KNIGHT OF THE SUPERSTITIONS--a little read

Here is an excerpt from my new book.  It is written for young readers, and is filled with humor along with thought provoking questions.  Here is a selection from my chapter called, "Political Correctness."

“Dad, what’s the deal with all the political correctness going on today?” asked Josh.

“What do you mean?” responded Coach.

“Well, it seems like people are looked down upon if they have different ideas about society than those with a more liberal view. For example, I have teachers at school that believe God should never be spoken of in the classroom, or that black people need to be treated different than white people, or that women should be allowed to fight in our wars, and it’s politically incorrect to suggest otherwise. I don’t get it,” said Josh shaking his head.

“I think that there are some people that feel it’s intellectually superior to take the liberal stand regardless of the consequences. Almost thirty years ago, there was a U.S. Senator named Joseph McCarthy that wanted to root out the Communist sympathizers in the government and he got in hot water for speaking his mind and pointing out those whose actions were un-American. He was the most politically incorrect man in America at the time and they destroyed him. In today’s world, if you don’t play by the rules—you’re finished.”

“But why should I have to play by the rules, Dad? Why can’t I just speak the truth and make a stand for what’s right?”

“You certainly can and you should, but people will hate you for it. Some will respect you, but those people tend to be quieter. I remember during the Vietnam War, I got in trouble for speaking my mind all the time. I once mentioned to your grandpa that I thought the war was morally wrong and he laid into me for being un-American and then, when I saw how the veterans were being treated at the airport and complained about it, somebody threw their drink at me and flipped me off. Sometimes I think being politically correct means you have to put up and shut up.”

“I don’t like it, Dad,” said Josh.

“Yes, it stinks. So, are you having some problems with this?” asked Coach.

“Most all my teachers are this way. It’s their opinion or no opinion. Any suggestions?”

“Well, they are your teachers, so you need to be respectful. I would just show them the facts and leave it at that, but don’t be afraid to speak the truth.”

See more at: http://tinyurl.com/kqx4ouw

The New Book

Introduction for Knight of the Superstitions:

I had been thinking for some time about writing an autobiography for my children and posterity to try and document the many outrageous and incredible experiences I have had throughout my life. As I considered the task, my impression was that there were many lessons and principles that could benefit more than my own family. People are hungry for not just a good story, but inspiring thoughts and true principles that add meaning to our lives.

This story was just too good to keep to myself. My life has been a fantasy/science fiction novel with a twist. I felt that the best way to write my story would be to change the events around a bit, add a few things to connect the dots, and change some names and places to protect the privacy of those who may wish to remain anonymous. Perhaps I should take my own advice and keep the story to myself, but then nobody would know what really happens when our “eyes are shut.”

This book is a fictional tale about God and patriotism. Within these pages you will learn that some superstitions are based on truth. There is an unseen world that is dark and evil, but also bright, glorious and divine. Each of us is born with a mission in life and if we look for signs, we can discover who we really are and where we are going. You will also learn how to fight the Adversary, all about the unseen Spirit World around us, how to really speak with God, to protect yourself in battle, and paint a beautiful painting . . . all in one book!!

As you read, you may see some symbols that are unique to my writing. If you see / / / / / / / / / / / / this means that I felt the text was too sacred to include on these pages. If you see XXXXXXXXXXX it means I chose to leave out the bad language. (I don’t want my kids thinking their Dad writes bad words, you know.)

Each of us sees the world through the prism of our own experiences. My suggestion, if you choose to continue to read this book---try to decide where you think the truth ends and the fiction begins…and as I was told long ago…

“BE BELIEVING!”

 

The book is available at the following link: http://tinyurl.com/kqx4ouw

 

 

The Word "Racist" Means Nothing Anymore

I get angry letters every day from people who disagree with my paintings.  I don't mind, it comes with the job.  But, I think I should offer a tip to those liberals who think they got the best of me.  Don't call me a "racist" if you want to sound intelligent.

We used to use the word "racist" to define people who associate themselves with groups that openly hate others based on race. For example: KKK, White Supremacist, Black Panthers, etc. 

Now, if you even appear to look cross-eyed at a black person, regardless of the reason, you are slapped with the word. Some people are so afraid to be called a racist that they defend the inexcusable and turn a blind eye. The word, "racist"now is the catcall of every liberal toward anyone who doesn't agree with them. I have Conservative black friends who are also called racist for simply disagreeing with liberalism. We see only hypocrisy now, as liberals redefine the meaning and browbeat their opponents for fear.  

