Work to be done by December 11th

If Jesus and Martin Luther were time-warped to the present, how do you think they would each respond to each of the major forms of contemporary Christianity (Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestantism)? Why?


I believe that if either Jesus or Martin Luther were around today they would be at surprised how christianity has evolved. I still belive though that both Jesus and Martin Luther would disagree a bit with Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodox. The reason is because of the saints and idols. Being raised prostestant i believe that Jesus and Martin Luther would preach the commadment where "you shall not have other gods besides me. Overall all 3 praise God in their own way and i think both of them would agree that following God is the most important. Do you guys agree or disagree with my statement?

Interview with Capt (Rabbi) Bruce Bublick (Orthodox Judaism)

As we discussed in class Judaism is one of 3 major religions in the west. This is what Rabbi Bublick had to say about Orthodox Judaism:

Orthodox Judaism or Judaism in general is similar to Christianity and Islam. There is the concept of reward and punishment. The Torah or the Bible contains very detailed description of law. It explains how every Jewish person should lead their lives. There are 3 types of Judaism in the US. Orthodox, Conservative and Reform. The Orthodox Jew believes that if you follow the Torah you will be rewarded. For example you will go to heaven. If you don't follow the Torah you are not a real Orthodox Jew and will not go to the after life. A major difference between Christians and Jews is that Christians believe in the Messiah. The Jewish faith believes the Messiah will come one day and resurrect the dead who followed the Torah.(Reward). Orthodox Jews follow the Torah intensely. We believe it tells us how to conduct ourselves. Conservative Jew takes some of the Bible and changes to accommodate themselves. The Reform Jew believes that the Torah or Bible is not for this generation. The 1st five books of the Torah are called the Pentateuch.
I got this all on the phone with Capt Bublick. He is a Capt with the New York Air National Guard based out of Stewart Air National Guard Base. He was surprised that i knew so much already about the Jewish religion. Please post any comments or questions that you may have. Thank you.

Marcos

Work to be done by November 27th

Barcelona abortion clinic arrests

Police in Spain have arrested four people suspected of carrying out illegal abortions in Barcelona.
The arrests followed raids on several clinics as part of an investigation following a complaint from a pro-choice group called e-Cristians, police said.
Spanish media reported that up to four clinics were searched, including one suspected of performing abortions on women more than 32 weeks pregnant.
The upper limit for abortions in Spain is 22 weeks.
Spain allows abortions to avoid serious risk to the physical or mental health of the woman, and in cases of rape or fetal deformation.
In case of fetal impairment, two specialists, other than the doctor performing the abortion, must certify that the child would suffer from severe physical or mental defects.

Undercover filming

One of the raided Barcelona clinics is thought to have featured in a documentary broadcast on Danish television last year in which undercover filming showed doctors offering women from across Europe late-term abortions.
The gynaecologist who runs the clinic was filmed apparently offering to perform an abortion on an undercover journalist in her eighth month of pregnancy.
Abortions can be performed in Spain within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy in the case of rape and within 22 weeks in the case of fetal impairment.
Under Spanish law a doctor convicted of performing an illegal abortion faces a prison term of between one and three years and a ban from the medical profession.
A woman found guilty of having an illegal abortion can face between six to 12 months behind bars.

The question always arises about abortion. Is it right or Is it wrong? I believe as the christians believe that abortion is wrong and it is murder. The child deserves a chance to live. In this article 4 clinics in Barcelona were found to have performed abortion after the 22 week law. Personally i believe that the penalty should be stiffer for those that committ these crimes. What do you guys think? Do you agree with abortion or disagree? Please post your comments.

Original Article found: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7113640.stm

Christianity in the World

Religious Topic for 13 November September

JEWS FOR JESUS

I thought i would share a website about real Jewish people who are still Jewish because of their birth place but have converted to Christianity. This is the statement of faith for Jews for Jesus. Since we are moving into Christianity in class. I thought this would be appropriate.

Statement of Faith

We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are divinely inspired, verbally and completely inerrant in the original writings and of supreme and final authority in all matters of faith and life.
We recognize the value of traditional Jewish literature, but only where it is supported by or conformable to the Word of God. We regard it as in no way binding upon life or faith.
We believe in one sovereign God, existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, perfect in holiness, infinite in wisdom, unbounded in power and measureless in love; that God is the source of all creation and that through the immediate exercise of His power all things came into being.
We believe that God the Father is the author of eternal salvation, having loved the world and given His Son for its redemption.
We believe that Jesus the Messiah was eternally pre-existent and is co-equal with God the Father; that He took on Himself the nature of man through the virgin birth so that He possesses both divine and human natures.
We believe in His sinless life and perfect obedience to the Law; in His atoning death, burial, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, high-priestly intercession and His personal return in power and glory.
We believe that the Holy Spirit is co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Son; that He was active in the creation of all things and continues to be so in providence; that He convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment, and that He regenerates, sanctifies, baptizes, indwells, seals, illumines, guides and bestows His gifts upon all believers.
We believe that God created man in His image; that because of the disobedience of our first parents at the Garden of Eden they lost their innocence and both they and their descendants, separated from God, suffer physical and spiritual death and that all human beings, with the exception of Jesus the Messiah, are sinners by nature and practice.
We believe that Jesus the Messiah died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice; that all who believe in Him are justified, not by any works of righteousness they have done, but by His perfect righteousness and atoning blood and that there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.
We believe that Israel exists as a covenant people through whom God continues to accomplish His purposes and that the Church is an elect people in accordance with the New Covenant, comprising both Jews and Gentiles who acknowledge Jesus as Messiah and Redeemer.
We believe that Jesus the Messiah will return personally in order to consummate the prophesied purposes concerning His kingdom.
We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust, the everlasting blessedness of the saved and the everlasting conscious punishment of the lost.

