honestly, this video says everything.
because it's not quite a battle between these two, it's a fight to try to find how to combine them.
03 December 2009
New Jews
'New Jews' stake claim to faith, culture
honestly, this video says everything.
because it's not quite a battle between these two, it's a fight to try to find how to combine them.
honestly, this video says everything.
because it's not quite a battle between these two, it's a fight to try to find how to combine them.
Eye for an Eye
Doctor's Slaying Creates Setback In Progressive Abortion Debate
"I've noticed that everybody that is for abortion has already been born." Ronald Reagan
abortion has been debated from high school classrooms all the way to the highest courts. it's an issue that has not gone away and will probably never go, instead of searching for solutions for either side, it would be best to find something that both sides can agree on. however, many people take matters into their own hands because they get tired of waiting for the government. someone shot a well known abortion performing doctor. this article is not really on the tragedy of his death, but rather on how this makes a setback for an abortion debate. everyone thought it was going somewhere until the doctor got shot. furthermore, the opposing sides keep targeting each other rather than looking for peace between them, and find something that might work.
the best quote from the article is "We need to get into the problem-solving realm," he said, "and away from the ideological debates."it makes sense because people keep bringing up religion into the political arena and that's when everything gets screwy. i have no idea where they would begin to find that common ground, but what's most important is that they keep looking.
"I've noticed that everybody that is for abortion has already been born." Ronald Reagan
abortion has been debated from high school classrooms all the way to the highest courts. it's an issue that has not gone away and will probably never go, instead of searching for solutions for either side, it would be best to find something that both sides can agree on. however, many people take matters into their own hands because they get tired of waiting for the government. someone shot a well known abortion performing doctor. this article is not really on the tragedy of his death, but rather on how this makes a setback for an abortion debate. everyone thought it was going somewhere until the doctor got shot. furthermore, the opposing sides keep targeting each other rather than looking for peace between them, and find something that might work.
the best quote from the article is "We need to get into the problem-solving realm," he said, "and away from the ideological debates."it makes sense because people keep bringing up religion into the political arena and that's when everything gets screwy. i have no idea where they would begin to find that common ground, but what's most important is that they keep looking.
Spiritual Medication
Should prayers be covered? Christian Scientists want 'spiritual care' as part of health bill
is olive oil from mount siani going to be covered by our taxes for all the churches who use for those who are sick? i really don;t understand what they are trying to do. the annointing of oil is a profound thing and i believe that it should come into play when the doctors with god-given talents can no longer do anything. i don't think that if you pray for your broken leg to heal itself, it's going to heal itself. people need doctors. God put doctors on earth. they should be used. people who don't think it's biblical to visit doctors because God is the healer, need to really stop having blind faith. this is very hard for me to put into words, but i tried. and now i digress. the christian scientists want to get paid for praying their health problems away. it doesn't make me mad, it just upsets me to the point of tears that people do this. if i'm on the verge of death, i want my pastor to come and pray for me, but he would never charge me. i don't even think the thought would cross his mind. he's been to so many people's homes and paid so many hospital visits that he can't keep count. and he is doing to for God, not for tax deductions.
is olive oil from mount siani going to be covered by our taxes for all the churches who use for those who are sick? i really don;t understand what they are trying to do. the annointing of oil is a profound thing and i believe that it should come into play when the doctors with god-given talents can no longer do anything. i don't think that if you pray for your broken leg to heal itself, it's going to heal itself. people need doctors. God put doctors on earth. they should be used. people who don't think it's biblical to visit doctors because God is the healer, need to really stop having blind faith. this is very hard for me to put into words, but i tried. and now i digress. the christian scientists want to get paid for praying their health problems away. it doesn't make me mad, it just upsets me to the point of tears that people do this. if i'm on the verge of death, i want my pastor to come and pray for me, but he would never charge me. i don't even think the thought would cross his mind. he's been to so many people's homes and paid so many hospital visits that he can't keep count. and he is doing to for God, not for tax deductions.
The Internal Revenue Service, for example, allows the cost of Christian Science prayer sessions to be counted among itemized medical expenses for income tax purposes one of the only religious treatments explicitly identified as deductible by the IRS.
