All posts in category psychology

Progressives/liberals begin campaign to normalize pedophilia

In 2011, a few (very few) news outlets reported that the progressives/liberals in the American Psychiatric Association (APA) were secretly moving forward with plans to reshape how Americans view pedophilia. For decades, progressive/liberal professors at universities have been preaching that there was nothing wrong with adults having sex with children, that laws against such behavior were the real problem. They have stated time and again that the great empires like Greece and Rome viewed pedophilia as a normal part of society and we as an advanced society should do the same.

So the progressives in the APA, having helped to change America’s views in the past to match those of Alfred Kinsey when it comes to fornication, living together outside of marriage, and homosexuality, are now entering the next phase of their destructive Kinseyan plans by moving to make Americans believe there’s nothing wrong with pedophilia. The L.A. Times published an article today very sympathetic to pedophiles and those who struggle with those ungodly desires. The article is entitled “Many researchers taking a different view of pedophilia.”

What liberals conveniently ignore is the fact that all societies that participated in pedophilia such as the Hittites, Canaanites, Greeks, and Romans eventually were destroyed by God’s judgment against such practices and/or because pedophilia and other sexual sins were a reflection of their corrupt character, leading their societies to cave in on themselves because of the corruption. If you ever had any doubt before that the forces behind the progressives/liberals were of the devil, maybe this will change your mind.

Paul’s words to Titus are so true of today’s times, “Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled,” Titus 1:15.

Harry A. Gaylord

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by Harry A. Gaylord on January 15, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in children, Christianity, crime, End times, family, humanity, law, politics, psychology, religion
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Posted by Harry A. Gaylord on January 15, 2013

http://sunandshield.wordpress.com/2013/01/15/progressivesliberals-begin-campaign-to-normalize-pedophilia/

British psychiatrists’ study finds spirituality connected to mental illness

nut jobA group of researchers in England contacted over 7400 men and women at random for a survey asking them about whether or not they were “spiritual,” if they had regular religious practices, and what their mental state was. The researchers claim 86% identified themselves as Christian and 35% of them said they were religious in that they regularly went to church, mosque, synagogue, or another place of worship.

The researchers claimed they found no evidence that one’s faith is tied to happiness, but that those who claimed to be “spiritual” without any religious practices were more likely to have anxiety disorders, phobias, drug dependencies, neurotic disorders like obsessive compulsions and other things, and suffered from eating disorders.

The study makes an attempt to highlight the fact that those who consider themselves spiritual, but do not tie that spirituality to common practices such as prayer or reading the Bible or worshiping with other believers, are the ones who have the mental problems. Nevertheless, it raises a red flag in my mind about what their underlying message really is. As far as I’m concerned, this is just another ploy to make it seem that Christians are nut jobs so that haters who place their faith in pseudo-science will have more reasons to reject the one true God and his true children. It’s probably not worth the ink and paper used to publish it.

However, I can see two truths in this scenario:

  1. Unbelievers will always see genuine Christians as being crazy. When Paul gave his testimony to King Agrippa in Acts, Festus yelled at Paul and said, “Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad,” [Acts 26:24]. Peter also said that when we give up doing the will of the heathen, “they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you…” [1 Peter 4:4].
  2. God did not give us spirituality to carry it out according to our own desires. He always ties the true spiritual life to a belief only in the Lord Jesus that leads to the Holy Spirit living in us who directs us to obey Christ’s commandments. Spirituality without this firm foundation is just like the foolish man Jesus spoke of in his parable who built his house on sand. Spirituality without Christ is also like the person who had an unclean spirit go out of him, but that spirit could not find rest. “Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first,” [Matthew 12:44-45].

But let the mockers mock and the scoffers scoff. We have the following promises in Christ:

And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. Romans 16:20

 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought. Isaiah 41:10-12

Source: Huffington Post–UK. Spirituality Linked To Mental Health ‘Demons’ Like Eating Disorders… http://www.huffingtonpost.uk. 02/01/2013.

