VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A fighter jet that malfunctioned just after takeoff hurtled into a Virginia Beach apartment complex on Friday in a spectacular crash that sent flames and black smoke billowing from the rubble.
RAW VIDEO: US Military Aircraft Crashes in Virgini…: A US F-18 naval jet crashed in Virginia Beach.
The burning fuselage of an F/A-18 Hornet lies smoldering after crashing into a residential building in Virginia Beach, Va., Friday, April 6, 2012. The Navy did not immediately return telephone messages left by The Associated Press, but media reports indicate the two aviators were able to eject from the jet before it crashed. They were being treated for injuries that were not considered life threatening. (AP Photo/Kandice Angel)
The burning fuselage of an F/A-18 Hornet lies smoldering after crashing into a residential building in Virginia Beach, Va., Friday, April 6, 2012. The Navy did not immediately return telephone messages left by The Associated Press, but media reports indicate the two aviators were able to eject from the jet before it crashed. They were being treated for injuries that were not considered life threatening. (AP Photo/Kandice Angel) / The Associated Press
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A fighter jet that malfunctioned just after takeoff hurtled into a Virginia Beach apartment complex on Friday in a spectacular crash that sent flames and black smoke billowing from the rubble.
The two pilots managed to eject just before impact, suffering minor injuries along with five others on the ground. Several residents described hearing a loud explosion and looking out their windows to see the red and orange blaze. In the confusion that followed, two men helped one of the bloodied pilots from the two-seat F18 Hornet move to safety.
“Oh, my God, I heard three really loud explosions, then the black smoke went up high in the sky,” said 71-year-old Felissa Ezell, who lives in a townhouse near the crash site.
By evening, emergency crews were searching through the charred remains of the complex, where some 40 apartment units were damaged or destroyed. No fatalities had been reported.
Seven people, including the pilots from nearby Naval Air Station Oceana, were taken to a hospital. All except one of the pilots were released by late afternoon.
Virginia Beach Fire Department Capt. Tim Riley said three residents remained unaccounted for late Friday.
“We don’t know if we have working cell numbers, if they’ve traveled,” Riley said. “We don’t know if people are staying with other people.”
He said crews had done an exhaustive search of about 95 percent of the apartment complex and would continue searching throughout the night.
“We consider ourselves very fortunate,” he said.
The plane had dumped loads of fuel before crashing, though it wasn’t clear if that was because of a malfunction or an intentional maneuver by the pilots, said Capt. Mark Weisgerber with U.S. Fleet Forces Command. He said investigators will try to determine what happened. The jet went down less than 10 miles from Oceana.
Bruce Nedelka, the Virginia Beach EMS division chief, said witnesses saw fuel being dumped from the jet before it went down, and that fuel was found on buildings and vehicles in the area
The Hunt For Higgs/God the question? Anticipation is building in the run-up to presentations of the best-yet evidence for – or against – the existence of the Higgs boson/God!
With the recent addition of created elements 114 and 116 to the periodic table of elements , the question is : if science can create elements [ now over a dozen ] which previously never existed , can an element which already exists be merely duplicated ? The obvious common sense answer is yes
With the recent addition of created elements 114 and 116 to the periodic table of elements , the question is : if science can create elements [ now over a dozen ] which previously never existed , can an element which already exists be merely duplicated ? The obvious common sense answer is yes .
