that is characterized at least by two key features: recurrent failure to control the behaviour and continuation of the behaviour despite harmful consequences.[10] Patrick Carnes, another proponent of the addiction model of sexual addiction, argued that most professionals in the field agree with the World Health Organization's definition of addiction.[11]
[edit] Carnes
Patrick Carnes, a proponent of the idea of sexual addiction, proposed using:[12]
1. Recurrent failure (pattern) to resist impulses to engage in extreme acts of lewd sex.
2. Frequently engaging in those behaviors to a greater extent or over a longer period of time than intended.
3. Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to stop, reduce, or control those behaviors.
4. Inordinate amount of time spent in obtaining sex, being sexual, or recovering from sexual experience.
5. Preoccupation with the behavior or preparatory activities.
6. Frequently engaging in violent sexual behavior when expected to fulfill occupational, academic, domestic, or social obligations.
7. Continuation of the behavior despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent social, academic, financial, psychological, or physical problem that is caused or exacerbated by the behavior.
8. Need to increase the intensity, frequency, number, or risk of behaviors to achieve the desired effect, or diminished effect with continued behaviors at the same level of intensity, frequency, number, or risk.
9. Giving up or limiting social, occupational, or recreational activities because of the behavior.
10. Resorting to distress, anxiety, restlessness, or violence if unable to engage in the behavior at times relating to SRD (Sexual Rage Disorder).
[edit] Goodman
Goodman proposed:[13]
A maladaptive pattern of behavior, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three (or more) of the following, occurring at any time in the same 12-month period:
1. tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
1. a need for markedly increased amount or intensity of the behavior to achieve the desired effect
2. markedly diminished effect with continued involvement in the behavior at the same level or intensity
2. withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
1. characteristic psychophysiological withdrawal syndrome of physiologically described changes and/or psychologically described changes upon discontinuation of the behavior
2. the same (or a closely related) behavior is engaged in to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms
3. the behavior is often engaged in over a longer period, in greater quantity, or at a higher intensity than was intended
4. there is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control the behavior
5. a great deal of time spent in activities necessary to prepare for the behavior, to engage in the behavior, or to recover from its effects
6. important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of the behavior
7. the behavior continues despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the behavior
[edit] Proposals based on obsessive/compulsive models
Schneider identified three indicators of sexual addiction: compulsivity, continuation despite consequences, and obsession.[14]
1. Compulsivity: This is the loss of the ability to choose freely whether to stop or continue a behavior.[15]
2. Continuation despite consequences: When addicts take their addiction too far, it can cause negative effects in their lives. They may start withdrawing from family life to pursue sexual activity. This withdrawal may cause them to neglect their children or cause their partners to leave them. Addicts risk money, marriage, family and career in order to satisfy their sexual desires.[16] Despite all of these consequences, they continue indulging in excessive sexual activity.
3. Obsession: This is when people cannot help themselves from thinking a particular thought. Sex addicts spend whole days consumed by sexual thoughts. They develop elaborate fantasies, find new ways of obtaining sex and mentally revisit past experiences. Because their minds are so preoccupied by these thoughts, other areas of their lives that they could be thinking about are neglected.
Eli Coleman proposed:[17]
1. involves recurrent and intense normophilic (nonparaphilic) sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, and behaviors that cause clinically significant distress in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning; and
2. is not due simply to another medical condition, substance use disorder, or a developmental disorder
[edit] Epidemiology
Sexual addiction is hypothesized to be (but is not always) associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), narcissistic personality disorder,[18][19] and manic-depression.[20] There are those who suffer from more than one condition simultaneously (co-occurring disorder), but traits of addiction are often confused with those of these disorders, often due to most clinicians not being adequately trained in diagnosis and characteristics of addictions, and many clinicians tending to avoid use of the diagnosis at all.[1][21][22]
Specialists in obsessive-compulsive disorder and addictions use the same terms to refer to different symptoms. In addictions, obsession is progressive and pervasive, and develops along with denial; the person usually does not see themselves as preoccupied, and simultaneously makes excuses, justifies and blames. Compulsion is present only while the addict is physically dependent on the activity for physiological stasis. Constant repetition of the activity creates a chemically dependent state. If the addict acts out when not in this state, it is seen as being spurred by the obsession only. Some addicts do have OCD as well as addiction, and the symptoms will interact.[21]
Addicts often display narcissistic traits, which often clear as sobriety is achieved. Others do exhibit the full personality disorder even after successful addiction treatment.[18]
[edit] Etiology
See also: Pornography addiction
Proponents of the concept have described sufferers as repeatedly and compulsively attempting to escape emotional or physical discomfort by using ritualized, sexualized behaviors such as masturbation, pornography, including obsessive thoughts. Some individuals try to connect with others through highly impersonal intimate behaviors: empty affairs, frequent visits to prostitutes, voyeurism, exhibitionism, frotteurism, cybersex, Zoophilia, and the like.
[edit] Neurochemical theories
Earle has argued that neurochemical changes, similar to an adrenaline rush in the brain, temporarily reduce the discomfort an individual experiences with urges and cravings for sexualized behaviors that can be achieved through obsessive, highly ritualized patterns of sexual behavior.[23]
[edit] Psychological distress theories
Patrick Carnes (2001, p.40) argues that when children are growing up, they develop “core beliefs” through the way that their family functions and treats them. A child brought up in a family that takes proper care of them has good chances of growing up well, having faith in other people, and having self worth. On the other hand, a child who grows up in a family that neglects them will develop unhealthy and negative core beliefs. They grow up to believe that people in the world do not care about them. Later in life, the person has trouble keeping stable relationships and feels isolated. Generally, addicts do not perceive themselves as worthwhile human beings (Carnes, Delmonico and Griffin, 2001, p. 40). They cope with these feelings of isolation and weakness by engaging in excessive sex (Poudat, 2005, p.121).
[edit] Addiction theories
According to Patrick Carnes the cycle begins with the "Core Beliefs" that sex addicts hold:[24]
1. "I am basically a bad, unworthy person."
2. "No one would love me as I am."
3. "My needs are never going to be met if I have to depend on others."
4. "Sex is my most important need."
These beliefs drive the addiction on its progressive and destructive course:[24]
* Pain agent — First a pain agent is triggered / emotional discomfort (e.g. shame, anger, unresolved conflict). A sex addict is not able to take care of the pain agent in a healthy way.
* Dissociation — Prior to acting out sexually, the sex addict goes through a period of mental preoccupation or obsession. Sex addict begins to dissociate (moves away from his or her feelings). A separation begins to take place between his or her mind and his or her emotional self.
* Altered state of consciousness / a trance state / bubble of euphoric fantasized experience — Sex addict is emotionally disconnected and is pre-occupied with acting out behaviours. The reality becomes blocked out/distorted.
* Preoccupation or "sexual pressure" — This involves obsessing about being sexual or romantic. Fantasy is an obsession that serves in some way to avoid life. The addict's thoughts focus on reaching a mood-altering high without actually acting-out sexually. They think about sex to produce a trance-like state of arousal to eliminate the pain of reality. Thinking about sex and planning out how to reach orgasm can continue for minutes or hours before they move to the next stage of the cycle.
* Ritualization or "acting out." — These obsessions are intensified by ritualization or acting out. A sex addict first cruises, then goes to a strip show to heighten arousal until they are beyond the point of saying no. Ritualization helps distance reality from sexual obsession. Rituals induce trance and further separate the addict from reality. Once the addict begins the ritual, the chances of stopping that cycle diminish greatly. They give into the pull of the compelling sex act.
* Sexual compulsivity — The next phase of the cycle is sexual compulsivity or "sex act". The tensions the addict feels are reduced by acting on their sexual feelings. They feel better for the moment, thanks to the release that occurs. Compulsivity simply means that addicts regularly get to the point where sex becomes inevitable, no matter what the circumstances or the consequences. The compulsive act, which normally ends in orgasm, is perhaps the starkest reminder of the degradation involved in the addiction as the person realizes they are a slave to the addiction.
