Ransom Recycles

The Greatest Deception, also called Blind Faith addresses the mythology of Christianity and the Christian appropriation of pagan traditions including Christmas. Jesus didn't exist. There is absolutely no historical proof of his human existence let alone the claim he was God on Earth. We can thank the brilliance of the Roman Empire and their propaganda machine for spreading this misconception for the sole purpose of controlling the Jewish rebellions. (Good job, Paul!) If Jesus existed in all his glory in the first century, why didn't the historians of the time document him? Why didn't the Romans who were well-known for their compulsive record-keeping? Why aren't the Gospels consistent in their biographical information on Jesus? When Jesus was born, why were the shepherds out with their flocks in December, the middle of winter? Why didn't Paul ever write or preach anything on Jesus' life? Has anyone ever really seen an angel? Are Christians just sheep blindly...

The Holy Birth of St. Nick illustrates the inconsistencies in the Christmas narrative. Why do we celebrate Christmas? What is the ultimate meaning of the holiday? No one really knows when Jesus was born, or if he was ever born. Christians claim it's December. Early church documents claim Jesus was born in the spring. The Gospels describe shepherds with sheep attending Jesus's birth. This logically would only happen in the spring. December was eventually adopted as Jesus's birthday in conjunction with the pagan celebration of the solstice. However, St. Nicholas was born on December 6th. More commonly know as Santa Claus, he was a Greek bishop known for his secret gift-giving addiction. There is a lot of confusion surrounding Christmas. Some blindly celebrate the religious concept without any regard for historical accuracy. Some passionately celebrate the materialism of the holiday where buying and getting are the priorities. Some enjoy the goodwill, love, joy, and peace ...

The Myth of Mary  challenges the concept of the Virgin Mary. I personally love Mary. She represents all that is good in the world: compassion, love, devotion, humility, loyalty, kindness, maternality, and morality. Her flower is the rose and she is considered to be the Christian incarnation of the Mother Goddess. Christians pray to her for guidance and strength. What is not to love about her? But what do we really know about Mary? First, everything we do know is based on historical invention and religious propaganda. She had a boyfriend named Joseph. She was impregnated by a dove with the help of an angel. (OK. That's just a tad kinky if not creepy.) She road a donkey and gave birth in a barn on December 25th. She was a devoted mother which had to be a challenge since her son was the Messiah. She witnessed the execution of her only child. She has a bunch of prayers dedicated to her. She has a preference for blue mantles. She was a virgin. I find it suspect she was a virgin. Can...

The Most Christmasy Card Ever! was inspired by a friend who told me my Christmas card last year wasn't Christmasy enough.* She couldn't see anything holiday-ish about it, oblivious to the patterns of Christmas trees, snowflakes, and holly. Granted, it was painted in various shades of blue and definitely not red and green. No Santas, snowmen, poinsettias, cookies, wreaths, presents, mushy messages or baby Jesus. I've made up for it this year although to me it screams materialism which I find offensive. I think she'll be really happy! Size: 5 1/2 x 7 1/2 inches approximately, bound front cover inside back cover * Last year's Christmas card with plenty of Christmasy things: