So What Color Was Jesus?

There was a lot of discussion this week in the media about race. I can't help but wonder why we are comfortable having a man of color die for our sins, but electing a black man as President seems to bring up so many ugly feelings and comments. So... really, what color was Jesus? Is white America ready for the possibility that Jesus may have looked like the people blowing-up our troops in Iraq or even the African-American candidate running for the highest office in the land? According to an article by Giles Wilson in the BBC News Online Magazine Jesus was most likely 'a man of color'. The article quotes Professor Vincent Wimbush, an expert on ethnic interpretations of the Bible at California's Claremont Graduate University, who says the matter of the historical color of Jesus seems to him a "flat, dead-end issue". "He's of Mediterranean stock, and it's quite clear what that means. We see people like that in the world today, and that should end the matter." The article also quotes New Testament scholar Dr Mark Goodacre, of the University of Birmingham. Dr Goodacre was involved in the reconstruction of a Middle Eastern first century skull for the BBC's Son of God program in 2001, which resulted in a suggestion of what a man like Jesus might have looked like. Dr Goodacre said that "We do seem to have a relatively dark skinned Jesus. In contemporary parlance I think the safest thing is to talk about Jesus as 'a man of color'." This probably means olive-coloured, he says. Why in the 21st century are we still being divided by race issues?

Colored People - by Dc Talk Pardon me, your epidermis is showing, sir I couldn’t help but note your shade of melanin I tip my hat to the colorful arrangement Cause I see the beauty in the tones of our skin We’ve gotta come together And thank the Maker of us all (chorus) We’re colored people, and we live in a tainted place We’re colored people, and they call us the human race We’ve got a history so full of mistakes And we are colored people who depend on a holy grace A piece of canvas is only the beginning for It takes on character with every loving stroke This thing of beauty is the passion of an artist’s heart By God’s design, we are a skin kaleidoscope We’ve gotta come together, Aren’t we all human after all? (repeat chorus) Ignorance has wronged some races And vengeance is the Lord’s If we aspire to share this space Repentance is the cure Well, just a day in the shoes of a color blind man Should make it easy for you to see That these diverse tones do more than cover our bones As a part of our anatomy (repeat chorus) We’re colored people, and they call us the human race [oh, colored people] We’re colored people, and we all gotta share this space [yeah we’ve got to come together somehow] We’re colored people, and we live in a tainted world [red and yellow, black and white] We’re colored people, every man, woman, boy, and girl [colored people, colored people, colored people, colored people, yeah]

Here are some 1st century comments about race...

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26-28) ...put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. (Colossians 3:10-11) For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many. (1 Corinthians 12:13-14)

Peace, Love, and Light through Jesus the Christ! Kevin (Cloud)

Bomb Bomb Bomb, Bomb Bomb Iran????

Speaking at Murrells Inlet VFW Hall in South Carolina last year, John McCain was asked what to do about Iran...

His answer was to sing "Bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran" to the tune of Barbara Ann, a popular Beach Boys song.

Recently John McCain received the endorsement of popular televangelist John Hagee. Last year I was given one of Hagee's books titled "Jerusalem Countdown", I will not attempt to review the book or Hagee's eschatology, but in it he endorses a preemptive strike against Iran to protect Israel.

Does this give John McCain the moral and spiritual backing he needs for expanding the conflict in the middle east? Now with Admiral William Fallon out of the way will Bush and McCain move forward with an attack on Iran? Is this the green light they most likely were looking for? Pray for peace!

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
(1Timothy 2:1-2)

Peace, Love, and Light through Jesus the Christ!


Kevin (Cloud)

Who Would Jesus Bomb?

While listening to the news of Admiral Fallon's early retirement, I thought it was necessary to post about the message of peace. A monk gave me this pin when my wife and I visited a monastery in Big Sur a few years back, I have kept it in plain sight ever since to remind me of Jesus' message...

"But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. " -Jesus
(Luke 6:35)

Admiral William Fallon the commander of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, resigned yesterday. Admiral Fallon didn't believe that war with Iran made sense or was winnable. Let's hope and pray that someone else with some common sense replaces Admiral Fallon and keeps us out of Iran.

Peace, Love, and Light through Jesus the Christ!
Kevin (Cloud)

Happy Christmas (War Is Over)

Happy Christmas (War Is Over)
John Lennon

So this is Christmas
And what have you done
Another year over
And a new one just begun

And so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear ones
The old and the young

A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear

And so this is Christmas
For weak and for strong
For rich and the poor ones
The road is so long

And so happy Christmas
For black and for white
For yellow and red ones
Let's stop all the fight

A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear

And so this is Christmas
And what have we done
Another year over
And a new one just begun

And so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear ones
The old and the young

A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear

War is over over
If you want it
War is over
Now...

Peace, Love, and Light through Jesus the Christ!
Kevin (Cloud)

Peace!

Here is another page from my old website...



PEACE!