1928. 1960. 2008
In Untruths About Obama, Echoes of a Distant Time
the 2008 election wasn't the first time a presidential candidate's religion became a hot topic of controversy. nor was it in 1960 when jfk was running for president. it started with al smith in the 1928 election. and it makes sense. the best way to get people to do what you want them to do is to scare them into doing it. the republicans used the idea that al smith was going to have a foreign man (the pope) telling him how to run the country. at that time, people still had the hatred toward catholics because of the irish influx. in just the same way, people are still scared of the muslim community. many think they are all terrorists, which is so far from the truth. and calling obama a muslim insinuates much more than should be. he came out to say that he is in fact a christian. he did not get swore into office with the koran, but rather the bible. the fact that he grew up in an islamic background and lost his way in life only to find God, makes it seem like he is the real deal, not just christian for kicks and giggles.
in the video, jfk is just genius. he says everything that needs to be said. it's not the religion, it's the man. it's not worth fighting a man over what church and which religion he believes in, for that is a struggle man is fighting in his soul. it is worth knowing the truth and holding onto it.
the 2008 election wasn't the first time a presidential candidate's religion became a hot topic of controversy. nor was it in 1960 when jfk was running for president. it started with al smith in the 1928 election. and it makes sense. the best way to get people to do what you want them to do is to scare them into doing it. the republicans used the idea that al smith was going to have a foreign man (the pope) telling him how to run the country. at that time, people still had the hatred toward catholics because of the irish influx. in just the same way, people are still scared of the muslim community. many think they are all terrorists, which is so far from the truth. and calling obama a muslim insinuates much more than should be. he came out to say that he is in fact a christian. he did not get swore into office with the koran, but rather the bible. the fact that he grew up in an islamic background and lost his way in life only to find God, makes it seem like he is the real deal, not just christian for kicks and giggles.
in the video, jfk is just genius. he says everything that needs to be said. it's not the religion, it's the man. it's not worth fighting a man over what church and which religion he believes in, for that is a struggle man is fighting in his soul. it is worth knowing the truth and holding onto it.
Berkley Place
In a Home to Free Speech, a Paper Is Accused of Anti-Semitism
berkley has always been known to be more liberal than most cities. so they keep an open mind, however, not everyone who submits letters to berkley daily planet weekly is going to say what everyone wants to hear.
some people agree with the o'malleys and are fighting for the paper. the o'malleys are fighting to keep their right to free speech even when discussing or allowing discussion of other religions. however, this is what the man that is trying to bring them down says.
berkley has always been known to be more liberal than most cities. so they keep an open mind, however, not everyone who submits letters to berkley daily planet weekly is going to say what everyone wants to hear.
Mr. O’Malley, the paper’s publisher, said he thought The Planet’s critics were confusing letters from unaffiliated writers — the paper says it prints anything that is not libelous or obscene, with a preference for local writers — with official editorial positions.
some people agree with the o'malleys and are fighting for the paper. the o'malleys are fighting to keep their right to free speech even when discussing or allowing discussion of other religions. however, this is what the man that is trying to bring them down says.
“The object is not to attack the press,” said Mr. Gertz, the president and chief executive of Zorro Productions, which owns the trademark and copyrights on the Zorro franchise. “The object is to turn the press into something responsible.”
Free Hugs
Governor Crist Becomes a Right-Wing Target
i dont understand how some things make news. a republican supported a democratic president. the democratic president hugged the republican. and it's news. then people make fun of the republican. governor crist found a way to mesh his ideas with obama's and everyone down south went crazy.
i dont understand how some things make news. a republican supported a democratic president. the democratic president hugged the republican. and it's news. then people make fun of the republican. governor crist found a way to mesh his ideas with obama's and everyone down south went crazy.
Unraveling of Hasan
Investigators Study Tangle of Clues on Fort Hood Suspect
its all just a huge mess. this man had so many other problems. but the main thing they are reporting on is religion, but religion is not the problem.
its all just a huge mess. this man had so many other problems. but the main thing they are reporting on is religion, but religion is not the problem.
Loosing Touch
Most religious groups in USA have lost ground, survey finds
people have been letting go of their religion.
When it comes to religion, the USA is now land of the freelancers.
people have been letting go of their religion.
It don't matter if you're black or white... right?
Why many Americans prefer their Sundays segregated
it's nothing new, but it feels unexpected. people still want to segregate their churches.
it's nothing new, but it feels unexpected. people still want to segregate their churches.
Crossing the border
How immigrants are affecting US religion
influx of immigration is adding to the percentage of different religions.
"To know what the country will be like in three decades, look at the Catholic Church,'' he said.