* Despair — Almost immediately reality sets in, and the addict begins to feel ashamed. This point of the cycle is a painful place where the Addict has been many, many times. The last time the Addict was at this low point, they probably promised to never do it again. Yet once again, they act out and that leads to despair. They may feel they have betrayed spiritual beliefs, possibly a partner, and his or her own sense of integrity. At a superficial level, the addict hopes that this is the last battle.
According to Mr.Carnes, for many addicts, this dark emotion brings on depression and feelings of hopelessness. One easy way to cure feelings of despair is to start obsessing all over again. The cycle then perpetuates itself.[25]
[edit] Treatment
Numerous professional therapists and counsellors offer treatment for sexual addiction.
In addition, self-help groups such as Sex Addicts Anonymous, Sexaholics Anonymous, Sexual Compulsives Anonymous and Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous are popular with proponents of the sexual addiction concept. These are large groups based on the 12-step system of Alcoholics Anonymous. There are various online support forums for these groups as well as meetings in metropolitan areas.
Help may also be available through an out-patient or in-patient program or private counselor.
[edit] See also
* Addiction
* Sex and Love Addiction
* Antisexualism
* Bipolar Disorder
* Cybersex
* Disease model of addiction
* Involuntary celibacy
* Obsessive-compulsive disorder
* Pornography addiction
* Self-help groups / programs: 12 steps:
o Sexaholics Anonymous
o Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
o Sexual Compulsives Anonymous
o Sex Addicts Anonymous
* Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew
* Sexual obsessions
[edit] References
1. ^ a b Francoeur, R. T. (1994). Taking sides: Clashing views on controversial issues in human sexuality, p. 25. Dushkin Pub. Group.
2. ^ Kingston, D. A., & Firestone, P. (2008). Problematic hypersexuality: A review of conceptualization and diagnosis. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 15, 284-310.
3. ^ Mayo Clinic Website
4. ^ Levine, M. P., & Troiden, R. R. (1988). The myth of sexual compulsivity. Journal of Sex Research, 25, 347-363.
5. ^ Giles, J. (2006). No such thing as excessive levels of sexual behavior. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 35, 641-642.
6. ^ a b International Classification of Diseases, version 2007.
7. ^ a b American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (fourth edition, text revision). Washington, DC: Author.
8. ^ a b Irons, R., & Schneider, J. P. (1996). Differential diagnosis of addictive sexual disorders using the DSM-IV. Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, 3, 7-21.
9. ^ Psychiatry's bible: Autism, binge-eating updates proposed for 'DSM' USA Today.
10. ^ Lowinson, J. H., Ruiz, P., Millman, R. B., & Langrod, J. G. (2004). Substance abuse. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
11. ^ Carnes, P., & Adams, K. M. (2002). Clinical management of sex addiction. Psychology Press.
12. ^ Patrick Carnes; David Delmonico, Elizabeth Griffin (2001). In the Shadows of the Net. p. 31.
13. ^ (Goodman, 2001, pp. 195-196)
14. ^ (1994, p.19-44)
15. ^ (Carnes, Delmonico, & Griffin, 2001, p. 18)
16. ^ Arterburn, 1991, p.123
17. ^ Coleman, E. (2003). Compulsive sexual behavior: What to call it, how to treat it? SIECUS Report, 31(5), 12.
18. ^ a b Ulman, Richard B.; Harry Paul (2006). The Self Psychology of Addiction and Its Treatment. Psychology Press.
19. ^ Lonely All the Time: Recognizing, Understanding, and Overcoming Sex Addiction, for Addicts and Co-dependents. 1989. p. 57.
20. ^ Williams, Terrie M. (2008). Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We're Not Hurting. Simon & Schuster. p. 114. "[..]diagnosed as bipolar or manic-depressive, but his depression first started manifesting itself as sexual addiction."
21. ^ a b Hollander, Eric; Dan J. Stein (1997). Obsessive-compulsive Disorders. Informa Health Care. p. 212.
22. ^ Couples Therapy. Haworth Clinical Practice Press. 2001. p. 375. "They found that sexual narcissism is more common among men ... These characteristics are also central to the person with a sexual addiction"
23. ^ Earle, R., Crow, G. M., & Osborn, K. (1989). Lonely all the time: Recognizing, understanding, and overcoming sex addiction, for addicts and co-dependents. Simon & Schuster.
24. ^ a b Patrick Carnes, Out of the Shadows
25. ^ Patrick Carnes (2006) Facing the Shadow
[edit] Further reading
Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention, a journal in which proponents explore the topic, has devoted an entire issue to AIDS and sex addiction as a worldwide problem.
* Carnes, P. (2005) "Facing the Shadow: Second Edition." Carefree, AZ: Gentle Path Press ISBN 9780977440009
* Carnes, S. (2008) "Mending a Shattered Heart." Carefree, AZ: Gentle Path Press ISBN 9780977440061
* McDaniel, K. (2008) "Ready to Heal: Women Facing Love, Sex, and Relationship Addiction. Second Edition" Carefree, AZ: Gentle Path Press ISBN 9780977440030
* Carnes, P. (2007) "Recovery Start Kit." Carefree, AZ: Gentle Path Press ISBN 9780977440023
* Feeney, Judith and Patricia Noller. Adult Attachment. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 1996.
* Kasl, Charlotte Davis. Women, Sex, and Power: A Search for Love and Power. New York, NY: Harper and Row, 1990.
* Schaumburg, Harry W. False Intimacy: Understanding the Struggle of Sexual Addiction. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress 1997.
* Kort, Joe 10 Smart Things Gay Men Can Do To Improve Their Lives (chapter on sexual addiction relating to gay men) ISBN 1555837824
Alyson, 2003
* Earle, Ralph and Crow, Gregory Lonely All The Time: Recognizing, Understanding and Overcoming Sex Addiction, for Addicts and Co-Dependents New York, New York: Pocket Books 1989
* Sterry, David Henry I Was a Poster Boy for Sex Addicts. nthWORD Magazine Spring/Summer 2009
Science based (research based) books on sexual addiction:
* Carnes, S. (2008) "Mending a Shattered Heart." Carefree, AZ: Gentle Path Press ISBN 9780977440061
* McDaniel, K. (2008) "Ready to Heal: Women Facing Love, Sex, and Relationship Addiction. Second Edition" Carefree, AZ: Gentle Path Press ISBN 9780977440030
* Carnes, P. (2007) "Recovery Start Kit." Carefree, AZ: Gentle Path Press ISBN 9780977440023
* Carnes, P. (2005) "Facing the Shadow: Second Edition." Carefree, AZ: Gentle Path Press ISBN 9780977440009
* Sexual Addiction: an integrated approach, AVIEL GOODMAN, Madison, CT, International *Universities Press, Inc. 1998,ISBN 0 8236 6063
* Carnes, P. (1983). Out of the shadows: Understanding sexual addiction. Minneapolis, MN: CompCare.
* Carnes, P. ( 1991). Don't call it love: Recovery from sexual addiction. New York: Bantam Books.
* Carnes P., Kenneth M. Adams (2002). Clinical Management of Sex Addiction.
* Cooper, PhD, Al Cybersex: The Dark Side of The Force A Special Issue of Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity.
* Cooper, PhD, Al Sex and the Internet: A Guidebook for Clinicians
* Earle, Ralph, and Marcus Earle Sex Addiction: Case Studies and Management New York: Brunner Mazel, 1995.
* Jennifer Schneider, M.D., Ph.D. and Robert Weiss, M.S.W., C.A.S. Cybersex Exposed.
* Milkman. H., & Sunderwirth, S. (1987). Craving for ecstasy: The consciousness and chemistry of escape. New York: Lexington Books.
* Schaeffer, Brenda Is It Love or is it Addiction? Second Edition Center City, MN: Hazelden, 1997.
Articles in scientific journals:
* Treating the Sexually Addicted Client: Establishing a Need for Increased Counselor Awareness
* W Bryce Hagedorn, Gerald A Juhnke. Journal of Addictions & Offender Counseling. Alexandria: Apr 2005.Vol.25, Iss. 2; pg. 66.
