Stunning facts on obedience/conformity...

We were watching this film on Holocaust in my social psych class and I know many of us saw it in the past.  But when looking at atrocious crimes of genocides, mass murder, etc., we would say to ourselves, "How cruel and vicious they are!  How can anyone commit such things!  I would never do that." 

However, it is in fact true that when people are under a legitimate authority, they tend to obey them to a greater extent than typically believed.  They would say, "I am not responsible.  I was simply following their orders."  They blame the authorities.  Morever, you are likely to commit horrible deeds than you would ever suspect.  We are all susceptible to such horrible thing under such circumstances.

The Nazis were not "special" people, but people like you and me, with conscience.  Nonetheless, under such horrifying circumstances, they were deceived to justify their actions.

>> My point:  Remember the story of Adam and Eve?  After they sinned, Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent, the devil.  They basically said, "I was doing what he/she told me to do.  It's not my fault."  And yes, human beings are the victims of the devil.  He was the authoritative figure that deceived us.  The thing is, being deceived doesn't exclude us from being sinners.  Being deceived is sin.  However, for that reason (because of our sin), Jesus Christ died.  That is why as Christians are not to blame others for being "greater" sinners than us (because we have all sinned), but make every effort to bring as many people to the Savior.  He already redeemed us all, but they simply need to receive His forgiveness and love. 

wow.. it's been a loooong time, since I entered weblog on xanga.  a new year, 2005 has begun.  It's February already and I'm a junior.. getting old.. ^-^ Many things to do and many blessing to come.  God's using me as a president of my age group, translator for church, student, worker... most importantly, as His precious child.  I know that many "unexpected" things, hardships, and will come before me.  but one thing I know is that I'm not alone.  i make mistakes and so foolish sometimes, but if God is for me, who will be against me? 

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?  Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. - Hebrews 12:7, 10

Everyday I live my life, more I realize I need Him.  I have sooo many things I want to do for Him, but I look at this wretched self and can only say, "Forgive this sinner.  You've done so much for me, but what I'm doing for you? Change my heart so that I may truly follow you."  Another thing I realize is that people need Jesus.  This generation has abandoned the Truth and are blinded by the worldly "knowledge."  O Lord, make me bold so that I may display your glory.  This is not what I believe to be true, but what you showed me. 

want true peace?  www.constanthope.org/scripturelets/prayers/movie/

depressed? suicide?? www.constanthope.org/scripturelets/holdon/movie/

Oh God... sorry I'm so lazy.. so weak.. My body's weak and weary.  I have soooo much work to do.. and it seems like it's an unbearable burden.  I feel like one body's not enough to do my duty.  But I'm gonna keep running this race.  Even if I fall, even if I only see darkness for the moment, I know that there is one who's cheering up in heaven for me... one who is pleading to the Father for me.. 

Thank you Jesus.. love you Jesus... I need you Jesus... and I want to give u my all... 

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.  2 Corinthians 4:8-10. 

I'm back in Rutgers.  Excited, nervous... have the ambivalent feeling.  I have so many things I want to accomplish and I just want to be ready for them.   I  declared my major as Spanish and psych minor.  I think I chose to major in something I'm not good at, but what I want to learn more about.  I pray that I'll be used by God in many ways to do His work.  I know I'm unknowledgeable and weak, but in Jesus, everything's possible.  right? 

Already this is my junior year.. Yes, time surely flies.  I hope I can seize this year and every day.  I am aware of all the hardships before me, but also know that they won't be vain.  There is no regret in what we do in Jesus, although we may not always see the fruits right before our eyes.  Those of you, who are reading this, please pray for me. 

With great expectations.... *^ - ^*