Untie Your Bonds And Be Free

Written by Faithful Forum
What does Jesus mean when he says “you are not of this world”? The world in scripture refers to that society of people who are hostile towards God and opposed to his will. The world rejected Jesus, and his disciples can expect the same treatment. Jesus leaves no middle ground for his followers. We are either for him or against him, for his kingdom of light or for the kingdom of darkness. The prophet Isaiah warned that people who separate themselves from God because of their rebellion and spiritual blindness would end up calling evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20).

(John 15: 18-210)
Jesus said to his disciples:
“If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.
If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own;
but because you do not belong to the world,
and I have chosen you out of the world,
the world hates you.
Remember the word I spoke to you,
‘No slave is greater than his master.’
If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.
If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
And they will do all these things to you on account of my name,
because they do not know the one who sent me.”

If we want to live in the light of God’s truth, how can we rightly distinguish good from evil? True love of God and his ways draw us to all that is lovely, truthful and good. If we truly love God then we will submit to his truth and will for our lives. A friend of God cannot expect to be a friend of the world because the world opposes God. Jesus’ demand is unequivocal and without compromise. Do not love the world or the things in the world. If any one loves the world, love for the Father is not in him (1 John 2:15). We must make a choice either for or against God. Do you seek to please God in all your thoughts, actions, and relationships? Let the Holy Spirit fill your heart with the love of God (Romans 5:5).

Washington’s Newest Monument Opens To Public This Morning

(Washington, DC)  –   The new Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial is set to open to the public this morning.The memorial, which sits along the Tidal Basin, will open at 11 a.m. and will close at 10 p.m. tonight.  Tickets are not required to enter the memorial site.  The official dedication event isn’t until Sunday, but due to high demand, officials decided to open up the site for several days this week.  It will be open again tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday.  The monument is centered around the “Stone of Hope,” a reference to Dr. King’s famous “I have a dream” speech.  On Sunday, President Obama will speak at the formal memorial dedication ceremony, also marking the 48th anniversary of Dr. King’s iconic speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
Source: Copyright © 2011 Metro Networks Inc.

Today's Word - Bishop Noel Jones - Not Rejection, But Direction (1)

Song of the Day.....MaryMary - Heaven

Daily Bread - A New Purpose

A 60-year-old hotel in Kansas is being renovated into apartments. A rusty ship that is docked in Philadelphia is being restored and may become a hotel or a museum. Hangar 61, an admired piece of architecture at the old Stapleton Airport in Colorado, is being transformed into a church. Each structure had a specific use that is no longer viable. Yet someone was able to see promise and a new purpose in each one.
If structures can find new life and purpose, why not people? Think about these men in the Bible whose lives took an unexpected direction. There was Jacob, who wrestled with the angel of the Lord (Gen. 32); Moses, who talked to a burning bush (Ex. 3); Paul, who was temporarily blinded (Acts 9). Their stories were different, but all had a change of purpose when their encounter with God sent them down a new path.
We too may experience circumstances that change the course of our lives. But God reminds us of this: I loved you before you loved Me. I want to give you hope and a future. Give all your worries to Me because I care about you (1 John 4:19; Jer. 29:11; 1 Peter 5:7; John 10:10).
As you cling to God’s promises, ask Him to reveal new direction and purpose for your life.

God has a purpose for your life,So what you have to doIs follow Him, believing thatHe’ll keep directing you. —Sper


Keep your eyes on the Lordand you won’t lose sight of life’s purpose.