* Boredom Proneness, Social Connectedness, and Sexual Addiction Among Men Who Have Sex With Male Internet Users
* Michael P Chaney, Andrew C Blalock. Journal of Addictions & Offender Counseling. Alexandria: Apr 2006.Vol.26, Iss. 2; pg. 111, 12 pgs
* SEXUAL ADDICTION AND MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY: FACILITATING INDIVIDUAL AND RELATIONSHIP HEALING THROUGH COUPLE THERAPY, Mark H Bird. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy. Upland: Jul 2006.Vol.32, Iss. 3; pg. 297, 13 pgs
* 'The snake and the seraph'--Sexual addiction and religious behaviour. Thaddeus Birchard. Counselling Psychology Quarterly. Abingdon: Mar 2004. Vol. 17, Iss. 1; p. 81
* Sexual Addiction, Sexual Compulsivity, Sexual Impulsivity, or What? Toward a Theoretical Model John Bancroft, Zoran Vukadinovic. The Journal of Sex Research. New York: Aug 2004.Vol.41, Iss. 3; pg. 225, 10 pgs
* Addictions without substance series part II: Sexual addiction, Thaddeus Birchard. Drugs and Alcohol Today. Brighton: Jul 2006.Vol.6, Iss. 2; pg. 32, 3 pgs
* Understanding sexual addiction, Patrick Carnes. SIECUS (Sex Information and Education Council of the U.S.) Report. New York: Jun/Jul 2003.Vol.31, Iss. 5; pg. 5
* Carnes, P., Nonemaker, D., & Skilling, N. (1991). Gender differences in normal and sexually addicted populations. American Journal of Preventive Psychiatry and Neurology, 3, 16-23.
* Cooper, A. (1998). Sexuality and the Internet: Surfing into the new millennium. CyberPsychology and Behavior, I, 187194.
* Cooper, A, Delmonico, D., & Burg, R. (2000). Cybersex users, abusers, and compulsives: New findings and implications. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 7(1-2), 5-29.
* Cooper, A., Scherer, C., Boies, S., & Gordon, B. (1999). Sexuality on the Internet: From sexual exploration to pathological expression. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 30, 154-164.
* Corley, M., & Schneider, J. (2002). Disclosing secrets: Guidelines for therapists working with sex addicts and co-addicts. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 9, 43-67.
* Delmonico, D., & Carnes, P. (1999). Virtual sex addiction: When cybersex becomes the drug of choice. CyberPsychology and Behavior, 2, 457-463.
* Dodge, B., Reece, M., Cole, S., & Sandfort, T. (2004). Sexual compulsivity among heterosexual college students. Journal of Sex Research, 41, 343-350.
* Eisenman, R., Dantzker, M., & Ellis, L. (2004). Self-ratings of dependency/addiction regarding drugs, sex, love, and food: Male and college female students. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 11, 115-127.
* Griffiths, M. (2001). Sex on the Internet: Observations and implications for Internet sex addiction. Journal of Sex Research, 38, 333-342.
* Kafka, M., & Hennen, J. (1999). The paraphilia-related disorders: An empirical investigation of nonparaphilic hypersexuality disorders in outpatient males. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 25, 305-319.
* Kafka M., & Prentky R. (1992). A comparative study of nonparaphilic sexual addictions and paraphilias in men. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 53, 345-350.
* Kalichman, S., & Cain, D. (2004). The relationship between indicators of sexual compulsivity and high risk sexual practices among men and women receiving services from a sexually transmitted infection clinic. Journal of Sex Research, 41, 235-241.
* Kort, Joe (2004). Covert Cultural Sexual Abuse of Gay Male Teenagers Contributing to Etiology of Sexual Addiction, Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, Vol 11, 287-300.
* Quadland, M. ( 1985). Compulsive sexual behavior: Definition of a problem and an approach to treatment. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, II, 121-132.
* Raviv, M. (1993). Personality characteristics of sexual addicts and pathological gamblers. Journal of Gambling Studies, 9, 17-31.
* Reece, M., & Dodge, B. (2004). Exploring indicators of sexual Compulsivity among men who cruise for sex on campus. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, II, 87-113.
* Ross, C. (1996). A qualitative study of sexually addicted women. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 3, 43-53.
* Schneider, J. (2000a). A qualitative study of cybersex participants: Gender differences, recovery issues, and implications for therapists. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 7, 249-278.
* Schneider, J. (2000b). Effects of cybersex addiction on the family: Results of a survey. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 7, 31-58.
* Schneider, J., & Schneider, B. (1990b). Marital satisfaction during recovery from self-identified sexual addiction among bisexual men and their wives. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 16, 230-250.
* Schneider, J., & Schneider, B. (1996). Couple recovery from sexual addiction/co-addiction: Results of a survey of 88 marriages. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 3, 111-126.
* Schwartz, S., & Abramowitz, J. (2003). Are nonparaphilic sexual addictions a variant of obsessive-compulsive disorder? A pilot study. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 10, 372-377.
* Sprenkle, D. (1987). Treating a sex addict through marital sex therapy. Family Relations: Journal of Applied Family and Child Studies, 36, 11-14.
* Swisher. S (1995). Therapeutic interventions recommended for treatment of sexual addiction/compulsivity. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 2, 31-39.
* Wan, M., Finlayson, R., & Rowles, A. (2000). Sexual dependency treatment outcome study. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 7, 177-196.
* Weiss, D. (2004). The prevalence of depression in male sex addicts residing in the United States. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, II, 57-69.
* Young, K., Griffin-Shelley, E., Cooper, A., O'Mara, J., & Buchanan, J. (2000). Online infidelity: A new dimension in couple relationships with implications for evaluation and treatment. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 7, 59-74.
* Yoder, V., Virden, T, & Amin, K. (2005). Internet pornography and loneliness: An association? Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 12, 19-44.
* Kreuger, R. B., & Kaplan, M. S. (January 2002). "Treatment resources for the paraphilic and hypersexual disorders". Journal of Psychiatric Practice 8 (1): 59. doi:10.1097/00131746-200201000-00010.
* Krueger, R. B., & Kaplan, M. S. (Oct-December 2005). "Book Review: Clinical Management of Sex Addiction". Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy 31 (5): 448–450. doi:10.1080/00926230500189307.
* Laaser, M. R. (1996). "Recovery for couples". Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity 3 (2): 97–109. doi:10.1080/10720169608400105.
* Nunez, J. (January 2003). "Outpatient treatment of the sexually compulsive ephebophile". Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity 10 (1): 23–51. doi:10.1080/10720160309047.
* Parker, J., & Guest, D. (January 2003). "Individualized sexual addiction treatment: A developmental perspective". Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity 10 (1): 13–22. doi:10.1080/10720160309044.
* Schneider, J. P., & Schneider, B. H. (1996). "Couple recovery from sexual addiction/coaddiction: Results of a survey of 88 marriages". Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity 3 (2): 111–126. doi:10.1080/10720169608400106
Why does some people relate this with religion is beyond me.
Sexual addiction
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Sexual addiction refers to the phenomenon in which individuals report being unable to manage their sexual behavior. It has also been called "sexual dependency," and "sexual compulsivity." The existence of the condition is not universally accepted by sexologists and its etiology, nature, and validity have been debated.
Proponents of the concept have offered varying descriptions, each according to their favored model of the putative phenomenon. Proponents of an addiction model of the phenomenon refer to it as "sexual addiction" and offer definitions based on substance addictions; proponents of lack-of-control models refer to it as "sexual compulsivity" and offer definitions based on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); etc. Skeptics believe that it is a myth that the phenomenon exists as a disease or disorder at all and is instead a by-product of cultural and other influences.