These are actual Jews who have accepted Christ as their lord and Saviour and have became Christians and are out there preaching the Bible to the Jews.
Jews For Jesus Website: http://www.jewsforjesus.org/
Original article: http://www.jewsforjesus.org/about/statementoffaith

Work to be done by November 13th

To me the Key points of Judaism are: That there is one God. Unlike the Christianity, Judaism believes the Messiah has not yet come to free them. The old testament and the laws are to be followed.

ORTHODOX

In Orthodox Judaism for example they are extremists. They believe that all the laws must be followed to the point. God is the almighty and there is no other God. They await the Messiah. Men sit with men and study the Torah. Women and children have their separate place. Hebrew is the language of the service.

CONSERVATIVE

In Conservative Judaism the beliefs are rooted just like the Orthodox but there is a bit more relaxed in the religious practice aspect. It is more concerned with the scientific study of the Bible. Hebrew and English are used in the service.

REFORM

Reform Judaism can be considered the modern day Judaism. They beliefs are still the same with one God and all but on services men and women may sit together without having their heads covered. Instead of synagogues their worship places are called Temples. Worship are usually on Friday evenings. English is the main language in the service.

JUDAISM (Religious Ritual)

Picture on the top is of a Challah. It is made of raised dough and the loaf of the bread has a spiral shape to it. The bread is twisted and braided before it is bake in the oven. The braids represent the memories of the past memories woven into the lives of the Jewish Culture. It is served with honey on holidays to wish for a blessed upcoming year.Picture on the left is a typical jewish meal.

You have the wine, lox, the spread.

Picture on the right is of a Jewish ceremony in a synagogue.

I observed a military Judaic ceremony. Rabbi (Captain) Bruce Bublick led the ceremony. Like we had learned in class he read the Torah. It was weird to me having someone read from back to front. The ceremony featured spirited singing and prayer in both Hebrew and English. Listening to them sing and say their prayers took me back to watching "The Passion of the Christ" where the whole movie was in Aramaic. There was also a chant when the Torah was read. They call it the parsha (section of the Torah read each Shabbat) and haftorah, and an informal Torah study discussion. I thought that i would not be welcomed or looked upon well by attending the service since i was not Jewish. I felt awkward walking to the service. To my surprise i was welcomed regardless of my christian background. I still felt out of place though. The women and men were separated. I asked Captain Bublick after the service what kind of service that was he said it was a mixture of all the Orthodox, Reformed and conservative. He explained to me that because of the limited resources in the Guard they had to get a Jewish service focusing on a point of view for each form of Judaism. I would explain the service more but like i said most of it was in Hebrew. After the service we had some food during which the Jewish people who usually attend these services made me feel at home. I was told since it was during our military duty hours we could have real wine. So instead there was grape juice. They had a big bread called a Challah, bagels. One thing i tried and i did not like was the lox ( a thin sliced salmon). I'm not a big fan o sea food so i was disgusted by the lox. Also available to eat was pita, hummus, fruits, cookies and juice. Kosher was observed since there was really no milk or meat around. I asked Capt Bublick where were the bacon and eggs and he explained to me about Kosher and not mixing meat and dairy together. Overall i had a good experience with going to the Jewish service. I learned a lot about their way of serving God. Please post any questions or comments that you might have for me. Thanks and Shalom!!

Tao and Wu Wei in your own life.

Wu Wei means no action. Tao is the way or way of nature. If I Lived Wu Wei and Tao i would probably be a monk somewhere beautiful. Wu Wei means no action meaning I wouldn't want put my mind in anything that wouldn't be ok. Tao is the way or the way of nature. I would live with the birds and the trees. It wouldn't work so much today because your mind is always wondering some place else. Everyone has responsiblities like jobs, children, school. Makes it hard not to take any action and live the way of nature.

