Andrew Allman’s Post

The Binary Political Simulacrum: Sound familiar? When speak to the oppositional extreme polarities at scale, these 2 extreme movements present a potent example of what I mean and how it did not go unnoticed by adversaries and the unprincipled alike. It is at once a tactic is warfare to bait both sides, one side or the other of the spectrum into extreme polarities which then are used to further confuse and divide an entire nation against itself while hostile nations, groups and people gain the advantage over everyone in the nation profiting upon it plundering the people and devouring it even as they are led to their desolation and destruction. The factors and cascade involved are very complex as are the intents and motivations. But what isn’t is that of fhe fear and confusion sow with the lies and deceptions applied and amplified by those who intend upon carrying such machinations out. By luring the fearful, confused, gullible, ignorant and well intending people, places and things into traps they are then used against their own best interests as a death by a thousand cuts ensues the destruction of the society as it is rotted from within. Now consider what I am telling you and what is and has been happening and tell me that you are going to be able to extract yourselves from it while continuing to be used to wage war against us in the middle ground being caught in your damn crossfire. Consider why I tell you why the current paradigm of polarization is warfare being waged against everyone using you to destroy yourselves. Neither of you are the actual main targets. Those of us in the middle ground are. Wake up. As for people so too for the nation. Othniel Max Daves

Today’s history lesson: Jonestown Cult: the Poison Leftist Koolaid of Counterfeit Christianity, #Pharmakeia And #Marxism Jim Jones, the infamous leader of the Peoples Temple, did indeed become increasingly vocal in his rejection of traditional Christianity as his beliefs evolved. He promoted a form of socialism that he termed “#Apostolic #Socialism,” which he portrayed as a blend of Christian and #Marxist #ideologies. Over time, Jones’s teachings departed significantly from mainstream Christianity, incorporating elements of communal living, racial integration, and anti-capitalist rhetoric. Jones’s “Apostolic Socialism” emphasized the idea of building a utopian society where everyone was equal and shared resources, rejecting capitalist structures. However, his methods for enforcing this vision became increasingly #authoritarian and #manipulative. In addition to his ideological shifts, Jones was known to have struggled with #drug #addiction. Reports from former members of the Peoples Temple and investigations after the Jonestown massacre revealed that Jones regularly used drugs such as amphetamines and barbiturates, which likely contributed to his erratic behavior and paranoia. Jones’s complex blend of religious manipulation, political ideology, and personal addiction culminated in the tragic mass murder-suicide in #Jonestown, Guyana, in 1978, where over 900 people died under his leadership. His story is a grim reminder of how charismatic leaders can exploit ideological and religious fervor for destructive ends. Nothing new under the sun… but the ingredients in the deadly mixture. Should sound familiar… it is back in a new formulation at scale. As for people so too for the nation. Othniel Max Daves #marxism #socialism #cults #brainwashing #deceptions #masssuicides #corruption #culticutopianism #utopianism #dystopia #politics #religion #delusion #addictions #radicalleftists #falseleaders #culturalmarxism

The key distinction between 2 movements: the ideological leanings of their leaders and the political contexts they operated within. Peoples Temple and Jim Jones: Leftist Ideology: Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple were strongly associated with leftist, socialist ideals. Jones promoted what he called “Apostolic Socialism,” which combined elements of Marxism with his interpretation of Christian teachings. He preached against capitalism, racial inequality, and the traditional church, advocating for a communal lifestyle where resources were shared equally among members. Anti-Establishment Stance: Jones was deeply critical of the U.S. government and mainstream American society, which he saw as corrupt, capitalist, and racist. His move to Guyana was partly motivated by a desire to create a socialist utopia free from the perceived oppression of American capitalism. Branch Davidians and Koresh: Right-Wing Extremism: David Koresh and the Branch Davidians, on the other hand, can be associated with extreme right-wing beliefs, particularly in terms of their emphasis on apocalypticism, gun rights, and suspicion of the government. The Branch Davidians were a splinter group from the 7th-day Adventist Church, and Koresh’s teachings were rooted in a literal interpretation of the Bible, particularly focusing on the Book of Revelation and the end times. Apocalyptic and Anti-Government Views: Koresh fostered a deep distrust of the U.S. government, which he and his followers believed would eventually lead to persecution. This belief was central to their stockpiling of weapons and their defensive stance during the Waco standoff. Their right-wing extremism was characterized by a focus on religious freedom, gun ownership, and resistance to perceived government overreach. Key Differences Socialism vs. Apocalyptic Religious Fundamentalism: Jones’s leftist leanings were tied to his socialist ideals and rejection of capitalist and religious institutions. In contrast, Koresh’s ideology was steeped in religious fundamentalism with a focus on apocalyptic prophecy, often associated with right-wing extremism and a literalist interpretation of the Bible. Government: Jones’s Peoples Temple was critical of the government from a leftist perspective, believing it to be corrupt and capitalist. Koresh’s Branch Davidians, however, feared government intrusion and saw themselves as defenders of religious freedom against a government they believed was hostile to their beliefs. The ideological spectrum of these two groups reveals how cults and extremist movements can emerge from vastly different political and religious contexts. The Peoples Temple leaned towards leftist, anti-capitalist, and socialist ideals, while the Branch Davidians were rooted in right-wing religious fundamentalism and apocalypticism. Despite these differences, both groups shared traits of charismatic leadership, isolation, and tragic endings, demonstrating how extremism can manifest across the political spectrum.