Outhouse or Jailhouse
Religious Freedom vs. Sanitation Rules
this amish man held onto his beliefs so firmly that he was arrested for them. that in itself i do think is brave. however, the problem was the missing outhouse. he wasn't being persecuted for his amish believes, he was not keeping with the city codes for a bathroom. he shouldn't have been arrested but somehow made a compromise with the city officals.
this amish man held onto his beliefs so firmly that he was arrested for them. that in itself i do think is brave. however, the problem was the missing outhouse. he wasn't being persecuted for his amish believes, he was not keeping with the city codes for a bathroom. he shouldn't have been arrested but somehow made a compromise with the city officals.
Last Communion
Bishop bars Patrick Kennedy from Communion over abortion
i was shocked to say the least. it's as bad as the conservative bible translator kids. i don't care if you're the pope, you cannot tell a man not to take communion because of his beliefs on abortion. if it was a kennedy, and just joe smoe off the street, no one would have a problem with his taking communion if he was pro choice. the priest crossed a line.
more articles on ted kennedy
i was shocked to say the least. it's as bad as the conservative bible translator kids. i don't care if you're the pope, you cannot tell a man not to take communion because of his beliefs on abortion. if it was a kennedy, and just joe smoe off the street, no one would have a problem with his taking communion if he was pro choice. the priest crossed a line.
more articles on ted kennedy
Don't ask, don't tell
Army allows Sikh to keep beard, turban, uncut hair
i love this. the army is allowing a muslim man to keep his traditional turban and join. it's important that everyone keeps their hair short but i mean, they let him keep his, because it would be against his religion to cut it. i think the government is becoming more understanding and open minded and that makes me so happy.
i love this. the army is allowing a muslim man to keep his traditional turban and join. it's important that everyone keeps their hair short but i mean, they let him keep his, because it would be against his religion to cut it. i think the government is becoming more understanding and open minded and that makes me so happy.
Gattaca
The Evolution of the God Gene
it's in everyone of, whether we believe it or not. the fiber of the human being is made up of so much that is comprehendible. this article shows that religion has evolved through and in us as a society. if the concept of darwinsism is applied, then natural selection decided that religion must stay in order for communites to thrive. aristotle says that man is political animal by nature and this goes hand in hand with his thoughts.
it's in everyone of, whether we believe it or not. the fiber of the human being is made up of so much that is comprehendible. this article shows that religion has evolved through and in us as a society. if the concept of darwinsism is applied, then natural selection decided that religion must stay in order for communites to thrive. aristotle says that man is political animal by nature and this goes hand in hand with his thoughts.
So Help Me God
God and the Oath of Office
some guy, an athesit, brought a law suit against the "so help me god" part of the swearing in ceremony. it was never written into the law that it must be said. it's tradition. i mean if it doesn't make him happy, don't listen to it. obama has said multiple times that he is a firm believer in God so why would be not say it? george washington started it over 200 years ago. by choice. no one had to follow, but they did. so don't try to fix something that's not broken.
some guy, an athesit, brought a law suit against the "so help me god" part of the swearing in ceremony. it was never written into the law that it must be said. it's tradition. i mean if it doesn't make him happy, don't listen to it. obama has said multiple times that he is a firm believer in God so why would be not say it? george washington started it over 200 years ago. by choice. no one had to follow, but they did. so don't try to fix something that's not broken.
2012
'2012' is a perfect disaster
i thought it should be discussed. the movie itself is about the world ending in 2012, just like the aztecs predicted.
everything in the world gets demolished. everything. every grand temple, church, historical monuments, the works. the only thing that is not destroyed though is mecca. you have to wonder why. i wondered why. i looked it up and found that they were afraid of repercussions from the extremist muslim community. deja vu danish comic? except the fact that the danish put it out there, the hollywood producers did not. i understand why they wouldn't do it, but i also have to wonder why not use courage in this? hollywood is known for pushing the envelope as far as possible and now they won't because they don't want to offend muslims? what about those times they offended jews, christians, hindus, etc.? i think that few muslims would be actually prone to retaliation if they see something like mecca coming down during a movie. but i guess it's better to be safe than sorry.
i thought it should be discussed. the movie itself is about the world ending in 2012, just like the aztecs predicted.
everything in the world gets demolished. everything. every grand temple, church, historical monuments, the works. the only thing that is not destroyed though is mecca. you have to wonder why. i wondered why. i looked it up and found that they were afraid of repercussions from the extremist muslim community. deja vu danish comic? except the fact that the danish put it out there, the hollywood producers did not. i understand why they wouldn't do it, but i also have to wonder why not use courage in this? hollywood is known for pushing the envelope as far as possible and now they won't because they don't want to offend muslims? what about those times they offended jews, christians, hindus, etc.? i think that few muslims would be actually prone to retaliation if they see something like mecca coming down during a movie. but i guess it's better to be safe than sorry.