I suggest we use the word how it should be used.  If someone openly says they hate another because of the color of their skin; whether they are black white, brown or yellow---they are a racist---period.  If they criticize another and they happen to look different, they are expressing their opinion; as long as it doesn't descend into racial slurs and so forth.  We all know the difference, so the next time you hear the word "racist", consider how it is being used.  Are they identifying another as a true racist, or trying to name call to win with a weak argument.

What is a True Christian?

In today's world, Christianity has become diverse with over 20,000 different Christian denominations; many of which profess completely different interpretations of the Bible. The Apostle Paul taught, "One Lord, one faith, one baptism." (Ephesians 4:5) So here we are, many of us trying our best to come to Jesus and be saved. How are we to know what "truth" is and where to go to find it?

In the parable of the lost sheep, Jesus spoke of how the shepherd left the flock to find the one. Each of us is important to our Lord. If we will call out to Him, He will find us. We should not put our trust in man, but in our Father who is in Heaven. If we will do our best in this life to embrace what we believe to be true based on the words of the Master, I believe much of the misunderstandings on points of doctrine will be resolved in the world to come. God is merciful to those who love Him.

In my experience I have met with many groups of people as I have traveled. I have come to know the Catholics, the Baptists, the Presbyterians, the Evangelicals, the Jehovah Witnesses, the Mormons (this is my faith), the Mennonites, and many more. One common feature I have seen in every denomination that professes Christ is that there are truly good people who love Jesus and wish to emulate Him in there lives. But there are also those who are filled with hypocrisy and find fault in everyone else but themselves. I'm not mentioning this to point fingers...it is simply a fact of the world we live in.

Anyone can call themselves a Christian. But when has the acceptance of others ever been a prerequisite to entering the Lord's Kingdom? I believe the only thing that matters is how we stand in the Lord's eyes. In my painting, the suffering Jesus looks back as if to say, "What will you do? Will you stand as a witness of me?"

I believe God will judge us based on what is in our heart and our actions. It is true that we are saved by the grace of Jesus if we come to Him and repent. But to be numbered among the true Disciples of Christ we must truly love Him. "If you love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15) And then He said, "Thou shalt love the Lord with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thy self." (Matt 19:37-39) As humans, we often fall short, but if we strive to be more like Him and express that love through our service to others, we will be good Christians.

There is one more element that I believe qualifies one as a "true Christian." I like the scripture, "perfect love casteth out fear." (1 John 4:18) As a Christian, we must not fear. Even if it means that we must stand alone. And after we have done all that we can do, we must continue to stand. "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved." (Matt 10:22) A true Christian's love for Jesus Christ will motivate him to stand up for his beliefs, to love others unconditionally, and to be an advocate for truth and righteousness...regardless of the consequences. That we may find the strength do so is my reason for painting this picture.

What Would Happen If...

What would happen if political correctness became unpopular and people said what they really thought?

What would happen if racism only inspired images of white supremacists, Klu Klux Klan and Black Panthers and NOT every nuance under the sun?  And people just stopped being so sensitive and blaming skin color for every societal problem.

What would happen if news organizatons actually just gave the news without trying to persuade the public’s opinion.

What would happen if we ended the war on drugs and only prosecuted those who infringed on other's rights?

What would happen if we no longer had winner take all Electoral College methods used for tallying state elector votes?

What would happen if the US Supreme. Court could only comment on the constitutionality of cases and Congress would decide whether it was constitutional?

What would happen if gay rights had no effect on Christian families or institutions and the laws only affect the tax benefits? Would Christians no longer feel threatened?

What would happen if State Senators were elected by the State Legistlation as it was before the 17th Amendment and lobbying was illegal and there were term limits?

What would happen if we made education completely controlled by the state and community with no federal government involvement?

What would happen if we just told all Social Security recipients that we will pay back what they put in and end the panzi scheme for good?

What would happen if we brought all the troops home from Afghanistan and used the money to secure the borders?

What would happen if violent crime were punished in such a way that the offender would shudder at the  thought of ever doing it?

What would happen if non-profit status only applied to charitable organizations and churches?

What would happen if all federal regulations were dissolved and businesses were simply accountable to their employees and patrons for any wrong doing?

What would happen if Government completely kept their nose out of all healthcare issues and people could make their own decisions?

What would happen if the US Treasury started to print Treasury Notes and the Federal Reserve was concluded to be unconstitutional?  And we no longer borrowed money from other countries to fund our debt?

 
If all the above were to occur how would it effect America?  Would we be better off having made those changes or kicking the can further down the road?

Is Homosexuality Wrong?

I found an interesting comment on the Blaze this morning as they were talking about the subject of homosexuality and its acceptance in current society.  I thought it was interesting and thought I would post it. I would be interested to hear your responses.  (I have posted this person's comments before.)