Contents
[hide]
* 1 Definition
o 1.1 Terminology
o 1.2 Official status
* 2 Symptoms and proposed diagnostic criteria
o 2.1 Proposals based on addictions models
+ 2.1.1 Carnes
+ 2.1.2 Goodman
o 2.2 Proposals based on obsessive/compulsive models
* 3 Epidemiology
* 4 Etiology
o 4.1 Neurochemical theories
o 4.2 Psychological distress theories
o 4.3 Addiction theories
* 5 Treatment
* 6 See also
* 7 References
* 8 Further reading
[edit] Definition
Sexologists have not reached any consensus regarding whether sexual addiction exists or, if it does, how to describe the phenomenon.[1][2] Some experts[who?] believe that sexual addiction is literally an addiction, directly analogous to alcohol and drug addictions. Other experts believe that sexual addiction is actually a form of obsessive compulsive disorder and refer to it as sexual compulsivity.[3] Still other experts believe that sex addiction is itself a myth, a by-product of cultural and other influences.[4][5]
[edit] Terminology
"Nymphomania" and "satyriasis" are not listed as disorders in the DSM-IV, though they remain a part of ICD-10, each listed as a subtype of "hypersexuality."[6]
[edit] Official status
The American Psychiatric Association publishes and periodically updates the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), a widely recognized compendium of acknowledged mental disorders and their diagnostic criteria. The most recent version of that manual, DSM-IV-TR, was published in 2000 and does not recognize sexual addiction as a diagnosis.[7] Although some authors had expressed that excluding sexual addiction from the DSM represents a problem,[8] the proposed diagnosis was rejected for consideration for inclusion in the DSM5.[9] Darrel Regier, vice-chair of the DSM-5 task force, said that "[A]lthough 'hypersexuality' is a proposed new addition...[the phenomenon] was not at the point where we were ready to call it an addiction."
The DSM-IV-TR does, however, include a miscellaneous diagnosis called Sexual Disorders Not Otherwise Specified, and includes as one of the examples of it: "distress about a pattern of repeated sexual relationships involving a succession of lovers who are experienced by the individual only as things to be used." Other examples include: compulsive fixation on an unattainable partner, compulsive masturbation, compulsive love relationships, and compulsive sexuality in a relationship.[7] Hypersexuality, by itself, is a criterion symptom of hypomania and mania in bipolar disorder and mania in schizoaffective disorder as they are currently defined in the DSM.
The World Health Organization produces the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), which is used globally and is not limited to mental disorders. The most recent version of that document, ICD-10, includes "Excessive sexual drive" as a diagnosis (code F52.7), subdividing it into satyriasis (for males) and nymphomania (for females).[6]
[edit] Symptoms and proposed diagnostic criteria
[edit] Proposals based on addictions models
Irons and Schneider have noted that "Addictive sexual disorders that do not fit into standard DSM-IV categories can best be diagnosed using an adaptation of the DSM-IV criteria for substance dependence."[8] Similarly, Lowinson and colleagues use the addiction model and define sexual addiction as a condition in which some form of sexual behaviour is employed in a pattern that is characterized at least by two key features: recurrent failure to control the behaviour and continuation of the behaviour despite harmful consequences.[10] Patrick Carnes, another proponent of the addiction model of sexual addiction, argued that most professionals in the field agree with the World Health Organization's definition of addiction.[11]
[edit] Carnes
Patrick Carnes, a proponent of the idea of sexual addiction, proposed using:[12]
1. Recurrent failure (pattern) to resist impulses to engage in extreme acts of lewd sex.
2. Frequently engaging in those behaviors to a greater extent or over a longer period of time than intended.
3. Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to stop, reduce, or control those behaviors.
4. Inordinate amount of time spent in obtaining sex, being sexual, or recovering from sexual experience.
5. Preoccupation with the behavior or preparatory activities.
6. Frequently engaging in violent sexual behavior when expected to fulfill occupational, academic, domestic, or social obligations.
7. Continuation of the behavior despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent social, academic, financial, psychological, or physical problem that is caused or exacerbated by the behavior.
8. Need to increase the intensity, frequency, number, or risk of behaviors to achieve the desired effect, or diminished effect with continued behaviors at the same level of intensity, frequency, number, or risk.
9. Giving up or limiting social, occupational, or recreational activities because of the behavior.
10. Resorting to distress, anxiety, restlessness, or violence if unable to engage in the behavior at times relating to SRD (Sexual Rage Disorder).
[edit] Goodman
Goodman proposed:[13]
A maladaptive pattern of behavior, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three (or more) of the following, occurring at any time in the same 12-month period:
1. tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
1. a need for markedly increased amount or intensity of the behavior to achieve the desired effect
2. markedly diminished effect with continued involvement in the behavior at the same level or intensity
2. withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
1. characteristic psychophysiological withdrawal syndrome of physiologically described changes and/or psychologically described changes upon discontinuation of the behavior
2. the same (or a closely related) behavior is engaged in to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms
3. the behavior is often engaged in over a longer period, in greater quantity, or at a higher intensity than was intended
4. there is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control the behavior
5. a great deal of time spent in activities necessary to prepare for the behavior, to engage in the behavior, or to recover from its effects
6. important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of the behavior
7. the behavior continues despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the behavior
[edit] Proposals based on obsessive/compulsive models
Schneider identified three indicators of sexual addiction: compulsivity, continuation despite consequences, and obsession.[14]
1. Compulsivity: This is the loss of the ability to choose freely whether to stop or continue a behavior.[15]
2. Continuation despite consequences: When addicts take their addiction too far, it can cause negative effects in their lives. They may start withdrawing from family life to pursue sexual activity. This withdrawal may cause them to neglect their children or cause their partners to leave them. Addicts risk money, marriage, family and career in order to satisfy their sexual desires.[16] Despite all of these consequences, they continue indulging in excessive sexual activity.
3. Obsession: This is when people cannot help themselves from thinking a particular thought. Sex addicts spend whole days consumed by sexual thoughts. They develop elaborate fantasies, find new ways of obtaining sex and mentally revisit past experiences. Because their minds are so preoccupied by these thoughts, other areas of their lives that they could be thinking about are neglected.
Eli Coleman proposed:[17]
1. involves recurrent and intense normophilic (nonparaphilic) sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, and behaviors that cause clinically significant distress in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning; and
2. is not due simply to another medical condition, substance use disorder, or a developmental disorder
[edit] Epidemiology
Sexual addiction is hypothesized to be (but is not always) associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), narcissistic personality disorder,[18][19] and manic-depression.[20] There are those who suffer from more than one condition simultaneously (co-occurring disorder), but traits of addiction are often confused with those of these disorders, often due to most clinicians not being adequately trained in diagnosis and characteristics of addictions, and many clinicians tending to avoid use of the diagnosis at all.[1][21][22]
Specialists in obsessive-compulsive disorder and addictions use the same terms to refer to different symptoms. In addictions, obsession is progressive and pervasive, and develops along with denial; the person usually does not see themselves as preoccupied, and simultaneously makes excuses, justifies and blames. Compulsion is present only while the addict is physically dependent on the activity for physiological stasis. Constant repetition of the activity creates a chemically dependent state. If the addict acts out when not in this state, it is seen as being spurred by the obsession only. Some addicts do have OCD as well as addiction, and the symptoms will interact.[21]
Addicts often display narcissistic traits, which often clear as sobriety is achieved. Others do exhibit the full personality disorder even after successful addiction treatment.[18]
[edit] Etiology
See also: Pornography addiction
Proponents of the concept have described sufferers as repeatedly and compulsively attempting to escape emotional or physical discomfort by using ritualized, sexualized behaviors such as masturbation, pornography, including obsessive thoughts. Some individuals try to connect with others through highly impersonal intimate behaviors: empty affairs, frequent visits to prostitutes, voyeurism, exhibitionism, frotteurism, cybersex, Zoophilia, and the like.
[edit] Neurochemical theories
Earle has argued that neurochemical changes, similar to an adrenaline rush in the brain, temporarily reduce the discomfort an individual experiences with urges and cravings for sexualized behaviors that can be achieved through obsessive, highly ritualized patterns of sexual behavior.[23]
[edit] Psychological distress theories
Patrick Carnes (2001, p.40) argues that when children are growing up, they develop “core beliefs” through the way that their family functions and treats them. A child brought up in a family that takes proper care of them has good chances of growing up well, having faith in other people, and having self worth. On the other hand, a child who grows up in a family that neglects them will develop unhealthy and negative core beliefs. They grow up to believe that people in the world do not care about them. Later in life, the person has trouble keeping stable relationships and feels isolated. Generally, addicts do not perceive themselves as worthwhile human beings (Carnes, Delmonico and Griffin, 2001, p. 40). They cope with these feelings of isolation and weakness by engaging in excessive sex (Poudat, 2005, p.121).