Element 114 , called ununquadiam , and element 116 called ununhexium are a result of atomic collision in a particle accelerator . After experiments in 2004 and 2006 approval was given by the international union of pure and applied chemistry . Official status was given by the international workers party on discovery of elements . The final decision on the names was made by an international commitee [ could that be why both elements begin with the prefix UN UN ? ]
So elements can be created . Can they be duplicated ? They can be…
Students of the 8th grade at Spry Middle School in Webster NY were banned from using the word freedom and from wearing shirts bearing the word freedom at a school rally on march 4th , 2011 . Several weeks earlier students began organizing a protest campaign planning to shout the word ” freedom ” and wear shirts with the word freedom written across the front at the upcoming rally. The protest was in support of a classmate who was suspended , arrested , and put on trial in town cout for having a small amount of marijuana . Just minutes before the rally , principal Dave Swinson took the entire 8th grade class aside and threatened them by saying anyone who says ” free , freedom , free Paul , or rasta ” or wears the t-shirts with freedom written across the front , will be removed from the rally , suspended , and face ” further consequences “. Not to be defeated , the students wore the shirts anyway . They also planned a suprise for the rally . As each class was introduced , there was yelling and screaming , each class trying to out-shout the other . When it came time for the 8th grade the principal made the introduction , everyone awaited the loudest screams of all and ……TOTAL SILENCE ! With a ” silent freedom scream ” these adult-minded children showed child-like adults the failure of prohibition , the power of protest and the meaning of freedom . A week and a half later on March 15 units of the Webster police and the Monroe County sheriffs office entered Spry middle school , a “gun free zone ” , heavily armed with batons , tasers , and loaded handguns . There was no 911 call . There was no complaint . Students were held hostage , forced to remain in one place for almost an hour . Three german shepard police dogs were circulated throughout the hallways , barking aggressively and scaring the children in the classrooms , according to eyewitnesses . Several students were taken away for interrogation and physically searched by adults not related to them . No arrests were made . In a follow-up email principal Swinson told parents of the traumatized children : ” the drill went very well , as we expected . “
On Location in Rochester NY, today I found a American Flag in the trash on my way home tonight and I saved it from disgrace and took it home for a proper retirement ceremony. As I was getting out of the car with Cathy and the baby to go inside for the night, a old lady said “that she had followed me home to ask what I was doing with the flag that she saw me take out of the trash?” Eve I said to Eve the above statement! Eve asked if I wanted two more Flags that she had rescued from the trash a few weeks earlier. She said that I was sent from God and that she was meant to meetup with me this day! She gave me the flags thanked me and said her name was Eve and that her father died in World War 2 her brother fought in Vietnam and that her sister was a nurse in the US Army. She said she was proud to see me do this. I felt her pain and saw it in her face I could see she felt like crying for her loss of her father and brother
This is what I could do to honer our Country and those who fought and died for us today! For the Grandfather I never met who came home so messed up with PTSD and never was the same man he did that for you and I. Now I’m thinking about doing a Proper Flag retirement ceremony on the 4th of July this summer! How strange is life! God is good!
National Flag Foundation recommends the following as the proper ceremonies for retiring and destroying a worn Flag.
This ceremony should be conducted at a private, non-public location.
Only one Flag, representing all those to be destroyed, should be used in the ceremony.
Two color guards should be used at evening retreat, one for the Flag currently in use and a special color guard for the Flag to be permanently retired.
Just before sunset, the Flag that has been flying all day is retired in the normal, ceremonial procedure for the group or site.
The color guard responsible for the Flag receiving the final tribute moves front and center. The leader should present this color guard with the Flag that has been selected for its final tribute and subsequent destruction. The leader then should instruct the color guard to “hoist the colors”.
When the Flag has been secured at the top of the pole, the leader comments: “This Flag has served its nation long and well. It has worn to a condition to which it should no longer be used to represent the nation. This Flag represents all of the Flags collected and being retired from service today. We honor them all as we salute one Flag.”
The leader then calls the group to attention, orders a salute, leads the entire group in the “Pledge of Allegiance” and orders the Flag retired by the color guard.
Slowly and ceremoniously, the flag is lowered, then respectfully folded in the customary triangle. The Flag is delivered to the leader and then the group is dismissed.
This concludes the Ceremony of Final Tribute.
2
Ceremonial Burning of the Flag
This ceremony should be conducted at a private, non-public location.
The burning of a Flag should take place at a campfire in a ceremony separate from the Ceremony of Final Tribute. The fire must be sizable (preferably having burnt down to a bed of red hot coals to avoid having bits of the Flag being carried off by a roaring fire), yet be of sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning.
Before the ceremony begins, the color guard assigned to the Flag opens up its tri-corner fold and then refolds it in a coffin-shaped rectangle.
All assemble around the fire. The leader calls the group to attention.
The color guard comes forward and places the Flag on the fire.
All briskly salute.
After the salute, but while still at attention, the leader should conduct a respectful educational program as the Flag burns: e.g. singing of “God Bless America”; offering an inspiring message of the Flag’s meaning followed by the “Pledge of Allegiance”; performing a reading about the Flag; reciting the “American’s Creed”; etc.
When the Flag is consumed, those assembled, with the exception of a leader and the color guard, should be dismissed. They should be led out in single file and in silence.
The leader and color guard should remain to ensure that the Flag is completely consumed, and to burn additional Flags, if any.
“Nothing Happens That Hasn’t Been Planned ” Franklin Roosevelt
Decentralized money, does not mean its out of government control. What we need free market money, where the market sets the values and picks what the currency. The reason why gold and silver are the best is they follow the Principle of Sound Money (google it). Banks should be ran like any other business. They are free to enter without the control of the government. This means less regulations and more freedom.
All the fiat and T-bills are going to come back to the U.S and European Union. Economy going to implode hardcore, the ‘West’ is going to fight this as hard as possible, they will not accept it until they are forced to realize their defeat.
RON PAUL was RIGHT! This CAN be good for the US because MAYBE this will wake the American people up and stop them from watching the BOOB TUBE! So the question is who makes up the new fiat paper money and then collects the interest on it. Same crap different mob. Its called the IMF.