Suicidal Scientologist
Australian blames Scientology for brother's death
did scientology make him do it? i am not one to take suicide lightly, and this is a profoundly horrible instance. i know the only reason i'm not dead now is because Jesus pulled me out of every miserable night and day i've had. the religion itself was destroying me (i grew up pentecostal), but that's why i am not religious anymore. i'm learning to live for someone greater than me, someone who loved me more than i can comprehend, and gave everything for me. that's why this piece is important. someone is a religion drove his brother to kill himself. it wasn't the religion. it has everything to do with it, but it wasn't the religion. it is people affliated with the religion. it's people who think they can own the world or at least parts of it but the fact is that no one can, no matter how much money they have. the 19 calls made to the brother before he electrocuted himself were about money. true to say that the love of money is the root of all evil. a man wanting to rise in the church of scientology must pay copious amounts of money. the more you pay, the higher you go. hence the celebrity phenomena. if you pay enough, you can even play god. goes beyond the self righteous people who do anything to get power in their church by saying it's God's will. oh but the best part of all of this, is that the brother of the man that died is going to make the church of scientology pay (figuratively speaking).
did scientology make him do it? i am not one to take suicide lightly, and this is a profoundly horrible instance. i know the only reason i'm not dead now is because Jesus pulled me out of every miserable night and day i've had. the religion itself was destroying me (i grew up pentecostal), but that's why i am not religious anymore. i'm learning to live for someone greater than me, someone who loved me more than i can comprehend, and gave everything for me. that's why this piece is important. someone is a religion drove his brother to kill himself. it wasn't the religion. it has everything to do with it, but it wasn't the religion. it is people affliated with the religion. it's people who think they can own the world or at least parts of it but the fact is that no one can, no matter how much money they have. the 19 calls made to the brother before he electrocuted himself were about money. true to say that the love of money is the root of all evil. a man wanting to rise in the church of scientology must pay copious amounts of money. the more you pay, the higher you go. hence the celebrity phenomena. if you pay enough, you can even play god. goes beyond the self righteous people who do anything to get power in their church by saying it's God's will. oh but the best part of all of this, is that the brother of the man that died is going to make the church of scientology pay (figuratively speaking).
Xenophon last week called for a Senator inquiry, outlining allegations of five former members of the church including coerced abortions, torture, illegal imprisonment and embezzlement.they call scientology a religion, but is it really? it's not a debate of whether what they believe in is werid or not. religions, far and wide, open their arms out to new people. in general, every religion calls to spread the word and get more believers. however, these people are so far from that. the scientology church is completely exclusive and lets very few in, and those that do get in are kept in the dark about what is happening in their church. the fight to strip the scientology church of it's tax exemption is going to be a huge one, and will not go over well. who can or can't convince you that what you believe is true or not?
He told the Senate that the church is not a religion but a "criminal organization" that should be stripped of its tax-free status.
Revelation 22:18-19
" For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."
Is the Bible too liberal? Amateur translators working on Conservative Bible Project think so
i have heard my share of stupid stories and been around crazy conservatives all my life. this though, pushes my buttons like only my best friend and my sister fighting against each other because they are not happy with the other's wedding day. it's just, oh i love it so. i don't. i hate it. so much. it kills me so much to see something like happening. like who do they think they are that they can make up they're own conservative bible? like what, the bible that God left behind isnt good enough for you? when did you take it upon yourself to be God? you're just an amateur translator, and you think you can alter the bible to your liking? are you serious? those are some questions i would be asking the little boy, who's not little, but in mind he is. ok honestly, i',m not going to say i am the world's best christian, i am so far from eveyrthing i should be, but i can't stop loving Jesus. i read the gospels all together and changed my life. the bible today, however far it might be from the orignial, is all we have left. there is no reason to alter even more. better to preserve the closest we can get to the original translation and move on. live on. read on.