Would anyone even consider Wu Wei or Tao? Please post any comments. Marcos

Lao-Tzu and Confucius

Lao-Tzu and Confucius are asked to come speak to a group of Mercy College students about religion in China. Write an interesting, spirited dialogue in which these two wise specialists dialogue with one another on the meaning of life.
Taoism and Confucianism have to be seen side-by-side as two distinct responses to the social, political and philosophical conditions of life long ago in China. Where for instance Confucianism is greatly concerned with social relations, conduct and human society, Taoism has a much more individual and mystical character, influenced a whole lot by nature. In Lao Tzu's view things were said to create "unnatural" action (wei) by shaping desires (yu). The process of learning the names (ming) used in the doctrines helped one to make distinctions between good and evil, beautiful and ugly, high and low, and "being" (yu) and "non- being" (wu), thereby shaping desires. To abandon knowledge was to abandon names, distinctions, tastes and desires. Thus spontaneous behavior (wu-wei) resulted. The Taoist philosophy can perhaps best be summed up in a quote from Chuang Tzu: "To regard the fundamental as the essence, to regard things as coarse, to regard accumulation as deficiency, and to dwell quietly alone with the spiritual and the intelligent -- herein lie the techniques of Tao of the ancients." Confucius would be mostly talking like a politician. He would talk about philosophy. He would explain one of his rules," If you governed your province well and treat your people kindly, you kingdom shall not lose any war. If you govern selfishly to your people, you kingdom will not only lose a war, but your people will break away from your kingdom." Which makes sense. No one wants to be governed wrong and still abide by the rules of the governement. He would also say a wise phrase called the golden rule that is still being used as a rule today. "A man should practice what he preaches, but a man should also preach what he practices."

Dont know if my dialogue is right? Would you guys agree or disagree with what i wrote?

More on New TSA Procedure for Screening Turbans at US Airports.

Interesting article on how screeners at Airports are no longer allowed to touch a Sikh's turban without cause or permission. Wouldn't you think the metal detectors would detect anything inside the turban?

- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) yesterday announced a new security screening procedure that will apply to all religious head coverings at U.S. airports. The new procedures will go into effect on October 27, 2007. The new procedures, designed to detect non-metallic objects, do not allow a TSA screener to touch a Sikh's turban without cause unless the Sikh traveler gives the screener permission to do so. The change is a direct response to the concerns raised by Sikhs and Sikh organizations, including the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the Sikh Coalition, and UNITED SIKHS over the last two months.
The New Procedure for Detecting Non-Metallic Threat ItemsThe TSA has instituted new additional screening procedures for non-metallic threat items, like plastics or chemicals. These procedures come into effect after a traveler clears a metal detector. If a screener believes the passenger's clothing is "bulky" and may be able to hide a non-metallic threat item more easily than form-fitting clothes, the screener can do an additional screening procedure. "Bulky clothing" can include items like jackets, shoes, flowing clothing, or non-form fitting headwear.Under these procedures, a Sikh's turban will not be touched during additional screening, unless the Sikh traveler permits it.Instead, if the Transportation Security Officer (TSO) believes a Sikh's turban needs to be screened, the passenger now has three options:1. The passenger can have his/her head covering patted down in public or in private by TSA personnel;2. The passenger can pat down his/her own head covering in public or private, and then have his/her hands swabbed with a cotton cloth to check for chemical residue; or3. The passenger can opt to go through a "puffer machine," if one is available at that airport.A TSO should always offer a traveler a private area for the secondary screening of his/her religious head covering.The option of a self-pat down by a passenger will not be pro-actively offered by the TSA screener. Sikh travelers must tell the TSO that they would like to pat-down their own turbans, or must first refuse to allow a TSA screener to do the pat-down, before being told that they have the right to pat their turban themselves.A Sikh turban or other religious head covering may only be asked to be removed if the traveler wearing it does not successfully clear the additional screening after undergoing one of the three screening options.Please remember that, along with the new procedure, all travelers must still clear metal detectors. That means that if a Sikh's turban sets off an alarm while going through the metal detector and/or a metal-detecting wand, the TSO may ask to pat the turban down. If this happens, please request a private screening area for the pat-down.How Is This New Policy Any Better Than the Post-August 4th Policy?The new procedure is encouraging and addresses the Sikh community's concerns in the following ways:1. Turbans will not be listed in any TSA guidance as an item that should be subject to additional screening.2. The TSA recognized that security screeners should not be allowed to touch a Sikh's turban indiscriminately, and should seek explicit consent before doing so, if no alarm has been set off.3. By accommodating religious head coverings, the TSA has acknowledged the distinction between secular and religious garb, including the Sikh turban.4. Before the Thanksgiving 2007 travel season, all 43,000 TSA screeners will undergo the following mandatory training about Sikhs:
a. View On Common Ground: Sikh American Cultural Awareness Training for Law Enforcement. Receive copies of the Common Sikh American Head Coverings poster. SALDEF, the Sikh Coalition, and UNITED SIKHS, are encouraged by the steps the TSA is taking to fix the faulty procedure. We thank both the TSA and Department of Homeland Security for their collaborative efforts in finding a solution that guards national security and protects the civil liberties of all people of faith.Continuing ConcernsNevertheless, there are some pressing concerns about the implementation of the new procedures.To ensure national security, screeners have been given discretion on when to perform the additional screening. Some screeners could use this discretion in an inappropriate manner and single out or harass travelers of a certain national origin or religion. Sikh civil rights groups remain concerned that the new procedure could lead to religious profiling of our community. We will continue to press the TSA to collect data that demonstrates that the new procedure does not disproportionately affect any specific national origin or religious groups.In addition, even if Sikhs are not subject to disproportionate scrutiny, we are concerned about the negative perception created when a Sikh is pulled aside for additional screening. With the three options, a passenger can request the most comfortable screening method for himself/herself. We will continue to work with the TSA to minimize the humiliation that some Sikh travelers could feel when their turbans are screened.We are also concerned that, because the screening options are not being mentioned early in the additional screening process, many Sikhs may feel pressure to submit to a screener pat down even though they have a right to refuse it and pat down their turban themselves. We strongly believe that screeners should offer the option of a self-pat down at the beginning of the additional screening process.Finally, while our organizations also welcome the options for secondary screening, we recognize that the ideal solution is for the TSA to install "puffer" machines or other detection technology at all airports. This would help avoid the need for additional screening that involves the handling of religious head coverings like the Sikh turban. We will continue to press the TSA to install "puffer" machines and other detection technology in all airports.SALDEF, the Sikh Coalition, and UNITED SIKHS will continue to monitor implementation of the new procedure in the coming months. We will take all necessary action to ensure that Sikhs are not singled out for extra screening due to their religious practices.