Study Says People More Educated Tend to be More Religious

By Jim Kavanagh, CNN

People tend to become less religious as they become more educated, right? Not necessarily, according to a new study.
After analyzing data from a large national survey, University of Nebraska-Lincoln sociologist Philip Schwadel found that people actually tend to become more religious - by some definitions, at least - as they further their education.
“It all falls down to what you consider to be religious,” said Schwadel, an assistant professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. “If it’s simply attending religious services, then no. Highly educated people are not less religious; in fact, they’re more religious.”
“But if it’s saying the Bible is the literal word of God and saying that only one religion is the true religion, then they are less religious,” he continued.
Schwadel used data from the highly regarded General Social Survey, a cumulative and nationally representative survey conducted by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago biannually since 1972.
Social scientists rely heavily on the “gold standard” General Social Survey, which provides cumulative data collected regularly between 1972 and 2010.
His study will be published in an upcoming edition of the journal Review of Religious Research.
Schwadel found that with each additional year of education:
– The likelihood of attending religious services increased 15%.
– The likelihood of reading the Bible at least occasionally increased by 9%.
– The likelihood of switching to a mainline Protestant denomination - Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian USA or United Methodist - increased by 13%.
Respondents to the General Social Survey were asked whether they believe in God without any doubts; with various levels of doubt; whether they have a different concept of God or a higher power; or whether they didn’t believe in any such thing, Schwadel said.
“With more years of education, you aren’t relatively more likely to say, ‘I don’t believe in God,’” he said. “But you are relatively more likely to say, ‘I believe in a higher power.’”
The findings makes sense to D. Michael Lindsay, president of Gordon College in Massachusetts and author of “Faith in the Halls of Power,” about the growing evangelical Christian elite.
“The more educated a person is in their faith, the more cosmopolitan they are in their religious outlook,” he said. “They’re worldly in the very best sense of the term. They rub shoulders with people of different kinds of faiths every day and as a result they have different visions of what it means to express your faith in the public square.”
“They’re more open-minded, but here’s the thing: They’re no less faithful.”
But a leading voice for atheists says the study’s finding about education increasing certain measures of religiosity may be less straightforward than it appears.
“There are plenty of people who go to church who are not believers,” said Ed Buckner, former president of the group American Atheists. “They go for all sorts of reasons. I don’t mean that they’re all frauds and deceptive, (but) they go for social reasons or (because) that’s what’s expected of them by their families or their peers. Sometimes they go so they can sell more insurance.”
“But there are a lot of atheists in the pews, or at least people who are not committed to and probably haven’t even thought about and examined carefully the religious views that are being expressed in that church.”
The finding that highly educated people gravitated toward mainline Christian denominations suggested class dynamics at work, Buckner argued.
As people become more educated, he said, they move into the middle and upper middle class. “And as they do so,” he said, ”they move into more establishment situations regarding the society, which means they join the churches that are the churches of the elite, or at least of the middle class.”
But Schwadel said respondents were discussing their actual beliefs, not just churchgoing habits.
“What it all says to me is that religion matters to people of all education levels in the United States,” he said. “It’s just that, depending on your level of education, you behave and believe differently.”
So why the widespread perception that intellectuals are less religious, even largely irreligious?
Academics are at least moderately less religious than the general public, Schwadel said.
“When we see these trends, we tend to exaggerate them,” he said. “Most people see a trend and they think everyone’s like that.”
Lindsay thinks there’s more to it than that.
“There has been a concentrated effort by a cohort of very smart people who treat religion as the panacea for the simple-minded,” he said.
Bucker disputes that.
“Do we think that anybody who doesn’t agree with us is an idiot or a fool? Well, some of us do think that,” he said of atheists. “But I don’t think it’s systematically true of everybody in the movement.
“… I mean, I do think they’re wrong. Anybody who believes that there is a sky god out there who is going to do anything good or evil for us, basically anyone who thinks the universe cares about us, is making a mistake,” he continued. “In the words of Richard Dawkins, they’ve been deluded.”
But some people’s religious beliefs are “deeply held and carefully considered,” Buckner said. “And I also realize that some atheists’ lack of religious beliefs are pretty superficial and they haven’t thought things through.
“I have a lot more respect for a religious person who has really considered this, thought it through, read some books that disagree with their point of view and still accepts that position than I do for somebody who just unthinkingly rejects any particular point of view.”
Lindsay said the study could help break down some of society’s religious barriers.
“It’s a problem of perceptions because it fuels the idea that there’s some kind of deeply entrenched culture war where smart people are opposed to religious people, when in fact it’s far more complicated than that,” he said. “And in fact, the old divisions between deeply religious and irreligious probably don’t apply.”

Song of the Day....Mary Mary- Thank You

Daily Bread - Throw the Bood at Him

Things were off to a great start for Jesus at the beginning of His ministry. In Matthew 3, He was baptized and heard the affirming words of His Father, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (v.17). But then things took a turn for the worse.
What happened next—Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness—was not a mere coincidence. The Holy Spirit led Him into this face-off between the powers of heaven and hell. Thankfully, Jesus’ victory in the face of temptation provides a great example when we find ourselves in the wilderness of Satan’s sinister seductions.
Notice that the tempter caught Jesus at a time when He was tired and hungry. Satan uses the same tactic with us. Waiting for those vulnerable moments, he lures us with the bait of seductive suggestions that offer quick relief and opportunities for self-advancement. When facing such challenges, it’s important to follow Jesus’ example—throw “the Book” at Satan! Jesus responded to temptation by quoting Scripture: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4; see Deut. 8:3). The Bible is full of verses about lust, greed, lying, and other sins. If we tuck them away in our memory, we can use them when under attack. It’s our best chance for success!