Everyone wants world peace. People everywhere are looking for peace, some march for peace, others pray for peace, and many try to help create a peaceful lifestyle. Peace is not merely the absence of conflict though - it is something that has to be a part of each individual, it must begin deep within each of us!

"...Seek peace and pursue it!"
Psalm 34:14

WAR & PEACE
Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.
(James 4:1-3)

Woe to those who... rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the LORD.
(Isaiah 31:1)

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
(Psalm 20:7)

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
(Psalm 4:8)

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the tricks of the devil. For we do not fight against flesh and blood, but against rulers and powers whom we cannot see. We are fighting against those who control the darkness of this world, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
(Ephesians 6:10-12)

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
(1Timothy 2:1-2)

The kingdom of God is not about what a person eats and drinks. But it is about living in a way which is right with God. It is peace. It is joy because a person has the Holy Spirit.
(Romans 14:17)

PERSONAL PEACE
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Romans 5:1)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
(Romans 15:13)

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 4:7)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
(Galatians 5:22-23)

PRINCE OF PEACE
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
(Isaiah 9:6)

He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.
(Ephesians 2:17)

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
(Isaiah 53:5)

For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Jesus, and through Jesus reconcile all things to Himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood that Jesus shed on the cross.
(Colossians 1:19-20)

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God."
- Jesus (Matthew 5:9)

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world gives it. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
- Jesus (John 14:27)

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
- Jesus (John 16:33)

If we want true and lasting world peace, then each of us must first be at peace our selves. Before we can help create peace in the world around us we need peace within ourselves emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. If we are to know true peace, then each of us must personally come to know the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ!




Peace, Love, and Light through Jesus the Christ!
Kevin (Cloud)

Website No More

Sorry guys... I decided after nine years and 90,000 visits to shut down HippieChristian.org. The website was started on July 4, 1998 as an effort to connect with other hippie refugees of the 60's Jesus Movement, over time it went through several transformations and seemed to take on a life of it's own. I received many kind e-mails from folks around the world and I was able to send Gospel packets via snail mail to many distant places that I would have never been able to visit in person. The time has come to move on.

My hippie roots are still an important part of who I am, but I have discovered roots that go much deeper and my personal faith journey is taking my to new places. Actually I am headed down an old path that was traveled by my great (x5) grandfather. I am exploring my Quaker roots and finding that I have more in common with the Quaker testimony than with any other christian tradition that I have been associated with. I will share more on this part of my journey in future posts.

On occasion I will post some content from HippieChristian.org pages here on my blog. Please feel free to copy them and share them with others if you so desire.

Peace, Love, and Light through Jesus the Christ!
Kevin (Cloud)

Some Helpful Tips For Hippie Christians

Here is one of those old pages for you to enjoy...


Some Helpful Tips For Hippie Christians

Rap With God Daily (Luke 18:1, John 15:7)
Talk with your Heavenly Father, have an ongoing conversation with him all day long. This isn’t a one-way dialogue with you telling God all of your wants and needs, prayer involves silence too. Take time to listen to what the Father is speaking to your heart, prayer is meant to be a dynamic exchange between you and God.

Meditate on the Bible Daily (Psalm 119:99, Acts 17:11)
The Bible is the most important book you could read. “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) The Bible tells us how God has revealed himself throughout the ages, it contains the Good News of God’s love for you. I suggest that you start reading the part about Jesus and his early followers in the New Testament - John’s Gospel is a great place to start.

Keep the Faith (Romans 1:17, Hebrews 11:6)
The size of your faith is not important, only that you use what ever amount of faith that you have. Jesus taught that faith the size of a small seed is enough to move mountains. Faith is like a muscle, the more you exercise it, the larger and stronger it becomes.

Trust & Obey God (John 14:21, 1 Peter 5:7)
God cares for you. You can trust that because of his love for you, all that he asks you to do is for your own good or the good of someone else. God does not say “do this” or “don’t do that” just to be mean and controlling. The Father’s love is so great that the things that he wants you to avoid are things that are harmful to you and those around you. The things that he asks you to do are ways that you can be an extension of his love to others.

Hang-Out With Brothers & Sisters Who Believe (Hebrews 10:25)
Next to hanging out with God through prayer and reading the Bible, being around other believers is the most important thing that you could do. The Father wants a relationship with you and for you to be in relationship with your brothers and sister too. This is how you grow and progress on your journey of faith.

Be Baptized (Mark 16:16, Acts 8:12, Galatians 3:27)
Baptism is a symbolic washing away of your old life and being raised up into a new life. It means nothing if you haven’t chosen to follow Jesus, baptism alone can not give you life, it only is an outward expression of what God has done in your heart.

Receive the Spirit of God to Help You Walk the Walk (Luke 11:13, John 14:26, Acts 1:8)
It is by the Holy Spirit of God that you are empowered to overcome sin and evil, it is how you hear God’s voice.