Is the Bible too liberal? Amateur translators working on Conservative Bible Project think so
i have heard my share of stupid stories and been around crazy conservatives all my life. this though, pushes my buttons like only my best friend and my sister fighting against each other because they are not happy with the other's wedding day. it's just, oh i love it so. i don't. i hate it. so much. it kills me so much to see something like happening. like who do they think they are that they can make up they're own conservative bible? like what, the bible that God left behind isnt good enough for you? when did you take it upon yourself to be God? you're just an amateur translator, and you think you can alter the bible to your liking? are you serious? those are some questions i would be asking the little boy, who's not little, but in mind he is. ok honestly, i',m not going to say i am the world's best christian, i am so far from eveyrthing i should be, but i can't stop loving Jesus. i read the gospels all together and changed my life. the bible today, however far it might be from the orignial, is all we have left. there is no reason to alter even more. better to preserve the closest we can get to the original translation and move on. live on. read on.
Grasshoppers
Church-Shopping: Why Americans Change Faiths
i am glad people are researching more religions and trying to find their place in the world and knowing why they choose anything, and not just accepting something because their parents told them so.
i am glad people are researching more religions and trying to find their place in the world and knowing why they choose anything, and not just accepting something because their parents told them so.
Wisdom is precious
Obama's Faith-Based Office Gets Down to Work
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-faith9-2009feb09,0,6137517.story
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-faith9-2009feb09,0,6137517.story
Pagan Nation? Part II
Paganism, Just Another Religion for Military and Academia
the pagans are making a comeback. wiccans, heathens, and other denomination of the religious order are becoming a part of the earth and explaining to others how it's not scary witchcraft that has to do with the devil but rather being apart of nature. i'm not gonna lie, it still scares me. there was a girl learning to become wiccan in my high school freshman english class and no one wanted to admit it but it scared the crap out of us. it was all anyone could do to not step on her toes and not make fun at the same time. i really wonder what ever happened to that girl. she might be living it up, considering pagans are becoming more acceptable these days. their influence has stemmed out the courts.
they won the case and now the headstones look like this:
as for the afterlife, we leave that to the dead to find.
the pagans are making a comeback. wiccans, heathens, and other denomination of the religious order are becoming a part of the earth and explaining to others how it's not scary witchcraft that has to do with the devil but rather being apart of nature. i'm not gonna lie, it still scares me. there was a girl learning to become wiccan in my high school freshman english class and no one wanted to admit it but it scared the crap out of us. it was all anyone could do to not step on her toes and not make fun at the same time. i really wonder what ever happened to that girl. she might be living it up, considering pagans are becoming more acceptable these days. their influence has stemmed out the courts.
Nothing did more to secure Paganism’s place in the religious mainstream, though, than a highly serious, indeed somber, court battle. Brought by Americans United for Separation of Church and State on behalf of Circle Sanctuary and several widows, the decade-long litigation sought permission from the federal Department of Veterans Affairs to have the gravestones of deceased Wiccan soldiers marked with the symbol of the pentacle.
they won the case and now the headstones look like this:
as for the afterlife, we leave that to the dead to find.
Lost Sheep
Without a Pastor of His Own, Obama Turns to Five
it's hard to live life as a normal human being. imagine being the president. imagine having your faith be the hot topic of the night. presidents need something to hold onto during the tough times, and obama has Jesus. one of those five pastors that he speaks to, and has known the longest, spoke to the times about how he and obama met.
it's hard to live life as a normal human being. imagine being the president. imagine having your faith be the hot topic of the night. presidents need something to hold onto during the tough times, and obama has Jesus. one of those five pastors that he speaks to, and has known the longest, spoke to the times about how he and obama met.
“He and I were what we called back then ‘progressive Christians,’ as opposed to the dominant religious-right era we were in then,” Mr. Wallis said. “We didn’t think Jesus’ top priorities would be capital gains tax cuts and supporting the next war.”this gets to be more than religion. it's finding out why you do the things you do, and why you believe the way you do. obama stuck with the one who never let him down, and will pull him through the toughest fight of his life. the sheep know the voice of their shepherd.
