William Tyndale 1st English Bible 1526

Should the Bible be continued to be used for swearing-in ceremonies and in the courtroom?
Yes…By: Art Moran


Ultimately, there may be no greater controversy in and throughout the history of mankind itself, than that of concerning ones individual beliefs surrounding the Holy Bible. For as much as I am a firm believer that the individual has every constitutional right to choose their own belief system, and a right to religious freedom, there looms an issue here that defies the principle of this debate.

In solidifying the underlying issue or principle interest of this debate; concerning the use of the Bible in America’s ceremonial procedures, and in the courts of law, there is specific historical evidence supportive of multiple individuals, facts, and events, that deserve due respect by anyone residing in the privilege America offers to us all, regardless of one’s individual beliefs.

In a brief overview of the Bible’s direct influence to America’s founding fathers, we can trace the tracks of time to learn; William Tyndale was accredited as having interpreted the world’s first English text version of the Holy Bible in 1526. For Tyndale’s efforts, he was later tried and convicted in 1535, by an act of heresy, and later strangled to death and burned at the stake.

Not unlike that of his predecessor; Martin Luther’s efforts to translate the Bible into German, and who went on to reform the foundation of Christianity, when he nailed his “95 Theses” to the Catholic’s front door, during the “Diet of Worms.”

Fortunately for Luther, he escaped the similar fate of that which Tyndale was later laid to rest.

However, Tyndale’s sufferings were not in vain, as he has now been revered as having influenced not only the formulation of America through the circulation of his written efforts in The New Testament, but more importantly, has been noted as having contributed a standing 83% of the King James Bibles still in print, and in circulation today.

Furthermore, Tyndale’s efforts have afforded him great acclaim in and amidst the scholars of this country and others, as having played a large role in the formulation and shaping of the English language, and written word that we use today, and rely on in America to establish and uphold the laws, and educating principles which govern this great nation.

During the expansion of America’s birth in the 1770’s, there was another gentleman who arose, and quite possible holds the record for the bestselling book in print in America’s history; “Common Sense” which is still in circulation to this current day. That man’s name was Thomas Paine; one of America’s most influential writers and spoke persons regarded for the “Revolutionary War” period.

Thomas Paine’s book; “Common Sense” - was initially published anonymously, on January 10th, 1776 simply signed; “Written by an Englishman.”

In fact, the first editions were centrally focused around the biblical influence of the Bible, and went on to sell 120,000 copies in the first 3 months, 500,000 copies in the first year, and was documented as having 25 editions made available to the early colonists in the first year alone.

Thomas Paine donated his royalties to George Washington’s Continental Army, stating: “As my wish to serve an oppressed people, and assist in a just and good cause, I conceived that the honor of it would only be promoted by my declining to make even the usual profits of an author.”

Unequivocally, history affords us the privilege to explore the works, efforts, and courage of those before us, and I cannot think of three men whereby America could’ve profited more in the establishment of every written document which followed, nor in the formulation of the civil liberties, and freedoms this nation was built upon.

Certifiably, our forefather’s were very intellectual, literate, and quite insightful. As a direct result of their effort’s; everyone who now lives in America, still enjoys the civil liberties and freedom’s established by the blood, sweat, and tears of those before us, and their literary accomplishments found especially in; “The Declaration Of Independence”, as well as the long list of amendments found in the “Constitution Of The United States Of America”, including, but not limited to the “1st Amendment.”

With all due fairness to the quote-unquote; nonbelievers, or those who elect to worship a god or gods other than the “One” depicted in the Holy Bible’s pages, I sincerely feel this is an issue of both; respect, and this country’s heritage, moreover that of a 10,000 year old debate concerning the ominous mystery(s) surrounding the wisdoms found in any one book, or the name God itself.

Personally, any act which defies the established heritage of this country should be viewed as an act of treason, and no level of ignorance, offense, nor disrespect to not knowing one’s own America’s history should ever reach the level of debate that this issue is undergoing, amongst several similar attacks being formulated by minority groups in today’s societal disconnection to values, principles, and virtues.

Hypothetically, if I were to decide to vacate my homeland, and move to Italy per se, whereas the vast majority of native people elected to defend their country’s heritage, or even held respectively to the established religious practices, principles, and virtues of their forefather’s, I would never be so rude as to imply, I was offended because my personal beliefs varied, or differed from theirs.

Understandably, we live in a nation which professes; “Liberty and Justice for All.”

And to disagree with the aforementioned; I too would be a bigot, or a hypocrite.

In paraphrasing our country’s first President of the United States; George Washington, he once stated; “Show me a country that has lost their spiritual principles and virtues, and I’ll show you a country on the verge of defeat!”

