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  The German Empire and its ruling Wittelsbach dynasty ceased to exist following the end of World War I. The political climate in Germany became unstable. Inspired by Bolshevik ideas, left-wing socialist journalist and politician Kurt Eisner seized the opportunity and proclaimed the Bavarian Soviet Republic in April 1919. The socialist republic appeared short-lived as it faced both internal and external challenges. In May 1919, the German government, led by the new Weimar Republic, violently crushed the socialist forces, and the Bavarian Soviet Republic collapsed.   Prerequisites for the Creation of the Bavarian Soviet Republic Demobilized sailors and soldiers during the Kiel Mutiny. Source: Renate and Klaus Kuhl   The German Empire was defeated in World War I. The defeat and turbulent years of social unrest and political instability culminated in the German Revolution in October 1918, initiated by German Army soldiers and workers.   The revolution began in the naval town of Kiel on October 29, just before the end of World War I, and quickly spread through the rest of the country, reaching south to Munich in early November. Frustrated with the results of war and subsequent severe socio-economic conditions, sailors of the German Imperial Navy refused to obey the orders of Admiral Franz von Hipper and Admiral Reinhardt Scheer, who planned to deploy the fleet for the final battle against the British Navy. The assumption that the war was already lost further aggravated public discontent. The revolt quickly spread beyond sailors and included workers and soldiers as well.   Participants of the revolt established workers’ and soldiers’ councils, inspired by the Soviet model of councils, or council democracy, in which representatives were directly elected and responsible to their electorate. New councils in Germany demanded the end of World War I, improvement of living conditions of ordinary citizens, and a more democratic and equal political system. The event is widely known as the Kiel Mutiny.   The Kiel Mutiny galvanized support for the revolutionary changes in the German Empire, and the wave of change quickly reached the Western Front and all the key German cities, including South Germany. On November 7, 1918, with joint efforts, soldiers and workers forced King Ludwig III of Bavaria to abdicate. He fled from Munich to Salzburg, Austria with his family.   Kurt Eisner on the day of his assassination. Source: Muenchner Stadtmuseum   During the subsequent power struggle, Kurt Eisner, a member of the Independent Social Democratic Party of Germany (USPD), emerged as a prominent political leader. The views of workers’ and soldiers’ councils aligned with Eisner’s pacifist and anti-militarist beliefs. Kurt Eisner declared the establishment of the People’s State of Bavaria on November 8, 1918, and he was soon named Minister-President of the newly formed socialist Republic. Eisner envisioned establishing a socialist state that would address the socioeconomic concerns of ordinary German citizens. He established an interim government consisting of members of the workers’ and soldiers’ councils.   However, workers and soldiers did not see improved socio-economic conditions under Eisner’s leadership; on the contrary, they quickly deteriorated. Eisner struggled to successfully establish a stable government and implement his reforms due to the strong opposition from radical and anti-republican forces. Subsequently, Eisner and his Independent Socialist Party suffered a setback in the elections of January 1919, winning only 35 seats out of 144. Just a month later, on February 21, 1919, when Eisner was on his way to the parliament to announce his resignation, he was assassinated by the right-wing nationalist Anton Graf von Arco auf Valley. Before the murder, his assassin wrote a note:   “Eisner is a Bolshevik; he is a Jew; he is not a German; he does not feel German; he undermines all patriotic thinking and feelings; he is a traitor.”   Eisner’s death further intensified the instability. It created a power vacuum between the left-wing and right-wing factions and led to mass protests.   The Revolution in Bavaria & Proclaiming the Bavarian Soviet Republic Poster “Vote communists! Not these enemies of the workers!,” 1920. Source: Friends of the National Libraries UK   Following the death of Kurt Eisner, the Congress of Councils proclaimed their own government on March 1, 1919. However, an underlying issue was that the working class did not have a revolutionary leader. Their political aspirations aligned with the newly emerged Communist Party of Germany (KPD). However, having few members by that time and lacking the organizational structure, the party did not enjoy a strong base within the working class.   