I see a future where the US plus the Europeans on one side and the BRICS on the other side engaging in a non ending economic cold war that may turn into indirect military confrontations using proxy countries like Syria, Iran, Israel and others. The rest of the world will create a non aligned economic and political movement. You are dreaming if you think the US will ultimately go down. They will always create a situation where they will come on top.
What I have detected, in the Video are mis-leading in this report. In saying World Bank & IMF has outlived its “USEFUL”ness and a New World BRICs Bank, is deceptive, because what they don’t explicitly say, is that the Federal Reserve Bank, will have to bail out any of those BRIC bank “loans” [that never get paid back] with USA denominated dollars. So the USA taxpayer will still be on the hook. WE MUST get back to silver and gold, and close the Federal Reserve Bank.
The fact that these countries are now talking about and getting ready to leave the US Dollar and it’s crooked IMF behind is now showing that these people have both guts and brains. The American people could learn valuable lessons from them regarding how to get an allegedly crooked president and monetary banking system out of their country and out or their lives.
This is the best news and the first true sign of hope I’ve seen in ions.
Students of the 8th grade at Spry Middle School in Webster NY were banned from using the word freedom and from wearing shirts bearing the word freedom at a school rally on march 4th , 2011 . Several weeks earlier students began organizing a protest campaign planning to shout the word ” freedom ” and wear shirts with the word freedom written across the front at the upcoming rally. The protest was in support of a classmate who was suspended , arrested , and put on trial in town cout for having a small amount of marijuana . Just minutes before the rally , principal Dave Swinson took the entire 8th grade class aside and threatened them by saying anyone who says ” free , freedom , free Paul , or rasta ” or wears the t-shirts with freedom written across the front , will be removed from the rally , suspended , and face ” further consequences “. Not to be defeated , the students wore the shirts anyway . They also planned a suprise for the rally . As each class was introduced , there was yelling and screaming , each class trying to out-shout the other . When it came time for the 8th grade the principal made the introduction , everyone awaited the loudest screams of all and ……TOTAL SILENCE ! With a ” silent freedom scream ” these adult-minded children showed child-like adults the failure of prohibition , the power of protest and the meaning of freedom . A week and a half later on March 15 units of the Webster police and the Monroe County sheriffs office entered Spry middle school , a “gun free zone ” , heavily armed with batons , tasers , and loaded handguns . There was no 911 call . There was no complaint . Students were held hostage , forced to remain in one place for almost an hour . Three german shepard police dogs were circulated throughout the hallways , barking aggressively and scaring the children in the classrooms , according to eyewitnesses . Several students were taken away for interrogation and physically searched by adults not related to them . No arrests were made . In a follow-up email principal Swinson told parents of the traumatized children : ” the drill went very well , as we expected . ”
Students of the 8th Grade at Spry Middle School in Webster, N.Y., were banned from speaking the word freedom and from wearing shirts bearing the word freedom at a school rally on March 4th, 2011.
Several weeks earlier students had begun organizing a protest campaign planning to shout the word freedom and wear shirts with the same word written across the front at the upcoming rally. This protest was to support a classmate who had been suspended, arrested and put on trial in town court for possession of a small amount of marijuana.
Minutes before the rally, Principal Dave Swinson took the entire 8th grade class aside and threatened them by saying that anyone who said free, freedom, Free Paul, or Rasta or wore the t-shirts with freedom written across the front, would be removed from the rally, suspended and face “further consequences.” Not to be defeated, the students wore the…
Army sergeant who gave life to save Afghan child being flown home for burial
Published March 29, 2012
| FoxNews.com
An Army sergeant and father of three from Rhode Island who gave his life to save an Afghan child from being run over by a 16-ton armored fighting vehicle is being flown back to the U.S. and will be buried Monday.
Sgt. Dennis Weichel, 29, died in Afghanistan last week after he dashed into the path of an armored fighting vehicle to scoop up the little girl, who had darted back into the roadway to pick up shell casings, according to the Army. Weichel, a Rhode Island National Guardsman, was riding in the convoy in Laghman Province in eastern Afghanistan when he jumped out to save the girl, who was unhurt.
This image, obtained from WPRI.com, shows 29-year-old Sgt. Dennis Weichel.
“He would have done it for anybody,” Staff Sgt. Ronald Corbett, who deployed with Weichel to Iraq in 2005, said in a quote posted on the U.S. Army website. “That was the way he was. He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He was that type of guy.”