Simply put, irregardless of anyone’s individual beliefs, or what percentage of American’s still elects to believe and uphold the knowledge and wisdom found in the “Good Book”, I feel we have an obligation to our heritage; to maintain certain virtues and principles in this country, despite the fact it may offend the minority, or those opposed to God or the Holy Bible.

Clearly, nobody is going to be so devastated having to “swear in” on the Bible as a mandated issue, simply because they don’t believe in God, unless they are insanely absent to the fact that the Bible is one of the oldest pieces of literature in the world, let alone largely responsible for the establishment of America, and her 233 years of history.

Perhaps some may not agree, and in my opinion if you’re in a court of law to begin with, the majority of the time; you’ve either committed a crime, have registered to vote as a citizen of this great nation and been selected for jury duty, or you are there giving ‘sworn’ testimony to the truth, or being asked to weigh the ‘truth’ as a deciding member or witness to said proceedings.

Therefore, with any, and all absolution, I am highly offended this country has lost so much in the way of our virtues, principles, and respect for the heritage of this great nation, that I myself feel with the utmost conviction, if we sacrifice anymore? -we will be defeated from the inside out, and the outside threat will mean little or nothing!

Without going into a rant regarding the current state of this nation, I find it less than patriotic when we allow any minority group to offset the majority. Especially, while we are visibly able to see the very principles and virtues of our Western Democracy and Western Philosophy being chipped away at, which were initially solid, and established to provide, protect, and uphold freedoms, for the people, by the people.

Hence, “We the People” need to step it up, and start doing our due diligence to preserve and protect that which can still be recognized as America, or we ourselves may suffer a similar fate as that of the Roman Empire, or perhaps even the very Indians that were greatly affected by the coming of the white man to America back in the 1600’s.

Not exactly a pleasant thought. Nor be it one that I condone, support, or welcome.

However, if we continue to contribute to the minority groups, with little or no concern for the long-term repercussions, then we can only blame ourselves, if America is getting harder and harder to recognize as a result.

As for me and mine, I’ll swear to God on my life, and in knowing what I’ve witnessed in and throughout this lifetime, I’d be willing to bet; the real reward awaits, as does the truth, and I like my forefather’s am continuing my search, and explorations in seeking true freedom.

In closing, perhaps the problem has become greater than the solution, for as I see it, I don't need a debate to respect our country, our heritage, our forefathers, the Bible, or the courts, and the established ceremonial practices of this great nation.

In fact, swearing; "the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth...so help me God!" - Should be mandatory as common sense, not an issue up for debate by any intellectual nation, especially America!

May God Bless Us All! (Certainly it couldn’t hurt if He did!)
Art Moran & Family

Tate Publishing LLC - AWriter's Dream?

~Built-In GPS~

As the title of my other blog site; Way Out Wisdoms (http://way-out-wisdoms.blogspot.com/)represents the initials "W.O.W." I am almost devastated as to how awesome things align, and are laid upon our path like breadcrumbs for us to navigate our way to a higher calling.

Today, my wife; Terri was browsing videos, playing around on the net, and stumbled upon a gentleman's blog. She then reads a portion of his walk, and his bio, and finds an eerie similarity to Yours Truly.

He too was a writer, and his description of writing in itself is equal to, if not almost exacting to my experience, with the exception he's published and successful, whereas, I am digging myself out from beneath the wreckage, and the carnage of 6 years of this festering, and rather uncontrolled passion for writing.

While, I mean not write a bio of my own, it lead to me reading his, and clicking a link, which took me to Tate Publishing.

As my wife, friends, and a few complete strangers have had the pleasure to be entertained by some of my works, they center around equality, educating ourselves, abolishing ignorance, and the attributes associated to the pestilence abroad stalling our individual growth, and forward movement toward achieving the 'essence' of freedom.

In short, I didn't plan to share this rather personal information, but my insatiable appetite for writing began after a 'spiritual encounter' some 6 years prior. In my own confusion, this scared me, as I was generally a very honest, yet rather apathetic person by nature.

Ever since the transformation began 6 years ago, my writings have taught me to a degree, whereby, many of the items I found myself writing about were of no interest, nor had I any formal training, schooling, or remote understanding of their deeper seeded meaning, or messages.

In truth, this still kinda haunts me to this very moment, as I am perplexed to imagine; "Who's gonna listen, or better still, read what I have to share?"

In reflection, I had always had a fondness for the arts, regarding paintings, drawings, graphics, and of course as technology now presents computer animations, artwork, and phenomenal visual depictions of a vast multitude of creative and insightful minds.