Common Ground
New Stem Cell Guidelines Disappoint Both Scientists and Religious Conservatives
what kills me about the religious right is that they don't know why the believe what they do. they just believe they should be pro-life because it fits best with the bible. ok, i understand, but i don't understand why they fight their way into the political arena. and it's going to happen, abortion happens, but what are you doing to do with the embryos? throw them away? maybe the reason they were brought into this world is for something greater than they could ever be if they were given birth to.
the scientists were mad that the only embryos they had access to were those left over from in vitro fertilization and those "earmarked for destruction." at this point, this is the only common ground they can find, but both extremes are unhappy. the scientists want more access and the religious right are fighting a battle against abortion not stem cell research. i cannot comprehend why they just wont be happy with this compromise. no one get will always get what they want, and that's life.
what kills me about the religious right is that they don't know why the believe what they do. they just believe they should be pro-life because it fits best with the bible. ok, i understand, but i don't understand why they fight their way into the political arena. and it's going to happen, abortion happens, but what are you doing to do with the embryos? throw them away? maybe the reason they were brought into this world is for something greater than they could ever be if they were given birth to.
Many other conservative groups, including the Family Research Council and Americans United for Life, have been silent so far about the NIH action. I would hardly expect those groups to endorse the NIH guidelines—religious conservatives see all embryo destruction as murder and as the commoditization of human life, even if those embryos would be discarded anyway—but I did expect more celebrating over getting the best they could have hoped for from Obama on stem cells, and certainly more than they expected.
the scientists were mad that the only embryos they had access to were those left over from in vitro fertilization and those "earmarked for destruction." at this point, this is the only common ground they can find, but both extremes are unhappy. the scientists want more access and the religious right are fighting a battle against abortion not stem cell research. i cannot comprehend why they just wont be happy with this compromise. no one get will always get what they want, and that's life.
Coexisit
For Bahais, a Crackdown Is Old News
can't we all just get along?
no, we really can't. the good try. the bad try. the mediocre try. the faithful try. people can't get along, especially when one thinks themselves better than the other. it's people who destroy others because they don't believe the same as them. as such is the life for the bahai people in iran. it is a minority religion and anyone who participated feared for their life during the islamic republic ruling of iran. it has much advanced though. the couple who share their story keep the lookout for their bahai family and friends back in iran but are beginning to realize that things might just be getting better. the religion that is calling out for peace for all might be getting it's wish.
can't we all just get along?
no, we really can't. the good try. the bad try. the mediocre try. the faithful try. people can't get along, especially when one thinks themselves better than the other. it's people who destroy others because they don't believe the same as them. as such is the life for the bahai people in iran. it is a minority religion and anyone who participated feared for their life during the islamic republic ruling of iran. it has much advanced though. the couple who share their story keep the lookout for their bahai family and friends back in iran but are beginning to realize that things might just be getting better. the religion that is calling out for peace for all might be getting it's wish.
Hotwheels
"I Believe" Licesne Plate
i understand why this is an issue, but i still don't get it. south carolina has always been part of the more conservative part of the country, so it does not surprise me that they would come out with a license plate like that. it is very over the top, yet it has that competitive edge against "Know Jesus, Know Peace, No Jesus, No peace" bumper stickers. i don't have palm trees or whales on my license plate because i know it costs more a year to register. this might be a good idea because more dmv registration money might come into the state and they could charge that as a tax. however, it wasn't the case here. the lawmakers approved the license plates only to publicly fund those fighting against it. it's all just a huge political mess that has religion at the center of it.
i understand why this is an issue, but i still don't get it. south carolina has always been part of the more conservative part of the country, so it does not surprise me that they would come out with a license plate like that. it is very over the top, yet it has that competitive edge against "Know Jesus, Know Peace, No Jesus, No peace" bumper stickers. i don't have palm trees or whales on my license plate because i know it costs more a year to register. this might be a good idea because more dmv registration money might come into the state and they could charge that as a tax. however, it wasn't the case here. the lawmakers approved the license plates only to publicly fund those fighting against it. it's all just a huge political mess that has religion at the center of it.