The KPD’s program called for the establishment of a socialist Soviet Republic. It significantly contributed to the collaboration of the party and the Congress of Councils, and KPD’s influence gradually increased. Max Levien, a prominent political figure within the workers’ movement and the chairman of the Munich Soldiers’ Council, emerged as a prominent leader of the KPD. Eisner’s assassination and the transition of a political climate to the left contributed to the escalated tensions within the ruling Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD).   Rumors spread that Bavarian SPD leader and interior minister in Eisner’s government, Erhard Auer, was responsible for Eisner’s assassination. Some SPD members joined the Independent Social Democratic Party of Germany (USPD) or the KPD, but neither party could mobilize the needed public support.   A second revolution seemed inevitable. Hoping to ease the pressure and maintain the power, the SPD nominated former schoolteacher Johannes Hoffmann as a new leader on March 7, 1919. Hoffmann’s leadership was short-lived, however. The communist revolution in Hungary in March 1919 and the establishment of the Hungarian Soviet Republic inspired communists to pursue their goal—to create the Bavarian Soviet Republic.   Ernst Toller: Portrait with Cigarette by Lydia Gibson, ca. 1925. Source: University of Massachusetts Amherst   On April 7, 1919, the KPD and the USPD proclaimed the establishment of the Bavarian Soviet Republic. A social activist and poet, Ernst Toller, was declared the new leader of the revolutionary government. A new government consisted of the Central Council, dominated by anarchists and intellectuals; among them were anarchist writer Gustav Landauer, merchant Silvio Gesell, and playwright Erich Mühsam. Toller referred to the event as the “Bavarian Revolution of Love,” and his government became widely known as “the regime of the coffeehouse anarchists.”   The Hoffmann government fled to Bamberg in northern Bavaria, leading the government into exile from there.   On April 13, 1919, Hoffmann’s counter-revolutionary government sent forces to Munich to suppress the new government. The first armed clash occurred in downtown Munich, which resulted in 80 injured and the deaths of 21 people. The Bavarian Soviet Republic forces won, and Hoffman’s forces abandoned their position, escaping the city by train.   A row of armed revolutionaries in the street, Photo collection: Imperial War Museums, United Kingdom, 1919. Source: Anne Frank House, Amsterdam   This particular event contributed to the rise of the KPD’s influence within the new government and just six days into Toller’s government, Eugen Leviné emerged as a new leader. Leviné was eager to follow the example of Bolshevik Russia and transform Bavaria into a communist state. He introduced more hardline communist reforms; he formed the Bavarian Soviet Republic’s Red Army, consisting of factory workers, expropriated apartments, seized cash, and nationalized factories. The revolutionary leader of Bolshevik Russia, Vladimir Lenin, referred to the development in Bavaria with the following words:   “The liberated working class is celebrating its anniversary not only in Soviet Russia but in… Soviet Bavaria.”   The Demise of the Bavarian Soviet Republic “The election storm is sweeping the land! Bavarian blue and white against Russian red! Bavarian People’s Party,” 1919. Source: The Library of Congress   The pivotal moment in the brief history of the Bavarian Soviet Republic occurred on April 18, 1919. Nearly 8,000 soldiers were dispatched to Munich by the Berlin Reich government and Hoffman’s People’s State of Bavaria in Bamberg to crush communism. Leviné managed to gather up to 10,000 soldiers. An initial clash at Dachau on April 18 proved successful for the Bavarian Soviet Republic.   However, Hoffman received support from an additional 30,000 Freikorps from Württemberg and Prussia, which were advancing to Bavaria from the north and west.   This army, along with Hoffmann’s loyalist soldiers from the German Army, was widely referred to as the “White Guards of Capitalism.” The Freikorps entered Munich on May 1, 1919, causing violent street fighting. On the afternoon of May 2, 1919, the communists surrendered.   The struggle was intense and violent. In response, Leviné chose means of terror and violence to resist. He ordered the arrest of political figures, nobles, and military officers and kept them hostage. It has been reported that the hostages suffered such severe torture that it was nearly impossible to identify them. His cruel actions were strongly denounced by the Soviet Council and Leviné’s political partners. On April 29, 1919, the day Dachau fell to Hoffman’s forces, he was forced to resign.   