Original article located: http://www.sikhnet.com/sikhnet/news.nsf/NewsArchive

Work to be done by October 16th

There are many fundamental or "big" questions to which all religions respond. How would Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism respond to these 3 questions?
1) What is the ultimate reality/god?
2) How can we achieve salvation?
3)What happens to us after death?

Hinduism believes in the caste system. Where everyone is born into it. Hinduism believes in one God. It also accommodates the ideas of personal and impersonal God. After death Hinduism believes in reincarnation. Only imperfect souls with impure minds haunted by unfulfilled desires reincarnate. Perfection of the soul is achieved through God-vision. If a person has not reached that perfection he/she comes back reincarnated to achieve that goal. We can achieve salvation in Hinduism by doing good and reaching nirvana. Where you have reached that perfect plateau an no longer require being reincarnated. Buddhism dominant values are: Right knowledge, aspiration, speech, behavior, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, contemplation, control of one's mind, kindness. Salvation comes by Nonattachment to the world; Follow the eight-fold path; Self-effort; Salvation is through reincarnation and working with the laws of karma. Nirvana is the highest destiny of the human spirit--a state of indescribable bliss. This is where you want to reach, the afterlife. Janism belives in nonresistance, nonattachment, honesty, renounciation of sexual pleasure, monastic ideals. Liberating the soul from matter through karma (reincarnation); this is possible only by individual effort. Like buddhism Jainism believes in nirvana, Extinction of personality or totally indescribable state. Sikhism believes are pure motives and actions; Love of spouse and family; service, humility, learning; forsaking evil company. In Sikihism salvation comes from becoming one with God. Salvation results from worship of the true name. faith, love and devotion are essential. Also believes in nirvana To reach the afterlife. Extinguishing absorption of individuality in God. There is similiarities to all religions. Out of these 4 which one do you think you would most likely practice? Least likely practice? Please post your comments. Thanks

Religious Topic for the 9th of October

HOUSES OF WORSHIP

Up in Alms: Burma's Dictators Exploit Buddhism and the Monks Fight Back


Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma's Nobel Peace Prize laureate, described the lessons she had learned from her country's Hsayadaws, its Buddhist holy teachers, in an article for a Japanese newspaper in 1996. One of them told her what it would be like to fight for democracy in Burma: "You will be attacked and reviled for engaging in honest politics, but you must persevere. Lay down an investment in dukkha [suffering] and you will gain sukha [bliss]."

Last week saw hundreds of Burma's monks investing in dukkha as they confronted the nation's military regime. At one point, a large crowd of them gathered outside Aung San Suu Kyi's house in Yangon, where she has spent 12 of the past 18 years under house arrest. She came to the gate in the pouring rain and was allowed to greet them. This single, poignant moment summed up all that was most extraordinary about the demonstrations, as well as what was most frightening to Burma's military junta.

Within a few days, scores of monks were in jail, many had been beaten, and the trickle of reports emanating from the country indicated that monasteries had been ransacked as the military hunted down the last rebellious elements.

Reports in the New Light of Myanmar, the official newspaper, blamed a few bad seeds who had infiltrated the monastic orders for inciting the protests. Pro-democracy activists have admitted to taking cover in the monasteries to avoid being jailed. But these are footnotes in a much larger tussle in Burma over the use and practice of Buddhism, which became visible to the world during the past week.

This boils down to the issue of which political ideology is a more fitting reflection of Burma's Theravada Buddhism, military dictatorship or democracy. While the answer should be obvious, the military has done all it can to tilt the balance its way.

Burma is a patchwork of ethnicities, languages and religious practices. The struggle to keep it together has been the key narrative for the successive military governments, dominated by majority ethnic Burmans, that have run the country since 1962. The military has used this struggle to justify economic and democratic deprivation. Furthermore, despite the junta's flagrant disregard for the five principles of Buddhism -- abstention from killing, stealing, engaging in sexual misconduct, lying and using intoxicants -- its members seize every chance to depict themselves as Buddhism's true guardians.

Not a week goes by without the state media reporting a general's contribution or visit to a temple. Even as Burma has slid into poverty, the government has funded lavish new temples and the rebuilding of the famous golden pagodas. The military has also built pagodas as a means of asserting ethnic Burman sovereignty in areas where other groups live and Islam or Christianity is the prevailing religion. This practice dates back to the Burmese kings who built pagodas in neighboring kingdoms as a way of establishing a lasting claim to rule.