The child was one of several who were collecting the casings, which can be sold and recycled in Afghanistan. Weichel and other soldiers in the convoy got out of their vehicles to shoo the kids from danger as the heavy trucks bore down. But the girl ran back onto the road as a MRAP, or Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle, approached. Weichel swung the girl to safety but was run over and later died from his injuries at Jalalabad Medical Treatment Facility, according to a press release from the Rhode Island National Guard.
Weichel, who had been a member of the Rhode Island National Guard since 2001, had arrived in Afghanistan a few weeks ago. He was a member of C Company, 1st Battalion, 143 Infantry. Weichel was previously deployed to Iraq in 2005 as a member of 3/172 Det 2 Mountain Infantry.
Weichel, who lived in Providence and was engaged to be married, leaves his parents, fiancee and three young children. His body is scheduled to be flown to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Saturday. Weichel will be buried in Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery in Exeter.
“Tragically, Spc. Weichel has made the supreme sacrifice and at this time, we are mindful of the impact of that sacrifice on his family and friends,” said Maj. Gen. Kevin McBride, adjutant general of the Rhode Island National Guard, in a written statement. “We leave no Soldier behind…. and we will not leave Spc. Weichel’s family behind.”
For the last few days the Health Care Bill has been being debated before the Supreme Court, what the main stream media has not talked about Micro chip tracking a national medical device registry of all American People. If the Health Care passes it will be mandatory by March 28th 2013! Can you say Mark of the beast system being set up 666?
Correction of the facts: Credit belongs to Ed Darrell for pointing out our mistake thanks again Ed Darrell for keeping us on the Straight and narrow and on point with truth! Mark of the Beast 666 Micro chipping of all the American People if the Health Care passes a (((National Medical Device Registry))) will be mandatory by March 28th 2013!
OK Ed Darrell as to your question about the health care bill and the chip being mandatory. You are correct it will not be mandatory for people to have it implanted at this point in time. ” If the Health Care passes it will be mandatory by March 28th 2013! Can you say Mark of the beast system being set up 666?” Daniel J Leach OK Yes the Health care bill does make a system for tracking Micro chip’s in a national medical device registry for all American People MANDATORY
A teacher of law, economics, history, AP government, psychology and science. Former speechwriter, press guy and legislative aide in U.S. Senate. Former Department of Education. My blog, Millard Fillmore’s Bathtub, is a continuing experiment to test how to use blogs to improve and speed up learning processes for students, perhaps by making some of the courses actually interesting. It is a blog for teachers, to see if we can use blogs. It is for people interested in social studies and social studies education, to see if we can learn to get it right. It’s a blog for science fans, to promote good science and good science policy. It’s a blog for people interested in good government and how to achieve it.
The company that manufactured medical information RFID chips stopped in 2010. No market. There is no company making such chips now, so were there a provision in the law, it could not be met.
So would you like to go and buy some chips and how many? Embedded Solutions » Engineering Tools » RF / Wireless Development Tools » RFID Transponder’s. So tell me again Mr
Ed Darrell how that no company’s making or stopped making the chips and technologies or tools for the RFID chips. Sorry government troll you lose this battle. People just do a Google search on the subject and you will find lots of chips. http://www.mouser.com/Search/Refine.aspx?cm_mmc=google-_-ppc-_-americas-_-EmbeddedSolutions&gclid=CJ7umc7hzrMCFUOK4AodhBoATg&N=15148064
I did a search for “Sub Title C-11 Sec:2521” on Google, and found many posts essentially saying the same thing. I also found the text of both the House bill and the Senate bill, and there is no “Sub Title C-11 Sec:2521.”
There is, however, a section on a national medical device registry (Sub Title C, Section 2561), which reads: “The Secretary shall establish a national medical device registry (in this subsection referred to as the ‘registry’) to facilitate analysis of postmarket safety and outcomes data on each device that (a) is or has been used in or on a patient; and (b) is…a device that is implantable, life supporting or life-sustaining.”
So basically, the bill put forth by the U.S. House of Representatives wants to track the results of these devices and link them to a registry so a doctor looking to implant a device in a patient can check whether it actually worked in previous patients who received the device. There is no mention of RFID, and no mention of tracking individuals who receive the device.
Mark Roberti is the founder and editor of RFID Journal. If you would like to comment on this article, click on the link below. To read more of Mark’s opinions, visit the RFID Journal Blog or click here
“Buried deep within the over 1,000 pages of the massive US Health Care Bill (PDF) in a “non-discussed” section titled: Subtitle C-11 Sec. 2521— National Medical Device Registry, and which states its purpose as:
“The Secretary shall establish a national medical device registry (in this subsection referred to as the ‘registry’) to facilitate analysis of postmarket safety and outcomes data on each device that—‘‘(A) is or has been used in or on a patient; and ‘‘(B) is a class III device; or ‘‘(ii) a class II device that is implantable.”