These developments shifted the political balance to the right, and Hoffman’s government was nominally restored in Munich. Approximately 600 people died during the fighting, half of them civilians. Hoffman ordered a series of trials by May 6, and Leviné was sentenced to death. The Bavarian Soviet Republic ceased to exist.   A new Constitution of the Free State of Bavaria, also known as the Bamberg Constitution, was formally ratified on August 14, 1919, marking the establishment of the Free State of Bavaria under the new Weimar Republic.   Legacy of the Bavarian Soviet Republic Execution of a German Communist in Munich, 1919. Source: Rare Historical Photos   The chaotic years of 1918–1919 had both short-term and long-term impacts on the Bavarian people. On a broader scale, the creation of the Bavarian Soviet Republic stands as a symbol of the revolutionary struggle for socialist and communist movements around the world, particularly during the first half of the 20th century. The establishment of the short-lived Bavarian Soviet Republic and its system of governance in the form of workers’ councils introduced direct democracy as a new form of governance and challenged traditional political structures.   The rapid rise and fall of the Bavarian Soviet Republic, subsequent socio-economic and political struggles, violence, and instability cemented hatred in the German public toward left-wing rule. These perceptions were more buttressed following the creation of the Weimar Republic and the government’s propaganda efforts against communism. The main example utilized in propaganda to highlight the dangers of far-left political aspirations was Rotes Bayern, or “Red Bavaria” in English. The right-wing political entities had successfully exploited this socio-political environment to push their agendas forward, resulting in the rise of radical movements, including Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Party.

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BMW R20 Concept BMW Motorrad unveiled the BMW R20 concept bike at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este show in Italy. The R20 features a classic roadster design paired with sophisticated components and a minimalist style, showcasing the air/oil-cooled Big Boxer engine as its centerpiece.  The BMW R20 is an eye-catching motorcycle, with a “hotter than pink” pop of color on the aluminum tank. The bike has been designed to highlight the 2,000cc boxer engine, with its massive cylinders jutting out horizontally, and new components – cylinder head covers, belt cover, and oil cooler – were developed for this concept.  Related: Paul Yaffe Creates Custom BMW R 18 One Eight “C”  The bike’s double-loop main frame is made of chromoly steel tubes, and the R20 features a new dual-sided variant of BMW’s Paralever system. In this new variant, the swingarm is made of chromoly steel, and the strut is aluminum. The exposed driveshaft adopted from the R 18 has been shortened, and the bike rides on 17-inch wheels, with a spoked wheel up front and a black disc wheel in the rear.  Related: BMW R 18 Roctane Review  Suspension components are provided by Öhlins, the rake is 27.5 degrees, and the wheelbase is 61 inches. Radial-mounted ISR brakes feature a pair of 6-piston front calipers and a single 4-piston rear caliper.  Adding to the R20’s sophisticated look, the taillight is integrated into the single seat upholstered with quilted black Alcantara and fine-grain leather, and the rear has a compact, uncluttered appearance. The LED headlight is surrounded by an aluminum ring with integrated daytime running light, with the main headlight appearing the float within the ring.  “The R20 concept is a bold interpretation of the BMW Motorrad DNA,” says Alexander Buckan, head of design for BMW Motorrad. “It combines modern technical elements with a classic roadster design. Its oversized proportions and minimalistic aesthetic make it an unmistakable character.”  Find more information about the R20 and other BMW models at the BMW Motorrad website.  Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide   The post BMW R20 Concept Unveiled  appeared first on Rider Magazine.

These people truly know no shame. They revel in their warped thinking and evil deeds. A few Bible verses come to mind: Isaiah 5:20: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” Proverbs 2:14: “Who rejoice in doing evil and delight in the perverseness of evil.” Jeremiah 6:15: “Were they ashamed when they committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed; they did not know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I punish them, they shall be overthrown,” says the Lord.” Ephesians 4:19: “They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.” 