[edit] Addiction theories
According to Patrick Carnes the cycle begins with the "Core Beliefs" that sex addicts hold:[24]
1. "I am basically a bad, unworthy person."
2. "No one would love me as I am."
3. "My needs are never going to be met if I have to depend on others."
4. "Sex is my most important need."
These beliefs drive the addiction on its progressive and destructive course:[24]
* Pain agent — First a pain agent is triggered / emotional discomfort (e.g. shame, anger, unresolved conflict). A sex addict is not able to take care of the pain agent in a healthy way.
* Dissociation — Prior to acting out sexually, the sex addict goes through a period of mental preoccupation or obsession. Sex addict begins to dissociate (moves away from his or her feelings). A separation begins to take place between his or her mind and his or her emotional self.
* Altered state of consciousness / a trance state / bubble of euphoric fantasized experience — Sex addict is emotionally disconnected and is pre-occupied with acting out behaviours. The reality becomes blocked out/distorted.
* Preoccupation or "sexual pressure" — This involves obsessing about being sexual or romantic. Fantasy is an obsession that serves in some way to avoid life. The addict's thoughts focus on reaching a mood-altering high without actually acting-out sexually. They think about sex to produce a trance-like state of arousal to eliminate the pain of reality. Thinking about sex and planning out how to reach orgasm can continue for minutes or hours before they move to the next stage of the cycle.
* Ritualization or "acting out." — These obsessions are intensified by ritualization or acting out. A sex addict first cruises, then goes to a strip show to heighten arousal until they are beyond the point of saying no. Ritualization helps distance reality from sexual obsession. Rituals induce trance and further separate the addict from reality. Once the addict begins the ritual, the chances of stopping that cycle diminish greatly. They give into the pull of the compelling sex act.
* Sexual compulsivity — The next phase of the cycle is sexual compulsivity or "sex act". The tensions the addict feels are reduced by acting on their sexual feelings. They feel better for the moment, thanks to the release that occurs. Compulsivity simply means that addicts regularly get to the point where sex becomes inevitable, no matter what the circumstances or the consequences. The compulsive act, which normally ends in orgasm, is perhaps the starkest reminder of the degradation involved in the addiction as the person realizes they are a slave to the addiction.
* Despair — Almost immediately reality sets in, and the addict begins to feel ashamed. This point of the cycle is a painful place where the Addict has been many, many times. The last time the Addict was at this low point, they probably promised to never do it again. Yet once again, they act out and that leads to despair. They may feel they have betrayed spiritual beliefs, possibly a partner, and his or her own sense of integrity. At a superficial level, the addict hopes that this is the last battle.
According to Mr.Carnes, for many addicts, this dark emotion brings on depression and feelings of hopelessness. One easy way to cure feelings of despair is to start obsessing all over again. The cycle then perpetuates itself.[25]
[edit] Treatment
Numerous professional therapists and counsellors offer treatment for sexual addiction.
In addition, self-help groups such as Sex Addicts Anonymous, Sexaholics Anonymous, Sexual Compulsives Anonymous and Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous are popular with proponents of the sexual addiction concept. These are large groups based on the 12-step system of Alcoholics Anonymous. There are various online support forums for these groups as well as meetings in metropolitan areas.
Help may also be available through an out-patient or in-patient program or private counselor.
[edit] See also
* Addiction
* Sex and Love Addiction
* Antisexualism
* Bipolar Disorder
* Cybersex
* Disease model of addiction
* Involuntary celibacy
* Obsessive-compulsive disorder
* Pornography addiction
* Self-help groups / programs: 12 steps:
o Sexaholics Anonymous
o Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
o Sexual Compulsives Anonymous
o Sex Addicts Anonymous
* Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew
* Sexual obsessions
[edit] References
1. ^ a b Francoeur, R. T. (1994). Taking sides: Clashing views on controversial issues in human sexuality, p. 25. Dushkin Pub. Group.
2. ^ Kingston, D. A., & Firestone, P. (2008). Problematic hypersexuality: A review of conceptualization and diagnosis. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 15, 284-310.
3. ^ Mayo Clinic Website
4. ^ Levine, M. P., & Troiden, R. R. (1988). The myth of sexual compulsivity. Journal of Sex Research, 25, 347-363.
5. ^ Giles, J. (2006). No such thing as excessive levels of sexual behavior. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 35, 641-642.
6. ^ a b International Classification of Diseases, version 2007.
7. ^ a b American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (fourth edition, text revision). Washington, DC: Author.
8. ^ a b Irons, R., & Schneider, J. P. (1996). Differential diagnosis of addictive sexual disorders using the DSM-IV. Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, 3, 7-21.
9. ^ Psychiatry's bible: Autism, binge-eating updates proposed for 'DSM' USA Today.
10. ^ Lowinson, J. H., Ruiz, P., Millman, R. B., & Langrod, J. G. (2004). Substance abuse. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
11. ^ Carnes, P., & Adams, K. M. (2002). Clinical management of sex addiction. Psychology Press.
12. ^ Patrick Carnes; David Delmonico, Elizabeth Griffin (2001). In the Shadows of the Net. p. 31.
13. ^ (Goodman, 2001, pp. 195-196)
14. ^ (1994, p.19-44)
15. ^ (Carnes, Delmonico, & Griffin, 2001, p. 18)
16. ^ Arterburn, 1991, p.123
17. ^ Coleman, E. (2003). Compulsive sexual behavior: What to call it, how to treat it? SIECUS Report, 31(5), 12.
18. ^ a b Ulman, Richard B.; Harry Paul (2006). The Self Psychology of Addiction and Its Treatment. Psychology Press.
19. ^ Lonely All the Time: Recognizing, Understanding, and Overcoming Sex Addiction, for Addicts and Co-dependents. 1989. p. 57.
20. ^ Williams, Terrie M. (2008). Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We're Not Hurting. Simon & Schuster. p. 114. "[..]diagnosed as bipolar or manic-depressive, but his depression first started manifesting itself as sexual addiction."
21. ^ a b Hollander, Eric; Dan J. Stein (1997). Obsessive-compulsive Disorders. Informa Health Care. p. 212.
22. ^ Couples Therapy. Haworth Clinical Practice Press. 2001. p. 375. "They found that sexual narcissism is more common among men ... These characteristics are also central to the person with a sexual addiction"
23. ^ Earle, R., Crow, G. M., & Osborn, K. (1989). Lonely all the time: Recognizing, understanding, and overcoming sex addiction, for addicts and co-dependents. Simon & Schuster.
24. ^ a b Patrick Carnes, Out of the Shadows
25. ^ Patrick Carnes (2006) Facing the Shadow
[edit] Further reading
Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention, a journal in which proponents explore the topic, has devoted an entire issue to AIDS and sex addiction as a worldwide problem.
* Carnes, P. (2005) "Facing the Shadow: Second Edition." Carefree, AZ: Gentle Path Press ISBN 9780977440009
* Carnes, S. (2008) "Mending a Shattered Heart." Carefree, AZ: Gentle Path Press ISBN 9780977440061
* McDaniel, K. (2008) "Ready to Heal: Women Facing Love, Sex, and Relationship Addiction. Second Edition" Carefree, AZ: Gentle Path Press ISBN 9780977440030
* Carnes, P. (2007) "Recovery Start Kit." Carefree, AZ: Gentle Path Press ISBN 9780977440023
* Feeney, Judith and Patricia Noller. Adult Attachment. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 1996.
* Kasl, Charlotte Davis. Women, Sex, and Power: A Search for Love and Power. New York, NY: Harper and Row, 1990.
* Schaumburg, Harry W. False Intimacy: Understanding the Struggle of Sexual Addiction. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress 1997.