In “real world speak”, according to this report, this new law, when fully implemented, provides the framework for making the United States the first Nation in the World to require each and every one of its citizens to have implanted in them a radio-frequency identification (RFID) microchip for the purpose of controlling who is, or isn’t, allowed medical care in their country.
Can we say that Satan has found a new way to keep track of Gods people?
I think so.
Revelation 13
1And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
2And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
3And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
4And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
5And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
6And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
7And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
8And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
9If any man have an ear, let him hear.
10He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
11And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
12And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
13And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
14And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
15And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
16And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
18Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. This = 666
Last month, Martin, a 17-year-old from Florida, was fatally gunned down by George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watchman. Martin was unarmed, unless you count a bag of Skittles and an Arizona Iced Tea.
Now, Bradlee Dean, Minnesota’s controversial, rap-metal preacher, has decided to join the conversation. On his radio show, Dean and co-host Jake MacAulay presented their theories on the Martin case. According to the two hosts, it’s an open-and-shut case of racism — against white people.
When I was around 24 years old I was jumped by a gang of thug punks when I was simply on a pay phone talking to my dad minding my own business. So I know how it feels to be under attack and if I had a gun I would have done the same thing as George Zimmerman that is called self defense.http://www.facebook.com/danieljleachjr Even Jesus Christ said Sell Your Cloak and Buy a Sword: Luke 22:36
“But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.” — Luke 22:36
“I do agree with this next video. George Zimmerman you did the wrong thing aggravating the situation and got your but kicked. You don’t poke a Lion and not git bit!” Daniel J Leach
On Monday, the Orlando Sentinel published a story featuring leaked information from the Sanford police department detailing Zimmerman’s allegations that Martin started a fight which ended when the volunteer neighborhood watchman shot the teen in self-defense. Zimmerman alleged the teen tried to take his gun before the fatal shot.
The story also revealed that Martin had been in Sanford because he was suspended from school in Miami after officials discovered an empty baggie in his possession with marijuana residue.
But the Miami Herald published a story Monday detailing multiple suspensions for Martin in school, noting in one incident, he was spotted by a school officer marking up a door with graffiti. When they searched his bookbag they found women’s jewelry and a screwdriver the officer described as a “burglary tool.”
Even if Martin dabbled in drugs, carried himself like a gangsta, wore tattoos, jumped George and was kicking the crap out of him, did Zimmerman have the legal right to kill him that night? I know I would have shot and asked questions after its a fight or flight reaction, You get in a fight, you better expect to die. That’s the law of the jungle baby!
I’m not advocating violence I’m just telling you the way it is! Its just to bad this kid did not get to grow up and be a good Christian young man. God help his Mother, Father and family they lost a loved one lets not forget that this young man was still just a young boy in high school. Lord Knows I had my problems in high school and thank God and Jesus Christ I made it out alive!
The Lifetime show “Dance Moms”in the Post-Gazette Magazine section, “reality” show set at a Penn Hills dance studio. Does the show give a bad name to dance? I being a father of a 2 year old Baby Girl cannot fathom the thought of my daughter being on display like a dancing topless hooker. I find it despicable that any Father or Mother would allow their child to parade around in such a provocative way as to look like strippers.
I think Abby Lee Miller is indisputably the worst example of a teacher. About the moms themselves and their willingness to put their kids on TV, opening them to ridicule for their mothers’ bad behavior is a crime and should be punishable by Law!
If I was the top cop I would have you all spend the night in jail for abuse and neglect of your children. I would not have your child taken from you but you all definitely deserve a big time out with a dunce hat sitting in the corner for all to see, how much of a Jack@$$ you really have been! Now the World thinks Americans are a bunch of idiots! I’m here to say that not all Americans agree with this despicable act!
All I can say is shame on all of you who allowed you children to be on such a abominable display. I would suggest that you all need to have a come to JESUS CHRIST moment!
Repentance is a change of thought to correct a wrong and gain forgiveness from a person who is wronged. In religious contexts it usually refers to confession to God, ceasing sin against God, and resolving to live a more responsible and humane life. It typically includes anadmission of guilt, a promise or resolve not to repeat the offense; an attempt to make restitution for the wrong, or in some way to reverse the harmful effects of the wrong where possible.
In BiblicalHebrew, the idea of repentance is represented by two verbs: שוב shuv (to return) and נחם nicham (to feel sorrow). In the New Testament, the word translated as ‘repentance’ is the Greek word μετάνοια (metanoia), “after/behind one’s mind“, which is a compound word of the preposition ‘meta’ (after, with), and the verb ‘noeo’ (to perceive, to think, the result of perceiving or observing). In this compound word the preposition combines the two meanings of time and change, which may be denoted by ‘after’ and ‘different’; so that the whole compound means: ‘to think differently after’. Metanoia is therefore primarily an after-thought, different from the former thought; a change of mind accompanied by regret and change of conduct, “change of mind and heart”, or, “change of consciousness”. A description of repentance in the New Testament can be found in the parable of the prodigal son found in the Gospel of Luke (15 beginning at verse 11).