2 Peter 2:13: “Suffering wrong as the wage for their wrongdoing. They count it pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, while they feast with you.” This is absolute sacrilegious garbage, but we have to shine some light on it to disinfect the trash. I don’t know who this is in this video but he is wearing what looks like a Catholic Priest’s collar.  Perhaps someone can inform me of who this is or what “church” he belongs to in the Comments below.  I searched but wasn’t able to find an answer. Anyway, you just have to see this to believe it, take a look: I didn’t know that Jesus was bisexual, did you? pic.twitter.com/iyTb8qpkXY — Dr. Jebra Faushay (@JebraFaushay) May 22, 2024 Backup video here: Absolute sacrilege garbage! This “priest” claims Jesus was bisexual. I’ve never heard so much nonsense in my whole life! pic.twitter.com/mObMorvFLg — DailyNoah.com (@DailyNoahNews) May 23, 2024 That’s what we do here, we shine light on evil and we fight lies with truth. What stunned me the most is how they take the Bible and twist it to fit their agenda. I guess it shouldn’t surprise me, Satan has been doing that since the Garden of Eden (“Did God REALLY say…..?”). It’s a story as old as time. But according to Grok, here is how they try and spin it to fit their LGBTQ agenda: Advocates for the idea that Jesus was gay or bisexual often point to several aspects of Jesus’s life and relationships, as portrayed in the Bible and other historical contexts, to support their claims. Here are some of the main arguments: Intimate relationships with men: Some argue that Jesus had close, intimate relationships with men, such as John, who is often depicted as resting his head on Jesus’s breast in artistic representations of the Last Supper. This has led some to speculate about a romantic or sexual relationship between the two. Non-traditional lifestyle: Jesus was unmarried and childless, which was unusual for a Jewish man of his time. This has led some to suggest that Jesus might have been gay or bisexual because of his apparent lack of interest in traditional heterosexual relationships. The nature of Jesus’s teachings: Some interpret Jesus’s teachings, such as his emphasis on love and acceptance, as indicative of a more inclusive and progressive attitude towards sexuality. They argue that Jesus would have been accepting of same-sex relationships. The absence of explicit condemnation of homosexuality: Jesus never directly addressed the issue of homosexuality in the Bible. Some interpret this silence as evidence that Jesus did not consider homosexuality to be sinful or immoral. Theological interpretations: Some scholars have argued that the Bible’s condemnation of homosexuality is a misinterpretation or a product of cultural bias. They suggest that Jesus’s teachings should be interpreted in a more inclusive and accepting manner. Historical and cultural context: Some argue that the historical and cultural context of Jesus’s time was more accepting of same-sex relationships than is often assumed. They suggest that Jesus’s teachings and actions should be understood in this context. It’s important to note that these arguments are not universally accepted and are often met with strong opposition from those who believe that they misrepresent or misinterpret Jesus’s teachings and life. But they don’t stop there. Did you know they also try to claim King David (and Jonathan) were gay? People who argue that David and Jonathan in the Bible were gay base their claim primarily on the intense friendship described between the two men. They point to the language used in 1 Samuel 18:1-4, where it is stated that “Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.” This is interpreted by some as suggesting a romantic or sexual relationship. The argument is further supported by the description of Jonathan giving David his clothes and military garb, which is seen as a symbolic act of love and commitment. Additionally, in 1 Samuel 18:3, the text mentions that Jonathan “made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.” This is interpreted by some as evidence of a romantic or marital bond. Furthermore, in 1 Samuel 20:41, it is stated that “David got up from the south side and bowed down before Jonathan three times, with his face to the ground. Then they kissed each other and wept together—but David wept the most.” This is seen by some as indicative of a deeper emotional connection between the two men, beyond what is typical of a platonic friendship. Finally, in 2 Samuel 1:26, David is quoted as saying that his love for Jonathan was “more wonderful than that of women.” This is often interpreted as a reference to a romantic or sexual relationship between the two men. However, it is important to note that these interpretations are not universally accepted and are subject to much debate. Many scholars and religious leaders argue that the language and actions described in the Bible do not necessarily imply a romantic or sexual relationship, but rather a deep, platonic