The Minarets
Swiss Ban on Minaret Building Meets Widespread Criticism
i had to do a piece on this story. i spent a few days in switzerland visiting family friends while i was in europe this summer. my dad escaped romania during the ceausescu era with his friend valentin and sister. valentin lives in switzerland with his family and he has a son my age who took me to see the first church built after the reformation.
the interesting thing about this article is the controversy. switzerland really is all everyone says it is. the most neutral country during wars past is living up to it's history. the fact that they put an end to the construction of minarets on buildings in the country is not the end of the world or a pull from the free expression of the muslim. it seems possible that the swiss are following in the french's footsteps. it could also be possible that they are doing it to honor the very first mosques built which did not contain minarets. however, many people do believe that the fact that the right wing conservatives have sent out messages into the media that this is new form of "creeping islamization" is the reason that 57.5% of the individuals in switzerland voted for this.
when people don't know enough about something, they go back to what their leaders know. if their leaders don't know either, they get scared and it affects others worldwide.
i had to do a piece on this story. i spent a few days in switzerland visiting family friends while i was in europe this summer. my dad escaped romania during the ceausescu era with his friend valentin and sister. valentin lives in switzerland with his family and he has a son my age who took me to see the first church built after the reformation.
the interesting thing about this article is the controversy. switzerland really is all everyone says it is. the most neutral country during wars past is living up to it's history. the fact that they put an end to the construction of minarets on buildings in the country is not the end of the world or a pull from the free expression of the muslim. it seems possible that the swiss are following in the french's footsteps. it could also be possible that they are doing it to honor the very first mosques built which did not contain minarets. however, many people do believe that the fact that the right wing conservatives have sent out messages into the media that this is new form of "creeping islamization" is the reason that 57.5% of the individuals in switzerland voted for this.
Muslim communities in Switzerland reacted cautiously. “We were a bit shocked; we hadn’t expected this result,” Abdel Majri, the president of the League of Swiss Muslims, said in an interview. “This is another step toward Islamophobia in Switzerland and Europe in general.”
when people don't know enough about something, they go back to what their leaders know. if their leaders don't know either, they get scared and it affects others worldwide.
Too Legit to Quit
Cleric Wields Religion to Challenge Iran’s Theocracy
obviously not everyone is happy with the way iran is run. actually, let's face it, very few people in the world are happy with the way it's run. and when i say few people, i mean the people who are running are happy, and that's it. the best part about it though is that people are standing up. this article talks about a brave islamic scholar who is calling the government out.
Ayatollah Montazeri was part of the islamic revolution in 1979 and was supposed to become the leader of the nation until he had a falling out with this guy:
i think it's the power that eats people up on the inside, and it's just as powerful as a drug. that's what happened here. power hungry people destroyed the people they had sworn to protect. but ayatollah montazeri knew it was wrong. the religion he had greatly studied and known for his life entire was being disgraced. the government of iran calls itself an islamic, but it is just a show.
they took it too far, and aatollah montazeri knew it. he was forced to step down but he did not give up. he knows the people of iran should not have their faith diminished by men who do not understand the true meaning of the religion they say they hold near and dear to their hearts.
obviously not everyone is happy with the way iran is run. actually, let's face it, very few people in the world are happy with the way it's run. and when i say few people, i mean the people who are running are happy, and that's it. the best part about it though is that people are standing up. this article talks about a brave islamic scholar who is calling the government out.
Ayatollah Montazeri was part of the islamic revolution in 1979 and was supposed to become the leader of the nation until he had a falling out with this guy:
i think it's the power that eats people up on the inside, and it's just as powerful as a drug. that's what happened here. power hungry people destroyed the people they had sworn to protect. but ayatollah montazeri knew it was wrong. the religion he had greatly studied and known for his life entire was being disgraced. the government of iran calls itself an islamic, but it is just a show.
“The government will not achieve legitimacy without the support of the people, and as the necessary and obligatory condition for the legitimacy of the ruler is his popularity and the people’s satisfaction with him,” Ayatollah Montazeri
He was embraced by Ayatollah Khomeini because he promoted the concept of Velayat-e Faqih, which called for a religious leader to reign supreme over the government. The concept was ultimately embedded in the bedrock of the Islamic Republic. But Ayatollah Montazeri has also repeatedly said that he meant the faqih, or leader, should serve as an adviser, not as the final arbiter of all matters of state and religion.
they took it too far, and aatollah montazeri knew it. he was forced to step down but he did not give up. he knows the people of iran should not have their faith diminished by men who do not understand the true meaning of the religion they say they hold near and dear to their hearts.
Pagan Nation?