STEREOTYPING ARABS – A Timeless Hollywood Tradition Arabs suffer from a long and systematic stereotyping from the West. From the Orientalist movement of the 18th century till today, Western perceptions of Arabs and by extension Muslims, are based on what they have been conditioned to believe through the media be it in the form of literature, art, and more recently, movies and television, the tribal sheikh, the belly dancing concubine, the filthy rich oil billionaire and the token terrorist. How has this impacted how Arabs and Muslims in today's world? Arabs still do not attain the level of humanity equal to the West. Westerners still feel entitled to the possessions of Arabs be them natural resources or lands and are still treated as uncivilised and educated. Hollywood has had a significant role in creating this reality. Ever since the late 19th century, the Western film industry has promoted negative interpretations of Arab societies, belief systems and their intentions for life. This video will take you on an analysis of the history of such a strategic process of dehumanising Arabs and Muslims. #hollywood #hollywoodmovies #arabic #arab #stereotype #history #dehumanise #subhuman #injustice #media #america #movie #film #television #tvhistory #middleeast #muslim #fairness #oil #mindset #equality #justice #humanity #sheikh #rich #savage https://lnkd.in/eqGkbwx6

Christian Nationalism Isn’t Christian. Or American. Christian nationalism is a threat to America’s religious communities and America's democracy. Christian nationalists falsely demand that to be a good American, one must be Christian. This provides cover for deep roots in white supremacy and racial bigotry. Us versus them is the theme. This is a far cry from the message of inclusive love delivered by Jesus. As Christians, Jesus teaches that everyone is created in God’s image and commands us to love one another. As Christians, we speak in one voice condemning Christian nationalism - and the politicians embracing this violent practice - as a distortion of the gospel of Jesus. As Americans, we value our system of government and the good that can be accomplished in our constitutional democracy. Whether we worship at a church, mosque, synagogue, or temple, America has no second-class faith. All are equal under the U.S. Constitution. In a time of political chaos and lack of unity, we are called to live our lives selflessly. America is a diverse multi-faith democracy where all people can flourish. Cast your vote for Vice President Harris and Governor Walz today. A new way forward. No going back!

Following various characters who would otherwise be the villains in other stories, this series shows how even the worst of people can be redeemed. One story follows a man who is considered part devil who seeks to rekindle the flames of cognizance that allow all of humanity to know good and evil. https://lnkd.in/eimzib73

In our current Christian culture, we sometimes have a hard time reconciling theatre and personal faith, especially when pursuing a career in theatre arts. There tends to be two general views of theatre, one that supports a connection with faith and one that does not. This Theatre & Theology course explains how theatre and theology can be brought together and understood through one another by recognizing and unpacking those differences. Let this journey deepen your love of storytelling and connection to God: https://buff.ly/3N72LNZ

What are some of your favorite spiritual movies? Here are five of mine – famous films that explore the spirituality of Nature and the five elements in unique ways: https://lnkd.in/gURYwiAu Wisdom Ways Center for Spirituality #spiritualguidance #spiritualdirection #spirituality #naturespirituality #fourelements #fiveelements

Lecture 4 on #Nietzsche’s Birth of Tragedy: the #pessimism of the ‘wisdom’ of Silenus, and the #Apollonian and Dionysian transfigurations. The Greeks overcame their insight into the horror of existence through Apollonian #art, but this was an ‘artificially dammed-up world,’ into which the seething disruption of the #Dionysian inevitability encroached. Lecture starts at 11:40 due to some technical glitches. https://lnkd.in/ggirYcdr