For most of the past century, there have always been a few politically active monks. Under British rule, monks were jailed for urging the Burmese not to adopt British forms of dress and religious practice. Under military rule, monks have been at the forefront of the opposition.

The extent of the monks' role as the national conscience can be seen in the measures taken by the military to organize and co-opt the monastic orders. During the democracy protests of 1988, 600 monks were among the 10,000 people killed. In 1990, on the second anniversary of those killings, more than 7,000 monks and novices walked through Mandalay. Soldiers confronted them and opened fire, killing two. Across the country, monks responded by refusing to accept alms from members of the military or their families. By denying the military the ability to give alms, the monks were denying them the opportunity to make "merit" for their present and future lives. Monasteries were raided, hundreds of monks were arrested, and a new law was introduced placing the "sangha" -- the monastic orders -- under government regulation. Anyone setting up new orders or protesting or agitating within this new sangha framework could now be jailed for up to three years.

The military could have risked closing down the monasteries altogether, but not only are the generals frightened and superstitious, but they also use certain elements of Buddhist philosophy to justify and strengthen their position. One is "samsara," a complex idea involving the interplay of the mind and physical matter and the cycles of existence; it has come to mean a view of life as fleeting and thus not worth complaining about. Everything is impermanent and life is hard, so feeling powerless is not a consequence of a political situation, which can be changed, but an existential fact.

Another element abused by the military is "Dana," the act of giving without expecting a reward. When accused of using forced labor to build infrastructure and pagodas, the generals have said the unpaid workers are simply practicing Dana.

Since she returned to Burma in 1988, Aung San Suu Kyi has become a far more devout Buddhist than she was before. Many of her imprisoned supporters practice Buddhist meditation as a means of surviving Burma's jails. The monks, of course, know this just as well as they know the true natures of the generals who offer them tributes. Choosing between the two has put them in the center of the fight for Burma's future.

The military in this country wants to force it's might but doesn't do it all the way. I think they do this because they know that to be a good Buddhist you don't do violence. Do you think this sort of thinking can blow up in their face? Like do you think the monks will ever have enough and fight back? Please comment. Thanks Marcos

Original Article located:http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119153652539049395.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

IMMIGRATION LAWS

I was intrigued by Chris blog on immigration and decided to write my own blog on this subject. I believe the way the US is coming down on the immigrants (illegal) is similar to the way we treated slave in the 1800's and how Mohandas Gandhi was treated in South Africa. We are all descendents of people who are not from this country. The way the United states is going about deporting illegal aliens is wrong. Going to someone's workplace where they are trying to make a living is wrong. The solution to this problem would be to have a bothisattva like Governor Spitzer. Who is trying to do the right things. We need give these illegal immigrants who have familes and are trying to make a living the oppurtunity to become legal here. Life is already painful for some of these immigrants (Dukha). Who some have left their wives and children and try to provide for them a decent education. The buddhist creed is 1) Take refuge in the buddha. 2) Take refuge in the dharma (duty). 3) Take refuge in the sangha (community). I believe we should stand up for these human beings who maybe weren;t born here but have a heart and soul like us. One idea would be any illegal alien with a felony criminal record be deported to his or her country. All those that are here in the US over 5 yrs and are working should become legalized through a process. I think buddha and Gandhi would aggre that what the US is doing is wrong. What do you think? Please post your answers.

Marcos

MOHANDAS GANDHI (Oct 2, 1869- Jan 30, 1948)

After learning about Mohandas Gandhi, in what ways do you think he practiced Hinduism? What parts of Hinduism did he emphasize? What parts seemed less important to him? Would he consider himself a good Hindu? Would you agree with his self-assessment?

Hinduism breaks people up into the castes (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaisya, Sudra) . The caste was determined by your birth. If someone was born into a poor family they were in the lower caste system( Sudra). Gandhi was against the caste system. He believed everyone was equal. Gandhi wanted to make a bette India. Mohandas Gandhi was a great Hindu . He was very religious. He freed millions of Indian people from the British government with his non violent approach (satyagraha). He wanted to achieve his objectives through non violence. He never thought of using force or the eye for an eye belief. Gandhi wanted freedom for India from Great Britain. Many political leaders like Martin Luther King Jr used Gandhi’s non-violent approach (satyagraha) to bring about social change. Gandhi was killed in 1948 but his teachings and beliefs live out in India and the world. The catholics have Mother Teresa and the Hindus have Mohadas Gandhi.

Religious Topic for 2nd October

Eritrean Christians tell of torture

An Eritrean refugee lies contorted on the ground. Balanced on his belly, his hands clutch his feet behind his back, bending his legs back almost double.

Paulus is demonstrating a torture technique known colloquially as "the helicopter".

It is one he knows well. It was in this excruciating position, he claims, that soldiers left him tied up for 136 hours, in an attempt to force him to recant his faith.

"They kept asking me to sign a document," he recalls, "and agree to not participate in church activities or express my faith in any form. I was told I would be untied and released the minute I agreed to their requests."

Paulus is an evangelical Christian from Eritrea, one of an increasing number fleeing the tiny Red Sea state because of religious persecution.