Democratic Leader v. Pagan Lord
the first thing that needs to be discussed is the title. i mean, seriously? who you choose to vote for based of the title? it's how a lot of media works. scare people into thinking what they want them to believe. after reading the article, i was not petrified by the fact that this man is running for city council. the pagan lord, mr. halloran, was raised roman catholic and after his father died, he decided he would explore his mother's dutch roots. here we are in the present day and he is known as a king of the New Normandy group. the rest of the article describes paganism and how it plays a part in everyday life as well.
however, one person completely stuck out in the whole article and i loved him for it.
it doesn't matter what the religion is because jefferson was right when he called for the separation of church and state in this country. it gave this country freedoms other lands could only dream about. the fact is that people do not make the distinction between a good person in general, a good person is usually christian, or a person who calls themselves christian to appear as a good person. they want to vote a christian or a jewish person into they city council office because as Marissa Lacewell states "it helps make shortcuts to their character: ‘I might not go to church every Sunday, but I think that people who go to church every Sunday are good people.’ ” Finding a shortcut to anything is convenient, but it shouldn't be so when electing people into office.
the first thing that needs to be discussed is the title. i mean, seriously? who you choose to vote for based of the title? it's how a lot of media works. scare people into thinking what they want them to believe. after reading the article, i was not petrified by the fact that this man is running for city council. the pagan lord, mr. halloran, was raised roman catholic and after his father died, he decided he would explore his mother's dutch roots. here we are in the present day and he is known as a king of the New Normandy group. the rest of the article describes paganism and how it plays a part in everyday life as well.
however, one person completely stuck out in the whole article and i loved him for it.
Michael Cromartie, vice president at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, an advocacy group in Washington that advocates a role for the “Judeo-Christian moral tradition” in public life. “It doesn’t matter if the person is a pagan or a heathen — what are they going to do when they get into office?”
it doesn't matter what the religion is because jefferson was right when he called for the separation of church and state in this country. it gave this country freedoms other lands could only dream about. the fact is that people do not make the distinction between a good person in general, a good person is usually christian, or a person who calls themselves christian to appear as a good person. they want to vote a christian or a jewish person into they city council office because as Marissa Lacewell states "it helps make shortcuts to their character: ‘I might not go to church every Sunday, but I think that people who go to church every Sunday are good people.’ ” Finding a shortcut to anything is convenient, but it shouldn't be so when electing people into office.
W.
This is not your typical article, but a picture does speak a thousand words. I showed the picture to my mom and she thought it was legit. I was more taken a back, and smirked at the concept. This website has hundreds of "secrets" that people put together and submit. A softer world is where this picture originated from, a site that is very similar to Post Secret. This is a take on the way the George W. Bush left an impression on the world. Just the picture and the way God is not captialized in the thought bubble portrays that it's from someone who didn't believe in Bush or his ideals. Although the whole thing really is funny to look at and read, it is a true portrayal of who GWB was during his presidency, and probably to this day. He put his trust completely in God even if he wasn't sure it was God speaking to him. He would have disregarded everyone around him, especially his biological father Bush, Sr. if it meant he was doing it for his heavenly father. It might have just been hard for him to differentiate between them but it must have been "his gut" telling him what to do.
01 December 2009
disclaimer.
I might not have been keeping up with my blogging as well as others, but it's not to say I haven't been keeping up with the news. I am not as involved as I used to be, because I realized how ridiculous TV news can be. However, this class has taught me how vital newspapers and real, in depth, and researched articles are to society. Times are changing, but it's life, so I live with it. I also want to let you know I won't be using any LA TImes articles, even though you'll see a lot of NY Times articles. I read your articles, and I really liked them, but I just don't feel comfortable writing about them to you. I don't know why, but it feels werid. Just thought you should know. I know that if anything is going to take time to do, it's this, and I am going to do everything I can to make it good. It's still new to me. I used livejournal before, and I was going to make another, but I don't even know how to use that anymore. So, I hope you bear with me. Don't be surprised to see a flood of blogs at once, a few minutes from each other, or ones that are spaced out by a few hours. It's a process for me. However, the blogposts will be done, articles will be analyzed and I hope I do it well. Welcome to the 40.
28 September 2009
Inspiration
I could think of nothing more fitting as a theme for this blog than the "We Shall Overcome" speech by Martin Luther King, Jr.
The blogs will be about hope, destruction, justice, living with and fighting against those that destroy, about the good, and the bad, and what people see, and choose to know and how religion is incorporated.
So what I am trying to say is: all of this is about the people.
The blogs will be about hope, destruction, justice, living with and fighting against those that destroy, about the good, and the bad, and what people see, and choose to know and how religion is incorporated.
So what I am trying to say is: all of this is about the people.
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