If we never faced the tempterWith his sharp and fiery sting,We would never know the victoryThat our trust in God can bring. —Robert


When Satan strikes, strike back with the Word of God.

Expert Says Cell Phone Withdrawl Has Physical Impact

(CBS News)

For many people, old-fashioned tools like maps, cameras, books, and even iPods have been replaced and integrated into one small device, the smartphone.

But now, there's concern among psychologists that the growing number of people who favor smartphones over face-to-face interaction, might be suffering from a form of addiction, CBS News correspondent Betty Nguyen reports.
New York City public relations executive, Matthew Berritt, 32, admits he's hooked.

"To be honest, I'm never without it. I know I'm addicted, because I know without it, I do have withdrawal," he said.

But Berritt isn't the only one living his life almost completely online.
Around the world, smartphone sales have exploded. In 2010, an estimated 302 million devices were sold. By 2016, that number is expected to hit one billion. And, as those devices become more integrated in people's lives, psychologists say smartphone users are in danger of becoming addicted.
According to Dr. Michael Dow, an addiction expert, "The more connected we are the less we're connecting."
Experts like Dow say that too much smartphone use, not only cause people to disconnect from reality, but smartphone withdrawal can cause physical symptoms, such as anxiety, insomnia, and even depression.
"It can actually create a lot of cortisol in the brain and in the body that stress hormone is actually cardio-toxic," he explains. "So it's actually very bad, not only for your mental health and your relationships, but it can also be bad for your biological health as well."
But like other vices, for many, the power of this addiction outweighs the mental and physical costs. And until something 'smarter' comes along, Nguyen remarked young people on the move - like Berritt - show no signs of putting down their Smartphones anytime soon.

Song of the Day....Kurt Carr Singers - For Every Mountain

Daily Bread Bible Verse

Psalm 100
King James Version (KJV)

1Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

How to get a job interview - Tips for getting a job interview

Song of the Day: Jessica Reedy - Put It On The Altar (AUDIO)

Enjoy this song of the Day and be sure to leave a comment on any of our Daily Blog Topics.

Once Saved, Always Saved! Can You Lose Your Salvation?

View the article pasted below and tell us your thoughts. As Christians, do you believe that once saved, always saved? Can you accept Jesus, and then still be sentenced to Hell? Can you Lose Your Salvation?

“Once Saved Always Saved”
a dangerous delusion?

by Graham PockettThe following information relates to the belief that once saved, a Christian cannot ‘lose’ his salvation. This is often called “Eternal Security”, the opposite to which is sometimes called “Conditional Security”. Scripture quoted is from the NIV Bible, not because it is ‘best’ but because it states these points clearly while still agreeing with the KJV and other universally accepted translations. You might like to read Why I Quote The NIV Bible.

Can you lose your salvation?
Many people fervently believe that once saved, they can never lose their salvation. I pray that those who do believe it will read the following with an open heart and an open mind. Above all, I urge every reader to check each Scripture presented – and then check the context that the Scriptures are quoted in by reading at least ten verses before and ten verses after.
I sincerely believe the ‘once saved always saved’ concept to be wrong. The implication that once someone becomes a ‘real’ Christian (a definition would be handy) they are saved and that they can’t backslide or commit a sin which would rob them of that inheritance.
From my experience, Christians can sin and they often do sin but to believe that a Christian can live any way he or she likes, and still be saved, is dangerous. Some argue that a ‘real’ Christian wouldn’t commit these sins and it is the ‘almost Christians’ who fall foul of this type of entrapment from the enemy. I believe that would be wrong too. Committed Christians sin for all sorts of reasons and we are only saved by God’s amazing Grace, not our level of commitment. God knows our true heart!
If a Christian sins maliciously (deliberately breaks laws for his or her own advantage – say purchasing goods known, or strongly suspected, of being stolen) that is quite different from accidentally sinning – something we all do constantly.
God knows our true intention. We might be able to fool a police officer that we sinned accidentally, but God knows the real truth. I believe that if we deliberately go against the direction given by Jesus (who, you will remember, said to obey the laws of the land) then we must suffer the consequences – and that might mean the loss of eternal life. At least our Judge, while tough, is fair and understanding!