Home these days is Shimelba refugee camp in northern Ethiopia, close to the disputed border with Eritrea. Here, in the Ebenezer Evangelical Church on camp, Paulus is free to worship in a way that is unthinkable back in his homeland.

Jailed

During the past five years, a brutal campaign has been waged in Eritrea against Christian minorities, focusing mainly on the evangelical and Pentecostal movements.

Weddings, baptisms, church services and prayer meetings have been raided by security forces. Guests or congregation members have rounded up and detained en masse.

According to Compass Direct, a non-governmental organisation reporting on the persecution of Christians around the world, it is estimated that almost 2,000 people are being held in jails across Eritrea because of their religious beliefs.

The crackdown on Eritrea's minority churches followed a government announcement in May 2002 that only its four oldest faiths - Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran and Islam - would receive official sanction.

The rest were invited to register and declare their sources of funding. To date, none has been registered.

Beatings

Evangelical Christians who have been arrested face severe pressure to recant their faith. Some prisoners have been held in metal shipping containers.

Accounts of torture, lack of food and terrible conditions are commonplace.

Samuel (not his real name) is 24 and university-educated. Along with 19 others, he was arrested in 2005 when he attended the wedding of a friend.

For the next 12 months, he was imprisoned and forced to do backbreaking manual labour. He was also regularly beaten.

On one occasion, Samuel said, he was suspended by his arms from a tree for three days in the form of a crucifixion. He was also constantly pressured to leave his faith.

"They asked me if I would like to leave it. They asked every night for four months," he said. Some of his friends did recant after endless beatings.

Samuel, as well as Paulus, were repeatedly asked about their links with the US. Evangelical and Pentecostal churches are widely perceived by the Eritrean authorities as having originated in the States, even though many fund themselves.

The US is threatening to declare Eritrea a rogue state for its alleged support of terrorists, and the mood of President Isaias Afwerki and his Marxist-oriented government is now openly anti-American.

Yet even official, long-established faiths have not escaped government interference.

Patriarch Abune Antonios, the head of the Eritrean Orthodox Church - a faith followed by more than 40% of Eritrea's population - has been under house arrest for almost two years.

'No repression'

Four months ago, the 80-year-old who suffers from diabetes was moved to an undisclosed location. Since then, there has been little information about what happened to him.

No official reason has been given for his disappearance. His supporters, however, claim that he was arrested after he objected to the jailing of church leaders from the Medhane Alem, a spiritual renewal movement within the Orthodox church.

In May this year, a new patriarch was installed with the support of some Eritrean bishops. But the new patriarch has not been accepted by the Coptic Church in Alexandria, Egypt.

Abba Seraphim is the head of the British Orthodox Church, which is launching an online petition to protest about the plight of the patriarch.

He told me the patriarch was put under house arrest after he refused to do the government's bidding. "The only thing we've heard is that he's being kept in a darkened room. He managed to get a message to someone complaining about this," Mr Seraphim said.

But, according to Girma Asmeron, the Eritrean ambassador to Belgium, the disappearance of Patriarch Antonios is far from sinister. The patriarch, he claims, has retired to an isolated monastery and is very much "alive, kicking and praying".

Mr Asmeron denies that there is any repression of religious freedom in Eritrea. He says persecution claims have been made up. And allegations of torture, he says, are stories invented by refugees "simply as a certificate" to enable them to get political asylum.

Refugees certainly continue to pour out of Eritrea. In two years, the number of asylum applications by Eritreans to the West has increased by 57%. The UNHCR recently described the exodus as "one of the world's most protracted refugee situations".

My last contact with Eritrea's persecuted Christians came in an e-mail sent to me last week.

"The situation in Eritrea is getting worse and worse after the president stated that the US is funding the Pentecostal church in Eritrea," it said.

"Many Christians are suffering in military concentrations [camps] and police stations... Pray for the Christians in Eritrea, and pray for the prisoners and their families."

MY OPININION

I found this article interesting because it talks about religious persecution in Eritrea. It's located on the north eastern part of Africa above Ethiopia. The article states that christians in Eritrea are being imprisoned and beaten for being christian. Only the top(oldest) 4 faiths like orthodox, Catholic, lutheran and Islam are free from these persecution. It's hard to imagine people till this day refer to violence to get what they want. Why do you need to beat or imprisone someone so they can convert to your religion? That is why i believe we have the greatest country in the world. We can have any religion we want here in the states but we often take it for granted all the freedoms we have. The United Nations (UN) has a peacekeeping operation that is monitoring a 25km-wide temporary security zone on the border with Ethiopia. Why doesn't the UN investigate these types of allegations , religious persecution? Are they afraid of what they'll find?