But, entering the work force, fueling the standard 'capitalistic' desires, I abandoned my childhood dream of ever becoming and artist, or so I had thought.

Somehow, it was always there. Even for the 16 years while I was a self-employed swimming pool sub-contractor, freelancing my abilities to build, design, construct,renovate, and repair fountains, hot tubs, waterfalls, and lastly commercial and residential pools, the artist in me was thriving, though I didn't really know it.

Everything from the trenching for which the pipe would lay, I would meticulously ensure they were carved in near perfection. In fact, many people would laugh at me, and ask; "Art...Who cares what the trenches, or piping looks like, it's going to be buried in dirt, no ones ever gonna see it, or care either way!"

My response; "I care! The customer is paying top dollar for quality workmanship, and so then they deserve the best."

Ironically, to my own humility, almost everyone of my competitor's and friends in the biz' were making 2-3X the money I was making, because they were 'slapping' their work together, solely focusing on the 'prize'-MONEY!

Despite having billed more than double on a per job per dium than them, and earning a respectable rep in the industry as one of the best in the trade, I was going broke, while they were getting rich!

My point being, although the experience was great, and to this day I have fresh ideas, and an endless imagination for building exquisite works concerning waterfalls, lighting, hot tubs, cave style lagoon's and backyard paradises, it was the artist in me that made the experience less a chore, and fun. Regardless of the money!

The trip of this journey, led me to Tate Publishing, which I've since requested more information regarding publishing, but literally blows my mind how it left me to question; "accident? or "fate?"

I'm leaning towards the latter, as I do not believe in accidents, therefore; everything happens for a reason. I found the Tate Publishing Site so welcoming, that I thought it needed to be shared. Below in my 'favorites link's a link directed you to their home page. If you are a writer, and a person who maintains a Higher faith, and your seeking publishing, I recommend checking them out.

Meanwhile, I am working on a series of chapters of a manuscript right now, whereby, I am intending to post pieces, or perhaps a few chapters here, before submitting it to Tate Publishing, LLC.

In closing, I suggest reading all the information on their site thoroughly, as I elected to include them in my blog purely out of respect, having done so myself. Hence, I have no direct affiliation with them, but if my heart is correct, based on the positive vibe I received this morning leading me to them... then, I expect to be publishing with them in the near future.

Godspeed,

Art Moran

P.S.- "If your eyes are open to your hearts true desires,you, like I will be guided accordingly"

"God's Pawn" ~ Poem

~God's Pawn~

If I must humble myself to succumb to being God's pawn in an unruly game of chess,

So be it!

Let my humility serve as both a weapon and a tool, in bringing it forthwith.

For if so, should this war be taken to the king and queen's front door,
then at least I know, I played my part in fighting for something pure.


Because in the end, the measure of a man is not bought with gold, but sweat...
by overcoming fear for peace and love, remains the true virtues of success.


Thus, I take my rightful place in the name of truth, to defend the oppressed,

Rise to this occasion one and all, with love in thy heart, dear you not fret,

Truly, all us pawns in number outweigh all the kings and queens, over all God's green Earth!

Learn more about this author,and writings: Ethos (Art Moran - Pen Name)

http://www.helium.com/users/101440/show_articles
http://www.helium.com/users/446279/show_articles

Peace Out,
Art M.

Who Am I?

I am no more a poet, nor artist, than I am a no-bull truth. I am a spoof, aloof in a conquest to appease my hungry soul. I am ugly, as the world has labeled me so. I am no more a scientist, then I am fascinated by the ominous mysteries abroad. I am a writer, a smoker, a sinner entwined. I am a 37 year old child inside, and of sort. In a moment, I am of mind, body, and soul, whereas, I am constantly challenged, even perplexed to understand why the three cannot get along. I am cynical, and infused with thoughts of anger and lust. From murder to orgy's, I am a 'free-thinker' whose mind has been enticed by it all.

I am a student determined not to stand corrected by teachers who profess they know all. I am a believer in a higher power, but repulsed by many who abuse the sacred understanding of old. I am conflicted, constricted, and confounded, wadded up in a fetal position, - scared shit less of the abuses I've been inflicted with, without provocation, merit, nor any truth at all. I am blackened on the outside, when my internal light burns ever-bright.But then I am black on the inside when I am insulted for having been born white. I am a son, and a father. I am a friend to one, and the enemy to another over whom I long to devastate, abuse, and devour!