Let’s look at this Scripturally
Jesus understood that when people heard the Word of God they would react in different ways – from total rejection to total acceptance. He explained it in ‘The Parable Of The Sower’. I have quoted the Matthew 13:3-23 Scripture here, but the same parable can also be found in Mark 4:1-20 and Luke 8:4-15.
Matthew 13:3-9:
3 Then [Jesus] told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed.
4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.
5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow.
6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.
7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants.
8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop – a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.
9 He who has ears, let him hear.” [NIV]
The Disciples wanted to know what this parable meant and Jesus explained.
Matthew 13:18-23
18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means:
19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path.
20 The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy.
21 But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.
22 The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.
23 But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” [NIV]
For people who believe that “once saved, always saved” I rhetorically ask: how do you relate your beliefs to Matthew 13: 20-21? If a man cannot lose his salvation then why would Jesus say: “When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away”?
The key to how we are saved is in John 3:16:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” [NIV]
I understand that the word ‘believes’ in the Greek is an on-going verb (this is not so easy to determine because Greek is a contextual language). It really says that unless we keep on believing in Him we willperish and not have everlasting life. We are saved by Grace as long as we keep on believing in Him. Let’s check another Scripture.
Mark 13:13 says:
[Jesus said] “All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” [NIV]
Look again at the second half of that sentence. Jesus is saying that to be saved you must stand firm (for Him) until you die. Conversely He is therefore saying that those who do not stand firm will not be saved! Notice that I am not quoting Paul or any other Apostle or Disciple, but the Son of God Himself.


To read the full article please visit the link below:
http://www.anointedlinks.com/once_saved.html

Back To School Lunch Recipe: Caesar BLT Wraps

By: Sargento Shreds

"You can make these delicious BLT wraps with Caesar salad dressing and shredded Parmesan cheese ahead of time for a quick lunch or light supper."

A Great "Back To School" Lunch Recipe to make for your kids. Enjoy and be sure to leave a comment on any of our Daily Blog Topics.

Original Recipe Yield 4 servngs

Ingredients

• 3 cups romaine lettuce leaves, torn
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1/3 cup bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled
• 1/4 cup Caesar salad dressing
• 1 1/2 cups Sargento® Artisan Blends® Shredded Parmesan Cheese
• 4 (10 inch) flour tortillas

Directions

1. Combine lettuce, tomato, bacon and salad dressing in large bowl. Add cheese; toss.
2. Spoon mixture evenly onto tortillas; roll up tortillas burrito-style. Wrap sandwiches in plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving time.

Nutritional Information

Amount Per Serving Calories: 655 | Total Fat: 39g | Cholesterol: 96mg

Hometown Highlight: Baltimore's National Great Blacks in Wax Museum

Whose Name Should We Be Baptised In???

There has been much debate for many years about in whose name should Christians be baptised. Take a look at the article and video clip posted below and tell us your thoughts. Should we go down in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit? Or should we be baptised in Jesus' name only? Or does it really matter to you, just as long as your go down? Let us know how you feel.

Must be baptism "in Jesus' name"?

by Matt Slick

Oneness Pentecostal theology maintains that baptism must be by immersion using the formula "in Jesus name" and not the formula "in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit"as is found in Matt. 28:19.  They reject the Trinitarian formula because they reject the Trinity.  To support their method they cite various Bible verses that reference baptizing in Jesus' name and claim that this is proof for their doctrine.  Following are some of the Bible references they quote.

• Acts 2:38," Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
• Acts 8:16,  "For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."
• Acts 10:48, "And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days."
• Acts 19:5, "When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."
• Acts 22:16, "And now why do you delay? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.’

Let's take a look at what is going on in the verses.  The phrase, "in the name of the Lord" is not a reference to a baptismal formula, but a reference to authority.  It is similar to hearing someone say, "Stop in the name of the Law!".  We understand that the "name of the Law" means by the authority of the Law.   It is the same with baptism "in Jesus' name."  To baptise in Jesus' name is to baptize in the authority of Jesus.  Consider the following:

• "And when they had placed them in the center, they began to inquire, "By what power, or in what name, have you done this?" ⁸ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers and elders of the people, ⁹ if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well, ¹⁰let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead — by this name this man stands here before you in good health" (Acts 4:7-10).
• Acts 4:17-18, "But in order that it may not spread any further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to any man in this name. ¹⁸And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus."
• Acts 5:28, "We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us."
• Acts 5:40, "And they took his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them to speak no more in the name of Jesus, and then released them."
• Acts 8:12, "But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike."
• Acts 9:27-28, "But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus. ²⁸And he was with them moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord."
• Acts 16:18, "And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour."