Harry A. Gaylord

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by Harry A. Gaylord on January 2, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Christianity, faith, life, psychology, religion, science
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Posted by Harry A. Gaylord on January 2, 2013

http://sunandshield.wordpress.com/2013/01/02/british-psychiatrists-study-finds-spirituality-connected-to-mental-illness/

Self-obsession in men is leading to their downfall

A study done by researchers at the University of Michigan and the University of Virginia has shown that men who are obsessed with their self-importance and have an inflated view of themselves (otherwise known as narcissism) only end up hurting themselves in the end. Their narcissism has been shown to render negative effects on their physical health and psychologically weakens their relationships.

The study showed that narcissism leads to higher levels of cortisol in men. Cortisol is the hormone used to measure levels of stress. The higher the cortisol, the higher the stress. Narcissistic men showed a continually high level of cortisol even in non-stressful situations. Essentially, narcissistic males are stressing themselves out, which hurts them physically (elevated blood pressure & heart conditions) and in their efforts to keep up appearances of looking important, they act out in ways that place a psychological damper on their interactions with others.

Researchers also found that narcissism is continuing to rise in our society. But that shouldn’t be a surprise when one considers the amount of TV ads, music, music videos, reality shows, and YouTube videos permeating our society with the underlying message that a person (especially if they are male) is nothing unless they brag about themselves or make themselves the center of attention.

However, the researchers only discovered what the Bible has been saying for centuries– Pride goeth before destruction and an haughty spirit before a fall [Proverbs 16:18]. The pride of men in their narcissism is not only their spiritual downfall, it’s their mental and physical downfall as well. In the midst of their ever-increasing narcissism, the men in our society are unknowingly fulfilling the prophecy that Paul gave about how men would act in the last days in 2 Timothy 3:2-4. God have mercy on our wicked, narcissistic society.

Source: Diane Swanbrow. Expensive egos: Narcissism has a higher health cost for men. Eurekalert.org. January 23, 2012.

–Harry A. Gaylord–

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by Harry A. Gaylord on January 23, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Bible, Christianity, humanity, life, psychology, religion, science
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Posted by Harry A. Gaylord on January 23, 2012

http://sunandshield.wordpress.com/2012/01/23/self-obsession-in-men-is-leading-to-their-downfall/

New study shows gays can change orientation

A new study published in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy has shown that individuals involved in the homosexual lifestyle can change their sexual orientation with counseling from Christian ministries. The study was conducted by Stanton L. Jones, a psychologist at Wheaton College in Illinois, and Mark A. Yarhouse, a psychologist at Regent University.

According to the study, more than 60% of individuals who were examined over a six to seven year period that were involved in the gay lifestyle successfully changed to heterosexual after getting Christian counseling from several Christian ministries. They got married and had children with their spouses and suffered no harmful psychological effects.

Since there exists no scientific proof whatsoever that homosexuals are born gay, how do they end up that way? It’s a learned behavior. From what I’ve seen, there are several factors that steer individuals in that direction–

  • Sexual abuse: this is probably the main reason. Many homosexuals were molested as children. Children who are molested by people of the same gender are told by their abusers that since they allowed the perpetrator to have sex with them, they are gay. Children abused by people of the opposite sex become disgusted with the idea of having sex with the opposite sex and learn to think that same gender relationships are the way to go.
  • Nonexistent or strained relationship with parents: Kids who don’t have an affirming, positive relationship with their parents and are verbally abused by their parents sometimes end up gay. This can include a parent who overtly or subtly lets their child know that they wish the child had been born the opposite gender of what they are.
  • Lack of direction toward gender-specific activities: God made males different from females and we should embrace those differences. When parents neglect to steer boys toward male sports, fishing, model cars, or other male-oriented activities, this could open the door toward homosexuality. The same can be said of neglecting to steer girls toward female-oriented activities.
  • Lack of being taught right from wrong regarding sexuality: Children need to be taught that males were meant to be with females so they can have children together in marriage and that sex is for creating a physical and spiritual bond between the man and woman in marriage so they can bring pleasure to each other.

