Helter Skelter

According to Prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi, Charles Manson sought to bring Helter Skelter to the United States in the summer of 1969.   Manson envisioned a race war that would eventually benefit him and his “Family”.  When events were not moving fast enough for the cult leader, he organized two horrific murder scenes that he hoped would start the racial finger-pointing which would culminate in the holocaust that would put him and his cult in control of the young people and the world.  On the surface, Manson’s plans seem to have been fueled by an infinity for music and a misunderstanding of the book of Revelation; but, in the end, the thing that drove him was evil.  He was willing to kill and he was willing to dupe people to achieve his grandiose dream.  Simply put, there was evil in his heart!

Recently,  I have thought a lot about Charles Manson.  There is a lot of finger-pointing going on  these days.  A terrorist attack that claims the lives of two dozen people in England, a senseless murder of an African American student in Maryland, a car driven through a crowded Times Square that claims the life of a young lady.  Explanations and accusations abound:  “It has to be a system of beliefs that is creating our issues, right?”,  “No, it has to be hate groups fueling what’s going on, doesn’t it?”, “Wait, maybe it is breakdown of law and order that allows this to continue.”  In an effort to make sense of chaos we try to identify a simple solution.  Unfortunately, the more we try to pinpoint the blame the more confusing it gets and the less we trust of our fellow man. However, just like with Manson, there is source of blame for what is going on; but, it isn’t race, nationalism, or society.  Simply, people are giving in to satan and are promoting acts of evil.  In an effort to maintain his control, satan is more than willing to create confusion about the source of what is going on; but, let’s not be misled, these things are being done because evil has infiltrated individuals’ hearts.


The devil plays for keeps and has no conscience about who gets hurt.  He isn’t some oaf that doesn’t know what is going on; nor, is he merely a misguided spirit who was punished for a mistake.  Satan is the prince of evil.  He will take a life or steal a soul if it means that he gets to retain his place in the world.  The New Testament advised, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your [e]brethren who are in the world.” (I Peter 5:8-9).   Let’s give satan the credit (or blame) he deserves; but, more than anything, let’s guard our hearts so that we don’t become his next pawn..

Popular posts from this blog

Having A Dream

On August 28, 1963, in Washington D. C., Dr. Martin Luther King addressed the crowd that gathered for the March On Washington For Jobs And Freedom in what became one of the most famous and impassioned speeches during the Civil Rights Era.  The treatise, often referred to as the “I Have A Dream” Speech, addressed King’s assessment of the way African-Americans had been treated and the mission he was on to promote civil equality.  Through the years many people have quoted Dr. King’s remarks and, this weekend, as our nation prepares to honor his memory, I would like share a few of my favorite excerpts:  “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.  I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.” … “I have a dre...
Read more

The Uncertainty Of Life

1958 was a challenging year in Cuba.  Revolutionary forces were active throughout the island nation while the ruling dictator, Fulgencio Batista, struggled to maintain control.  In spite of the underlying political tensions Havana continued to be the entertainment capital of the Caribbean.  Hotels, casinos and opulent shows were readily available just a few miles off of the southern coast of Florida.  New Year’s Eve 1958 probably began like many others – a night of celebration, entertainment and debauchery – but before the sun rose on the “Pearl of the Caribbean” the history of the Western Hemisphere was changed forever.  In the early morning hours of January 1, 1959 Batista fled Cuba and opened the door for Fidel Castro to come to power.  I am fascinated by the history of Cuba, especially the first three quarters of the 20 th Century; yet, this event is more than a historical fact, it also offers a spiritual warning:  Life Is Fluid.  It is ...
Read more

The Gospel Truth

During a recent Communion Service Scripture reading I was struck by a portion of John 19.  I am sure that I have read it scores of times, but this time it really got me to thinking.  When John recorded the events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion he wrote, “ And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe.” (John 19:35).   In the midst of making some incredible claims about the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus John pauses to say, “believe me”!   As I got to thinking about the importance of this statement it reminded me that we all have to be honest with the gospel – not just John (whose words would transcend time) – but every one of us.   Even though we have the written Word available to us today, we must treat it with honesty and we must be transparently truthful when discussing it.   So, how do we make this happen? 1.   We must know what the Bible say...
Read more