friendship. They point to the cultural context of the time, where expressions of love and affection between friends were not uncommon and did not necessarily have sexual connotations. Pure garbage. If you see anyone pushing this crap, show them this article and expose them. Not only was Jesus not “gay” or “bisexual” but as God in the flesh it of course makes sense he wouldn’t have any particular sexual relationships of any kind. Let’s put aside this nonsense “scholarship” and turn to some real Biblical scholars to explain the issue for all the adults in the room: Conservative Biblical scholars argue that the claim Jesus was gay or bisexual is not supported by the Bible and is an error in logic and incompatible with Biblical principles for several reasons: Lack of explicit evidence: The Bible does not explicitly state that Jesus was gay or bisexual. It is essential to consider the absence of such claims as evidence against the argument. Traditional interpretation of Scripture: Conservative scholars emphasize the importance of interpreting Scripture within its historical and cultural context. They argue that the Bible’s teachings on marriage and sexuality consistently affirm a heterosexual relationship between a man and a woman as the only God-ordained form of sexual expression. Jesus’s own teachings: Jesus’s teachings on marriage and sexuality align with the traditional understanding of these concepts. For example, in Matthew 19:4-6, Jesus quotes from Genesis 2:24, stating that a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This passage is often interpreted as a clear endorsement of heterosexual marriage. Theological implications: The claim that Jesus was gay or bisexual is seen as theologically problematic by conservative scholars. They argue that it contradicts the traditional understanding of Jesus as the sinless and perfect Son of God. If Jesus were gay or bisexual, it would imply that he engaged in sinful behavior, which is inconsistent with his divine nature. Historical and cultural context: Conservative scholars argue that the claim that Jesus was gay or bisexual is a modern reinterpretation of Scripture that is not supported by the historical and cultural context of Jesus’s time. They contend that the ancient world did not have the same understanding of homosexuality as we do today and that the Bible’s teachings on sexuality should be understood in light of this context. Theological anthropology: Conservative scholars emphasize the importance of understanding the nature of human beings as created in the image of God. They argue that the Bible’s teachings on marriage and sexuality are rooted in the belief that human beings are created as male and female, and that the union of a man and a woman in marriage reflects the divine design for human relationships. Ok, so while we’re at it, let’s do one more DEBUNK of bad theology. I published this one a few years ago: DANGEROUS: So Who Is YHWH? DANGEROUS: So Who Is YHWH? Buckle up folks! We're about to cover something very dangerous... In fact, I debated all weekend about whether I was going to cover this or not. I finally decided I must. Because there's a saying that I like so much I used it as the tagline at my site TruthLion.com for a long time: Like a lion, set the truth free and it will defend itself. So that's what we're doing here. Speaking of lions and truth and being safe and dangerous, that reminds me of another famous quote, this one from C.S. Lewis and the world of Narnia: So let's dig in and let's talk about the KING. In Narnia, Aslan the lion represents Jesus Christ. But this article is about YHWH. In English, we fill in the vowels and we say Yahweh, but Hebrew has no vowels so it's just Y H W H. It's the Yod Hey Vav Hey. So....who is Yahweh? And why am I writing about it? Because a reader sent me these videos and told me I should take a look at them. I'm not going to say their name because I don't want to embarrass them and they are 100% entitled to their opinion, which was that these videos are very interesting and kind of like Bo Polny or Trey Smith -- two guys we love around here. So with that introduction I decided I would take a look. And what I found was something VERY dangerous. A deception as old as the Garden of Eden. And this is where I debated even covering this story, because do I want to give extra attention to this guy and his deception? I'll say this at the onset....the guy, who goes by the name Israel Anderson (and I have to question whether his real name is "Israel" because that would be quite a coincidence) seems very genuine. He seems good natured. But what he is teaching is a wild heresy. One of the most basic heresies. But...I will also say this: I listened to the entire video and he makes an incredibly compelling presentation. I mean, very, very well done. And thought-provoking! To the point that I'm still thinking about it a couple days later. And that's where the dangerous part comes in because this guy could lead a LOT of people astray. But I've decided to cover it so I can hopefully cut some of that off at the pass and make sure people are educated in the REAL truth! So let's cut right to the chase and then I'll show you his video... His main claim, which he spends over 90 minutes backing up (and on the surface in a very convincing way -- surprisingly) is that basically the roles of YHWH and Satan in the Bible are reversed. Jesus comes to set everything right, but his Father is not YHWH at all.  