I am imperfect, this much I know. Yet, I am bent on ideals and seeking all which my hands may never lay hold. I am living to die, while I am dying to just live. I am a giver, a taker, and all points between. I am a traveler, alone in a world I do not know. I am accepted by one, and then denounced of my throne. I am a servant, a follower, a mere laborer of sort. I am afraid to let loose my imagination, my talents, for to do so, then I am sure my passions will be enslaved, tripped up, and imprisoned of course. My love is a chore I am lazy to accept.

I am fueled by fire, enticed by evil, and I am also at the product at times of it's alluring grip. I am forgiving, patient, and tolerant in one hand. Yet, I am completely fed up the next. I am love and hate all balled up in one.I am bent on immortalizing my efforts in time, to leave behind my troubled mind, my sufferings, and all I've documented for another to find.I am tired, growing weary, scary, and offensive. I am sick of this nightmare, cause my dreams have no end, nor measure, means, or mode - should I invest my hope to obtain!

I am raped, ravished, beat down, broken, victimized, and abused. But, I am not sure what is best, better bet, I am impart grateful to have survived the beatings I've took. I am pride, I am true. I am the epitome of everyone, everything, and every place which has touched me, whether by welcomed acceptance, denial, intrusion, or by my own amuse. I am entertained. I am sadly misconceived. I am the ultimate recipe of old ingredients formulated to flavor your tongue.

I am the ringing in your ears, the whispering voice you remember from the past. I am at peace. I am at rest. I am free to roam to and fro, upon this rock called earth. I am impart good, yet equally evil! I am fond of beauty, and equally intimidated by it too. I am someones dream. I am anothers nightmare.I am deathly in need of socks, undies, and a new pair of shoes! I am broke in the moment, not a penny to abuse.

I am laughing because I am filthy rich in spirit. With courage I allowed everyone to steal my things, whilst they afforded me the silent truth, the strength missing in all of you. I am a dog. I am a bitch. I am the leash that leads you, feeds you, and the master who makes you dance on my strings. I am the jester entertaining kings. I am Daniel, my interpretations fall on deaf ears. I am the lost who's been found longing to let go.

I am the recipient of divine messages, to wit, I haven't the strength, nor the ability to deliver, nor transcend. I am speechless, teachless, turning a deaf ear. I am struck silent - for fear I might speak! I am a travel agent - come book a flight. I am the eagle who sees through your weakness, and feeds on your strength. I am the line drawn in the sand, the one that starts with the word birth, and ends with death!

I am the matter, pay me no mind. I am the philosophically twisted linguist who's able to blow your fucking mind with a riddle, conundrum, or rhyme. I am sorry for being an asshole, while according to some I am the piece of shit this time.

I am full of ambition, intentions, and love. I am a slave to sex, and my selfish indiscretions, and the spawn thereof. I am the arch angel fighting the diabolical evil hordes.Then I am confronted by the red-dragon seeking vengeance and ownership over my soul.I am the welder of the sword found in my hand, but have no use for it, as I am the know.I am aware my pen holds more power than the bloodied edges of my tongue. I am too tired to raise the finger too which I receive the answers to thoughts, but never needed be spoken out.

I am one. I am the division Jesus spoke of. I am the principle interests of mathematical norms. Hence, I am to believe; multiplication is the exacting infraction of the divided abroad. I am tired of writing. I am the soliloquy, the aesthetic values thereby, and thereof. I am not for sale. But, I am the wind which blows wisdom's into the ship's sails, as I've chartered the oceans blue. I am a sound man, I love to listen and be harmoniously infused by the ambiance-like embrace of the echoes I've long forgotten about back in the daze of amniotic fluid.

I am the drop-out on a mission to prove; education is an equation not learned in books. I am the experience, the breath of life in the valley of dry bones. I am the whipping boy who courageously forgives the flogging, of the anger, as it escaped by my father's Vietnam wrought belt. I am the alcoholic drowning his sorrow, as I am seeking to escape, whilst pissing away tomorrow.

I am and have been all these things, but if you hear me, then feel me - cause we're all the same! I am the equality - the balance I am. I am never finished, nor yet begun, never ending, and already gone!

Don't you get it? - Don't you see? - Can anyone hear me? Does anyone out there feel they don't belong here like me?

For I am an alien trapped on this rock, locked in this skin, yet still... I don't feel that I've lived! I am whatever I choose! Love it, like it, hate it, just leave me fucking be! For all the while I believe in you all, still you patronize me by your arrogant displays of conformity!

Even still, despite all the labels, scales, and societal bliss, I am FREE above all else, and to think, I wrote this without a single thought, effort, or concern for what anyone say? does? or thinks?

Peace Out, Stop by again, next time it'll be something, but not poetry!

Art M.