In the Hebrew Bible, repentance generally leads to salvation. In some cases, individuals or nations repent of their sins and are spared God‘s judgment. Sometimes the punishment avoided is destruction in this life, sometimes it is damnation.[1] In the book of Jonah, the prophet initially chose to disobey God’s command, and then he repented and became obedient. However, Jonah returned to disobedience when he hoped for the destruction of the city of Nineveh. In the Book of Job, Job never repented of any particular sin or activity when he went through his major dilemma. The Hebrew term teshuvah (lit. “return”) is used to refer to “repentance”. This implies that transgression and sin are the natural and inevitable consequence of man’s straying from God and His laws,[2] and that it is man’s destiny and duty to be with God. The Bible states that God’s loving-kindness is extended to the returning sinner.
The Torah (five books of Moses) distinguishes between offenses against God and offenses against man. In the first case the manifestation of repentance consists in: (1) Confession of one’s sin before God (Lev. 5:5; Num. 5:7), the essential part being a solemn promise and firm resolve not to commit the same sin again. (2) Making certain prescribed offerings (Lev. 5:1-20). Offenses against man require, in addition to confession and sacrifice, restitution in full of whatever has been wrongfully obtained or withheld from one’s fellow man, with one-fifth of its value added thereto (Lev. 5:20-26). If the wronged man has died, restitution must be made to his heir; if he has no heir, it must be given to the priest who officiates at the sacrifice made for the remission of the sin (Num. 5:7-9).
There are other manifestations of repentance mentioned in the Bible. These include pouring out water,[3] which symbolizes the pouring out of one’s heart before God;[4] prayer[5] self-affliction, as fasting; wearing sackcloth; sitting and sleeping on the ground [6] However, the Prophets disparaged all such outer manifestations of repentance, insisting rather on a complete change of the sinner’s mental and spiritual attitude.[7]In Isaiah 55:7, the Bible states that repentance brings pardon and forgiveness of sin. Apart from repentance, no other activities, such as sacrifices or religious ceremonies can secure pardon and forgiveness of sin.
Rabbinic Jewish literature contains extensive discussions on the subject of repentance. Many rabbinic sources state that repentance is of paramount importance to the existence of this world, so that it was one of the seven provisions which God made before the Creation (TalmudBavli, tractates Pesahim 54a; Nedarim 39b; Midrash Genesis Rabbah 1). “The Holy One, blessed be His name, said to Elijah, ‘Behold, the precious gift which I have bestowed on my world: though a man sins again and again, but returns in penitence, I will receive him'” (JerusalemTalmud Sanhedrin 28b). “Great is repentance: it brings healing into the world”; “it reaches to the throne of God” (Hosea 14:2, 5); “it brings redemption” (Isiah 59:20); “it prolongs man’s life” (Ezekiel 18:21; Talmud Yoma 86a). “Repentance and works of charity are man’s intercessors before God’s throne” (Talmud Shabbath 32a). Sincere repentance is equivalent to the rebuilding of the Temple, the restoration of the altar, and the offering of all the sacrifices.[8]
Sincere repentance is manifested when the same temptation to sin, under the same conditions, is ever after resolutely resisted.[9] “He that confesses his sin and still clings to it is likened to a man that holds in his hand a defiling object; though he batheth in all the waters of the world he is not cleansed; but the moment he casteth the defiling object from him a single bath will cleanse him, as it is said[10] ‘Whosoever confesses and forsakes them [his sins] shall have mercy'”.[11]
According to Jewish doctrine, repentance is the prerequisite of atonement.[12]Yom Kippur, the day of atonement, derives its significance only from the fact that it is the culmination of the ten penitential days with which the Jewish religious year begins; and therefore it is of no avail without repentance; (Midrash Sifra, Emor, 14.). Though man ought to be penitent every day (Mishna Avoth Chap 2, 10; Talmud Shabbath 153a), the first ten days of every year are the acceptable time announced by the prophet (Isaiah 55:6): “Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near” (Talmud Rosh Hashan 18a; Mishneh TorahTeshuva 2:6). Repentance and the Day of Atonement only absolve one from sins committed against God; from sins against another person they absolve only when restitution has been made and the pardon of the offended party has been obtained (Talmud Yoma 87a; Mishneh TorahTeshuva2:9).