Kick Down the Good News (Mark 16:15)
Have you ever had something that was so cool that you couldn’t wait to share it with your friends, you wanted to turn them on to it too? Have you ever heard some great news that you couldn’t hold it inside any longer for fear that you would explode, you just had to tell somebody about it? Think about all the stuff that you have turned your friends on to (some good, some maybe not so good) well... that is exactly the same thing that you are to do with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the most exciting person you will ever met and you are so in love with him that you will just explode if you don’t tell someone about him.

Be Kind & Love One Another (Matthew 22:36-40, Galatians 6:9-10, 1 John 4:20)
Jesus said the greatest thing you could do is to love God with your whole being and to love those around you. Kind acts are love in motion.

Peace, Love, and Light through Jesus the Christ!
Kevin (Cloud)

31st Anniversary

This week we celebrate our 31st wedding anniversary! It sounds like a long time, yet it feels like only days have passed. When I tell folks that we have been married for 31 years they always comment on how unusual that is these days and congratulate us. This is the photo that I carry in my wallet, what a beautiful bride! Oh, and by the way, I got a haircut for the wedding the day before.

We have been through so much in these last few years with our kids, and it seems like another lifetime when I try to recall when they were babies. The other day we were driving home from the grocery store with our granddaughter in the back seat and the local oldies radio station had a song on that I remember listening to when our birth children were little. Here we are 31 years latter listening to the same music, still together, still in love, and still with a little child in the back seat. I told my wife that I felt ageless.

Ageless... that is how I can sum up our relationship. We have weathered 31 years of life together, ups and downs, good and bad, but we have always been there for each other! When I first saw my future bride it was at church, I said to my self "I really need to meet her". It was on our third date that I asked her to marry me, of course she said yes. When we decided to get married we were only 19, but I said that I only want to get married once in my life and she was the one. On our wedding day we had only known each other for six months.

...Who said love at first sight couldn't last?

God said, "It's not good for the Man to be alone; I'll make him a helper, a companion." (Genesis 2:18)

Peace, Love, and Light through Jesus the Christ!
Kevin (Cloud)

Deterrence - A Formula For Disaster

“I am the only person who ever looked at all twelve thousand five hundred of our targets. And when I got through I was horrified. Deterrence was a formula for disaster. We escaped disaster by the grace of God. If you ask one person who has lived in this arena his whole career, I have come to one conclusion. This has to end. This must stop. This must be our highest priority.”

- General George Lee Butler, United States Air Force (Retired), head of US Strategic Nuclear Forces 1991-1994

Peace, Love, and Light!
Kevin (Cloud)

We Came In Peace For all Mankind

Thirty-eight years ago this week I was glued to the television set watching the most amazing trek humankind had undertaken since Ferdinand Magellan circumnavigated the globe in 1519 - the flight of Apollo 11 and the first man to walk on the moon. All these wonderful NASA photos can be found at The Project Apollo Archive.

This plaque was attached to one of the Lunar Lander's legs. It remains there on the moon to this day. I find it interesting that those words were chosen while the Vietnam war was ragging.

What an awesome view of our beautiful planet. The earth sure looks like a welcoming place to visit in contrast to the appearance of the moon. From here it looks so peaceful and alive. If we "came in peace" to such a desolate and uninhabitable place like the moon, then why can't we live in peace on earth?

Peace, Love, and Light through Jesus the Christ!
Kevin (Cloud)

In The News

Somehow I made it on to the religion page of the Dallas Morning News as the website of the week...

Web Site of the Week: Hippie Christian

09:27 PM CDT on Friday, April 28, 2006

This site is maintained by a guy named Kevin - or Cloud, as he was known back in the day. He explains how to live the hippie Christian lifestyle: Study and follow Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, hang out with like-minded believers, talk daily with God. His hippie lifestyle defies some of the stereotypes; he writes that he prefers to stay sober to hear God's voice. But there's no mistaking the site's groovy design - peace symbols, tie-dye and rainbow colors.

There's a silly quiz to determine whether you're a hippie Jesus freak, and a collection of drum rhythms for drum circles. The most poignant writings are found on his blog, linked from the site. The hippie and his wife are taking care of their infant granddaughter while the girl's parents fight drug problems, he says. Grandpa Cloud's musings on love, faith and parenthood are sincere and worth following.

Tyra Damm

Online at: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/religion/stories/0428dnrelwebweek.2809867.html

Thanks Tyra for the kind words!

Peace, Love, and Light through Jesus the Christ!
Kevin (Cloud)

07-07-07

Another mystical, magical combination of numbers for today's date... 07-07-07.

Some have tried to capitalize on the significance of today's date. Well for someone born on a Friday the 13th I have a hard time buying into all the fanfare. First it was the Y2K thing, yawn! Then it was 06-06-06, oops 666 is the number of a man not a day. Now it's 07-07-07, hold on to your hat Martha - it's a new age a'comin'.

One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. (Romans 14:5-6)

Peace, Love, and Light through Jesus the Christ!
Kevin (Cloud)