Plot twist!  His father is actually the Serpent, the Devil. And the Devil is the one on humanity's side. The Devil is the one who wants you to be free and happy. Sound crazy? I'll say it again...he makes a very compelling case. Surprisingly.... If you've ever wondered how the Free Masons and all these secret societies that worship the Devil get their minds so twisted, I have to assume it's through teaching like this. So once again, I warn you this is very dangerous and please don't get "sucked in". But the pitch in this presentation goes that the Yahweh of the Old Testament seems fairly homicidal. He's always out killing women and children and animals of all competing clans. It's actually something we've covered here before in great detail and Rob Skiba has done incredible teaching on that before. READ MORE ON THAT HERE. Then you get to Jesus and he seems nothing like the Yahweh of the Old Testament, and yet he keeps talking about how he and his Father are one. Then you have the Garden, and you have Yahweh seemingly punishing Adam and Eve for a minor transgression and sentencing them to death, meanwhile the friendly serpent just wanted them to have full knowledge. See how it all goes back to the original lie? But it's clever and crafty! There's a bunch more in here that does get you all twisted and confused. Like the part where Moses tells the Israelites to raise up a serpent on a stick and anyone who looks on it will be healed. Ever read that before? It IS confusing, when just a few chapters earlier the Serpent is very clearly the image of the Devil. But now Moses uses this as a healing tool? In fact, it's why medicine today still has two snakes on a pole as its universal symbol for healing. Strange, right? Oh, there are answers for all of this, but when you go surface level and try to weave a deception, it can be very persuasive! Then you have Jesus appearing to the San Hedrin (who by all accounts were the most strict of Jews) and he tells them he doesn't know them. Then of course you have Psalm 82 and the Divine Council. Most Christians don't even know this is in the Bible but it basically does talk about YHWH being ONE member of the Elohim....the Divine Council. Ever heard that before? It's actually in your Bible, go read Psalm 82 and report back to me. The recently deceased Dr. Michael Heiser has TREMENDOUS Christian teachings explaining what this council is. Dr. Heiser was such a gift and it's so sad we lost him, but I'll post his videos below. Dr. Heiser would run intellectual circles around this Israel Anderson guy, and that's one of the main reasons I wanted to write this article. If you or someone you know starts going down this dangerous deception that Anderson teaches, I want to point you to a much bigger brainiac, but someone who makes the complex so easy to understand: Dr. Michael Heiser. So now without further delay, I give you this video which comes with a massive warning -- do not get sucked in: And now for the main reason I wanted to write this article....the counter balance! I will say this.... To Christians who believe there is nothing Supernatural happening in the Bible or in our world today, I'm sorry to say but you just haven't read or understood your Bible. It is a supernatural book through and through. And you'd better make sure you understand it and don't get sucked into the wrong side! So on that note, my friends, please enjoy these Bible-based and Christian teachings from one of the smartest Biblical scholars we've ever had, the late, great Dr. Michael Heiser: He was known for so many teachings, but a key one was on the Divine Council: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHu9-ubPZ9w He was also big on Genesis and the Fallen Angels we cover a lot here: He's perhaps best known for "Unseen Realm" and the Divine Rebellion (three in fact!). If you've never seen this, you're sure in for a treat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRR-lX5o2CE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wK94fZydjiE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98Xf_OmxtD4 So hard to pick a favorite: One more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jx1ZtZlcCk A true giant.