As Christians, we really don’t need a study to tell us gays can change. But it may be a tool to show unbelievers that the world’s assumptions about homosexuality are unfounded. The Bible can always be proven true in what it says. Gays who changed when they encountered God’s word and surrendered to the Lord Jesus are God’s living epistles.

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind… shall inherit the kingdom of God.  And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Sources:

Taylor, Latonya. Study of Religiously-Mediated Sexual Orientation Change Published in Respected Scientific Journal. ChristianNewsWire.com, September 27, 2011.

Exgaystudy.org

–posted by Harry A. Gaylord–

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by Harry A. Gaylord on September 28, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Christianity, religion, sexuality, family, science, psychology
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Posted by Harry A. Gaylord on September 28, 2011

http://sunandshield.wordpress.com/2011/09/28/new-study-shows-gays-can-change-orientation/

New study shows religion aids in self-control

Cross at sunset by Ian Britton

Cross at sunset by Ian Britton

Michael McCullough, a professor of psychology at the University of Miami, has released the results of a study published in the January 2009 Psychological Bulletin that shows people who follow a religion exercise more self-control than those who don’t.

Prof. McCullough compiled evidence regarding religion from various fields of study ranging from economics to neuroscience and the social sciences over a period of eight decades.  The study looked at various people all over the world.  According to ScienceDaily, which reported the findings, the study implies that the ability to chase and fulfill long-term goals has a better success rate among religious people.  Religious people have been shown to do better academically, have fewer run-ins with the law, lower depression rates, and are less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol.

One of the perspectives Prof. McCullough hopes to highlight from this study is that past studies only focusing on self-control in the study of human behavior have overlooked how religion is linked to one’s health and behavior.  McCullough also states in the ScienceDaily article that “By thinking of religion as a social force that provides people with resources for controlling their impulses (including the impulse for self-preservation, in some cases) in the service of higher goals, religion can motivate people to do just about anything.”

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by Harry A. Gaylord on January 1, 2009  •  Permalink
Posted in Christianity, God, psychology, religion, science

Posted by Harry A. Gaylord on January 1, 2009

http://sunandshield.wordpress.com/2009/01/01/new-study-shows-religion-aids-in-self-control/

Rehab is ok, but Christ’s salvation is better

Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin? Proverbs 20:9

Entertainment news in the Western Hemisphere seems to be chock full of the latest information on what celebrity has checked into rehab, going through rehab, or coming out of rehab.  It seems that we love to hear stories about people who struggle, but are willing to change their bad habits in order to become positive contributors to our society.  I think it’s great when a person can reform to kick their alcohol, drug, or other addictive habits to better themselves.  However, there is also a negative side to all of the focus on checking into rehab.

When a person emerges from rehab successfully, there may be a tendency for that person to think that now that they’ve kicked their habit, everything is fine.  They are given the false impression that they are now ”clean” when the exact opposite may be true.  Most rehab programs, especially the ones that celebrities enter into, do not get to the real reason why a person gives in to their destructive behavior.  They are not told that they inherited a sinful nature that craves evil things.  Nor are they told about Jesus Christ, who is the only one that can truly deliver them and make their hearts (souls) truly clean.  Their bad behavior is a spiritual problem and unless it is confronted by the power of the Holy Spirit, there is always the danger that relapses will occur.

Then there are celebrities who emerge from rehab who are fine for a brief moment, but then quickly go back to their evil habits.  In public they have to put on an act for the cameras as if they have really been cured, but in reality they may have only learned how to hide their habits better.  Behind closed doors, they are the same.  They also are in need of the healing and cleansing touch of the Lord Jesus Christ.

No one on this planet has the power to cleanse their own sinful heart.  Without Jesus Christ, those who come out of rehab are like whitewashed tombs who look good on the outside, but inside are full of death.  There is nothing but spiritual emptiness inside of them.  From a Biblical perspective the successful graduate of a rehab program may be worse off spiritually than when they entered because they could easily deceive themselves into thinking they don’t need God since they are cured.  I think Jesus said it best with these words:

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.  And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.  Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.  Luke 11:24-26

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by Harry A. Gaylord on August 28, 2007  •  Permalink
Posted in alcohol, Bible, Christianity, deliverance, drugs, psychology, religion

Posted by Harry A. Gaylord on August 28, 2007

http://sunandshield.wordpress.com/2007/08/28/rehab-is-ok-but-christs-salvation-is-better/

Freud’s frauds

Sigmund Freud has had a very influential affect on our society, making terms like repressed memories and ego household words.  Nevertheless, his development of theories for psychoanalysis are based on his personal system of beliefs.  I would go so far as to say that his system of ideas, which are the basis for modern psychology, is actually a religion.  Here are some of the doctrines his religion teaches contrasted to the principles in the Bible:

  • Religion (especially Christianity) is full of fairy tales conjured up by men, according to Freud in his book The Future of an Illusion in which he singled out Christianity as the object of his disdain.
  • The Bible is the word of God, not the word of men according to 1 Thessalonians 2:13.  God has always backed his truthful word with infallible proofs which are obvious if a person genuinely seeks him.
  • Freud thought Christianity’s doctrines lack authentication.
  • Matthew Maury, the father of oceanography, discovered warm and cold currents in oceans based on his belief in Psalm 8:8 that talks about paths in the sea.  There have also been many other statements in the Bible verified by science.  When a person has faith, God authenticates.
  • Influence of religion (Christianity) on man is a psychological problem, according to Freud.
  • Salvation through Jesus Christ is the solution to man’s problems because it supplies man with a new heart and a new mind to remedy his sinful way of thinking.
  • Freud said “The only unnatural sexual behavior is none at all.”  His work Three Contributions to the Theory of Sex reflects his way of thinking by discussing and minimizing the severity of every sexual behavior from fornication to sodomy to pedophilia to bestiality.
  • The Bible says any sex outside of marriage between two unrelated people of the opposite sex, is a defilement (Leviticus 18:6-23; Matthew 15:19-20).
  • In his book Moses and Monotheism, Freud stated (without any proof whatsoever) that Moses was an Egyptian who created monotheism and passed it on to the Jews, who eventually murdered him in the wilderness.
  • According to the Bible, Moses was a Hebrew of the tribe of Levi and he died on Mount Nebo of natural causes.  The idea of monotheism preceded Moses and the Hebrews.
  • Freud created the idea of an “Oedipus complex” stating that children from age three to six develop erotic attachments to the parent of the opposite gender while at the same time loathing the parent of the same gender.  By developing this theory, he not only sexualizes children, but implies incestuous feelings are normal.
  • The Bible teaches children to honor their fathers and mothers and many generations of Jews and Christians have obeyed this command without this Oedipus complex.
  • Freud was a cokehead and promoted the idea that cocaine was less harmful than over-the-counter drugs.
  • Sorcerers (those who distribute and use mind-altering drugs) will burn in the lake of fire, according to the Bible.
  • Freud was a Darwinist, believing man evolved from lower life forms, and used some of Darwin’s theories for the basis of his own theories.  (He criticized Christianity as a bunch of fairy tales, then ascribed to Darwin’s system of fairy tales.)
  • The Bible says God created man from the dust of the earth and breathed into his nostrils to give him life.  Then woman was created from the rib of the first man.
  • Freud scoffed at the idea of man being sinful in his book Civilization and Its Discontents.
  • All of us have sinned and come short of the glory of God, according to the word of God.

Sigmund Freud was a man who was deceived and his deceptions have spanned the globe and have given rise to other deceivers like Freud’s disciple Alfred Kinsey, the father of sexual perversion who I will cover at another time.

–posted by Harry A. Gaylord–

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by Harry A. Gaylord on July 1, 2007  •  Permalink
Posted in Bible, Christianity, humanity, psychology, religion, science, sexuality
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Posted by Harry A. Gaylord on July 1, 2007

http://sunandshield.wordpress.com/2007/07/01/freuds-frauds/

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