No one need despair on account of his or her sins, for every penitent sinner is graciously received by God. (Jeremiah 31:9). Jewish doctrine holds that it is never too late, even on the day of death, to return to God with sincere repentance for “as the sea is always open for every one who wishes to cleanse himself, so are the gates of repentance always open to the sinner”.[13] Jewish doctrine states that the hand of God is continually stretched out to receive a sinner.[14] One view in the Talmud holds that a repentant sinner attains a more exalted spiritual eminence than one who has never sinned (Talmud Berakhoth 34b.) It is a sin to taunt a repentant sinner by recalling their former sinful ways.[15] Repentance occupies a prominent position in all the ethical writings of the Middle Ages. Bahya ibn Paquda devotes a special section to it in his ‘Hovot ha-Levavot”, “Gate of Repentance.” Maimonides devotes the last section of “Sefer ha-Madda'” in his Mishneh Torahto the subject. One of the most significant medieval works on Repentance is “Shaarei Teshuva,” the “Gates of Repentance” by Rabbeinu Yona of Gerona.
The doctrine of Repentance in the Scriptures appears to be very prominent. See the description of repentance in the Hebrew Bible above for repentance in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, John the Baptist began his public ministry, as did Jesus, with a call to repentance (Matthew 3:1–2; Matthew 4:17). In the Acts 2 sermon on Pentecost, Peter commands repentance. In the Acts 3 sermon at the Beautiful gate of the Temple, Peter interchanges the phrase “turn again” at a similar place in his presentation. When Jesus sent forth messengers to proclaim his gospel, he commanded them to preach repentance (Luke 24:47; Mark 6:12). Teachings on repentance are found in the New Testament in Peter, (Acts 2:38); Paul, (Acts 20:21). God wants everyone to repent (2 Pet. 3:9; Acts 17:30). Indeed, failure on the part of man to heed God’s call to repentance means that he shall utterly perish (Luke 13:3).
The constant references to repentance in Peter’s preaching to his fellow countrymen in the early part of the book of Acts may indicate an exceptional need for repentance amongst those who had recently been party to the crucifixion of Christ, see Responsibility for the death of Jesus. Paul is emphatic that change take place amongst those whom he taught (see the Bible references to “turning to a true and living God”). This aversion to the Greek or idolatrous lifestyle may have come from the intense patriotism to Jewish ideals held by the well educated former Pharisee. Saint Isaac of Syria said, “This life has been given to you for repentance. Do not waste it on vain pursuits.”
The Augsburg Confession divides repentance into two parts: “One is contrition, that is, terrors smiting the conscience through the knowledge of sin; the other is faith, which is born of the Gospel, or ofabsolution, and believes that for Christ’s sake, sins are forgiven, comforts the conscience, and delivers it from terrors.”[16]
There is a three-fold idea involved in true repentance in the Protestant conception. The Protestant reformer John Calvin said that repentance “may be justly defined to be “a true conversion of our life to God, proceeding from a serious fear of God, and consisting in the mortification of the flesh and of the old man, and in the vivification of the Spirit.” He further said that “it will be useful to amplify and explain the definition we have given; in which there are three points to be particularly considered.” “In the first place, when we call repentance “a conversion of the life to God, we require a transformation, not only in the external actions, but in the soul itself; which, after having put off the old nature, should produce the fruits of actions corresponding to its renovation. . . .In the second place, we represented repentance as proceeding from a serious fear of God. For before the mind of a sinner can be inclined to repentance, it must be excited by the knowledge of the Divine judgment.
“It remains for us, in the third place, to explain our position, that repentance consists of two parts—the mortification of the flesh and the vivification of the spirit. . . . Both these branches of repentance effects our participation of Christ. For if we truly partake of his death, our old man is crucified by its power, and the body of sin expires, so that the corruption of our former nature loses all its vigor. . . .If we are partakers of his resurrection, we are raised by it to a newness of life, which corresponds with the righteousness of God.” [Quotes from A Compend of the Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin edited by Hugh T. Kerr, The Westminster Press-Philadelphia 1939.]
Matthew 21:29: “He answered and said: I will not; but afterward he repented, and went“. The word here used for “repent” means to change one’s mind, thought, purpose, views regarding a matter; it is to have another mind about a thing. This change is well illustrated in the action of the Prodigal Son, and of the Publican in the well-known story of the Pharisee and the Publican(Luke 15 and 18). 2 Cor. 7:9–“Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance; for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.” See also Luke 10:13; cf. Gen. 6:6. The Greek word for repentance in this connection means “to be a care to one afterwards,” to cause one great concern. This meaning is exemplified by the repentant person who not only has profound regret for his past but also the fulfilled hope in the potential of God’s grace to continually bear the fruit of healing and true reconciliation in himself, with others, and most especially with God. The Hebrew equivalent is strong as well, and it means to pant, to sigh, or to moan. So the publican “beat upon his breast,” indicating sorrow of heart. See also Psalms 38:18.