The original article can be found on this link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7015033.stm

Religious Topic for 25th September

Patient says she felt 'humiliated when Muslim doctor forced her to wear an Islamic headscarf'

Tuesday 25th September, 2007
London, Sept.25 :

The female patient, who was told by a British Muslim dentist that he would treat her only if she wore an an Islamic headscarf, has said she felt humiliated by the incident. Dentist Omer Butt, 31, is said to have told the patient that he would refuse to register her as an NHS patient if she did not cover her head, the General Dental Council (GDC) was told. The woman, who is a non-practising Muslim and works as an NHS community nurse, was in so much pain she agreed to borrow a headscarf from a nurse at Butt's clinic in Bury, Lancashire, it is said. She, however, stormed out of the surgery when Butt quoted Islamic religious texts at her and told her to sit in the waiting room with the headscarf on, the hearing was told. One of the nurses is said to have warned the young woman - who is being referred to only as Patient A - that 'inside the surgery it is Dr Butt's world and his rules that apply'. Following the woman's complaint, Butt wrote a letter to the GDC praising Allah and concluding: 'May Allah protect us all from the evils of Shaitan (Satan).' But she stormed off when Butt told her to wait in the waiting room, saying she felt 'humiliated and upset' by what had happened. Butt, who is registered as of Sheepfoot Lane, Prestwich, Manchester, admits quoting the Ahadith at Patient A but denies it was the practice policy to insist on a Muslim dress code. He also denies telling her he would not register her as an NHS patient and also denies misconduct. He could be struck off if he is found guilty of serious professional misconduct. The charges say that Butt undermined public confidence in his profession by discriminating against a patient and failed to act in her best interests.

I chose this particular story because it talks about a dentist who mixed his religion with his profession. I have nothing against muslims but to humiliate someone the way this dentist did is not right. I think he shouldn't force his religion on a patient who is obviously in pain. He should treat his patients first. That is why i think he became a doctor/dentist. Here is the link to the story: http://feeds.bignewsnetwork.com/?sid=285262

Work to be done by the 25th of September

Hinduism as we discussed in class is open to many choices. Also i guess you can define hinduism any way you like. You may choose 1 god or many gods. Different from the Muslim or christian faith's which are monotheistic and hinduism is polytheistic. I could say for instance i will worship this computer i'm typing on. I could say i'm hindu. The meditation would also be part of my new religion(Hinduism). The main feature of yoga is meditation. According to hinduism, meditation is necessary even for the gods if they are to find release from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Jnana yoga i think would best fit me. "If you read the posts, earnestly attempt to assimilate and integrate them, and allow yourself to observe how your reactions to life's events compares, contrasts, or is in any way modified by the comprehension you have gained, you will be doing jnana yoga". I got this quote from a website on jnana yoga. Here is the link: http://www.jnanayoga.org/JnanaEssay.htm .

Second Life

I wasn't in class last week, so i was kinda confused on this. I had a little trouble downloading the website since my driver wasn't up to date. After getting acquainted with the website i got around to try and ask people some questions. I met Lexette Pizzicato.
This is the conversation we had.

Hey i'm doing a project for school, do you mind if i ask a few questions?[20:38] Lexette Pizzicato: it depends on the kind of questions you ask.[20:38] You: It's for a religion class[20:38] Lexette Pizzicato: ok.[20:39] You: do you consider yourself religious or spiritual?[20:39] Lexette Pizzicato: religious[20:40] You: why and in what way?[20:40] Lexette Pizzicato: i have a deep faith in God and I try to walk a straight path[20:41] You: WHat do you think about other religions that is not your own?[20:42] Lexette Pizzicato: Of course I would like everyone to be a christian, but I also understand that other people have their own beliefs. I don't try to push anything on anyone.[20:44] Lexette Pizzicato: Ok, I'll see you around.

The next person i asked was Reverend Maximus. This is the conversation we had:
you: Do you mind if i ask you a few questions for a religion class?[20:48] Reverend Maximus: sure why not[20:48] You: do you consider yourself religious or spiritual?[20:48] Reverend Maximus: spiritual[20:49] You: Why in what ways?[20:50] Reverend Maximus: well i believe that institutionalising religion takes away from the core teachings of the religion itself[20:51] Reverend Maximus: i would much prefer have someone believe in peace and harmony than being preached at[20:51] You: what do you think about religions that is not your own?[20:52] Reverend Maximus: i think religions are fine and belief systems are fine, they arent my cup of tea though...but when religions are used in a hijacked way then it is cheapening and destroying the teachins of the religion[20:53] You: I appreciate you taking time to answer these questions. Thank you again. Below is a snapshot of me interviewing Reverend Maximus.