* Kort, Joe 10 Smart Things Gay Men Can Do To Improve Their Lives (chapter on sexual addiction relating to gay men) ISBN 1555837824
Alyson, 2003
* Earle, Ralph and Crow, Gregory Lonely All The Time: Recognizing, Understanding and Overcoming Sex Addiction, for Addicts and Co-Dependents New York, New York: Pocket Books 1989
* Sterry, David Henry I Was a Poster Boy for Sex Addicts. nthWORD Magazine Spring/Summer 2009
Science based (research based) books on sexual addiction:
* Carnes, S. (2008) "Mending a Shattered Heart." Carefree, AZ: Gentle Path Press ISBN 9780977440061
* McDaniel, K. (2008) "Ready to Heal: Women Facing Love, Sex, and Relationship Addiction. Second Edition" Carefree, AZ: Gentle Path Press ISBN 9780977440030
* Carnes, P. (2007) "Recovery Start Kit." Carefree, AZ: Gentle Path Press ISBN 9780977440023
* Carnes, P. (2005) "Facing the Shadow: Second Edition." Carefree, AZ: Gentle Path Press ISBN 9780977440009
* Sexual Addiction: an integrated approach, AVIEL GOODMAN, Madison, CT, International *Universities Press, Inc. 1998,ISBN 0 8236 6063
* Carnes, P. (1983). Out of the shadows: Understanding sexual addiction. Minneapolis, MN: CompCare.
* Carnes, P. ( 1991). Don't call it love: Recovery from sexual addiction. New York: Bantam Books.
* Carnes P., Kenneth M. Adams (2002). Clinical Management of Sex Addiction.
* Cooper, PhD, Al Cybersex: The Dark Side of The Force A Special Issue of Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity.
* Cooper, PhD, Al Sex and the Internet: A Guidebook for Clinicians
* Earle, Ralph, and Marcus Earle Sex Addiction: Case Studies and Management New York: Brunner Mazel, 1995.
* Jennifer Schneider, M.D., Ph.D. and Robert Weiss, M.S.W., C.A.S. Cybersex Exposed.
* Milkman. H., & Sunderwirth, S. (1987). Craving for ecstasy: The consciousness and chemistry of escape. New York: Lexington Books.
* Schaeffer, Brenda Is It Love or is it Addiction? Second Edition Center City, MN: Hazelden, 1997.
Articles in scientific journals:
* Treating the Sexually Addicted Client: Establishing a Need for Increased Counselor Awareness
* W Bryce Hagedorn, Gerald A Juhnke. Journal of Addictions & Offender Counseling. Alexandria: Apr 2005.Vol.25, Iss. 2; pg. 66.
* Boredom Proneness, Social Connectedness, and Sexual Addiction Among Men Who Have Sex With Male Internet Users
* Michael P Chaney, Andrew C Blalock. Journal of Addictions & Offender Counseling. Alexandria: Apr 2006.Vol.26, Iss. 2; pg. 111, 12 pgs
* SEXUAL ADDICTION AND MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY: FACILITATING INDIVIDUAL AND RELATIONSHIP HEALING THROUGH COUPLE THERAPY, Mark H Bird. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy. Upland: Jul 2006.Vol.32, Iss. 3; pg. 297, 13 pgs
* 'The snake and the seraph'--Sexual addiction and religious behaviour. Thaddeus Birchard. Counselling Psychology Quarterly. Abingdon: Mar 2004. Vol. 17, Iss. 1; p. 81
* Sexual Addiction, Sexual Compulsivity, Sexual Impulsivity, or What? Toward a Theoretical Model John Bancroft, Zoran Vukadinovic. The Journal of Sex Research. New York: Aug 2004.Vol.41, Iss. 3; pg. 225, 10 pgs
* Addictions without substance series part II: Sexual addiction, Thaddeus Birchard. Drugs and Alcohol Today. Brighton: Jul 2006.Vol.6, Iss. 2; pg. 32, 3 pgs
* Understanding sexual addiction, Patrick Carnes. SIECUS (Sex Information and Education Council of the U.S.) Report. New York: Jun/Jul 2003.Vol.31, Iss. 5; pg. 5
* Carnes, P., Nonemaker, D., & Skilling, N. (1991). Gender differences in normal and sexually addicted populations. American Journal of Preventive Psychiatry and Neurology, 3, 16-23.
* Cooper, A. (1998). Sexuality and the Internet: Surfing into the new millennium. CyberPsychology and Behavior, I, 187194.
* Cooper, A, Delmonico, D., & Burg, R. (2000). Cybersex users, abusers, and compulsives: New findings and implications. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 7(1-2), 5-29.
* Cooper, A., Scherer, C., Boies, S., & Gordon, B. (1999). Sexuality on the Internet: From sexual exploration to pathological expression. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 30, 154-164.
* Corley, M., & Schneider, J. (2002). Disclosing secrets: Guidelines for therapists working with sex addicts and co-addicts. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 9, 43-67.
* Delmonico, D., & Carnes, P. (1999). Virtual sex addiction: When cybersex becomes the drug of choice. CyberPsychology and Behavior, 2, 457-463.
* Dodge, B., Reece, M., Cole, S., & Sandfort, T. (2004). Sexual compulsivity among heterosexual college students. Journal of Sex Research, 41, 343-350.
* Eisenman, R., Dantzker, M., & Ellis, L. (2004). Self-ratings of dependency/addiction regarding drugs, sex, love, and food: Male and college female students. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 11, 115-127.
* Griffiths, M. (2001). Sex on the Internet: Observations and implications for Internet sex addiction. Journal of Sex Research, 38, 333-342.
* Kafka, M., & Hennen, J. (1999). The paraphilia-related disorders: An empirical investigation of nonparaphilic hypersexuality disorders in outpatient males. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 25, 305-319.
* Kafka M., & Prentky R. (1992). A comparative study of nonparaphilic sexual addictions and paraphilias in men. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 53, 345-350.
* Kalichman, S., & Cain, D. (2004). The relationship between indicators of sexual compulsivity and high risk sexual practices among men and women receiving services from a sexually transmitted infection clinic. Journal of Sex Research, 41, 235-241.
* Kort, Joe (2004). Covert Cultural Sexual Abuse of Gay Male Teenagers Contributing to Etiology of Sexual Addiction, Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, Vol 11, 287-300.
* Quadland, M. ( 1985). Compulsive sexual behavior: Definition of a problem and an approach to treatment. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, II, 121-132.
* Raviv, M. (1993). Personality characteristics of sexual addicts and pathological gamblers. Journal of Gambling Studies, 9, 17-31.
* Reece, M., & Dodge, B. (2004). Exploring indicators of sexual Compulsivity among men who cruise for sex on campus. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, II, 87-113.
* Ross, C. (1996). A qualitative study of sexually addicted women. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 3, 43-53.
* Schneider, J. (2000a). A qualitative study of cybersex participants: Gender differences, recovery issues, and implications for therapists. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 7, 249-278.
* Schneider, J. (2000b). Effects of cybersex addiction on the family: Results of a survey. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 7, 31-58.
* Schneider, J., & Schneider, B. (1990b). Marital satisfaction during recovery from self-identified sexual addiction among bisexual men and their wives. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 16, 230-250.
* Schneider, J., & Schneider, B. (1996). Couple recovery from sexual addiction/co-addiction: Results of a survey of 88 marriages. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 3, 111-126.
* Schwartz, S., & Abramowitz, J. (2003). Are nonparaphilic sexual addictions a variant of obsessive-compulsive disorder? A pilot study. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 10, 372-377.
* Sprenkle, D. (1987). Treating a sex addict through marital sex therapy. Family Relations: Journal of Applied Family and Child Studies, 36, 11-14.
* Swisher. S (1995). Therapeutic interventions recommended for treatment of sexual addiction/compulsivity. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 2, 31-39.
* Wan, M., Finlayson, R., & Rowles, A. (2000). Sexual dependency treatment outcome study. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 7, 177-196.
* Weiss, D. (2004). The prevalence of depression in male sex addicts residing in the United States. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, II, 57-69.
* Young, K., Griffin-Shelley, E., Cooper, A., O'Mara, J., & Buchanan, J. (2000). Online infidelity: A new dimension in couple relationships with implications for evaluation and treatment. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 7, 59-74.
* Yoder, V., Virden, T, & Amin, K. (2005). Internet pornography and loneliness: An association? Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 12, 19-44.