The issue of repentance is also discussed in connection with the will and disposition. One of the Hebrew words for repent means “to turn.” The Prodigal Son said, “I will arise… and he arose” (Luke 15:18, 20). The part of the will and disposition in repentance is shown in the Confession of sin to God: Psa. 38:18 — “For I will declare mine iniquity: I will be sorry for my sin.” The publican beat upon his breast, and said, “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13). The prodigal said, “I have sinned against heaven” (Luke 15:21). There must be confession to man also in so far as man has been wronged in and by our sin (Matthew 5:23–24); James 5:16). Isa. 55:7 Prov. 28:13 (“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”); Matthew 3:8–10 (“Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:… And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”). It is not enough to turn away from sin; we must turn unto God. 1 Thessalonians 1:9; Acts26:18.
According to Christians, acts of repentance do not earn God’s forgiveness from one’s sin; rather, forgiveness is given as a gift from God to those whom he saves. Acts 11:18–“Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.” 2 Tim. 2:25 — “If God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.” Acts 5:30, 31. In this view, people are called upon to repent in order that we may feel our own inability to do so, and consequently be thrown upon God and petition Him to perform this work of grace in our hearts. Many church fathers have made reference to it as the “gift of repentance” or as the “gift of tears”. God calls all to repent through the hearing of the Gospel. God grants total repentance as each individual responds to repentance through faith in the expiating sacrifice of Jesus for all sin. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17). Repentance is given before anything else by definition. One cannot show true change in his life before he himself has changed [repented] to bring about manifestations of that change/repentance.
Acts 2:37, 38, 41. The very Gospel which calls for repentance produces it. When the people of Nineveh (Jonah 3:5-10) heard the preaching of the word of God by Jonah they believed the message and turned unto God. Not any message, but the Gospel is the instrument that God uses to bring about this desired end. Furthermore, this message must be preached in the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Thess. 1:5-10). Rev. 3:19; Heb. 12:6, 10-11. The chastisements of God are sometimes for the purpose of bringing His wandering children back to repentance. 2 Tim. 2:24-25. God often uses the loving, Christian reproof of a fellow believer to be the means of bringing Christians back to God. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)
Faith in Jesus Christ naturally leads to repentance. Latter-day Saints do not subscribe to the notion of “Original Sin,” We believe men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression (Joseph Smith Article of Faith No. 2.) Mankind may be fallen and cursed, but not doomed for being human. Sin is all manner of wickedness (1 John 5:17,) transgression of the Laws of God (1 John 3:4,) to know good and not do it (James 4:17,) and anything not done in faith (Romans 14:23.) From these passages we find different degrees of severity in sin, some being outright cruelty and visciousness and some being against written commandments. All people sin, sometimes in ignorance, or weakness, or willful disobedience. The principles of repentance are 1) recognizing the sin, 2) sorrow for the sin, 3) forsaking the sin, 4) Confessing the sin, 5) make restitution if possible, 6) forgive others, and 7) keep the commandments of God. Repentance is not a sudden change or decision in life in which a person confesses the name of Jesus Christ and then no longer is a sinner. Repentance is a life long process applied to each wrong doing a person becomes aware of. Latter-day Saints do not believe that God has given any commandment that a person cannot fully live up to and that repentance is a real and practical means to live up to those commandments. There is personal responsibility in salvation and it is a duty to repent of sin, Wherefore teach it unto your children, that all men, everywhere, must repent, or they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God, for no unclean thing can dwell there, or dwell in his presence (Moses 6:57.) Repentance wasn’t meant to be vague, but the Lord has made it plain and practical, so people can understand what is required of them. This is how men are able to literally work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. (Phil. 2:12)
The word tawbah (repentance) in Arabic literally means ‘to return’, and is mentioned in the Qur’an. In an Islamic context, it refers to the act of leaving what Allah Has prohibited and returning to what He Has Commanded.
The Compassionate Samadhi Water Repentance “Repentance Dharma” is one of the “Eighty-Four Thousand Dharma-Doors” in Buddhism, and yet it is one of the most important and expedient dharmas. It enables people to reform to a new proper path of life.
Hoʻoponopono (ho-o-pono-pono) is an ancient Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness, combined with (repentance) prayers. Similar forgiveness practices were performed on islands throughout the South Pacific, including Samoa, Tahiti and New Zealand. Traditionally hoʻoponopono is practiced by healing priests or kahuna lapaʻau among family members of a person who is physically ill. Modern versions are performed within the family by a family elder, or by the individual alone.
^ (Hosea 14:1-2, Hebrew). “Rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy, and repenteth him of the evil” (Joel 2:13).