We can see that the phrase is used in the Bible as an expression of authority.  This is particularly clarified Acts 16:18 above.  Let's look at it again. "And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour." We also see that when people were being baptized that they did it calling on Jesus' name (Acts 22:16); that is, they were calling upon Jesus who has all authority in heaven and earth (Matt. 28:18).  The church is supposed to "call upon the name of the Lord Jesus" (1 Cor. 1:2) because it is by His authority (John 1:12) that we Christians have the hope and right of forgiveness of sins and adoption as His children (Rom. 8:15).

Therefore, the Oneness Pentecostal people are simply in error by demanding that baptism be done with the formula "In Jesus name."  Instead, it should be done as Jesus commanded:

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit," (Matt. 28:19).

The proper way to baptize in Jesus' name is to say, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

Affirmation Of The Day: I Have Many Strengths

Written by Faithful Forum on Elev8.com
Oddly enough, many people are unaware of their strengths.  It is important to recognize our inner resources, for until we do, we will fail to use them. A person must identify and focus on his strengths to implement changes and overcome his weaknesses.  A good way to identify personal strengths is for an individual to ask a series of questions relating to the changes that he is about to embark on such as the following.


What Does It Mean To Be Successful?
Do I hunger for success?  Do I set goals and am I eager to take action to realize them? Am I excited by life? Am I curious? Do I love adventure? Do I live courageously? Do I like to support others, lead others, or both? Am I patient? Am I a risk taker?  Do I get along with others? Do I look at the pros and cons before acting? Can I depend on myself? Do I encourage others and offer praise where it is due? Do I respect and learn from others? Do I see the potential in others and in myself? Do I control my emotions or do I allow them to control me?  Do I balance work and recreation? Do I look after my general well-being or do I neglect myself?  Am I organized? Am I a visionary and see what others miss? Do I have a positive outlook? Am I a peacemaker? Do I empathize with others? Am I interested in what works and what doesn’t? Do I embrace change or do I prefer the status quo? Do I love to learn and apply new things? Am I a thinker, planner, and doer? Do I always strive to do my best? Am I gentle and kind? Am I generous? Am I understanding and accepting?
Embrace all that you are. You are a strong person. Tap into your potential.

A Church Fight? Woman Is Stabbed? Man Is Tased?

Written/posted by Neechy.com



Lord help us ta-day…How did a fight break out in St. Elmo??? The fight involved a musician, church Pastor, a deacon, an elderly lady and a slew of other people…


It happened at the New Welcome Baptist Church after Sunday service.
Online reports state that Simone Moore is a self proclaimed R&B artist, he ran unsuccessfully for the US Senate, and he’s a teacher in Mobile County.

Deputies say it all started when Moore, who worked as the Minister of Music at the church, was handed his last paycheck, and told by Rev. Riley that his services were no longer needed. Investigators say that’s when Moore tased the pastor. Okay, ;et’s pause here. Who walks around on a regular day – with a stun gun in their pocket?

K, back to the story.
A fight broke out and authorities say that Harvey Hunt, a DEACON…yep, I said DEACON, at the church, pulled out a pocket knife and began stabbing Moore’s mother, Agolia, in the arm!! She had to have surgery and a ton of stitches! Check out the video below.

Aren’t There Better Things To Worry About Than Bert & Ernie? [OPINION]

Written by Oretha Winston on Elev8.com

For the uninitiated, Bert and Ernie are two of the more recognizable puppets who appear on the PBS children’s program “Sesame Street.” The pair has been a staple on the program since it first aired in 1969.

Change.org is a website that describes itself as “an online activism platform for social change that raises awareness about important causes and connects people to opportunities for powerful action.” It is utilized primarily, though not exclusively, by liberal causes. There are a variety of problems with Lair’s petition, which has more than 7,500 signatures.

First of all, it assumes Bert and Ernie were created and/or intended to project or promote homosexuality, an assumption Sesame Street strongly denies. In a statement on its Facebook site, Sesame Street insisted its puppets are not intended to have a sexual orientation.

“Bert and Ernie are best friends. They were created to teach preschoolers that people can be good friends with those who are very different from themselves. Even though they are identified as male characters and possess many human traits and characteristics (as most Sesame Street Muppets do), they remain puppets, and do not have sexual orientation,” the Sesame Street statement read. The assumptions we make, the conclusions to which we jump, reveal much about our perspective on life, or if you will, the hammers we haul around.

People who sit around and contemplate the sexuality of puppets have way too much time on their hands.