* Kreuger, R. B., & Kaplan, M. S. (January 2002). "Treatment resources for the paraphilic and hypersexual disorders". Journal of Psychiatric Practice 8 (1): 59. doi:10.1097/00131746-200201000-00010.
* Krueger, R. B., & Kaplan, M. S. (Oct-December 2005). "Book Review: Clinical Management of Sex Addiction". Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy 31 (5): 448–450. doi:10.1080/00926230500189307.
* Laaser, M. R. (1996). "Recovery for couples". Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity 3 (2): 97–109. doi:10.1080/10720169608400105.
* Nunez, J. (January 2003). "Outpatient treatment of the sexually compulsive ephebophile". Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity 10 (1): 23–51. doi:10.1080/10720160309047.
* Parker, J., & Guest, D. (January 2003). "Individualized sexual addiction treatment: A developmental perspective". Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity 10 (1): 13–22. doi:10.1080/10720160309044.
* Schneider, J. P., & Schneider, B. H. (1996). "Couple recovery from sexual addiction/coaddiction: Results of a survey of 88 marriages". Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity 3 (2): 111–126. doi:10.1080/10720169608400106
Why does some people relate this with religion is beyond me.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Philip Tan's Hawkman
This piece of art is from Philip Tan. He told me Hawkman is one of his favorite DC heroes. I hope they plan on giving him his own title again at DC comics. We'll still see how Blackest Night will treat the Hawks and hopefully see them fly the DC skies again.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths: Executive Producer Bruce Timm offers New Insights on “Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths” and “The Spectre”
Executive Producer Bruce Timm offers New Insights on “Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths” and “The Spectre”
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Today at 8:25am
Executive producer Bruce Timm offers new perspective on the creation of “Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths,” the latest entry in the ongoing series of DC Universe animated original movies, and “The Spectre,” the inaugural DC Showcase animated short, in an all-new Q&A with the guru of super hero animation.
Batman attempts to save the Earth, er, Earths as he faces off with his evil doppleganger Owlman.
Warner Home Video will distribute the full-length animated Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths on February 23 as a Special Edition 2-disc version on DVD and Blu-Ray™ Hi-Def, as well as single disc DVD, and On Demand and Download.
Timm, the executive producer on “Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths,” has been the creative force behind many of Warner Bros. Animation’s modern-day successes, elevating DC Comics’ canon of super heroes to new heights of animated popularity and introducing generations of new fans to the characters via landmark television series and made-for-DVD films. The latter task includes the creation of the current series of DC Universe animated original movies, which have drawn critical acclaim and further whetted the public’s appetite for comic book entertainment. “Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths” is the seventh film in the ongoing DC Universe series.
And here’s what Mr. Timm had to say …
Question:
What excites you about Juctice League: Crisis on Two Earths?
Bruce Timm:
In a weird kind of way, this is a return to my favorite show Justice League Unlimited. The original script was intended to be the bridge story between Justice League and Justice League Unlimited to explain how we went from seven heroes to more than 50 super heroes. We loved the story and the script, and it floated around here for years while we tried to figure out what to do with it – it was considered for a comic, but fortunately that got shot down. Then we took a look at it and, with just a few slight tweaks, we jumped at the chance to make it a DC Universe movie.
Question:
What sets it apart from the TV version of Justice League?
Bruce Timm:
It’s a very satisfying, grand scale adventure movie with a big cast of interesting, quirky characters. It’s amazing how much it feels like a great episode of Justice League Unlimited as a big, epic film with slightly different visual stylings. That’s a good thing.
Question:
Did this film present challenges that the first six DC Universe movies did not?
Bruce Timm:
The biggest challenge, and this is kind of esoteric, was that we had to find the line between the original source material and making it feel like a stand-alone movie so anyone that didn’t watch JLU could follow it. We really didn’t have to tweak the script too much – I think about 95 percent remains untouched. In terms of visual styling, we also wanted it to stand on its own and not necessarily as a continuation of the old show. We have this brilliant character designer – Phil Bourassa – who draws in a style similar to my own in terms of simplicity, but slightly different. So it doesn’t look 180 degrees away from the old show, but it definitely feels unique.
Question:
What are the benefits of having two directors on the same film?
The positive for Sam and Lauren is that having two directors lightens the workload, because it’s a big movie. They have similar strengths, and they’re both very good at what they do. They’re both all around talented in terms of understanding story, acting, the emotional core of the story, and they’re both really good at directing big crazy action scenes. But they’re methodology is different. Sam thinks a lot, he’s very analytical. Lauren is more intuitive about everything. I just kind of stayed out of it when they had disagreements – fortunately I never had to be the tiebreaker, They just worked things out between the two of them.
Question:
What are Dwayne McDuffie’s strengths?
Bruce Timm:
Dwayne is really well-rounded as a writer – he knows comics inside and out, he understands the lore, he knows what makes a good super hero story, and at the same time he’s really good with character dynamics and conflict. Plus he’s one of the best dialogue writers in the business.
Question:
Of this fairly huge casdt, do you have a favorite character?
Bruce Timm:
In this story, it’s probably Owlman. He’s a fascinating character himself, but the dynamic with Superwoman is so messed up as a couple, and yet really appealing in a weird kind of way. It’s a little similar to JLU’s relationship between The Question and Huntress. Superwoman is this badass hot chick, and he’s the quiet, brainy, nerd guy. They’re an interesting, odd couple. Plus I loved both James’ (Woods) and Gina’s (Torres) performances – they were spot-on. The amazing thing is we like to get all the actors to record as an ensemble, but in this case it wasn’t feasible, So they never met or performed together, but they totally mesh. It’s such an interesting chemistry considering they’ve never even met.
Owlman explains his nefarious plot to destroy all Earths with a devastating weapon.
Question:
You’ve brought another all-star cast to this film. Anything fans don’t know about the casting choices this time around?
Bruce Timm:
There’s an interesting side note in that Vanessa Marshall, who plays Wonder Woman, came this close to playing the role in Justice League. We were down to the final two choices, and they were neck and neck. The thing about Vanessa is that she sounded perfect for Wonder Woman – exactly what she should sound like. But Susan Eisenberg had this vulnerability. We thought it would be interesting to not play her to type, which ultimately played really well. When it came to casting for this movie, we thought, “What if we go down the road not taken?” So we opted for Vanessa in a full-length movie and she is great.
Question:
“Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths” includes the premiere of the first DC Showcase animation short, “The Spectre.” How have the DC Showcase shorts changed your work day?
Bruce Timm:
The DC Showcase is fun because it gives us an opportunity to play with characters that maybe don’t have a broad enough marquee value to support their own movie. As much as I like Batman, Superman, etc., the more lower tier, offbeat characters are really fascinating to me. It’s fun to mess around with others characters in the DC Universe. Super heroes are great, but it’s nice to do a change of pace, and that’s a lot of what we’ve done here. “The Spectre” is a supernatural thriller,; “Jonah Hex” is a western, and so on. So the Showcase is giving us a chance to stretch different muscles.
The Justice League makes its pitch to stand and fight the Crime Syndicate to an alternate Earth’s President Wilson.
Question:
After taking a break from episodic TV for the past several years, are you enjoying a return to the short-form with the DC Showcase?
Bruce Timm:
The interesting thing is these are really short form – they’re half as long as a half-hour TV episode. So the story has to be really tight and condensed – you have to cut away the fat, but it can’t be just wall-to-wall action. It still has to be a story. Fortunately we’re working with some really great writers, and because of that, every time we roll tape on these shorts, they feel like you’ve watched a whole episode of something. There’s a clear beginning, middle and end – a full story. So mission accomplished.
Question:
What made Steve Niles the right guy to write “The Spectre,” and how did you lure him into writing an animated short?
Bruce Timm:
I’ve admired Steve Niles’ work for a long time and, honestly, it would have never occurred to me to approach him. That was Todd Casey’s suggestion. He contacted Steve, and Steve was thrilled to get the assignment. He’s a big Michael Fleisher/Jim Aparo fan, and a big fan of “The Spectre” – especially that 1970s era of the character. Steve is very into crime fiction and horror, so he was the perfect writer for it.