The last person i interviewed was Christos Blessed. This is the conversation we had:
You: hey[21:02] Christos Blessed: hello[21:02] Christos Blessed: I'm trying to figure out what i'm doing[21:02] Christos Blessed: it' s fun though[21:02] You: do you mind if i ask a few questions for a religion class[21:02] Christos Blessed: not at all[21:02] Christos Blessed: shoot[21:03] You: Do you consider yourself religious or spiritual?[21:03] Christos Blessed: I am a Christ follower[21:03] You: why and in what ways than are you religious?[21:04] Christos Blessed: religious in some of my spiritual disciplines, I guess...[21:05] You: what do you think about religions that is not your own?[21:05] Christos Blessed: if by "religious" you refer to things i do consistently[21:05] Christos Blessed: sorry I'm so slow here[21:06] Christos Blessed: just figuring out all this[21:06] You: no problem take your time[21:06] Christos Blessed: how about you? you are taking a religion class then?[21:06] Christos Blessed: here in 2life, or in real life?[21:06] Christos Blessed: at a university?[21:07] You: Yeah, i'm a christ follower too. University[21:07] Christos Blessed: is it something you are going into[21:07] Christos Blessed: ?[21:07] Christos Blessed: will you be a pastor perhaps?[21:07] Christos Blessed: some day/[21:07] Christos Blessed: ?[21:07] You: no, i play music in church, my dad is a pastor[21:07] Christos Blessed: how cool[21:07] Christos Blessed: I do too[21:07] You: what do you play?[21:08] Christos Blessed: keys, guitar, bass, drums, violin, and I used to play trumpet and sax a bit but i have lost the touch on those instruments now[21:08] Christos Blessed: been too long[21:08] Christos Blessed: since I've done anything with them[21:08] Christos Blessed: how aboutyou?[21:09] You: I play mostly bass in church but i can play a lil of guitar, keys, drums.[21:09] Christos Blessed: that's wonderful...do you lead worship in your church?[21:10] You: Cool man. Well my brother and sister in law do but sometimes i do it too[21:10] Christos Blessed: excellent...this is such an interesting game or place or whatever it is...I wonder how many Christ followers are on this thing?[21:10] Christos Blessed: are you new to this?[21:11] You: i know , yes my 1st time[21:11] Christos Blessed: this is my first time in 2life[21:11] Christos Blessed: how cool is that...I hear there are virtual churches out here even[21:11] Christos Blessed: that people attend[21:11] Christos Blessed: pay their tithes and hear a live sermon and everything[21:11] You: really?[21:11] Christos Blessed: that's just wild[21:11] Christos Blessed: yeah[21:11] You: cool[21:12] Christos Blessed: they have these things called linden bucks or something[21:12] Christos Blessed: and people actually give into a collection plate[21:12] Christos Blessed: and a pastor receives it for his ministry[21:12] Christos Blessed: that's what I'm told[21:12] Christos Blessed: very interesting

I learned that this second life game can be a very cool thing. Met 3 different types of peolple. Which is pretty cool.

Quote George Bernard Shaw

George Bernard Shaw wrote: "There is only one religion, though there are a hundred versions of it”. Do you agree with Shaw? If so, what are the essential characteristics and functions of that ‘one religion’? If not, why not?

I guess i would have to agree with his quote because for every religion there is something being adored, reverenced. There are followers, there is some sort of sacrifice from it's members. It can be God for the christians, Allah for the Muslims.

On the other hand i can also disagree because each religion is unique in it's own way. So saying one religion but different versions can be wrong. For instance a muslim believes in an eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth. Christians who follow the ways of Christ don't follow that.

I guess Mr Shaw's quote can be seen in 2 different ways.

Belief-O-Matic

I knew that most religions were kinda connected somehow. I was raised pretty much going to church. So i believe that the quiz was pretty much right on. I wouldn't call myself a quaker, LOL but a mainline Liberal christian. I'm not sure why they have the conservative up there. I think someway or another all religions try to focus on one being, being their God. If i really think about it and look at my score all the number make sense except number 9, Islam. Islam is the only one i thought would be different because of their god "Allah". All the other religions belive in God. That is the way i took the survey. If you have any comments please post. I thank you in advance for reading. God bless. My results are below:



The top score on the list below represents the faith that Belief-O-Matic, in its less than infinite wisdom, thinks most closely matches your beliefs. However, even a score of 100% does not mean that your views are all shared by this faith, or vice versa.Belief-O-Matic then lists another 26 faiths in order of how much they have in common with your professed beliefs. The higher a faith appears on this list, the more closely it aligns with your thinking.How did the Belief-O-Matic do? Discuss your results on our message boards.
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1.
Orthodox Quaker (100%)
2.
Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (97%)
3.
Eastern Orthodox (94%)
4.
Roman Catholic (94%)
5.
Seventh Day Adventist (84%)
6.
Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (66%)
7.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (60%)
8.
Orthodox Judaism (60%)
9.
Islam (52%)
10.
Jehovah's Witness (50%)
11.
Sikhism (50%)
12.
Hinduism (49%)
13.
Liberal Quakers (48%)
14.
Bahá'í Faith (40%)
15.
Unitarian Universalism (38%)
16.
Reform Judaism (35%)
17.
Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) (29%)
18.
Mahayana Buddhism (25%)
19.
Neo-Pagan (25%)
20.
New Thought (24%)
21.
Theravada Buddhism (24%)
22.
Scientology (23%)
23.
Jainism (21%)
24.
New Age (21%)
25.
Secular Humanism (15%)
26.
Nontheist (11%)
27.
Taoism (10%)

InTrOdUcTiOn

Hey!!

My name is Marcos. I just wanted to introduce myself to all since we'll be spending all of the fall together. I was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I came to the US when i was 8 yrs old. I was raised in church since i was 8. My dad is a minister for a Brazilian church in Yonkers. I have 3 brothers and 1 sister. We all play in the church band. I play the bass. I'm in the Air Force. I was active duty Air Force for 5 and a half yrs. Now i'm in the Air National Guard out of Stewart ANGB in Newburgh, NY. Hope we all get an A+. =0)

Marcos