Rangerskippy said:

"Every super power nation in the history of the world that has accepted homosexuality as normal, has soon after collapsed

Gays are only 2.5% of the total population, and they make up 64% of all syphilis cases, made up 57% of new HIV cases last year, did 1/3 of all child molestations in America, have some of the highest suicide rates, have above average alcohol and drug abuse rates. They are a sick and diseased people who are prone to crime, abuse, and immoral behavior.

There is no gay gene. Homosexuality is not a choice, it is a series of bad choices that leads to destruction for the individual, and the nation that accepts or promotes them.

Just like rape, child molestation, swinging, bestiality…. homosexuality is a sexual perversion. It is not the norm, and it never can be.

World history shows homosexuality to be destructive to nations. Medicine shows homosexuality to be destructive to families and individuals. Bible shows homosexuality to be wicked and hated by God (Lev 18:22, Romans chapter 1).

The family is the most basic unit of governance and education. When the family falls, the nation falls. Homosexuality is an act against the family, against ones self, and against God."

McNaughton said:  I believe that God loves us all whether we are gay or not.  The question is whether homosexuality is wrong.  Undoubtedly yes.

McNaughton Hates People of Color Because Jesus is Not White?

I often receive comments from people offended that I did not paint Jesus with darker skin, different colored eyes or the hair not the way they envision.  Here is an interesting conversation and my answer to Susan.

Susan said:  You do realize that Jesus was a Jew from the middle east and could not possibly have looked anthing like this painting, right?

McNaughton said:  The painting has an important message.  I don’t think it is the color of his skin.

Susan said:  I see…sounds like the message is I hate people of color.  I get it. 

Here is a link Susan shared from Popular Mechanics to show me the real way Jesus looked:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/forensics/1282186

McNaughton response:  

How Do You Paint the Face of Christ?

When I first began to paint the Savior I felt completely inadequate for the task.  Many artists say that it is the most difficult subject to paint.  How do you paint someone who we believe is the God of the Universe and the most humble, loving, perfect man who ever lived?  There are many millions of people in this world that love the man they call Jesus.  They all have their own personal image of how they think He should look.

Where is an artist to start?  I decided I would begin by looking at all the different artist’s renditions since early Christianity until today.  His image has gone through much metamorphosis.  I read different historians talk about how Christ would have looked.  Each was convinced of their own conclusions.  Some people today claim to have had a personal witness, that they saw Him in a vision or dream and know exactly how He looks.  All these things were very remarkable and I would seriously consider each account.  It was interesting to me how each group of people would often paint Christ in a way that most resembled themselves.  Their comfort zone if you will.  Many people have come into my gallery and with absolute certainty say that He has brown eyes or blue eyes, dark skin or light skin, long hair or short hair.  Now I see why this is such a difficult subject to paint.

At this point I thought to myself, “OK, what does He really look like?”  So I started reading different studies from an anthropological point of view.  National Geographic had that interesting article about what Jesus really looked like.  Not too handsome, kind of gruff.  Perhaps He did look like that? 

One night I had a dream.  It was in the distant future.  I was at a great conference and all the artists who have ever lived who painted Jesus Christ were gathered together in one place.  Many of the well known masters were there.  I saw Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Rembrandt as well as many modern painters of Christ.  I was there with all these great artists as we anticipated the arrival of the guest speaker.  It would be Jesus Himself and all attending expected Him to acknowledge who the truest artist was.  All were wondering who had painted Him with the most perfection and accuracy?  Who would be named by Christ Himself as the greatest of all?

As I sat in my chair a hush came over the room as someone entered and moved toward the podium.  I saw a man in white, but I could not see His face.  He stood at the podium and began to speak in a soft, loving voice that seemed to pierce my heart to the very core.  He said that there were many talented artists who were here and that He knew many were wondering in their hearts who was the greatest among us.  He then said, “The greatest among you is he whose art did most to save souls in the Kingdom of my Father.”

When I woke up I was thrilled with the dream and curious about the answer.  In my mind I felt the meaning of the dream was that it was not as important to Him how He looks in the painting as how it affects the viewer.  If it helps them to draw closer to Him, to strengthen their faith and come unto Christ-- it is a masterpiece.  As an artist I feel that it is more important to paint a face that evokes emotion and familiarity than it is to paint an anthropological version that would be difficult for the average person to recognize. 

Some day I hope to see Him and to look into His eyes.  I don’t care what color they will be or how long His hair is.  I will recognize Him by that overwhelming feeling of love and joy that can only come from standing in the presence of my Savior.