Question:
Does “The Spectre” hold any special significance for you?
“The Spectre” was one of my favorite characters back in the 70s. Even by today’s standards, those comics are pretty hard core, and they were written in 1974, I don’t know how they got some of that stuff past the comic code. It was so different from any other comic on the stands. It’s really dark, really nasty. The character is pretty easy to understand – he’s the dark avenger of the night, even more so than Batman. He punishes bad guys in horrible, horrible ways. He’s like the benign Freddie Krueger. I’ve wanted to use “The Spectre” for a long, long time and we never had a opportunity to do it, and this was our chance to go hog wild with him.
For more information, images and updates, please visit the film’s official website at http://www.JUSTICELEAGUECRISIS.com
Share
Today at 8:25am
Executive producer Bruce Timm offers new perspective on the creation of “Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths,” the latest entry in the ongoing series of DC Universe animated original movies, and “The Spectre,” the inaugural DC Showcase animated short, in an all-new Q&A with the guru of super hero animation.
Batman attempts to save the Earth, er, Earths as he faces off with his evil doppleganger Owlman.
Warner Home Video will distribute the full-length animated Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths on February 23 as a Special Edition 2-disc version on DVD and Blu-Ray™ Hi-Def, as well as single disc DVD, and On Demand and Download.
Timm, the executive producer on “Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths,” has been the creative force behind many of Warner Bros. Animation’s modern-day successes, elevating DC Comics’ canon of super heroes to new heights of animated popularity and introducing generations of new fans to the characters via landmark television series and made-for-DVD films. The latter task includes the creation of the current series of DC Universe animated original movies, which have drawn critical acclaim and further whetted the public’s appetite for comic book entertainment. “Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths” is the seventh film in the ongoing DC Universe series.
And here’s what Mr. Timm had to say …
Question:
What excites you about Juctice League: Crisis on Two Earths?
Bruce Timm:
In a weird kind of way, this is a return to my favorite show Justice League Unlimited. The original script was intended to be the bridge story between Justice League and Justice League Unlimited to explain how we went from seven heroes to more than 50 super heroes. We loved the story and the script, and it floated around here for years while we tried to figure out what to do with it – it was considered for a comic, but fortunately that got shot down. Then we took a look at it and, with just a few slight tweaks, we jumped at the chance to make it a DC Universe movie.
Question:
What sets it apart from the TV version of Justice League?
Bruce Timm:
It’s a very satisfying, grand scale adventure movie with a big cast of interesting, quirky characters. It’s amazing how much it feels like a great episode of Justice League Unlimited as a big, epic film with slightly different visual stylings. That’s a good thing.
Question:
Did this film present challenges that the first six DC Universe movies did not?
Bruce Timm:
The biggest challenge, and this is kind of esoteric, was that we had to find the line between the original source material and making it feel like a stand-alone movie so anyone that didn’t watch JLU could follow it. We really didn’t have to tweak the script too much – I think about 95 percent remains untouched. In terms of visual styling, we also wanted it to stand on its own and not necessarily as a continuation of the old show. We have this brilliant character designer – Phil Bourassa – who draws in a style similar to my own in terms of simplicity, but slightly different. So it doesn’t look 180 degrees away from the old show, but it definitely feels unique.
Question:
What are the benefits of having two directors on the same film?
The positive for Sam and Lauren is that having two directors lightens the workload, because it’s a big movie. They have similar strengths, and they’re both very good at what they do. They’re both all around talented in terms of understanding story, acting, the emotional core of the story, and they’re both really good at directing big crazy action scenes. But they’re methodology is different. Sam thinks a lot, he’s very analytical. Lauren is more intuitive about everything. I just kind of stayed out of it when they had disagreements – fortunately I never had to be the tiebreaker, They just worked things out between the two of them.
Question:
What are Dwayne McDuffie’s strengths?
Bruce Timm:
Dwayne is really well-rounded as a writer – he knows comics inside and out, he understands the lore, he knows what makes a good super hero story, and at the same time he’s really good with character dynamics and conflict. Plus he’s one of the best dialogue writers in the business.
Question:
Of this fairly huge casdt, do you have a favorite character?
Bruce Timm:
In this story, it’s probably Owlman. He’s a fascinating character himself, but the dynamic with Superwoman is so messed up as a couple, and yet really appealing in a weird kind of way. It’s a little similar to JLU’s relationship between The Question and Huntress. Superwoman is this badass hot chick, and he’s the quiet, brainy, nerd guy. They’re an interesting, odd couple. Plus I loved both James’ (Woods) and Gina’s (Torres) performances – they were spot-on. The amazing thing is we like to get all the actors to record as an ensemble, but in this case it wasn’t feasible, So they never met or performed together, but they totally mesh. It’s such an interesting chemistry considering they’ve never even met.
Owlman explains his nefarious plot to destroy all Earths with a devastating weapon.
Question:
You’ve brought another all-star cast to this film. Anything fans don’t know about the casting choices this time around?
Bruce Timm:
There’s an interesting side note in that Vanessa Marshall, who plays Wonder Woman, came this close to playing the role in Justice League. We were down to the final two choices, and they were neck and neck. The thing about Vanessa is that she sounded perfect for Wonder Woman – exactly what she should sound like. But Susan Eisenberg had this vulnerability. We thought it would be interesting to not play her to type, which ultimately played really well. When it came to casting for this movie, we thought, “What if we go down the road not taken?” So we opted for Vanessa in a full-length movie and she is great.
Question:
“Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths” includes the premiere of the first DC Showcase animation short, “The Spectre.” How have the DC Showcase shorts changed your work day?
Bruce Timm:
The DC Showcase is fun because it gives us an opportunity to play with characters that maybe don’t have a broad enough marquee value to support their own movie. As much as I like Batman, Superman, etc., the more lower tier, offbeat characters are really fascinating to me. It’s fun to mess around with others characters in the DC Universe. Super heroes are great, but it’s nice to do a change of pace, and that’s a lot of what we’ve done here. “The Spectre” is a supernatural thriller,; “Jonah Hex” is a western, and so on. So the Showcase is giving us a chance to stretch different muscles.
The Justice League makes its pitch to stand and fight the Crime Syndicate to an alternate Earth’s President Wilson.
Question:
After taking a break from episodic TV for the past several years, are you enjoying a return to the short-form with the DC Showcase?
Bruce Timm:
The interesting thing is these are really short form – they’re half as long as a half-hour TV episode. So the story has to be really tight and condensed – you have to cut away the fat, but it can’t be just wall-to-wall action. It still has to be a story. Fortunately we’re working with some really great writers, and because of that, every time we roll tape on these shorts, they feel like you’ve watched a whole episode of something. There’s a clear beginning, middle and end – a full story. So mission accomplished.
Question:
What made Steve Niles the right guy to write “The Spectre,” and how did you lure him into writing an animated short?
Bruce Timm:
I’ve admired Steve Niles’ work for a long time and, honestly, it would have never occurred to me to approach him. That was Todd Casey’s suggestion. He contacted Steve, and Steve was thrilled to get the assignment. He’s a big Michael Fleisher/Jim Aparo fan, and a big fan of “The Spectre” – especially that 1970s era of the character. Steve is very into crime fiction and horror, so he was the perfect writer for it.
Question:
Does “The Spectre” hold any special significance for you?
“The Spectre” was one of my favorite characters back in the 70s. Even by today’s standards, those comics are pretty hard core, and they were written in 1974, I don’t know how they got some of that stuff past the comic code. It was so different from any other comic on the stands. It’s really dark, really nasty. The character is pretty easy to understand – he’s the dark avenger of the night, even more so than Batman. He punishes bad guys in horrible, horrible ways. He’s like the benign Freddie Krueger. I’ve wanted to use “The Spectre” for a long, long time and we never had a opportunity to do it, and this was our chance to go hog wild with him.
For more information, images and updates, please visit the film’s official website at http://www.JUSTICELEAGUECRISIS.com
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About Me
- KatarHol5
- I'm a comic and movie buff. I love superhero stuffs and anime. I got 2 lovable kids.